President and Potentate Andy called the club to order at 12:15;
Invocation Gary Young was, as always, eloquent!
Fellowship Susy discussed the power of positive psychology, succinctly defined as the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. Positive psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior, with a focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, building the good in life instead of repairing the bad, and taking the lives of average people up to “great” instead of focusing solely on moving those who are struggling up to “normal.”
Announcements: President Andy Reminded club members that Saturday, April 9th will be the “District Day of Service” and a project for Habitat for Humanity is scheduled along with the RCC and the Norwich Sunrise Club. Work extends from 8 am to 11 am. Members must sign up and register with Habitat for Humanity. Contact Suzy for further details. The 7980 District Assembly and Conference will take place on April 23rd at the Mystic Marriott, which is actually located a considerable distance from Mystic in the Town of Groton. There is still time to purchase tickets for the “Wine Whisky and Cigar” extravaganza at Bella Fiore Wednesday, May 4th at 6 pm. Tickets are $75.00 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. The sponsor is Franklin Wine and Spirits. As the name implies, Food, Whisky, and Cigars are available as well as an auction. Save the date! The club is still in need of a president-elect and needs an exemplary candidate to assume the mantel.
Happy Dollars: with Rodney. Rodney illuminated the rising costs of eggs and the economy found in purchasing liquid eggs. Of particular interest, citric acid is added to the eggs to keep them from turning green! Despite speculation that there might be a connection with the classic children’s book by Dr. Seuss, there is no evidence that the good doctor ate or was inspired by citric acid-free green eggs and ham. He revealed that the beloved children’s book started life as a $50 wager with his publisher, Random House co-founder Bennett Cerf. Cerf proclaimed that he, Seuss, couldn’t write a book using 50 words or less. Cerf lost! Barry speculated on the inspiration for Green Eggs and Ham, was happy to see Kevin, and is very pleased that his son bought a house. Jay Waite described his son’s success flying F-22s in simulated dog fights against F18s and his amazing skills as a pilot. Kathryn lauded Susy for her “positives.” Kevin gave $20 for his absences. Mike Cooney described the success of the Cub Scouts pinewood derby-always a big hit-and his wife’s need for a new car. In an encore appearance Barry thanked those who donated recyclables to the ARC, and for a good marriage and positive thinking. Jan Mallett enthused over Happy Dollars and the enjoyment received by attending Rotary. Gary was happy to see Kevin and Jan and reminded everyone that the Golf Tournament was fast approaching on September 7!
Auction: Not this week! Ray contributed $20.
Rotary Trivia: Their acuity earned Barry and Jay victory laurels!
Lottery: Tension suffused the room as the cards were drawn:
- Jim…No!
- Rodney…No!
- Jay…No!
A pall of disbelief enveloped those assembled, but soon dissipated!
Program: Jan Mallett described her passion for gardening, which led her to found Jan-YourGardenGURU.com. Jan worked for 35 years as a Real Estate consultant, serving the needs of her home buyers and sellers; she helped to solve their Real Estate problems, achieve their dreams. She married into a gardening family, so to be “well-armed “, she earned her Master Gardener certification. She believes that having a “green thumb” is something you continue to cultivate through lots of practice, trial and error. She learned all about row gardening and patch gardening from her hard-working mother-in-law and husband. She has also done straw-bale gardening, Aero gardening(hydroponics), greenhouse gardening, and container gardening.
Jan has grown in all types of soil, conditions, big gardens, and tiny windowsill gardens. As she said, “I can’t wait to help you realize the gardening dreams you envision for yourself.”