President Andy called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15;
The meeting opened with a virtuoso invocation by Gary Young;
Birthday wishes– Bonnie Johnson and Terry Congdon, both August 18;
Guests– Elanah Sherman (Bob Farwell) and Jim O’Shea (Gary Young.)
Visiting Rotarians– Bonnie Johnson and Terry Congdon.
Fellowship– Bob Farwell! As a prelude to the presentation on the journal kept by Frederick Olney, the third mate of the New London whaleship Merrimack, a brief introduction to the local whaling industry and some of its key figures, such as Oliver Allen and C.C.Brand was offered.
Announcements-President Andy noted the appearance of a new Rotary flag at the marina, distributed several thank you letters, and, to everyone’s relief reported that Joel was home from the hospital. Mention was also made of the RCC’s Harbor Fire event on Saturday. Members were reminded of the imminency of the golf tournament and the need for more volunteers. On Thursday, September 23 Madonna Place has a fundraising event at the Jonathan Edwards Vineyard, and the club will hold an Amber Alert on September 25. Nancy Gentes reported that the Diaper project is going smoothly. The Coats for Kids project is underway. Dues notices have been distributed. In President Andy’s absence, Susy will lead next week’s meeting. Bonnie and Terry’s names have appeared in the RONE as potential members and their ascension to club membership draws nye.
Happy Dollars-Andy Grant! Jim Daley gave multiple huzzahs to Bonnie, Terry, and Jim O’Shea. Nancy Gentes reported that her grandson is playing youth football. Suzy recounted a great weekend and Jen Granger had a fun weekend with her nieces. Andy Nollman applauded the presence of Jim O’Shea. Jim Congratulated Nancy on her retirement and allowed that he was happy to be visiting the club. He had one hip replacement and is preparing for a second. In about two years as he stops teaching full time, he will return to the club! Terry reported that following last week’s program on St. Anthony’s Chapel she visited the building and donated a painting.
The Lottery-Always a kinetic event, those assembled awaited the shuffling of the deck:
- Gary-No!
- Elanah- (guest) Nay!
- Andy Grant-Never!
- In a consolation drawing, Bill Champagne emerged with a bag of cookies!
Program-Laurie Deredita, librarian and archivist at the New London Maritime Society discussed the research on and transcription of the journal kept by Frederick Olney, the third mate of the New London whaleship Merrimack of New London. It begins on July 17, 1844, the day that the whaler Merrimack and its crew set sail from New London to begin a voyage that would take them halfway around the world, with its last entry dated March 1, 1847. After a gap of several years, the manuscript starts again on July 30, 1852, on board the whaler General Williams of New London, in the Arctic Sea, with its final entry dated Thursday, November 7, 1852, in Maui. Further information on the journal and its author can be found at: https://mcguirelibrary1998.omeka.net/exhibits/show/voyage-of-the-whaler-merrimac/about-the-merrimac-journal-pro