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- President Susy called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15. Or thereabouts.
- Barry Shead did double duty, providing both a sterling invocation and an engaging synopsis of his recent sojourn to Florida. Barry also recognized today’s guests, Roz Etra and Woman’s City Club of Norwich President Jan Sauvageau. Among the highlights and insights of his trip:
- TSA agents have a limited sense of humor; a very few huge corporation own enormous amounts of the land in Florida mostly timber and forestry resources (fun fact- The Mormon Church is the largest single landowner in Florida, with a total of 678,000 acres purchased). Both a Maserati and a Rolls Royce were parked at Barry’s hotel but were not his. Beware Florida outlets! they are not bargains; it is possible to pay $100.00 for lunch! Florida has six lane roads! Saks 5th Avenue sells shoes that were hit with the ugly stick. According to an inflight documentary Nolan Ryan holds 51 major league records. Miami is the warmest city in the U.S. That is a measurement of temperature not attitude. It is only cloudy 17 hours a month. Smart travelers will reserve a car ahead of time and pay in advance.
- President Susy reminded the club of the Ledyard club’s program with Paul Whitescarver, the Director of SECTOR,Thursday, March 30th at 7am at the Ledyard Senior Center (12 Van Tassel Drive, Gales Ferry) and the Chamber Rotary Luncheon here on Wednesday March 29. Other noteworthy events include The Race Equity Committee’s Millennial Program on April 4 at Three Rivers Community College; the Whiskey, Wine, and Cigars fundraiser on May 3, Day of Service on May 20, Amber Alert at Backus Hospital on May 20 AND the Native Son and Daughter luncheon on June 7. (Pause here to take a breath.) Also introduced and welcomed with appropriate pomp and circumstance was new member Marielle Winkelman, VP, Regional Sales and Services Manage at Chelsea Groton Bank!
- Happy Dollars with…Jen Granger! Jan cheered on the UCONN Huskies in the NCAA basketball tournament and spoke of the time spent with her dad. Andy Nollman was reminded of Cheech and Chong’s Sister Mary Elephant comedy skit (although I can’t remember why.) Barry welcomed Marielle and praised the tenacity of the UCONN teams with special approbation for Adama Sanogo. He also managed to attend a Red Sox Grapefruit League game, undoubtedly the highlight of his trip. Bill and Patrice Champagne viewed the Lyman Allyn Museum exhibit “Where Children Sleep” which was poignant and thought provoking. Bill also encouraged members to attend the April 4 Race Equity Committee millennial panel discussion on April 4 at Three Rivers Community College and the Norwich Historical Society’s annual meeting on Monday March 27. The presentation topic will be James L. Smith. Mike Cooney welcomed Marielle and reflecting on where children sleep described his children sleeping on chairs, bathroom mats and in a wheel barrow. He also shared recent experiences attending a performance of Aladdin, hiking, and attending a Providence Bruins game. Mike Matera spent time in Vermont with a friend snowmobiling and reflected on the perils of going too fast! Jeff Brining vacationed in the Adirondacks, and described a long snowmobile trip and removing a runaway snowmobile from a creek (successfully.) Marielle thanked everyone for the warm welcome. Lottie remarked on the quality of the stories shared during Happy Dollars and how much she enjoys them. Mary Richardson remarked on the many committee vacancies and encouraged members to seize this priceless opportunity by volunteering for them. Returning to the topic of snowmobiles, President Susy described her childhood experiences snowmobiling without adult supervision and the denouement of getting the machine stuck between two trees.
- Lottery with Kathryn! Mike Matera-No! Kathryn-nay! Lottie-Never! Moans and hand wringing were epidemic.
- President Susy introduced Steve Sigel, Executive Director of the Garde Arts Center in New London. He described at length both his experiences as director and the evolution of the center. The Garde Arts Center is a non-profit performing arts center and cinema located at 325 State Street at the corner of Huntington Street in New London. It owns and operates the Garde Theatre, a historic movie palace. He described the history of the facility, which dates to 1926, its essential role in the cultural life of the region, its associations with Norwich and his hopes and aspirations for the future.
