President Susy brought the huddled masses to order at 12:15, plus or minus;
Barry delivered an invocation worthy of Norman Vincent Peale;
For Fellowship Ray provided an assortment of puns that were, as always, funny and memorable;
Announcements: President Susy reminded members of the Day of Service on May 20, the Native Son and Daughter luncheon on June 7, and to donate to the Rotary Clock fund on the club’s home page. Also, mark your calendars for the Change of Command Ceremony on June 28. Kathryn reminded everyone of the GNACC Duck race 10:00 am to 1:30 pm Saturday, JUNE 3, 2023.
Happy Dollars with Nancy Gentes! Nancy expressed great enthusiasm for the forthcoming Day of Service. Mary Richardson, inspired by Ray’s puns, offered one of her own: Why do seagulls live by the sea? Because if they lived by the bay they’d be bagels! Her hot water heater has shed this mortal coil, but her husband is more concerned with the contents of the extended warranty. Barry welcomed our speaker, Lee Walter jr., spoke about the ARC golf tournament on June 21, and announced he was departing on an extended trip through the American west. His exploits will be duly chronicled and shared when he returns. Bill Champagne asked the club members, perhaps rhetorically, where the Pilgrims first landed and someone interjected the answer before Bill could continue!
Auction-Lee Walter offered 4 vouchers for the Sea Unicorns. Someone won them, but your correspondent’s attention had drifted elsewhere!
Lottery: Despite high hopes, the winning card eluded all comers: Barry, No! Kathryn, No! Mary, No! Members could take some solace in the cookies being won by Mike Matera, who generously shared his good fortune. Huzzah!
Our guest speaker, Lee Walter Jr. provided a capsule history of the Norwich baseball club and his tenure as General Manager of the Norwich Sea Unicorns. From 2010 to 2020, they were members of Minor League Baseball’s New YorkâPenn League as the Class A Short Season affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They were previously known as the Connecticut Tigers from 2010 to 2019. With Major League Baseball’s reorganization of the minor leagues after the 2020 season, Norwich was not selected to continue in affiliated baseball. Starting with the 2021 season, Norwich plays in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, a “wooden bat” league with a roster of, largely, area college ball players. In addition to refreshing the stadium’s accoutrements, there will fireworks, a special beer on tap, and summer field trips for area children. There is also has a new lease with the City of Norwich, which bodes well for the club’s future.