Rotary Club of Norwich
February 3rd, 2021
Location-ZOOM Meeting
THE RONE
Presiding: President Mary Richardson
Invocation: Roz Etra gave an invocation that featured 2 candles that when she lit them together they burned and glowed brightly because they were sharing the flame and working together. We need to remember that and do the same in our lives. Amen.
Fellowship: Ray Baribeault
Birthdays: Kathleen Stauffer -2/7
Anniversaries: None
Visiting Rotarians: None
Guests: None
Ray gave an interesting fellowship with some daily jokes from his desk calendar and also shared milestones that happed across the work on this date throughout history.
Announcements:
*Mary read a few thank you notes from the folks at Swartz Manor.
*The Grant Committee is still in the process of working on a $1,000.00 District Grant along with RCC and the morning Rotary club and is considering a number of projects.
*President Mary is still looking for a Membership Chairman.
*Upcoming programs – Former District Governor, Rick Benson, will speak next week on the Rotary Foundation. February is Foundation Month. There will be a Service Person of the Month program in March for both last year’s recipient and this year’s recipient too.
*If you know of anyone who would be a good speaker at one of our Rotary Meetings contact Bob Farwell or Kevin Wickless. Speakers can be done virtual (ZOOM) as well if needed.
*Mary will send information on the East Hampton Rotary Club’s Comedy Night.
*Mike and Jim are working on nomination of officers for next year and it is a work in progress.
*President Mary suggested members take up Susy Hurlbert’s challenge and invite guests to our meeting even though we a Zooming the meetings. We should still invite guests.
Happy Dollars: Nancy Gentes:
Nancy started things off with wishing former NE Patriot, Tom Brady, the best in this Sunday’s Super Bowl. She also said that Madonna Place is planning a spring version of the “Trivial Pursuit Challenge” on Friday April 30th at 7pm.
*Bob Reed happy there was not any snow to shovel today!
*Lottie Scott gave because she was happy to be on the meeting via ZOOM and everyone could see her!
*Ray Baribeault was happy to report that his father received the Corona Virus vaccine and had no side effects. Went to Hartford Health Care at Dodd Stadium and it was very smooth.
*Bill Champagne was happy to report that the Norwich Historical Society will be hosting another lecture in February 25th at 3pm with the subject being the Black Governors of New England. It will cover Norwich’s own Black Governor, Boston Trow Trow. Bill also recommended watching a PBS Documentary called “Ripple of Hope” that covered the 60’s and the deaths of JFK, MLK and RFK. Bill also said the Norwich Race Equity Committee will be holding programs in March, April & May.
*Bob Farwell remembered the assignations of both Kennedy’s and Dr. King. He also said the 60’s was somewhat “interesting” in his house growing up at half voted for John Kennedy and half for Richard Nixon! Bob also felt for the people of Andover, Mass. It looked like they got 2 feet of snow!
*Susy Hurlbert said there were a lot of changes in her life as of late including closing on selling her condo in Norwich and closing on a condo in Waterford. She also said her son is supposed to be traveling to Seoul, Korea and her daughter is working at Yale New Haven Hospital.
*Andrew Nollman gave happy dollars for the Super Bowl this weekend.
*Mike Cooney said he had 5 to 10 inches of snow at his house depending on what side of the yard you stood in. He also said his kids enjoyed sliding on the snow on his bulkhead door!
*Barry Shead remembered when JFK was shot and they sent him home from school. Barry also made a visit to the optometrists and was puzzled that he did not have to read an eye chart during his visit. When he asked why after a 400.00 bill no eye chart test they offered him a free visit to do just that as well as trying to sell him new eye glasses which he declined.
*Roz and Joel Etra Roz was happy for all the smiles and help they have received lately.
*Mary Richardson thanked Nancy Gentes and Sara Stover for all their help with the grants work for Rotary.
Auction: Bill Champagne auctioned off a $20.00 gift card. Not sure who was the high bidder as the zoom kept freezing up.
Lottery: Virtual lottery.
Program: There was no scheduled program.
All on the Zoom Meeting ended with the group saying the 4-Way Test.
President Mary adjourned the meeting at 12:54pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Reed – RONE Reporter **Sorry for any omissions as the Zoom Screen froze often during the meeting.