Rotary Club of Norwich
July 8th, 2020
Location-Courtyard by Marriott
THE RONE
Presiding: President Mary Richardson
Invocation: Gary Young
We’re not trying to be sarcastic, not trying to be clever
But Lord, this country needs you now more than ever
All the fighting, division, ranting and raving
But we all know that this country is worth saving
So we give you thanks for helping us do good
All around the world and in the neighborhood
Helping us to be kind and humble
And pick others up when they stumble
And we thank you mostly for just being you
Helping us be truthful and fair in all that we do
Being a benefit and treating everyone as a friend
And thanks for your love, a love that won’t end
Now let’s give thanks for the usual stuff
For the food and fellowship always more than enough
And until we get together again
Let’s praise the Lord and say Amen.
Fellowship: Bob Farwell
Birthdays: None
Anniversaries: Nancy Gentes July 13th-15 Years
Bob gave an “out of this world” fellowship on the famous alleged visit of extraterrestrials who visited Roswell, New Mexico on the evening of July 8th, 1947. The headline in the Roswell Daily Beacon read “Air Force Captures Flying Saucer!” It has been said that there were extraterrestrial beings on board that were captured by the Air Force, but they have denied capturing anything of the sort. The Air Force reported that a downed “weather balloon” was in the area and that’s their story and they’re sticking to it. There was a Top Secret project reported in the 1990’s by the Air Force that stated during 1947-1949 a project called “Project Mogul” was a classified project using balloons to spy on the USSR. In any event the “Flying Saucer” mystery has turned into big business to this day in Roswell and is still the most famous UFO claim world-wide.
Announcements:
President Mary Richardson had the following announcements:
*Mail in dues to P.O. Box 19, Bozrah, CT 06334 or pay online at Rotary webpage.
*The Happy Dollars committee has made 2 grants in the past month. $250.00 was awarded to Artreach in Norwich for their Second Step Players “Holiday Theatre Show.” Also, $2,000.00 was awarded to United Way for food that is in short supply as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
*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 as well if needed.
Mary Richardson said there has been a new committee formed called “The Sunshine Committee.” This committee will brighten up any member’s days who are under the weather and cannot attend meetings in person. The committee thus far is Erin Gizio, Nancy Gentes, Gary Young & Mary herself. Any member is welcome to join in. The first visit was already made to Joel & Roz Etra! Gary even brought Joel’s favorite snack, Klondike Bars!
Mary Richardson announced that the Presidential Club Project for her year will be supporting the Give-a-Goat Project for the Haitian Health Foundation! A canister will be at the head table for donations. Goats are $150.00 a-piece and can support a Haitian family with milk, meat and they can breed their goat to insure a better quality of life for the future. Let’s all support this great project and purchase lots and lots of goats!
Happy Dollars: Andy Grant:
Andy gave $10.00 to say his business is good and he’s grateful for that. Only problem is getting merchandise to sell as of late.
Erin Gizio spent a great time at Black Point Beach with her daughter over the holiday weekend and said how nice it was there without crowds of people!
Gary Young announced that the first golf committee meeting will be taking place and members will be contacting past sponsors and players to get the ball rolling! He was also pleased to announce that Mary Richardson’s business Burnett’s Landscaping will be coming on board as a Bronze Sponsor this year!
Susy Hurlbert said her new hire at ECAR has retired already! Better offer from somewhere else that will enable her to work from home. Also ECAR is installing a new management program that is used nationwide by realtor associations and will save them a great deal of money when it’s installed.
Mary Richardson gave $$ because she’s happy about everything!
Anna from NFA is happy to be back in the office at NFA and is excited to work with the new Head of School Brian Kelly.
Auction: There was no auction item this week. A donation was made.
Lottery: Susy Hurlbert, Erin Gizio & Bob Reed drew cards to no avail! The pot grows bigger for next week!
Program: Bob Farwell gave a report about the re-opening plans for the Otis Library. He said closing it is certainly easier than trying to re-open it! As of today only 22% of the public libraries in the state are open. On July 13th Bob hopes to have the library open by appointment only for visitation and use of the libraries computers. There will be a time limit of use that will be strictly adhered to. Masks will be mandatory with no exceptions. The community room and other meeting rooms will most likely not be open for use until late fall at best. One can check the libraries webpage for any other updates on hours of operation and rules.
Jim Daly lead the club with the 4-Way Test and President Mary Richardson ended the meeting at 12:49pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Reed – RONE Reporter