Rotary Club of Norwich, CT
August 12th, 2026
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE:
Presiding: Barry Shead
Invocation: Gary Young
Fellowship: Nancy Gentes
Birthdays: Tom Adams – 8/12
Anniversaries: Barry Shead – many, many years!
Guests: None
Visiting Rotarians: None
Nancy read 2 letters from an 8 year old to his mom from summer camp. The 1st letter was stuff she imagined would be all wonderful things such as swimming, playing ball and roasting marshmallows. The actual letter from the son featured stories of dirty underwear, stepping in horse poop, burping and lighting farts!
Announcements:
There was a Board meeting before today’s meeting and the board wants to form a Marketing Committee. Invoices will be sent out soon for dues. Please pay promptly.
Celebrate Cultural Diversity event will be coming in September. If you care to serve on this event committee contact Roz Etra.
The Rotary Golf Tournament will take place on September 9th at the Norwich Golf Club. Player 4-somes, sponsors, prizes, volunteers are needed.
Please bring spare clean egg cartons and give them to Bonnie Johnson.
If you know of a speaker for one of our meetings, please contact Kevin Wickless or Alexis Kahn to get on the schedule.
If there is a Rotarian who is sick or going through a tough time let the Sunshine Committee know and contact Mary Richardson or Nancy Gentes.
*Reminder* as a courtesy to our guest speakers, guests and fellow members, Rotarians are strongly asked to silence all electronic devices during meetings.
Membership Minute: Stan Lucas
Stan inducted Bill Champagne as Incoming President! Thank you Bill for stepping up!
Happy Dollars: Andy Grant
Andy gave Bill a lapel pin. He also thanked Louis and Andy for sponsorships for the Golf Tournament. Andy also said if you have a tough relationship with a family member there’s always time to make a mends. His sister Amy is very ill and is going to Switzerland for treatment.
Bill Champagne donated the $103.00 he won in the lottery back to the club! said that the “Peace Run” will be returning to Norwich again this year on Thursday, August 13th. Details to follow but it may include a stop at NFA with the NFA Band. Bill also said there needs to be better avenues for end of life choices in Connecticut.
Steve Martin said his 4-some took 1st place in a recent golf tournament at Lake of Isles. Lots of tournaments coming up this month.
Mike Cooney gave to thank Bill Champagne for stepping in for incoming president. His daughter Katie has been trying out for numerous softball teams and finally settled on East Haddam.
Louis Cruz gave for a wall of sunflowers.
Barry Shead gave for Bill Champagne, Jim O’Shea and Nancy Gentes for their commitment to Rotary. He also said today was Presidential Joke Day.
Mike Goldblatt thanked Bill Champagne. He was happy to announce after 50 years of attending a car show in Waterbury, Vermont his classic car won 1st place best in show!
Jim O’Shea said it’s good to be back in Norwich Rotary. It’s great ro reconnect with people and urged others to do the same and get sponsors for the Golf Tournament.
Stan Lucas thanked Bill for stepping in to the incoming president position and for Jim joining the membership Committee.
Auction: Bill Champagne auctioned a 1909 flag from the celebration in Norwich. Stan paid $75.00!
Lottery: Paul Gaffney
Mike Goldblatt, Bill Champagne and Suzy Hurlbert could not find the Ace of Spades. Stan was the winner of Barry’s ARC Cookies!
Program: No Program
The meeting concluded with Stan leading the club reciting the 4-Way Test at 12:51pm.
** Looking for volunteers to serve on The RONE committee. Contact Bob Reed (bobr@hallradio.net).**