Norwich Rotary Club
August 14th, 2024
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE
Presiding: President Rodney Green
Invocation: Mandy Crispim
Fellowship: Nancy Gentes
Birthdays: Bonnie Johnson – 8/18
Anniversaries: Jeff Brining – 5 years
Guests: Jim O’Shea and Kelly Ennis-Davis
Visiting Rotarians: None
Nancy fellowship consisted of some weird facts from the Mental Floss Website. Just a few of the weird facts included Jeannette Rankin became the first female member of Congress in 1916, four years before the 19th Amendment was ratified. Goldfish can distinguish the music of one composer from another. Duncan Hines was a real person. He was a popular restaurant critic who also wrote a book of hotel recommendations. Eggplants are berries. Wyoming has only 2 escalators.
Membership Minute: Molly reminded people to invite prospective members to next week’s meeting at Mike Goldblatt’s house.
Announcements:
***Our meeting in two weeks (August 21st) will be at Mike Goldblatt’s house at 63 Sherwood Lane in Norwich***
**1st Posting. Kimberly Tondreau of CorePlus Federal Credit Union has been approved for membership by the Board. Any objection to her joining the club should be brought to the attention of any member of the Board.
Celebrate Diversity Day for the club is looking for volunteers during the event. If you can spare an hour or two contact Kathryn Tracey to sign up.
September 9th will be this years “Celebrate Cultural Diversity” event. Mark your calendars now! Volunteers 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.
September 4th will be the Annual Golf Tournament! Go get sponsors, raffle items and golf teams! Mark your calendar now as it will be here before you know it! Volunteers needed! Contact Erin Gizio if you can help!
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.
Happy Dollars: Andy Grant
Andy said while talking to fellow Rotarian Kathryn Tracey and showing photos of their children Kathryn knew Andy’s wife while in the ward for pre-mature babies years ago.
Andy Nollman had happy dollars to welcome Jim O’Shea and Jim Daly. He is also looking forward to vacationing on the coast at Lord’s Point next week!
Jim O’Shea said it felt great to be visiting the club today. He gave praise to Rodney for stepping up to serve as President this year, Gary Young for serving on the Golf Committee and the RCC, and for Andy Grant, Roz Etra and Kathryn Tracey for all their work on the Diversity Committee. He also was happy that he attended both of his son’e wedding this summer!
Erin Gizio gave $20.00 to say Volunteers are needed for the Golf Tournament. At least 15 to 16 are needed throughout the day.
Mike Matera Welcomed Jim O’Shea and Erin Gizio. He said he did play golf at Late of Isles in a big charity tournament and hit a few balls out of bounds!
Bill Champagne said the Peace Run is coming through Norwich on Thursday the 15th. Many of the runners will meet in front of NFA at 10am. All are welcome to take part.
Pat Marshall said she likes to wear and odd outfit every once in a while. Her top today looked like it was buttoned wrong, but that’s the way it’s supposed to look like. She reminded that kindness is contagious and always be kind!
Mike Cooney spent a rainy few days with scouts from all over at camp and the kids were pretty damp for a few days. He had praise for ACE Hardware for his new key for his car. He also had a good week talking to a number of people about charity golf tournaments.
Molly Bruno welcomed Kimberly to today’s meeting. She welcomed our Speaker Kelly Davis. She also had a great time at last week’s Rock The Docks that she was the major sponsor for.
Bonnie Johnson said she had a great time away for 2 weeks on her boat. The last day was tough going getting home in rough weather however. She thanked Andy Grant for delivering food for her to Colchester in her absence.
Rodney Green said he had fun playing in this year’s ARC Golf Tournament at Lake of Isles. Former UConn great and NBA player Donny Marshall was the host of the tournament. Also, the cost of eggs is up again at $3.65 a dozen! Ouch.
Auction: Mike Cooney pledged $20.00. Rodney Green auctioned off a pass for 4 people to Mansfield Drive-In Theatre in Willimantic. Andy Grant was the high bidder at $30.00. Gary Young also auction off a basket of garden veggies and jelly. Pat Marshall was the high bidder at $40.00.
Lottery: Kathryn Tracey
Roz Etra was the big winner as she drew the Ace of Spades on the first try! Barry’s cookies were won by Mary Richardson
Program: Today’s program was Rose City Learning Center Director & Instructor, Kelly Ennis-Davis. Kelly has nearly twenty years experience in public education. She has a Master’s in Teaching and a Sixth Year Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds eight CT teacher certifications including various Adult Education certifications, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Special Education, and Administration. A dedicated educator, she brings boundless enthusiasm and expertise to her work with adult learners, inspiring them to achieve their full potential. Kelly gave a history of the newly formed learning center. Rose City Learning Center provides programs to improve the educational and economic lives of Norwich area adult residents. We empower our learners to increase their English proficiency, earn their high school equivalency, and/or gain access to industry recognized career training in a caring and supportive environment while collaborating with community partners. For more information log on to www.rosecitylearningcenter.com
Bonnie Johnson led the club with the 4-Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 1:06pm.