Rotary Club of Norwich, CT
August 26th, 2026
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE:
Presiding: Stan Lucas
Invocation: Mandy Crispim
Fellowship: Nancy Gentes
Birthdays: None
Anniversaries: Ivy Del Vecchio 1 year & Jeff Brining 4 years
Guests: Dr. Ben Hong
Visiting Rotarians: None
Nancy shared some very interesting facts about Dolly Parton who died earlier this week.
Announcements:
SPECIAL PRESENTATION!
Mandy Crispim presented the club with a check for $3,000.00 from the Chelsea Groton Bank Foundation to purchase winter coats! That will provide 136 new coats for needy children!
Invoices have been 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. Only one more week to get players and sponsors!
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: Paul Gaffney
Paul said that the membership committee hoped to add another 10 members in the upcoming months. Every member needs to be a committee unto themselves to recruit new members. Printed invites, business cards and partnering with the chamber of commerce are some ideas brought forward. The District Membership Committee meets every 3rd Monday at 6pm on Zoom.
Happy Dollars: Andy Grant
Andy played pickleball this morning and went 0-5.
Roz Etra said that her grandkids started school!
Jim O’Shea sadly reported that his 94 year old dad has been read his last rites. He was thankful that his father kept a detailed diary that will be a great help in petting together an obituary. He urged everyone to keep one.
Mike Matera welcomed Ben to the meeting. He added that all the Happy Dollars will be benefiting the Tommy Toy Fund for the month of September. His son Jonathan started at NFA today.
Stan Lucas gave $10.00 in honor of the late Bonnie Hong. He welcomed Bonnie’s husband Ben and thanked him for his military service and all he does for veterans.
Suzy Hurlbert gave $20.00 in honor of Bonnie, Pat and Roz for all they have done to support Rotary. Se said ECAR has donated a $500.00 sponsorship for the Diversity event. The Rotary clock project is in the final stages of completion and you need to get your money in if you want to be included on the plaques.
Rodney Green said that moonshine is still legal in parts of his home state of Tennessee. And he reminded that the Late Dolly Parton gave over a million dollars a couple of years ago to help feed people in Gatlinburg after the fires.
Mike Cooney gave in honor of Bonnie Hong and her husband Ben. He misses Bonnie bidding against herself during the Rotary weekly auctions!
Gary Young presented Ben with one of Ben Lathrop’s flag cards.
Margareta gave to say she visited Maine at the request of her son. She was also included in a film about the OP-Sail 2026 coming up in September.
Auction: Mandy Crispim donated $20.00.
Lottery: Paul Gaffney
Stan, Roz and Rodney could not find the Ace of Spades.
Program: No Program
The meeting concluded with the club reciting the 4-Way Test at 1:15pm.
** Looking for volunteers to serve on The RONE committee. Contact Bob Reed (bobr@hallradio.net).**