Rotary Club of Norwich, CT
December 17, 2025
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE
Presiding: President Steve Martin
Invocation: Cara Westcott
Dear Lord, thank you for bringing us here today.
Bless this time together and the guidance you grant us in every way.
Join me now as we pray.
Bless the food, the fellowship and the Happy Dollars we pay.
Thank you for the generosity of all Rotarians both far and near.
2025 has been another great giving year.
Collecting cans, turkeys, coats and toys for all.
The community benefits when Norwich Rotary stands tall.
Now we plan to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
We pray for the safe and happy times for all, as this year comes to an end.
Amen!
Fellowship: Nancy Gentes
Birthdays: None
Anniversaries: None
Guests: Cara Westcott introduced her daughter Katie Westcott. Mike Matera introduced Brother-in-law Kevin Hogan and Carly Hertz from the Tommy Toy Fund. Bill Champagne introduced Catherine Ray who bought Gary Young’s former home.
Visiting Rotarians: None
Nancy’s fellowship was some very heartfelt stories that former District Governor Christine Friedman gave at a recent Rotary Foundation gathering. Many of the stories covered all the success that the Rotary Foundation has accomplished throughout the globe. The ending message is “Hope always wins!” Please donate to the Rotary Foundation and let Rotary continue to improve the lives of some of the neediest on earth.
Membership Minute: Stan Lucas
Stan announced that the Holiday Party at his home on Broadway in Norwich was great fun. The food and Yankee Swap were a hit. Next year an earlier date in December is being considered to boost attendance and get guests who may be interested in Rotary to come.
Special Presentation:
Mike Matera presented a check from Norwich Rotary in the amount of $1,244.00 to Carly Hertz to support the Tommy Toy Fund. This year’s fund supported over 3,400 children throughout Eastern Connecticut.
Announcements:
THERE WILL BE NO ROTARY MEETINGS AND DECEMBER 24TH AND DECEMBER 31ST.
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.
** Looking for volunteers (3) to serve on The RONE committee. Contact Bob Reed (bobr@hallradio.net).
Happy Dollars: Nancy Gentes
Nancy gave $20.00 to welcome our guests!
Bill Champagne thanked Bonnie Johnson for stepping in to host the Lottery as he had Catherine Ray as his guest today meeting and wanted to sit with her. He also said that Pat Marshall is still recovering for her illness.
Roz Etra is looking forward to a weekend in New Jersey with her grandchildren. She also said she worked with the Jewish Federation to deliver 130 bags of gifts for the needy. She also had a funny Kevin Hogan story.
Susy Hurlbert said in light of all the tragic news from around the world this week that we all pause for a moment of silence. She thanked Stan and Ana for their hard work on the Holiday Party. The raffle that the Association of Realtors conducted earlier in the month raised over $35,000! She thanked all the Rotarians who purchased tickets.
Andrew Nollman congratulated Mike Matera for all the hard work he does for the Tommy Toy Fund. Andy also reminded that Rotarians can donate very easily to the Rotary Foundation online and can donate on a monthly or quarterly basis. He celebrated his wife Lona’s birthday over the weekend. His parent’s condo in Florida sold and the closing should be before the end of the month. Fingers crossed.
Mike Cooney said he was sorry to have hissed the Holiday Party at Stan’s. His wife Jen has been busy attending Holiday concerts this season.
Steve Martin attended a high school wheelchair basketball gave in New Britain over the weekend. Proceeds benefited the Ryan Martin Foundation. He said the wheelchair play sure could get rough, especially near the end of the game.
Mike Matera said he bumped into Bob Reed walking his new Bloodhound near the Cathedral School. He thanked Kevin Hogan for all his help moving books and toys recently. He thanked Ana and Stan for the great party, but suggested maybe a “Pool Party” next time. He’ll wear his Speedo!
Cara Westcott wore her “Ugly Sweater” that was really not too ugly! She’s happy to have her daughter for a visit back home from Italy. She also thanked Stan and Ana for the great party!
Jeff Brining was sorry to have missed the Holiday Party. His new job as General Manager at NPU takes a lot more time away from family and friends. He drove his daughter 900 miles to the Junior Olympics where she placed 113 out of 300 runners. Snow fell for both the race and the drive out there!
Ana Lucas said her son Sloan will be appearing in a Christmas Play as one of the 3 wise men. He was hoping to wear a crown but has to wear a Bishops hat! She also said she’s looking forward to a visit to Costa Rica with her father Stan.
Rodney Green got a standing ovation for a performance of a Christmas tune that was brilliant to say the least!
Bob Reed is happy to report that he is now the proud owner of a very large Bloodhound rescue dog named Richard!
Stan Lucas gave dollars for Rodney’s excellent performance! He too had fun at the Holiday Party but he was not too thrilled with his Yankee Swap gift until Paul Gaffney pointed out that it was not a scented candle, but a baking dish! He thanked his daughter Ana for all the clean-up following the party!
Auction: No Auction today
Lottery: Bonnie Johnson
Susy Hurlbert, Ana Lucas and Stan Lucas could not find that Ace of Spades. No cookies today from Barry, however Bonnie Johnson brought a huge tray of homemade Christmas cookies to share with everyone!
Program: No Program today.
The meeting concluded with Bonnie Johnson leading the club reciting the 4-Way Test at 1:00pm.
** Looking for volunteers (3) to serve on The RONE committee. Contact Bob Reed (bobr@hallradio.net).