Today’s meeting opened with an authoritative call to order by President Mary.
The Honorable Barry Shead provided an eloquent invocation.
Susy provided a Fellowship monologue that included birthday salutations for Andy Nollman, 13 years, and Stan Lucas, 17 years. Members were predictably stunned by their durability and youthful visages. They were equally in awe of Bob Reed’s 37-year membership! Susy also provided an insightful summary of Johnny Cash’s 1968 appearance at Folsom prison and recited a poem dedicated to the pandemic. To no one’s disappointment, it was not a haiku.
President Mary provided several announcements. deferring momentarily to Jim Daly, the board members for the coming year were announced and approved, Erin Gizo, Michelle Scott, Bill Champagne, your humble reporter, and Kathryn Taylor. (Please excuse any omissions or vagaries, this is the point where my pen ran out of ink!) President Mary reported on thank you notes from Schwartz Manor and reminded those affected that there would be a board meeting next week, which is now this week. Gary Young secured numerous masks from the East Hampton Club which were quickly claimed by UCFS, Madonna Place, and NFA. Information on Benji’s Fund is now available on the club website and Gary Young is working on a biography and introduction. Nancy Gentes announced that $1,000 grants were now available to share with community members and friends. Annah continues to email members who have long been absent in hopes of improving meeting attendance. The district will be sending Rick Benson to speak with clubs.
Happy Dollars with Nancy Gentes provided much grist for the RONE mill. Roz reported that Joel recently went for a drive, during which the Rotary flag from the Peace pole was discovered in the weeds at Brown Park. Faded and frayed, it will be replaced by a new one. Barry confided that a friend was trying to rid themselves of a timeshare and asked the club for suggestions. Nancy announced that her daughter received her 1st COVID-19 vaccination. Bill Champagne described his recent attendance at a Zoom meeting in memory of Jason Vincent and thanked Jason’s family for directing donations to the historical society. Jason’s brother noted that Jason wanted to make things better for everyone and Bill urged members to remind those close to them that they are loved and to be aware of signs of distress. He also observed that it was essential to discuss important topics. Former member Ivan Martin died, and an anecdote about a “Minnesota” was shared, especially for Ray Baribault’s benefit. It was suggested that in the future only Bob Reed be allowed to sing, a reference to the club’s renditions of Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, and Stairway to Heaven.
Mike Cooney said the kids had participated in too many Zoom meetings-who hasn’t?-Ray announced that his dad’s surgery was scheduled for Wednesday 1.20.21. We wish him well. Regrettably, member Jay Waite’s wife passed away unexpectedly. Roz and Joel were happy to see everyone, remarked that Andy Nollman had been their daughter’s babysitter. Roz treated the club to “Happy birthday” on the accordion. Andy Nollman contributed $50 in acknowledgment of his birthday. Jim Daly wished Andy a happy birthday and recalled watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their game. Continuing a thread of birthday greetings, Barry wished Andy a happy birthday, expressed great joy for Larry Fowler’s Cleveland Brown’s success and gave kudos to Annah, Mary, and Jim Fowler. Or, perhaps it was Larry Fowler. Kathryn offered her condolences to Jay for his wife’s death. She also congratulated Andy on 50 years of life, praised the Washington football team’s quarterback, and expressed relief for her husband’s negative COVID-19 test. Jen congratulated Andy on his longevity. Gary remarked on his birthday on the preceding Tuesday, and the plethora of sweets he received. He was limiting himself to an energy drink and salted nuts for lunch.
President Mary is in quarantine and working from home. She allowed that her only relief was driving to Franklin to pick up the Rotary mail. Otherwise, she is “going nuts.” Bob Reed gave $30 for his thirty years in Rotary and the impact it has had on his life. He also contributed in memory of the recent losses of Jason Vincent and Jay Waite’s wife. Susy thanked the club for the friendship provided by Rotary and contributed on behalf of Jay Waite’s wife and Jason Vincent. She was grateful for her daughter’s successful efforts to address stress and depression and wished Andy a joyous birthday.
There being no auction item President Mary concluded the meeting by leading the club in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. The test had many interpretations, which all ended at approximately the same time.