Norwich Rotary Club
August 25th, 2021
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE
Presiding: President Elect Susy Hurlbert
Invocation: Gary Young
Fellowship: Bob Farwell
Birthdays: Jay Waitte – 8/25
Anniversaries: Jeff Brining – 8/28 2 Years
Visiting Rotarians: None
Guests: Sheila Hays from RCC and Erin Gizio brought her daughter Eva Gizio
Bob’s fellowship was a tribute to the Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watt. Charlie Watt died earlier in the week and certainly was a loss for the music world. Bob said growing up back in the 60’s one was either a Rolling Stones fan or a Beatles fan. The Stones were for the bad boys and the Beatles were mainly for the good boys. Bob was a Stones guy! Bob read a very heartfelt tribute to Charlie Watts by The Who guitarist Pete Townhend. Pete posted on Instagram a picture of a rainbow and captioned it “Full Moon Rainbow.” He had the following message as well. “Always a sign. Charlie Watts wept at Keith Moon’s funeral. I wish I was capable of such tears today. Instead, I just want to say goodbye. Not a rock drummer, a jazz drummer really, and that’s why the Stones swung like the Basie band! Such a lovely man. God Bless his wife and daughter, and I’ll bet the horses will miss him too.”
Announcements:
*Susy had the following announcements:
*The Rotary Flag Project is moving forward and there will be a work party to be organized at the Rotary Flag Pole at Norwich Harbor.
*If you know of anyone who would be a good speaker at one of our Rotary Meetings contact Bob Farwell or Kevin Wickless. Speakers can be done virtual (ZOOM) as well if needed.
*The Rotary Golf Tournament will be on September 1st. Gary Young said there are 14 foursomes. Golfers, sponsors and volunteers are still needed. Crunch time and everyone needs to get involved!
*Susy reminded members to please invite prospective members to a lunch.
*On September 25th the Norwich Chamber will be hosting a Healthy Living Event at Dodd Stadium! Mike Matera is looking for volunteers to man the Rotary “Amber Alert” booth from 10 to 2pm. Needs at least 4 volunteers!
*Nancy Gentes reported that the phase 2 of the diaper project will take place shortly with the diapers going to the Thames River Family Program and TVCCA this time. Volunteers will be needed for delivery.
*Dues invoices have been distributed. Please pay promptly.
*New member badges will be available for any member requesting one. Contact Mary Richardson by September.
*Consider a donation for Rotary’s Haiti Relief Fund or the Haitian Health Foundation. The need is greater than ever.
Happy Dollars: Andy Grant
*Andy started things off welcoming Eva Gizio and was happy the hurricane did not cause too much damage. It was good for business however!
*Gary Young reminded that the Golf Tournament will be on the 1st of September. This year we are up against many other organizations holding their tournaments so competition is tough. He encouraged everyone to bid on the auction items offered.
*Shelia Hays from the Rotary Community Corps reported that the RCC has been very busy supplying community meals. She said that the Rose City Talent Show was a great success but the River fire was cut short because of the approaching hurricane. She gave kudos to RCC member Zak Stover for all his efforts making these events happen. She did mention that there needs to be better communication with the city when events are being held. She also noted that RCC members will be on hand to volunteer for the golf tournament.
*Barry Shead said he was honored to preside over his son’s “renewed wedding vow” ceremony. Barry said the JP that was scheduled wanted to be paid, however he’d do it no charge for his son and daughter-in-law!
*Mike Cooney told a good knock, knock joke!
*Susy Hurlbert said she was somewhat jet lagged from returning from a realtor conference in Chicago. She elaborated on 2 of the conferences featured speaker that were very inspiring.
Auction: no auction today.
Lottery: Bill Champagne: Eva Gizio, Bill Champagne & Shelia Hays drew cards to no avail! Bob Reed was the lucky winner of Barry Shead’s excellent cookies from The ARC!
Program: There was no scheduled program for today.
At 12:48pm Susy led the club members in the 4 Way Test and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Reed – RONE Reporter