Rotary Club of Norwich, CT
July 22nd, 2026
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE:
Presiding: Barry Shead
Invocation: Gary Young
Fellowship: Barry Shead
Birthdays: Kevin Brown – 7/25
Anniversaries: Rodney Green – 7/26 20 Years!
Guests: Andy Grant introduced Jim O’Shea. Bill Champagne introduced Rachel Kornfield
Visiting Rotarians: None
Barry’s fellowship was statistics comparing numbers with the Super Bowl and the World Cup. The FIFA World Cup beats the Super Bowl in all categories in both money and viewers.
Announcements:
The club is being run by a “Council of Presidents” as this year was supposed to be Pat Marshall as President. We all know Pat died a few weeks ago. The Change of Command is next week and currently the club needs a member to serve as President-Elect. Please see Mary Richardson, Steve Martin or Andrew Nollman to discuss the possibilities of stepping in to one of those positions.
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.
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
Stan will be back next week for a new member induction. Continue to bring guests to our meetings! Look for people who would make great Rotarians! They’re out there!
Happy Dollars: Isabelle Del Vecchio
Isabelle said she had a nice breakfast with fellow Rotarian Molly Bruno.
Andy Grant passed out brochures for the golf tournament and requested each member to write down 5 contacts for sponsorships, foursomes and tee signs.
Bill Champagne said that the “Peace Run” will be returning to Norwich again this year on Thursday, August 13th. Details to follow but it may include a stop at NFA with the NFA Band.
Mike Matera said he was happy to be recovering for some serious eye issues with detached retinas.
Barry Shead just returned from a trip to Wells, Maine. The highlight was eating at the famous Flo’s Clam Shack and Billy’s Chowder House.
Andy Nollman survived a recent family reunion and he was happy to have an old friend visiting and was looking forward to lunch with him.
Andy Grant said that his oldest son ran 62 miles recently.
Mike Goldblatt was happy to be at today’s meeting and just was happy to say hello!
Auction: Jeff Brining will donate $20.00!
Lottery: Bill Champagne
Jim O’Shea, Gary Young and Roz Etra could not find the Ace of Spades. Rachel Kornfield was the winner of Barry’s ARC Cookies!
Program: Kevin Brown, President of the Norwich Community Development Corporation shared some exciting plans for development that will grow the grand list and provide relief for Norwich Taxpayers. Plans involve the current Industrial Park and the new Occum Industrial Park. Also, Kevin shared plans for the existing Dodd Stadium that will include major upgrades to accommodate the Minor League Soccer Team, CT United as well as other opportunities to use the stadium.
The meeting concluded with Bonnie Johnson leading the club reciting the 4-Way Test at 12:58pm.** Looking for volunteers to serve on The RONE committee. Contact Bob Reed (bobr@hallradio.net).*