Rotary Club of Norwich, CT
June 17th, 2026
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE:
Presiding: Mike Matera, filling in for Molly Bruno who was filling in for President Steve Martin
Invocation: Barry Shead gave an invocation that at the end received a smattering of applause. Only a smattering.
Fellowship: Ray Baribeault
Birthdays: Cara Westcott – Today Roz Etra – June 20th!
Anniversaries: None
Guests: None
Visiting Rotarians: None
For today’s fellowship Ray had everyone in suspense, but you guessed it…Ray had PUNS! “Who is the coolest doctor in the hospital? The hip doctor!” Many more excellent puns followed and much laughter ensued. Well done Ray!
Announcements:
NEXT WEEK’S MEETING WILL BE AT THE ROSE GARDEN! AS ALWAYS RODNEY GREEN WILL PROVIDE A WONDERFUL LUNCHOEN AND IT’S ONE OF THE BEST MEETINGS OF THE YEAR. MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND!
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: Stan Lucas
Stan reported that since the membership drive begun the club has added 30 new Rotarians! The current members count will be 52 when we induct another new member in a couple of weeks! Keep inviting prospective people that would be good Norwich Rotarians.
Happy Dollars: Mike Matera
Mike Matera thanked Stan for all his hard work building the club membership. Mike also had some sad dollars because the lower unit on his boat engine blew out over the weekend while he was out on the sound. Thankfully the other engine was running fine and he was able to limp up the Thames River to the marina that will do repairs.
Gary Young announced he will be getting a haircut tomorrow. One again he will not be mistaken for Stan Lucas!
Stan Lucas thanked everyone involved in the Native Son Luncheon as it was a great success. He also encouraged members to bring guests to next week’s Rose Garden Lunch.
Paul Gaffney echoed Stan’s remarks. Paul gave credit to Mike Cooney and Suzy Hurlbert for being excellent Master of Ceremonies.
Rodney Green had a great time playing in a golf tournament with Stan. They needed a replacement for one of the members of their foursome. Sue came to their rescue and she is an excellent golfer and holed out on the 2nd shot on the 17th for Eagle.
Andrew Nollman went camping for his 21st Wedding Anniversary. He was in Texas for some meetings and is looking forward to a Black Crows concert this Friday.
Mike Cooney has been really busy running golf tournaments as of late. He umpired his daughter Katie’s baseball game.
Bill Champagne said the Norwich 250 Committee is sponsoring a picnic on Chelsea Parade on July 5th. Norwich 250 is working with the Norwich Police Department, and other organizations, to hold a “picnic” on Chelsea Parade from 12 – 2 on July 5, 2026. This is part of a nationwide celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the nation’s founding (many municipalities across the country are participating). The NPD will be offering hot dogs and burgers as they do for their “night out” events. Some organizations will have tents and maybe Rotary should consider a table at this event.
Margarida Martins-Querido said she has been enjoying the World Cup matches that have begun this week. All the teams from countries she supports are doing well so far! It’s good to see cultures from everywhere supporting the World Cup as it brings people together.
Auction: No auction today.
Lottery: Bill Champagne
Paul Gaffney, Mike Matera and the “Birthday Girl” Roz Etra could not find the Ace of Spades. There are only 15 cards left! Barry’s Cookies were scooped up by Mary Richardson!
Program: No program today.
The meeting concluded with Bonnie Johnson leading the club reciting the 4-Way Test at 12:43pm.
** Looking for volunteers to serve on The RONE committee. Contact Bob Reed (bobr@hallradio.net).**