Rotary Club of Norwich, CT
May 20th, 2026
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE:
Presiding: Nancy Gentes
Today’s meeting was started with a moment of silence in honor of Norwich Rotarian Pat Marshall who died earlier in the day after a battle with cancer.
Invocation: Cara Westcott
Fellowship: Susy Hurlbert
Birthdays: Andy Grant – May 24th.
Anniversaries: None
Guests: Stan Lucas introduced Rachel Kornfield and Andrew Nollman introduced Steve Hibino. Today’s guest speaker Alexander Ferguson. Mark Brown from NCDC was also in attendance.
Visiting Rotarians: None
For today’s fellowship Susy talked about 2nd chances and when they are needed. She mentioned the old State Hospital property that has been sitting vacant for many years and maybe it’s time for a 2nd chance for that land to be made into something productive and it still has potential.
Announcements:
Native Son/Daughter luncheon will be coming up on June 10th. Jeffery Rhodes is this year’s recipient. The lunch will take place at the Holiday Inn Express that day.
Rotary Day of Service was a huge success. Over 40,000 meals were packed and 6 area Rotary Clubs took part. The job was completed in just 2 hours and 15 minutes!
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 2 new members are expected to be inducted into the club in the next week or two. Keep inviting people to join Rotary!
Happy Dollars: Barry Shead
Barry was sorry to near the sad news that Pat passed away. On a happier note he said he had a nice time on the cruise he tool last week. There was a Brazilian steak house restaurant aboard the ship that was fantastic. They served 8 kinds of meat in the same meal! What a way to celebrate his 24th wedding anniversary! No carbs!
Bill Champagne read a very touching and heartfelt tribute in honor of Pat Marshall. He was able to be with her right up to the end along with Pat’s son David. He said she accepted her fate with grace and dignity. Her pug Quincy, whom she spoke of often at Rotary meetings, also went off with her. He was very old and it’s nice to think they are both together in the next world.
Andy Nollman gave for Pat. He’s looking forward to spending Memorial Day weekend with friends.
Mike Matera was sad to hear of Pat’s passing and said it was a privilege to have known her. Yesterday he took his son and 12 of his class mates from St. Patrick’s School to a trip to Boston. They attended a ball game and went on a few tours. Everyone behaved very well!
Anna Lucas was sad to hear the news of Pat’s passing. She was happy to have met with her earlier in the month and Pat had given her some gifts from the Eastern religions. She was busy over the weekend in Brimfield, MA at the huge antique show where she had a booth.
Andy Grant gave sad dollars about Pat Marshall and complemented Bill Champagne on his heartfelt tribute.
Stan Lucas gave $20.00 for Pat. He said she brought so much enthusiasm to the club. She will be missed.
Auction: No auction today.
Lottery: Barry Shead
Rachel Kornfield, Rodney Green and Bill Champagne could not find the Ace of Spades. Gary Young was the lucky winner of Barry’s ARC Cookies.
Program: Stan Lucas introduced Alexander Ferguson who runs a fitness and wellness studio in Waterford. Alex spoke of the 4 pillars if good fitness and health. He basis his 4 pillars with teachings on mental tenacity, nutrition, recovery and technique. “The greater the efforts, the greater the results.”
The meeting concluded with Bonnie Johnson leading the club reciting the 4-Way Test at 12:54pm.
** Looking for volunteers to serve on The RONE committee. Contact Bob Reed (bobr@hallradio.net).**