Inspired by Roz Etra’s accordion playing, an exuberant President Mike called the latest virtual meeting to order, or a semblance thereof.
Unmuted, Barry Shead, in typical fashion delivered an inspired invocation.
For Fellowship, Nancy Gentes recounted the history of Memorial Day. Among the highlights, Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is now observed on the last Monday of May, having been observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The holiday is now observed on the last Monday of May, having been observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970. It became an official federal holiday in 1971.
President Mike contributed several salient announcements. There were several recent No Show Gala Contributions. Suggestions for speakers would be embraced with avidity. The carnival has been postponed and the golf tournament will be a topic of discussion. The Change of Command Dinner, scheduled for June will be a live event.
Happy Dollars with Andy Grant elicited a wide variety of contributions. Andy noted that he was in Charleston, South Carolina, and became a grandfather on March 29. Mrs. Grant’s favorite thing is holding their new granddaughter, Stow. He extended compliments to Nancy for her Fellowship and noted that a tree from Mary Richardson was thriving.
Mary Richardson was effusive about the warm weather.
President Mike recounted Matt’s experience translating Old English to Modern English.
Bill Champagne allowed that he was doing well but misses his grandchildren. To stay in contact they are playing virtual games of “Texas Hold ‘Em” poker.
Kathryn Taylor shared the announcement that her daughter graduated from Boston University.
Suzy Hurlbut expressed gratitude for the good weather and Ray’s cooking expertise. Her tree is flowering and ECAR is sponsoring a charitable shred it day on June 8.
Nancy congratulated Andy on his new grandchild.
Joel was anxious for the quarantine to end!
Jim Konrad hoped someone could help him with a gasoline engine conundrum and the pleasures of going from a church group Zoom meeting to a campfire with his wife and daughter.
Bob F. Noted that his grandson Luke (Lucas) was now 8 weeks old. They hope to become acquainted before Luke celebrates his twenty-first birthday.
Barry espoused great affection and respect for pseudonym Don Ho (?!) and the surrogate Joe Namath. He was pleased that his daughter will be moving from California to Florida.
Bonnie contributed for the the grandchildren of club members and everyone who said hi to her last week.
Ray pronounced himself o.k. and noted that his dad was out golfing.
Keith Caplet said his grandchildren were growing and he looked forward to visiting with them.
Jim Daly, not to be confused with John Daly, was happy that the world was slowly reopening and for the opportunity to play golf.
Suki was pleased to see Bonnie, was sad about the carnival’s status, celebrated grandchildren and was enjoying working at home with her daughter.
In a spirit of fellowship and camaraderie, President Mike introduced a new version of What’s My Line, albeit without John Daly, Arlene Francis Bennett Cerf and Dorothy Kilgallen. More’s the pity.
The mystery occupations included:
- Bob Farwell operating the blacksmith shop at Mystic Seaport;
- Suki as a music teacher in a basement classroom;
- The famous personality quiz featured Barry, who successfully stumped the members with his recollection of meeting Alec Baldwin.
With a flourish of the gavel President Mike brought the meeting to a close.