Norwich Rotary Club
July 5th, 2023
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE
Presiding: Mary Richardson
Invocation: Gary Young
‘Twas back before 1776
The British were up to their old tricks
Taxing our tea and holding us down
Trying to make us kneel to the Crown
Thank God we had hero’s like Paul Revere
Who rode all night shouting the British are here
And Patrick Henry who said with his last breath
“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”
And don’t forget old General George
Who led the troops to Valley Forge
If not for these and God’s grace what could I say
Except there would be no such thing as the USA
It’s like they said “The Brits-we don’t need ‘em”
What we need is Liberty and Freedom
So, although there are some who think it’s a drag
We still stand and salute the flag
We are not perfect, but we give and we love
We try to shine God’s light from above
We try to live out the reasons why
We take time to celebrate the Fourth of July
So let’s give thanks for the usual stuff
The food and the Fellowship always more than enough
And until we get together again
Let’s praise the Lord and say Amen
Announcements:
President Mary had the following announcements. The Golf Tournament is scheduled for September 6th and golfers, volunteers and goodie bag items are still needed. If you know of a good speaker for one of our Rotary Meeting Programs contact Kevin Wickless to schedule one.
Fellowship: Barry Shead
Mike Matera introduced his son Jonathan Matera and Barry recognized Roz Etra. There were no Birthday’s or Anniversaries to report. Barry apologized for being slightly late as there was a traffic jam on the way due to an auto accident. He wishes everyone a happy Independence Day and hoped all had fun even through the weather was a bit rainy at times. Barry then enlightened us on the risks our founding fathers took by signing the Declaration of Independence. Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the revolutionary war. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchant’s, nine were farmers and large plantation owners, men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Many of the 56 ended up losing everything they had, even their lives in some cases. 5 were captured and hung to an inch of their lives, then drawn and quartered. 9 died in other ways. Many of the signers had their homes looted and burned to the ground. 2 signers lost son’s in the war that followed. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: “For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
Happy Dollars: Jen Granger
*Jen gave Happy Dollars to make a plea for members to consider joining the Happy Dollars Committee as she would like to see some new people take part in the review process for making the grants.
*Bill Champagne just returned from spending a week at Chautaququa, New York and stated what a magical place it is. It was a week filled with an abundance of cultural stuff. He said that this year there was an African-American Houses established in the community. He also said there was a “Friendship Initiative” established by one of the African-American members that began out of Rotary in Atlanta, Georgia. Bill suggested we explore the same initiative here at Norwich Rotary.
*Mike Matera welcomed his 10 year old son Jonathan to today’s meeting and he’ll be entering the 6th grade at St. Patrick’s School in Norwich. He also said he’s a great kid and he’s very proud of him. They both spent the holiday with family and friends out on Napatree Point on their boat!
*Susy Hurlbert welcomed Mike’s son Jonathan to today’s lunch. She also said she spent time on the 4th at the Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich seeing as the weather was not the best to do other things. She was glad she did and encouraged other’s to visit the museum. Susy was also not happy with a certain US Supreme Court decision make last week.
*Stan Lucas made some comment about former President Bush not liking broccoli and he dropped is broccoli on the floor today. He was also happy to say he made a nice profit on the house he rented to Gary Young last year and was glad to have not sold it then as he would have received less for it.
*Andy Grant said his twin daughters are in Paris and are safe and sound. He was also happy Stan had good fortune selling his property.
*Gary Young was happy for Stan as well and was happy to be in a new house. The only drawback is that his attic and garage are packed with “stuff” to the rafters. He has 17 frying pans! His goal is to have the garage cleaned out by December so he can get Romer and his cars stored before winter!
*Mary Richardson said she needs help filling Committees and looking for some to Chair a few. She recruited Stan Lucas on the spot to chair the Membership Committee!
*Stan Lucas accepted Mary’s invitation to be Chairman of Membership and encouraged every member to propose at least on new member during the upcoming year. He will also do a “Membership Minute” at weekly meeting’s to keep this ‘Top of Mind.”
Weekly Auction: Mary Richardson
Mary had a copy of Wally Lamb’s “Wishin’ and Hopin.’” Susy Hurlbert was the high bidder at $20.00!
Lottery: Kathryn Tracey
Jen Granger, Mary Richardson and Rodney Green drew cards and still no winner. Barry’s ARC Cookies were won by Lottie Scott!
Program:
President Mary asked the Chairman of various committees to say a few words about their committees and recruit to serve on their perspective committees. This was done with some success as many members raised their hands and serve. This will be an ongoing process.
President Mary called on Stan Lucas to lead the club with the 4-Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 1:05pm