Norwich Rotary Club
October 18th, 2023
Location-Mike & Rosa Goldblatt’s
THE RONE
Presiding: Mary Richardson
Invocation: Barry Shead
Fellowship: Ray Baribeault
Fellowship began with an introduction of Debbie Kievits from Norwich Bully Busters. Deb delivered a heartfelt address about “Unity Day” in honor of National Bully Prevention Month. Her message concluded with her words “Kindness is OK.” All in attendance wore Orange in honor of Unity Day. Ray then started by saying congratulations to Jeff Brining on his birthday which is today! A resounding rendition of Happy Birthday followed. No Rotarian anniversaries this week. Many guests were introduced. A spirited rendition of the Rotary “Welcome Song” followed. Ray then proceeded with some puns that as always were well received. “Five ants moved in with five other ants… now they’re tenants”
Program: Todays program was New London Rotarian Jerry Fischer, former head of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut. Jerry has two cousins missing and presumed taken hostage during the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel a little over a week ago. Liat and Aviv were living on a kibbutz Nir Oz on the border of the Gaza Strip when the attacks happened. The attackers were held off for 15 minutes until Hamas attackers overwhelmed the kibbutz. Jerry is hopeful Liat and Aviv are still alive as their was a “ping” from one of their cellphones located in Gaza. Needless to say Jerry and his family are worried sick over the fate of their loved ones. Jerry took numerous questions from those in attendance and he did a great job of explaining the complexity of the situation over there.
Special Paul Harris Presentation: President Mary had the pleasure of presenting Nancy Gentes with a “Paul Harris +1.” Nancy has earned this honor through her generosity to the RI Foundation and her service to our community. Congratulations Nancy! Well done!
Announcements:
Mary thanked Mike and Rosa Goldblatt for hosting this special meeting today at their home and the wonderful display of their numerous classic automobiles. Also thanks go out to Stan Lucas and Gary Young for facilitating in making this special off site meeting happen. A wonderful buffet lunch was served.
The Happy Dollars “Turkey Drive” is continuing and will go through November 13th. All monies raised will benefit the residents of Schwartz Manor in Norwich. Please give generously.
The Annual Madonna Place Trivial Pursuit Challenge will be on November 3rd at the Bozrah Moose Club. The club is looking for 8 people to fill out a team. The team will be called “The Red Hot Trivia Peppers!”
Jen Granger reported that her committee for the Dictionary Project is finalizing a count of 3rd graders and expect to be delivering the dictionaries to the schools in November. Stay tuned for more information to follow.
Happy Dollars: No Happy Dollars today.
Weekly Auction: No Auction today.
Lottery: No Lottery today.
President Mary called upon all in attendance to recite the 4-Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 1:25pm
***New Member Posting*** 2nd Posting. The Board has approved the application of Pat Marshall from Norwichtown Rehab for membership. If any member has any objection, please contact President Mary or any member of the Board.