Rotary Club of Norwich
July 17, 2019
THE RONE
Presiding: President Mike Cooney
Invocation: Rich Pascal
Fellowship: Jim Konrad
Birthdays: No Birthdays or Anniversaries to report.
Anniversaries: None
Guests: Gary Young introduced Sheila Hayes, Jerry Lowney introduced Marilyn Lowney, Andy Nollman introduced Nancy Muenzner, Andy Grant introduced soon to be member Jeff Brining and Suki Lagrito introduced her daughter Aviana Lozano.
Visiting Rotarians: None
Fellowship:
Jim Konrad told a story of his recent vacation to Narragansett, Rhode Island that included celebrating his birthday. He was hoping for a birthday gift of tickets to a Jackson Browne concert, however, he was pleasantly surprised when his wife gave him tickets for a helicopter ride from Westerly to tour the lighthouses of Western Long Island Sound! The pilot was an NFA graduate and they had great conversations!
Announcements:
President Mike Cooney had the following announcements:
- The Golf Tournament is still looking for golfers and sponsors.
- If any member has an idea for a guest speaker please contact Mary Richardson.
- The Happy Dollars Committee is taking requests for recipients for the grants.
- The Celebrate Diversity event is September 15th. There will be a committee meeting at Brown Park on July 23rd at 1:30 pm. Please attend if you can serve on that committee.
- There will be a putting contest on July 31st!
Happy Dollars: Andy Grant
- Andy started things off saying that he had a great time at the breakfast that was organized by Gary Young at Olde Tymes to thank Rodney Green for all he did for the Rotary Pancake Breakfast at the Rose Arts Festival.
Walter McGill - Jerry Lowney told a couple of funny stories about former Norwich Rotarian Walter McGill who recently passed away. They ranged from when Jerry and a few other members sent Walter a bill for a Paul Harris Award he was given by the club to putting Walter’s phone number in balloons and setting them free with instruction to call him no matter what time of the day they were found. Walter always took the good-natured ribbing in stride!
- Marilyn Lowney said Walter McGill had a reputation for being cheap that everyone knew wasn’t true. He always was very generous and gave often to the Haitian Health Foundation.
- Suzi Hurlbert had affiliate packets for any Rotarians who wish to receive one from the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors. She also just returned from Vancouver, British Columbia visiting her step-mom and sister. Unfortunately, her step-mom is in hospice care.
- Mike Cooney just returned from three days at the Great Wolf Lodge with his family. His son Matt had fun on the waterslide until he let go of the raft he was on and bumped his head. Thankfully it was only a bump on the head and he recovered quickly! Mike was also kept busy as his little daughter took off her wet clothing and was running around naked!
- Mike Gordon also had a funny Walter McGill story of a Trivial Pursuit tournament they were in where the first prize was a trip to Hawaii. The final question was “On what side of the court does one serve on in a doubles match?” The answer is the right side and that’s the answer they gave except the judges denied the answer because they left out the word ”The” as it was written on their answer cards. Walter was fuming!!!
- Shelia Hayes gave for the Rotary Community Corps and for the hard work Zecheriah Stover does leading that group. She also gave for a recent trip to Detroit to a conference for NAACP.
- Aviana Lozano gave to thank the Rotary Club for sponsoring her for her year as an exchange student in Brazil.
- Gary Young welcomed back Aviana and welcomed Jerry Lowney back.
- Suki Lagrito visited the Otis Library and had great things to say on the Art Programs they were conducting for young children.
Auction: Suzy Hurlbert auctioned off a hot air popcorn popper! After some spirited bidding, Marilyn Lowney was the high bidder at $25.00!
Lottery: Paul Blanchard
Bill Champagne, Aviana Lozano & Suzy Hurlbert drew cards to no avail!
Guest Speaker: Mike Cooney introduced Aviana Lozano who was our club’s Rotary Exchange Student. Aviana just returned from 11 months in Brazil studying. Aviana had a presentation that featured all the people and host families she spent her time with that included a visit to the Amazon rain forest, coastal Brazil, Rio, the mountains and presenting to Rotary and Interact Clubs. It was an amazing experience and she made friends and connections that will last a lifetime.
Watch Aviana’s Presentation
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Reed – RONE Reporter