Date: Sept. 11, 2019
Presiding: Mike Cooney
Invocation: Barry Shead, with a moment of silence for victims, survivors and first responders from 9/11.
Fellowship: Laura Hobart shared her memories of 9/11. She also read excerpts from the 1861 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “Paul Revere’s Ride” to highlight the Patriots Day celebrated in April.
Birthdays: None this week.
Anniversaries: None this week.
Guests: Zechariah Stover from RCC. Regan Miner with Bill Champagne. Katie Villar with Gary Young.
Announcements: Gary Young said there were 80 golfers, 20 volunteers and several sponsors for the golf tournament. Gary said he didn’t play well, but all had fun and he anticipates a net of about $7,000.
Suki Lagrito talked about Cultural Diversity Week, starting with Monday’s big event at Howard T. Brown Park.
Andrew Nollman was presented with his Paul Harris (plus 2) Fellowship pin.
Happy Dollars with Andy Grant.
- Andy asked for a moment of silence for 9/11 victims, including his roommate from college who perished. He also sold three bottles of wine and some work aprons to Rotarians.
- Nancy Granger remembered 9/11 and is going to her 40th high school reunion on Saturday. Also, Oct. 23 is the day to distribute dictionaries.
- Barry Shead thanked the golf tournament volunteers. Also, his son goes to school in Florida. His county was evacuated because of the hurricane. And he had a third dollar but couldn’t remember why.
- Andy Nollman remembered 9/11 and had a great time at the Patriots game Sunday night.
- Bill Champagne is happy that Regan Miner is now full-time working for the Norwich Historical Society. She recently got a large grant to do some things in Norwichtown. The society’s trivia challenge as a big-time MC: Bob Farwell.
- Jeff Brining remembered 9/11. He thanked Jim Konrad for bringing him his membership paperwork in the rain. He also talked about racing his 22-foot sailboat with 10-year-old son this weekend. They finished 22nd out of 49 boats – with just a two-man crew!
- Nancy Gentes thanked Gary and the committee for the golf tournament. She also asked that if anyone has tote bags that clients at Madonna Place can use.
- Mike Cooney graduated from college in Boston on Sept. 11, 2001. He told his story of the events that day. Also, today was picture day at his son Matt’s school.
- Barry is back, and he thanked Laura for reading the Longfellow poem. He is also (distantly) related to Longfellow.
- Lottie Scott talked about Miss Lottie’s Café with a Muddy Waters impersonator on Oct. 4.
- Gary Young thanked all who participated in the golf tournament in any way. He also said Andy Grant supplies the gift bags for players, and they were overordered. He is donating those Madonna Place.
Auction: A Waterford Crystal maple leaf candy dish donated by Joel Etra. Jim Konrad takes it for $20. Christmas shopping as begun!
Lottery: Katie Villar (courtesy of Gary Young), Larry Fowler and Barry Shead all came close, but no cigar.
Program: Our speaker was not available. Mike Cooney creates an emergency program, going over Gary Portnoy’s three rejected themes from Cheers, before creating the final iconic song.
Photo by Caitlinator 