President Andy Nollman called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15.
Invocation-Via Zoom Lottie provided the invocation.
Fellowship-Live and in person, Ray reported a paucity of member birthdays, anniversaries, and visiting Rotarians. Before regaling the club with his trademark puns, Ray noted that on this date in 1973 Alexander Butterworth revealed the existence of the Oval Office taping system and in 1977 New York City suffered its infamous city-wide blackout.
Announcements-President Andy reported that the club board had voted to move the meeting site to Bella Fiore https://www.bellafiorerestaurant.com/.
Other Noteworthy Observations-The July 21 meeting will take place at the Courtyard Mariott and the first meeting at Bella Fiore is scheduled for July 28. As of that date, the weekly lunch fee will increase to $20. The club must remove its belongings from the Courtyard following the July 21 meeting. Mike Matera will provide transportation but assistance from other members is needed. Other impending projects include providing a new Rotary flag in cooperation with the RCC and Morning Club and a July 31 cleanup on West Main Street with the RCC and morning club. Sad reports include news of Joel’s hospitalization and Ben Morgan’s death. Ben, a member of the Putnam club was a frequent participant in our club meetings. The club is also invited to participate in the National Night Out on August 3 in cooperation with the Norwich Police Department. The golf tournament is scheduled for September 1. Jim O’Shea has volunteered to call 120 former participants!
Happy Dollars- With Jen Granger! Jen was very happy with the current club board; Erin reported that her best friend was visiting and she volunteered Jim Daly’s porch for all future club meetings. Mike Matera allowed that he was saddened by the number of “nips” aka flight bottles he found following the last rainstorm. They are especially prevalent and an eyesore at Brown Park and in the harbor. A heavy deposit seems in order. Gary played a rousing game of tennis with Stan and then played Scrabble with Stan’s sister. He announced that a stupendous moving sale was in the offing. Barry offered several anecdotes about Ben Morgan, of particular note his exemplary attendance record over a 50 year period and his strong belief in the tenets of Rotary. Jeff Brining just returned from a vacation at Lake George and was pleased by the change of luncheon venue. Bill Champagne recently returned from Chautauqua and was especially impressed by a performance of Blood at the Root, a play based on a 2016 non-fiction book written by Patrick Phillips investigating the 1912 Racial Conflict of Forsyth County, Georgia. Bill also discussed his involvement with the Landmark Trust USA, a nonprofit organization that preserves historic properties and makes them available as short-term vacation rentals. Among their goal is to have properties in all 50 states. Bill spoke highly of Ben Morgan and his dedication to Rotary. Mike Cooney and his family are headed to New Hampshire for a vacation. Mike reported that while discussing the various states of matter with Matt, Katie volunteered that one was definitely ginger ale! Lottie observed that she was very happy to hear us talk.
Auction-Barry offered several bags of highly desirable cookies, which elicited a number of encomiums from the club. Bidding was feverish but physical conflict was avoided. Kathryn Tracey emerged victorious with a $10.00 bid.
Lottery-With Bill C. Former president Mary-No! Gary-No! Rodney-No! Despite low mutterings and implied imprecations, the meeting ended without incident.