President and supreme leader Andy Nollman called the club to order at precisely 12:15;
Barry Shead provided a fine invocation that resonated even over Zoom.
For Fellowship Nancy Gentes introduced our guest from Chelsea Groton Bank, Mandy Crispem. Nancy then reflected on the many attributes of March, including the Ides of March, Women’s History Month, The NCAA basketball tournaments and ST. Patrick’s Day. Nancy shared a number of Irish toasts, but omitted the following: “May the frost never afflict your spuds.”
President Andy reminded everyone of several forthcoming events, chief among them the Whiskey, Wine and Cigar event on May 4, 6-8 p.m. at Bella Fiore. In addition, there is the Four Way test competition on March 26th at 9am at the Otis Library, Saturday. April 9th “District Day of Service” a project for Habitat for Humanity in cooperation with the RCC and the Norwich Sunrise Club. Work will by 8am to 11am. Members must sign up and register with Habitat for Humanity. Contact Suzy Hurlbert for further details. The 7980 District Assembly and Conference will take place on April 23rd at the Mystic Marriott in Groton. The club will cover the cost for up to 4 members to attend.
Happy Dollars with Jen Granger. Jen was very pleased that the clocks would be changing and affording us more daylight hours. She was even more pleased that UCFS will receive three awards, including Non-Profit of the Year from the Norwich Chamber and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut! UCFS will also receive the Military Support Award, along with partnering organizations, from the C. of C. of Eastern Connecticut. Huzzah! Barry was delighted to see Mandy and Joel and Roz. He thanked Bill Champagne for covering the raffle for him last week and was pleased to celebrate birthdays for his three children. It is great having them all living in the area again. Mike Cooney reported that his trip with Katie to Providence for an ophthalmology examination was successful and all was well. President Andy was grateful for the clement weather, seeing Mandy, Joel and Roz and for his wife’s new per Diem status. Bill Champagne provided approbation for UCFS for Barry’s help with the lottery and vowed to successfully enroll for the day of service. Mary Richardson was pleased to see everyone, even if it was on Zoo. Bob Reed added his congratulations to UCFS, and donated 64 dollars in acknowledgment of his birthday. Mandy contributed for her family, while Gary Young was happy to see Roz, Joel and Lottie. He averred that his dog was victimized by a local skunk. Susi reported PETS training, which began slowly but turned out well. She was pleased that Rotary was engaged in the fight against polio and waxed enthusiastic about the things she hoped to try as president. She was also pleased to see Lottie, Joel, Roz and Mandy and invited club members to the program “A Path to Home Ownership” on April 13. President Andy closed Happy Dollars with a tip of the chapeau to Lottie.
Auction- Lottie offered a personal reading from two books of poetry. At this juncture your correspondent was distracted by a shiny object and is uncertain of the denouement.
In lieu of a program, our esteemed president offered highlights from the recent board meeting:
- Due to the absence of a site there will be no carnival this year. A date prior to Memorial day was proposed for 2023.
- The club supported the Stonington club’s aid to Namibia with a $1,000 check.
- Chelsea Groton Banks application for corporate membership was approved.
- Support for the NPS backpack program was approved.
- The ARC request for assistance was approved at the Atlas level.
- A $10,000 check on behalf of the Mary and Jerry Silverstein estate was received from Betsy Eichholz.
- A check from Benji’s Fund for $7,600 was approved. This will assist the family from Ukraine that Ben Hong discussed at a previous meeting. The husband remains in Ukraine, while the rest of the family has arrived in Ireland. The funding will assist them and the person providing them with assistance.