For the first time in 17 weeks, the club provided a live meeting venue. President Mary greeted those who were ‘live” and those who attended via the ever-popular Zoom link. Those who attended using Zoom also looked very much alive.
Invocation-Roz Etra provided a fine and thoughtful invocation.
Fellowship-Nancy Gentes reported 3 birthdays, Barry, Joel, and Bob Farwell. Ray Baribault’s 24 years as a member was also noted. All three birthday gents admitted to having been 24 a few years ago. Visiting Rotarian Niccole Sweeny was in attendance and received a warm greeting from both the live and the virtual. Nancy provided a list of Mother’s Day aphorisms that resonated with members.
Announcements-Mary began by presenting Rodney Green with a pin in recognition of his status as a Paul Harris Fellow Plus Two! An appropriately loud litany of congratulations followed the announcement.
On behalf of the Nominating Committee, Jim Daly announced that Andy Nollman will assume the President’s mantle for 2022 with Susy Hurlbut ascending to the Vice Presidency. Huzzah!
The club received donations to Benji’s Fund and a $2,000 District grant for a diapers bank. Nancy noted that grant requests are due on May 15, and predicted a flurry of last-minute submissions. Madonna Place Trivia Night was successful and as always thoroughly enjoyed by those who participated.
Conditions for large outdoor venues are improving and that may bode well for the first Rotary Carnival since 2019. Suki Lagrito reported available dates on Memorial day weekend, the end of July, and early August. Possible sites include Brown Park-except for the Memorial Day weekend and the Viaduct parking area. There is a Board meeting scheduled for May 12 at 11:00. Gary Young predicted a golf tournament on September 1.
Annah Perch announced the availability of small group visits to the Slater Museum, perhaps the club would like to consider such arrangements? Members with suggestions for future speakers should contact Bob Farwell or Kevin Wickless.
Turning to the social page, former member Kyle Meunzner will be married in July. The decision on whether there will be a Rose Garden meeting has yet to be determined as is a date to visit Mike Goldblatt’s.
Happy Dollars-With Nancy Gentes! Nancy announced that after 30 years at Madonna Place she will be retiring in June! Kevin Wickless observed that one of Mike Goldblatt’s classic vehicles was previously owned by Abraham Lincoln’s grandson. He was also happy to see so many club members in person! Barry also offered thanks for being able to see so many people “live and in-person” and told a tale of a dilapidated rocking chair, which sounded like a good story, but I missed the details! Annah hoped a club member could help an NFA alumnus who needed an apartment and confirmed that NFA was celebrating 167 years of serving Norwich and neighboring communities. Rodney reported that he had leftover meatloaf in his car (a meatloaf, not the celebrated rocker Meatloaf!) which was available for the asking.) Susy provided encomiums for Rodney’s pie, congratulated Nancy on her retirement, Otis Library for joining ECAR, and announced a new mentoring program for underserved audiences. Gary Young thanked Andy Nollman for stepping in to help the club and thanked the members of the golf committee. Gary has a Rickey Henderson rookie card, which he is having appraised. The potential value of the card may allow him to purchase several small Caribbean Islands. Bob Reed thanked Andy and congratulated Nancy. His Basset Hound is also celebrating a birthday! President Mary reported that for the first time in a year she will be meeting with friends in person.
The Lottery-With Susy! After a lengthy hiatus, a live lottery returned to Rotary. Several people remembered the lottery and explained its arcane procedures to those who had forgotten or expressed diffidence. Such was the level of enthusiasm evinced, that only 2-3 people nodded off:
- Rodney-No!
- Barry-No!
- Tom Adams-No!
While the return of the Lottery was newsworthy it was overlooked by the media.
Bob F. discussed the myriad books purchased to acknowledge Rotary speakers. The program began in 2009 and has provided Otis Library with many unique and important nonfiction books. Bob originally selected the books himself but eventually was relieved of that responsibility when staff questioned his definition of “appropriate.” He is now allowed to only purchase children’s picture books, under supervision.