Norwich Rotary Club
May 25th, 2022
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE
Presiding: President Andrew Nollman
Invocation: Barry Shead
Fellowship: Ray Baribeault
Birthdays: Mike Matera – 5/27
Anniversaries: None
Visiting Rotarians: Barbara Crouch– Niantic
Guests: Gary Young brought Shelia Hayes
Ray gave a humorous fellowship with a few more of his famous puns!
Announcements:
*Andy Nollman had the following announcements:
*The Rotary Peace Pole has been relocated and planting should begin soon.
*Rotarians are encouraged to please invite prospective members for lunch and introduce them to the world of Rotary.
*The club will be looking for speakers. Should you know of an appropriate guest speaker contact Bob Farwell or Kevin Wickless.
*September 7th will be the date for the 2022 Annual Golf Tournament.
*The Native Son Lunch will take place next Wednesday on June 1st at the Holiday Inn. Tickets can be purchased online or contact Mary Richardson or Mike Cooney if you do not want to purchase online. Over 70 Tickets have been sold thus far and it will certainly be a sell out so get your tickets now.
*There will be a Rotary Work Day on Thursday June 16th at the Gemma Moran Food Center in New London from 1 to 3pm. All members are welcome to help sort and pack donated food.
*Change of Command will be at the Noon meeting on June 29th. Need an MC for the meeting.
*The Rose Garden Lunch will take place on June 22nd. Rodney Green will supply a delicious lunch as always.
New Member Induction:
Jim Daly introduced and inducted 3 new members from Chelsea Groton Bank into the Norwich Rotary Club. Mandy-Lyn Crispim, Alexis Kahn and Rene Pernell were enthusiastically welcomed to Norwich Rotary!
Happy Dollars: – Nancy Gentes
*Nancy welcomed our new members and was happy to announce that her youngest child turned 35 years old today!
*Bill Champagne gave to recognize the coach of the Golden State Warriors for his very moving tribute to the students and teachers who were killed in Texas by a lone gunman. Bill also reminded that 2 years ago on this day was the death of George Floyd. Bill also said the “Peace Run” will be coming through Norwich on June 16th at 11am. Bill has been involved with event for 20 years.
*Gary Young gave in honor of our new members as well as Joel, Roz & Shelia. He was happy his Yard Sale has ended. Gary also said God needs to be more a part of both parents and children’s lives and things might improve.
*Alexis Kahn gave for her child being in the ECC Playoffs at school.
*Mandy-Lyn Crispim thanked all in attendance for making her feel welcome.
*Barry Shead welcomed our 3 new members. He also was happy to be home from his cross country trip with his daughter. They stopped in cities that included Hot Springs, Nashville, Little Rock & Memphis just to name a few.
*Shelia Hays gave for Gary Young. She said that the CT Historical Society will be conducting interviews at the Otis Library on stories of people that are part of the NAACP ACDSO Program. Come tell your story.
*Renee Pernell thanked everyone for a warm welcome and for her colleagues from Chelsea-Groton Bank.
*Suzy Hurlbert wished Mike Matera a happy birthday and for all our guests and new members. On being a leader she said that some days are tougher than others but the key is to never give up.
*Mike Matera welcomed our new members, Lottie, Shelia, Joel & Roz. He felt somewhat guilty over the weekend that his son was having a rough time playing Little League baseball and was not playing his best. He later learned that his son had a 102 degree fever and he did not realize it.
*Lottie Scott was happy to be at today’s meeting in person. She also said she has a new book being published!
*Kevin Wickless welcomed our newest members. He also told of when he ran a relay race from Mystic to Boston. He ran 21 miles over 30 hours. The worst part however was sleeping in the van that followed the runners!
*Molly Bruno welcomed our new members and said she enjoyed time over the weekend at the beach at Watch Hill!
*Andy Nollman welcomed our newest Rotarians! He also said the past weekend was one of up’s and down’s.
*Jim Daly said he was on vacation in Florida, welcomed our new Rotarians, wished Mike Matera a happy birthday and welcomed Lottie!
*Stan Lucas said he and Gary Young did their annual hike up Mount Washington/Tuckerman’s Ravine and he set a new record. The record was for stopping and resting however! Stan said he also just bought a pick-up truck and he plans on driving it all the way to Costa Rica where he is building a house with his son.
Auction:
Bob Farwell donated a $20.00 bill for the cause! Said he made it himself!
Weekly Rotary Trivia: No Trivia today.
Lottery: – Molly Bruno
Mary Richardson, Bob Reed & Molly Bruno herself drew cards to no avail. The cookies went to Jen Granger!
Program:
Andrew Nollman gave an update that Harvey agreed to lower the minimum for the weekly luncheon from 25 to 20 so the club will be able to stay in this location! The menu may change somewhat, but we can keep the charge at $20.00 and stay at Bella Fiore. Andy reminded members to consider patronizing Bella Fiore when you are looking for a place to have dinner. Harvey is doing us a big favor opening for us and we should return his kindness by choosing Bella Fiore when we are looking to make dinner plans or looking for a venue for an event.
Molly Bruno led the club with the 4-Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 1:05pm
The meeting was adjourned at 1:15pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Reed – RONE Reporter