Rotary Club of Norwich
September 9th, 2020
Location-Courtyard by Marriott
THE RONE
Presiding: President Mary Richardson
Invocation: Barry Shead
Fellowship: Susy Hurlbert
Birthdays: None
Anniversaries: None
Guests: Dr. Ramindra Walia, MD – Chief Medical Officer UCFS
Susy’s fellowship was on some facts about the origins of Labor Day that we all just celebrated. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday. Susy follow up with some very funny joke that involved puns about different jobs!
Announcements:
*Mary Richardson gave accolades to everyone who volunteered and played in the Norwich Rotary Golf Tournament that took place on September 1st.
*If you know of anyone who would be a good speaker at one of our Rotary Meetings contact Bob Farwell or Kevin Wickless. Speakers can be done virtual as well if needed.
*The Sunshine Committee had a card for Lottie Scott for all to sign in sympathy on the recient death of her sister. Also, there was a “Get Well” card for Joel Etra who is still under the weather.
*Gary Young thanked all who helped make the golf tournament a success. He will give a report next week on how much the tournament netted.
*Rodney Green reported that the Coat Drive is ramping up and the sorting will take place at one of Mike Matera’s buildings. The 1st pallet of coats is on the way. September 18th will be the cut off for requests for coats and it looks like the amount of coats will be in the 700 area.
*President Mary mentioned that next week’s program will be the 7980 District Governor, Ron Webb via Zoom.
*The Sunrise Rotary is asking for our club to help with collecting some school supplies for school children. Items wanted are the following: Ticonderoga Pencils, Crayola Crayons & Crayola Markers. Please bring these items to the weekly meeting.
*The Rotary Park on the harbor Flag needs replacing as well as some brush cleanup around that area. Stay tuned for information on addressing this issue.
Happy Dollars: Rodney Green:
Rodney thanked everyone for making this year’s golf tournament a success and it looks like the club will make a profit. He also reminded that the Chestnut Street Playhouse will be holding their tournament shortly. He also said the Governor Lamont has extended the limits on dining another 2 month so nothing much will change in the near future.
Andy Nollman is happy fall and campfires will soon be upon us and NFL football season will be starting soon!
Rich Pascal thanked fellow Rotary member and lawyer Theresa Madonna for her help is supplying information to settle a case.
Barry Shead thanked all the volunteers who helped make the golf tournament a success. Also, thanked Andy Grant for supplying three volunteers.
Mike Matera was happy to yell up the stairs to his 3rd grader “Rise and shine!” to begin the new school year. He was also happy to have had a great weekend on Block Island with his son to finish out the summer on their boat.
Andy Grant welcomed Dr. Walia. He also gave Mike Matera kudos for the hard work he does running Surplus Unlimited and the other businesses the family owns. He said “Soft Hearts, Steel Spines!”
Erin Gizio gave Mary Richardson 4 quarters to thank the volunteers at the Golf Tournament.
Susy Hurlbert thanked Rodney for a great lunch and for Lottie Scott on the recient passing of her sister. She also said she has been dealing with “Pandemic Tech Stuff” setting up home office computers, laptops and monitors. She had to upgrade Comcast internet and has been dealing with a docking station that did not function properly.
Gary Young forgot to mention that the Byrnes Agency was the title sponsor of this year’s Golf Tournament and is so grateful for their support! He thanked the volunteers for making the day successful and loved Rodney’s chocolate chip cookies at today’s meeting. Gary also told a story that a huge tree next to his guest house lost 3 huge limbs narrowly missing the house at 3am in the morning. He now has plenty of firewood now however!
Mike Cooney was sorry to learn of the loss of Lottie’s sister. He also told of some tales out on the golf course playing tricks with a tangerine instead of a golf ball. It was also his daughter Katie’s first day of school today and she wanted to get to the bus stop an hour before the bus actually scheduled to pick her up!
Dr. Walia gave to say he was happy to be back to the Norwich Rotary Club!
Kevin Wickless gave Mike Cooney credit on the Norwich Rotary website.
Lottie Scott said she was sad to lose her sister at the young age of 71.
Keith Caplet was happy his foursome came in 1st place net in the golf tournament! He credited good putting!
Auction: No Auction
Lottery: Rich Pascal
Andy Nollman, Barry Shead and Bob Reed drew cards to no avail! The Ace of Spades is still safe for another week!
Program:
Dr. Walia from United Community and Family Services gave a talk of the confusion surrounding the wearing of masks during the pandemic. He said it is extremely important to wear masks as the virus is an airborne virus and remains alive in the air. Masks are a physical barrier that will help not spreading the virus as it is spread primarily through the air. He recommended that all Rotarians “Mask up” and get to work like Rotary did to eradicate Polio from the world.
Bill Champagne led the club with the 4-Way Test.
President Mary adjourned the meeting at 1:10pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Reed – RONE Reporter