Norwich Rotary Club
July 12th, 2023
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE
Presiding: Mary Richardson
Invocation: Rodney Green
Fellowship: Barry Shead
Barry announced that Tom Adams is celebrating a birthday today! Also, best wishes to Nancy Gentes for her 17th anniversary as a member of Norwich Rotary! Thunderous applause ensued. Barry then gave a fellowship address about the United States Supreme Court. The court was established in 1789 and became one of the three parts on our government, the judicial, executive and legislative. Only two of our Supreme Court Justices have appeared on US Currency, John Marshall on the $500.00 and Solomon Chase on the $10,000. No one in attendance happened to have on in their pockets however. The Court used to meet at different location throughout the country until 1935 when the Supreme Court Building was built for a permanent home. There have been 17 Chief Justices and 116 justices so far throughout the creation of the court.
Announcements:
President Mary reminded that sign-up sheets for committees are available still and have plenty of openings still to be filled. There will be a Bowl-a-Thon at the Groton Bowling Center sponsored by the Ledyard club and is a fundraiser and all are clubs are encouraged to take part. Saturday, August 5th there will be a BBQ at Dodd Stadium that will encompass area clubs to participate in a night of fellowship and some good food and baseball. $30.00 per person includes good food, ticket to game, etc. See President Mary if you are interested. The Golf Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6th. Gary young said golfers, volunteers, sponsors and auction items are still needed. If you want to volunteer contact Erin Gizio. There will be no regular meeting that day.
Membership Minute: Stan Lucas
Stan passed out sheets of paper and asked Rotarians in attendance to write the name of at least “one” person who you think would be a good prospective member. These were collected by Stan and will be followed up.
Happy Dollars: Andy Grant
*Andy started things off saying he was happy that his daughter and son-in-law returned Europe safe and sound. His daughter is expecting twins in the near future!
*Stan Lucas said that his daughter Anna turned 46 today! They had a huge celebration the evening prior at Stan’s house on Broadway in Norwich that included about a hundred family and friends.
*Bill Champagne just returned from spending a week at Chautaququa Institution in New York and there was a key into the environment with an art exhibit titled Washed Ashore. Washed Ashore has processed over 35 tons of plastic pollution from the Pacific Northwest’s ocean beaches to create over 85 works of art that are awakening the hearts and minds of viewers to the global marine debris crisis. Bill also learned that fellow Rotarian Alexis Kahn’s mother is an accomplished opera singer.
*Kevin Wickless said that his house in Vermont faired reasonably well during the record tropical downpours earlier this week. His canoe that was stored behind the house received a big dent from a rolling boulder to add to the other dents! Over 8 inches of rain fell in 30 hours and it’s being called “Irene 2.0.”
*Jen Granger said at UCFS everyone receives a birthday card with a $2.00 bill enclosed to honor their special day. Jen gave hers to happy dollars and asked if anyone knew who was on the face of the bill. It’s Thomas Jefferson of course!
*Andy Nollman gave $20.00 to say how thankful that his mother is doing better after some serious health issues. She was going in for knee surgery and during the check-up beforehand they discovered blockages in her heart. That had to be addressed before any knee surgery could be done and was completed successfully. She is now in rehab and doing well. Not easy being 80. Andy also said his New England Patriots season tickets have arrived! Go Pats!
*Mary Richardson had happy dollars to say she has some of the best employees on earth. During the recent heavy rain storms they were still getting jobs done while being drenched to the bone. She also said they cover her always, so she can have time for Rotary.
*Rodney Green reminded everyone that the Chestnut Street Playhouse is presenting the Musical “Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville” July 13th through the 30th. Go see this great production and have fun support the theatre!
*Barry Shead spent last week in Maine and did not see the sun until the day he left for home. He also had a funny story about ordering food and when they called out his order the name he gave them was nothing like what they called out! “Gazandro” is a far cry from “Barry!”
Weekly Auction: No auction this week.
Lottery: Kathryn Tracey
Gary Young, Rodney Green and Andy Grant drew cards and still no winner. Barry’s ARC Cookies were won by Andrew Nollman!
Program: No Program this week.
President Mary called on Bill Champagne to lead the club with the 4-Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 12:51pm