Norwich Rotary Club

The Rone – February 26, 2025

President Rodney called the meeting to order @ 12:16pm

Invocation- Barry Shead

Fellowship- Ray Baribeault.  Ray brought the punny, as usual.  No birthdays.  Anniversaries- John Mancini- 7yrs & Jerry Lowney- 55 yrs.  Guest: Mike Vaz, guest of Stan’s and Keith Caplet, guest of Mandy Crispim

Membership Minute- Stan Lucas.  Stan says good work, great to see a full and energetic room and let’s keep it going

Happy Dollars- Mike Matera. Mike welcomed guests and went to friends cabin in VT

  • Pat Marshall- Informed the Club longtime former Rotarian, Laura Hobart passed away this AM.  Pat was glad to get to know Laura and happy that she and Bill C introduced her to Rotary
  • Rodney Green- Brother in Law is in the hospital; doing better, but is still not out of the woods
  • Bill Champagne- Also got call re: Laura Hobart.  Previously sold her condo before moving into Norwichtown Rehab
  • Mary Richardson- Accepting nominations for Native Son/Daughter
  • Mike Cooney- Apologized for missing recent meetings.  Illness has run thru the family, hoping they’re all on an uptrend
  • Suzy Hurlbert- Loved Laura H and was welcome by her when 1st joined the Club.  Announced Central Norwich, CT was named #10 on Realtor.com list of most desirable/budget friendly places to buy in USA! Go Norwich!
  • Jeff Brining- Went snowmobiling w/ daughter over the weekend.  1st time on her own ride!
  • Ray Baribeault- Thinking of Laura H, she will be missed.  Told story of false alarm of broken glass at house
  • Roz Etra- Thinking of Laura H and was able to visit Laura in Norwichtown Rehab.  Still has girl scout cookies for those that want to order
  • Barry Shead- Good to see Keith C. The ARC is happy to support the Rotary Clock tower.  Thinking of Laura H
  • Stan Lucas- Thinking of Laura H and happy to see Keith C
Auction- Bob Reed will bring $20 to his next meeting he attends
Lottery- Gary Y, Kathryn T and Bill C all pulled win no winner.  Kathryn Tracey won the ARC cookies!
Speaker- Tish Rabe, author.  This is Tish’s 2nd visit to the Club.  She’s an accomplished author of children’s books and has sold over 11 MILLION children’s books!  Lives in Mystic w/ her husband.  Promoting a new Rotary Children’s book- “Kindness is Caring, Friendship is Sharing.” Tish is writing the book and Trumbull Rotary is taking the lead on this.  Goal is to raise $50,000 to get book off the ground.  Seeking additional sponsors, as approx. $19k is raised and needs to get to $50k by April 2025 to launch.  Book is due to be out in April 2026.  Contact Beth Stoller @ Beth@RotaryKidsBooks.org or www.RotaryKidsBooks.org for more info.
President Rodney closed the meeting @ 1:15pm with the Rotary 4 way test.
Respectfully submitted,  Andrew Nollman