President Mary called the assembled masses to order at 12:15;
Invocation: Pinch-hitting for Lottie, Gary provided another memorable invocation;
Fellowship with Susy: There were no birthdays or anniversaries. As guests, the club welcomed Roz and Shavaia (sic.) They were treated to a passable version of Welcome to Rotary. Susy noted several significant events attributed to June 2, not the least being the wedding of President Grover Cleveland, complemented by biographical information and anecdotes regarding Mrs. Cleveland. (Frances Clara Cleveland.) Although not mentioned, there is a Cleveland connection to the Baby Ruth candy bar. The name of the candy bar sounds like the name of the famous baseball player Babe Ruth, but the Curtiss Candy Company traditionally claimed that it was named after President Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth Cleveland!
Announcements: Nancy reported that the grants committee had 12 applications to review. Diapers are being ordered as per the club’s successful district grant. The Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank Foundation awarded the club $750 for the coat drive. A Rose Garden meeting is scheduled for June 16. Suki is working on organizing the 2021 carnival, from June 24-27, with the location to be determined. The Change of Command Ceremony is scheduled for June 30, and the golf tournament for September 1. President Mary exhorted the club to give some money for the goats! which elicited cheers and whistles and a spontaneous, albeit short-lived parade.
Happy Dollars: With Barry! Barry welcomed Bill Ferguson, who has succeeded Andrea Kaiser at the ARC, and was delighted to see Joel. Jim Daly was happy to see Joel and wistfully admitted that he missed slamming down a telephone receiver (that’s all I have in my notes, I am sure there was more to it!) Susy reported that ECAR had a food drive and shred-it event on Saturday. She spent much of the Memorial Day weekend helping her daughter move into her new condominium and painting the interior. Mike Matera welcomed Joel and reported on his tenure as an assistant coach for his son’s Little League team. Reports are that the kids are improving daily. Gary Young was pleased to see Stan and Joel and “zoomed” with his nephew in Ohio. Remember the golf tournament! Mike Cooney was also happy to see Joel but was less pleased by the bad behavior of an opposing baseball coach during a children’s game. Kathryn Tracey noted the renovation and reopening of Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank’s Norwichtown office and the 100th anniversary of the horrifying Greenwood Massacre. Roz thanked the club for their assistance to Joel. Stan reported that he is going to Costa Rica to assess property on a picturesque mountain top. Andy Nollman welcomed Bill Ferguson and Shavaia (sic.) He and his wife ventured out to a restaurant for the first time in 9 months and enjoyed the experience! Theresa Madonna allowed that she was happy to see Barry. Nicole Sweeney announced that Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank was accepting items for their food drive.
Auction: Mike Matera offered a Blue Tooth speaker which caused passionate bidding that crested at the $20 mark. Sold to Susy!
Lottery: With Susy! After the pandemic hiatus, the live Lottery stimulated intense interest:
President Mary-No!
Kathryn-No!
Mike M.-No!
The loud moans of frustration and accompanying shock waves emanating from the room caused traffic disruptions as far away as Voluntown and were subsequently blamed for several water main breaks in surrounding communities. Several aquatic birds were reportedly found comatose after apparently falling from their perches.
Gary offered several prizes to the club member who could guess his most recent golf score. Bob Reed’s prescience helped him win a cache of Klondike Bars.
The meeting ended with an ineffable recitation of the 4 Way Test.