Norwich Rotary Club
September 28th, 2022
Location-Bella Fiore
THE RONE
Presiding: President Susy Hurlbert
Invocation: Barry Shead
Fellowship: Bob Farwell
Birthdays: Nancy Gentes – 9/23
Anniversaries: Bonnie Johnson & Terrie Congdon – 1 year on 9/16 (However many, many more years of prior Rotary service in Colchester!)
Visiting Rotarians: None
Guests: No guests
Bob gave an interesting fellowship about the history behind the eight members of the Chicago White Sox who were indicted for allegedly throwing the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. After all was said and done all eight were acquitted at trial, but all eight were banned from baseball thereafter. One of the most famous of the eight was Joe Jackson, better known as “Shoeless Joe Jackson.” Shoeless Joe had a bat “Black Betsey” that was cut from the north side of a hickory tree. The “Black Betsey” story was recast by Bernard Malamud in his 1952 novel The Natural as the main character Roy Hobbs travels with his bat “Wonderboy” fashioned from a tree struck by lightning. According to his biographer, Jackson acquired the “Shoeless Joe” nickname around 1908. It was not a case of a country boy unused to shoes preferring to play in his bare feet. Supposedly Jackson, attempting to break in a new pair of spikes, the next day experienced painful blisters which would not permit him to wear footwear. Joe played in a game in his stocking feet and hit a home run. As he rounded third a fan shouted “Oh, you shoeless sonofabitch!” The baseball writer for the Greenville News, Scoop Latimer, coined “Shoeless Joe Jackson” in his column the next day to his readers delight.
Announcements:
*Susy Hurlbert had the following announcements:
*The Peace Pole rededication on September 21st, International Peace Day was a success. The Rededication ceremony took place at 1pm. 17 Jr. High students attended, Carroll Mailhot sang and Mayor Nystrom will attended and remembered deceased Norwich Rotarian, Bonnie Hong, for starting the Peace Pole Project and for her many projects that benefited the City of Norwich.
*The Celebrate Cultural Diversity event was a huge success and over 300 people were in attendance. There will be a wrap up meeting at City Hall on September 29th.
*The ARC Road Race will take place on Sunday October 2nd at 9am at Camp Harkness. It’s a 5K Run or Walk if you like.
*Mike Matera reported that 25 kids were signed up for the Amber Alert at the Celebrate Cultural Diversity event and the Healthy Living Festival!
*Jen Granger reported that the Dictionary Project will most likely take place in late October and volunteers are needed to deliver the dictionaries to the schools. Stay tuned for more information.
*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.
*Kindness gardens are now available for purchase on the Rotary Website. $150.00 for small, $250.00 for large and $500.00 extra large.
Happy Dollars: – Rodney Green
*Rodney said he will not be attending next week’s meeting as he will be participating in the Annual Chestnut Street Playhouse Golf Tournament. There is still time to enter if you like. Also, the coats for the winter coat project will be ordered on Monday.
*Bill Champagne gave happy dollars to say he’s proud of the Norwich Rotary Club. Mentioning the recent golf tournament, Celebrate Cultural Diversity event, Amber Alert, Peace Pole dedication, Race Equity presentations by the Rotary Sponsored Race Equity Committee, The Lottie B. Scott Award given to our own Barry Shead and other projects Rotary sponsors, he’s proud to be a member of such an active organization. Bill also said that the “Walktober” walks are now taking place and one that is close to his heart is the one on Saturday for the Uncas Leap Walk.
*Renee Pernell said she has taken a new position at Chelsea Groton Bank and will be unable to attend Rotary meeting in the future. She said she has enjoyed her time in the club and wishes to remain in touch.
*Andy Nollman said his wife Lona has been dealing with an eye infection. He said he had 12 hours of fun this past Sunday at the Pat’s game tailgating and watching the game. He is also looking forward to going camping soon!
*Jen Granger said she really enjoyed her recent visit to the Dominican Republic! She also thanked the Race Equity Committee for the recent program at the Otis Library.
*Mike Matera thanked Andy Grant & Jeff Bruning for their help with the Amber Alert.
*Andy Grant thanked Mike Matera for handling the Amber Alert project!
*Barry Shead wished Renee Pernell the best in her new position. He also had Roses for sale to benefit the Putnam Rotary Club.
*Susy Hurlbert said her member services director has left the realtor association. Also, stay tuned for big news on the Rotary Park and she hopes that the clock will be located there. Also, her friend Ernie likes all her Rotary stories!
Auction:
Bob Reed donated $20.00. Andy Nollman also auctioned 4 tickets to the NFA Band Competition for Saturday night. Andy Grant was the high bidder at $10.00.
Weekly Rotary Trivia: Next week is the Trivia. Read your Rotarian Magazine!!!!
Lottery: – Barry Shead
Andy Nollman, Mary Richardson & Renee Pernell did not find the Ace of Spades! Renee Pernell won the cookies!
Program:
No Program Today as Mary Richardson and crew will be planting at the Rotary Park following the Meeting!
Susy Hurlbert led the Club and all recited the 4-Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at 12:51 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Reed – RONE Reporter