Norwich bulletin., 1920-11-12

The Armistice day luncheon of the Norwich Rotary club was held on Thurs day noon at the Wauregan house and took on an air of true patriotism, there being talks by four men, all of whom were dec. orated by either the Italian, French of American governments for Valor during the war. There was also a talk on a very patriotic subject, The American Red Cross, by Dr. Joseph H. Selden. Lewis R. Church spoke on the revaluatcn of property in the city. Ansel E. Beclwith of Cleveland, formerly of Norwich, spoke to the members on the spirit of Rotary
 There were about 50 present at the luncheon and included many guests from Norwich and other cities. The tables were prettily decorated with chrysanthe- nuns and ferns and at each plate was a boutonere of red white and blue flowers tied with American flags. An orchestra, Henry J. LaFontaine, piano. Eben Learned. cello. and William J. Ma lone, violin, rendered music during the luncheon, and MT. Fontaine rendered two solos. Clinton E. Lane was song leader. Red Cross Roll Call.
 Mayor H. NJ Lerou presided at the meeting and in introducing the first speaker spoke of the observance of Arm istice day and how glad we were to be able to celebrate such a glorious victory. Mayor Lerou then introduced Rev. Jo- l seph II. Selden, who spoke as follows; Norwich has never failed to support the Red Cross. The work our chapter has accomplished in the past, of which we are 1 all proud, has been made possible by the | prompt and generous response which has 1 always been given to our appeals. In every case the quotas assigned to us, in l membership and in contributions, has l " I7at fl11r- l ing the coming week the good people of our city will gladly re-enroll in this great army Oi mercy.
 Dr. Selden then outlined the program of work to be undertaken next year by the Norwich chapter.
 The medical supervision of all children of school age, inaugurated by the Red Cross, has now been taken over by the town, under the direction of the town health officers, assisted by an advisory | committee of five. Since the town meet i ing in October the Red Cross has fur nshed funds for careful and thorough survey of the physical condition of all the children in the community of school age. The results of this survey, made by Dr. LaPierre, Dr. Blackmar. Dr. Driscol and l Dr. Cassidy. will be tabulated on cards, each containing the name of the child, age height, weight and physical condi- tion. This information will guide the nurses in their daily examination.
 The chapter is planning to extend and strengthen this service by the introduction of thorough training in dental and oral , hygiene. When it is remembered that over 90 per cent. of all the diseases con tracted by children are due to infections received through the mouth and nostrils, the importance of this service will be ap- ' parent.
 There is an imperative need of the ser vices of a nurse, to work in the auXil- iaries of the Norwich chapter nine in number, in the villages and hamIets about the city, We are planning to secure such nurse, to begin her work in the schools and later to organize classes in domestic hygiene and home care of the sick.
 But We recognize that our first respon- sibilty is to our soldiers and sailors and their families In treir interest our home service department is maintained. Hitn- erto very little has been said with re- . gard to this service, but from the en- trance of America into the war to the present time We have gladly rendered them aid in every way within our power by furnishing counsel and information, by preparing the papers required for secur
 ing the aid promised by the federal stat utes, relieving their immediate necessi ties by the loan and sometimes by the 2 gift of money. In all nearly $500 has passed through the treasury of our home service department. During the past yea over HOO calls have been made upon ou. : secretary.
 This department must be continued, a
 least for the next year, and this require
 the maintenance of an office and the em
 ployment of a secretary specially trane | fpr
 To carry out this program of servic
 will require at least 5000 for next year
 How can this be secured?
 We have but one source for our funds
 the fees received for membership. It i
 still true that "a heart and dollar ar
 all that is required to join the ReS Cross Of the sum thus secured the chapter ma
 retain one-half; but provision is mad
 for contributing memberships at $5, an
 sustaining memberships at $10, and c
 these the chapter may retain so per cent
 $4 out of 8. $S out of $10. It is fror
 these sources that we look for the none
 needed for our work.
 Through what other organization wi
 the expenditure of $5, ,000 mean so muc
 for the health and well being of the con
 munity?
 Mayor Lerou then introduced Ansel
 Beckwith, a former Norwich boy ar
 member of the Rochester Rotary clu
 MT Beckwith expressed himself
 pleased to being back in Norwich ar
 referred to r. Russell Smith and D
 John s. Blackmar. whom he knew we
 and who were heroes of the war speaking of Rotary N1r. Beckwith sa
 that Rotary is a spirit and not 9 men bership, it is the spirit of service ar