70th Anniversary

The celebration was held in conjunction with the Annual Banquet at the Innis Arden Golf Club, Old Greenwich, November 13, 2024

CIGAR BOX BULLETIN

Fellowship, Volunteerism, Service 

VOLUME 72  NUMBER 4  November 13, 2024

SCRIBE: JOHN REESE

Full issue

Greenwich Retired Men's Association Celebrates 70 Years of

Camaraderie and Community Impact

A palpable sense of camaraderie filled the air at the Innis Arden Golf Club in Old Greenwich, CT, as the sun cast its warm glow on a picturesque Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The occasion? The Greenwich Retired Men's Association (RMA) was marking its 70^th Annual Banquet, a testament to the enduring spirit of fellowship and service that defines this vibrant organization. The festivities began with a convivial gathering in the club's sun-drenched sunroom, where members and their guests mingled amidst breathtaking views of the rolling greens. Laughter and lively conversation flowed as freely as the selection of wines and liquors at the well-stocked cash bar. Guests savored a delectable array of hors d’oeuvres, including a variety of cheeses, plump strawberries, creamy hummus, and a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables.

As the clock neared noon, the celebration shifted to the club's modern dining room, bathed in warm light and adorned with elegant floral arrangements. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as DAVID MICHONSKI, the RMA's First Vice President and the day's master of ceremonies, took the stage. With his trademark warmth and humor, MICHONSKI welcomed the attendees, setting the stage for a memorable afternoon of reflection and celebration.

                

The banquet commenced with a heartfelt invocation by ARNOLD GORDON, whose words served as a poignant reminder of the importance of community, gratitude, and the power of human connection. Following the invocation, BOB BISHOP led the assembly in a stirring Pledge of Allegiance, while the voice of TOM HEALY, accompanied by BOB MORGAN, filled the room with a rousing rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” their performance a testament to the enduring power of music to unite and inspire.

Before the day's festivities continued, DAVID MICHONSKI took a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the many individuals who had contributed to making the event a resounding success. He recognized key members, including MARK GEIMER and JEFF JUNKER, who had skillfully automated the ticketing process, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees. TROY JOHNSON, the man behind the lens, was also acknowledged for his efforts in capturing the day's special moments. A particularly heartfelt round of applause erupted for ANDY HOLMES, who, despite battling a bout of COVID at home, had meticulously prepared 175 personalized name tags, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the RMA.

One of the day's most poignant moments came with the recognition of immediate past president JACK WEIR. Despite having suffered a serious stroke shortly after completing his term, WEIR's determination to attend the celebration moved many to tears. His presence, supported by caring fellow members, embodied the organization's spirit of resilience and brotherhood. As MICHONSKI acknowledged WEIR's attendance, the room erupted in heartfelt applause, recognizing not only his leadership but his inspiring courage in the face of adversity.

 

     Dave Michonski                                   Jack Weir (L) with speaker Dave Richards

With the stage set, WILL MORRISON, the current RMA President, later took his place behind the podium, his presence radiating both enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for the organization he leads. His address focused on the RMA's remarkable journey and its continued evolution. He highlighted the recent surge in social engagement among members, noting the emergence of new interest groups, including book clubs and even the exciting possibility of an RMA jazz band. His voice swelled with pride as he spoke about the organization's unwavering dedication to volunteerism, a cornerstone of the RMA's ethos.

Will Morrison's speech

In another moving moment, JOE MANCINELLI stepped forward to present the coveted Outstanding Service Award. This year's recipient was JIM SANTORA, a dedicated member whose quiet contributions over two decades had touched countless lives. MANCINELLI spoke glowingly of SANTORA's unwavering commitment to serving others, highlighting his involvement in numerous local initiatives that embodied the RMA's core values of fellowship and service. Accepting the award on SANTORA's behalf was MICHAEL AMBROSINO.

The next person to present was LEE LUNDY, acting Volunteer chairman, to announce this year's distinguished volunteers. He said, “Our volunteer program has three goals: support RMA activities and local nonprofits; make it easy for members to engage with others; and help establish RMA as an outstanding civic organization. We've had a very good year. About 40% of our members volunteered and our hours were up to over 17,000. I will recognize those who volunteered in two specific areas and ask them to stand first. Call-A-Ride volunteer drivers, who drive seniors or others needing a ride in the area to doctors, dentists, or dry cleaning or whatever. All of those who are Call-A-Ride participants stand at this time for a round of applause. My next group is the Melody Men. They sing in many venues and rather than giving a lift in a car, they give a lift to those who hear them. I would ask all the Melody Men to stand for a round of applause.”

“For individual recognition, I will name the volunteers who had over 300 hours of volunteer work in the year and ask them to stand… those stellar volunteers are TIM BROOKS, JOHN FEBLES, ARNOLD GORDON, ALAN GUNSBERG, MIKE HAYDEN, JEFF JUNKER, TAD LARRABEE. We're in the Bobs here, BOB MORGAN, BOB PHILLIPS, and BOB RIMMER, then PETER STERN, HORST TEBBE, CRAIG WALTERS and FRED WU. To all of you, thank you very much for your participation.”

The afternoon's highlight arrived with the introduction of the keynote speaker, DAVE RICHARDS. A retired real estate lawyer and accomplished historian, RICHARDS joined the RMA in 2017, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a passion for uncovering the past. With degrees from both Yale and Cambridge, he has authored several books, including, most recently, a comprehensive history of the RMA itself, a project he undertook at the behest of past president JACK WEIR.

RICHARDS captivated the audience with his engaging storytelling, transporting them back to the RMA's humble beginnings in March 1954. He revealed a fascinating and little-known fact: the organization, initially conceived as a space for retired men to connect and combat loneliness, was the brainchild not of a man, but of a woman named Mrs. La Rievier. Driven by a desire to provide her father with companionship and a sense of belonging, Mrs. La Rievier approached the YMCA, setting in motion the chain of events that would lead to the RMA's formation. This revelation served as a powerful reminder of the often-invisible hands, both male and female, that shape the course of history.

RICHARDS’ speech wove together anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on the RMA's evolution from a small gathering of friends to a thriving community dedicated to service. He recounted the early days when the RMA met at the YMCA, emphasizing that fellowship, that essential human need for connection, was the organization's original and driving force. Over time, however, the RMA's mission expanded to embrace volunteerism and community service, reflecting a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of individual well-being and the health of the community as a whole. RICHARDS’ words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding them of the enduring legacy of the RMA and its impact on the lives of its members and the broader Greenwich community.

Dave Richards’ speech

As the afternoon drew to a close, the celebratory mood reached its crescendo. TOM HEALY, his voice ringing out, led the crowd in a joyous rendition of "Happy Anniversary," while the attentive Innis Arden staff presented a magnificent RMA anniversary cake, its white frosting adorned with a proud "70." Applause erupted as WILL MORRISON, a twinkle in his eye, blew out the candles, marking this significant milestone with a sense of shared accomplishment and joy.

 

After President WILL blew out the candles on the anniversary cake, emcee MICHONSKI stepped back to the podium, and told attendees to grab the confetti bombs strategically placed on all tables and set them off, resulting in a spectacular shower of colorful confetti throughout the room!

          

               President Morrison sets off a “confetti bomb”

But the festivities weren't over just yet. The MELODY MEN, a beloved RMA tradition, took to the stage, ready to serenade the audience with their musical talents. Led by the ever-enthusiastic TOM HEALY, with the legendary BOB MORGAN at the piano and JEFF JUNKER adding his soulful touch on the trombone, the Melody Men launched into a crowd-pleasing medley. From the rousing strains of "Seventy-Six Trombones" and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” to the heartwarming melody of "Sweet Caroline," their performance had toes tapping and hearts soaring. The audience, swept up in the moment, demanded an encore, and the Melody Men, ever happy to oblige, treated them to a final, heartwarming number, “There Is Nothing Like a Dame” from South Pacific.

 

     Joe Mancinelli (center) as the “lion” in “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”

As members began to take their leave, the warmth of camaraderie lingered in the air. The 70^th Annual RMA Banquet had been more than just a celebration of the past; it had been a powerful affirmation of the organization's enduring spirit, its commitment to fostering meaningful connections, and its dedication to making a positive impact on the community. Those who had been fortunate enough to attend left with hearts full of warmth and memories that would be cherished for years to come. And those who had missed it, well, they couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, wishing they, too, could have been part of such a vibrant and meaningful celebration.

 

The RMA, with its rich history and unwavering commitment to fellowship and service, stands as a shining example of the power of community. It serves as a beacon, reminding us that by embracing our shared humanity, by extending a hand to those in need, and by working together towards common goals, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

 

                Happy Birthday RMA!                        Satisfied attendee Jerry Pollack