Pledge and Prayer: Pres. Gary McCauley
Brents Card Game Winner: Bill O'Shaughnessy
Sergeants Report: Pete Zucco
Raffle: John Aforismo, Patty DeVito, Ken Roche
Happy Bucks: the crocuses are out, being here, sunshine, the nice day, the successful wine tasting, Bill O was very happy, the UCONN womens basketball success, playing golf at Fenwick
Announcements:
Gary talked about the dedication of the art gallery at the town hall which he and others attended. The club donated funds with Eversource to supply the excellent lighting. The gallery features local artists.
Business:
For some time, the club has been operating at a deficit for our meetings. We have not been taking enough in to pay the total cost of the host restaurant - about $2 per person short. Charlie Norz pointed out that no foundation money is used for club expenses. We have some options that were discussed and decisions will have be made. We can raise the price everyone pays for their meals to an amount that covers the shortfall plus a little more to provide a cushion, we can change to a less expensive meal plan, we can change venues, and other possible changes. Students of the Month are paid by the foundation. More on this later.
Gary talked about the bylaws which were ratified on May 30, 2018. Avenues of Service need to be updated. More discussion on this needed.
Joan talked about a request she received recently from Susan Consoli of Social Services for an "exciting new program for seniors". Called Senior Strings, Susan is working on a grant that will bring music and playing music to combat Alzheimers.
Purpose of Grant: Why is funding needed? Who will benefit and how?
Funding is needed for our new program Senior Strings that will help seniors participate in a program to keep cognitive acuity and be preventative of development of Alzheimer’s Disease. This program will also provide social stimulation and decrease depression and isolation. The average age of those signed up to participate is 75 and participants range in age from 64 to 80 years young. We need funding for instruments and instruction. We are using the Community Room at the Senior Housing on Sheffield St. for 16 , once a week sessions we are planning to start in early March through the end of June. At the end the seniors will be able to play at least three songs which we plan to perform in town at selected events and venues to engage both their families and community members
Name of Program or Individual Beneficiary: Senior Strings
Joan will follow up on this.
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