Logo for: Rotary Old Saybrook

OS Rotary Meeting 04/14/21

Pledge: Gary McCauley

Prayer and Four Way Test: Gary McCauley

Happy Bucks: Many for the upcoming Shred Day, many for the beautiful day, looking forward to meeting in person, Pat D. is happy that the flat tire on his bike is fixed, Bill M. is happy for a recent lunch with 17 people from Old Saybrook, several for today’s speaker, John is celebrating his annual “Me Day”.

President’s Update:  Gary picked up 3500 PPE masks. They will be distributed to two schools and handed out at the Summer Concert Series. The Club now has an account with Eventgroove which will be linked to our website. Concert Series – the check presentation for our sponsorship will take place on 4/21 at the Park and Rec. We are the lead sponsor for 11 concerts on the Green and 5 concerts at the beach. Rotary International Conference will be June 12 to 16 and will be virtual. District Conference is April 24th.

Guest Speaker: Charlie Norz, Topic: Big ship/small canal

   

             Before addressing the grounding of the cargo ship Ever Given, Charlie explained the evolution of the container ships. The present day container ships, like the Ever Given, weigh 224,000 tons and measure 1300 feet (a ¼ mile) long and 200 feet wide. The ship ran aground on March 23rd and was freed six days later. The ship was loaded with 18,000 shipping containers which may have served as a “sail” to render it helpless in the high wind situation. The exact cause of the grounding has yet to be determined but mechanical failure has been ruled out. The Ever Given hasn’t been able to leave the waterway after Egyptian authorities announced it must first pay $1 billion in damages. The Evergreen Marine Corp. is facing increasing pressure to deliver its thousands of containers, filled with everything from toilet paper to coffee to furniture, to its customers. Thanks Charlie for a very informative presentation!

Fundraising:

            Golf Tournament: waiting for updated COVID protocols.

            Shred Day: Ready to go this Saturday. 4/17, 9 to noon, OSHS parking lot.

Committee Reports:

            Membership: Nancy Morin is now an official member. Congratulations Nancy!

            Speakers: Ed Morin will speak on 4/21.

Next Meeting 4/21, ZOOM at Noon.