Logo for: Rotary Old Saybrook

OS Rotary Meeting 06/29/2021

Click here for pictures

Gary led the Pledge of Allegiance and the prayer was given by Pat Devito.

Gary acknowledged Rotarians and who  are residents of this community for making the meeting arrangements. John Aforismo, Nancy Morin, Pat Settembrino and of course Gary are responsible for the venue, the light bites and beverages which included wine and beer. Big thanks also to Sue, Shireen and Pam. The group of Rotarians and their guests enjoyed each others company in this very nice seaside venue.

Gary welcomed our newest members to Rotary: Nancy Morin, Joan Winters, Marc McDonough and Michael Osnato. Gary spoke of the accomplishments this past year despite the restrictions from the pandemic. Gary, who is doing a second term as president, announced the new officers for the coming year and Bill McLaughlin said a few words of induction: Pat Devito, President-Elect; Secretary: John Giannini; Treasurer: Kathy Callinan. Bill had a lot of praise for Gary who has led the club to new heights with much more to come.

Charlie Norz, Chairman of the Foundation and Foundation Board member for over 20 years, talked about the modest beginning of our foundation to what it is today - the largest foundation in the district which is something we can all be proud of. The board is supposed to consist of past presidents but due to people leaving, others have stepped up to serve.

Gary mentioned some new club events and activities: Our Macaroni Dinner take-out fundraiser and our Shredding Day event both headed up by John Aforismo. Both were very successful and will continue. Our 2nd Annual Macaroni Dinner will be Oct. 17 and look for shredding day to happen around tax time. We are the major sponsor for the Summer Concert Series by the OS Parks & Rec Dept. This is a popular series that brings people out for music and fun on the town green. As the sponsor, club members will be there giving out bottled water, Rotary information and other items. Headed by John Giannini, this is a great way to interact with the community and raise awareness of what we do. Our website will be upgraded to bring more functional capabilities and will have a whole new look. Marty has worked with the current website for years and this is a major project to upgrade and improve our look and presence in the online world. Our golf tournament, headed by Brent and Charlie R. is Aug. 19. Despite the competition, we are hopeful this event, at Fox Hopyard - a premier course, will approach the earlier days when the tournament was a major fundraiser. Our annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction, chaired by Marty, is slated for Feb. 18, 2022 at Saybrook Point Inn. We have already begun soliciting sponsors - we want it to be the best ever! Mark Patterson is our sponsor coordinator so if you have any thoughts on potential sponsors, let Mark know.

The last piece of business was the raffle! This time there were no raffle tickets, instead, the winner was in a chair that was different from all the other chairs. Sitting in that seat was Alan Schwarz who received a jug of wine. Congratulations Alan!

md