Pledge/Prayer: Pres. Gerri Lewis
Song: John Donnelly
Brents Card Game Winner: Glen Anderson
Sergeants Report: Kathy Callinan
Raffle Winners: Bill O., Brent, Charlie
Happy Bucks: Guests, Ken's sister just turned 87, David hopeful for wife's surgery, Charlie started the spring semester, no snow, Brent will have brochures for the golf tournament next meeting, John for his daughter's citizenship papers!
Meals on Wheels: John Donnelly
Foundation meeting following regular meeting
Program: The Preserve
Our speakers were Chris Cryder of "Save the Sound" and Kate Brown, Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land. They provided what could be the roadmap for the towns of Old Saybrook and Essex to take ownership of the body of land known as "The Preserve" aka "Thousand Acres". This land is presently owned by Lehmann Bros Holding and is for sale at a price of $11 million. There was an attempt years ago to develop this pristine area for a championship golf course and houses. That plan was never approved and thanks to environmentalist like Conn. Fund for the Environment, there is an effort underway to buy this land and protect in perpetuity. Its the last unprotected coastal forest of this size (2 miles from LI Sound) between NY and Boston. 926 acres are in Old Saybrook, about 70 acres in Essex and 4 acres are in Westbrook.
In order to take this over, the residents of Old Saybrook must approve a bonding for $3million. If that succeeds, the State of CT must approve an amount of $5 - $6million to assist in the purchase and the rest must be provided by private donations.
This property is home to several endangered species and provides a flyway for birds going north where they can refuel. Springs feed the Oyster and Mud Rivers which empty into the Conn. River. There are 24 miles of trails. Currently, you can hike this but only through organized hikes as its private property. There is a schedule hike Saturday, March 8 at 10am. 
Gerri's Letter:
Good morning everyone. Think golf!
Last week everyone came out to hear Chris Cryder and Kate Brown give a very informative presentation on "The Preserve." The Preserve comprises about 1000 acres of land, the largest parcel in Old Saybrook. Approximately 940+- acres are in Old Saybrook; approximately 55+- in Essex and approximately 4-5 acres in Westbrook. If you get on their email list, you will have the opportunity to sign up for hikes in The Preserve. Many of you showed interest in hiking, so for those of you who aren't familiar with the Old Saybrook Land Trust, google it and get on their mailing list as well. Chris also leads hikes in The Great Cedars forest. Lots of interesting stuff going on in Old Saybrook right in front of your nose.
Welcome back Jason! So good to have you back in Old Saybrook with us after all of those months in New Haven.
Two weeks ago, Heather Asch, a freelance puppetry artist, was our guest speaker. It was a very enlightening and fun meeting....perhaps Heather and puppets would like to join Rotary?! I think we'll be seeing more of Ms. Asch and company.
Next week, is our Student of The Month program AND the induction of our newest member, Charlie Renshaw. To do the honors, we are pleased to welcome our District Governor Rick Bassett. Our Assistant District Governor, Jack Solomon will be in attendance as well.
Today, Bill O. (your President for 2014-2015)is leaving for PETS in Framingham, MA. Learn a lot Bill, I'm a hard act to follow! Just kidding folks....but seriously, Bill, you need to set your alarm.
You will be pleased to hear that David Wight's wife Bobbi is doing well after her hip operation.
Andy, we're missing you. Peter, please tell Andy we're thinking of him and Judy.
Sandy Miller, hope to see you soon.
Looking ahead, there are 5 Wednesdays in April, and I'm open to suggestions for restaurants for an evening meeting. Also, if you have suggestions for a program, I would like to hear about that as well.
Looking still further ahead, our golf tournament is just around the corner. Our brochures are being printed as we speak, so get your sponsors and teams together for a great day of fun, food and prizes! Brent will start his whining soon....just kidding Brent (was I?)
Finally, please remember if you are bringing guests to the meeting, kindly let me know for a food count. As always, our breakfasts are wonderful thanks to Stu and her staff.
I think that's it for now, folks. Be well and be safe.
THINK GOLF!!!!!!
Gerri Lewis, President
Rotary Club of Old Saybrook
FAR District 7980
