Greeter: Pete Zucco
Pledge of Allegiance. 4-Way Test and Prayer – Led by Pete Zucco
Raffle Winners – Congratulations to Chip, John, Nancy, and Gary
Card Game winner: Alan Schwarz
Happy Bucks:
Celebrating the recognition of John Aforismo as “Saybrook Person of the Week” and Chip Adams, for his volunteer work, for the new member here today, grateful for holiday times with family, happy being part of this group and the opportunities Rotary affords its members especially at the start of the New Year.
Jan sent best wishes to all Rotarians celebrating January birthdays and to those marking Rotary anniversaries.
The Student of the Month ceremony is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. on January 14 at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina. All members interested in attending must sign up ahead of time. If you would like to attend and did not sign up contact Jan Perruccio. Sign-up sheets were also circulated for those wishing to volunteer as greeters or to lead the
4-Way Test and prayer at future meetings.
Jan requested that members interested in attending the District Assembly on January 24, 2026, at Quinnipiac University should register. This event is highly recommended for all Rotarians, especially current and future officers. It will discuss AI as a useful tool but one that requires more information and experience in its use. The Assembly is described as a valuable learning experience and is a requirement for all President-Elects.
Jan introduced Julia Kushigian-Secor from the New London Rotary, who is the District President-Elect for 2027. Julia discussed the grant opportunities available to Rotary clubs and explained the process for identifying and developing projects that benefit their communities. She highlighted the “My Rotary” website and the Learning Center as key resources for guidance on project development.
Julia outlined a step-by-step approach: club members should brainstorm ideas, gather input from the community via assessments, set project goals, a budget and collaborate with partner clubs. She provided an example of a potential District project—a Packaging Event—which involves collecting food items for local food pantries. Multiple clubs would work together, apply for district grant matching, and use the resulting funds to combat food insecurity. This is an opportunity to collaborate on a larger initiative that can benefit multiple communities.
For any project to be effective, input and agreement from the community is key. The project must fit one of Rotary’s areas of focus such as conflict resolution, disease prevention, maternal health, water sanitation, etc.
Grants are funded by contributions from Rotary Clubs to Rotary International. That money is invested for three years and then distributed upon request to clubs as a district or international grant. Each club can request two $2500 ($5000 total) matching grants annually.
Julia also discussed international grants, especially the recent project done by the New London Club which sent a container of used instruments to Ecuador. Diego Carniero, an accomplished musician, an Ambassador for Peace, and a graduate of the Rotary Peace Center established a music school for under served youth. Many individuals and groups donated used instruments, but the challenge was finding a way to ship them to Ecuador. A Rotarian donated a shipping container but that had to be filled with all the instruments for shipping and required professional movers. Diego will be back in the Spring to provide a musical event at the Garde Theater in New London. Julia’s contact information is jakus@conncoll.edu.
Jan discussed the upcoming election of officers and encouraged members to consider serving as officers. The roles are described in the By-Laws and there is support from previous office holders to help with the role. Ballots go out January 14, and the vote is January 28. Members must be present at the meeting to vote.
Marty and Pete spoke about the Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction on April 10. Scot Haney and Nicole Nalepa will be returning as our hosts for the evening. Fun fact: Scot and Nicole have been hosting our event since 2022. All forms, tickets, flyers, letters, etc. is at the printers and should be ready for next week for distribution to members. The first phase will be getting everyone up to speed and setting the foundation for the event. The 2nd phase is selling tickets, getting sponsors and items for the auction and raffle. Larger items are encouraged since there was monetary success with the Lottery tree and wine wheelbarrow. Start soliciting soon because some businesses need approval and this can take time. Ticket ($50 each) and raffle costs will remain the same as last year. There will be lots of opportunities to assist with this event as time gets closer but for now, please think about potential sponsors, items and ticket sales.
Martha and Alex will be away for several months so a volunteer to provide a light breakfast meal for the rest of 2026 was requested All expenses are reimbursed.
John reported the Centennial planning will also begin soon. More information will be provided as plans solidify.
Retention Initiative: Discussion on the retention initiative has been tabled until the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned. The next club meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2025, at 7:00 AM at Saybrook Point.
