Greeter Rosanne Farrell led the Pledge of Allegiance, 4-Way Test, and Prayer
Card Game Winner: Tami was the winner of the card game held during the meeting.
Happy Bucks: Members shared their gratitude and celebrations, including Bill O'Shaughnessy's 46 years in Rotary, honoring Chip for his volunteer work at the Chamber event that evening, appreciation for friendships, the joy of being together, relief for having heat during the frigid weather, and the welcome of new members.
- Jan introduced two new potential members and invited them to share their backgrounds and interests. Alan Poirier, a resident of Old Lyme and retired from Pfizer, has actively participated in environmental and conservation initiatives, including working with a Land Trust and addressing climate change issues in his community. Alan expressed his enthusiasm for joining Rotary and contributing to community activities; his membership will be considered at the next meeting.
Tony Sharillo, Chief Executive Officer of the Valley Shore YMCA, attended as a guest and is interested in becoming a Rotary member. With a background in child psychology, Tony has been with the YMCA for several years, overseeing programs for members. Both Alan and Tony received a warm welcome from the club.
Program: Hope Partnership Presentation
Dave Carswell and Toni Lyon of Hope Partnership were introduced. Toni spoke about the 22 yr. old organization which has developed affordable housing working with municipalities, private partners, and community organizations. As an example, Toni spoke of Ferry Crossing in Old Saybrook, an early Hope project, which has 16 deed-restricted affordable houses for people making below 25% of area medium income. Another project is Wellington at Madison which has 30 affordable housing units for people who meet the same criteria. Pierson School in Clinton is under consideration for development as affordable housing.
Affordable housing continues to be needed, and challenges are availability of land, and use of existing single-family housing on large properties which could potentially sub-divided and limited access to needed utilities. Hope Partnership will continue to work with development partners as real estate prices and home ownership costs rise, to increase the number affordable housing units.
- Budget Presentation:
Kathy Callinan presented the Club 2025-2026 budget through December. The budget was on target with the money spent and available cash. Dues are used to pay for Rotary International, so the OS Rotary Club depends on fund-raising activities to meet fixed expenses and community events. The Foundation Budget is also on target to meet their responsibilities for scholarships and other community activities the club supports. The Foundation has an investment fund which has grown over the last year and should sustain the club for future needs. - New Officers:
Jan presented the proposed slate of candidates for Rotary club offices for the 2026 - 2027 term:
Peter Zucco, President
John Aforismo, President Elect
David Condron, Secretary
Michael Millerick, Treasurer
Marty Palmieri and Jan Perruccio, Co-Sgts-at-Arms
The proposed list of candidates received approval on January 14, and the election is scheduled to take place at the meeting of January 28. Members must be present at the January 28 meeting to vote.
- Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction, April 10, 2026
Marty provided an update on the Wine & Beer Tasting Event scheduled for April 10. Scot Haney and Nicole Nalepa will be returning as hosts for the event. All event information including tickets is printed and is being distributed to members. Auction items need to be solicited; larger items are especially encouraged, as previous events with items like the Lottery tree and Wheelbarrow of Wine were financially successful. Ticket and raffle prices will remain the same as last year, $50 - a great value! It is important to obtain sponsors to help fund the event. There will be many opportunities for all members to support the event over the next few months. Success depends on full participation! - Member Retention Initiatives:
Joan Winters discussed strategies and initiatives to foster fellowship among club members and support new members in becoming comfortable with Rotary activities. Suggestions included reaching out via text messages, phone calls, or simply meeting for coffee - simple actions to help members stay connected, get to know one another better, and enhance engagement and inclusion within the club. - On Friday, January 23, at 5:30 PM, The Kate staff kindly extended an invitation to Rotarians to attend Cocktails with the Curator. This is an opportunity to view Katherine Hepburn’s collection of memorabilia. Those interested in attending should contact The Kate.
- Carpooling for the District assembly on Saturday, January 24 was discussed for members attending. It will be a large gathering so attendees may want to take health precautions such as wearing a mask. Nancy will provide an update on location of 4-Way Test event.
- New Member Orientation:
Before the meeting at 10 at the Acton Library, Nancy Morin conducted a new member orientation to show the considerable tools and resources available to members. Nancy reviewed the club website, My Rotary district website and more.
The meeting was adjourned. The next club meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2026, at noon at Cuckoo’s Nest Restaurant. A menu will be sent in advance, and meals can be ordered online.
