Pledge, Prayer, 4-Way Test led by President Gary McCauley
Happy Bucks: MD for the nice day - get ready for Saturday; NM: great to be back after a week in Costa Rica; PZ: happy for the help he is getting with Meals on Wheels from John Aforismo; EM: went for a nice run this morning; JM: the nice day; CR: big storm coming? the nice day today and for an adventurous weekend; AS: nice day and the singing birds; PD: happy to see everyone even if online; PD: UCONN womens basketball, the "bomb cyclone" storm; JA: took a walk on the beach this morning, going to a show at the Kate (Doors tribute band) Sat night; MA: enjoying the sun in South Carolina; BM: enjoying the nice weather in Bonita Springs, FL; GH: the glorious birds; TW: beautiful day and wishing everyone health & happiness; JW: picking up her car; CN: happy to be online with this group; GM: saw 3 grand children face to face!
Presidents report:
- Officers Nominating Committee: Pat Devito is heading up this committee and is looking for volunteers to be on the committee. People may have to be appointed if not enough people volunteer.
- H.E.A.T. Fund: Charlie Norz heads this up taking over for Brent. This fund is managed by Youth and Family Services headed by Sue Consoli. Charlie stated he was uncomfortable making payments directly to suppliers of heating oil and instead would have checks sent to Sue who will then make the payments to the companies. Patty Devito will work with Charlie on this committee.
- Meals on Wheels: Pete and Charlie Renshaw are running this now. There are 7 steady volunteers and will be Wednesday only. Laurie was informed we can no longer do Thursdays in addition to Wednesday.
- Gary said we have submitted OS Rotary charitable organization application to the State of Conn. so we are covered for 2022-2023.
- Don't be surprised if you are asked to present a bio in the absence of a program. This is a good thing - we want to know about you!
- Brent Taylor Scholarship: a committee has been formed consisting of Charlie Norz, Charlie Renshaw, Pete Zucco and Gary McCauley.
- Resettlement Survey: RI has begun an initiative to help resettle 100,000 Afghan refugees. Clubs are asked to help. In Old Lyme, 3 churches have partnered to settle a family. Discussion followed to help by contributing through our Outreach committee. Bill O'Shaughnessy will be our contact with the church group.
Bill McLaughin Bio
Bill grew up in Auclair Wisconsin and moved to Mondavi. After high school, Bill attended the University of Wisconsin, School of Mining. He did an internship with Anaconda Mining Co. where he did some mining for zinc. When he graduated in 1958, the mines were on strike and Anaconda was out of business so he went to work for a company involved in engineering sales. That's when he met Rosemary, settled down and raised 3 daughters. An opportunity with a Solair in Essex presented and the family settled in the area, living in Old Saybrook for 25 years. In the late 80s, Bill established Banner Realty, a real estate firm in Old Saybrook and joined Rotary in 1983. Bill went "through the chairs" of officer positions culminating in his year as President 1990-1991. Bill served as Executive Director of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce and got some new projects started. The Arts & Crafts Festival is still a popular activity today. In 2001, Bill and Rosemary purchased a 37 foot RV and went about traveling the country, visiting all conterminous 48 states. They have been cross country 4-5 times. Bill had a position on the side with a company that did RV finance. The RV took them to many places and Bill would "make up" missed meetings all over the country. In 2005 Bill attended a Rotary International Convention in Chicago where he met Rotarians from all over the world. Bill got involved in Habitat for Humanity. He would stay on a project for 2 weeks to work on a house. Bill estimates he worked on 25 houses in multiple states. Well done Bill!
Bill commented that he is pleased with the club and its high activity relative to previous years.
Committee Reports
The Chamber of Commerce Chili Fest is Sat, February 26 from 12pm to 3pm on Main St. We discussed the possibility of being a SPICY $500 sponsor (8' Banner @The Chamber Office, Print & Social Media, Chef Aprons, Ballots). Sounded good to those present and it was agreed on. Pete will send our Rotary logo to Judy and Merrill at the Chamber.
Website: Working with Amber Scherber, the Scholarship section of the website has been enhanced to include information on applying, deadlines and the application.
Wine Tasting: Marty started discussion about sponsors and turned it over to Pat and Patty Devito who are working to coordinate club members efforts to obtain new and previous sponsors. Pat has a list of potential sponsors who have not been assigned or contacted. Two of them have recently committed leaving the others who were picked up by members. Mike Osnato will be contacting 3 potential new sponsors. We have 2 gold ($1,000) sponsors to date which is remarkable! Many thanks to Patty and Pat for coordinating this important aspect to our event!
Membership: Pete has been in contact with several people interested in joining Rotary. Elizabeth Meyer has been to several meetings including today, and a meeting with her is scheduled with the committee on Tuesday at 6:30pm via Zoom to have a dialogue on club activities. In Pres. Gary's words: "Liz M. has demonstrated her interest in joining the Old Saybrook Rotary. Our meeting will give Liz a chance to tell us about herself, her work, and her interest in Rotary. We will provide background on Rotary International, District Rotary, the workings of the Old Saybrook Rotary, and answer any questions she may have."
Programs: Bill McLaughlin said the next meeting, Wed, Feb 2 is a Zoom meeting and our speaker is State Rep. Devin Carney who will discuss this legislative session. Looking forward to it! Bill said, we need help with programs so please think of potential speakers.
Day of Sharing: Pat Devito discussed this Rotary program. On April 9, we participate by running our 2nd annual Shredding Day chaired by John Aforismo. This event qualifies as a Day of Sharing activity.
Pat went on the discuss managed grants and said money is available. Pat wrote the previous grant and was successful in securing funds for the an organization we support, SARAH, INC. The Day of Sharing will be publicized by RI on billboards, radio, social media and more.
