Greeter: Susan Beaudoin
Pledge of Allegiance: 4-Way Test and Prayer – Susan Beaudoin
Raffle Winners: Congratulations to Chip, John, Nancy, and Gary
Card Game Winner: Marty Drobiarz
Happy Bucks:
Happy for Charlie’s 65th wedding anniversary, Rosanne’s birthday, UCONN Men’s and Women’s Basketball Team, Good health, Rotary camaraderie, and our guests.
· Jan sent best wishes to all Rotarians celebrating February birthdays and to those marking Rotary anniversaries.
· Welcome to Tony Sharillo (YMCA) and Kerry
Jan mentioned the Rotary Minute and gave an update on the Rotary International Forum being held on March 13th and 14th.
The Rotary Student of the Month Breakfast is Wednesday, February 11th, 7:00 a.m. at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina. A sign-up sheet was circulated for those who wish to attend.
Jan thanked everyone for the unanimous vote for the new slate of officers for the 26/27 year.
The Board of Directors met and would like more information about Polio Plus and its history given to the Students of the Month. The idea of a QR code was discussed so the students had access to the history and background of Polio.
Tony Sharillo will start his 10 day waiting period before his induction. He gave a brief description about his life and interest with Rotary. Tony has been the CEO of Valley Shore YMCA for eleven years. His passion is community, family, and children and providing accessible healthy programming for all. He has extensive nonprofit experience and is excited to be part of Rotary.
The Rotary 4 Way Test Speech Contest- The Lyme-Old Lyme student who attends the Science Magnet School would like to participate again this year. Chip Adams and Tara Winch will speak with the Interact Advisors at OSHS and WHS about participating.
Our Rotary Club passed on the food packing opportunity because many felt as though there was no local community impact. The New London Club will be packing food if any individual wants to participate.
There was discussion regarding the May Day Service focusing on Literacy/Food Insecurity, but keeping it local.
Jan asked the members if they wanted to participate in a multi-club activity or event. We discussed a possible Club Swap with Middletown which would allow for sharing ideas, different perspectives and experiences, and meeting new people.
Jan reviewed all the activities, events, and donations that have had a positive impact on our community. This lead in to us reviewing our goals that relate to Literacy and Food Insecurity. Members were asked to update the final draft of the OS Rotary Goals 2025/2026. We took about 15 minutes to fill in the chart and report out.
· Tara/Joan-We have focused on Food Insecurity and need to star addressing Literacy.
· Gary/Charlie-Similar feedback
· Susan-A lot of work has been done with food insecurity. Perhaps we can do more with literacy.
· Marty-Literacy Volunteers are coming to a meeting to present. We can ask them what they need. Perhaps we can join as volunteers.
· Pete-The financial contribution to purchase the oven contributes to Meals On Wheels. Literacy, we promote the Dictionary Project. We need to do more with Literacy Volunteers.
Tara brought forth an Outreach request for $500 from the Common Good Garden to purchase materials to build their Stand-Up Sink which will improve efficiency and effectiveness in cleaning the vegetables and produce. The club voted unanimously to support this request. The Outreach budget is $6,300.
Next year’s topic-the children
Wine and Beer Tasting- Please let Marty know if you have any new sponsors and/or auction items. Marty asked for assistance getting packets to members who have not yet picked them up.
The meeting adjourned at 8:32 AM. The next club meeting is scheduled for February 11th, 2025, at 7:00 AM at Saybrook Point Inn. (Student of the Month)
