Greeter: Susan Beaudoin
Nancy Morin led us in the Pledge, Prayer and 4-Way Test
Happy Bucks, Cards and Raffle were suspended
Happy Birthday Wishes and Rotary Anniversaries were recognized
Estuary Donation:
Dave Condren reported that the Rotary Clubs of Deep River, Chester and Clinton partnered with us to provide funding for a new industrial oven for the Estuary. A district grant of $5,750 brought the donation to about $12,000. The Estuary has posted a picture of in the March issue of their newsletter. For more information click this link
Program: Literacy project in Kenya
Maryann & Ralph Stroup of No. Branford Rotary
Along with Maureen Hughes, Maryann and Ralph Stroup began an international project to bring literary and education to Kenya and surrounding communities. They started a nonprofit in 2008 that included healthcare, well water and more vital services to this community. To date, they have received $94,000 in global grant money but the need is great and more funding is needed. They support 19 grade schools, 14 pre-schools furnishing books, furniture, computers and more. The Maasai community of Kenya has a population of 12,000 including 7 villages spread out over 22,000 acres that lacks a good road system. It is a male dominated society with no safety zone. Swahili and English are the primary spoken languages. 85% of girls attend primary schools but that drops to 30% for secondary schools. After Covid-19, test scores and literacy declined. Providing education and literacy opportunities are the keys to a better life and that's the mission. In 2013 they started shipping books and in 2022 the library, decorated with murals by local students, was completed. A computer center was completed for high school age students providing training which was a first time experience for many. Some things we take for granted like puzzles, board games, coloring books and mega blocks and legos, are very popular among students and adults.
The Chumvi Hub House has over 5,000 books (half were provided by a grant) for 4500 students and 191 schools. 8 new libraries are in development by repurposing and refurbishing existing buildings and resources.
The children have many hopes and dreams but without an education there is no chance of realizing them. This project can have a huge impact while maintaining their culture which is important. Working with the Nanyuki Rotary Club, No. Branford wants to raise $3,000 which will go to establishing 8 new facilities.
President Jan Perruccio Agenda Items:
- Notice was given by President Jan that Cary Wallach will be joining Rotary. If anyone has an objections or concerns please contact Jan or Pete.
- Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction: Marty and Pete
We are in the home stretch and the time is now for everyone's best efforts to sell tickets, enlist sponsors and obtain auction items. To date, we have sponsor commitments totaling $9,000 so to reach our goal of $30,000 there is much to do! Marty will send out an updated report soon. Make sure you let Pete know of any auction items received. Pete will be organizing the items, some to be combined with others some to go into the Teapot Raffle. Make sure you fill out the detail forms including the value of the item. - Shredding Day, John Aforismo
The date is April 25 and the high school parking lot and shredding company are onboard. Prior to the event, lawn signs will be distributed. Please start talking it up including businesses that find this service invaluable. - Epic Day of Service, Pete Zucco
Pete met last Thursday with other club presidents to discuss a project that we could all take part in. The meeting was lightly attended and not enthusiastic. Clubs have their own agendas and priorities so it will be a challenge to come up with a project other clubs will want to join even if its the same thing done local to the club. There will be a meeting May 16 to attempt to coordinate a Day of Service project. Joan Winters will be reaching out to the library and others for their thoughts on how we can help with their needs. - There will be a social meeting in April. David Plotkin is working on this so stay tuned!
- for upcoming meetings, please think about your committee in terms of budgeting and what your needs will be. Kathy Callinan will be sending out a questionnaire.
Next meeting:
Wed, March 11 Student of the Month (Technology), 7am, Saybrook Point R&M. You must sign up ahead of time with Jan.
