Logo for: Rotary Old Saybrook

OS Rotary Meeting 03/24/22

Pledge: Gary McCauley
Prayer:  Joan Winters
Four Way Test: Gary McCauley

Sergeant at Arms Report, Pete Zucco
Raffle
: Students: John Henry Downes and Sam Freeman, An unidentified guest
Happy Bucks: Students, teachers and administrators; parents and family members; back to in person SOM meetings, the return to “almost normal”; OS Rotary and a great breakfast
March Birthday Birthdays: Jan P, Mark P, Pat S, and Alan S.
Visiting Rotarians: Mary Jean Agostini, Donna Collins

President’s Update: We have received the information on the Summer Concert Series. John G. will be chairing the concert committee again this year. Received a thank you note from The Estuary regarding our Bench Donation. The District Conference will take place in April in Mystic, CT. See Gary if you are interested in attending.

Program: Student of the Month

Awards were presented for Science (January), World Language (February), and Technology (March). Superintendent Jan Perruccio explained the SOM program, presented an overview of O.S.Rotary’s community involvement, and emphasized the success of the Rotary International PolioPlus Program. She then introduced the honored students, their teachers and administrators.

Science:

Abby Speckhals (Lyme-Old Lyme)
Missing from picture: Molly Nygard (Old Saybrook), Emma Demers (Westbrook)

Lyme/Old Lyme High School: Abby Speckhals; Ms. Manfredi, assistant principal, and Science teacher, Mr. Fisler, described Abby as a student who makes learning fun. She is a hard worker, who exemplifies “service above self”, and an academic standout who is not suffering from the dreaded “Senioritis”. Abby plans on attending Northeastern University majoring Chemical Engineering.
Old Saybrook High School: Molly Nygard; Unable to attend due to testing and organizing a Blood Drive. She is a member of the NHS and a three sport athlete.
Westbrook High School: Emma Demers; unable to attend due to illness.

World Language:

L-R: John Henry Downes (Old Saybrook), Ellie Wells (Lyme-Old Lyme), Samuel Freeman (Westbrook)

Lyme/Old Lyme High School: Ellie Wells; Ms.Manfredi and World Language teacher,
Mr. Motes, explained that in addition to mastering five languages and earning nine college credits in Spanish, Ellie excels in theater, dance, and music. Her work ethic can be described in two words: consistent and persistent.
Old Saybrook High School: John Henry Downes; Ms. Riffle, principal, and teacher, Ms. Zumbaum, highlighted John Henry’s growth into an independent learner and his genuine concern for others. He plans a career in communications.
Westbrook High School: Samuel Freeman; Ms. Winch, principal, and World Language teacher, Mr. Sinnott, described Sam as the perfect student/athlete. He demonstrates leadership in the classroom as well as on the playing field. He is ranked at the top of his class and his concern for others is evident as he helps ESL students with mastering the English language. He plans to enroll in UCONN or Villanova in the School of Business Management.

Technology:

L-R: Maxwell Brown (Old Saybrook), Jonathan Gesick (Westbrook), Melanie Warren (Lyme-Old Lyme)

Lyme/Old Lyme High School: Melanie Warren; Technology teacher, Mr. Derry, describes Melanie as a scholar/athlete who leads with kindness. She welcomes a challenge and is not afraid to fail. She is more than willing to help other students. Melanie is a “do-er not a spectator”. She plans to study Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University.
Old Saybrook High School: Maxwell Brown; Mr. Zukowski, Technology teacher, describes Max as a classroom leader of high character who has developed into a “great young man”. He is the “go to guy” who puts everyone else first. He gives back and expects nothing in return. His Senior Project involves constructing a “pollinator garden” at OSHS.
Westbrook High School: Jonathan Gesick; Ben Russell, IT Coordinator, describes Jon as creative and innovative. He credits Jon with being an excellent problem solver who has made the Tech Department more efficient and more user friendly. In Jon’s own words, “if you break it, I’ll fix it for you”.

Committee Reports:

Nominating Committee: The committee presented their recommendation for the 2022-2023 slate of officers. President: Pat Devito, VP/President Elect: Alan Schwarz, Treasurer: Kathy Callinan, Secretary: John Gianinni, Sgt. At Arms: Pete Zucco, Membership Chair: Pete Zucco and Mike Osnato. The Club voted to accept the slate. Congratulations to next year’s officers! Back- ups are needed for the Secretary and the Sgt. at Arms positions. If interested, contact Gary.
Shred Day (4/9) Update: Order your Tee shirts/Sweatshirt from Nancy ASAP. Still need volunteers. See John A. to sign up.
Wine and Beer Tasting (5/6): Need sponsors. Sell your tickets!
Foundation: Will be conducting an internal audit of our finances. Two volunteers are needed to complete the process. If interested, contact Gary or Jan.

Next meeting: Penny Lane Pub, noon, 3/30