Pledge of Allegiance – Led by Pete Zucco. Pete shared a prayer and led the Rotary’s 4-way test.
Marty P conducted the raffle, and winners were Tony S., Gary M., and Marty D. Happy Bucks were for UCONN, men’s Final 4 and the women’s team, successful wine and beer event, spring activities at YMCA, for Marty and Pete and all the work they are doing for the wine and beer event.
Pete and Marty reported on the status of the Wine and Beer event. The Sponsor List has reached over $20,000, however there is still time to solicit sponsors until Friday, April 3. The draft booklet is being sent to the printer. Some ads were redesigned. Determining the exact number of attendees remains a challenge. To help boost participation, everyone was encouraged to sell additional tickets. Marty is responsible for tracking ticket sales, including those purchased online. Currently, there is no closing date set for online sales.
Pete gave a status report on the items for auction. There are many nice wines for the wine barrel. The barrel will be decorated in the morning of the event at Saybrook Point. The Lottery Tree holds tickets valued at $350; additional contributions are welcome. There are some high-end items which will be highlighted, a Pizza Oven Grill, Diamond earrings. Susan and Pete have been streamlining the way gifts will be displayed to make the selections clearer. All bids will be increased in increments ($5.00 or $10.00). Teacups (smaller items bunched) will be limited this year.
All auction items will be brought to the Pavilion on April 9 for storage. On April 10, Rotary can gain access to the space by 10 AM and workers will be needed for set-up and decorating. Check out of sold items and payment will be made in another location and helpers will be needed there to make sure items go the proper bidder.
2026-2027 Budget: Jan said Kathy Callihan is working on the 2026 budget requests and will present the draft budget when completed.
John A. discussed the upcoming shredding event scheduled for April 25th. Planning is progressing well, notices have been sent to businesses, lawn signs will be posted a bit later in the month and at least 12 volunteers will be needed that day. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.
Veronica reported on the Day of Service, May 16. Locations will be the libraries at Lyme and Old Lyme and the Old Saybrook’s Garden Club’s Flower Show. Planned activities are reading to children, word bingo, coloring, and other age-appropriate literacy activities.
Chip reported on the 4-way test. The Old Lyme student did not make the final round. Successful students from that semi-final will advance to the finals April 27. Six students from Lyme, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook have signed up and are interested in attending RYLA.
Jan requested feedback on a presentation by Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore Connecticut, a volunteer group that teaches English to non-English speakers seeking better language and life skills. Training programs are done for volunteers and there are no requirements for teaching skills or a second language. Chip said the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce is partnering with LVVSC to assist small business owners and family members who want to increase their work skills and participate in the communities’ businesses. Several members expressed interest in the literacy program and supported Old Saybrook Rotary’s collaboration with them. This support aligns with the club’s ongoing commitment to advancing its literacy goals. Website is https//: lvvs.org
The meeting was adjourned. The next club meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2026, at 7:30 AM at the Estuary.
