7am Meeting at The Estuary
Pledge, 4-Way Test: President Alan Schwarz
Prayer: Tara Winch
Card Game Winner: Joan W
Raffle Winners: Kathy C, Gary, Guest
Happy Bucks: PZ: happy for our guests, UCONN men's backetball team; KC: guests; JM: guests; AS: UCONN Huskies basketball, guests, played golf yesterday; NM: for seeing her grandaughter for the first time in a few years, guests, our social meeting last week; CG: for becoming a member soon; MD: UCONN Huskies and Charlie R who was in Houston to see the game, guests; GM: happy for grandson accepted at Virginia Tech, taking part in the Alzheimers fundraiser at Ben & Jerry's Monday; JA: guests; JW: students, glad she checked the website for today's meeting location
Director Heather McNeal reminded everyone that with all we hear about our youth using drugs and alcohol more young people are not using drugs and alcohol then are. Studies show that substance abuse is higher in the upper teenage age group - 12th grade 36% have tried or use substances including vaping (nicotine). The Peer group meets every other Monday, Brittany is the group coordinator. The focus is positive youth development and leadership. The pandemic had the effect of isolating people and social networking has helped. The students in attendance spoke about how the group works and their interactions with other students. Samples of Juul vape cartridges were shown. One small cartridge is the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes in terms of nicotine content. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug. Anyone (including kids) can order them online. Kids trade them with their friends. There are over 2,000 different chemicals in a vape cartridge and they are available for sale everywhere from online stores to gas stations. Marketing to kids is a big focus of the vape industry with bright colors and flavors adding appeal. Other items of concern include gummies infused with Delta 8 THC and are highly potent.
There is a black market for these products, and there is a risk that some may contain dangerous chemicals such as fentenyl and xylazine an animal tranquilizer. Overdose deaths have occurred from unknowingly ingesting product laced with dangerous drugs. The goal is to try to get kids to delay trying these substances as research as shown that as the child ages they tend to make better decisions. Education to kids and parents is paramount. Following their discussion, Alan suggested that Rotary help and to let us know what we can do.
Upcoming Activities:
- Sat. April 22, 9am-Noon Shred Day: There will be 2 trucks to handle the shredding. John is working on traffic flow. Another event is taking place, electronics recycling so some coordination will be necessary. Posters, flyers, lawn signs are up and the town digital sign will be employed. Joan Winters submitted an article to all the area newspapers. The Chamber of Commerce has added it to the newsletter and provided John with a 100 person mailing list. Marty will bring the tents and Rotary bags. Interact kids will be helping.
- Sat. May 20, Rotary Day of Service, Joan Winters: Joan will be visiting all the high schools to try to get a count of students who will be participating in the beach cleanup. Each town has 2 beaches so a total of 6 beaches. Joan is getting donations of gloves, garbage bags, signs, etc.
- Outreach: Joan Michaud reports a request from The Kate requesting $500 to cover costs for Goodwin School students attending programs at The Kate. This request was approved by the committee.
Wed April 12: VFW Hall noon, Nancy Morin will discuss her President Elect Training Seminar (PETS)
Wed Apr 19: Saybrook Pt Resort 7am, Student of the Month
Wed Apr 26, VFW Hall noon, Tunisian exchange student
Wed May 3, VFW Hall noon, open
Gary McCauley talked about the Alzheimers fundraiser Monday at Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream Shop in which volunteers scooped ice cream and proceeds benefited research for Alzheimers. We've all been touched in some way by this tragic disease. Thanks to Susan Beaudoin for getting our club involved!
