Logo for: Rotary Old Saybrook

OS Rotary Meeting 04/12/23

Pledge: President Alan Schwarz
Prayer: President Alan led us in a moment of silence for Bob Antoniac who passed away this morning
4-Way Test: President Alan

Card Game Winner: Gary
Raffle Winners: John A, Gail, Charlie R

Happy Bucks: For the nice weather that’s arrived, Carrie Giuliano – our newest member getting inducted today, UCONN Huskies and glad Charlie is back from Houston, Marty had a special buck for Nancy who Marty presented with a plaque of appreciation from the OS Ambulance.

Carrie is inducted by President Alan Schwarz

Today, our newest member, Carrie Giuliano, was inducted. Carrie lives in Clinton and works at Grossman Chevrolet in Old Saybrook. Carrie is enthusiastic about joining and taking part in our activities. Welcome Carrie!

Program:


Nancy spoke about her recent PETS meeting which is President Elect Training for incoming Rotary presidents. Nancy started by asking, are we a service club or a membership club? Most raised their hands for service club but the answer is, we are a membership club for without members, there can be no service and the more members – the more service the club can do. Membership was a topic and some clubs are struggling gaining new members. The goal is 10 new members over a 5-year period and we have met that standard. Nancy talked about the importance of having a website and also the availability of the DACdb (DISTRICT AND CLUB database) Rotary, the database we have access to that contains all club information in our district and beyond including where and when clubs meet and their members. Nancy talked about getting new members. We shouldn’t restrict ourselves to people we know, but offer acquaintances the opportunity to attend a meeting at no cost. Nancy handed out pins that said “Ask me about Rotary” to help spark conversation and perhaps interest.

Other Business:

Shred Day, April 22: John Aforismo states we are set to go and the weather forecast is looking good. Signage has been put out around town and the town digital signs are enabled with our message. John will meet with Amber to discuss the traffic flow. There is an electronic recycling event happening the same day at the same location so that needs to be addressed. 3 Interact kids will be helping out. Marty is bringing the 2 tents and Rotary bags to give away. Following the shredding, a run to the transfer station to dump corrugated boxes will be done.

Golf Tournament: Charlie Renshaw will be making the changes to last years brochure and get them printed soon. We will keep the name of the tournament the same, THE ROTARY-BRENT TAYLOR GOLF CLASSIC. This will be our 29th year.

Rotary Day of Service, May 20. Joan Winters is heading this up. It will be rain or shine. We will be cleaning up the beaches in Old Saybrook, Westbrook and Old Lyme. Joan is asking for team leaders to show up at 8:30 at each beach to lead the effort.

Joan Winters talked about a possible initiative to reach more businesses in our towns particularly Westbrook and Lyme-Old Lyme. She showed a list that was very long with names of businesses that have not been contacted. We must find a way to reach out to them and try to gain their support. Gary suggested the first step is to make contact so that we are a familiar face when we ask for support later.

Memorial Day – we are signed up with the town to march in the parade which is Monday May 29. Mike Goldblatt, Marty's brother-in-law will be driving one of his vintage antique cars. There's room for riders if you aren't up to walking.

Outreach: We are supporting the Chamber of Commerce with a tee sponsorship at their Mini-Golf Tournament ($100), and their other golf tournament at Fox Hopyard with a tee sponsorship ($125)

Dues are due - please get your dues paid by June 1. The amount is $170