Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, and Four-Way Test: Rosanne Farrell
Happy Bucks: Success of the Wine and Beer Event, Visit with family, Saturday’s Shredding event, good news about Pete’s daughter’s health, Spring weather
Raffle Winner: Gary McCauley
Program: Waterford Country School
The Speaker, Suzi Lee Schell, Development Coordinator, Waterford Country School was introduced by Jan. Waterford Country School is a child welfare agency and special education school located on a 320-acre campus in Quaker Hill, Connecticut. Founded in Brooklyn, NY in 1922 by the Schacht family, the agency has a staff of approximately 150 and serves 382 at-risk students through multiple programs. Funding comes State programs and local school districts.
Highlights:
Student challenges addressed: learning difficulties, family relationship problems, low self-esteem, sensory disregulation, and families living below the poverty line.
Programs: Special Education Day School; Therapeutic Boarding School; Foster Care; Mental Health Clinic; Shelter Program; Intensive Treatment Center; Parenting Center, Food Pantry serving 45 people monthly
Model: CARE (Creating Conditions for Change) -developmentally focused, family involved, relationship based, trauma informed, and ecologically oriented
Farm/Agricultural Program: includes approximately 200 animals and opportunities to gain farming experience by growing vegetables and working outdoors in a therapeutic environment.
The school’s mantra is, “Everybody is Somebody” and programs are designed to build resilience and self-esteem, and the ability to function independently. This year, 13 students are graduating from high school which is above the usual number. Rotarians were invited to visit the school and tour the campus to learn more about the programs and students it serves. For more information, visit www.waterfordcountryschool.org
Shredding Day: John asked all volunteers to be on site at 8 AM Saturday for set-up and assignments. He will obtain traffic cones from the Police to help the traffic flow and will assign volunteers to their role that day.
Day of Service: Joan discussed the Day of Service, May 16, at three locations, Old Saybrook, Westbrook YMCA, and Old Lyme Phoebe Griffen Noyes Library. Children, 1-5 years old, will participate in reading books, playing word games based on the stories read and receiving free books to take home. Volunteers were asked to sign up and will be trained by the Core Team. Flyers have been printed and Signs will be posted at multiple locations including schools, if allowed. It promises to be a busy and fun day.
Rotary Clubs Event: John and Pete have arranged a social event with other Rotary Presidents and Presidents-Elect to share ideas, programs, fund raisers ideas and explore opportunities to collaborate. It will be Thursday, May 14 at Scotch Plains Tavern, Essex at 6 PM and cost is $40.00 with light dinner and 1 drink included. Contact John or Pete if interested in attending.
Nancy asked for members to serve on the Summer Concert Committee, if any member would be interested in serving as Chairperson, contact Nancy.
Jan reminded everyone to sign up for the April 29 Evening Social at Coastline Brewery, 4 Grove Beach Rd. N, Westbrook and Student of the Month, May 20, Saybrook Point Inn. June 22 is the date of the “Changing of the Guard” event at The Kate.
Sheila Brown expressed special thanks to Dave Plotkin for the preparation work he did for the Scholarship Committee. The meeting adjourned at 1 PM.
