Meeting Greeter: Victoria Morrisey
Pledge: Nancy Morin
Four Way Test: Nancy Morin
Prayer: David Condren
Raffle: Charlie, David C. & John A.
Visiting Rotarians: John Waller (Mystic), Andre Stein (Clinton)
Speaker: Diego Carneiro, Internationally Acclaimed Peace Fellow and Cellist. Diego will also perform at our District 4-Way Speech Contest Finals Saturday.
Happy Bucks: Many were for our highly successful Shredding Event last Saturday. Equally, members were happy for our guests and excited to hear music from Ecuador, Several mentioned the beautiful weather. Maryann was happy for her grandchild college graduation and Victoria thankful for her 1st meeting.
President’s Report:
Thanked the new Marty for being Sargent of Arms today!
Shredding Update: John A. thanked everyone for all their help for the most successful shredding event in 5 years! We generated $6,285 before expenses, netting $5,289 (expenses $795 (truck), $131 (printing), $50 (tip). There were 21 volunteers and 3 interact students. John polled some of the participants about the event. Comments were great location, timing right after tax season, advertising in the press, lawn signs, bulletin, social media, amazing weather, and reputation.
Nancy thanked John Waller for being here and bringing Diego. John is Co-Chair of the District Peace Committee. John met Diego through Robert Friend’s initiative, OPUS for Peace. He spoke of peace not just as a world goal, but within the community and ourselves. John attended the Int’l Peace conference in Istanbul, where he met Diego, and they celebrated the opening of a new Peace Center. Plans are in the works for a new Rotary Peace Center in India. Diego played his cello, inspiring us all with his story. Club members gave him a standing ovation and shouted cheers of Bravo! Watching an accomplished musician in such an intimate setting, we were moved and inspired by his passion and talent. He shared the way he connected with children by playing sounds of the Amazon on his cello, all types of animals so that he could help children relate and appreciate the power of music.
Presentation Highlights:
● Shared his journey of peace through music, starting at the age of 12 on piano
● Inspired when a 12 y/o asked if this instrument played happy music
● Shared the beauty of music in the Amazon
● Played at Teatro de Paz “Theater of Peace” in Brazil
● In the UK at 19 rec’d 300 broken instruments as a donation “Amazon Arts Foundation”
● “Diego’s Dream” a short film just seen at Connecticut College
● As a Rotary Fellow created “Green Beats Project”, environmental friendly way to make
instruments from old ones, recycled garbage, or other items
● Talked about how even though there are hundreds of dialects, music is a bridge of
communication
● Diego gave us a heartfelt thank you for our support!
● Currently accepting instruments for students.
2025-2026 Club Goal Setting: Jan & Pete
Survey Response rate: 27/50
● Overall positive input for the club
● 4 are interested in officer positions
● Think about seating arrangement - self govern to change your seat
● Areas to work on is demographic diversity
● Direction & Focus of Club rec’d A+
If you have any other comments or ideas for goals for the club, email Jan & Pete.
Last Thoughts: Think about the goals presented, spend ½ hour and draft an email with any thoughts or ideas for the upcoming year.
Goal Setting Meeting: May 14
Jan & Pete have 3 Categories with 9 Goals: (All members rec’d the presentation)
Working on ways to integrate the 9 goals through joint collaboration within the club and other organizations.
1. Food Insecurity: Fully documented with goals and dates set. Very timely goal given
current climate
2. Literacy & Education
3. Club Goals: Internal work
