Pledge, 4-Way test: President Nancy Morin
Prayer: Rosanne Farrell
Card Game Winner: Kathleen Nadeau
Raffle Winners: Cami, Charlie R, Marty
Happy Bucks: Lots for the lovely day and being here today, GM the flowers and John being his care-giver while recuperating from shoulder surgery, JA for doing the laundry, EP glad to back from FLA, BM glad to be back from FLA, Marty for his trip to Ireland, KN for good health
We were greeted with a new seating arrangement - take a number and find your place!
Presidents Notes:
- Next weeks meeting is Student of the Month, breakfast meeting at Saybrook Point R&M. Last SOM meeting for the school year. Please sign up but only if you will be attending for sure. So far about 20 Rotarians have signed up.
- Summer Concert Series: We are sponsoring 6 concerts on the Green. A minimum of 6 people are needed for each concert. One of the concerts will have a theme - celebrating our newest members! A sign up sheet was passed around. Set up time for the tent is 6pm.
- May District Conference: Mary and Nancy will be attending. If you wish to join the dynamic conference let Nancy know
- Outreach: The committee recommended a $250 sponsorship for the Bare Necessities fundraiser which provides diapers for newborns. The event takes place June 14 at the Clinton Town Hall from 1-4pm
- Dues are due June 4
Joan Winters, who is heading the Epic Rotary Day of Service reports that everything is on schedule and thanked those who have volunteered for activities this Saturday
Joan also talked about the various publications we have advertised in. Every town has a publication and Joan has entries in all of them. They include Old Lyme Events, Westbrook Events, Old Saybrook Events, New London Day and more.
Charlie Renshaw spoke about our scholarship program which he chairs. The committee of Sheila, Ed, Joan W. and Gail are reviewing applications. They have received19 from the 3 high schools. They do not see any names until the interview process.
Special event:
June 11, Changing of the Guard. Nancy steps down as President and Jan takes over! Please try to attend, the cost is $40pp (great spread!) at the Lyme Arts Association.
Jan Perruccio - Rotary Goals for 2025-2026
With Jan taking over as President June 11, she has listed areas of focus for 2025-2026. They are:
- Food Insecurity - goal is to decrease food insecurity for a target population (children, under-served, poverty level, elderly, other vulnerable adults)
- Literacy and Education - continue work to support local education initiatives for PK-12 and adult population
- Club Goals - membership retention and demographic spread
In her draft handouts, Jan identifies action steps, leads and due dates. New committees will be formed but in the implementation of plans the whole club will be involved. Rotary has already been active in some ways such as Meals on Wheels but in these uncertain times of government support through cutbacks, more needs to be done to support such programs. Alan Schwarz, who is on the Estuary Board, said they will never refuse help. Much food goes to waste, perhaps we can do something. John Aforismo stated all the leftover food from the Macaroni Dinner is donated and gladly accepted. Jan suggested partnering with other clubs.
Gary talked about literacy and his contact with Middlesex Community College. The idea was presented by another club to provide "non-traditional" scholarships in the form of technical training, vocational training for older people who have graduated high school and are no longer candidates for college scholarships. Perhaps Interact students can tutor English language reading and writing skills.
Club goals include growing membership and member retention. Fundraising will be looked at to help cover club expenses.
