Pledge of Allegiance/Prayer/Four-Way Test by John Aforismo
Raffle prizes won by John A., Rosanne F., and Veronica
Happy Bucks: Members shared gratitude for Pete’s first meeting as President, beautiful day, Rotary colleagues and today’s lucky day.
Introduction of Guest: Paul Silva was introduced and he may be interested in joining Rotary. All welcomed him.
New Business:
Gary McCauley reported on the Fundraiser raffle featuring gas and grocery gift cards: $2,000 for groceries redeemable at any store nationwide and $250 for gas. The goal is to sell 2,000 tickets at $10 each, with a potential profit of $15,000. So far $1500 has been raised with 69 tickets sold at the Concert on the Green last week. All Rotarians will be given tickets to sell and Gary asked that more volunteers help at the July 15th Concert of the Green to sell tickets to those in attendance. Feedback has been positive, thus far, as food and gas are commodities everyone can use.
Pete Zucco shared information from the District Governor’s meeting and the goals for Old Saybrook Rotary for the 2026-2027 year. The theme is “For the Children”, one that resonates well and Pete is seeking different ideas to support children of our community. One idea that was presented is to join with Nicole Nalepa, a former Connecticut TV news anchor and a host of “Mostly Together”, a weekly interview podcast show.
The proposal is “For the Children” a free or low-cost community wellness event for children and families on the Town Green. The event would be centered around kids’ yoga, family movement, mindfulness, emotional regulation and community connection. Rotary could be the presenting sponsor and community sponsor. The idea was well received, and further information will be provided at the next meeting.
John reminded everyone of the upcoming 100 Year Anniversary Celebration in January 2027. Planning continues to research archives and old records to tell the story of the Rotary’s accomplishments over the past 100 years.
Summer Concert – Concert -June 15. Martha has asked all who are on the team to arrive by 6 PM for set-up and asked for more volunteers for that evening.
Nancy Morin shared a District initiative on Maternal Mental Health. Many women in pregnancy suffer from stress and postpartum depression. It affects families and the children and resources are needed to help women find the support and care they need. Each club has been asked for ideas that they can use to support women during this vulnerable period and members were asked to help with this initiative.
Future Events:
July 12: An awards night for Rotary Clubs will be held in Norwich. Nancy Morin and Tara Winch will attend.
July 14: Rotarians will visit Gladeview Rehabilitation Center to provide residents with music (Joan Winters), some Rotarians will bring their dogs to entertain residents, and other members just visit with residents. All interested in attending should contact Joan Winters.
July 25 – Food Drive 9 AM -1 PM at Stop and Shop. Volunteers are needed for different times and for selling raffle tickets.
Arts and Craft Fair October 3 and 4: John and Gary will be organizing Rotary’s participation in Arts and Crafts Fair. Hotdogs will be purchased by the Club and Nancy will ask for donations of Chili from local restaurants. Volunteers will be needed for both days. Sign-up sheets will be sent to club members to volunteer for the event.
September 14 – Golf Tournament – Charlie Renshaw reported food and beverage contracts have been signed. Joan arranged a banner to be made, and on-line registration will be available with a QR Code. Raffle prizes and sponsors are needed. Charlie shared that participation by female golfers is very low and asked that members encourage more women to play that day. 15 volunteers are needed for the 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM timeslot and 3-4 volunteers for 12:30 – 3:00 PM and 3:00-5:00 PM.
September 26– Shredding Event – Raffle tickets will be sold at the event
September 26 – Alzheimer’s Walk, New London – Martha Rothchild will provide updated information later.
October 3: District Rotary Meeting in New London. It includes a high-speed Boat ride to an island location along the river.
October 24-25 Macaroni Dinner - John Aforismo will provide updated information later.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting July 15 Noon VFW. Program is an update on the construction of the Connecticut River railroad bridge, provided by Paul D'Amore and Liam Norton
