Meeting Greeter: John Aforismo
John Aforismo led the Pledge of Allegiance, delivered the prayer and the 4-Way Test, “Is it true, is it fair to all concerned, does it build good will and better friendship and is it beneficial to all concerned?”
Marty P conducted the raffle. The winners were Cami P, Nancy M., and John G. The winner of the card game was Alan S. Marty P also led Happy Bucks. Members were grateful for the good weather, the recent trip to Philadelphia, for their wedding anniversary, attending too many parties, being together and spending time with family.
Budget Presentation: Kathy Callinan presented the 2024-2025 budget, ending June 30, 2025. It has been a very positive year financially for Old Saybrook Rotary. Interest earned in investments was about $90,000 and the difference between income and expenses for the year was positive. Some Foundation Scholarship money has not yet been claimed.
The 2025-2026 Rotary operating budget is about $38,323. A projector was recently purchased and price increases in items such stamps, printing, checks have affected the budget. Since costs are expected to increase, there will be a careful oversight of expenses during the current budget year. Jan thanked Kathy for her work and diligence in maintaining the budget and monitoring expenses. It will be important as we approach our 100-year Anniversary to have some budget flexibility.
· Action: Budget report was approved
Club Meeting Survey Results: Marty D. received about 20 responses to the survey that asked about meeting times and venues. Most responses did not want to make a great change and felt the Estuary and the VFW were good meeting places. For breakfast, most respondents did not want a larger, more expensive breakfast. The different times suggested for breakfast at the Estuary were 7AM, 7:30AM and 8:00 AM. The time for breakfast meetings from the survey were evenly split between 7AM and 8AM. Jan proposed breakfast time set for 7:30 and those in attendance approved. The time for the Student of the Month breakfast at Saybrook Point would have to remain at 7AM since students and teachers must return to class and the established price of $25 has been established with Saybrook Point by contract. The start of the new 7:30AM breakfast time for the 1st Wed at the Estuary will be announced at a later time possibly September.
The consensus is VFW is a good venue for lunch and members would like to limit costs to the current $10.00 amount. The food will continue to be brought in by volunteer Rotarians for now, delivery options will be explored. Social evenings at restaurants were also popular with expenses between $25-$35 for the evening. Planning, obtaining, and setting up meals at Estuary and VFW would require the Social Committee to be reconstructed and Jan is planning to do that.
· Action: Vote taken and the following was approved:
· Breakfast meeting Estuary 7:30 AM Cost $5.00 Current menu
· Saybrook Point Inn Student of the Month 7:00AM Cost $25.00
· VFW noon meeting – cost $10 Current menu
· Social evening -costs according to restaurant venue
100 Year Logo Presentation: John presented several logo selections for the members to choose. The logo will be used for all 100th Anniversary activities. The date of Old Saybrook Rotary’s 100th Anniversary is January 2027 and as that date approaches, more events, community outreach and other related activities will be planned. John is reviewing the OS Rotary’s History and accomplishments. That information will be made available for all members and for publication.
Peace Day Presentation: Rosanne discussed the planning of a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony on September 21, 2025, the International Day of Peace. Rosanne and Jan will meet with Ray Allen, Director of Parks and Recreation, next week to discuss a dedication ceremony. It would be a celebration of unity and hope. Suggestions include involving OS Town and Rotary Leadership, having students from Old Saybrook and Westbrook High Schools present their Peace Pole, and considering the inclusion of a speaker and music. As the plan crystallizes there will be further reports.
Golf Outing Update: Charlie Renshaw was not in attendance. While there is no updated information about the Golf Tournament scheduled for September 8, members were asked to sign up to volunteer at the event.
Rotary Goals: Our Rotary set the goals of addressing Food Insecurity and Literacy. At the last meeting, groups were asked to develop actionable steps to address those goals. Jan distributed the action steps developed at last week’s meeting and asked for further input. This information will be used to develop specific actions and initiatives that will enable us to meet those goals.
Arts and Crafts Fair: Pete Zucco presented prints by Roger Epply, an Old Saybrook artist and Rotarian. He suggested we offer these prints for sale at our station at the Arts and Craft show. He will research appropriate pricing for the prints and report the findings at the next meeting.
July 30: There is no meeting, but Rotary members will gather at the concert in the Town Green in Old Saybrook for a little work and a lot of socializing. Everyone is encouraged to join the group and bring a snack to share.
Next Meeting: August 6: 7:00 a.m. Speakers will be Shaine Belli, RN & Christina Durinick, RN, Longevity Nurses
