Pledge of Allegiance/Prayer/Four-Way test by Ralph Stevens
Raffle prizes won by Kathy Callihan, Ed Pinn and Jan Perruccio
Card game won by Patrick Wiley
Happy Bucks: Members shared gratitude for being here, for the visit of family members and for having the Police Chief of Old Saybrook as a guest speaker.
Introduction of Guest speaker: Police Chief William Onofrio was introduced by Pete Zucco. Chief Onofrio said he is making the rounds to clubs, introducing himself and reporting on the changes being made at the Old Saybrook Police Department. Chief Onofrio has been a police officer for 21 yrs. and previously served in Hamden, CT. He retired as Chief of Police. When the opportunity to work in Old Saybrook presented itself, he applied and was appointed. He and his family moved to Clinton and are very happy to be part of the shoreline communities.
Chief Onofrio said that although the department initially faced turmoil, corrective action and changes to scheduling and training have improved operations. The Police Department is now functioning well, with 25 officers and five support staff. It is fully staffed and funded, and its goal is to enforce the law without being overly punitive. Officers’ primary responsibilities include enforcing traffic rules, monitoring traffic safety, responding to calls, serving as crossing guards at schools and churches, and supporting the Fire Department when needed. Current challenges include ensuring the safety of children and young adults riding bicycles, e-bikes, motor scooters, and golf carts on unauthorized roads. The Police Department is working with the Board of Education to reinforce bicycle safety. Calls increase during the summer, so staffing is adjusted to meet demand. Although serious crime remains low, shoplifting, drug use, overdoses, and trafficking have been reported, particularly at some hotels. To date, there has been no interaction with federal law enforcement in Old Saybrook.
A Public Safety meeting will be held on August 6 at 6 PM at the police station to inform the community of safety issues and to build better relationships with the community.
New Business:
Gary McCauley reported on the fundraiser raffle, which features gas and grocery gift cards: a $2,000 grocery card redeemable at any store nationwide, plus $500 and $250 cards for gas or groceries. To date, the raffle has raised $5,060. Many tickets have been purchased by Rotarians, and everyone is encouraged to continue selling them to friends and neighbors. Feedback has been positive because food and gas are useful to everyone, but the goal remains $15,000. Additional ticket-selling locations are needed. Tickets will be sold at two more summer concerts and at an upcoming OS Street fair.
September 14 – Golf Tournament – 35 people have signed up. John Giannini and Alan Poirier are coordinating Raffle prizes. Alan asked for volunteers to pick up raffle prizes and encouraged the donation of prizes and raffle tickets. Sponsors are needed as well as volunteers for different time slots. The following is a request from Alan Poirier concerning the raffle:
Alan Poirier 860-823-9972, alanfpoirier10@gmail.com
Summer Concert – Concert - August 12. Martha has asked all who are on the team to arrive by 6 PM for set-up and asked for volunteers for that evening.
Joan Winters reported that food drives will be held monthly in the fall, and that another visit to Gladeview Rehabilitation Center is planned. Members with dogs are asked to bring them as residents respond well to their attention. Our club will take part in the Old Saybrook’s Starlight Festival.
John Aforismo reported that Social Services requested help with providing school supplies. John will contact them for further information on the best way for our club to help.
Future Events:
September 26– Shredding Event – More information will be provided, volunteers needed and raffle tickets will be sold at the event.
September 26 – Alzheimer’s Walk, New London – Martha Rothchild will be happy to sign people up for the walk and asked for donations to the cause.
October 3 and 4 Arts and Crafts Fair: John and Garry will be organizing Rotary’s participation in Arts and Crafts Fair. Hotdogs will be purchased by the Club and Nancy will ask for donations for 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.
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.
100th Anniversary - Jan reminded everyone of the upcoming 100 Anniversary Celebration in January 2027. Planning continues and more information will be forthcoming as decisions are made.
