Pledge of Allegiance and 4-Way Pledge lead by Gary McCauley
Prayer given by Gary McCauley
Raffle winners: Rosanne Farrell, Jan Perruccio and one of our Veteran guests.
Happy Bucks: Happy for the guests present, for the service of our Veterans, for good weather, celebrating grandchildren’s birthdays, grateful for comradery of Rotarians.
Program: Congressman Joseph Courtney was introduced by Jan Peruccio, who spoke about his ongoing interest in issues presented to him by constituents and his commitment in addressing the concerns presented.
Congressman Courtney discussed his recent trip to Australia, where he visited a naval submarine station being constructed under the AUKUS agreement—an alliance among Australia, the UK, and the US aimed at enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region. Nuclear submarines will be stationed there to address potential conflicts, particularly regarding the South China Sea, regional security, disputed islands, and shipping lane safety.
Three nuclear-powered submarines are under construction at Electric Boat, with nuclear submarine pilots being trained at Groton eventually to be stationed in Australia. Congressman Courtney also highlighted educational initiatives: University of Connecticut engineering students have exchange opportunities in Adelaide, Australia, and Connecticut high schools—including Westbrook High School with its eight welding booths—are preparing students for technical careers. Of the 34 graduates with welding skills who applied for jobs last year, 30 were hired. He noted that adapting high school curricula to support technical programs is crucial for future employment, especially considering Electric Boat of Groton, CT employment of 24,000 people and expected to increase.
Our veteran guests spoke about concerns affecting veteran issues. Claims that veterans issues should be handled directly by the VA and not by private contractors or lawyers. The problems the veterans face should be evaluated based on functionality, not by a checklist. Congressman Courtney spoke of the current administration’s goal of reducing 87,000 VA employees and while the focus is not to downside clinical staff, forced retirements and work stress will affect both clinical and non-clinical staff.
A question was asked about Education Department and the cutbacks in Title 1 which will affect school’s budgets and programs. October is the new budget year, but no budget has been established yet. Congressman Courtney said staff cutbacks made to national testing program will affect the ability to test national reading and mathematics skills and levels.
School choice is another concern where money for public education may be used for private, religious or magnet schools chosen by parents and students. That may affect the budget of public schools and availability of programs.
Congressman Courtney was asked about food insecurity. The Department of Agriculture stopped compensating farmers supplying produce to food pantries. Those who depend on supplementing their food budget from donations from food pantries and/or SNAP benefits no longer have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Local farmers who were paid to provide their produce have suffered revenue losses. States may have to supplement these benefits though tax increases to cover those needs.
Congressman Joe Courtney was thanked for his time and the important information he provided. Our veteran guests were grateful to be included in the program and for the collaborative association with Old Saybrook Rotary.
New Business:
· Charlie Renshaw spoke about the Rotary Golf Classic on September 8 at the Fox Hopyard Golf Club. Currently, there is a need for more golfers, sponsors and raffles prizes. Obtaining raffles and asking golfers to attend is a priority. All prizes must be brought to next week’s meeting as no meeting is scheduled for September 3, due to the holiday.
· Food insecurity is one of OS Rotary goals and the Estuary, which provides daily lunches and Meals on Wheels, lost $16,000 in funding. Jan presented the goal of working with other District Rotaries to supplement that amount and allowing the Estuary to continue feeding the same number of clients. That measure was approved and ways to raise that amount will be discussed at the next meeting.
· Gary McCauley is organizing a raffle for an electric bike as an alternative fund-raising opportunity.
· Dedication of the Old Saybrook Peace Pole is scheduled for September 21, 1 PM. Rosanne Farrell asked everyone to save the date and further information will be provided.
· John Aforismo is coordinating a second shredding event on September 27.
· 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer Eastern Connecticut is also scheduled for September 27. It is a nice event and members are encouraged to participate.
· Joan Winters spoke about Impact 1000. There are six rotary members willing to donate $100 and with 4 additional members’ pledges, we can join Impact 1000 and have a voice in which programs the money will be invested. Joan requested other members to consider pledging.
· Macaroni dinner is scheduled for October 18 and 19
Meeting adjourned at 1:15 PM. Next meeting is scheduled August 27, 12 noon VFW.
