Pledge of Allegiance/Prayer/Four-Way test by Pete Zucco
Raffle prizes won by Mike, Alex, and Ed P
Card game won by Marty who returned all the money to Happy Bucks in honor of Dolly Parton
Happy Bucks: Members shared gratitude for visiting family members, time with grandchildren, grandchild starting college at Yale, Kayaking experience, summer weather, and Rotary friends.
Introduction of Guest speaker: Pete Zucco introduced Emily Rorke, from Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s organization provides education and information about brain health to members of the community and offers support. That is done by both home care organizations and ambulatory clinics. Alzheimer’s statistics show 1of 3 older adults live with some level of cognitive loss and 7 million have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The number of cases is expected to rise to 409 trillion by 2050. The most important initiatives are the research being done, taking lifestyle risk reduction measures, early detection and if cognitive changes are apparent, support to maximize an optimal lifestyle.
There are two levels – cognitive decline which show changes in memory and dementia which is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Early detection is critical so if changes in memory are noted, it is best to go for medical evaluation, discuss potential lifestyle changes and treatment options. Treatment options are both drug and non-drug options. Drugs include both symptomatic therapies and anti-amyloid medications. The goal is to slow disease progression and manage memory and agitation. Non-drug therapies include good diet, sufficient rest, control of blood pressure and diabetes, healthy weight, daily exercise, and continued learning.
The Alzheimer Association is involved in a clinical trial called US Pointer Brain Health which monitors cognitive health and lifestyle innovations that support brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association help line is 800-272-3900 and is available 24/7 and offers free education. There are also care givers support groups and information for early-stage caregivers.
There will be 600 Walks for Alzheimer’s nationwide on September 26 and six in Connecticut. Martha Rothchild is organizing the Alzheimer’s Walk in New London by members of Old Saybrook Rotary. Six members have signed up so far and all members can make donations on the website. Old Saybrook Rotary will donate $500 for the cause, and our goal is to raise $2000.
New Business:
Grocery/Gas Raffle:
John A. reported on the fundraiser raffle, which includes a $2,000 grocery gift card redeemable nationwide, plus $500, and $250 gas or grocery cards. The raffle has raised $7,500 so far, with a goal of $15,000. Rotarians are encouraged to keep selling tickets to friends and neighbors, as feedback has been positive because food and gas are useful to everyone. Additional ticket-selling locations are being planned, and Martha has volunteered to coordinate sign-up sheets for volunteers at those sites.
September 14 – Golf Tournament:
So far, 56 golfers have signed up and there are 40 sponsors. Sheila Brown was thanked for being a Silver sponsor. Additional sponsors are needed as well as volunteers for different time slots. There is a minimum of 72 for dinner and if all slots cannot be filled by golfers, Rotary members will be asked to join for dinner. Those costs will be taken from the profits so asking for more golfers to participate is important. John Gianinni and Alan Poirier are coordinating Raffle prizes and asked that all prizes be turned as soon as possible. Lottery tickets are needed for the lottery tree.
Grant Committee Report:
Rosanne Farrell reported that the Grant Committee members—Dave C., Alan S., Alan P., Tony S., Mary H., and Nancy M. met to review Vista Life Innovations’ proposal to equip seven vehicles with GPS and dual-camera video telematics. Vista Life Innovations supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping them build independence through vocational training, employment support, life skills development, and long-term services. The proposed technology would help Vista improve transportation efficiency, strengthen driver and member safety and security, and reduce transportation times. The Grant Committee recommends applying for a district-managed grant for Vista Life Innovations. The club would contribute $2,500, which the district would match with $2,500, for a total grant of $5,000.
Action: The proposal was approved and Rosanne will forward a grant request to the district for review and approval.
Community Activities:
Joan Winters reported that food drives will be held monthly in the fall, and another visit to Gladeview Rehabilitation Center is planned for September 3. Members with dogs are asked to bring them as residents respond well to their attention.
Future Events:
September 26 – Shredding Event: There will be one shredding truck this fall and about 14 volunteers will be needed to work the event. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event and food items collected.
October 3 and 4 Arts and Crafts Fair: 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 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 24-25 Macaroni Dinner: John Aforismo has ordered flyers and will be sending tickets to all members for the Macaroni Dinner soon and when preparations are underway, will provide updated information.
100th Anniversary: Jan and John will hold a planning meeting later this week for the club’s 100th Anniversary Celebration on January 24, 2027. The event will take place at Saybrook Point and include a celebratory dinner. Planning is ongoing, and more details will be shared as decisions are made.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting September 2, 2026, at VFW 12 noon
