Pledge, Prayer and 4-Way Test was led by Charlie Renshaw
Card Game Winner: Pete Zucco
Raffle Winners: Charlie R, Mary Seidner, Gary McCauley
Happy Bucks: many for our guests, grand kids going to college x 2, still alive!, winning the raffle, happy for the Mets and Red Sox
Program: Heather McNeill of Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services and Mary Seidner of Lyme Youth Services Bureau
Both agencies are collaborating on The Bridge Project 2025 which takes place Sept. 19 at 11am on the Old Lyme side of the Baldwin Bridge sidewalk approach area. It will feature guest speakers and mental health resource booths. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. Key components of the Bridge Project include:
- Free suicide prevention and mental health training for community members and professionals
- Public awareness campaigns to break stigma and promote open dialogue
- 24/7 access to crisis support through partnerships with helplines and local providers
- Workshops and peer-led support groups across schools, workplaces, and community centers
Even last minute intervention can make a huge difference in saving a life.
Heather and Mary discussed other activities of their respective agencies. Providing food, clothing, shelter and other necessities of life are provided to those in need. They work with local organizations including police, social services and organizations like ours. Turkey drives and holiday giving initiatives help those who have lost jobs, suffered illness or are victims of other circumstances. OSYS works with the Estuary Council for Seniors with a grandparent group to assist older people who are raising children and may have guardianship of their grandchildren. Help is provided for those who don't qualify for assistance programs and might not be retired. Opioid awareness and Narcan training is also provided. Towns only provide about 1/3 of funding so additional funds also comes from grants and fundraisers. Support from service clubs like Rotary, Lions, etc. is also important. On July 9, Lyme Youth Services is holding an Evening at the Theater at the Ivoryton Playhouse which benefits their mental wellness program. Maryann Colwick has hosted the Point of Woods Party which benefits LYSB.
For more information, visit their websites:
Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services
Lymes Youth Service Bureau
President's Report
There will be a slight change in the way new members are proposed. If anyone has a concern about a potential new member, it should be discussed with either John Aforismo, Pete Zucco or Jan Perruccio. This will be kept confidential.
Jan is reaching out to local Rotary Clubs (Clinton, Chester, Essex, Deep River and Killingworth) to support the Estuary Council of Seniors Meals on Wheels program. There have been cutbacks to this important program that serves these towns and Old Saybrook. The goal is to raise $15,000. An account may be set up for receipt and disbursement of funds. There will be a zoom meeting on Sept. 10 at 7pm with the presidents of the clubs but is open to all. If you wish to attend, let Jan know so she can send you an invite.
Pete Zucco is leading the Arts & Crafts Festival food booth. He is putting a committee together. There is much organizational work to do. Pete will have work shifts of 2-3 hours set up. Pete passed around last years menu - he is asking for feedback from the club.
This year we will purchase the hotdogs to better control the process. We will be doing a raffle as well. An electric bike will be offered. There will be 500 tickets sold at $20 each. We break even at tickets sold. Thanks to Action Sports for providing the bike at cost.
John Aforismo announced that all is good to go for the Macaroni Dinner Oct. 19. preparation, including rolling the meatballs, takes place the day before at the Fireman's (aka Clark) Field pavilion. Everyone will be given 10 tickets to sell. John asks that if you purchase tickets as a donation to let him know if someone will be using the tickets or not. Also, how many are for children vs. adults. This will factor in the amount of food needed to purchase for the event. Flyers with QR code for ticket sales are ready.
Golf Tournament Sept. 9: Charlie Renshaw
* The deadline for new sponsors is Friday, Aug 29.
* The deadline for golfers is Wed. Sept. 3.
To date we have 16 foursomes (goal 18) and 45 sponsors (goal 50). Please contact your potential players and sponsors now.
The raffle at the tournament is coordinated by Gary McCauley. There will be 20 raffle prizes offered including 10 "big ticket" items with a value greater than $200. Smaller items will be combined.
Help is needed for the afternoon shift mostly to watch the hole-in-one holes. Morning shift is ok.
The Peace Pole is purchased and will be installed Sept. 21 at the Park & Rec center.
Jan requests that if anyone has a pet project or cause that you'd like to consider for Rotary to support, let her know.
