Pledge, Prayer and 4-Way Test: Pat Devito
Brent's card game winner: Bob A
Raffle winners: Bill M, Marty D, Joan M
Happy Bucks: JA: daughter just bought a house; CR: happy to see Bob at the meeting; NM: happy to be here; JA: thanks for all the good wishes for Shireen, the great job the police dept did; AS: first day of fall season; BA: happy to be here; DC: football season has arrived; JM: Shireen's recovery; BT: just happy; MD: Shireen's recovery; PZ: happy for our guests, speaker, macaroni dinner; JW: savoring the last days of summer
Pat D (filling in for Pres. Gary):
- There is a District Day of Service initiative which requires all clubs in our district to come up with a community service project by May 1 so think about a project we can do.
- The evening social we have planned at the Indian Town Beach Club requires a minimum of 30 people. Please let Gary know asap if you plan to attend and if you will be bringing a guest. Gary needs a count by Friday 9/24. Beach Club Meeting 9/29/21 Link
- Students of the Month: the SOM meeting scheduled for October 6 will be rescheduled due to the SAT's
- We are in discussions with Sal's Restaurant for regular lunch meetings. In case Sal's is not available on a regular basis we need to think of another venue so your suggestions are welcome.
Speaker: Joe Russo
Joe studied meteorology at Cornell and later furthered his studies in climatology. Our climate system starts with the sun which heats different parts of the earth which is 70% water. This gives rise to global circulation. What happens on land is driven by the oceans. Atmospheric circulation is slowing down - a major concern. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate. It is predicted that by 2035 the ice cover over the Arctic will be gone and by 2050 the Antarctic ice cover will be gone. Studies of the ice core has led to the conclusion that there is a relationship between gas release and temperature. There has been variations over millions of years. Alaska is very sensitive to climate change especially northern Alaska. In the beginning, earth was in a molten state and was always cooling after creation. The climate today is very similar to what it was 125,000 years ago so we know we can live in warmer climate and the earth is capable of getting very warm. In 1951 we went through an amazingly stable period in terms of weather - the long term trend is warmer with oscillations. From 1950 to 2020 cold and heat temperature records have been broken. From 1950-1990 more cold temp records were broken than hot temp and past 1990 more hot temp records were broken than cold temps. In Connecticut we are seeing and will continue to see sea rise changes. Its projected that by 2030 there will be a 1.5 foot rise and by 2050 there could be as much as a 7 foot rise with the best case being 20 inch rise in water level. There will be more rain, higher humidity and higher temperatures. There will be more standing water - marshes will turn into standing water. The interaction of ice, land and oceans causes variations in climate. Its too late to change things in the short run. China and India, big contributors to carbon emissions, are not doing as much as the US. Alternatives to fossil fuels are being developed. If we continue on this path, by 2030 there will be parts of the earth that will be uninhabitable - these areas will be so hot you can't breath. This will lead to mass migrations.
Pat Devito:
- We have lots going on in October so stay tuned and engaged!
- Marty reported on the new website. Last week, Marty and Pat were trained on the new website. Marty has made content additions and the new website is now fully functional.
- Charlie Renshaw talked about the golf tournament Oct. 7 - fast approaching. The long term weather forecast looks good (I think Charlie was joking). There are 3 foursomes we have not heard from as to whether or not they intend to participate in the rescheduled tournament. 9 volunteers are needed the day of the tournament. Let Charlie know if you can help out for a half or full day. Bill McLaughlin had an idea of creating gift baskets which have more eye appeal than gift certificates and cards. Bill is looking for 3-4 people to put the baskets together and spice up the raffle!
- Brent has retained John Giannini to take Meals on Wheels Oct. 7 since he will be at the golf tournament. Thanks John!
- John Aforismo spoke about the Macaroni Dinner Oct. 17 - also fast approaching. John needs a count of tickets sold or donated by Oct. 10. On Oct. 15 John A. and John G. will go shopping for the items needed (sauce, hamburger, etc.) and will roll the meatballs. Unfortunately, we do not have access to the facility at Clark Memorial (Firemans) Field Friday due to an event so other arrangements will be made for the rolling of the meatballs. Sponsors are welcome, they get 2 complimentary tickets for a $100 sponsorship fee. On another note, Shireen is recuperating after a fall so John has enlisted his daughter to make the cookies. Oct. 2nd and 3rd is the Chamber of Commerce Arts & Craft Fair on the town green. We'll be serving hot dogs, chilli dogs, water and soft drinks and possibly ice cream. Set up is Friday Oct. 1 if you are available.
- Joan Michaud who heads the Outreach Committee has polled the club on the support level for the new plans for the Estuary which includes an outdoor walking area. We will donate $2,000 and a plaque on one of the benches will acknowledge the donation.
- Pete introduced Julie and Ron from Old Lyme who have expressed an interest in joining and were in attendance at this meeting.
- Bill McLaughlin, program chair said October was filled but speakers are needed afterwards.
