Pledge, Prayer, 4-Way Test of the things we say and do: President Alan Schwarz
Card Game Winner: Bill M
Raffle Winners: Lois (Guest), Nancy, Dick Mason (visiting Rotarian), Ed
Happy Bucks: PZ: $3 for 3 new members; JA: Arts&Crafts Festival and serving hot dogs; AS: guests and Shiela, A&C Fest; MO: A&C Fest; CR: A&C Fest, good weather, Sheila Brown; JP: happy to be a Rotarian; TW: new members; EP: A&C Fest; JW, KL, NM: welcome Sheila, A&C Fest; GF, CB: hope for good weather; GM: 3 grand daughters turned 16; JP: membership, A&C Fest; DM: hot dogs for lunch; JD: VFW commander Dick Mason here; MD: hot dogs for lunch; BM: Gail's brownie recipe - he got 8 instead of 9; BQ: our guest speaker, the nice day; RS going to NYC for family wedding
Bill McLaughlin inducted our newest member Sheila Brown
Program: Liz Meyer introduced Lois Caldrello, founder of the Colossus Project
Lois felt she had to do something when she saw what was happening in Ukraine. Families are suffering as their country is attacked by Russia in populated areas. People from Ukraine cannot immigrate to the US due to Visa issues. Americans may sponsor families and a website, welcome.US helps match Americans and potential Ukrainian families. There are safety measures taken to guard against human trafficking. On March 11, Lois brought in a family of 4. You are expected to raise money on your own for the costs involved and living expenses. Lois's motivation was not political - just trying to help a family in need. She would like to expand the project to bring in more families. Everyone involved goes through a vetting process. When the family arrived, they did not speak a word of English so they took literacy classes. The children went to school, camp and were tutored in English language. The parents are working, the father in construction and the mother in a restaurant. They are looking for permanent housing.
Can Rotary be a partner? Lois is talking to RI and money is available but it will take some admin work to make it happen. Financial help, volunteers and fundraising are needed to help this truly worthy project continue.Lois has done some community outreach, working with The Kate. What they need the most right now is financial assistance which can be in the form of food gift cards or similar. Mike Osnato will check RI and see about obtaining a grant.
Maui Fund: Nancy states we will be collecting through the end of October.
Thanksgiving Fund: We will work with Liberty to raise money for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels.
Arts & Crafts Festival: Nancy and Gail have been working hard getting Rotary ready. It came up on us quickly so lots had to be done in a short period of time. Participation looks good as the work time slots are in good shape. We have received donations from several stores and restaurants. We will be setting up Friday at 4:30 at our designated area on the Town Green.
Donors:
Stop and Shop, Monkey Farm, Cuckoo's Nest, Little Pub, Penny Lane, Big Y, Shop Rite, Subway
Macaroni Dinner: John Aforismo reports the planning is going well but we need to sell more tickets. Some will be given to those in need. If you sell tickets but know they won't be going (donation), let John know as he needs to know how much food to order. See Macaroni Dinner section for information.
Meet & Greet at the Old Lyme Inn - this is our opportunity to invite potential members to find out what we do in a relaxed and pleasant environment! Its a Happy Hour with food and beverage served. PLEASE RSVP to Joan Winters
Dick Mason from Clinton Rotary talked about their upcoming fundraiser On Oct. 28 at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme. The Benefit Dinner Dance is $40 per person, payable with Venmo or check, with music and silent auction and mystery boxes. Social time is 6:00 pm and the catered buffet dinner is 6:30. Funds raised benefit the VFW Post 1467.
Contact Richard Mason: 724-554-9437, dickmasonus@yahoo.com
Other:
Jan Peruccio says they will change the Foundation budget line item from Maui Relief to Disaster Relief
John Aforismo suggests we do something for the VFW for allowing us to have our meetings there. Lets think of ideas.
