Greeter: Joan Winters
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer and Four Way Test led by Joan Winters
Raffle Winners: John G, Ed, Joy, Vickie
Happy Bucks
Members shared Happy Bucks for various reasons, including appreciation for friends, excitement about the Rotary Scarecrow, the rainy weather, the World Series, having a good day, anticipation of the upcoming macaroni dinner, and celebrating successful fundraisers.
Macaroni Dinner Update:
Volunteers are needed for the upcoming macaroni dinner weekend. The schedule is as follows: Friday: Preparation work, Saturday: Cooking, packing, and washing up, Sunday: Serving. A sign-up sheet is available for those who wish to volunteer. All volunteers are required to be at Clark Field by 11:30 AM on Sunday to complete set-up for the event, which begins at 12:00 PM.
Thank you notes:
President Jan shared thank-you notes received from High Hopes, the Alzheimer’s Organization, and Clinton Rotary in recognition of Old Saybrook Rotary’s donations. All Rotary clubs have been asked to contribute to Rotary’s Rose Bowl float. Jan proposed that Old Saybrook Rotary contribute, and members approved.
Presentation: Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY)
Nancy Morin and Ralph Edwards delivered a presentation on the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” initiative. Rotary International requests that all Rotarians contribute annually to the International Rotary Fund. These contributions are invested for three years, after which 47.5% of the funds are allocated to Rotary International and 47.5% to Rotary Districts. Individual clubs within these districts may apply for grants to support specific projects. Each club is entitled to two $2,500 grants per year, and these grants are matched. This enables clubs to access $10,000 in funds for approved projects.
Old Saybrook Rotary has successfully utilized District grants over the past three years, supporting projects such as providing computers for Acton Library, equipment for the Children’s Burn Camp, the Lending Toys Library for Lyme and Old Lyme Library, installing two Peace Poles in Old Saybrook, and awarding RYLA scholarships to students. Currently, Old Saybrook Rotary is applying for a grant to help the Estuary purchase a new oven, which is essential for preparing food for Meals on Wheels recipients. The club is partnering with Chester, Essex, and other clubs, raising $6,000 in donations to be matched, resulting in a total of $12,000 for the project.
Nancy explained that each Rotarian can contribute any amount annually through the Rotary website. Last year, about half of the members donated. If all 52 members contributed $25 each, the total would be $1,300, which could grow to $4,500 under the matching program.
Ralph discussed October as World Polio Day and highlighted Rotary International’s longstanding commitment to eradicating polio worldwide. In 1953, polio was a devastating disease, particularly for children, causing disability, paralysis, and death. Rotary’s campaign to prevent polio began in 1979 with vaccine administration in the Philippines. In 1985, the Polio Plus initiative was launched, with Rotary raising funds, supporting vaccine distribution, and partnering with organizations such as the Gates Foundation, which provides matching funds. Currently, Rotary’s polio eradication efforts are focused on Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the organization continues to work under challenging safety conditions.
President Jan also reminded members of access to mini grants in which individuals can support a project of smaller proportions. She asked members to consider opportunities to use these grants. Jan requested a $100 donation by the club to Polio Plus in remembrance of Donna Lash, a recently deceased Rotary member. The members approved that donation.
Joan Winters discussed the Starlight Festival to be held December 5. It is focused on children, and she asked if our Rotary would like to support the event. We could have a table with fun games or crafts and information about Rotary. This will be discussed again at next week’s meeting.
Dictionary Project
Nancy reported on the Dictionary program in which Rotaries dictionaries were given to third graders on Old Saybrook, Westbrook and Old Lyme. The children were excited and positive about the information in these dictionaries which includes a US history section.
Turkey Drive is in progress and paper turkey legs were distributed to all high schools and at places of business. Monies must be collected by November 13 to be considered for 25% matching by Liberty Bank on November 17. Payment can be made via QR Code.
Martha reported volunteers are needed for packing food on Thanksgiving Eve for dinners to be distributed on Thanksgiving. She will provide more information next week. Next meeting, October 22, 12 noon.
