President Alan Schwarz led us in the Pledge followed by the Four-Way Test:
The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do
First...
Is it the TRUTH?
Second...
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Third...
Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Fourth...
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Prayer: Charlie Norz
Sergeants Report: Pete Zucco
Card Game Winner: Jan Tirinzonie
Raffle Winners: Nancy, Debra Lee
Happy Bucks: PZ for the Turkey Drive - today is the last day for collecting Happy Bucks for it, gave out candy to 120 trick or treaters; JT: UCONN basketball season starts next week; LR: the last Wed for getting up in the dark; SB: Turkey Drive and the successful Alzheimers Walk; CN for the Turkey Drive; BM: Karen presenting today; JD: guest speaker Karen; NM: guest speaker; MD: the positive comments about the Commodities Exchange received at a party; AS: speaker and his recent trip to beautiful Costa Rica; RS: for his son's wedding
Program:
Karen Terry, a past president of the East Hampton Club and currently Chair of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, spoke about the importance of this program.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program for District 7980 is part of the Eastern States Student Exchange (ESSEX) which facilitates short and long term student exchanges since 1966. It includes 34 districts as well as Canada and Bermuda. It is run by volunteers with a mission to further international goodwill and understanding. Students broaden their outlook, advance their education and act as ambassadors. They can spend a full year in a foreign country to learn the culture and "make friends in every corner of the world" as one student said. Julien Minnick went to France and Australia. The program sent 6-10 students every year prior to Covid-19, but has decreased with the onset of this disease. They are trying to build it back up by partnering with other districts. You can host a student even if you don't have a child going on exchange but they do ask that you host if you are sending a student. The host family doesn't have to have a Rotary member. For long term exchanges there are responsibilities such as designating a club counselor and Youth Exec Officer, finding host families and coordinating enrollment in school. You are also asked as host to provide a monthly allowance for spending money and recognizing special events like birthdays, Christmas and more. Short term exchanges typically last 6 weeks in the summer. Go to www.exchangestudent.org for more information. John Donnelly hosted a student in 2009-2010.
DISTRICT MEETING SUNDAY, NOV 5, 11:30-2:30 at SAYBROOK POINT RESORT & MARINA. Sign up with Nancy if you'd like to attend. We voted and approved to pay for 3 Interact students to attend at a cost of $45 each.
Maui Fund: Nancy will have a final figure once the money for tee shirt sales in the high school is turned in.
Alzheimers Walk: Susan Beaudoin led the club in this fundraiser. The club contributed $1,000 and collected another $1,000.
Connecticut Burns Care Foundation: Nancy contacted Dominic Mantuano about possibly doing a grant $2500) to benefit his organization.
Sheila Brown led a discussion of the Commodities Exchange at the transfer station. Sheila raised concerns that about being the lack of clear walking space and for some, may pose a fall risk. The area takes in a lot and people come to claim items but there is little or no supervision and as a result is disorganized. Transfer station workers attend to the area a couple times a week but its not enough. Also, people may be leaving potentially hazardous items. Sheila has some suggestions to make it safer and more organized and along with Jan Tirinzonie have volunteered their time to help make it safe not by policing it but checking the area regularly. Signage may help let people know where certain items go by designating categories of items. More on this to be discussed.
Outreach
Tara received a request for $1,000 from Heat & Eat which is part of the Shoreline Soup Kitchen to help fund heating and food assistance. The committee approved and the club voted approval.
Another verbal request was received for $500 for a family in Old Lyme. No written request has been received yet.
Programs:
11/08/23 - 7am Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, Student of the Month (Mathematics)
Note: we need a count of who plans to attend, cost is $25. Let Nancy know if you plan to attend
11/15/23 - 12pm VFW Hall, Open
11/22/23 - No Meeting (Thanksgiving)
