Greeter: Chip Adams
Pledge of Allegiance. 4-Way Test and Prayer – Chip Adams
Sergeants Report: Mary Polchaninoff & Martin Palmieri
Raffle Winners – Martha, Nancy, and Rosanne
Happy Bucks: Celebrating Thanksgiving, anticipation for the upcoming holiday season, relief at the lack of snow in Old Saybrook yesterday, the successful delivery of 100 Thanksgiving meals, happy to be at today’s meeting, the company of fellow Rotary colleagues and happiness for the day itself.
Jan sent best wishes to all Rotarians celebrating December birthdays and to those marking Rotary anniversaries. Marty has been a Rotarian for 38 years and Charlie Norz 29 years.
The Student of the Month for December (Social Studies) ceremony will be held at 7:00 a.m. on December 10th at Saybrook Point Inn. The holiday luncheon is scheduled for December 17th, also at Saybrook Point Inn. All were asked to sign up if attending and all were encouraged to bring guests to the holiday luncheon. Our club is subsidizing the cost of the luncheon.
Roger Epply Prints
Pete Zucco gave an update on the availability of Roger Epply prints. The prints are being sold at $120 for unmatted and $150 for matted versions. Pete is managing the storage and can arrange pickup or bring the prints to future meetings for those who have purchased them. About five prints of the Congregational Church remain; if these are not sold, the Rotary may consider donating them to the church.
Upcoming District Events: Nancy Morin, ADG
January 19, 2026: Video Contest – Membership (30 seconds)
· Why am I a Rotarian in my club?
· Why would you want to be a Rotarian in my club?
New video contest: Community Service. Last month’s contest was about Rotary’s Polio eradication work.
· 1st Place: Trumbull
· 2nd Place: Stratford
· 3rd Place: Devon
· Honorable mention: Madison
January 24, 2026: District assembly at Quinnipiac University
· Open to all Rotarians – great learning experience.
· Requirement for all President Elects
March 2026: RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (last one 11/15)
March and April 2026: Four-Way Speech Contest
President Elect Learning Seminars (PELS): March 5-7
May 30, 2026: Recognition Awards – 4PM – 7PM at Norwalk Inn
Nancy also spoke about opportunities for Rotary clubs to collaborate on larger projects that can benefit multiple communities. One proposed initiative is a Packaging Event, which would collect food items for distribution to various food pantries. Several clubs would work together, apply for district grant matching, and use the funds to address food insecurity in their communities. This project is currently under consideration. Nancy encouraged members to apply for upcoming district positions, citing the Foundation Chairperson role as an example.
Grant Update: Estuary Oven Replacement
Dave Condren shared an update regarding a grant that Old Saybrook Rotary, along with several other Rotary clubs, obtained to support the Estuary’s oven replacement project. The meals prepared at the Estuary help provide Meals-on-Wheels for six towns. The district funding has been received, and today a check for $12,423 is being presented to the Estuary staff for the purchase. When the oven has been received, there will be more publicity. This is a great accomplishment and will help many community members.
Thanksgiving Turkey Drive: Old Saybrook Rotary and Liberty Bank partnered to raise money for Thanksgiving Dinners for those who would not be able to afford a Thanksgiving Dinner. Nancy reported Old Saybrook Rotary’s 2025 donation was $4457 with the bonus from Liberty bank. This exceeded our last year’s donation and Jan thanked everyone.
Holiday Coat Donations: John reported on the coat drive. He has received all 30 of the requested coats, several slightly used coats and multiple hats, scarves, gloves, and other winter items. He requested volunteers to organize the goods and will deliver them to OS Social Services December 9 for distribution to the community.
Tara reported that Westbrook Social Services also has a need for coats. Our Rotary will be able to support them. John distributed tickets and asked for all donations to be brought to him. December 13 is target-date for Westbrook coat donations.
Retention Initiative: Joan discussed retention of Rotarians and ways in which our club can reach out to new members and support them as they become part of the Rotary family. Joan asked why members joined Rotary and responses were for camaraderie and the opportunity to help their community. Depending on one’s stage of life, working members have busy lives, multiple responsibilities and conflicts which may limit their ability to be involved. But there may be better ways to support new members by staying connected, having a “sponsor”, reaching out periodically to see if new members have questions or concerns. Also, at meetings, everyone should take time to get to know others better, especially new members. Jan said retention initiatives will be a focus of our club as we go forward and thanked Joan for bringing this issue to the group.
Community Outreach: Tara Winch
Tara reported Outreach had agreed to donate $3000 to Warm the Children, a group that serves several towns and supports the under served. One of our Rotarians, Joy Fogerty, has offered to be the liaison to that group and keep our Rotary aware of their activities. The vote for a $3000 donation to Warm the Children was approved as well as having Joy as our liaison to the group.
Joan discussed the Food Drive, this Friday, December 5, 12 noon – 4 PM, at Stop and Shop. On November 21 Food Driver, our Rotary collected 462 lbs. of food and $298 in donations. Stop and Shop is selling $10 food bags for donation to the food drive. All who signed up to set up, work the shifts, and deliver food to St. Mark’s food pantry were asked to report on Friday. Joan also ordered holiday cards and members were asked to use them for sponsors and supporters they have worked with during the year.
Torchlight Parade: Marty D
The date is December 13. This is our 37th year of hosting the refreshment tent for the Torchlight Parade. Please let Marty know if you are available to help. Volunteers are needed at the tent at 5 PM to set up the food. Hot chocolate will be prepared at 4 PM at the Estuary and transported to the heated tent.
Dick Mason thanked OS Rotary was for our donation to the Old Lyme Veterans for their November 11 event.
John reported good feedback about the water well our Rotary supported in Uganda. It is extremely useful to the community, provides local, safe, clean drinking water which is important to their health and disease prevention from contaminated water.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting December 10, 2025, 7:00 AM Saybrook Point featuring Student of the Month
