Pledge: Pres. Gerri Lewis
Prayer: Ken Roche
Song: Donna Lash
Brents Card Game Winner: Sandy Miller
Guests: Brian DeBlasiis, David
Sergeants Report: Joe Arcari
Raffle Winners: Kathy Callinan, Brian DiBlasiis, Charlie Norz
Happy Bucks: All bucks go to the annual "Turkey Drive"..David was happy for the speech his 12 year old daughter gave, Brian for wings-thighs-guests-beautiful day, bucks for the turkey dinners that will be provided.
Announcements:
Oct. 27 is the Chamber of Commerce EXPO to be held at the Valley Shore YMCA. Rotary has a booth. Admission is free from 5:30-7:30. Set up is from 3-4.
Dictionary prep after the meeting - put the stickers on straight! This is our 14th year of distributing kids dictionaries to the 3rd graders in Old Saybrook, Old Lyme and Westbrook. The schedule is:
- Wed, Oct 26: 9am St. John School (OS), 9:30am Goodwin School (OS), 10:30am Daisy Ingraham School (Westbrook)
- Thur, Oct 27: 1pm Mile Creek School (Old Lyme), 1:30pm Lyme Consolidated School (Lyme)
Come on out and help Charlie distribute the dictionaries - very rewarding to see the grateful expressions on the kids' faces! This is our 14th year and given out over 250 dictionaries.
Meals on Wheels: John Donnelly took it for Bill McLaughlin
Oct 26: Induction of Brian DiBlasiis into the club
Nov 6: Foundation Brunch at Woodwinds in Branford at 12:30. Club will pay the tab.
Nov 10: HEAT Spaghetti Dinner at Firemans Field 4pm-6:30pm
Gerri read a letter of appreciation from Youth & Family Services for our participation and financial support of the recent family day on the town green.
Program: The Kate presented by Executive Director Brett Elliot
Dana Foster and Brett Elliot
Brett Elliot took over management of The Kate from Chuck Sill. His job is to book talent, fundraising, and marketing. He comes from an extensive background in theater in Chicago. The Kate is in its 8th season which was managed by Chuck Sill for 6 years. The Kate is operating in the black with 232 performances last year. They have increased their patron base each year. Most people don't realize its a non profit and without support, ticket prices would be more expensive. The Kate has kids programs in the winter and spring. There are 3 full time employees, 5 part time and many volunteers. The CPTV series started in early 2014 with music in a caberet feel. This gives The Kate a wide exposure in the county because it has been picked up by national broadcasts. They have a new website and ticket automation. A Gala in August raised $75,000. The Kate has many community connections including the Florence Griswold Museum and many more. The goal is to move from startup to being a full fledged community arts organization and Dana Foster, Director of Development and External Relations is working toward that goal.
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