Pledge: Pres. Gary McCauley
Gary read a passage from The Rotarian - Service Above Self and the "Object" of Rotary
Happy Bucks: Several for the outstanding weather we've enjoyed, friends meeting in Old Saybrook, there were 2 COVID stories, baseball starts tomorrow!, still kicking!, our meeting next week in person at Jonny Ads, daughters 35th birthday, AC working, happy to get together, our great community! John Aforismo stated that he won the mini-golf item for the Chamber online auction, his opponent will be Police Chief Spera.
President's Update:
The grill we donated to the OS Chamber online auction fetched $525!
Gary is mailing out a letter of thanks for support of Rotary to our valued sponsors
Pat Settembrino agreed to take charge of club publicity. He will be meeting with other area service clubs
Gary spoke to Susie Beckman about having a meeting on the Town Green which would then include a tour of the art gallery in the town hall. We helped with financial backing of the gallery which features local artists.
Fundraising: John Aforismo
We are set up with Omaha Steaks. When someone designates our club as their charity of choice, 10% of the proceeds go to the club. John made a purchase and it worked. Amazon Smiles is next with a similar program as well as Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. The macaroni dinner is moving ahead. Charlie Renshaw is working on local golf courses to host our golf tournament.
Membership: Pete Zucco
We need more friends in the club who have the Rotary mindset, Service Above Self. This involves developing lead by getting our information out and telling the story of Rotary. Pete wants to do a "soft sell" by doing mailings, not often but on a regular basis to people we all add to the list. They will see what we do and the fun we have. Perhaps spicing up the mailing with a tide table to catch eyes. The following was taken from the district websitee:
20 Reasons to Join Rotary
1. Friendship: In an increasingly complex world, Rotary provides one of the most basic human needs: the need for friendship and fellowship. It is one of two reasons why Rotary began in 1905.
2. Business Development: The second original reason for Rotary's beginning is business development. Everyone needs to network. Rotary consists of a cross section of every business community. Its members come from all walks of life. Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.
3. Personal Growth and Development: Membership in Rotary continues one's growth and education in human relations and personal development.
4. Leadership Development: Rotary is an organization of leaders and successful people. Serving in Rotary positions is like a college education. Leadership: - learning how to motivate, influence and lead leaders.
5. Citizenship in the Community: Membership in a Rotary club makes one a better community citizen. The average Rotary club consists of the most active citizens of any community.
6. Continuing Education: Each week at Rotary there is a program designed to keep one informed about what is going on in the community, nation, and world. Each meeting provides an opportunity to listen to different speakers and a variety of timely topics.
7. Fun: Rotary is fun, a lot of fun. Each meeting is fun. The club projects are fun. Social activities are fun. Serving others is fun.
8. Public Speaking Skills: Many individuals who joined Rotary were afraid to speak in public. Rotary develops confidence and skill in public communication and the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.
9. Citizenship in the World: Every Rotarian wears a pin that says "Rotary International." There are few places on the globe that do not have a Rotary club. Every Rotarian is welcome - even encouraged - to attend any of the 33,000 clubs in over 200 nations and geographical regions. This means instant friends in both one's own community and in the world community.
10. Assistance when Traveling: Because there are Rotary clubs everywhere, many a Rotarian in need of a doctor, lawyer, hotel, dentist, advice, etc., while traveling has found assistance through Rotary.
11. Entertainment: Every Rotary club and district has parties and activities that provide diversion in one's business life. Rotary holds conferences, conventions, assemblies, and institutes that provide entertainment in addition to Rotary information, education, and service.
12. The Development of Social Skills: Every week and at various events and functions, Rotary develops one's personality, social skills and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.
13. Family Programs: Rotary provides one of the world's largest youth exchange programs; high school and college clubs for future Rotarians; opportunities for spouse involvement; and a host of activities designed to help family members in growth and the development of family values.
14. Vocational Skills: Every Rotarian is expected to take part in the growth and development of his or her own profession or vocation; to serve on committees and to teach youth about one's job or vocation. Rotary helps to make one a better doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc.
15. The Development of Ethics: Rotarians practice the 4-Way Test that governs one's ethical standards. Rotarians are expected to be ethical in business and person relationships.
16. Cultural Awareness: Around the world, practically every religion, country, culture, race, creed, political persuasion, language, color, and ethnic identity is found in Rotary. It is a cross section of the world's most prominent citizens from every background. Rotarians become aware of their cultures and learn to love and work with people everywhere. They become better citizens of their countries in the process.
17. Prestige: Rotary members are prominent people: leaders of business, the professions, art, government, sports, military, religion, and all disciplines. Rotary is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. Its ranks include executives, managers, professionals - people who make decisions and influence policy.
18. Nice People: Rotarians above all are nice people - the nicest people on the face of the earth. They are important people who follow the policy of "it is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice."
19. The Absence of an "Official Creed": Rotary has no secret handshake, no secret policy, no official creed, no secret meetings or rituals. It is an open society of men and women who simply believe in helping others.
20. The Opportunity to Serve: Rotary is a service club. Its product is serving. Rotarians provide community service to both local and international communities. This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process and return of that satisfaction to one's own life. It is richly rewarding.
OS Long Term Recovery:
Gary met with this group yesterday. Judy Sullivan of the Chamber of Commerce said that over $14,000 was raised in their silent online auction which will benefit businesses affected by the Covid-19 epidemic. The Saybrook Cares account is growing and the goal is to reach $100K. Stan from the Estuary said there will be no group functions there until 2021. Meals on Wheels demand is up 50% over normal.
Jan Perruccio spoke about the education system. A hybrid program will be submitted to the state by the end of the week. It will be a 180 day calendar. A survey reveals that 7% of the parents will not be sending their children to school out of health concerns. 30% need to see more information before deciding and 60% said they won't send their kids without masks. There will be monitors on the buses for the first 4 weeks to make sure kids have masks and other compliance rules are being followed.
Finance: Charlie Norz
Nothing new to report
Bill McLaughlin: Everyone is invited to get a speaker or program. Next week we meet for lunch at Jonny Ads restaurant - our first live meeting in since March 11.
Community Outreach: Joan Michaud
Requests are being received on a regular basis. Gary mentioned that some of the requests could or should go to the town government as a first request. The town has a rainy day fund which is starting to get tapped.
There was discussion about upgrading and updating our website. John Aforismo offered to look into development with a company he has used for his business. Marty will check with our current provider, Web Solutions, as well. The Branford and Madison clubs could serve as models. Facebook could be a good tool and perhaps Interact kids can get involved as well.
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