Logo for: Rotary Old Saybrook

OS Rotary Meeting 05/05/21

Pledge: Gary McCauley

Prayer and Four Way Test: Gary McCauley

Happy Bucks:  many for the guest speaker, several for Mother’s Day, others for easing of the COVID restrictions and a return to the new normal, Bill Mc. leaves Florida on Friday and returns to O.S. 6/15 (he’s taking the scenic route), Marc is fully vaccinated, Joan is happy to be a Rotarian, and Pat D. discovered a spacebar hack that only seems to work on his computer (thanks for sharing, Pat). May birthdays: Devin and Pete.

President’s Update: Thank you note from Saybrook C.A.R.E.S. for our donation, PPE masks were distributed to two more area schools, Scholarship Committee awarded 9 scholarships to students from Westbrook, Old Lyme, and Old Saybrook. Scholarships totaled $30,000.00. Chief Spera notified the club of the upcoming “Immunity in the Community” event on 5/6/21.

Guest Speaker: Jen Rizzotti, President of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun

            Jen was a star player for the UCONN Women’s Basketball Team from 1992 – 1996. During that time she led the Huskies to their first National Championship. After 5 years of professional ball, she became the head coach for the University of Hartford. After 17 successful seasons with the Hawks, she moved on to George Washington University until she was named President of the Connecticut Sun. This position presents a whole new set of challenges to the highly successful player and coach. Jen stressed the importance of community outreach by the Sun and her desire to provide players opportunities after basketball. COVID limits attendance at the games to 2,300 (10,000 capacity) but after the break in the season for the Olympics, she expects restrictions to be lifted and return to full capacity. Games will be televised on ESPN and CBS sports, Fox 61, and NESEN. Games will also be live streaming on Facebook and Twitch (???).

Jen also diplomatically answered questions about playing for Coach Geno and the lack of equity during the 2021 NCAA Basketball Tournament. She invited us to a game in the second half of the season. Thank you Jen, for an interesting look into the world of women’s professional basketball.

Announcements:

Memorial Day Parade will take place on 5/31.

The Summer Concert Series Committee will be purchasing a 10 x 10 tent to be set up at the concerts for water, food and giveaways.

Speakers have been confirmed for the 12th, 19th, and 26th of May.

The in person meeting committee suggested the following steps to our return to normal:1). Continue Zoom meetings throughout May

            2). Have a live 7am breakfast meeting at SPI on 6/2 or6/9. All attendees will need to have been vaccinated and wear a mask.

            3). Have a noon meeting the following week on the Town Green. BYO lunch and chair.

            4).The Pavilion at the Point will be the inclement weather location. Members will be notified the morning of the meeting if we need to switch to indoors.

            5). Then we can reassess whether to continue on the alternate breakfast/lunch basis or intersperse Zoom meetings.

            6). Consider a social event with spouses 6/29 or 7/1 at the Old Lyme Country Club or another appealing venue.

We will discuss these steps and other suggestions at the May 12th meeting which is still ZOOM at NOON.

 

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