Pledge: Pres. Paul Moore
Prayer: Joan Camire
Song: Andy Anderson
Brents Card Game: Bob Anderson
Sergeants Report: Rick Beck
Raffle Winners: Mike Velgouse, Charlie Norz, Bill Bernhart
Happy Bucks: Joan Camire was happy for Paul taking over as President, many happy bucks for Joan and a great job!
Program: John Donnelly introduced Dave Adams and Carolyn Bruno
Carolyn Bruno is a recent graduate from Old Saybrook High School and the class valedictorian. She has been active in Habitat for Humanity and attended Rotary's RYLA program. Dave Adams has been a participant in Youth Exchange and has a strong interest in foreign cultures. Dave wants to share what we have in common and has developed Amiji, a stuffed animal that has a twin. Each Amiji has a card with a its own code and by going online, the owner of an Amiji can communicate with the owner of its twin and a relationship is created between two young people from different parts of the world. Communication is the goal with the website, through Google World, capable of translating 52 languages. Technology connects similar groups and the children gain a respect for each other by communicating everyday life activities, and making friends online. Dave would like to expand Amiji by offering it to teachers around the world. Rotary can help through its international network and it certainly fits in with one of Rotary's missions which is gaining world peace through interaction of people from other nations.
The cost to participate is $40 per pair of Amijis. All postings are checked and everyone can see comments posted. Communication is global and not one on one. They don't collect personal information and teachers have a code that allows them to monitor and moderate whats being posted. For more information, contact Dave Adams:
dave@myAMIJI.com
860-287-0073
www.myAMIJI.com
Bill Bernhart reported on the Community Outreach Program. Bill has been the chairman of this committee that oversees giving to the needy of our area. From 2006 to present, our club has donated $61,044.33 to people of Old Saybrook, Westbrook and Old Lyme for things like rent assistance, heating, food, summer camp and much more. Because of matching grants from Rotary and others, over $350K has gone back to the communities. Bill Suits chaired Outreach over the last 5 years. Bill Bernhart, the current chairman is transferring to the Chester club and Stan Niemerski will be taking over. Please visit our website section for details under CLUB ACTIVITIES.
Announcements:
Brent: The annual Art Show takes place July 23rd and 24th and we will man the food booth. Bob Antoniac and Brent are organizing the club effort. Please sign up to work at the food booth. Food and soda is donated by Stop & Shop and the proceeds help fund our programs.
Paul: Dues are due. $150, please send or bring your check in. Dues are payable within 90 days.
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