Pledge of Allegiance and 4-Way Pledge lead by Nancy Morin
Prayer given by John A
Card Game winner: Rosanne F
Raffle winners: David C, Charlie N, Rosanne F
Happy Bucks: Beautiful morning, wine tasting progress, Rotary Magazine, Social Committee event last week, social committee work on food at weekly meetings, time with family, comradery between Rotary members.
Budget Review by Kathy Callinan:
Kathy presented the 4th Q 2024 budget of Old Saybrook Rotary Club. The remaining Club bank balance is $27,753.41, expenses were $13, 849.00 with a potential shortfall of approximately $7800. The Shredding event on April 19 will provide some income to correct the shortfall. Since OS Rotary must stay within the assigned budget, all expenses in the 1st Q 2025 will be carefully monitored.
The Foundation bank balance in December was $22,836.48. Foundation funds are used for Student of the Month for meals for students, parents, and teachers. Monies from the Foundation are slated for specific programs and cannot augment the club’s expenses.
Review of Club By-laws/Vote for Approval
Nancy presented the Club By-Laws for approval as presented. The OS Rotary Club by-laws have been reviewed and revised by several Rotarians. The revised bylaws were sent to Rotary members for review and comment. Discussion ensued over the 2/3 majority needed to appoint officers and the process of members that may be removed from the Club for cause. Directors will have the responsibility with an appeal process afforded to the member. It was agreed some of the information may be too sensitive to share with all club members and will be shared at the discretion of the Directors.
The Club By-laws were approved as presented.
Nomination of officers:
John A. presented the slate of Officers for 2025-2026. Jan P. is President-elect and Pete Zucco, President-in-training. John A. will remain Secretary and Kathy Callinan Treasurer; however, Kathy would like to have someone in training to assume her position in the future. Mary P and Debra Lee will remain as Sargent at Arms. The slate of officers was voted upon at the February 12 meeting.
Mental Health Initiative:
Jan P. presented the Mental Health Initiative of New Haven, Guildford and Branford Rotaries, a mental health program called, “Asking for a Friend.” The program brings all mental health professionals together and uses skits by actors to demonstrate how to ask for help. The group has asked for a donation of $500 to develop a video presentation by their clubs. The proposal was presented and will be decided at a future meeting.
California Wildfires:
A poster was developed with a QR Code that can be used to collect donations for the California wildfires. Members were asked to encourage donations using social media such as FB. Donations will be solicited at events such as the Chilifest on March 1.
Chilifest March 1:
Plans and preparations are in place for the event on March 1. Volunteers are needed to help with the event both in preparation and at the event.
Wine and Beer Update:
Marty presented the progress on the Wine and Beer Spring event. Sponsors are coming in and all auction items should be given to Pet Z. Members were asked to collect Lottery Tickets for the Giving-tree and to sell tickets to the event.
Future Events:
Shredding – April 19
Macaroni Dinner – October 18 and 19
Introduction to Rotary Events: Joan W
May 7 Old Lyme Library Introduction to Rotary
Rotary Awards for 5 th and 8 th graders
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting February 12, 7am Student of the Month Breakfast at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
MORE FROM PRESIDENT NANCY:
Some highlights and a little more from our Wednesday meeting.
1. Cancellations of Meetings due to Weather
If there is any doubt about the weather, please check your email before you leave your house. If school is cancelled or delayed, the meeting will be cancelled.
2. Judges needed for the 4-Way Speech Contest
Four-Way Speech Contest challenges students to deliver a speech on an ethical issue, applying the principles of the Four-Way Test. Students from all clubs within our District are invited to craft a 5-7 minute speech addressing a current ethical issue, using the Four-Way Test as their framework. The contest typically involves several levels, starting at the school level, followed by club-level contests, semi-finals, and finally, the district-level competition. The contest not only fosters public speaking skills but also encourages critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and advocacy for passionate causes. It's a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their communication skills and make a positive impact on their communities. Each club in the District sends one student to the semi finals.
March 3, Acton Library, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Speech Contest at Club level
Old Lyme/Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook students will present their speeches. Rotarians present will determine the student to be sent to the semi finals. Our goal is to get as many Rotarians to participate in the judging. The semi finals will be held at the end of March. Four students will then go on to the finals.
April 26, Old Saybrook High School, 9 am - noon. Speech Contest Finals
Old Saybrook will be hosting the finals. Rotarians throughout the District attending the 4-Way Test Speech finals will determine who wins the contest. In attendance will be the finalists, family, friends, administrators, Rotarians and community members. Being the club hosting the event, hoping as many Old Saybrook Rotaians will be in attendance. A couple of us were judges last year at the Finals in New Haven. There are no words to explain how awesome these speaches are. Being the hosting club I am hoping as many of you will be able to attend
3. March 1st Chili Fest, Noon - 3 pm, Old Saybrook, Main Street
30 Chili Vendors - BUT can anyone beat Old Saybrook Rotary? - - only if they have more votes!! So let's not see that happen!!
Old Saybrook Rotary will be set up in front of the Liberty Bank. We know we have the best chili - BUT - it is the number of votes that will determine the winner. So please, please, attend and bring your family and friends and vote Rotary. More information on the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce website.
Also needed 3 more volunteers.
4. Beer & Wine and Silent Auction, April 4th
Did you get your packet from Marty? If not, contact Marty, Pete, or myself and we will arrange to get it to you. In the packet are 6 tickets to sell, information on sponsorship levels for advertising in our event brochure (with additional benefits), and bringing in silent auction items. On our website: osrotary.org, click on "Member Directory" and sign in. Once signed in to the left click on "Beer and Wine, April 4, 2025 Forms" Before approaching a potential sponsor or store for donation, make sure you check the list of "Sponsor Spreadsheet by Sponsor" and "Auction Sheet by Donor". We want to make sure no more than one person is asking a particular vendor.
If your item is too big to store, contact Marty or Pete.
Paperwork, payment, collected items, ticket sales - share info with Marty or Pete as you go along. Don't forget to fill in the paperwork for all silent auction items.
There is a lot that goes into setting up the program, as well as planning for setting up the auction, so please start your work now so that by March 24th we have everything collected. Do your best. Good Luck!
Also don't forget at any time you can donate lottery cards for our most famous lottery tree.
5. February 11th, The Kate, Celebration of What's Next For The Valley Shore YMCA, 5:30 - 7:30, Hors D'Oeuvres/Cash Bar
Th YMCA will be honoring Judy Sullivan with The Person of the Year award. Judy Sullivan will retire from The Chamber of Commerce on July 30th.
RSVP was Feb 4th - but you might still be able to register if you do it right away. I just registered!! Email: Dave Putman, dputman@vsymca.org
RSVP needed for:
- February 12/Student of the Month - if you have not already done so.
- March 1/Chili Fest - If you would like to volunteer (3 volunteers needed) and have not signed up.
- March 3rd/Student 4-Way Test Contest at Acton Library, 6:00 PM - Will you be attending?
- April 26/Student 4-way Test Contest Finals at Old Saybrook High School, 9 am - Will you be attending?
Thank you for all you do for our community and our students. You are very much appreciated.
Everyone stay home and be safe today.
Nancy Morin, President Old Saybrook Rotary
Ambassador Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors Greater Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce
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