Pledge, 4-Way Test: Pres. Nancy Morin
Prayer: Charlie R
Cards: John
Raffle Winners: Kathy, Marty
Happy Bucks:
CR for UCONN men & womens basketball wins, Chip for spring on the way and Victoria being inducted, EP saw Victoria's potential and sponsored her, KN for good health, PZ for auction item detail sheets coming in, GM for John winning the card game, DC for no snow in the forecast, MD for Dick Mason in attendance, RF for new members, Leland McKenna for the opportunity to speak on Middlesex Health
Induction of Victoria Morrissey
President Nancy Morin inducted our newest member Victoria Morrissey. She spoke of Rotary's mission and our motto 'Service Above Self' Victoria hit the ground running having solicited potential sponsors and merchants for the Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction April 4. Victoria will be a great asset to the club!
Guest John Krubski from Old Saybrook is interested in joining Rotary. He is an OS resident and has seen us advertised in many places so decided to check us out. He inquired on our website. He was previous a Rotarian in Westport Sunrise Rotary Club.
Guest Speaker Leland McKenna, VP of Planning & External Affairs, Middlesex Hospital
Leland's role with Middlesex Memorial Hospital (MMH) is relates to marketing in general to increase market share, recruiting, and community relations to name a few. MMH is one of 5 remaining independent hospitals in the state and the only independent in Middlesex County. Hartford Hospital, Yale-New Haven and other conglomerates have been growing through acquisition of other independent hospitals. The healthcare landscape in Connecticut is messy but the quality of care is high. MMH is not looking to get acquired. The hospital is in a growth trend and is well positioned. Today's model is different from 10 years ago with hospitals buying physician practices and as a result there are very few primary care practices that are not affiliated with a hospital.
Shoreline Health Center in Westbrook is no longer just an emergency facility is also a center for things like oncology treatment. MMH has received the designation Magnet Hospital for Nursing 6 years in a row which speaks to the excellent working conditions for nurses.
The health care system is subject to change. Hospitals have been a big target for budgeting related to political concerns. Insurance has targeted reimbursements which has put pressure on hospitals' fiscal outcomes. For profit insurers, including the Medicare Advantage plans, often deny claims, and cut reimbursements to hospitals which can cause delays in care. The general public doesn't always see this but hospitals feel it.
Leland took questions following his presentation.
Other Business
Rosanne Farrell announced OS Rotary has been awarded the RAGFP Peacebuilder Club Certificate (Rotary Action Group for Peace) for our support. We have purchased a Peace Pole and have been assisting others in getting one as well. Rosanne applied for and received a grant for $230 to help pay the cost of $500 for a pole at the OS Town Hall. The club will pay the remaining $270.
Chili Fest, 28th annual
March 1, 2025
There will be 130 entries this year and Nancy is going for top honors! Lets come out and vote our chile best. Bring friends, family, etc. and turn out the vote! Ballots will go on sale starting Monday, February 24th online and in person at the Chamber office for $15 each.
Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction
April 4, 2025
Marty started out by thanking Leland McKenna, our guest speaker, for Middlesex Health's support in the past and again this year as Gold Sponsors. We are headed for "March Madness" as the club members work to sell tickets, obtain auction/raffle items and sponsors for the event, our most important fundraiser in terms of revenue. Pete Zucco, coordinator for the auction, talked about how we will be handling items. When you receive an item, you should keep it until Thursday April 3 when items are to be brought to the Pavilion next to Saybrook Point Resort & Marina. Items will be sorted, organized and made ready for the event next day. If you have a large item and cannot store it, arrangements can be made - let Pete (peterzucco@gmail.com) know. Sponsors are very important to the success of the event. We have lost a few, retained past sponsors, and gained some new ones. Updates are posted on this website in the Membership area.
4-Way Test Essay Contest
Chip has been working on this. Old Saybrook Rotary has a leading part in this district wide event.
Competition Dates:
March 3, 6 pm, Acton Library, Competition Lyme/Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook students to represent Old Saybrook Rotary in the semifinals
March 22nd, 10 am, Norwich, semifinals
April 26, 9 am – 12 pm, Old Saybrook High School finals
Awards:
· 1st place winner at the finals will receive $500
· 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners will receive $250
For more information click here to go to the web and sub-pages which is found under ACTIVITIES. We want good club attendance as the contest moves forward.
Dick Mason of Clinton Rotary, thanked us for our donation to the Old Lyme VFW.
