Pledge of Allegiance and 4-Way Pledge led by Nancy Morin
Gary McCauley offered the prayer.
Card Game winner: Gary
Raffle winners: John A, Allen, Rosanne
Happy Bucks:
Welcome to guests and speakers, beautiful weather, help with Silent Auction, for Rotary colleagues, grandchild’s accomplishment, for a young family, for cookie donation, Pete was pleased and grateful that his guest offered a process for receiving payments at the silent auction, April 4.
Speaker Presentation: Marty introduced the guests and speakers. The guests were Rachel Levy, and Rosa Goldblatt and the speakers were Yahav Avikhzer and Ben Savir. The speakers are part of “The Young Emissaries of Eastern Connecticut”, a group that sponsors young Israelis to visit other countries as goodwill ambassadors. Yahav and Ben are high school graduates whose service in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) has been waived for one year. As emissaries, they serve as the face of Israel to the countries they visit and provide information on life in Israel now. Ben was raised in a Kibbutz, with his two sisters. His parents work with the industry supported by the Kibbutz and the community shares all aspects of life. He enjoys drawing, art, and his friends. Yahav is the youngest of three children in her family and her siblings are in college. She looks forward to serving in the IDF branch of the Air Force when she returns home. Ben and Yahav spoke of the impact of the war on the country, the damage done to many areas, and concern for the hostages that have not been released. The war has caused great stress, especially for young people. It is everyone’s greatest hope that a lasting peace can be achieved.
ChiliFest March 1: On Thursday, 2/27, Rotarians will be preparing the chili at Grace Church. While volunteers are coming to work, if other members are available, additional help would be appreciated. On March 1, the Rotary Tent will be set up in front of Liberty Bank at 11 AM and getting all supplies and decorations in place can be done then. When the event starts, volunteers will be needed to set up the tent (near Liberty Bank) serve during the event and break down when it ends.
Day of Service May 17: Joan Winter discussed the Day of Service. Food insecurity is an issue, with funding down 10% and needs have increased 30%. Joan presented having a food drive and distribution as a way of doing good in the community and as Rotary’s activity for the Day of Service. The idea was well received and was approved. A food drive on May 17 will be Old Saybrook Rotary’s Day of Service.
Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction Update: Some progress on the Wine and Beer Spring event. It is important to follow up with sponsors and businesses who have donated services or gifts. All auction items should be given to Peter Z. Lottery Tickets for the Lottery Tree should be donated and collected.
Future Events:
- ChiliFest - March 1
- Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction - April 4
- Shredding – April 19
- Day of Service - May 17
- Changing of the Guard Meeting - June 11
- Macaroni Dinner – October 18 and 19
- Introduction to Rotary Events: Joan W
- May 7 Old Lyme Library Introduction to Rotary
- Rotary Awards for 5th and 8th graders
- Meeting adjourned. Next meeting March 5 Estuary 7 AM.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting March 5 Estuary 7 AM.
