Pledge, 4-Way Test: President Nancy Morin
Prayer: Jan P
Card Game Winner: Rosanne
Raffle Winners: Charlie N, Joan W, Pete
Happy Bucks:
Deb for the sunshine, Nancy for our guest speaker Chris Drezek and induction of Todd, Jan for induction of Todd, Charlie N for our guests and winning the raffle, Gary for Todd and guest speaker, Charlie R for the upcoming Wine Tasting, Rosanne for spring, Joan for being here, Marty for the progress in the Wine Tasting event
Superintendent of OS Schools, Chis Drezek
Chris Drezek is the successor to Jan Perruccio who retired last year as Superintendent of Old Saybrook Schools. Chris spent the majority of his career teaching in Bristol and for the last 12 years in Enfield as the Deputy Superintendent. Chris found out about Jan Perruccio's retirement from his children. Chris discussed the school district and the success of its' graduates. He talked about the future of education and the need for the budget to address its needs. They will be adding a new assistant Principal at the elementary school as a key person is needed to address student problems. They recently went through accreditation at the high school. Chris took questions including the outlook for the education system with the possibility of the loss of the Department of Education. In today's climate, changes are happening daily even hourly which makes planning very difficult.
Induction of Pastor Todd Yonkman
Nancy did the honors by reviewing the history of Rotary, the focus of Rotary and welcomed Todd. His sponsor is Joan Winters.
Agenda Topics
- Street Fair / OS Block Party: The question was asked whether the club wanted to participate this year with a booth. After discussion, a vote was taken and it was decided we would not participate as a club.
- Summer Concert Series: We need to decide on which 6 concerts on the green we will attend. Nancy heads up this committee, more are requested to serve
- June 11 Changing of the Guard Meeting: Nancy needs to know how many people will be attending. The price of the catering is impacted by the number of people. Guests are welcome. Please RSVP Nancy's email.
- Youth Activities: Chip Adams has been involved in various youth programs including the 4-Way Test speech, RYLA and World Affairs leadership seminar in Wisconsin. We are sending 4 students to Wisconsin for a week. This is a unique program offered by Rotary.
- Wild Fires Donation: This is up to $900 so far
- Wine & Beer Tasting and Silent Auction: Marty started by saying we are in the home stretch so its time to gather auction items and gain commitments from sponsors who have not yet committed. We are still short of last year's total. Unfortunately, some sponsors have not renewed, some have downsized but fortunately, some new ones have come on board. Ads for the program books are due a week before the event. A WT committee meeting with Melanie from Saybrook Point on speaker phone, was held before the regular meeting to discuss final plans for the layout.
Auction: Pete is in charge of the auction and raffle. He's been keeping a spreadsheet of items and making sure we have informational signs for the items to display. Make sure you send the item information form to Pete. He does not need the item but does need the information including $ value.
Joy talked about the Wheelbarrow of Wine - donations of wine are asked for this important auction item - Marty asks that club members buy a ticket and attend. Help will be needed the night of the event to sell raffle tickets, monitor doorways for paid attendees, moving items from closed out auction tables to the storage room and more.
- Club survey: Nancy said it will be sent out soon - please respond
- Day of Service: Joan Winters informed that on May 17, there will be 4 locations - 2 in Old Saybrook, 1 in Old Lyme and 1 in Westbrook
- Shredding Day: John Aforismo will be sending out a volunteer signup which is April 19 from 9am to 12 noon.
Next meeting: March 26, Noon at the VFW Hall
April 26: 4-Way Test Speech Finals, OS High School 9am-12pm
