Meeting Greeter: Alan Schwarz
Pledge: Nancy Morin
Four Way Test: Nancy Morin
Prayer: Charlie R.
Raffle: David P, Susan B, Charlie R.
Happy Bucks: Many were for the highly successful Wine/Beer and Auction Event on 4/4/25. An equal number of Happy Bucks were for all of the students, teachers, parents, and school administrators attending the meeting. Several were for the Rotary Club and all it does for the youth in our towns. A couple of Happy Bucks for the NCAA Division 1 Basketball Champions – The UConn Women! John A was happy for his exciting trip to Italy.
Student of the Month: Fine Arts
Tara Winch, principal of Westbrook High School, explained the purpose and the history of the Award and then introduced the students, teachers and administrators from each school district.
Lyme/Old Lyme High School: Ada LaConti
Assistant principal, Ms. Manfredi, and teacher Ms. Pekar, described Ada as great student, a role model for her classmates as well as younger students and a true leader. Ada has leadership roles in the Student Council, Mock Trial, the Tennis Team, several choral and theater groups, in addition to being the student representative on the Board of Education. She also finds time to tutor students in the middle school. Her plans for the future include studying Statistics and Mathematics at either George Washington or American University in Washington D.C.
Old Saybrook High School: Charlie Carmichael
Assistant Principal, Mr. Plotkin, and teacher, Ms. Newton, described Charlie as a well- rounded student with many interests and talents. As Captain of the baseball team, he shares his talent and passion for the game by conducting Little League Baseball Clinics. He started Disc Golf and Ceramics Clubs at the high school. In the classroom, this NHS student is eager to help his fellow students. His participation in the INTERACT Club indicates his willingness to put Service Above Self. Next year, Charlie will be playing baseball and studying Sports Management at St. Joseph’s in Maine.
Westbrook High School: Jack McKeith
Principal, Ms. Winch, and teacher, Mr. Gerhardt, described Jack as a student with a positive attitude who is a quiet leader both in and out of the classroom. He exemplifies Service Above Self. Mr. Gerhardt gave several examples of Jack’s service and dedication to the music and theater productions. It seems that Jack, on numerous occasions, “has saved the day”. An outdoor graduation that had to be moved inside at the last moment certainly put Jack’s adaptability skills to the test. Graduation, with a new sound system, went off without a hitch. His ability to remain calm under very stressful situations, is something to be admired. Next year Jack will be studying Computer Science at Salem State University in Massachusetts.
Marty's Wine & Beer and Silent Auction preliminary report:
· Nicole and Scot – they entertained like no one else can! They made the event fun!
· Key people
o Kathy – handling all the financial aspects including taking in money and accounting, checking in and checking out processes, post event work still goes on!
o Pete – took charge of the auction and raffle without Amber’s help! Getting everything ready for auction and raffle with signage and bid sheets was a big job
o Joan Winters – unrelenting in pursuit of sponsors, donors. Worked on publicity: Facebook, digital town sign, Old Saybrook publications, hard work before, during and end of the event
o The Planning Committee: Nancy, Gary, John, Jan, Alan, Pete, Kathy - planned it out and made lots of decisions!
o Jan and Nancy interviewing with Scot and Nicole on WFSB 3 show Great Day Connecticut
o Gary – great job MC, always there before and during the event
o Jan & Tara recording the winning bids
o Nancy for her steady presence, support, work, and advice
o Melanie Bedard from Saybrook Point – lots of work went into the planning. Melanie's layout was the right one!
o Lindsay and the Culinary Department from OS High School – prepared 300 tasty cupcakes
o The staff of Saybrook Point Resort & Marina
o Wine and Beer Vendors, Art from Seaside
o Lighthouse Printing – Krista working under pressure!
o The Band, Laid Back Jazz
o Joy and company for the Wheelbarrow of Wine which brought in good $$
o Rotarians who came out Thursday night at the pavilion
o Rotarians and non-Rotarians (Pam) who helped decorate and organize the Lighthouse Gallery
o Rotarians who brought in sponsors, shout out to new member Victoria!
o Rotarians who worked the event
o Rotarians who sold tickets
o Rotarians who obtained auction items
o Rotarians who donated items, lottery tickets, wine
· Stats:
- 202 attendees
- Sponsors: 3 Gold, 23 Silver, 24 Bronze, 20 Table - $23,250 (Last year: $25,875). Not all money received yet
- 98 Auction items, 20 Raffle items, 2 live auction items. Some items were combined so more items were handled by Pete
Shredding Event: 4/19 at OSHS, 9:00 am to Noon. Volunteers needed. Sign up with John. He promised a sunny day! We will be collecting donations for the California Fires Fund at this event.
Items to be voted on at the next meeting: Call to Uganda, $8,700. DMG grant request.
April 26th: Old Saybrook Rotary Club is hosting the 4-Way Test Contest Finals at OSHS from 9:00 am to Noon. Rotarians are encouraged to attend.
Next Meeting: April 16th at the VFW at Noon: Presentation of Club Budget
