Pledge, Prayer, 4-Way Test: President Nancy Morin
Additional Prayer by Ralph Stevens
Song: We Old Saybrook Rotary Greet Thee... led by Bill McLaughlin
Card Game Winner: Nancy
Raffle Winners: Jan P, Alan, Martha, Gary, Sandi
Visiting Rotarian: Dick Mason (Clinton)
Happy Bucks:
HB for the beautiful day; CR for Joe witnessing a hole-in-1, grandkids birthday; DC for time with the grandkids; MD for the golf tournament and Charlie Renshaws hard work; BK for kids going to college, high school and more; SD for being here and enjoying the fellowship; JM Charlie's 39th birthday; BM for Dick Mason being here; PZ for Charlie's 29th birthday; RF grandkids starting college; JP Charlie's birthday; NM for Mary doing a great job in Sargeant At Arms today and more
Guest Speaker: Stan Mingione, Executive Director of the Estuary Council for Seniors
The Estuary Council of Seniors covers a large area of the shoreline.
Mission Statement: The Estuary promotes independent healthy aging through supportive programs, services, and advocacy for older adults. We serve adults over the age of 50 living throughout the nine town estuary region
The 50th Anniversary is coming up and a special gala is planned for Sept. 28 at the Essex Steam Train. It is sold out. Like a lot of other organizations, The Estuary had to re-invent itself after the pandemic. The focus is on health and wellness as evidenced by the new fitness center, massage therapy and nursing services provided by the town at their facility. The fitness center offers many capabilities and includes a personal trainer, Phil. When you sign up, you will also receive 3 sessions from Phil who suggests workouts to suit your needs as part of the cost.
The Estuary runs Meals on Wheels (MOW) and serves 9 towns in our area. There are 8 other providers in the state. Over 100,000 meals are delivered annually. This vital program helps insure our seniors receive proper nutrition. Socialization is an important aspect of MOW, often the delivery person is the only one they see all day. The Estuary receives state grants but they need income from other sources to make ends meet. Donations come mostly from individuals. Stan stated that while costs have gone up, the money needed has not significantly increased. An effort to lobby state legislatures have been unsuccessful but they continue to try. Everyone who asks received service.
The Thrift Shop on Boston Post Road was opened and helps support programs. It is projected it will do $200,000 in sales this year.
Transportation services are provided for those needing a ride to doctor appointments and health care.
Other business
Ralph read a thank you note from Bill Gagnon for bringing our cans and bottles at the last meeting. They brought in $65.70. You can leave future donations of cans and bottles to his house at 20 Middletown Ave. There is a receptacle behind the chain link fence.
Barbara Krucko will co-chair the upcoming Arts & Crafts food booth Oct. 5-6. Jan P is requesting help from members. Much needs to be done in a short period of time. We are one of 3 food vendors. We'll be offering hot dogs, chili, chili dogs, soda, water and a dessert item to be determined.
Bill McLaughlin announced that Paul Nugent of the SE CT World Affairs Council, a nonprofit organization will be speaking about world affairs at the Old Lyme Congregational Church on Sept. 18. Paul is from Ireland and has lectured on events happening there.
A donation to the Old Saybrook Fire Department was proposed in recognition of their 100 year anniversary. $250 was voted on and approved. Bill M was at the paraded and said it was great. There were many local fire departments in the parade.
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Golf Tournament
Charlie reports 52 golfers signed up to date, last year there were 72. For sponsors, $6100 has been received, well short of our goal. The deadline is today. The ditty bags were going to be filled today but since all the items haven't been received it will be done at a later date to be announced. Charlie says we are covered for volunteers. Gary reports we have lots of good items for the raffle, $3000-$4000 worth.
Macaroni Dinner
John Aforismo has begun distributing tickets. Everyone gets 10 to sell. The Macaroni Dinner will be held on Oct. 20 (setup and food preparation Oct. 19) at Fireman's Field. It is takeout only. Its important we get a good headcount as that determines how much food to buy. If you sell tickets, let John know the mix of adult vs. child. If you purchase the tickets with the intent of giving them away, let John know how many will be coming or if the tickets are a donation. To date, the flyers are printed and also on the website. The QR code on the flyer brings you to the webpage but tickets cannot be purchased online.
- No meeting next week
- Meeting of Sept. 11 will feature District Governor Robert Friend. Please make an extra effort to attend. 7AM, Estuary. For those who attended our new officer meeting which Rob officiated, you heard a great speaker. Don't miss it!
