Pledge: President Nancy Morin
Prayer: Ed Pinn
4-Way Test: Nancy
Song: Led by Bill McLaughlin
Card Game Winner: Joan M
Raffle Winners: Charlie R, Marty, Alan, Ellen Carucci, Ralph, Joan M
Happy Bucks: JW, EP for the day; JM for the speakers, winning the card game and more stuff; Ellen for winning the Olive Oil and having the program; CR for the NFL season; NM guests and program; AS: NY Giants; BM, RS, GF guests; JA vacation and sitting next to Jan and Jan; JP guests; MD sitting next to Ishita and Kathy
Program: Branford Rotary President Ellen Carucci and Rotarian Andy Marlatt and the club's unique scholarship program for nontraditional students
Andy initiated this program 7 years ago when he saw a need for adults wishing to further their education but had multiple barriers to deal with including financial. He spoke to Gateway Community College. There are 3.5 million people over 40 years of age in college. Many find it difficult to finish because they are working, have kids and other reasons. Tuition, application costs and other expenses can be barriers. Branford Rotary gives $5,000 annually to The Gateway Foundation which then allocates the funds to those in need according to what they need and not a particular dollar amount. The club does not get involved at the disbursement level. Recipients are hard working people who deserve the assistance. Andy would like to see this program offered by other clubs because there is a need for this nontraditional scholarship. To qualify, you need to be at least 26 years of age, resident of Branford and they must agree to an interview with Gateway.
Presidents Report
- Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Program: We are participating as we have for years. Nancy will be publicizing this to try to get more donations rather than just happy bucks.
- There is a sign up for things to do at meetings like greeter, saying the prayer, spotlight (telling a little about yourself)
- Scarecrow contest: a committee of Barbara, Debra, and Nancy will make a scarecrow to compete in the Chamber contest. The banner below will be a part of it
- Happy birthday to the September born Rotarians
- congrats to Bill McLaughlin who has been a Rotarian for 41 years!
- Student of the Month commences next month October 9. Let Nancy know if you will be attending.
- Walk for Alzheimers is this weekend. Feel free to donate on your own. The club goal is $1,000 and we are almost there
- Arts & Crafts Fair: Jan Perruccio is heading this up. We are light on Sunday volunteers so please try to sign up for one of the Sunday slots. Our booth is open for 2 days so with lots of time slots to fill. Come out - its fun!
- Joan Winters is happy to announce that 3 new members will be inducted next week. Joan has been hard at work getting our new brochures out in key places. Joan has lined up advertising in EVENTS Magazine for upcoming activities and providing information on what we do such as scholarships. Joan proposes to send holiday cards to major sponsors and putting brochures in the dictionaries we give out first 2 weeks iin October. Flyers in bathroom stalls at the Arts & Crafts Fair? Yes
- Dictionary Project: let Nancy know if you want to participate and help distribute them
- There will be 2 receptacles at the Arts & Crafts Fair to collect recyclable cans and bottles for donation.
- The Chamber of Commerce will be holding an online auction Nov. 7 from 5:30-8pm. In recognition of the Chamber's 85th anniversary, individual dues will be $85 instead of the normal $120.
- Charlie Renshaw reports that Herb Chambers is donating $1000 for the golf tournament. Thanks to Bill O'Shaughnessy for soliciting Herb Chambers!
- Debra Lee artwork is on display at the Middlesex Health Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook to Nov. 29.
Committee Reports
Macaroni Dinner, John Aforismo
Ticket sales have been slow so far so we need to put the push on to sell tickets. Only a month to go (Oct. 20). The town digital sign is set to go 2 weeks prior to the event. Volunteers will be needed Saturday to help set up.
Badges and other Rotary paraphernalia will be ordered next week so let John know if you need anything Russell Hampton. Nancy can do tees and hoodies but needs a weeks notice.
