Pledge and Four Way Test: Pres. Nancy Morin
Prayer: Pete Zucco
Song: Bill McLaughlin
Card game winner: Ralph
Guests: Paul Nugent, Dick Mason (Clinton Rotary), Jessica, Elizabeth
Happy Bucks: For our guests, great weekend, an apology to John Aforismo and weather related jinx accusations, Macaroni Dinner success!, Dick Mason for his clubs Dinner Dance this weekend, NY Yankees, John for the success of the Macaroni Dinner - was a blast!, LA Dodgers, sad buck for the Mets, the Fall colors, Elizabeth McLaughlin here, Jessica as well!
Program: Paul Nugent, Executive Director for the Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council
The mission of SECWAC is to bring SE Conn. to the world. The SEC World Affairs Council is all volunteer and its mission is to educate the public on international affairs. They meet monthly at the First Congregational Church in Old Lyme and Connecticut College. Programs deal with events around the world such as Gaza, Ukraine, etc. to help gain more understanding of what is happening and what led up to the situation. They meet both in person and via Zoom and sponsor up to a dozen speaker series meetings with distinguished guests. There are 180-200 members in this chapter with 90 chapters around the country with various levels of membership available. There will be a national conference in November.
Paul discussed his home country Ireland. Ireland went through many changes as the quote goes, 21st century Ireland is "All changed - changed utterly". Paul received his PhD from Dublin University and seeking opportunities, came to the United States in 1989 to work as a scientist. Prior to 1989 Ireland was an agrarian society with little industry. There was much emigration. Under the leadership of Donough O'Malley, significant changes took place such as free education in 1966, joined the European Union in 1973. In the 80's unemployment was very high and stagnation existed for much of the 20th century. Ireland has been booming since the 1990's. America and the European Union markets opened and transformed society. Today, there is a large surplus from tax receipts. The society over the past 40 years has become very diverse. The Catholic church has declined in authority. Inclusion in the European Union has been an important aspect to the prosperity of Ireland while in England, BREXIT is mostly regretted. Northern Ireland has a population of 800,000 people who are loyal to England but the violence is in the past - they don't want to return to those troubles.
President's Report
- A special meeting to award 3 people Paul Harris Fellows will be taking place Nov. 20 at the Old Lyme Country Club starting at 5:30. The cost is $45pp and a full buffet dinner is planned. The Paul Harris recipients will be Gary McCauley, Charlie Renshaw and Pete Zucco.
- Next Wednesday, the 5th of the month, is a social meeting at Myrcene Ale. Gina has planned out a catered dinner from New Britain - German fare. Please RSVP to Gina Johnson ahead of time if you plan to attend and if you'll be bringing a guest.
- Student of the Month for November is being planned and we need a count of attendees. You are asked to prepay for the meeting. Let Nancy know if you plan to attend and pay $25 for the breakfast.
- Thursday is National Polio Day. Nancy will email the video "Why should care about Polio" later in the week. You can also see the video on this website.
- Nancy thanked John Aforismo for doing a great job coordinating the Macaroni Dinner.
- The Peace Committee met and proposed the club purchase a Peace Pole. The cost is $400 but half of the cost will be paid by a grant. The club voted and approved $200 to purchase a Peace Pole.
- Veterans Day is Nov. 11. There will be a luncheon at the Middle School to honor our veterans.
- Walt's Market is selling our Turkey Legs for $1. The money goes to the Turkey Drive
- Vote for the Scarecrow! We have an entry - go to the OS Chamber of Commerce and vote for your favorite entry in the next 2 weeks.
- EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) - by contributing to Rotary International, the money comes back to the club in 3 years as grant money to be used as the club sees fit. You must sign in to MyRotary.org as yourself and not as a Guest. Let Nancy know if you have difficulty signing in.
John's report on the Macaroni Dinner
John doesn't have the final financial figures but figures the event netted about $2000. John thanked all who helped including non-Rotarians Shireen Aforismo, Pam McCauley and Madeline and her grandchild. John's 3 grand-kids also helped as they have in the 4 previous Macaroni Dinners. Special recognition to John Gianinni - the master chef without who this would not have been possible. Some fun facts:
- 467 tickets were sold or given away
- 339 meals were dispensed
- 16 meals were given to veterans, 13 to the police and 4 to the OS Ambulance
- Monkey Farm and Rosemary & Sage restaurant made donations of items
- All leftovers including a sheet of meatballs went to the Estuary Council of Middletown
Gary McCauley reported that the Westbrook Foundation is providing meals for residents of Westbrook on Nov. 27 and are asking for help delivering meals. Gary suggested we provide gift cards for Big Y to go along with the meals.
Gary also has spoken to Middlesex Community College about providing monetary assistance to those "non-traditional" applicants in the style begun by the Branford Club. Middlesex welcomes our participation that offers anywhere from $125 to $2,000 for people wishing to further their education.
