The Rotary Club of Trumbull

Club No. 6755, District 7980, Region 1

President-elect Mike Redgate called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Jack Quinlan said the invocation. Steve Hodson led us in singing “God Bless America”.

Attendance:  37 of 72 members attended. Jim Bardon, Jim Baum, Bev Cambras, Carl Carlson, Willie Costello, Dawn Dalrymple, Guy DeFeo, Tom Heaney, Ed Hedrick, Steve Hodson, Thelma Hoyt, Steve Jakab, Phil Lane, Jim Lang, Ron Lesko, Dana Lonergan, John Makar, John McBride, Joe McBride, Ted Merritt, Preston Merritt, Frank Metrusky, Bob Patragnelli, Jack Quinlan, Mike Rappa, Michael Redgate, John Rosati, Joe Ruospo, Ray Rzasa, Bob Schwartz, Dale Seymour, Dick Stein, Bob Tolomeo, George Voynick, Dave Wilson, Bill Zeidenberg.

Guests:  Jay Kotlen, a guest of John McBride, at his fourth meeting.

Happy Dollars:

Phil Lane – 5 – because new students have been enrolled at Fairfield U, therefore he will have a job again next year.

Carl Carlson – 2 – to celebrate the first day of summer.

Jim Lang – 1 – because he was leaving in a few hours for the Rotary International Convention in Barcelona, Spain.

Ed Hedrick – 1 – because the Rotary sponsored Challenger Little League picnic at his house was a big success.

Guy DeFeo – 1 – because his granddaughter received a Rotary award at Hillcrest School.

Joe Ruospo – 1- because his wife celebrated her 40^th birthday.

Announcements:

Jim Lang announced that there would be a family picnic at Old Mine Park on July 13 from 3PM to 7PM at a cost of only five dollars per person. The event will celebrate the past term of office for John Annick and the new term for Jim. Call Mike Rappa for reservations or to help.

Jim Bardon announced that the Golf Tournament would be held on September 16^th at Tashua Knolls. He passed out a flyer and had a sign-up sheet at each table.

Dana Lonergan announced that we would sponsor a Jazz Festival at Indian Ledge Park on August 17^th. Eight bands have been invited. The event will be promoted with the “Swim across the Sound” group. We will need sponsors.

Michael Redgate announced that there would be no regular meeting on July 5^th. His first Board meeting will be on July 10^th.

Bill Zeidenberg discussed the results of our first Bike Rally. 83 riders competed, with 40% registering on the day of the event. Many of the items needed for the program were donated. Expenses were approximately $1,000.00 and revenue was approximately $3,200.00. The selected route was very nice and maps are available for anyone who wants to ride the route. Tee shirts are still available. Bill and Jackie Carlino deserve our thanks for a job well done!

Ian McMillan discussed the Challenger Little League program, which is supported by our Club. Ian and Ed Hedrick have children on the team, which has 26 members. Most members are from Trumbull, with several from the surrounding towns. Players include boys and girls from ages five to eighteen, all with some form of handicap. Every player gets to bat and run. Strikes are not counted and scores are not kept, so everybody wins. The program has been very successful, and both Ian and Ed continue to keep it that way.

Program:

Michael Redgate introduced our speaker Ann Henry, Director of the Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County. Mrs. Henry gave an inspiring presentation and passed out brochures. Among other things, she said:

1.      The organization was created in 1895 as the Young Women’s Christian Association of Bridgeport, but is now an independent entity.

2.       CWF serves residents of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull with a staff of 45 persons.

3.      3,000 clients are helped annually through Domestic Violence Services, Sexual Assault Services, Women Offenders Program and the Multidisciplinary Investigative Team.

4.      All services are provided in English and Spanish.

5.      A temporary shelter is available and help in finding long-term housing for those in need is part of the program.

6.      Community Education is part of the mission. This year the program will be presented in Trumbull High School for the first time.

7.      Twenty-four hour hotlines are available for those in need.

Raffle:  Steve Jakab and Ron Lesko drew for $670.00, but no winning card was selected. 

                        UCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

July 5                          No Morning Meeting!!!

July 10             Board meeting at the Marriott at 7:00PM

July 13             Picnic at Old Mine Park from 3:00PM to 7:00PM

July 26             Sunset Run at Twin Brooks Park at 6:15PM

August 17         Jazz Festival

Sept 16            Golf Tournament at Tashua Knolls

Respectfully Submitted,

Dale J. Seymour