New Canaan hosted our friends from the Rotary Club of Darien for a joint meeting . . . Sept 4, 2014

New Canaan Rotary Club Bulletin                                            September 4, 2014

 

On a perfect late summer day the Rotary Club of New Canaan hosted our friends from the Rotary Club of Darien for a joint meeting at the historic Roger Sherman Inn.  The Darien Rotarians were enthusiastic, energetic and spread themselves among the tables to be warmly welcomed by their hosts [and hostesses]. They seemed to enjoy their meal even more when President Eric announced that the host Club was footing the bill.  President Patty Thompson thanked the NC Rotarians for their hospitality and then received a PETS District Conference Award poster from Assistant District Governor Ben [which he had apparently been carrying around for a year].

 

Not counting the Darien Rotarians there were no Visiting Rotarians or guests in our midst.  Lobsterfest presiding officer Rob Avery announced that dessert clamshells will be available at next week's meeting as will work assignment sign-up sheets.  It is hoped [assumed?] that this will be simply a pro-forma exercise and that most [all?] members will work from noon to quitting time on Friday and Saturday.  The event does not run itself and, as it is the largest fund-raiser of our year and the source of all donated funds, requires this one weekend of commitment from as many as possible.  Rob, Ben and Chris Snyder distributed more than 100 Lobsterfest flyers at a recent pop-up park event and Rob needs a couple of volunteers to help him pass out more flyers and, hopefully, sell some tickets at the next two Farmers Markets.  Rob requested that checks be forwarded to him as soon as possible because he has bills to pay.  Eric pointed out that the Lobsterfest this year is occurring during NCHS Homecoming weekend.  This may affect the availability of the SLOBS.  In an apparent swipe at the social status of the Boy Scouts compared to the SLOBS, Eric has contacted the Scouts to step in in case the SLOBS all have dates for Homecoming.

 

John Marlow reported that he is working with the NCHS Principal to identify one or more outgoing Youth Exchange candidates for next year and needs two volunteers; one to be the Host Recruiter and the other the Youth Exchange Officer.  These positions need to be filled before the end of the month.  If interested contact John.

 

Sergeant Scott then related a story which narrowly skirted Rotary's non-political, non-partisan restriction and managed to collect a single fine; from President Eric who contributed his last five dollars as the result of the surprise 60^th birthday party sprung upon him over the weekend.  He also dropped in his $100 check for Every Rotarian Every Year.  Hopefully his bank account will be replenished before the check is presented for payment by Treasurer Tom.

 

Today's speaker was the irrepressible ball of energy Cece Maher, CEO of Darien and Norwalk-based social service agency Person-To-Person.  She gave us a thumbnail overview of poverty in our affluent area, the reach of Person-To-Person, and the organization's mission.  Fifty percent of Stamford public school children and 32% of Norwalk's qualify for free or reduced lunch [annual income of $23,000 or less for a family of four].  Eighty-two thousand Fairfield County citizens live in poverty.  P2P served 24,000 of them last year.  The organization provides clothing, food and financial support for area families.  The financial support is for rent, security deposits and utility bills.  She went on to describe a recent initiative designed to break the cycle of poverty by providing college coaching and mentoring as well as scholarship help to promising P2P clients.  As the program, which currently has four mentors, gains traction Cece expects to be recruiting as many as 50 mentors.  And remember, she knows where you live.  A humbling experience to sit in the audience and listen to the commitment and successes of this vital agency.  Great program!

 

Dick Whitcomb