Tag Archives: New London Rotary

DGE Gerry Tom heads to the International Assembly

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District Governor Elect Gerry Tom

District Governor Elect Gerry Tom (New London Rotary Club)

Did you know that the International Assembly is the one premier Rotary training event where all of the 534 District Governors-elect (those who will be District Governor on July 1st) from all over the world come together to be trained by some of the best resources that Rotary International has to offer? Did you also know that this is the event where the Rotary International President Elect (RIPE), interesting acronym, will release the new RI theme for 2015-16?

The International Assembly is the last stop on the multi-year training journey that incoming District Governors (DGE’s) make. They have spent the past several years attending dozens of PETS planning meetings, countless district meetings and zone meetings all in preparation for their year as District Governor.

It’s a full out sprint to July 1st for DGE Gerry after she returns from the International Assembly as from there she’s responsible for running a District Leadership meeting, conducting PEO/Pre-PETS meeting, having an integral leadership role in running NE PETS, running the District Assembly and then running her Installation event in late June. Sprinkled in between all of this are about 2-3 dozen somewhat related planning meetings that Gerry needs to be part of.

More to come from the International Assembly: We will put up a blog post in a few days after the RIPE releases the new 2015-16 theme.

New London Rotary Club serves up hot meals to Seniors

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The New London Rotary Club revived one of their long standing community service projects this year as their Club members turned out and big numbers tonight to brave the bitter cold and served dinner to the Seniors at the Williams Park Apartments.

The New London Rotary Senior Dinner Committee arranges for and serves annual dinner at the Senior Apartment complexes in New London for resident seniors. This involves working with various local agencies (TVCCA in this case) or restaurants to arrange preparation of meal, publicizing complimentary dinner and scheduling club members to serve the dinner.

The Williams Park Apartments is 1 of 5 Senior Apartment complexes in New London.

Official Visit #53 – New London Rotary Club – Two Official Visits on the same day

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The New London Rotary Club is so large (just about 100 members) that they required 2 official visits on Thursday Oct 24th.

The New London Club runs a breakfast and lunch meeting each Thursday as the ‘dual schedule’ affords members maximum flexibly to attend Club meetings on a regular basis.

Ten to fifteen New London Rotarians meet in the morning @ Muddy Waters in what is known as a satellite meeting while the balance of the New London Rotarians attend their regular Rotary meeting for lunch  @ Tony D’s. The morning meetings have an interesting format in that they are facilitated by Ivan Sadler in such a manner that each attendee is afforded several minutes to talk about issues germane to New London and New London Rotary. While the feel is relaxed the group actually covers considerable ground in the hour that they meet.

The afternoon meeting is structured in a way that makes the most efficient use of 80+ people’s time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Club recently moved a few blocks away to Tony D’s Restaurant from The Holiday Inn. Members appear to be enjoying the environment, the hospitality and the food at Tony D’s as the move seems to have had a positive impact on attendance.

On Thursday Mark Spinnato was recognized with a Paul Harris plus 2 sapphires (PH+2) for his generous support of The Rotary Foundation. During his brief remarks Mark told us that big things in the world are possible by making small sacrifices in life like cutting back on lattes. Mark is a role model that we can all be proud of, he lives Service above Self everyday. Mark is in good company as many New London Rotarians also generously support The Rotary Foundation.

While the New London Rotary Club is known for it’s many good works in their community and the world, they are famously known for their long-term support of:

With respect to Fundraisers the Club holds (2) Brewfest events and (1) Wine event each year.

Want to visit the New London Rotary Club but can’t decide? Then attend both breakfast @ Muddy Waters and lunch @ Tony D’s as a number of members do.

New London Rotary throws 36th Brewfest at the Beach

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Twice a year the New London Rotary Club runs an event known as Brewfest at the Beach at Ocean Beach Park in New London. Last night was the 36th Brewfest at the Beach where attendees came to enjoy the company of good friends,  taste from more than 150 beers from all over the world representing virtually every style of beer made. The event featured live musical entertainment by the Rhythm Method band and brew friendly food was included at no extra charge, after a short hiatus – chili was back by popular demand.

The weather cooperated perfectly for this evening event as many people came out to enjoy the mild fall evening. It took ‘all hands on deck’ by New London Rotarians, Rotaract plus friends and family to make this mega-event a success once again. Congratulations!!!

Geraldine Tom, co-chair of the event, said proceeds benefit the New London Rotary Foundation’s charitable programs, including Camp Rotary.

For $25 this is a must attend event, don’t miss the next one.

Happy Campers at Camp Rotary in New London

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The New London Rotary Club has been a major supporter of Camp Rotary for many years. During that time the camp has grown from a few dozen campers in a 5 week long program to 120 campers (plus a long waiting list) in a 8 week program.

Camp Rotary is made up of middle school aged students that attend academic programs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. four days a week. Students in Camp Rotary receive STEM-themed (science, technology, engineering and math) instruction and focus on the middle school’s goal of improving vocabulary, enhancing strategic reading skills and increasing math literacy. For the remainder of the afternoon, students participate in a regular camp day. On Fridays, students enjoy a full day of camp.

The camp starts just as the academic year ends in June and continues through until mid August and culminates with a day long field trip to Block Island.

New London Rotary has been Engaging Rotary to Change the lives of these young people in a positive way for many years. Campers enjoy the program’s rigor and benefit from the responsibility and interaction they are engaged in.

Want more information on Camp Rotary? Then contact AG/DGN Gerry Tom.