By Kristy Synnott
The Rotary Club of Stafford celebrated the new fiscal year starting in July by voting for open leadership positions. The results were as follows:
President: Laura Lybarger
Vice President: Brian Goepfrich
Secretary: Kristy Synnott
Treasurer: AnnMarie Morse.
Board Members: Fran Moriarty, Charlotte Kulas, Stephanie Irving, Karen O'Neill, John Turnberg
District Liaison: E.J. Neafsey
While the leadership titles may have new names in front of them, the membership as a whole is what makes Rotary what it is in Stafford. At its heart, Rotary International is a humanitarian organization that focuses on addressing community challenges and strives to positively impact the world around us. Rotary clubs exist in all areas of the world to bring together engaged community members to serve the greater good.
The Rotary Club of Stafford has been an active organization in our community since 1942. Whether we are hosting events or fundraisers to benefit scholarships or local non-profits or volunteering for town activities, Rotary members routinely give their time and talent to serve the community. For example, the Rotary Club of Stafford recently volunteered at the Stafford Motor Speedway, serving beverages and raising over $800 in tips to donate to Flo’s Kitchen!
We have also partnered with the Stafford Historical Society to develop an interactive, self-guided historical trail project and corresponding websites commemorating important historic buildings and sites and encouraging tourism. The first sign was installed outside the Stafford Historical Society building this past April - stop by and check it out!
What’s next for Rotary?
We are excited to be taking part in two upcoming town events, Farm Day on September 7th and 8th and Applefest on Saturday, September 28th. Stop by and visit our booths at both events and learn more about Rotary.
We are also looking forward to hosting the Rotary Club of Stafford’s 2nd Annual Bosco Fowler Memorial 5K Road Race & Kids’ Fun Run on Sunday, September 29, at Stafford High School. This race is in memory of Bosco Fowler, a Stafford icon. Last year, through registration, sponsorship donations, and raffles at the event, we raised over $6,000 to go to the Stafford Citizen Scholarship Fund, and we had over 140 runners/walkers. That’s right, running is NOT required! You can walk and be equally supportive of the event. There will also be music and food for all participants and volunteers.
To register for the race or for more information, visit https://staffordctrotary.org/Stories/2nd-annual-bosco-fowler-memorial-5k-road-race
We continue our initiatives for youth leadership, including sponsoring a student Interact club (junior Rotarians) at Stafford High School for youth who want to connect with others and help serve their community or school. Interact club members have fun while carrying out service projects and learning about the world around them. Interact clubs organize at least two service projects a year: one that benefits their community and encourages international understanding. While Interact clubs receive guidance from individual Rotary clubs, they govern themselves with support from a faculty advisor. This year, club members are planning on partnering with local Girl Scouts to renovate the path between the high school and the town library.
Do you want to take part in any of these activities? Do you have ideas for improving our community? Consider getting involved with Rotary - the club welcomes participation at any level. Members are needed whether it’s an hour or 10 hours a month. Meetings are held at the Johnson Memorial Hospital Conference Center on Route 190 in Stafford, Connecticut, every second Wednesday* at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Questions? Email the club at staffordrotaryct@gmail.com, visit their website at https://staffordctrotary.org/, or check out the Rotary Club of Stafford Facebook page for more information.
*This initially said Tuesday, but that was wrong. If you want to attend a Rotary meeting, be sure you get the right day.
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