Contributed by Kristy Synnott, Rotary Club of Stafford
In Stafford, the word “rotary” comes with lots of strong feelings and funny traffic memes. However, throughout the world, Rotary International is a humanitarian organization focusing on addressing community challenges and positively impacting the world around us. Rotary clubs exist in all areas of the world and share a common thread of bringing together engaged community members to serve the greater good.
The Rotary Club of Stafford has been an active organization in our community since 1942. While membership numbers have varied over the years, the commitment to neighbors has stayed strong. Through various fundraisers, the club has raised money to provide scholarship opportunities for area youth to succeed in post-secondary school and to participate in local, national, and international youth leadership experiences. Club funds are also used to purchase and deliver holiday baskets to Stafford’s seniors and support Flo’s Friendship Kitchen at the First United Methodist Church.
Most recently, the Rotary Club of Stafford hosted the inaugural Bosco Fowler Memorial 5K Road Race & Kids’ Fun Run in memory of Bosco Fowler, a Stafford icon. Through registration, sponsorship donations, and raffles at the event, we raised over $6,000 to go to the Stafford Citizen Scholarship Fund. This event saw more than 140 runners and a crowd of spectators who made a soggy day one of purpose and fun. The race was preceded by a fun run for kids and followed by a barbecue lunch for all participants and volunteers.
In addition to fundraising efforts, the Rotary Club of Stafford also impacts the community through various activities. Members regularly take part in the annual clean-up day and various town events. The club also has worked to showcase Stafford’s many great attributes to surrounding towns. Through a partnership with the Stafford Historical Society, the club has been working on an interactive, self-guided historical trail project, designing interactive signs and corresponding websites commemorating important historic buildings and sites and encouraging tourism. The first sign has been printed and is awaiting installment at the Stafford Historical Society building.
Working with youth is also a trademark of Rotary Clubs. Last year, an Interact club was established 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 working on a recycling project and renovating the path between the high school and the town library.
How can you get involved with Rotary and our Stafford community? The club welcomes participation at any level. Members’ time and talents are needed, whether it’s an hour or 10 hours a month. Meetings are held at the West Stafford Fire Department on Route 190 in Stafford, Connecticut, every first and third Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. and 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.