Proceeds support Stratford Rotary Community Projects

Rotarians Support DG Stephanie's Food Packing Event

October is Polio Plus Month

Project Kidsight

Thank you Joe Meyer, President of the Stratford Lions Club for your insightful presentation on the Project Kidsight program.

Project Kidsight is a free vision screening program for children from ages six months to five years that local Lions Club volunteers conduct periodically throughout the year.

Early vision screening can provide significant long term benefits for children. Vision problems are prevalent in 25% of all school children in the U.S. Some problems that can permanently affect vision are best treated at an early age. By the time children enter school the treatment may not be as effective and can be more costly.

The program has been instituted in the Stratford school system with over 2400 children being tested. After testing 600 children were found to have vision problems. Joe emphasized that this testing is only used to inform parents that their child may have a vision issue.

Testing for pre-school children will be held at Sterling House on November 19th.

Happy Veterans Day

The “Missing Man Table” at todays Rotary Lunch.

The Missing Man Table has a historical background that runs back to the Vietnam War. It was initially established to remember Prisoners of War (POWs) and Missing in Action (MIA) service members. Over time, this tradition has extended to include all fallen, missing, or imprisoned service members.

The TABLE … set for one … is small – symbolizing the loneliness we feel without them.

The TABLECLOTH is white … symbolizing the purity of their intentions and willingness to respond to their country’s call to arms.

The single ROSE in the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in-arms, who kept the faith awaiting their return, and forever left behind.

The RED RIBBON tied so prominently on the vase, is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn by many who bear witness to their unyielding determination; to account for every one of our missing.

A SLICE OF LEMON is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.

There is SALT upon the bread plate too, symbolic of the river of tears shed by families and loved ones.

The GLASS is inverted … they cannot toast with us this night.

The CHAIR is empty … they are not here. Our lives are incomplete because they are not here to sit with us tonight. They were there for us … we are still here for them. In honoring them … each of them … all of them … we stand silently and face their table … the table where they should be sitting with us tonight.

We stand silently in their absence. Please raise your glass in a toast. To the Missing Man. We flew with you and called you comrade; we will never forget your ultimate sacrifice.

Tim Bartlett - Stratford YMCA

Thank you Tim Bartlett, President and CEO of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, for your informative presentation at todays lunch meeting. He discussed the directive and objective of the CCCYMCA goals and growth for the area, specifically for the Stratford YMCA. He also addressed the serious food storage in Stratford. The CCC YMCA is a charitable, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving 25 towns and cities in Greater Bridgeport, New Haven, and at YMCA Camp Hi-Rock (Mount Washington, MA), the Y helps children, families, and adults learn, grow, and thrive. The CCC YMCA is an inclusive organization open to all, guided by Judeo-Christian principles to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for everyone.

2025 Rotary Foundation Brunch

Sunday, November 9th, 2025, 11:00 AM
Madison Beach Hotel, Madison, Connecticut
Foundation Brunch (Tickets $65 ea, tables available)
Accepts check, CC, debit card

Contact: Robert Friend | (203) 530-0222 | robertfriend7980@gmail.com

Our 2025 Rotary Foundation Brunch will be an extraordinary gathering to celebrate last year‘s achievements by our clubs and our district related to the Rotary Foundation. Plus, we have the joy of bringing back Peace Fellow and Master Cellist, Diego Carneiro, to join us in the event.

Past Rotary International President and Immediate Past Chair of the Rotary Foundation, Mark Maloney, who achieved $2.025 billion in legacy giving during his tenure, will provide an inspirational keynote as we continue supporting Rotary growth in legacy giving.

Thank you for your support, and we hope that you all can attend.

Bingo

RYLA 2025

Today's luncheon featured Adrienne Lopez as our speaker. Adrienne is a senior at Bunnell HS and the President of the school's Interact program. She attended this year's RYLA program, and her presentation detailed her experiences at the program.

Passing of the Gavel

This evenings Induction Ceremony was held at the Perry House. Dominic Mantuano was sworn in as the new Rotary President. He replaced the outgoing President Harold Watson. The new Board of Directors were also sworn in. After a few comments Dominic explained his vision of he wanted to accomplish in upcoming year, much of that is noted below. Several Rotarians were given Paul Harris Fellow awards for their donations to the Paul Harris Society. The Paul Harris Fellow award is a recognition given by Rotary International to individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation, acknowledging their commitment to community service and humanitarian efforts. Recipients receive a certificate and a pin, and the award was established in 1957 to honor the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris.

Grant Presentation Luncheon

Twice a year the Stratford Rotary asks organizations to submit a Grant Application for any new projects/programs they have developed. Today's luncheon was attended by several of the Stratford Grant recipients, who gave gave a short summary of their projects before receiving their checks.

Main Street Festival 2025

The Annual Main Street Festival, sponsored by Milford Bank and Hosted by The Stratford Rotary Club, was held today Saturday June 7th. The weather forecast was cloudy with a chance of showers. There were a few small light showers. The heavier rains came just as the festival was coming to a close. A total of 230 vendors signed up this year, a record number.

Scholarship Luncheon 2025

The Stratford Rotary Club celebrated our yearly scholarship awards to deserving Seniors from Bunnell and Stratford High Schools. Parents and siblings of the awardees were also present. The luncheon was held at the Riverview Bistro on Ferry Blvd. After a short business meeting and lunch, the awards were given. Scholarship winners, their resumes, and scholarship essays follow.

Scholarships were presented to:
Joey Darbilli - Bunnell HS - Vermilya Memorial Academic
Amy Williams -Bunnell HS -Trade School Award
Siobhan Nunn - Bunnell HS - Bruce Carr Memorial Activism Award
Katie Marquez-Paz - Stratford HS -Vermilya Memorial Academic
Aldo Sosa Sanchez - Stratford HS - Trade School Award
Zoe Bernard - Stratford HS - Bruce Carr Memorial Activism Award