Special prayer by Dan Whitney: "Our gracious source of justice and compassion. Hear are steady plea. Grant us the clarity to advocate fiercely for every child and family. The courage to confront systems that fail them and the humility to listen with our hearts. Please empower the caregivers and advocates so these special children feel seen, heard, and championed. May justice be practical. Compassion be relentless, and hope be made through their work. In God's name we pray. Amen."
Guests
Jim Rumrill: District Rotary Youth Exchange Chairperson visiting from Vermont
David Saturley: District Rotary Youth Exchange Inbound Coordinator visiting from Vermont
Mia: Exchange student
CASA: see presentation notes
Announcements
Today is the deadline for submitting Rotarian of the Year and Civic Service Award nominations to Julianne Gilchrist
Presentations
Paul Harris Awards
Kevin Kelly presented Paul Harris Awards to two longtime members:
Carl Johnson: 34 years of service
Family legacy includes father’s conservation work with Johnson Bay named after him
Involved with Loon Preservation Society and numerous community organizations
Dick Pendergast: 28 years of service to the club, club treasurer for 26 years
Recognized for his generosity and dedication to improving people’s lives
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
Brian Harris introduced the program as a current CASA volunteer
Presenters: Marylee Gorham, Stacy Kellar, Lisa Davis, Richard Gerken (volunteer), Katie Palsar
CASA Program Overview
Mission: Train ordinary citizens to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect
Process: When DCYF removes children from homes, CASA volunteers become the consistent adult advocate
Training: 40 hours of specialized abuse and neglect training (vs. paid guardian ad litems who get general family law training)
Commitment: Meet with assigned children at least monthly (twice monthly for teens)
Current Needs and Capacity
500-600 active volunteers statewide
Need 200 more volunteers to accept 100% of cases
Currently accepting about 80% of cases referred by courts
Maximum 3 cases per volunteer
Must respond to new case assignments within 24-48 hours
Success Stories Shared
Lisa Davis (10-year volunteer): Reunification case involving substance abuse parents
Child removed due to parental drug use, placed in multiple foster homes
Parents completed treatment twice, child reunified after COVID-related relapse
Family now thriving with father running construction business, mother as peer counselor
Richard Gerken (12.5-year volunteer, 12 cases with 18 children): Two cases highlighted
11-year-old boy moved through 4 homes in 3 school systems, eventually adopted by uncle’s family
Infant born substance-exposed, nurtured by foster family, eventually adopted at age 4
Case duration typically 2 years (range: 3 months to 8 years)
How to Apply
Visit casanh.org under volunteer tab
Complete digital application including three essay questions
Contact any presenter if application not acknowledged within few days
Happy Dollars
Bob Kennelly: For Lochmere opening on Wednesday
Richard Gerken: For Easter Sunday coinciding with grandson Andrew’s 10th birthday on his 81st birthday
Fred Strader: For the recognition of Carl and Dick and Las Vegas family trip with 10-year-old grandson including hiking and magic shows
Kevin Kelly: Weekend with grandchildren in New Canaan featuring Moulton's Farms ham and a Church service with 800 well-behaved children under age 4 (note: Kevin did not get struck by lightening upon entering)
Jon Moulton: For the recognition of Carl and Dick
Jim Rumrill (Vermont visitor): for final year in district youth exchange program after 21 years
Tim Berquist For the warm weather
Lisa Davis: Recognition that family in Israel remains safe
Jim McFarlin:
CASA presentation
Rare Red Sox victory
Kevin Kelly’s gesture with Paul Harris Awards
Winner: Dean Gulezian
Adjournment
Four-way test recited
Meeting adjourned around 7:00 PM
Action Items
Members to submit Rotarian of the Year nominations to Julienne (deadline: tonight)
Interested members to visit casanh.org to apply for volunteer positions
Follow up contact encouraged if CASA application not acknowledged within few days
