THE DETAILS -- Nancy Parent, director of Farmington's Community and Recreational Services, gave us the details of the plethora of programs ranging from youth to senior citizens, from transportation to housing, that her department provides the townspeople of Farmington
ATTENDANCE – There were 19 Farmington Rotarians in attendance, plus one guest – Nancy Parent, Farmington’s director of Community and Recreational Services who, we’re told, is considering becoming a member. Nancy was also our speaker.
ANNOUNCEMENT – President Jenn Diederich noted there were only 46 days – or seven weeks – until our Dine ‘N Dance gala, our largest fundraiser of the year slated for 6 – 11 p.m., April 13. The total fundraising goal, she said, is at least $32,700. This includes targets such as:
- $15,000 for 200 tickets @ $75 each (we’ve sold $1,400 worth so far).
- $25,000 in sponsorships. (we’ve sold $6,500 in sponsorships so far).
- A live auction of items such as two tickets to a Patriots game; a six-month family membership to the Wheeler YMCA in Plainville; a foursome, with lunch, at the Country Club of Farmington; the services of the band that will be playing that night (Shaded Soul); and a river cruise, included lunch, on Mike Cheshire’s boat.
President Jenn also noted that we have received $2,100 in donations in memory of Joe Voves so far. Joe, our oldest member, passed away in December at the age of 96. According to his good friend and neighbor, Bob Festa, Joe’s wife, Myra, and his children recently traveled to Joe’s hometown of Mnetes, Czech Republic, to bury his ashes.
RAFFLE – Gabey Giblin had the winning ticket and then pulled the ace of spades from the deck of playing cards. She therefore won the $38 pot.
HAPPY BUCKS – Donations were made in honor of our speaker, Nancy Parent; the success of the Dine ‘N Dance; the success of the UConn Women’s Basketball team in the American Athletic Conference and NCAA tournaments; the boys state basketball tournament in which Farmington High School is competing; the intergenerational programs of the municipal Community and Recreational Services Department that connect the town’s youth with senior citizens; and for just the heck of it.
SPEAKER – Nancy Parent went into detail explaining the plethora of programs offered by the Farmington Community and Recreational Services Department that she directs. She said she is able to offer all these programs with the help of 11 full-time and 100 part-time employees.
The programs include:
- Social services
- Youth programs
- Senior services
- Transportation (i.e., Dial-a-Ride)
- The Housing Authority
- Westwoods Municipal Golf Course, and
- A large variety of community activities such as summer concerts at the gazebo in front of Union School; and a Thanksgiving dinner that last year was attended by 144 people.