Welcome to our Club!
Service Above Self
We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
Hawk Ridge Winery
28 Plungis Road
Watertown,, CT 06779
United States of America
Watertown,, CT 06779
United States of America
Preparations are underway for the Santa Holiday Light Parade this Friday. 🎄🎅❄️
With great pride, we recognize our own Rotarian as Community Leader of the Year, an honor bestowed by the Watertown Oakville Chamber.
The Watertown Rotary Club plus 25 other District 7890 Rotary Clubs have joined together to fund the 30th sustainable water and sanitation project in Guatemala bringing fresh drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene training to a needy the Mayan community consisting of 46 families (322 people) who live in the rural community of Panicuy, Guatemala. This year a total of $178,150 was raised. Adding this amount to the funds raised during the previous sixteen years brings the total to $1,680,413.
These funds will pay for the materials needed to complete gravity fed water system with gray water filters, vented pit latrines, improved vented stoves and a solar-powered pumping system.
These projects continue to be the goal of Rotary International and have every Rotary Club support an international water and sanitation project every year. By working together, pooling resources, and obtaining Global Grants with matching funds from The Rotary Foundation, the Rotarians have been successful in adding strength to their chosen projects. 
District Governor Vin Marinaro was our guest speaker at the recent weekly luncheon, delivering an uplifting address centered on Rotary's core principles. He discussed notable undertakings, including many of our Youth Programs, membership, 
the International Clean Water Project and the fight to eliminate Polio.
the International Clean Water Project and the fight to eliminate Polio.Watertown Rotary Club’s Plinko at Watertown’s Fall Festival was a success! Thank you to all who stopped by and supported our club!
Scott Alexander (second from left) Hole-in-One winner at the Rotary Club of Watertown Golf Tournament held on September 19th at the Watertown Golf Club.
The Chevrolet Cruz was sponsored by Blasius Chevrolet Cadillac.
Also pictured are Gary O’Brien and Shirley Bouffard golf committee members and Bill Palomba, Marketing Manager at Blasius.
Alexander is the first hole-in-one winner in the history of the golf tournament for The Watertown Rotary.
The Chevrolet Cruz was sponsored by Blasius Chevrolet Cadillac.
Also pictured are Gary O’Brien and Shirley Bouffard golf committee members and Bill Palomba, Marketing Manager at Blasius.
Alexander is the first hole-in-one winner in the history of the golf tournament for The Watertown Rotary.
At our meeting on July 26, 2017 Mark Danaher poke about Retiring on The Good Life.
Picture with Mark is the new president for 2017-2018 Amy Varza.
The club honored Students of the month for March Pictured from Left to right:
Emily Williams 9th grade, Julia Spagnoletti 10th grade, Superintendent Bridgett Carnemolla, Julia Squillace 11th grade and Ethan Mehlin grade 12.
Our Club honored the February Students of the month from The Watertown High School.
Pictured are Club President Ilona Blouin, Sophomore Jared Lafreniere, Junior Samantha Cross and Student of the Month Chair Susan Santopietro
Education through Chromebooks
Donation of 20 Chromebooks & Charging Station for 5th Grade Class at Watertown Middle School
Through the use of Chromebooks and other emerging technologies, students will be better prepared as they progress through their educational experiences to meet the needs of their future workplaces. Chromebooks give the teacher and students an alternative way of learning. The use of Google Classroom provides teachers with the ability to create online assignments that can be completed at home or in school. Students submit the completed work and the teacher can view and grade it electronically. Free programs also allows teachers to monitor students' progress and change their program to suit the needs of each student.
On 6/18 The Watertown Rotary named three Watertown High School students Students Of The Month. Students Of The Month are selected for their academic performance and service to the school and community.
Pictured left to right are Grant Larusso, Matt Stango, Anjeza Fero and Student Of The Month Chair Vin Giannetto.
The Watertown Rotary club awarded five, one thousand dollar scholarships, to graduating Watertown seniors at the awards night held at Watertown High School in early June.
The club also presented a Tool award to a student nominated by the Industrial Arts Department at the High School.
Checks were presented to these very accomplished young people at a regular Rotary Luncheon meeting on June 11th, 2014.
The students and the schools they will be attending are:
Left to Right: Savannah-Nicole Villalba, Simmons College; Jacob Holmes, Boston University; Kyle Brown, Penn State University with Schreyer Honors College, it should also be noted he was Valedictorian; James Everitt, Tool Award; ( Rotary Pres, Don Orsini) Enri Duka, University of Connecicut, Honors Program in Law; Jessica Lynn Ney, University of St Joseph.
On May 21st the Watertown Rotary was invited in to take a tour of the Siemon Company.
Pictured left to right are tour guide Brian Duval, tour guide Hanna Hoxha, tour guide Chris Soricelli, Rotary President Don Orsini, Rotary member and Siemon employee Lori Finke, and Rotary member and Siemon employee Paul Knickerbocker.
On May 7th Watertown Fire Department Chief and Fire Marshal Larry Black was presented with Watertown Rotary Alexander Alves Award.
The award honors the late Alexander Alves for being someone who is dedicated to the Watertown/Oakville community as well as being respected in that community. Pictured left to right are Kurt Kuegler (Master of Ceremonies), Steve Whitaker (Paul Harris Fellow Honorary Member), and Chief Black.
On May 14th Senator Rob Kane visited the Watertown Rotary to update the club of the last legislative session. In addition, Sean Chilson of the Watertown Interact Club talked about their current and upcoming projects.
Pictured left to right are Don Orsini, President of the Watertown Rotary, Sean Chilson, and Rob Cane.
Freshman and Sophmores (and one junior)from the Watertown School Interact Club assembled at the Rotary District Conference and a highlight picture from their presentation at Interact conference on April 25, 2014
On April 16, 2014 The Watertown Rotary recognized three Watertown High School students as Students of the month for their academic performance and service to their school and community.
Left to right are Student Of The Month Chair Vin Giannetto, Senior Cheyenne Jones, Junior Justin Coulter, and Senior Devin Carrafa.
The Watertown Rotary had a dinner dance on 4/5/14 as their first fundraiser toward raising money for a new ADA compliant playscape to be built at Veterans Park. Pictured below are people enjoying the festivities.
Service Project Chair Ron Pleasant (left) with Rotary President Don Orsini drawing a raffle prize.
Jack Baker, Executive Vice President of Crystal Rock, was presented a plaque on Wednesday March 26 during their weekly meeting to honor Crystal Rock for many years of community involvement and support.
Left to right are Don Orsini, Rotary President, Jack Baker, and Cheryl Gustafson, Rotarian and V.P. Of Human Resources at Crystal Rock.
On 3/19/14 the Watertown Rotary honored Watertown High School Students Of The Month.
Students are acknowledged for their academic performance and service to the school and community.
Left to right are Olivia Gugliotti and Brianna Mancini with student of the month chair Vin Giannetto.
On 2/19 The Watertown Rotary acknowledged Watertown High School Students of the month. Students are selected for their academic performance as well as their service to the school and community.
Pictured are Bryan (left), Hailey(middle), and student of the month chair Vin Gianetto (right).
Lisa Carew, director of Watertown Human, Social, and Leisure Services attended the Watertown Rotary January 29th meeting. She came to review recent and upcoming town parks projects.
Pictured with Rotary President Don Orsini holding a poster advertising the Rotary April 5th dinner dance to help raise funds for a new ADA complaint playscape at Veterans Park.
The Watertown Rotary awarded Watertown High School junior Besnik Pocesta student of the month.
Pictured left with student of the month is chair Vin Gianetto.
Besnik was awarded for his academic performance as well as his service to the school and community.
Paul Harris Fellowships Recipients
Pictured Left to Right Sure Atlkins, Peg Durkee, Donn Innaimo, Don Stepanek, John Pronovost, and Jack McHugh.
John Pronovost is a first time recipient. The others are multiple Paul Harris Fellows. Welcome John and congratulations to the the others.
At the October 23 meeting the Watertown Rotary honored two Watertown High School Students Of The Month for their academic performance and service to the school and community.
Senior Robert Ernst (left) Rotary Club Representative Giannetto (middle) and junior Ryan Nolan (right).
On 10/16/13 District Governor Michael Barnett (left) and his wife Linda (right) stand with Watertown Rotary president Don Orsini (middle). Mr. Barnett came to visit and report on International Rotary recent developments and current objectives.
At the Watertown Rotary meeting held October 9, 2013 the club listened to a program from Donna Sciacca, Program Manager for The American Liver Foundation's Connecticut Division.
Pictured left to right Donna Sciacca, stands with Rotary President Don Orsini
On October 2, 2013 The Club inducted two new members at the regular meeting.
L to R. Membership chair Mary Ellen Vanderhoff inducting Briean Sodano and Patricia Gugliotti as sponsor Donn Innaimo looks on.
The winning team of left to right John Kaz, Bill Dunbar, Jim Nichol, and John Perreault.
Left to right is Dr. Matthew Cucolo with Watertown Rotary President Don Orsini. Dr. Cucolo gave a presentation on his drug awareness program to the club on August 14, 2013
New member Lori Finke is inducted on July 24, 2013
From left to right membership chair Mary Ellen Vanderhoff inducts new member Lori Finke as Lori's sponsor Paul Knickerbocker looks on.
A Rotary Exchange student from Germany 30 years ago Prof. Dr. Ludger H. Opgenhoff visited the Watertown Rotary Club on July 10. The professor is a Rotary member in Germany.
Picture left to right Prof. Dr. Ludger H. Opgenhoff swapping club banners with president Don Orsini.
Watertown past president for 2012-2013 Kurt Kuegler , pictured on the right, passes the gavel to the incoming president for the 2013-2014 year, Don Orsini, pictured on the left.
The Watertown Rotary presented the Watertown Library with a donation on June 6th . Excepting the check pictured with the clubs President Kurt Kuegler is the Head Librarian Joan Rintelman
Watertown Rotary Club presented a check to Greater Waterbury Area Easter Seals on June 5th. Pictured from left to right are Easter Seals supporter and Representative Tom Kenny and Carolee Kalita with Rotary’s Present Kurt Kuegler.
The Watertown Rotary club president Kurt Kuegler presented Watertown’s Recreation Director Lisa Carew donations to the towns important programs “Learn to Swim” and “Food Bank”
The Watertown Rotary was recently entertained by the Sound Affect youth group. The singers are planning a trip to teach and share Music and rhythm with the children of Haiti.
The group shares how they Affect the World with the Arts by visiting them at www.sound-affect.com
Rotary Recognizes Students of the Month – The Watertown Rotary recognized three high school students as Student of the Month at a luncheon held on May 15th at the Grand Oak Villa.
Pictured from left are: Watertown High School Senior Amy Lamontagne, Rotarian Vin Giannetto,
Watertown High School juniors Sarah Picard and Andrew Picard alongside of Rotary’s President Kurt Kuegler
Watertown Rotary’s President Kurt Kuegler (Right) presented a check in the amount of $2,000.00 to assist in the Guatemala Water Project to Rick Lawrence when he attended a Rotary’s Luncheon to update the group on the great progress the Water Project has achieved.
The Club Honored this year Alex Alves Recipient Bill Donston on May 1, 2013
Mr. Donston was honored for his involvement in many aspects of the town, including the Watertown Recreation Commission, the Water-Oak Gold Circle of Sports, the Babe Ruth Little League, WAYS, the FIRST Robotics Team, among a large number of other activities
Standing with 2013 Alves Award Winner Bill Donston (center) are Mr. Donston’s wife, Lori Donston (left) and Watertown Rotary Club President Kurt Kuegler.
Representatives from the Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project spoke to the Watertown Rotary Club sharing their traditions, Art, Food & Fashion from their 5000 year-long History of Korea.
Pictured from left to right Younhee Shin and Kyung Pak with Rotary’s Club Administrator MaryEllen Hadelman
On March 20th the Watertown Rotary Club inducted its newest member Amy Griswold.
Pictured from left to right Mary Ellen Vanderhoff Administration Director, Amy Griswold and Gary Margelot Rotarian sponsor
MaryEllen Lafferty 1st Grade teacher at John Trumbull School was recognized as Teacher of the Year at the Watertown Rotary meeting held February 27th pictured in center with Rotary’s President Kurt Kuegler and Rotarian and School Superintendent Gail Gilmore.
Student of the Month: At a Watertown Rotary Meeting held February 27th Watertown High school student, Jim Finley was recognized, pictured with Rotarian Vin Giannetto
Andrew Gionta was invited to the Watertown Rotary Luncheon February 13th to share his experience of receiving the Prestigious Alex Alves Award last year. This Award has been presented by the Rotary Club to members of our local community whom embodies the qualities of outstanding charitable achievement, community volunteerism and service in memory of Alexander Alves.
Pictured from left to right is Andrew Gionta last year’s recipient with Rotary’s president Kurt Kuegler
Mike Garassino accepted a check in the amount of $2,000.00 from the Watertown Rotary Club on behalf of The Joe Garassino Foundation. The foundation provides resource grants and support for items such as Cancer Research, patient and family Travel and Lodging assistance, medical expenses and service dogs.
More Foundation info can be soon found at www.joegarassino.org
Pictured on left Rotarian Mike Garassino with Rotary President Kurt Kuegler
On February 6th the Watertown Rotary club invited David Guerrera from AIEP (Apex International Education Partners) to speak at their meeting. He shared how his organization assists educational institutions with the recruiting and hosting of International students. David shared how rewarding this 10 month experience hosting 14 to 17 year old High School students from China can be.
In January we inducted two new members into the Club
Pictured from left to right: newest member Paul Knickerbocker with his sponsor Rotarian Rob Scott, other new member Ron Pleasant with his Rotary sponsor Vin Giannetto
Interact a service club of the Watertown Rotary Club consisting of students at the Watertown High School shared with the club their experiences and projects such as Reading at John Trumbull School, Volunteering at the Senior Center and collecting PJ’s and books for less fortunate children at the January 22, 2013 meeting.
Pictured from left to right: Larissa Anderson, Chloe Barcial, Daniel Guerrera, Jillian Richmond, Andrew Terzigni, Corrina Sorensen, Courtney Martare, Douglas Demirali, Jordan Townshend, Ashley Bugnacki, Stephanie Elmassri and Ashleigh Morelli with Rotarian Interact Advisor Day Palmer
The Watertown Rotary Club recognized three high school students as Student of the Month at a luncheon held on December 19th.
Pictured from left to right Rotary’s President Kurt Kuegler, Watertown High School Junior Danielle Lutkus, Watertown High School Senior Jennifer Sparso, Watertown High School Senior Emily Cusick and Rotarian Vin Giannetto
On 12/12/12 the Watertown Rotary Club invited John Chiero, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Waterbury to speak at the Rotary’s weekly luncheon at the Grand Oak Villa. John Chiero shared the ways in which his organization is opening doors of opportunity for academic success, healthy lifestyles and community spirit for local youth.
Pictured from Left to Right Rotarian Fran Berthiaume, Rotarian Ilona Blouin & John Chiero Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club
On November 28th Watertown Rotary Club invited, to their weekly luncheon, speaker Samuel Brown the Volunteer Project Ambassador form “Project Amigo” an organization enabling poor children of Colima, Mexico to achieve their highest potential by providing educational opportunities, material support, enrichments activities, medical and dental services.
Pictured from left to right Samuel Brown from “Project Amigo” with Watertown Rotary President Kurt Kuegler
On November 14th the Watertown Rotary Club invited Chief Larry Black from the Watertown Fire department to speak at their weekly meeting held at the Grand Oak Villa. The Fire Chief spoke about the history of the Towns Fire Department and the latest technological applications of the available to the department.
Pictured from left to right: Rotarian Dick DeMaria, Club president Kurt Kuegler and Watertown Fire Chief Larry Black
Bob Chechoski representative from Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Vietnam Vets spoke about the organization and the transitional homes to benefit Vets during the Watertown Rotary Clubs meeting held at the Grand Oak Villa on 11/7/12
Pictured from left to right: Watertown Rotary President Kurt Kuegler, Bob Chechoski representative from Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Vietnam Vets and Rotary Club Administrator MaryEllen Hadelman
On 10/31/2012 the Watertown Rotary invited Watertown Police Chief and the Deputy Chief to speak at their meeting held at the Grand Oak Villa. The Police Chief spoke about the history of the Towns Police Department and the applications of the latest technology available to them.
Pictured in photo form left to right: Club President Kurt Kuegler, Watertown Chief of Police John Gavallas and Watertown Police Deputy Robert Desena
Watertown Rotary had a guest speaker at their weekly meeting held at the Grand Oak Villa October 24th:
Alexis Sturdy from “Wesleyan Center for Prison Education”
She explained how education program implemented and administered by Wesleyan is redirecting the paths of CT inmates
Left to right: Rotarian’s Membership Chairperson Mary Ellen Hadelman, Guest speaker Alexis Sturdy from Wesleyan Center for Prison Education,
Rotarian Cheryl Gustafson & Rotarian’s Service Project chairperson Matt Frigon
Watertown Rotary Meeting held 10/17/12 at the Grand Oak Villa.
Guest speaker local business owner Cathy Wolko from the Humble Bee Honey Co located in Watertown and member of the Bee Keeper Association of Watertown talked at the meeting to educate us on our local bee keepers and emphasized the environmental importance of bees. Pictured from left to right: Cathy Wolko and Watertown Rotary’s president Kurt Kuegler
Watertown Rotary Meeting held 10/17/12 at the Grand Oak Villa presenting the 2 students of the month both from Watertown High school –
Pictured from left to right:
President Kurt Kuegler, Watertown High school Junior Drake Allegrini, Watertown High School Senior Madison Musco and Rotarian Vin Giannetto
The Watertown Rotary Club presented Paul Harris Awards to 4 of their members at their October 3rd 2012 meeting held at the Grand Oak Villa.
Pictured from left to right - Sue Santopietro, Bill Dunbar, Gary O’Brien and Bill Lang
Rotary Club meeting held September 12, 2012 at Grand Oak Villa.
Pictured from left to right is: Watertown’s President Kurt Kuegler, Dick Dill & John Ciccio both Representatives from Kids Against Hunger. Dick Dill shared his experiences with the organization fighting world hunger.
Watertown Rotary Club meeting August 29th 2012 at Grand Oak Villa:Pictured from left is Rotary’s District Assistant Governor, Roberta Lee August presenting Watertown Rotary Club’s past President Brian Godin with the prestigious Woodruff Key Award for his outstanding work and efforts with Rotary.
Members from the Watertown Oakville community lended their support to aid one of our youth from town who is required to be on a respirator 24/7. T.J. MacLean from Oakville needs to be on a respirator but was in constant fear of power outages to keep his machine running. So through the combined efforts of Fire Chief Larry Black and fellow firemen, and with the help of the Watertown Rotary and the Watertown Lions Club, a generator was presented to T.J. and his family,
which would keep their home equipped with power during outages. The generator has an automatic start if power should ever be disrupted. Among representatives of the donors were Rotary president Kurt Kueglar (left), Fire Chief Larry Black, Lion Ray Ceniccola and Lion President Rev. Dr. Andy Zeman. Not shown in photo were the two past presidents who under their term and guidance for this project came to light; they are Past Lion President Cheryl Woodruff and Past Rotary President Dr. John McHugh.
which would keep their home equipped with power during outages. The generator has an automatic start if power should ever be disrupted. Among representatives of the donors were Rotary president Kurt Kueglar (left), Fire Chief Larry Black, Lion Ray Ceniccola and Lion President Rev. Dr. Andy Zeman. Not shown in photo were the two past presidents who under their term and guidance for this project came to light; they are Past Lion President Cheryl Woodruff and Past Rotary President Dr. John McHugh.Watertown High School student Steven Donston and advisor Gary Santoro from the Watertown Robotics Team gave a presentation on their experiences of competition with the team to the Watertown Rotary members at their July 25th meeting. The Rotary Club is one of the Team’s sponsors.
Pictured from left Gary Santoro, Steven Donston and Rotary President Kurt Kuegler
Incoming President Kurt Kuegler (left) and outgoing President Brian Godin. (right)
Gary O'Brien receiving the annual Susan Atkins Special Recognition Award from outgoing president Brian Godin.
June 20, 2012. Town Manager Charles A. Frigon is grateful to the Watertown Rotary Club for what he hopes is the first of many donations of a display case for the new Town Hall in the old Heminway Park School. The case, which features wooden cabinets on the bottom and glass doors with shelves on top, will display information, awards, photographs and memorabilia from the Rotary Club.
From left, Terry Bushka, of Bushka Lumber and Millwork, incoming Rotary President Kurt Kuegler, outgoing Rotary President Brian Godin, and Town Manager Charles A. Frigon pose in front of a display case the Rotary Club donated in the new town office building in Watertown at the former Heminway Park School.
The Watertown Rotary Club presented scholarship and vocational awards at their June 6th meeting at Grand Oak Villa. Attached are photos of the scholarship winners, who will be pursuing their college careers in the fall, and the technology award winners, who will be pursuing careers in technical schools.
Pictured are the vocational award recipients, Paul Bettencourt, Jr., Rotary President Brian Godin, and Justin Josephson.
Pictured are scholarship award recipients Sage Davino, Cassidy Heverling, Emily Lawson, Kelly Lewis, Alyssa Mucciaro, and Michael Palmeri. A seventh award recipient, Jamey Magas, was unable to attend the luncheon. His father, Mike, accepted his award.
The Watertown Rotary Club recognized WHS Students of the Month for April and May at their May 16th meeting at the Grand Oak Villa. Attached is a photo of the students receiving their award from VP Kurt Kuegler. L –R April Senior, Samantha Picard; May Junior, Joseph Amadeo; April Junior, Brittany Parkhouse; May Senior, Sara Barnick; and Rotary Vice President, Kurt Kuegler.
Pictured L – R are Lisa Carew (Learn to Swim and Dare), Brian Godin, Rotary President, Joan Rintelman (Watertown Library), Linda Merriman (Friends of the Watertown Library), and Carolee Kalita (Easter Seals). Each was presented with a check by President Brian to help fund their programs.
The award is named after Alexander Alves, who was a major figure in Watertown government, an active officer and director of the Watertown-Oakville Chamber of commerce, a successful business owner, and a long-time member of the Watertown Rotary Club. In 1988 he was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow Award for outstanding service
