A Message from the Club President

I am proud to be the president of Waterford Rotary for 2005-2006. Waterford Rotary is a great club made up of wonderful people.  Although we are a small club, we have managed to do a lot for our community and for the world community in which we live. 

We continue to support the Community Meal Center in New London by providing a meal once each month.  This has been an ongoing project for many years, and the need seems to increase each year.

Last year we worked with a Rotary club in Brazil to equip a new daycare center for that city's needy children.  We are looking into a similar project this year with a club in Africa to help equip a medical center.

For three years we have worked with Junior Achievement, to bring business concepts into Waterford's elementary schools.  This is a wonderful program that has been well-received by both students and staff.  Although it requires a substantial commitment of time, the Rotarians who have volunteered for this program have found it to be very rewarding.

We also have ongoing programs to encourage good citizenship and scholarship in our schools.  He honor "students of the year" from each of Waterford's five elementary schools, Clark Lane Middle School, Waterford High School and Waterford Country School.  Another program to honor students is the Rotary Scholars program, which honors high achieving high school juniors.  We give out a language award at Waterford High School's academic awards dinner. Finally we award scholarships to graduating seniors both at Waterford High School and Grasso Technical School.

Of course, projects such as these require money, and we work hard to raise the necessary funds.  Our main fundraisers have traditionally included a rose sale in November and a wine tasting event (Make Mine Wine) in February. For such fundraising endeavors to work, a lot of volunteer time is required.  Therefore, an important goal for our club this year is to increase our membership with more wonderful people who want to give back to their community.

Lois