Bristol Rotary Club COG, June 24, 2025 (Jun. 24, 2025)

John led his last meeting as Bristol Rotary President, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Rotary four-way test + quote Martin Luther King

🎉 Bristol Boys & Girls Club + Imagine Nation Spotlight🧸✨

We had some awesome guests from the Bristol Boys & Girls Club and Imagine Nation (that cool museum & early learning center)

They shared some really exciting news:

There are 5,500 Boys & Girls Clubs all across the U.S. and even on military bases worldwide — and every year, they pick ONE “Kid of the Year.” Bristol had not one, but two winners back-to-back in 2024 and 2025! 🙌 That’s huge — putting Bristol in the top 15% in the whole country. 🏆

Doreen & John from BBGC shared:

Summer camp kicks off next week! They’re focusing on CPR, first aid, and addressing behavior issues (which affect 17-21% of kids with IPC).
They’re running a “Fast Pass” program to help kids become productive, responsible adults — a key part of their mission.
Exciting news! BBGC just received $30,000 over three years from BGC for a new STEM program that will partner with BCA and create a curriculum to share nationwide — making Bristol a leader among clubs! 🌟
Construction is underway on a new turf field outside the club — something the kids have needed since the building opened. No more playing in the parking lot! The field will host soccer, lacrosse, football, and more. ⚽🏈🥍
Another grant for $10,050 just came through for Cambridge Park to build a tech center, including new computers and 3-D printing capabilities — all thanks to an awesome physics teacher/programmer helping lead the effort. 🖥️🖨️
They recently graduated 56 kids to kindergarten and currently have 136 kids enrolled in early childhood programs. The museum side is buzzing every weekday all summer from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM with new programs and lots of visitors!

Imagine Nation Updates:

They’re expanding programming to Cambridge Park and planning outreach across the state — including libraries and other resource centers.
There’s a cool plan for a mobile program “on the road” soon! 🚐
Mark your calendars for October 11 — a fun family event with a carnival, food trucks, and a special run around the block for kids and families. Plus, fundraising and a chance to be part of the fun with a “Kiss A Pig Contest” fundraiser to help promote the organization and get people involved. 😘🎈

We’re super excited about all the growth and opportunities coming for Bristol’s kids — can’t wait to see you all at Family Day on August 8!

🎄 Ornament Sales Update

Tom has sold 25 ornaments so far! The next opportunity to purchase will be on at St. Anthony's Pasta Fundraiser. This BYOB event features homemade meatballs and sauce, promising a delightful evening.

Additionally, we'll have a presence at the West End Festival on August 16, and possibly at St. Anthony's Beer Fest and Muzzy Field baseball games. If you know of a retailer or event Tom could sell at please let him know!

Youth Exchange Program Update

Enora is now in full communication mode with the Watson family - using WhatsApp + Snapchat she exchanges pictures daily - this will make for a more comfortable transition when she arrives late September

Team Bristol Rotary cooked and served at Zion last Monday. Big shout out to Judi Anne for cooking all afternoon to make this meal happen! 26 meals were served in 26 seconds :) https://youtube.com/shorts/x1Hu1-UZ9zM?si=7DDzEoYQvQW4Kl99

Happy / Sad

Norm, almost saw John twice on Saturday - first setting up for Farmers Market and then at Mohegan Sun for Paul Anka

Ken, guest speakers

John , thank you for having us share about Boys and Girls club

Doreen love the Bristol Rotary club, becoming a Lally at Christmas

Whit, Dave without air 3 weeks, I’m wearing a suit, thank you speakers , new dress attire, John made worst decision, congrats Heather new VP

Tom, son home from Vietnam, Boys and Girls Club, when young spent childhood there, learn so many valuable lessons, Thursday going to cool down

Blaise, great job BBGC, work out sports

Lee- Town Mink, Doreen and John, mentors when I was youngest Rotarian

Heather, Doreen and John Thank you for everything

Dale, happy John and Doreen, took mom to 75th class reunion, was not oldest, longevity in NE PA

John, Blaise talking over, mom apendectomy at 92 years old, she did great, went to orthopedics to get knee scoped

Laura, Thank you Doreen + John, had a great trip to London last week!

Carrie Ted - Senior Center - Social Services

Jul. 15, 2025 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Board Meeting

Jul. 22, 2025 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Mini Grant Presentation

Jul. 29, 2025 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Hartford Yard Goats End Polio Night

Aug. 02, 2025 6:10 p.m. – 9:10 p.m.

West End Festival

Aug. 16, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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