We had the pleasure to meet former CT State Senator Cathy Cooke, who presently is the Executive Director of Work Vessels for Veterans.  Begun 15 years ago, WVfV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is "to equip America's returning veterans with the tools they need to start a business or pursue career education," and it started with the a fishing boat given to a returning vet.

Cathy presented a short video which showed some of the Vets who have benefited - from an ATV to a van.  They match new Veteran entrepreneurs with experienced mentors for support and match corporate or individual equipment donations to provide the tools needed for their trade.  This is an all-volunteer organization with over under 1% - has offered a "Hand up to thousands of returning military veterans in all 50 states."   Over 2900 injured veterans have been assisted and more than $3.9 Million dollars in equipment awarded, over $2.5 million dollars in corporate "in-kind" donations.  Entrepreneurship provides the ability to work around service-connected disability with time-off when needed for medical or therapy care as needed.  To learn more about Work Vessels for Vets, Inc. go to www.WVFV.org, facebook.com/workvesselsforvets, or write to them at PO Box 215  West Mystic CT 06388.

This event, while honoring Doug and Jean for their years of Summer Pops Service, will be designated for the 2023 Summer Pops concert in Wilcox Park.   If you cannot attend but want to share in honoring these two very special people, donate $42 for their 42 years or service.  At the Chorus Hall from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

Monday evening of 6 February Rose and Steve participated in the Kick Off Zoom meeting for the 20 May 2023 Rotary Day of Service "Get Behind the Wheel".  This special event includes 450 Clubs from eight Districts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Bermuda.  During the Zoom meeting, we heard from Clubs that have been combining their efforts over the past couple of years with the purpose of not only providing a Service but becoming more visible in the community - combining ACTION of an activity with membership and community volunteers joining together for the common good  - whether it is a food drive, blood drive, clean up project, baby shower drive, clothing drive, personal hygiene drive....  They have created a special banner - pictured above - which can be used over and over (the date is a stick on), tee shirts and a press release kit to assist with public image ideas.  All photos, for example, should show people in ACTION, not just posing.

 

We will be working at Rotary Park on 4/22.  We will do some clean up of the area - mulching in the children's garden, plantings around the Peace Pole, Rotary Park sign etc.

   

The lockbox above was installed on John Street -  it's location will be easy to find and close to the front door for quick access if needed.  

 

If you know of someone who is "at risk" and can benefit from having a lockbox installed at their home, please contact the Westerly Police Department or Officer Mills at the non-emergency Phone Number 401.596.2022.  Our lockboxes are provided to residents, as needed, free of charge.  Also, if other groups wish to donate lockboxes to the Westerly Police Department, please purchase them from McQuade's Ace Hardware.  We are being awarded special pricing and have delivered 63 lockboxes to Officer Mills for distribution as of this month.