Autumn turned to winter, and while Omicron resulted in the cancellation of some of its regular dinner meetings, it soon became clear that the Suffield Rotary members were not willing to go into hibernation. To the contrary, its dedication to “service above self” resulted in two very busy winter months.
On December 11, Suffield Rotary, for the sixth consecutive year, ran what has become its traditional “Sand and Salt” project, delivering free salt and sand to Suffield seniors to assist them in keeping their walkways and driveways safe through the icy winter months. This year 56 deliveries were made, twice the number made last year. The now annual Salt and Sand project, suggested by Clark and Karen Mason when they first transferred from another Rotary club six years ago, has become a huge success and an important service project for the local club.
Then, in response to the catastrophic damage in numerous towns in Kentucky, like several other organizations and individuals in town, the Suffield Rotary opened its wallets to help those affected. Within a few days the club, and its individual members, had raised over $6,400. A generator was procured, with the assistance and contribution of Suffield Hardware. The Suffield Rotary is working with a Rotary club in Kentucky that is most familiar with where the need is, to distribute procure goods and services with the balance of the funds.
During the morning and afternoons of December 18 and 19 Rotarians “Rang the Bell” for Suffield Community Aid, sometimes dressed as Santa, in front of Dunkin Donuts and the Suffield Village Market, who we thank for allowing our presence. The good people of our town (including a few of the bell-ringers no doubt) raised over $1,600 for SCA to use for Suffield residents in need.
Photo by Heidi Partain
Photo by Maura Klesczewski
Photo by Amy Reay
And finally, on January 2, 8 and 15 Rotarians volunteered, sometimes in single digit temperatures, to assist the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance distributing free COVID masks and Test Kits in the parking lots of Suffield High School and Middle School. Like the grateful residents receiving the items, we hope they will not be necessary for much longer, and remind everyone to stay safe. More information about Suffield Rotary can be found on its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SuffieldRotary .