Betsey Doane and her sister Barbara Lombardi were on hand this past week to assist the Meriden Amateur Radio Club to promote the hobby of amateur radio to a special group of veterans at the Wallingford Office of Emergency Management. Betsey is a past president at Derby-Shelton Rotary and Barbara held the same position for the Derby-Shelton Lions Club.  Their special guests were recently vision impaired vets who were there for six weeks to learn independent and technical skills for daily living. Betsey and Barbara are well known throughout the state for the expertise in the field. Barbara even took a moment to demonstrate her Morse code skills on the telegraph key as you can see below. Betsey said, “A hobby like amateur radio builds peace of mind with all hams accepted and friends around the globe.”

With all our recent weather, we would be lucky to have more people with these skills! Thank you, Betsey and Barbara, for all your efforts.

You never know what you will find Rotarians doing for their community, but Derby-Shelton Rotarians have taken on a new challenge – adopting a street! This month, the Club signed on to become part of the Adopt a Street program which is part of a bigger “Don’t Trash Shelton” initiative by the Anti-Litter Committee which is an ad-hoc committee formed by the Shelton Board of Aldermen in 2007 to address the growing problem of litter in Shelton. Derby-Shelton Rotary officially adopted Todd Road in Shelton as their “street”.  On Friday, July 12th, the very newest Rotarian, Sharon Herman oranized and carried out our youth clean up with some Shelton High School students including Alina Palmieri, AJ Palmieri, Audrey Dunn & Justin Stiewing.  It was a terribly hot day, but they did an excellent job in Rotary’s newest project! You can learn more about the Adopt a Street Program and see who else is helping to keep the streets of Shelton litter-free at http://donttrashshelton.org/adopt-a-street.html.

This is another example of a Rotary Action for Peace

In a heartwarming collaboration, the Derby Centennial Lions Club and the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club recently came together to enhance the outdoor experience for residents of the Shelton Oak Hill Group Home. The joint effort resulted in the donation of outdoor furniture that promises to make a significant impact on the lives of those who call the group home their own. The Shelton Oak Hill Group Home, operated by the Oak Hill Division of the CT Institute for the Blind, provides essential support for blind and visually impaired residents. These individuals rely on the group home for a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive despite their visual challenges.

A Personal Connection

Two remarkable women spearheaded the project: Barbara Lombardi, President of the Lions Club, and her twin sister, Betsey Doane, Past President of the Rotary Club. Both Barbara and Betsey are blind and share a unique bond with the former Oak Hill School in Hartford, where they received their education.

The Gift of Comfort

The Lions Club generously donated a large, sturdy umbrella, providing much-needed shade for the outdoor space. Meanwhile, the Rotary Club stepped in to purchase comfortable deck furniture, ensuring that residents have a pleasant and inviting area to relax, socialize, and enjoy the fresh air.

A Symbol of Unity

The collaboration between these two volunteer service organizations exemplifies the spirit of community and compassion. By working together, they have made a tangible difference in the lives of those who rely on the Shelton Oak Hill Group Home. The outdoor furniture serves as a symbol of unity, reminding us all that when we come together, we can create positive change. Their joint effort will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the residents of the Shelton Oak Hill Group Home, providing comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging.

For more information about the Shelton Oak Hill Group Home or to learn how you can support their mission, visit their website at www.oakhillct.org.

For information on the Derby Centennial Lions Club visit them at:

https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/derby_centennial/index.php

This is another example of a Rotary Action for Peace