Little Club That Could: East Haven Rotary Club Wins Award

EAST HAVEN, CT —The East Haven Rotary Club earned the Edward Osterman Small Club Award, Rotary District #7980 Governor Tari Marshall-Day announced.

The club is a first-time winner of the recognition, for its “Dream Big, the Small Club that Could” culture and growth. The award was at a Foundation Luncheon March 19.

The Edward Osterman Small Club Award is presented annually to a Club in District 7980, whose membership for this year was 34 members or less and has distinguished itself by building an outstanding record of service in a combination of all of Rotary’s five “Avenues of Service” during the last Rotary year.

A team of four women, in honor of Jennifer Jones, the first female President of Rotary International, were the selection committee. Clubs were nominated by their Assistant Governors.

East Haven Rotary, despite the recent uncertain times and disruptions due to Covid-19 was able to engage their members in their day-to-day operations and successes, both virtually and in person.

"I have tried to keep the traditions established long before me, while adding ideas and events that keep our club current and relevant," Rotary Club president Tammy Afragola said. "We have a dedicated group of Rotarians, who have the common goal of doing good in our community. It has been with great pride that I have been presiding over such an amazing service minded club. The Edward Osterman Award is an honor recognizing the club for performing in an exemplary manner, while embracing RI President Jennifer Jones’ theme to “Dream big and harness
connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality."

The little club that could: If we dream it, we do it.

East Haven Rotary Club, Inc., a 501c3 organization, was officially formed on March 3, 1939 and as such is now celebrating its 84th anniversary. The club has been providing various forms of community service to East Haven residents since that time. In addition, the club also has taken part in various projects both regionally, nationally and internationally. The Club is part of Rotary International, which was founded in 1905 and remains the largest service organization worldwide, with a dedication indicated by their motto of 'service above self.'

Some East Haven Club’s annual activities include the distribution of full meals to in-need East
Haven residents on Thanksgiving Day, high school scholarships, and the Ben Mazzucco Clothe the Children campaign. The club also fully sponsors a child to attend Camp Rising Sun in Colebrook, which welcomes children aged 5-17, who have faced a diagnosis of cancer for a week of fun and
friendship.