By Brian Goepfrich
As an active member and the current Vice President of the Rotary Club of Stafford, I am thrilled to share all of the great work local Rotarians have been doing. The Rotary Club of Stafford has had a remarkable year in 2024, marked by dedicated service, successful fundraising, and a steadfast commitment to our community. Through various events and initiatives, our members have significantly contributed to local causes, particularly in supporting student scholarships and fostering community engagement.
Supporting education through scholarships
A cornerstone of the Rotary Club's mission is to support education within the Stafford community. In 2024, the club continued its tradition of awarding scholarships to deserving students, easing the financial burden of higher education. These scholarships honor former Rotary members and are managed through the Citizens Scholarship Foundation (CSF) of Stafford Springs. Notably, the Stafford Rotary Club General Scholarship Fund, established in 1988, receives contributions from club members and memorials, providing ongoing support to local students.
In addition to the general fund, the club supports specific scholarships honoring past members such as Ronald E. Ambrosi, Robert Campbell, and Edward "Bosco" Fowler. These scholarships embody the Rotary's commitment to education and community by easing the financial burden of higher education for Stafford's youth.
Fundraising events and community engagement
The club's fundraising efforts have been instrumental in supporting these scholarships and other community initiatives. A highlight of the year was the 2nd Annual Bosco Fowler Memorial 5K Road Race and Kids' Fun Run, held in September. This event brought together community members of all ages for a day of fitness and camaraderie. The race successfully raised $13,259.10, which was presented to the CSF to enhance the Bosco Fowler Scholarship Fund.
Another significant event was the "Rotary Means Business: Manufacturing in Stafford" gathering in March. This evening of connection, insight, and collaboration focused on the future of manufacturing in Stafford, providing a platform for local businesses and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The club also hosted quarterly meetings to honor Students of the Month from Stafford High School, recognizing their achievements and encouraging academic excellence. These celebrations, held at the Stafford Library, provided an opportunity for club members to engage with the youth and their families, reinforcing the importance of education in the community.
The Rotary, in conjunction with Stafford Social Services, was able to provide many families with pajamas during the holiday season. The club’s Winter Holiday Pajama Drive collected hundreds of donated pajamas for families in need.
Community service and volunteerism
Demonstrating a commitment to community service, the Rotary Club of Stafford collaborated with the Friends of the Library to host the Stafford Volunteer Fair in November. This event brought together various volunteer groups, providing a platform for organizations to share information and recruit new members. The fair highlighted the spirit of volunteerism in Stafford and encouraged residents to contribute their time to local causes.
A major highlight of 2024 for the Rotary Club of Stafford was the debut of the Stafford Self-Guided Historical Trail, a collaborative project aimed at celebrating and preserving Stafford’s rich history. Officially unveiled in May 2024, the trail invites residents and visitors alike to explore the town’s historical landmarks through an immersive and educational experience. The trail was developed as a partnership between the Rotary Club, the Stafford Historical Society, local businesses, and dedicated volunteers, with the support of grants and community funding. It features prominent historical sites, landmarks, and buildings that reflect Stafford’s unique heritage. Each location along the trail is marked with informative plaques, QR codes linking to audio narratives, and engaging anecdotes about Stafford’s industrial, cultural, and social history.
Rotary members have also been contributing to the great work of other organizations through members volunteering time to assist. Rotary club members have put in countless volunteer hours to support Flo’s Friendship Kitchen and Safe Net Ministries, as well as at events organized by the town of Stafford’s Events & Celebrations Committee. Whether it’s raising money and jumping into Staffordville Lake or serving meals, members of Rotary are donating their time to support their fellow groups around Stafford.
How to get involved with the Rotary Club of Stafford
The Rotary Club of Stafford welcomes individuals interested in making a positive impact in the community. Meetings are held in person on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the Johnson Memorial Hospital Community Room, located at 201 Chestnut Hill Road, Stafford Springs, CT 06076. The club conducts business meetings on the second Wednesday of each month and social meetings on the fourth Wednesday. Prospective members are encouraged to attend meetings as a guest to learn more about the club's activities and membership opportunities.
For those interested in joining, the club offers an online application form available on their website. Additionally, the club can be contacted via email at staffordrotaryct@gmail.com.
Looking Ahead
With the start of 2025, the Rotary Club of Stafford reflects on a year of meaningful service and community engagement. The club remains dedicated to its "Service Above Self" mission, striving to make a positive difference in Stafford through continued support of education, local businesses, and community initiatives. With plans for future events and ongoing projects, the Rotary Club looks forward to an exciting year of fostering community spirit and enhancing the quality of life in Stafford.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Stafford and upcoming events, visit their website at https://staffordctrotary.org/. Stay connected through their social media platforms for the latest updates and opportunities to get involved.