The local Haitian community in Deep River is joining with the Rotary Clubs of Deep River, Essex, and Chester as well as the Interact Club at Valley Regional High School, to raise funds in an atmosphere of cultural diversity and sharing on Tuesday, February 23rd from 6 – 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Deep River (1 Church Street).
From authentic Haitian cuisine to the sounds of Patois and music, guests will enjoy a taste of Haiti while helping to provide funding for much needed medical care.
The devastation in Haiti can be felt right here in our own backyard. Families in Deep River like Elina Aspilaire, Justa Maignan, and Lauraine Buissereth are still searching for information on family members and mourning the loss of their loved ones’ homes and all that was once Port au Prince.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and organizations including the Whistle Stop Café in Deep River, Essex Printing, the First Congregational Church of Deep River, and Essex Meadows, 100% of the proceeds from the benefit will be directed to the Haitian Health Foundation and Hôpital Albert Schweitzer.
The Haitian Health Foundation (HHF) was established by New London Rotarian and orthodontist Dr. Jeremiah Lowney in 1982. HHF relies on donations from individuals, private foundations, religious organizations, civic groups, schools, etc., to provide health and social services to more than 100 impoverished mountain villages in and around Jérémie—increasing the health and well-being of 225,000 needy Haitians.
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) is a model for health care facilities in developing countries around the world. In 1954, on the site of a decommissioned banana plantation, Larry and Gwen Mellon built and staffed a medical complex that fit the needs of a neglected rural population. Essex resident Jenifer Grant continues to support her mother and stepfather’s vision. Today HAS provides medical care and community health and development programs for more than 300,000 impoverished people in the Artibonite Valley of central Haiti. Although the hospital experienced serious tremors it was unharmed and the wonderful staff, all Haitian except one, the Swiss Medical Director, were immediately able to begin to care for the injured. Many who were unable to get care in Port au Prince for the first several days made their way to Hopital Albert Schweitzer. They had as many as 600 patients in the hospital at one time, most awaiting badly needed surgical care.
Tickets for the event are $20.00 and are available through any Essex, Chester, or Deep River Rotarian. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door. For more information or tickets, please contact Jeff Mehler at (860) 767-9700.
Links:
Deep River Congregational Church
Hospital Albert Schweitzer
Chester Rotary
Deep River Rotary
Essex Rotary Club
From left to right: Megan Schneider, Glen Herman – Essex Rotary Foundation Vice President, Sabrina Shamakian, Peter Miezejeski, Kathryn D’Amico, Amanda Zirger, Aron Schumacher, and Phil Reynolds – Essex Rotary Immediate Past President.
The Essex Rotary Club welcomed its newest scholarship recipients and caught up with past recipients who updated the club on their academic progress.
Kathryn D’Amico and Christopher Pacileo, who both graduated Valley Regional High School last week, will each receive $2,500 a year for the next four years to help cover the cost of their college tuition.
D’Amico will be attending the University of Rhode Island this fall and will be studying nursing. Pacileo will attend the University of Connecticut and will study engineering.
The club also recognized past scholarship recipients who are currently colleges across the country:
Laura Harris, Majoring in youth development, sports, and society at Uconn
Peter Miezejeski, an environmental science major at the University of Connecticut
Megan Schneider, studying biology at Southern Connecticut State University
Aron Schumacher an engineering major at Clarkson University.
Sabrina Shamakian, studying nursing at Liberty University
Amanda Zirger, a elementary education major at Central Connecticut State University
The Essex Rotary Foundation, a 501c(3) organization, distributes approximately $20,000 a year to Essex high school graduates continuing their education. Those looking to apply for the scholarship can visit the Essex Rotary website for more information.
Links:
Essex Rotary Club
ESSEX — The Essex Rotary held their 51st annual shad bake last Saturday. LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Kyle Reyes was there and spoke to some Essex Rotarians to get the inside scoop on this half-century tradition.
Links:
Essex Rotary Club
