By Ben
Rayner, Sound
Senior Staff Writer:
BRANFORD:
When it
comes to doing good things for other people, the Branford Rotary Club (BRC)
stands out in a town renown for its volunteer and community spirit. Alpha Coiro
and the Rotarians do some amazing things for people all over the planet,
whether its dictionaries for every third grader in Branford or school supplies
for students in Tanzania,
Alpha and the BRC are making a difference.
Alpha was a
teacher for more than three decades so her knowledge and deep respect for
literacy were something that fit right in with the Rotary mission when she
joined six years ago.
“I taught
in North Branford for 36 years in the
elementary schools. I always enjoyed working with kids,” says Alpha. “There
were teachers in my family and so I guess you could say I was inspired to go in
that direction.”
When a
family member suggested she come to a Rotary meeting, Alpha says the experience
had a significant impact.
“I was
hooked. There are a great group of people,” says Alpha. “I admired their ideals
right away. They are an incredible service organization. They do a lot for a
lot of people. The Rotary in Branford is top notch.
“We always
have a lot on our plates at the Rotary,” Alpha says. “It’s not a matter of
priorities, we like to do both, local and global. Wherever the need dictates.
Our motto is ‘Service Above Self,’ that really says it all for us. We do get a
sense of satisfaction when we do something, we don’t set out for that. Working
with people, hands on, and seeing what gets accomplished is our goal.”
You might
steal a glimpse of a Rotary sign posted on the town line or see a bumper
sticker, but most people probably don’t know how effective and active the BRC
is to the community and the globe, says Alpha. Rotary International has more
than 30,000 clubs in 160 countries and adheres to its mission of simply serving
others in need.
“One of our
biggest goals in to help eradicate polio. Especially in Asia and India where
polio still is killing and sickening thousands,” Alpha says. “We haven’t sent
any of our members directly there, but we support it financially and fundraise
for Rotary International. This is one of the biggest efforts going on in the
organization right now and something we all feel strongly about.”
Whether it
is across the globe or down the street, according to Alpha the Rotary is there
to help. Alpha has traveled to Mexico
under the auspices of the Rotary to assist in creating a literacy program,
called Project Amigo. And in another low-key but effective event the BRC is
sponsoring is a Branford
River Clean-up Day.
“It is
important that if you have a talent or an ability you should share it with
other people. In Mexico or
down at the Branford
River,” says Alpha. “The
River Clean-up is Oct. 4 and is part of our Make a Difference Day that all the
Rotaries partake in. It’s something we take great pride in doing for the
community.”
Alpha has
retired from her educator’s job, but did recently become a justice of the peace
for Branford, one of the 15 in town. Alpha says she is proud to preside over
ceremonies from weddings to civil unions and is getting the same kick that she
does from the Rotary.
“Not a lot
of business yet, but I am looking forward to doing it,” Alpha says. “Weddings,
civil unions, I just like to see people happy. It’s very exciting.”
Alpha and
the rest of the Branford Rotary welcome inquiries for sponsorship. According to
Alpha, women are a big aspect of the Rotary and she encourages all to find out
more about the BRC.
“We are
always looking for new members,” says Alpha. “We definitely want women to
join–2009 is the 20th anniversary of women joining the Rotary and we welcome
interest.”
For more
information about the Rotary Club and how you can become sponsored and become a
member, visit www.branfordrotary.org or contact club president Jack Srebnik at
203-481-7331.
Pictured: Alpha
Coiro and the Branford Rotarians are striving to make the world a better place
both locally and globally.
Photo by
Ben Rayner