TRUMBULL, CT — Participants in the Monroe Rotary Club’s annual golf tournament enjoyed sunny weather and a gentle breeze, while playing rounds of golf at Tashua Knolls Monday morning. Among this year’s beneficiaries is the Unified Sports program at Monroe’s elementary schools.
Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza, who is also a Rotarian, said sports programs for students with special needs is well established at Masuk High and Jockey Hollow Middle schools, but is relatively new at Monroe, Fawn Hollow and Stepney elementary schools.
“It’s been at the elementary schools for a couple years thanks to the generous donations from Lori O’Driscoll of Ciara’s Light,” Kobza said of a local nonprofit.
Some members of Masuk’s Unified Sports program attended the opening of the golf tournament.
“I think it’s such a great way to support and promote inclusivity throughout all our schools,” Kobza said of the Monroe Rotary Club’s donation.
Ken Kellogg, president of the Monroe Rotary Club, worked at the registration table Monday morning.
“Our goal is to donate $5,000 to the Unified Sports program, based on how we do today,” he said. “I think we’re doing well and are going to make our goal. Joe Kobza said it will serve our elementary schools well.”
As golfers went outside with their bags of clubs and found their carts, Leon Barnaby, owner of L.A. Barnaby & Sons, the title sponsor, talked to friends in the lobby.
“We have a full slate of golfers today,” Barnaby said, “just a great bunch of people and attendees, who are happy about being here and giving back to the community and the Rotary.”
Barnaby said he is excited about money going to the Unified Sports program. “That’s fantastic,” he said.
The Monroe Rotary Club is a civic organization that supports numerous charitable causes in the community and beyond. On what it means to be a Rotarian, its website says: “We’re neighbors. We’re community leaders. But most of all we’re people. We’re all united in our belief in the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.”
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