In its 80 years, the East Haven Rotary Club has left its mark on the town in many ways, from scholarships and the Clothe the Children campaign that benefit local students to its Joseph Buonome Memorial Public Safety Awards recognizing first responders. Now, the club has left a more visible mark on the town with the recent installation of its Legacy Clock in front of the Hagaman Memorial Library.

More than 30 local and regional Rotarians joined with community members on Aug. 24 to celebrate the unveiling. The group also used the installation ceremony to honor one of its own, Anthony “Tony” Parisi, the club’s longest-serving member.

The post-style clock cost approximately $21,000 to install and is being funded by community donations. The clock base is encircled by four permanent bronze plaques on which donors’ names or brief messages will be engraved. The club is still seeking additional clock sponsors.

For most of the attendees, Rotary’s 80 years in East Haven didn’t upstage Parisi’s five decades of service to the club. Town Attorney and State Representative Joe Zullo (R-99) started the festivities off with a Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor stating:

“Whereas, The East Haven Rotary Club was officially formed on March 3, 1939. As a club it has provided a variety of community services to many East Haven residents throughout the past 80 years through the dedication of its many members; and

“Whereas, Anthony ‘Tony’ Parisi is celebrating 50 years of being a member of the East Haven Rotary Club with a near perfect attendance in that time; and

“Whereas, Tony was accepted into the club in 1969 when eight of the original charter members were still attending meetings; and

“Whereas, as a key member of the club, Tony has played an active role in leadership and has seen the many changes and growth the Rotary Club has experienced; and

“Whereas, The Rotary Club has been fortunate to have Tony Parisi as a dedicated and active member for the past 50 years and look forward to his continued involvement and knowledge.

“Now, therefore, I, Joseph Maturo, Jr., Mayor of the Town of East Haven proclaim this 24th day of August, 2019 ‘Anthony Parisi Day’ in honor of his service to the Rotary Club and the Town of East Haven.”

The East Haven Rotary Club, Inc., meets weekly each Thursday at Twin Pines Diner at 34 Main Street, East Haven from 6 to 7 p.m. Applications for the sponsorships and further information can be obtained and paid for on the club website www.easthavenrotary.org.