Our Programs of Service defines our mission. As stated in the Overview,
we have 4 established programs in the Exchange Club mission which are
Americanism, Community Service, Youth Projects and Child Abuse
Prevention.
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The Exchange Club of Madison organizes and fully funds the Independence Day
Parade in downtown Madison every July 4th and has so since 1979. Thousands of
people line the Boston Post Road to watch local dignitaries, floats,
bands and many other performers at this very popular event.
We also hand out hundreds of American flags to kids along the parade
route as part of Project GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE to encourage respect for
the flag.
Our Freedom Shrine program is designed
to remind Americans that the freedom and greatness we enjoy today were not
purchased easily and that these gifts must be cherished and protected. Each Freedom Shrine is a collection of
photographic reproductions of original documents from American history.
The Exchange Club of Madison has installed 9 Freedom Shrines locally which can be seen at Town Campus, Memorial Town Hall,
Academy Elementary
School, Brown Middle School, Polson Upper Middle
School, Hand High School, Our Lady of Mercy School, Adams
Middle School in Guilford,
and St. Rita
School in Hamden.
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Throughout the year, the Exchange Club of Madison participates in many
small projects that benefit the shoreline community such as Read Aloud, Community Dining Room, Bikes for Kids and the Surf Club toddler playground. Our annual events include
the Leprechaun Run along the Long Island Sound, Easter Egg Hunt at the Surf Club, the Antique Show and Fair on the
Green, and Madison Arts Night showcasing local businesses, restaurants, package stores and Madison Arts Cinema.
Each year, we honor a local fireman and policeman for outstanding service with our Salute to the Bravest and Salute to the Finest programs in conjunction with other Exchange Clubs in Connecticut. These men and women and their families are treated to a grand award presentation and recognition dinner at the Aquaturf in Southington in the Fall and Spring.
You can find details about each of these events and their upcoming dates on our Calendar page.
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Our Youth of the Month/Year Awards recognizes hard-working DHHS seniors
who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement
and leadership. This proven program not only rewards outstanding young
people, but also provides an incentive for other youngsters to strive
for equally high levels of achievement. Each month from January till
graduation, we select one student who has shown academic and personal
excellence as our Youth of the Month. These students vie for the
Madison Exchange Club Youth of the Year, the Connecticut Youth of the
Year and ultimately, the prestigious National Youth of the Year Award.
In addition, the Exchange Club of Madison gives out the following annual awards:
Note: Monetary amounts are subject to change. Contact us for exact amounts.
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Sam Anderson Award $500 - Given annually to a deserving member of the graduating class who is not college
bound, who will be pursuing a career in one of the vocational schools, technical
schools, career schools, apprentice programs, etc.
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Wally Calaldo Award $600 - Given annually to a student who has excelled in the special
education program at DHHS and will pursue higher education after graduation.
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Dunnith Heenan Memorial Scholarship $500 - This scholarship was
established to honor Dunnith Heenan III, a 1991 graduate of DHHS. He
died at the age of 20 in November 1993 while he was a passenger in a
car which was hit by a drunk driver. Awarded annually to a member of
the senior class who, by example, demonstrates the qualities of
integrity, sincerity and personal concern for humanity and the
environment.
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Evarts Janssen Award $500 - Given in memory of two charter members, Sid
Evarts and John Janssen, this is awarded to a deserving member of the
senior class who intends to pursue a career in environmental farming,
agriculture or forestry.
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A.C.E. Award $600 - A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence. This scholarship is awarded to a senior student who has overcome physical,
personal, or emotional issues during their high school experience. This individual has excelled in their abiltiy to overcome their issues and
graduate from high school. The A.C.E. Award
winner may be submitted to the district competition. Winners at the district level have an opportunity to compete for the National A.C.E. Award.
- American Legion Boys and Girls State $1200 - Several students are
selected and funded to take part in a practical government course to
develop a working knowledge of the structure of government and impress
upon them the fact that government is just what they make it.
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On April 13 2009, the First Selectman of Madison and the Board of
Selectmen recognized the Exchange Club of Madison efforts to end child
abuse by proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month for the
town. In the video below, long standing member Bill Lawlor accepts the
Proclamation on behalf of the Club and discusses some of the programs
of service we bring to Madison.
We support several organizations to help break the cycle of Child Abuse with fundraisers and direct donations for programs such as the Parent Aid program, Nurturing Families Network, and Exchange Club Centers for Child Abuse Prevention here in Connecticut . For more information about those specific programs and services contact
them below:
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