During May 2023 the Lynn Rotary truly lived up to the motto of SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Please see the following examples.
- On May 3rd, the Lynn Rotary sponsored the Lynn Special Games for the 53rd year. This year the Reading Cooperative Bank was a cosponsor. Over 500 t-shirts were purchased for the students, their teachers, para-professionals, and high school student volunteers. Medallions were also provided. Over 20 Rotarians joined the program and cheered the students on as they entered Manning Bowl for the Games.
- On the weekend of May 13/14 two Classical High Interact students were sponsored by Lynn Rotary so they could attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. Ray Bastarache said, “I’ve been a Rotarian for a number of years, and these are the first two students that I remember which the Club supported.”
- On Monday, May 22, the scholarship committee awarded six scholarships to high school seniors who are Lynn residents. A very good crowd of Rotarians were there to congratulate the winners. The committee had over 30 applications they had to review and come to a consensus on the 6. It was a time consuming and difficult process as there were plenty of deserving candidates.
- On Thursday, May 25, our 8th Grade Recognition Committee recognized six students for their exemplary work and diligence to overcome any challenges that have come their way. As an example of how well received this program is, the Mayor of Lynn, Jared Nicholson, attended and personally congratulated each student. In addition to him, the School’s Superintendent, Rotarian Debra Ruggiero also personally congratulated them. This program also is one where four Rotarians spend hours preparing for it. These reorganizations are awarded three times a school year.
- Now, if that’s not impressive enough, Rotarians still found time in May to fill grocery bags at Salvation Army, make sandwiches at My Brothers’ Table and distribute groceries at Greater Lynn Senior Services. Special thanks to John & Cindy McCarthy who volunteered for all three venues and attended all the May events. These activities are at least monthly ones.
- Last but not least, Rotary sponsored a highly-successful Boston Children’s Hospital Blood Drive at LVTI Thursday thanks, in large measure, to the work of Lynn Firefighter and Rotarian Ryan Newhall and the Health department students at LVTI. Ryan reported that Boston Children’s Hospital collected 30 pints of blood. One pint can assist, and perhaps save the lives of up to four people. Truth be told, Ryan was a one-man band on the blood drive.
Lynn Rotarians participated at all of these events without much in the way of public recognition. We are the silent Rotarians that get things done!