The Wakefield Rotary Club never stopped meeting during the COVID-19 crisis. Like many, it just moved online, and members have been meeting weekly each Tuesday. Club President John Tramontozzi commented, “I looked forward to these meetings every week. Being disconnected from people, this was a welcome interaction.” But recently the club decided to try to host a hybrid meeting, an effort to ensure safety while giving an opportunity to do a service project. Members were offered a socially-distanced in-person meeting as well as an opportunity to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom.Hosted at the First Parish Church, members sat just over six feet apart, while Tramontozzi led the meeting. He said, “This was a special meeting. Not just because it gave us the opportunity to see each other in person again, but it gave us time together to complete a service project.” Project Chair Judy Gordon explained, “Each year we make party bags for the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry; we make about 24 a year.” She continued, “The bags have supplies to host a celebration, like cake mix, candles, frosting, and even matching plates.” Club Secretary Suzanne Bowering added, “A birthday should be a special day for everyone. Whether you are 7 or 70 years old. I am proud to be a member of a club that makes sure no one has to go without a cake on their special day.”
The event was also a special day for Rotarians as they were able to finally present John Tramontozzi with his President Pin, having been installed as a President during the COVID lockdown. Long-time member Lisa Roderick was also awarded her ninth Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of her fundraising efforts to eradicate polio world-wide.
The club hopes to meet again in October with a hybrid model, but will continue to offer online meetings weekly.