Stories

Lynn Rotary Has a Busy Month of May 2023

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.

Cambridge Rotary's District Grant Supports Science Club for Girl

In honor of Rotary’s Year of the Girl, the Rotary Club of Cambridge partnered with local nonprofit Science Club for Girls. The organization’s mission fits squarely with Rotary’s areas of focus: “At Science Club for Girls, we believe in long-term investment in a girl's STEM education. We know this is the only way to address the systemic, root causes of the lack of diversity in STEM and move the needle towards a more equitable, diverse, and innovative STEM ecosystem. The trajectories of our alumni show the impact of this investment, and we all, as a society, reap the benefits.” In addition to volunteering with Science for Club for Girls to assist with their inventory review for next school year, with monies from our District Grant, our Club purchased much needed desks, computer stand and other supplies for their new office space.

DG Alexander Remarks at AKS Ceremony

Posted by Alexander Falk on May 27, 2023

At the Arch Klumph Society Preconvention Ceremony on May 27, District Governor Alexander Falk delivered the following remarks in Melbourne, Australia, while on stage with Rotary International President Jennifer Jones, CEO and General Secretary John Hewko, and Trustee Chair Ian Riseley (an avid Red Sox fan):

"Nora and I are privileged that we were able to increase our contributions to The Rotary Foundation during my year as District Governor for Rotary District 7930, which includes Boston, Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Our district also includes Fenway Park – home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, of which some on this stage are rumored to be fans.

It is always wonderful to see how the funds we provide as donors are amplified by the amazing work that Rotarians do around the world to implement these projects, from clean water and sanitation to literacy and from child and maternal health to community economic development.

Something that RI President Nominee Stephanie Urchick said in her address at the Dinner with the RI Presidents really resonated with me: 'We always say that Rotary is not a political organization, but shouldn’t we really say that we are not a partisan organization?'

Because Peace and Healthcare and Women’s Rights and the Environment are inherently political topics - and we do have an agenda in all these areas expressed so succinctly through our seven areas of focus.

So here is a provocative question: what are we going to do about child and maternal health in the United States in the coming years? This is something we as Rotarians have to figure out if we want to stay true to our beliefs in basic human rights."

CEO John Hewko subsequently referenced these remarks in his statement and called it a necessary question, not a provocative one.

DEI & Membership Citations Available

Posted by Alexander Falk on May 27, 2023

As our Rotary Year 2022-23 is about to enter into its final month, there is still enough time for your club to achieve one of our two available District Governor's Citation programs:

As well as the Rotary Citation that your club can get from Rotary International.

All three programs are similar in that they define 25 potential goals or suggested action steps, and to achieve the citation your club must achieve more than half of these, i.e. 13 or more of the respective goals or action steps must be completed. Furthermore, all three programs are based on an online submission process: for the two District Governor's Citation the online form is on our district website and can be found through the links above. And for the Rotary Citation from Rotary International, the goals can be found in the goals section on Rotary Club Central.

Most Clubs have found that when they review the Citation requirements that the Club often has already achieved some of the action steps. So it may only take an additional push to complete and document the remaining steps to achieve the goals and earn the Citation! And if your club achieves either one of the two available District Governor's Citation programs, you will receive pins for all your club members to celebrate the achievement!

District Installation Registration is Now Live

Posted by Stephanie Johnson on May 26, 2023

The District Installation will be Wednesday, June 21 from 6 pm to 9 pm at Danversport Yacht Club. Please come one, come all to welcome in and support your new District and Club leadership.

Registration is online here. We look forward to seeing all of you there!

Town Allocates $25K to Reading's Street Faire Expenses

Posted on May 26, 2023

Reading Rotary is deeply appreciative to the Town of Reading for its appropriation of $25,000 in ARPA funds toward expenses of the Reading Fall Street Faire. Reading Rotary runs the annual event, having taken on its management seven years ago. The 15^th annual RFSF will be held on Sunday, September 10 from noon to 5 pm in Reading’s downtown area.

The Reading Fall Street Faire is the largest annual event in Reading and draws vendors, community organizations, food sellers and fair goers from all around the region. Reading Rotary expects up to 15,000 people to attend.

According to Reading Rotary President Sheila Clarke: “The Fall Street Faire offers so much excitement and fun for the community. This year we will be unveiling some changes to keep things fresh.” The RFSF will continue many great traditions including community organizations and vendors for food, goods, services; live performers on three stages; children's area with games; large area with amusements; NFL tailgate; and Corn Hole Tournament.

Vendor booth registrations have opened at this link. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jenniffer Rogers .

Pictured here is the Reading Rotary Board accepting the ARPA funds from Town officials. From left to right are Phil Stewart, Tim Kelley Sheila Clarke, Town Manager Fidel Maltez, Select Board Member Chris Haley and daughters, Select Board Member Mark Dockser, Kathy Kinney and Lisa Gibbs.

Rotary Peabody Cleanup and Interact Planting

Posted by Alysa Hayden on May 18, 2023

Rotary Peabody coordinated a City-wide cleanup day on Saturday, May 6th. Rotarians put on gloves and hauled bags while they cleaned up parks, sidewalks and more. The Bishop Fenwick Interact division, mulched and planted flowers for their campus. Both projects were part of the Club's continuing commitment to keeping its City clean and welcoming.

Wakefield's Father's Day Fishing Derby

Posted by Amy Luckiewicz on May 16, 2023

The Wakefield Rotary Club will be again sponsoring the Father’s Day Fishing Tournament at Lake Quannapowitt. The fun-filled morning is free and open to all ages on Sunday, June 18th. Wakefield Rotary President Gene Mullen explained, “We had such a fun time the past few years with this event. We hope it grows even bigger this year.”

Registration will be held on Veteran’s Field on North Avenue from 8:30am-10:00am. Registration is required to compete, and bait will be provided while supplies last. The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game will also provide a limited amount loaner fishing rods upon request. The derby competition will be open from 8:30am-11:00am. Trophies will be provided for largest fish by category at the 11am ceremony.

Lynn Blood Drive May 25

Posted by William Reilly on May 15, 2023

Lynn Rotary and Lynn Vocational Tech are co-sponsors of a blood drive, Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 8:30 am to 3 pm. The drive will be organized by Boston Children's Hospital at the Lynn Tech Campus, 80 Neptune Blvd. in Lynn.

If you are in the area, drop by and give a drop, or a few to fill a bag!

Download the flyer here.

New Video Library

Posted by Alexander Falk on May 15, 2023

We now have a new video library on our district website that contains a collection of all recent webinar and event recordings as well as training content from the most recent couple of years. Please feel free to refer to this library often and utilize the content during your club meetings or for training new members.

There are also links from the various district committee pages on this website to the respective section of the video library that is relevant to those committees. We will be expanding the library as more video recordings are being made available going forward.

The following directory can be used to directly access a particular section in the video library:

Marblehead 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club

Posted by Alexander Falk on May 15, 2023

Congratulations to the Marblehead Rotary Club for achieving 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club status on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary!

This recognition is presented by the Rotary Foundation to a club in which all members are Paul Harris Fellows. This is a one-time recognition, and thus the banner shows the Rotary year of achievement.

For more information on the available donor recognition options for both individuals and clubs, please see the Donor Recognition page on the RI website.

Lynn Rotary and Reading Coop Sponsor Special Games

Posted by William Reilly on May 15, 2023

On May 9, 2023, Lynn Rotary again co-sponsored, with the Reading Cooperative Bank, the Special Games for special education students of Lynn Public schools. Many Rotarians and dignitaries attended the games; they all greeted the Lynn Police who ran from the police station (about 1.5 miles) to Manning Bowl. After everyone sang the National Anthem, the police followed a color guard and led the students around the oval ¼ mile track before the official start of the games. The students passed through a “Lane of Honor” consisting of Rotarians, Reading Cooperative Bank volunteers, Police, dignitaries, School Officials, Firemen and others. The students, many of whom carried the banner of their school, marched in procession prior to the start of the games, smiling and welcoming the applause for them. Ms. Julie Thurlow, President and CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank gave the official start to the games with a “Let the Games Begin” shout-out!

100th Anniversary Video

Posted by Alexander Falk on May 15, 2023

At the 100^th Anniversary Party of seven clubs in our district a video was displayed during the cocktail reception and dinner, featuring photos, videos, and projects from each of the seven clubs - Danvers, Gloucester, Ipswich-Rowley, Marblehead, Newburyport, Reading, and Stoneham.

This video is now available for you to watch on YouTube.

A Gift, a Clock, 100 Years of Community Service

Posted by Rosie Segil on May 14, 2023

Isn't it a beauty? Marblehead Rotary donated a 10 and a half foot, two-faced clock, in classic black and gold trimmed art regency style, to commemorate our 100th Anniversary. The unveiling was attended by Town Selectmen, civic leaders, Rotarians, and locals. The dedication was held precisely on the 100th-anniversary date of May 11. We are grateful to have received incredible feedback and goodwill from Marbleheaders! Here's to another 100 years of service.

Posing before the clock are from left to right: Police Chief Denis King; Thatcher Kezer, Marblehead Town Administrator; Jack Attridge, Town Moderator; Moses Grader, Selectmen; Nancy Gwin, Rotary President; Alexander Falk, District Governor and Marblehead Rotarian; Pooja Singla, District Governor Nominee Elect, and Jim Nye, President & CEO of National Grand Bank, Marblehead.

District Installation: Save the Date June 21

Posted by Lori Karas on May 13, 2023

Mark your calendars. The District Installation will be Wednesday, June 21 from 6 pm to 9 pm at Danversport Yacht Club. Please come one, come all to welcome in and support your new District and Club leadership.

Online registration information coming soon!

Make Rotary's Public Image a Priority

Posted by Tim Kelley on May 12, 2023

Help make Rotary's Public Image a priority! A strong and vibrant Public Image is one of 2 proven key tactics for successful and growing clubs -- the other is a large number of service projects. They go hand-in-hand. Promote your service projects before and after the event. Invite the public to participate. During the event, use banners and signs to promote you as sponsors, and have club brochures or handouts available for participants and passersby. Make sure you have a call to action so that they can communicate with you.

Always include a Call to Action in all of your promotions: that is, what do you want people to do? Send email? Click on a web link? Register for an event? Learn more from an informational email address, your club's website or Facebook page, or a specific club member's contact information?

Watch the Recording: Proper Use of Rotary Logos

Posted by Andy Maddox on May 12, 2023

On Wednesday, May 10, 2023 the Public Image and Technology committee presented a webinar on the Proper Use of Rotary Logos.

Correct branding is important to every global brand. Rotary is no different and like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Nike, and UNICEF, we must protect our name and intellectual property. It is how we can grow our organization, increase our impact, and maintain our reputation as an organization that can be trusted. Learn how to use our logos and other brand assets properly in this one-hour webinar.

Click here to watch the recording on YouTube now.

Gloucester to Honor Tracy Arabian

Posted by Steve Kaity on May 09, 2023

The Gloucester Rotary has named Tracy Arabian as a Paul Harris Fellow, the prestigious award named after the Chicago lawyer who founded Rotary in 1905. Tracy was selected by a committee of previous recipients of the award and will be honored at a special dinner on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in Gloucester. The social hour will begin at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6:30pm.

Tracy Arabian was born and raised in the southwest U.S. The daughter of a career Marine, Tracy grew up in southern California, Hawaii, and Arizona—graduating from high school in Phoenix, Arizona. She then joined the U.S. Army, where she was trained as a Russian linguist. Her seven years in the service saw her stationed in Missouri, California, Texas, Washington DC, Kansas, and Berlin, Germany.

Tracy married a fellow soldier she met in Berlin and moved to Gloucester, where she was welcomed warmly into the large Gloucester Doucette/Jenkins/Klopotoski/Arabian family. Tracy fell in love with the Cape Ann area quickly. In 1997, she accepted a position at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and learned firsthand the importance of community service. She met business leaders who commit to the betterment of their community through their service as little league coaches, scout leaders, Chamber volunteers, members of local service organizations, and more. Tracy now works at SeniorCare, a non-profit human services agency that serves nine communities on the North Shore.

Ipswich-Rowley Welcomes New Members

Posted by Bob Wicks on May 09, 2023

Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is happy to announce that Doug Brendel and Stephen Crane have joined the Rotary family. Doug and Stephen bring with them long track records of community engagement and service.

Doug Brendel is well known in Ipswich and the North Shore. He truly is a renaissance man – novelist, essayist, actor, speaker and humanitarian. His amusing and highly readable “The Outsidah” column about life in a small New England town is a popular weekly feature in the Ipswich Local News. He is an accomplished actor with numerous theater credits to his name. A former clergyman, Doug and his wife Kristina created a non-profit called NewThing.net in 2002 to provide health and support services in Belarus. They also actively support the Trustees of Reservations.

Stephen Crane came to Ipswich in September when he was hired as our new Town Manager. He brings with him 22 years of municipal job experience, including 14 as a municipal manager. His portfolio includes having served for six years as Town Manager in Longmeadow where he succeeded Robin Crosbie, herself a former Ipswich Town Manager and Rotarian. Stephen tells us that, as a town executive, he really enjoys community involvement and is helped by his sense of humor. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, reading, and the arts.

Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is thrilled to welcome Doug and Stephen to the Rotary family. We know that their energy, skills, creativity, and compassion and will fit very well with our core missions of service and environmental sustainability.

Pictured from left: President Martha Mauser, Stephen Crane, sponsor Nat Pulsifer, Martha and Doug Brendel. Doug was sponsored by Joan Arsenault.

Arlington's Flags for Heroes

Posted by Paul Buckley on May 09, 2023

Community members have the opportunity to sponsor a flag in memory or honor of the men and women who are serving or have served as members of the Military, Police Officers, Firefighters, First Responders, Parents, Teachers, Coaches, Mentors, Community Leaders, and fly for all the people who have made a difference in their lives. Arlington Rotary has dedicated this year's installation in memory of Maria Krepelka, longtime town employee and Rotary volunteer who died last October.

Flags for Heroes is a way to honor people who are your heroes. They may be men and women who are serving or have served as a members of the military, first responders, parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, community leaders, or other heroes. You may sponsor as many heroes as you want, and a flag with the name of your heroes will be flown at Park Circle Water Tower on Park Ave in Arlington.

Your donation of $40 will go directly to Rotary Club of Arlington's scholarship program.

Medford Rotary Comedy FUN Raiser

Posted by Anne Powers on May 08, 2023

Rotary Club of Medford, MA is hosting a Comedy Night FUN raiser for the benefit of our Medford Rotary charity endeavors.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 - Doors open at 6 PM.

Prince Pizzeria
Giggles Comedy Club
517 Broadway, Saugus, MA
Tickets are $40 per person, $35 per person for groups of eight or
more... includes pizza dinner and comedians!!!

Contact Justin Lasko for tickets 781.905.1537
A scratch ticket raffle and raffle/auction of various prizes will also be held.

Hope to see you there!

50 Years of Service in Methuen

Posted by Julie Brady on May 08, 2023

We honored James Maloney for his 50 years of service to the Methuen Rotary Club and presented him with his 2nd Paul Harris which is the highest honor a Rotarian can receive. In January we held a brunch in his honor and many local city leaders attended to celebrate James. He was the City Clerk in Methuen for many years, served as Methuen Board of Trade President, and was involved in many different service areas within the Merrimack Valley. He also served as President of Methuen Rotary Club which is where his heart truly remained.

To quote his wife Louise Rotary was always a very important part of his life and has given him some wonderful memories. I remember when he was still active in the Club I could never schedule anything on a Friday from 12 to 2pm. He still likes to talk about all the good times the Club provided, and the good the Club does for various organizations.

It was our honor to celebrate him and thank him for his years of service. James truly exemplified the Rotary Motto “Service Above Self”

Host a 2023-24 Global Scholar

Posted by Lori Becker on May 04, 2023

Host an Inbound Global Scholar? What does that mean?

Being a host means looking out for the scholar as they plan to come to the U.S. and while they are here. Scholars live on, or off, campus at the University that they are studying with. Scholars are graduate students coming here to further their studies to gain a Master’s or PhD here in the U.S. Some even come to the U.S. with their families!

As a host, you can help them navigate the area, connect with groups in the area and figure out how to do things while they are here like taking the bus to NY or visiting the Cape and New England. Being away from home can be tough and having a host family here for you can make a big difference.

If you'd like to host a scholar this year, please contact Anne Lewis at car4forever@gmail.com or Lori Becker at Lori@cfefitness.com to be placed on our "Yes! I want to host" list.

Note: Our current scholars are being hosted by Cambridge, Ipswich, Danvers and Somerville and we'd love to place this year's group in even more clubs!

Author Christina Brown Speaks at Burlington Rotary

Posted by Lori Becker on May 04, 2023

Christina Brown, LMHC, joined the Burlington Rotary Club as guest speaker last week. She came to talk about her book Therapy and Other Drugs. The group talked about the stories in her book, the publishing process and mental health. The conversation was flowing, and it was nice to be able to hear from a professional about how to help people that are struggling.

About the Author: Christina Brown is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, specializing in working with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders. During her time as a therapist, she has treated hundreds of patients. Christina’s extensive professional and personal experiences have shaped her debut as an author with: Therapy and Other Drugs. She is also recently married to Club President Todd Bettinson.

If you'd like to reach Christina about speaking at your club, please contact her at cmbrownwhs@gmail.com.

Lexington's Annual Comedy & Concert Night

Posted by Dan Busa on May 04, 2023

Rotary Club of Lexington presents its annual comedy / music night on June 16, 2023, at Cary Memorial Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420, featuring host Tony V and introducing Billy Joel cover band Heart Attack Ack Ack Ack Ack. Tickets are $69 each (65 or older $65 each). Click this link to purchase tickets.

Download flyer here.

Rotary Trivia Night in Wilmington

Posted by Pooja Singla on May 04, 2023

Wilmington Rotary is holding a Fun Filled, Fundraiser Event:
ROTARY TRIVIA NIGHT!
Where: WILMINGTON KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
112 Middlesex Avenue, WILMINGTON, MA 01887
When: Friday, June 9, 2023
Doors Open: 6:00 PM

The event is capped at only 50 teams of 4 at the low price of $100/Team.
The fun night of fellowship, friendship, networking includes but not limited to
A Comedian who will be the Trivia Master on that night.
Wilmington Interact Club's 6-7 members helping direct the guests to their respective tables
50/50 Raffle

All (100%) proceeds will go towards the Rotary Scholarship Program sponsored by the Wilmington Rotary Club.

Please Contact for tickets:
Greg Sadowski: 978-657-6167; John Doherty: 339-927-7099
Jack Cushing: 978-604-2443; Chris Neville: 978-479-1500

Download the flyer here for more information! Hope to see you at the Trivia Night!

Ipswich-Rowley Plants Trees on Earth Day

Posted by Bob Wicks on May 04, 2023

In honor of Earth Day this past weekend, Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians planted 15 trees at two Ipswich Housing Authority properties, on County Road and at Caroline Avenue. This effort began last year, when Rotarians noted the lack of natural shade while installing air conditioners. Rotary then contacted Corliss Brothers Nursery who generously donated the trees planted this year. We also are grateful to the Ipswich Department of Public Works, who transported and installed the trees. On Saturday, and again Monday, Rotarians returned to add water bags, known as gaiters, and mulch, and to water the trees.

The donated trees are native species and part of our Centennial giving project, recognizing the club’s 100 years of service to the community. Additional trees were donated by the Ipswich Shade Tree and Beautification Committee.

The planting is part of a major renovation of the Southern Heights area by the Housing Authority that will enhance the appearance of their grounds and improve the quality of life for residents living there. Going forward, the Housing Authority intends to encourage resident volunteers to water and help care for the trees. This project truly is a collaborative effort.

Chris Davis, Chair of Rotary’s Community Service Committee, coordinated the project for Rotary. The other Rotarians who volunteered were Sr Leonore Coan, John and Diane Herth, Cindy Quinn, and Jim Tedford.

Don't Delay, Support No Mow May

Posted by Tom Hankard on Apr 29, 2023

Even if you don't have a lawn, you can help District 7930 and our Environmental Committee spread the word about No Mow May!

Download and post this graphic to your social media pages and let everyone you know you support pollination along with Rotary's newest Area of Focus, The Environment!

The link shown on the graphic brings readers to our District 7930 webpage dedicated to our NMM lawn sign project along with information on what exactly is NMM and why pollinators are so important to our ecosystem.

Mowing a lawn in May? How passé. Share the graphic today!

Share Your Rotary Stories

Posted by Tracy Arabian on Apr 28, 2023

Has your club recently hosted an event or project or are you planning something in the near future that you would like to share with your fellow District 7930 Rotarians?

The weekly eBulletin depends on the content provided by clubs, so please submit your stories and we will publish them on the district website and in the next eBulletin. Stories that showcase your club or event should be submitted via the website portal at this link.

The deadline for submitting items for the weekly District 7930 eBulletin is Friday morning in order to be included in the following Monday's edition. If the eBulletin being prepared is getting to be too long and the story submitted is not time-sensitive, we may choose to delay including it until the following week.

For some guidelines on creating stories, please read more!

Wear Your Fanciest Hat to Reading's Kentucky Derby Party

Posted by Tim Kelley

Reading Rotary will host a fun filled Kentucky Derby event to benefit Pep's Peddlers and Pan Mass Challenge. So, corral all of your friends, put on your best Derby attire, and trot on down to the Wakefield Elks. Pep’s Peddlers is a local bicycle team that fundraises for multiple sclerosis. Riders in the Pan Mass Challenge raise funds for Dana Farber.

The afternoon event on Saturday, May 6th will include DJ, streamed races, derby themed games, best hat/attire prizes, raffles & more. Doors open at 3:30. Races begin at 4:00. There will be appetizers and a cash bar. Register online here.

RYLA is Almost Here

Posted by Christina Harris on Apr 28, 2023

Please continue to help us with our last push for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

Please donate. We have 4 students without sponsoring clubs. If you can fund one or more of these students, please contact Christina Harris. We still need additional funding for the RYLA weekend. We are asking Clubs or individual Rotarians to donate to make up our shortfall. The cost of one student is $350. If Clubs that are not sending any students were to make a donation of $350, we will cover the costs of this vitally important event. Donations of any size will be greatly appreciated. Donate via Square here.

This year’s RYLA Conference will be held from May 12-14 at the Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. The Annual RYLA Conference offers participants an opportunity to live, work and interact together in an atmosphere of cooperation and growth. The entire cost of the program, aside from a $25 application fee provided by applicants, will be covered by the Rotary Club in your area.

DEI Discussion Series: May 17

Posted by David Hart on Apr 27, 2023

DEI Discussion Series 22-23

Wednesday May 17, 2023

7:00PM – 8:30PM

On ZOOM

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee is hosting a discussion on

Cultural Awareness

Presented by Dr. Shamaila Khan, Ph.D.

Dr. Khan (she/her) is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Clinical Associate Professor at the Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center (BU/BMC). She is additionally the Training Director of the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology, and the Director for the Center for Multicultural Mental Health at BU/BMC. Dr Khan is also the Co-Chair for the DEI Committee at BMC, the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council at BUSM, and the Diversity Champion for the Department of Psychiatry at BMC. As such her expertise is in the domain of multiculturalism, diversity, equity, and social justice.

Register here. Download event flyer here.

Lynn Rotary and Police Distribute Groceries

Posted by William Reilly on Apr 27, 2023

This past Friday, April 21, 2023, the Lynn Police and Rotarians distributed over 250 Brown Bags filled with groceries primarily to those experiencing food insecurities. However, anyone can receive them. The bags include both shelf-stable and fresh items. There are no age or income requirements for the program and there is no application process. Just sign up over the phone or in person when you come to the event. To learn more or to sign up, please call 781-599-0110 and ask for the Nutrition Department.

On the third Friday of each month from 9 to 11 A.M., residents of Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott can pick up a bag of free groceries as part of Greater Boston Food Bank’s Brown Bag/Mobile Markets Program.

RYLA Alum Spotlight: Alyssa Louise

Posted by Christina Harris on Apr 23, 2023

“As a RYLA Alumni from 2019, I can say with high confidence that it has been one of, if not the most rewarding leadership experiences I have done. Helping others is something that I have strong passion for. RYLA not only provided that for me, but it gave me many other opportunities. I am so glad I attended RYLA, and I look forward to helping others have the same experience I had.” - Alyssa Louise

#reconnectingwithryla

For all you need to know about RYLA, see our linktree found at: https://linktr.ee/ryla7930.

Thanks to all who visited the RYLA booth at the District Conference House of Friendship. Congrats to basket winner, 7890's DGE Christine Burns. We raised some of the funds, but we are still short of fully funding this important youth program. We ask you to consider donating to close the gap. Donate via Square here. For more info, contact Christina Harris.

District Conference 2023 was "Wicked Pissah"

Posted by Alexander Falk on Apr 23, 2023

Our keynote speaker, Evan Burrell, learned a lot of new words during his stay in New England, including the proper words to describe our 2023 District Conference: it was "wicked pissah!"

If you weren't there this weekend, you really missed a lot:

Pickleball, Wine Fellowship, Tutudesks, Microfinance, Rotaract, RYLA, Interact, Polio Eradication, ESRAG, Climate Action, Human Trafficking, Video Storytelling, Rotaplast, No Mow May, a new Rotary Club for Military Veterans, Juggling District Governors, wild (and unconfirmed) stories about a Tesla stuck in a snow drift, and much more...

Speaker Opportunity: Advocacy for Water Conservation

Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault on Apr 20, 2023

Speaker Opportunity: Advocacy Toolkit for Water Conservation. Funded by RI Global Grant Saving the Ipswich River & Watersheds: The Lifeblood of Our Communities.

The Ipswich River is one of the most Endangered Rivers in America, threatened by over-use of its limited flow. The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) and the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club are partnering on work funded by a Rotary International grant to reduce water use in communities across the North Shore. This grant funds the development of an advocacy toolkit and a new initiative to engage community members to spread the word about water conservation around the North Shore.

IRWA Planning and Resiliency Program Manager, Erin Bonney Casey, would love to speak with your club on the advocacy toolkit and provide a brief training for Rotarians interested in tabling at local garden centers and community events to educate the public about the water challenges facing us and the individual actions you can take to conserve water.

Contact Joan at joan@massteximaging.com to set up this incredible presentation/opportunity for your club.

Chelsea Rotary Derby Fundraiser

Posted by Douglas Mauch on Apr 19, 2023

The Rotary Club of Chelsea is holding a Chelsea Rotary Derby to raise funds to support their local scholarship program and send twenty Chelsea youth to Camp Rotary for a week.

The event will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Anthony’s in Malden. Tickets for a chance to be a horse owner are $100. Six tickets will be drawn to represent each of the six horses in the race. The race will be 10 “furlongs” in length. The payouts will be; Win; $2,500, Place: $1,500; Show: $1,000. Betting on individual horses will be conducted. There will also be numerous door prizes. Dinner tickets are $60 and are separate from the $100 race tickets. Corporate sponsorships are available for $1,000 and include four race tickets, four dinner tickets and a banner at the finish line.

For race or dinner tickets please contact Bruce Mauch at (857) 544-9041. Checks should be made out to Rotary Club of Chelsea Charitable Foundation, or you can Venmo the funds to Douglas-Mauch.

Connor's Kindness Project in Burlington

Posted by Lori Becker on Apr 19, 2023

The Burlington Lunch club turned their lunch meeting into an "all hands on deck" service project & lunch last week. It was the first service project that they've done in a while and the club's support was awesome! Members helped make kit boxes, fill and label them. The goal was far exceeded and the final donation was for 60 kits!

Connor's Kindness Project is an organization started by then 12 year old Connor to provide Kindness Kits to kids. A Kindness Kit is a box of carefully thought out items selected by Connor himself. The kits are delivered to children in hospitals and shelters and are meant to be entertaining, comforting and fun for children in challenging situations.

Prior to this lunch, Connor and his partner Sharon Marrama (also his grandmother) spoke to the club about his idea and what their plans are for the upcoming year. If you'd like to put together a speaking event and/or service project, please contact Assistant Governor, Lori Becker of the Burlington club for more information.

LAST CHANCE To Register For District Conference

Posted by Alexander Falk on Apr 17, 2023

Our 3 District Conference is coming up in five days already, next Saturday, April 22^nd, at the Burlington Marriott and we are so excited to share this amazing program with you! This event is open to all Rotary Club members and guests and it is going to be an inspiring and educational event that no Rotarian is going to want to miss. Please see below (or click Read More) to read about our awesome program, which includes TutuDesks, Human Trafficking, Climate Action, MicroFinance, Rotaract, RYLA, Operation Pollination, Global Grants, Video Storytelling Skills, our keynote speaker Evan Burrell from Australia, and so much more!

Monday, April 17^this Patriots’ Day and this is the LAST day to register for the conference:

Please click here to register now!

The full-day conference package includes coffee & snacks, business meeting, award luncheon, afternoon breakout sessions, house of friendship, cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres, and dinner with keynote speaker Evan Burrell and is $199 per person.

NEW: Based on recent feedback and many requests received, we are now also offering two HALF-DAY packages!!!

Lunch-only option w/ half-day conference - $99

Access to the conference for the first half of the day, including coffee & snacks, business meeting, lunch, breakout sessions, house of friendship.

Dinner-only option w/ half-day conference - $109

Access to the conference for the second half of the day, including breakout sessions, house of friendship, cocktail hour, and dinner with keynote speaker Evan Burrell.

5 Fun Facts about DG Alexander Falk

Posted by Rosie Tan Segil on Apr 16, 2023

As Alexander Falk's District Governorship draws to a close in a few months, he recently looped back to his home club, Marblehead, to reacquaint himself with long-time and new club members by diving deep into his professional and personal life in the form of a “re-classification talk”. Of course, we know this all-star leader as an avid skier, a fervid Red Sox fan, and a die-hard Rotarian, but here are five interesting random fun facts about him:

Fact 1: His childhood idol was Star Trek's Mr. Spock. So next time you see him, test his Vulcan salute.

Fact 2: He knows how to juggle and ride a unicycle. Next time you see him, throw him some plates to see how well he does with those.

Fact 3: He has already seen two total solar eclipses (and traveled to a perfect location to see them) and is currently planning the family trip for the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse.

Fact 4: In a Red Sox uniform, he once played a baseball game in Fenway Park. That explains the accompanying picture.

Fact 5: He and his wife, Nora, got married in a shopping mall in Vienna! Why? You have to ask him this one yourself.

Reading's Global Grant Project in Jordan

Posted by Nadia Haddad on Apr 14, 2023

Dear Fellow District 7930 Rotaries,

Reading Rotary has exciting news. We are joining forces with the Rotary Amman Citadel in Jordan in an International Project to combat the increasing problem of obesity in Amman.

Two decades ago the obesity rate in Jordan was 27%. Currently, the obesity rate in Jordan is at 35.5% and growing. This represents the largest increase in obesity rate of any country in the world. It has also led to a 15.4% rate of diabetes and other health issues that their country is unequipped to handle. Combined with very little emphasis on physical activity and a lack of sporting facilities, the issue is real and trending in the wrong direction.

The Rotary Club of Amman has designed a project that addresses the growing problem and will have a sustainable effect on their youth. This project starts with a healthy living awareness campaign which includes social media, posters, flyers, workshops and lectures. It also includes the organization of local sports and activities. The final step is to construct a public, open-air sports facility or playground complex for local children to play outdoors.

Reading Hosts Kentucky Derby Event May 6

Posted by Sheila Clarke on Apr 14, 2023

Reading Rotary is hosting this fun-filled event on behalf of Pep's Peddlers and Pan Mass Challenge. So, corral all of your friends, put on your best Derby attire, and trot on down to the Wakefield Elks. Pep's Peddlers' cause is multiple sclerosis. The Pan Mass Challenge raising funds for cancer.

Saturday, May 6th at the Wakefield Elks Club, 63 Baystate Rd., Wakefield, MA 01867. Doors open at 3:30. Races begin at 4:00. Appetizers and Cash Bar.

Afternoon to include DJ, streamed races, derby themed games, best hat/attire prizes, raffles & more!

Download event flyer here. Register for the event here. Questions and the like, contact Sheila Clarke or Rosemary Murphy.

Club Experience Matters the Most

Posted by Peter Majane on Apr 14, 2023

Recent Rotary research confirms that the single most important factor in membership satisfaction is the club experience.

Using our Membership Assessment Tools guide, which includes the Member Satisfaction Survey, can help you craft an experience that reflects your members' interests and needs.

You can download the Membership Assessment Tools guide here. And the Membership Satisfaction Survey here.

More information and best practices regarding Membership can be found at our District Membership Committee page.

RYLA Alum Spotlight: Michael Woo

Posted by Andrew Maddox on Apr 11, 2023

“I loved RYLA so much that I am still involved with the program in another Rotary District! RYLA allowed me to meet so many new people and cultivate new leadership skills. I was able to overcome my greatest fears and grow from it in a safe and supportive environment.” - Michael Woo

#ReconnectingWithRYLA

RYLA applications are now live and are available at bit.ly/2020RYLA as well as on our RYLA linktree found at: https://linktr.ee/ryla7930.

Lynn Hosts Essex DA Tucker

Posted by William Reilly on Apr 10, 2023

Paul Tucker, Essex County District Attorney, was the guest speaker at the Lynn Rotary Club on April 6, 2023. He shared with the Club his path in becoming the District Attorney. He started in law enforcement as a campus police officer at Salem State University. He soon joined the Salem Police department as a patrol officer. He came up through the ranks as detective; chief of detectives; and finally chief of police in 2009. Along the way he earned a master’s degree in criminal justice as well as a law degree and passing the bar on his first attempt. In 2014 he left the chief’s position and was elected State Representative, which was followed in 2022 by his election to Essex County District Attorney.

He also shared with the Club some anecdotes from his career with the Salem Force; among them was in 1998 when he was involved in a shoot-out and a hostage situation, stemming from a bank robbery. Thankfully that situation ended with a release of the young children held hostage and only the robber being injured with a gunshot to the leg.

RYLA Alumn Spotlight: Alissa Smith

Posted by Andrew Maddox on Apr 06, 2023

"It’s been almost 10 years since I first attended RYLA, and I can say with confidence that it has been an integral stepping stone in my journey thus far. I have always loved volunteering, caring for others, and generally being helpful to those around me. RYLA not only provided me a sense of community among like-minded peers but encouraged me to pursue a career that allowed me to continue participating in those same passions." - Alissa Smith

#ReconnectingWithRYLA

RYLA applications are now live and are available at bit.ly/2020RYLA as well as on our RYLA linktree found at: https://linktr.ee/ryla7930.

RYLA Alum Spotlight: Maddie Cass

Posted by Andrew Maddox on Apr 06, 2023

"Six years later and I still think about the memories I made at my very first RYLA as a junior in high school. In just three days, I developed my leadership skills all while making meaningful connections with the members of my RYLA family. The weekend’s activities included the Culture Walk, which still stands as one of the most impactful experiences I have truly ever been a part of. RYLA is an opportunity to not only meet people and craft lifelong friendships, but also to learn more about communities and cultures beyond your own. There is simply no other experience like it!" -Maddie Cass

#ReconnectingWithRYLA

RYLA applications are now live and are available at bit.ly/2020RYLA as well as on our RYLA linktree found at: https://linktr.ee/ryla7930.

What’s New in the Learning Center?

Posted by Terry Rezendes Curran on Apr 05, 2023

Soon after Governor Alexander took office, he challenged the Assistant Governors to take some courses in the Learning Center. Some of us took on the challenge, and this is the result!

Since I had just finished my term as District Governor, but still had paperwork to do, I started with Governor Basics. I found lots of useful information and clarity to the reasons we do things certain ways. From there, I went onto Governor Intermediate and then Advanced courses where I found answers to some of my last questions on my paperwork.

As I now rejoined the Assistant Governor group and this tool was not available when last I was an AG, I decided to start there with AG basics and follow through with the Intermediate and Advanced courses. Again, I found a plethora of information! These are great courses for anyone who thinks they want to be an Assistant Governor before they actually jump into the role.

A Bed for Every Child Service Project

Posted by Peg Sallade

On Saturday May 13, Lynnfield Rotary will host a community service event to build beds for children in need. Rotary clubs and community organizations across the District are welcome to join us. A Team of 4 people and a contribution of $350 is all it takes to register. All the tools and materials are provided. The event is outside at Lynnfield Market Street, 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday May 13. Indiviuals can join an existing team for $50. For more information or to register a team, contact Christine Travers or Ron Block. See www.lynnfieldrotary.com for more information.

RYLA Needs Your Help

Posted by Christina Harris on Mar 31, 2023

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) needs your Club’s help!

We need more students. So far, we are only 1/3 full, so please continue to spread the word. Reach out to prospective high school candidates.

We need donations. We need additional funding for the RYLA weekend. We are asking Clubs or individual Rotarians to donate to make up our shortfall. If your Club is not sponsoring a RYLA student, please consider making a donation. The cost of one student is $350. If Clubs that are not sending any students were to make a donation of $350, we will cover the costs of this vitally important event.

Donations of any size will be greatly appreciated. Donate via Square here.

Tips to find more candidates. Connect with Interact Clubs or other service organizations at the High School; National Honor Society; Trade schools in your communities; home school organizations; Scouts. We need your help to bring in more students as we reboot RYLA post pandemic.

Help Us Fill Symphony Hall for Rotary's New Peace Center

Posted by Lori Karas on Mar 31, 2023

Districts 7930, 7910 and 7780 - Let’s join together with friends, family and community members for peace and make an impact!

Volunteers are needed to plan an exciting event that will celebrate Rotary’s new Peace Center, scheduled to open in 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. Peace Centers are located at universities across the world – there are seven now and Istanbul will be the eighth. Rotary Peace Centers offer specially designed curricula to train individuals devoted to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. To date, more than 1,500 people have been trained and serve in governments and NGO’s throughout the world.

This project, spearheaded by District 7930’s District Governor Elect Lori Karas, was inspired by a group in Israel who produces musical events. They create a three-part harmony by bringing people together in a large space and dividing them into various parts to sing. See https://youtu.be/XqvKDCP5-xE as example of the program we are planning.

There are three parts to the program:

Rotary Brand Center Webinar

Posted by Andy Maddox on Mar 31, 2023

On Wednesday, March 29^th the Public Image Committee hosted an informative webinar on the use of the Rotary Brand Center. The Brand Center is available to all Rotary Clubs and all Rotarians and is your source for graphic materials that comply with the Rotary brand guidelines.

A brand is more than just a logo, but a logo is a big part of our visual identity. When the public sees it throughout their community, they begin to think of Rotary members as people of action. Using the same visual elements unites Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact and allows us, as a diverse global organization, to tell our story with one voice.

We concluded the webinar with a Q&A session, where people could ask the Public Image committee anything! And we did indeed get questions about Zoom backgrounds, etc.

We covered the following points in this webinar:

01:50 How to access the Rotary Brand Center
05:42 How to create customized Rotary Club logos for your club
15:55 How to create customized People of Action graphics for your club
32:15 How to access the image library at the Brand Center and what you can expect to find there

You can now watch the recording on YouTube by clicking here... or you can click on the timecodes above to jump directly to a particular segment of our webinar recording.

Lynn Recognizes Outstanding 8th Graders

Posted by William Reilly on Mar 31, 2023

On March 30, 2023, the Rotary Club of Lynn continued with its tradition of recognizing 8th grade students from Lynn Middle Schools. These are students who have struggled with some adversity during the school year or have shown empathy toward others in an outstanding way.

The students are nominated by their teacher or guidance counselor, someone who knows the student very well. The students are invited to a luncheon meeting of the members and are individually presented with a gift certificate to a local bookstore, a Certificate of Achievement, and a $25 gift certificate to open an account at the River Works Credit Union, the program sponsor. During the individual presentations a narrative is read by the Club President or his designee enumerating the various situations the students struggled with and how they were overcome. During the program Dr, Raymond Bastarache, former past Club President and former Deputy Superintendent of Schools, spoke on the importance of this program. He said: “one can tell how valued this program is to the City of Lynn by the people in attendance.” He then went on the introduce the Chief of Police, Chris Reddy, the newly appointed Fire Chief, Dan Sullivan, and the current Superintendent of Schools, Debra Ruggiero.

Wilmington's Polar Plunge Success

Posted by Pooja Singla on Mar 27, 2023

Congratulations, Wilmington Rotary Club on such a Successful Polar Plunge Event on Saturday, March 25, 2023!

Thank you to all of our Wilmington Rotary Members, our Rotary Interact Members, and their families, friends and neighbors who came out in such great numbers for Saturday's Polar Plunge at Silver Lake to benefit District 7930's Polio Plus Fundraiser.

Seventeen Interact Members and two Adults, including President Greg and a friend whom he challenged, participated in the plunge which has so far raised $1,750 on our Go Fund Me page, and our Rotary Club will be making an additional donation of $475.00, pushing us to at least $2,225.00! We don't have a tally as yet on any Venmo or Mail-in payments but we will keep the GoFundMe link up for a few more days. It would be great if we can push that total over $2,500!

Interact Helping People at Home and around the World

Posted by Bob Wicks on Mar 26, 2023

Several leaders of the Ipswich High School Interact Club were on hand last Thursday morning, at the regular meeting of the sponsoring Ipswich-Rowley Rotary club, to update the Rotarians on their 2022-23 projects. During the meeting, Interact presented a check to 'The Open Door' food pantry, which serves the Cape Ann region from their locations in Gloucester and Ipswich.

The club also informed us of their progress in providing micro-loans to small business operators in developing countries in Africa and South America. We learned that the micro loan project is administered through Kiva, a non-profit organization that “allows people to lend money to low-income entrepreneurs and students in 80 countries. Kiva’s mission is to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive.” These loans are slowly paid back over time, enabling the club to help more people.

Beverly Presents Donations to Police and Fire

Posted by Jackie Rapisardi on Mar 25, 2023

On Thursday, March 23, the Beverly Rotary Club presented a $2,500 grant each to the Beverly Police Department and the Beverly Fire Department for a total of $5,000.

On hand to receive the checks were Lt. Brad Saunders and Firefighter Scott Perkins of the Fire Department and Chief John LeLacheur of the Beverly Police Department. Also attending the ceremony was Mayor Mike Cahill and City Council President Julie Flowers.

Presenting the check on behalf of the Rotary Club was President Mike Jones.

BBR Supports Mental Health Awareness

Posted by Fran Fazio on Mar 25, 2023

On Thursday, March 23, Burlington Breakfast Rotary was pleased to donate 20 copies each of three books on mental health awareness to Christine Conceison, District Director of Mental Health for the Burlington School System and the Burlington Public Library. These three books, What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan, The Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris, and My Living Will, A Father’s Story of Loss & Hope by John Trautwein, will be the subject of discussion at a book club being held at the Burlington Public Library in April, May and June. Our club is honored to be a part of addressing this important issue.

Rotary Theme Pins 2007-08 until 2021-22

Posted by Linda Doliber on Mar 23, 2023

Over 24 years of being a Rotarian, I have been given (sometimes in multiples) Rotary theme pins from 2007-08 through 2021-22 with only a couple of years missing. I just kept adding them to a long ribbon as each year passed and another theme was introduced.

Now I’m 73 and trying to simplify my life a bit by happily letting go of things I don’t use, no longer want, and don’t want to pass along to our kids...

If anyone would like this collection of Rotary theme pins, please contact Linda Doliber at ldoliber@hotmail.com. A donation to the Rotary Foundation would be appreciated as a thank you.

Spread the Word about RYLA

Posted by Christina Harris on Mar 23, 2023

Rotary District 7930 is actively searching for qualified high school sophomore, junior and senior candidates to attend this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference, which will be held from May 12-14 at the Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. The Annual RYLA Conference offers participants an opportunity to live, work and interact together in an atmosphere of cooperation and growth. The program is designed to challenge participants to utilize and improve their skills and accept the responsibilities of leadership. The entire cost of the program, aside from a $25 application fee provided by applicants, will be covered by the Rotary Club in your area.

Participants will be selected who have exhibited leadership abilities and who are currently in their sophomore, junior and senior years of high school. RYLA is now contacting high school Interact clubs, Rotary clubs, guidance counselors, youth organizations and other sources for nominations of conference participants.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

Here’s what students experience at RYLA…

Explore and practice new concepts of leadership and citizenship
Discover creative approaches for resolving family, social and professional conflicts
Experience the joy and the value of learning teamwork to get an advantage for the future
Challenge participants to exhibit “Service Above Self” in their communities and lives

Applications are now live and are available at bit.ly/2020RYLA as well as on our RYLA linktree found at: https://linktr.ee/ryla7930.

For additional questions or resources, contact RYLA Chair Christina Harris at Christina@PartnerWithChoice.com.

Meet Evan Burrell

Posted by Alexander Falk on Mar 22, 2023

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Rotary Districts 7890, 7910, and 7930 will come together at the Burlington Marriott for a 3 District Conference with Keynote Speaker Evan Burrell who's come all the way from Australia to talk to us.

The conference begins at 9:00 AM with registration, coffee, and snacks, followed by the business meeting at 10:00 AM. Our Paul Harris Recognition & Awards Presentation Luncheon will be at noon. Twelve afternoon breakout sessions will be presented in four parallel tracks from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. Fellowship, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be at 5:00 PM, followed by a festive dinner with keynote speaker Evan Burrell.

Registration is now open and we invite you to click here to sign up for the District Conference.

We are also looking for sponsors and program book ads for the district conference – please click this link if you want to advertise your business and support the conference at the same time.

World Water Day

Posted by Alexander Falk on Mar 22, 2023

Water is something we all need, and it’s essential for people to survive. But about 770 million people around the globe don’t have access to safe, clean water. That’s 1 person in every 10. Today, on World Water Day, we want to raise awareness about that and raise funds for projects to change it.

You can help The Rotary Foundation support member-led projects and activities that give people access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education and promote healthy societies.

What impact can your gift have? Donors like you have supported these sustainable, life-changing projects around the world:

Improving access to safely managed water in the Navajo Nation
Installing and expanding access to water and sanitation in Tanzania
Distributing clay water filters to communities in Brazil
Supplying clean water to 3,000 people in Papua New Guine
Installing water filtration systems for schools in Lebanon

Your gift will help people gain access to clean water and better sanitation facilities in communities that need them. You can also enroll in Rotary Direct to support our Foundation’s work throughout the year. You can choose how much and how often you want to give, and you can manage your gifts online through Donor Self-Service on My Rotary. It’s a simple and secure way to make a big impact.

Together, we can make sure communities around the world have the clean water they need.

Cambridge Hosts International Women's Day Event

Posted by Natascha Finnerty on Mar 21, 2023

Invite your family and friends to our International Women's Day event on Saturday March 25th (see flyer) to spread the word about Rotary International's commitment to girls' empowerment. Rotary sponsors countess initiatives to support the education and well-being of women and girls. This is the "year of the girl."

Cambridge Rotary has invited two special groups to showcase their work. The event will highlight the theme – Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality. Lean about the STEM programs offered to low-income girls at the Science Club for Girls in Cambridge and computer training offered to children rescued from illegal labor at Distressed Children and Infants in Dhaka Bangladesh to ensure a promising future.

We are also excited to hear from Sarah MacDonald, Director of Life Science Cares, a community service organization for people working in the biotech field. Their group supports the community, including a paid internship program for students from diverse backgrounds through Project Onramp. We will award a woman making a difference in technology.

Be inspired, have fun and meet new people who care about making a better future for half the sky.

This event is free, please register at Eventbrite link below. We welcome any donation which will go to our Ed Fund supporting Science Club for Girls and DCI. https://Cambridgerotarywomensday2023.eventbrite.com

Life on Land

Posted by Alexander Falk on Mar 20, 2023

Rotary Life on Land Symposium - Connecting the World through Sustainability

August 31, to September 3, 2023
Rotary International Zones 28/32

How does sustainable living benefit humanity?
Nature has a finite capacity to regenerate itself in the face of pressures on its land, water, and air resources.

Our speakers will address sustainability and solutions, both in the Arctic as well as from a worldwide perspective.

Speakers include: RI President-Elect Gordon McInally, RI Director Drew Kessler, RI Director-Elect Chris Etienne, Christopher Puttock, and Dr. Michele Devlin.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Marblehead Interact 22-23 Recap

Posted by Jack Attridge on Mar 20, 2023

As Senior Project approaches and the Marblehead High School Interact Club readies their election to bring in new leadership for the coming year, we are very proud to reflect on our accomplishments and share them with you.

Our club, connecting our local Rotary International Clubs to the high school level, known as Interact, has been active for about 20 years. We work annually to bring a sense of global and local needs to light and do our best to learn about and assist in any way that we can.

This year, we have given almost $1,000 to Kiva Loans. Kiva is a micro loan application that we have been using for close to 10 years and we give small loans to the collaborative efforts to fund the needs of small communities around the world. We have also donated 2 Shelter Boxes, which are just as they sound, a large box which is deployed to disaster areas, with enough supplies to shelter and supply a family for an indefinite amount of time. To date, Shelter Box has helped over 37,000 people just in the Ukraine War alone.

No Mow May

Posted by Alexander Falk on Mar 15, 2023

The goal of No Mow May is to allow grass to grow un-mown for the month of May, allowing wild flowers to come through and creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. This is particularly important in urban areas where floral resources are often limited.

This spring, we are inviting all Rotary Clubs to participate in our No Mow May campaign by producing and distributing lawn signs that contain the Rotary logo, the name of your Rotary Club, and the friendly and playful call-to-action Let's Pollinate! Our District 7930 Environmental and Public Image Committees have cooperated on this effort and have created two templates that you can easily customize for your own Rotary Club.

Similar to what we did for the new Membership Brochure, Public Image Committee Chair Andrew Maddox has created an online design tool that allows you to easily customize this lawn sign for your Rotary Club.

Please click here to learn more about this program and get started with customizing your lawn signs.

Peabody's Taste of North Shore Rescheduled to March 21

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Mar 14, 2023

Rotary Peabody’s Taste of the North Shore at Danversport is rescheduled to March 21 from 6-8 pm. Our “menu” of restaurants and sponsors is growing. If you see anything you like, we encourage you to buy a ticket! A $100 raffle ticket for the $10,000 grand prize includes 2 admissions to enjoy all the spectacular food and drinks during the evening. If you’re a Club looking for ways to support another Club, consider purchasing a ticket (or more!) for the event for your members to make our event more accessible to even more people. We look forward to seeing you there!

Download the menu here.

Click here for info and tickets.

ClubRunner Changeover Training

Posted by Lori Karas on Mar 14, 2023

To help better prepare incoming Club and District Officers for the new Rotary year, ClubRunner is holding a series of free webinars from April 14-23 to help you brush up on your ClubRunner skills and knowledge. Hosted by expert Product Specialists from the ClubRunner team, they will be presenting webinars based on roles, club or district versions, and in-depth module deep dives. There will be live Q&A available during and after the webinar!

Click here to register on the ClubRunner website.

International Women's Day Celebrations

Posted by Sarah Furie on Mar 08, 2023

On International Women's Day this Wednesday, we featured three dedicated Rotarian women in our district on our social media platforms.

Becca Harris, a Past President and future Co-President elect of Arlington, MA Rotary Club. She says, "the best way I know how to uplift women is to make sure that the conversation and action of equality for every person on earth no matter gender, race, sexual orientation, and ability are on the forefront of my communities and friends." Through Rotary's service, education and action in the community, she believes Rotary is working towards achieving equity.

When asked how she is celebrating women this month she said, "I am celebrating by sharing stories of women, especially women of BIPOC communities. I am also making sure I thank my mentors and other strong women in my life."

Arlington Catholic Interact Build-a-Bed Project

Posted by Paul F. Buckley on Mar 08, 2023

Arlington Rotary was proud to present our Interact Club with $700 to help complete their funding to gift beds to children in need. Interact raised the rest of the $1750 needed to build 5 beds. Rotarian Bill Hayney and President Paul Buckley delivered the check.

We also discussed RYLA with the Club and we will now be sponsoring a few participants!

Cambridge Joins Center for Astrophysics Book Drive

Posted by Natascha Finnerty on Mar 07, 2023

Cambridge Rotary turned 100 years this May and has an ambitious goal of a service project every month this year. January seemed like a good time to clear out the bookshelves. Our club sponsored its 5th joint book donation drive with the Center for Astrophysics Wolbach Library in Cambridge to support children exiting the foster system and other challenged youth (MTwyouth.org) to run a bookstore and earn funds for college and counseling.

150 books were collected and more were promised on the day of the book pickup. Cambridge Rotary thanks librarian Daina Bouquin for her readiness to help and promote the book drive through emails and support. "With the support of local partners, Cambridge Rotary can expand its outreach and awareness of its community service efforts," explains Natascha Finnerty, member and organizer of the drive.

Malden Rotarian James Norris: Author and Inspiration

Posted by David Hart on Mar 07, 2023

James Norris is the Founder and President of Handi Capable Fitness and author of “Feeling Left Out”. "Feeling Left Out" is the first in a series of four (4) Children's Books. In his own forthright style, Author James Norris provides us with the message that it is our hope that we continue to convey and inspire the messages that everyone deserves to live a life they are proud of; No challenge can stop you from doing the amazing things you want to; Physical activity strengthens both the mind and body; and Encouraging others to get out and be active is part of improving your own life.

See the video here of James ringing the Finish Bell at the Boston Bruins Foundation BFit Challenge at the TD Boston Garden in early February.

James Norris is the Founder and President of Handi Capable Fitness, Inc. (HCF). HCF is a 501(c)(3) Organization headquartered in Malden, Massachusetts. Its Website Address is www.handicapablefitness.com. Mr. Norris is a nationally known Handi Capable Athlete and Motivational Speaker who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy just before his second birthday. James has a very strong Social Media presence across many Platforms and is a popular sought-after National Speaker. Mr. Norris is currently in his later thirties. HCF supports the health and wellness of all adaptive athletes nationwide, encouraging them to step out of their box, and face adversity with strength, courage, and resilience. Through scholarship funding, HCF is able to provide much needed funding for fitness memberships, athletic equipment, and travel for its adaptive athletic community.

You can support James and HCF by purchasing his book, Feeling Left Out, on Amazon or Author House.

Chase Delano Joins Ipswich-Rowley

Posted by Bob Wicks on Mar 06, 2023

Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is happy to announce that Chase Delano has joined the Rotary family.

A recent addition to the local scene, Chase already is making a significant impact on Ipswich and the wider community. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development, and currently serves as Executive Director of the Ipswich Partnership to which she brings broad experience in marketing, strategic partnerships, community building, and organizational development.

Chase is very engaged in the community as a member of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, the Essex County Beekeepers Association, the Ipswich Garden Club, and MAC Tennis (USTA league). She also volunteers at the Three Sisters Garden Project.

Danvers Rotary Calendar Fundraiser

Posted by Becky Kilborn on Mar 05, 2023

Danvers Rotary announces a fundraiser for April 2023. The calendar offers a prize or prizes for each day of the month in April. Purchase a calendar for $10 and you have 30 chances to win. The more tickets you purchase the more chances to win some great prizes. Each date offers cash or gift cards.

Calendars are available at Danvers YMCA, 34 Pickering Street, Danvers 978-774-2055. Or contact Becky Kilborn at bjkilborn@gmail.com or 508-641-7865. A drawing will be held each day and the winner will be notified. Got to www.danversrotary.org for more information. Click here to view calendar and prizes.

We are grateful for your help.

Follow Us to the Moon

Posted by Jackie Rapisardi on Mar 03, 2023

The Beverly Rotary Club is having its Spring Fundraiser, "Follow Us to the Moon!" on Friday, April 28th from 6:00 to 10:30 pm at Danversport Waterfront. This event is featuring HOWL 2GO, dueling pianos. This is an evening of song, dance and fun. Specific details are on the flyer. Proceeds will benefit the Charitable causes of the Beverly Rotary Foundation. This includes scholarships to high school seniors. The tickets are $70 each which includes admission, heavy hors oeuvres, dessert and coffee. There will be silent and brief live auctions, cash bar, raffles, a putting contest, and other special attractions.

For tickets, go to https://bit.ly/RotaryMoon. For more info, you can contact Jackie Rapisardi at rappy57@me.com. Download the flyer here.

Meet the Next RI President

Posted by Lori Karas on Feb 28, 2023

Join us at the Boston Marriott, Newton, MA on Friday, March 10, 2023! Hear first-hand from Rotary International President Elect, R. Gordon McInally.

NEPETS presents:
Dinner with Rotary International President Elect, R. Gordon McInally and his partner, Heather.
Friday, March 10, 2023
Cocktails at 5:00PM. Dinner at 6:00PM.
Boston Marriott, Newton, MA
https://nepets.ticketspice.com/ne-rotary-pets-2023-friday-dinner

Everyone who is interested in attending who is not already registered for NEPETS or anyone who is inviting a guest/partner/spouse to join them Friday night MUST register and pay online by 1PM on Friday March 10 -- no exceptions.

Ipswich River Watershed Legislative Breakfast

Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault on Feb 28, 2023

Join Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians and other supporters of our Ipswich River watershed in a Legislative Breakfast, Tuesday, March 14, 8:30 a.m., at the Fernwood Country Club, Middleton, MA. Past Trustee Julia Phelps will be speaking on behalf of TRF.

Our new Global Grant, Saving the Ipswich River and Watersheds is sponsoring this unique event. Join us to discuss water and climate resiliency issues facing our watershed and communities. State legislators from around the watershed will share their ideas about how to protect our rivers. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of their legislators about these important topics.

The cost for breakfast is $25. Link to register:
https://www.ipswichriver.org/events/legislative-breakfast-2023/.

Peabody Celebrates Black History Month

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Feb 23, 2023

Rotary Peabody ended its month-long celebration of Black History month with speaker Nicole McClain, founder and President of the North Shore Juneteenth Association, Inc. Her organization's mission is to spread awareness about the Juneteenth holiday, sharing positive images of Black American culture with the community and joining the fight to dismantle racism using events and programming as a tool for change. Her informative, revelatory talk renewed the Club's dedication to its DEI efforts, including plans to celebrate Black Americans and other BIPOC and marginalized groups throughout the year.

We encourage all Clubs to celebrate Juneteenth in their cities/towns. You can get more information on the North Shore Juneteenth Association here.

Chelsea Celebrates Member's 50th Year in Rotary

Posted by Douglas Mauch on Feb 21, 2023

The Rotary Club of Chelsea held a special evening meeting to celebrate Past President Allan I. Alpert’s 50 years as a Chelsea Rotarian. Joining Rotary in January 1973, Allan was the youngest member to join Rotary, three months short of his 24th birthday. After serving as Sergeant-at-Arms and Vice President, he was elected Club President, serving for the 1977–1978 Rotary year as the youngest President in the Club’s or District’s history. Coincidently, during Allan’s tenure as president, Chelsea Rotary celebrated its 50th anniversary at the former Caruso’s Diplomat in Saugus with over four hundred guests attending.

Allan, a three-time Paul Harris Fellow, was joined at the meeting by his wife Laraine, a Paul Harris Award recipient, son, daughter and two grandchildren, while two other sons and families joined us on Zoom.

Pictured here are President Rick Gopen and celebration chair, PP Juan Gallego, presenting Allan with a citation from the City of Chelsea celebrating his 50 years as a Chelsea Rotarian and his service to the community. The Club also presented Allan with a plaque and gavel commemorating his fifty years as a Rotarian.

Marblehead Harbor Welcomes New Members

Posted by Linda Doliber on Feb 21, 2023

The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor has inducted two new members, Julie Hahnke and Francie King. Julie is CEO of Cecropia Strong, a non-profit that assists people with physical disabilities to lead full lives. Francie is a published author and editor who has recently joined the leadership team of The Marblehead Current, Marblehead’s non-profit weekly newspaper. Both Julie and Francie transitioned from the club’s Service Membership to Active.

Pictured here are left to right: Don Doliber, Club Secretary; Julie Hahnke; President Jessica Barnett and Julie’s sponsor; Francie King; and Bob Erbetta, Francie’s husband and sponsor.

Be Bold-Get Cold Plunge, East Boston, Mar. 4

Posted by Vera Carducci on Feb 20, 2023

The Belle Isle Rotary Club and the Parkway Club are hosting a polar plunge Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the East Boston Yacht Club, 1 Rice Street, East Boston, MA 02128. Doors open 10am, plunge at 11am and good times, hot food, cash bar, raffles and prizes in a cozy yacht club on the water with a beautiful Boston skyline view to follow! The grill will be fired up and the music will be playing. Plenty of parking.

Don't want to plunge? Don't worry; come by anyway and join in on the fun. We'd be thrilled to have you join us.

Questions/RSVP to Joe Steffano 617-909-5382 or jes5678918@aol.com, Tom Hankard 781-454-7688 or tomhankard@yahoo.com, Vera Carducci 978-880-0390 or jes5678918@aol.com, Terry Rezendes Curran terrycurran7930@gmail.com.

Download the flyer here.

Salem Builds Beds for Children in Need

Posted by Jennifer Close on Feb 17, 2023

On Saturday, February 11 the Salem Rotary Club along with the EarlyAct Club from the Phoenix School built 10 twin beds for children in need of their own bed. The Salem Club was able to increase to 10 beds using District Grant funds.

At A Bed for Every Child, they believe sleep is just as essential as food, water, shelter, and clothing – and that all children deserve space to dream. If interested in learning more, check out abedforeverychild.org.

Arlington Polar Dip Video Coverage

Posted by Tim Kelley on Feb 16, 2023

On Saturday, January 28th members of the Arlington Rotary Club held its 3rd Annual Polar Dip at St. Camilla's Church lot. With no centralized Polar Plunge hosted by the District, Clubs are encouraged to create their own event to raise funds for polio eradication.

Four brave dippers plunged into the icy dunk tank. The club raised more than $2000, which will be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to help provide every child with the polio vaccine, and bring us closer to a polio-free world.

The event was covered by local cable ACMI. The video is available here and is a must see.

Rockport's Valentine's Senior Lunch Returns

Posted by Matt Wigton on Feb 15, 2023

Rockport Rotarians and senior citizens were ecstatic to enjoy the annual Valentine’s Luncheon for seniors once again! The event, in partnership with Rockport’s Fish Shack restaurant, had taken a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. This year included a delightful performance from Rockport High School’s Madrigals, handmade cards from Rockport Elementary School students and chocolates from Tuck’s Candy. The lunch is presented as a gift of love and community service from Rockport Rotary to the town’s seniors. According to club Co-President Janelle Favaloro, “the event was a great success and fun was had by all involved.”

Peabody's Taste of North Shore Returns March 14!

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Feb 14, 2023

Rotary Peabody's biggest fundraiser is just weeks away! We've booked more than 20 vendors so far for our Taste of the North Shore. Your raffle ticket includes 2 admissions, allowing you and a guest to enjoy an expansive array of food, beer and spirits - the best the North Shore has to offer! We sell no more than 300 raffle tickets to keep the odds in your favor. For information on the participating restaurants, our generous sponsors and how to purchase tickets, please click here. You can download the flyer here.

Join us at Danversport on Tuesday, March 14th @ 6PM to enjoy an evening in great company and even greater flavors!

Announcing a new DG District Grant match for TutuDesks

Posted by Alexander Falk on Feb 13, 2023

In the wake of our recent successful World Peace & Understanding Event, we are excited to announce a new DG District Grant to fund at least one, but possibly even two full production runs of 1,000 TutuDesks each. In the district grant spending plan that we just submitted to The Rotary Foundation, we've allocated a total amount of $10,000 for matching club donations to the TutuDesk Campaign.

All the funds already collected via the webinar registration as well as via the separate online donation link will be counted as club contributions and will be matched 1:1 with DDF (District Designated Funds).

In addition, we are asking Rotary Clubs that have already collected monies for TutuDesks to inform DG Alexander Falk and DRFC Joan Arsenault about the amounts you have raised, and to send those funds via check to District Treasurer Arthur Schwartz. For those clubs that have not yet decided to make a contribution: you can still get onboard and participate. Please make sure you inform us about the funds raised and send your contribution check no later than March 15th.

We are very excited to hear from you and hope that by using this DDF match we can make a huge positive impact on the lives of many children in sub-Saharan Africa!

DEI Webinar Recording on Implicit Bias

Posted by Alexander Falk on Feb 11, 2023

The Rotary District 7930 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee hosted a webinar on Unconscious Bias aka Implicit Bias on January 18, 2023, with Topic Expert Lt. Glen Mills of the Burlington Police Department.
The presentation was about Unconscious Bias, also known as Implicit Bias. Implicit Bias is a bias or prejudice that is present but not consciously held or recognized. All people have biases and some of these subconscious biases can go against what we consciously believe in. These implicit biases can influence our decision making and can lead to assumptions that are inaccurate or unfair, or to make decisions that are wrong. The presentation included an explanation of what implicit bias is, what research on the topic suggests, identifying one's own biases, and strategies to avoid bias-based decision making.

Click here to watch a recording of this webinar on YouTube.

2023 RYLA Registration is Open

Posted by Allie Foley on Feb 10, 2023

RYLA 2023—May 12–14! Applications Are Now Open!

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary International’s leadership training program for young people. Rotary District 7930 has a long-running annual program for high school students.

High school, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to attend a weekend-long event, where they learn life and leadership skills including goal setting, cultural understanding, problem solving, communication, public speaking, networking, community building, team building and more!

The cost for RYLA this year is $325 per student (typically paid by sponsoring Rotary Clubs), plus a $25 application fee (paid for by students).

Prospective students can apply by clicking here.

Help Wanted - District Treasurer & Registrar

Posted by Lori Karas on Feb 10, 2023

HELP WANTED –
District 7930 Assistant Treasurer

Do you have a passion for numbers? Do you have experience in cash handling, collections, accounting, and financial and tax reporting?
Then you may be a great candidate to learn and assist our current District Treasurer, Arthur Schwartz! Here is the full job description and how to apply to this role.

HELP WANTED –
District 7930 Registrar 2023-2024

Are you a wiz with ClubRunner? Are you excited by putting together the registration and marketing for events within your club? Do you like to attend and welcome those who attend the event?
Then you may be just the person we’re looking for to be the Registrar for the 2023-2024 Rotary year. Please reach out to Lori Karas, DGE at lori.karas@outlook.com.

Saving the Ipswich River & Watersheds Legislative Breakfast

Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault on Feb 10, 2023

Join Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians and other supporters of our Ipswich River watershed in a Legislative Breakfast, Tuesday, March 14, 8:30 a.m., at the Fernwood Country Club, Middleton, MA.

Our new Global Grant, Saving the Ipswich River and Watersheds is sponsoring this unique event. The cost for breakfast is $25. Here is a link to register.

World Peace & Understanding Webinar Recording: TutuDesk Campaign

Posted by Alexander Falk on Feb 09, 2023

February is World Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month. Our annual World Peace & Understanding event on February 8th has featured the TutuDesk Campaign. As I have visited all the clubs in our district, the one theme from my DG visit presentation that resonated the most with Rotarians all over the district was the TutuDesk Campaign, so it seemed appropriate to focus our World Peace & Understanding event on this topic.

The speaker lineup included Charlie Milner of the Marblehead Rotary Club, DG Randell Barclay of Rotary District 7870 (Southern VT & NH), as well as PDG Francis Callard from South Africa.

And we had a surprise visit from Rotary International President Jennifer Jones joining us for this amazing evening! What a treat!

If you missed the webinar and would like to donate one (or more) TutuDesks to a child in sub-Saharan Africa, please click on this link here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML5AXY2NVTDD3/checkout/CPHSHG53CJ54LLZMJQDPKDSV

After you've made your donation, please watch the webinar recording here on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/22f969IQTOg

Martini and Manhattan Dunk for Polio

Posted by Ingrid Brown on Feb 09, 2023

The Rockport Rotary Club really thought outside the box and had a Martini and Manhattan Dunk for Polio. It was well attended by the Club and a few District dignitaries.

We raised $1019 to help towards fulfillment of our promise to the children of the world that they will never get this horrible disease!

Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Posted by Alexander Falk on Feb 09, 2023

We have all been devastated by the images emerging from Turkey and Syria in the wake of these earthquakes that have, by the latest count, killed more than 21,000 people. This is one of the most important humanitarian crises of this new year 2023!

And Rotarians are asking: what can we do?

At his point in time, we have two ways for you to directly contribute - please pick whichever one make most sense to you:

1. You can give directly to our Rotary partner ShelterBox, who is mounting a massive emergency shelter response program in the area: https://shelterbox.org/turkey-earthquake/

2. You can give to the Rotary International Disaster Response Fund, which will soon be targeting Turkey and Syria as designated areas for help: https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund

No matter which way you decide to give, your contributions are greatly appreciated and will help the people in those affected areas. Thank you for opening your heart to helping the people affected by those earthquakes!

Looking for Ways to Raise Funds for Polio?

Posted by Terry Curran on Feb 09, 2023

Is your club looking for a way to raise funds for Polio? Look no further. Join the Belle Isle and Parkway Rotary Clubs at the East Boston Yacht Club on March 4 at 11:00 am to go down the ramp into the Boston Harbor "Bay of Pigs."

I don't know how the yacht club got this name, perhaps it's the Cuba Libres and Pina Coladas they serve. We'll be serving hot coffee and cocoa after the dunk. We'll also be having a potluck so we can socialize with the other Rotarians and Interactors.

Download flyer here. RSVP to Tom Hankard of Belle Isle or Terry Curran of Parkway. Please let them know if you are bringing Interactors.

So Join Us!!!

Burlington Breakfast Donation to People Helping People

Posted by Fran Fazio on Feb 06, 2023

Burlington Breakfast Rotary made a donation of much needed toiletries to People Helping People on Monday, Feb. 6. Many boxes of shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body wash, toothpaste, toilet tissue, tissues and baby wipes were brought to their new facility on Murray Ave., Burlington.

People Helping People is a nonprofit organization that oversees the Burlington Community Food Pantry, the Burlington Covenant for Basic Needs and the Holiday Program. Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club supports this worthy cause throughout the year. What a wonderful service People Helping People gives to those in need in our community!

No Mow May

Posted by William Reilly on Feb 06, 2023

On February 2, 2023, Alex Pedro, owner of Plants by Pedro, spoke at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Lynn. He spoke about the various pollinators in our environment and the need to “help” them survive. He said: “We are all familiar with the common bee, yet there are numerous other pollinators. Basically, any insect that flies can be considered one.” If an insect is attracted to a flowering plant, then it is considered to be a pollinator.

One way we can help them survive is to allow our lawns to grow without cutting it or treating the lawn with harsh chemicals. By not cutting or treating the lawn, we allow it to grow longer and let flowering weeds grow, or wildflowers. This allows the pollinators to help the flowers grow which can help the vegetable, and fruit plants to grow to maturity. Without the pollinators in the environment, we would not have as many fruits and vegetables. We have all heard of the need for apple orchard owners to rent beehives to help with the pollination. The need to rent the hives is because of a bee shortage.

During his talk he stressed that people should live by the motto of: No Mow May! If we all did that it would help the environment! Why No Mow May? Because when you mow the lawns of your homes in May (in northern climates), it removes habitat and nutrients for bees and other pollinators that are emerging from underground winter homes. He left us with this closing message: “Keep in mind that there are four simple ways to protect pollinators: Grow pollinator friendly flowers; Provide nest sites; Avoid pesticides; and Spread the word”.

Boston Rotaract Rebuild

Posted by Sarah Furie on Feb 03, 2023

We're happy to share our wonderful turnout for the first meeting of the new year. As we are a group of young adults, aged 18 and up, we attract passionate undergrad students to our club. At our meeting we had students from multiple schools in the Boston area and some who are studying abroad right now. Most have volunteered with Rotary in some way before (Interact, Rotaract, or a Student Exchange program). Since we're always looking to build membership, we would appreciate you spreading the word about our club. Please share about the club with your neighbors, friends, and colleagues.

Our next meeting is set for Tuesday, February 7th at 7 p.m. at the Star Market next to the TD Garden on Causeway Street, Boston. If you're interested in more information, please email bostonrotaract.membership@gmail.com.

Peabody's Taste of North Shore Returns March 14

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Feb 02, 2023

There are only a few more days to sponsor Rotary Peabody's biggest fundraiser: Taste of the North Shore. We have several levels of sponsors still available. Each sponsor appears on our Taste website (https://peabodyrotarytaste.com/), social media and gets mentioned during the event. It is a great opportunity for exposure for your company or organization. Deadline for sponsorship is February 8.

Want to support us but aren't able to sponsor? Buy your $100 raffle ticket at https://peabodyrotarytaste.com/ . Your ticket includes 2 admissions where you and a guest can sample amazing flavors from more than 20 vendors of food and spirits, plus your chance to win $10,000.

Join us on Tuesday, March 14th, 6PM at Danversport for food, drinks and fun!

Somerville Sponsored Global Grant Scholar Shares Research

Posted by David Worzala on Feb 01, 2023

The Somerville Club hosted Rotary Global Grant Scholar Yumeka Kawahara at its meeting in January. Her talk was titled “How Refugees in the US learn about American Racism.” It was very informative and sparked a great conversation among members of the club.

Consistent with the Rotary focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Ms. Kawahara’s presentation reminded us that many refugees to this country have little knowledge of US diversity, racial and ethnic relations, or racism prior to arrival. Once here, schools, social media, and workplace experiences were the primary places that people learned about diversity. While the study identified shortcomings in how we educate newcomers about American society, nearly all of the participants in the study viewed the United States as the “land of opportunity.”

As a Rotary Global Grant Scholar, Ms. Kawahara was sponsored by the Sapporo East Rotary Club of Japan and hosted by the Somerville Rotary Club. She will graduate from the Fletcher School of International Relations in May and undertook the study as part of her graduate degree.

The purpose of the Rotary Global Grant Scholar program is to further international understanding and peaceful relations among people of different international backgrounds. The Somerville Club is proud to have coordinated with the Sapporo club, and other clubs worldwide, to sponsor many students over the years.

Pictured here are Global Grant Scholar Yumeka Kawahara and Somerville Rotary President David Worzala.

Manchester-Essex Receives Membership Committee Citation

Posted by Alexander Falk on Feb 01, 2023

District Governor Alexander Falk visited the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club today, February 1^st, and presented President Jack Costello and Membership Chair (and President-Elect) Tim Collins with the District Membership Committee Citation Certificate for completing the new Membership Citation program.

In addition all club members received the new Membership Committee Citation pin!

Manchester-Essex is the first Rotary Club in our District 7930 to be recognized this way. If you want to learn more about the membership citation program, and how you can implement this in your club, please read this article.

Lynn Presents Recognition Certificates to 8th Graders

Posted by William Reilly on Jan 31, 2023

On January 26, 2023, the Rotary Club of Lynn continued with its tradition of recognizing 8th grade students from Lynn Schools. These are students who have struggled with some adversity during the school year or have shown empathy toward others in an outstanding way.

Stoneham's Valentine's Card Project

Posted by David Gardner on Jan 31, 2023

Rotary Club of Stoneham’s members and their guests met at Stoneham Community Television studios for their bi-weekly luncheon meeting.

Attendees wrote messages on hundreds of Valentine's Day cards graciously donated by Boyd’s Direct to be delivered to clients at Bear Hill Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Life Care Center of Stoneham, Arnold House, Fuller House, Stoneham Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Hope for Boston’s Homeless and the Bridge Recovery Center, along with several other agencies. “Our combined efforts will put a smile on the faces of each of the recipients who may not receive another message like the ones we wrote,” said President David Gardner (Boyd’s Direct). “Everyone’s time and compassion will have a positive impact on those who are often forgotten.”

President Gardner thanked Membership Chair Craig Celli (Century 21 Celli) for planning this event and for his efforts to grow the Club’s membership and to introduce Rotary to more community members. He also thanked Executive Director Amy Palmerino and Stoneham TV for hosting the meeting.

Our guests included Dave’s wife Joni, Senior Center Director Kristen Spence, Boys and Girls Club Substance Use Prevention Program Director Elizabeth Valett, and Frank and Lois Gould from Hope for Boston’s Homeless. It was so great to have them join us in this community project.

Ipswich-Rowley Food Drive Exceeds Expectations

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jan 31, 2023

During its annual January Food Drive, Ipswich-Rowley Rotary collected 1,368 pounds of much needed food items for The Open Door's Ipswich Community Food Pantry. This total is 300 pounds, or about 30%, above what the club collected in 2022.

Pressure on food pantries increased significantly during the pandemic, and that demand was accelerated even further by above average food price inflation during the past year. "We are happy to partner with The Open Door to help our neighbors in need," said Chris Davis, Service Projects chair for Ipswich-Rowley Rotary.

The Rotary Club is grateful to our members, and to everyone, who donated so generously. We also thank our community partner organizations for providing drop off locations which are so vital to the collection process. This year’s collection partners were The Institution for Savings, Bank Gloucester, Brookline Bank, MAC Fitness, and the Ipswich Family YMCA.

Is your Club DEI Certified?

Posted by David Hart on Jan 31, 2023

As our Rotary Year 22-23 hit the mid-point you still have time to submit your Club’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion citation and score sheet.

Most Clubs have found that when they review the Citation requirements (25 suggested action steps, Club must achieve 13 of the 25 for certification) that the Club has already achieved some of the action steps.

Your Club has until June 30, 2023, to review and submit your DEI Citation score sheet for certification. Please fill out your scoresheet and email to David Hart DEI Committee Chair and District Governor Alex.

DEI Citation and Score Sheet documents are available on the District 7930 DEI web page.

Please click on this link: https://rotary7930.org/sitepage/dei.

If you would like someone from the DEI Committee to come and speak to your Club, please contact David Hart, DEI Committee Chair at davidhart4251@gmail.com to arrange a date and time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact David Hart at davidhart4251@gmail.com or at 781-718-7799.

Arlington Gifts Drone to Police Department

Posted by Tim Kelley

Arlington Rotary recently purchased a drone for the Arlington Police Department. The donation was funded in part with a grant from Rotary District 7930.

The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drone will be used by officers for emergency calls for service such as water or ice rescues and to search for missing persons. Arlington Chief of Police Julie Flaherty said: “We are grateful to President Buckley and the District 7930 Arlington MA Rotary Club for this donation to the department and to the town. Drones are a valuable asset to a police department for many purposes, and we will put the equipment to good use. The Arlington Police Department has had many valuable experiences with the Rotary Club, and their support of their community is inspiring and appreciated.”

Arlington Rotary President Paul Buckley stated: “Arlington Rotary is proud to be donating a Mavik 3 Thermal drone to the Arlington Police Department to assist them in keeping our town safe. The drone will allow them to monitor and search areas in a more efficient and safer manner. We were able to do this as part of a Rotary District Grant. With past search issues on land and in water, it will be good to know our police have modern tools to assist them.”

Melrose to Host Left-Center-Right Tourney

Posted by James Oosterman on Jan 23, 2023

The Melrose Rotary Club is hosting another Left-Right-Center Tournament on Saturday evening, March 11th at Melrose's Memorial Hall Building, 590 Main St., Melrose. If you've played the game with friends or family, you know how much fun it can be! If you've never played before, it takes under 3 minutes to learn, and no skill is required - just a willingness to have lots of fun and hope for a good roll of the dice!

Our event last September was a huge success, and members from other clubs also came to see what it was all about! Tables for this next tournament started selling as soon as we announced the date! The entry fee is only $20, so bring a full table of 10 and have a great night out with your friends or come and make new friends! In addition to cash prizes, a cash bar & food are available, and we'll have some super raffle baskets, too. See the attached flyer for information. Use the link or the QR Code on the flyer to get your tickets. Or click here for tickets.

TutuDesks: Creating a Seat at the Table of Education in Africa

Posted by Rosie Segil on Jan 22, 2023

Marblehead Rotary's Charlie Milner recognizes that education is the pathway to economic mobility and a proven tool for solving global poverty. This outlook has been the focus of the Lillydale Literacy Project, a nonprofit organization; he and his wife, Toby, have invested 24 years of community service in furthering education in South Africa's rural communities.

So, imagine Charlie's excitement when he came across a TutuDesk! The learning environment influences the quality of education a child receives. And a healthy learning environment means adequate school supplies, sufficient learning materials, such as books, pencils, and writing pads, and a roof where education can happen. But what does a desk have to do with delivering effective education? 95 million children in sub-Saharan Africa need a working desk at school. Unfortunately, most of these schools have little to nothing. If children had desks to use while studying, it would be much easier to pay attention to the content, do their homework, and more. Charlie explained, "the lack of basic resources like desks holds learners back from achieving even a basic education."

Virtual Winter Rotary Leadership Institute

Posted by Linda Doliber on Jan 16, 2023

Registration is now open for the Virtual Winter Rotary Leadership Institute two-night session February 28 and March 2, 6-9 p.m.

Do you want to enhance your Rotary experience and learn how expand your service to be a more effective member? Parts I, II, III and Graduate will be offered (and must be taken in order). Sessions are open to all Rotarians and Rotaractors...whether or not they are currently serving as club officers or on the club leadership track.

Led by a select group of trained facilitators, sessions are focused on the interplay of participant comments and not offered via a lecture format. RLI is also open to Rotarians from outside our District. Register early in anticipation of an energetic, exciting exchange of ideas and information from a wide group of new, as well as “experienced,” Rotarians.

RLI’s dynamic curriculum and the registration page can be found on the RLI website, rlinea.org. Cost for the two-part session is $25.

To register, please go to rlinea.org and look at the list of Upcoming Classes on the left side, then click on "More Info" under the RLI NEA Seminar - Dist 7930-Wakefield, MA-Virtual (2 evenings) event.

Looking for sponsors and program book ads for our 3 District Conference

Posted by Alexander Falk on Jan 15, 2023

We are looking for local businesses in our district to sponsor the upcoming 3 District Conference on April 22 at the Burlington Marriott. This is a great opportunity to get your name not just in front of Rotarians in our own district, but spread your reach into Rotary District 7910 (Central Massachusetts) and Rotary District 7890 (Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut).

Please click here for detailed information on available sponsorship opportunities as well as program book ads...

Arlington Rotary's 3rd Annual Polar Dip

Posted by Paul Buckley on Jan 13, 2023

On Saturday, January 28th members of Arlington Rotary will be hosting its 3rd Annual Polar Dip. Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world.

If you or your club are interested in joining the dip please reach out to Paul Buckley at arlingtonrotary6603@gmail.com.

To donate click here.

Lynn Rotarian, Fire Chief Steve Archer Retires

Posted by William Reilly on Jan 11, 2023

After almost 29 years serving the city of Lynn in the Fire Department, Chief Steve Archer has decided to retire. He was sworn in as Chief in February 2018, and gave the city 5 years as Chief. During that time, he started a Youth Fire Academy to introduce to the young people of Lynn to the possibility of becoming a Fire Fighter.

He is turning over to his replacement, Chief Daniel Sullivan, a very solid fire department. As an aside, his brother Graham is Fire Chief in Swampscott. It was the only situation in Massachusetts where brothers in adjoining communities held the position of Fire Chief simultaneously.

Chief Stephen Archer will continue as a Rotarian with the Lynn Club, he wants to continue to serve the community. He has committed to be the Chair of the Dictionary Project for the Club. The past Chair, James Harris, has retired and moved to New Hampshire. Stephen and his wife Susan have been regular volunteers with the Club since becoming a Rotarian a few years ago.

Winchester Interact Belts and Bags Drive

Posted by Kurt Heisler on Jan 11, 2023

Winchester High School Interact club kicked off January with a Belts and Bags drive to benefit Quincy C.O.P.E.

Join in giving by using this easy Amazon wish list which can be found here.

Thanks for your support!

Winchester Supports Mission of Deeds and Housing Authority

Posted by Kurt Heisler on Jan 11, 2023

The Winchester Rotary Club designated Mission of Deeds in Reading as their holiday charity. We held a virtual coat drive that delivered over 100+ coats, and our blanket drive purchased 22 blankets, 53 comforters, and 59 sets of sheets.

Mission of Deeds gives beds, furniture, and household items, free of charge, to people in need. They help people throughout Middlesex and Essex Counties, Massachusetts as well as in the Suffolk County communities of Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.

In addition, this holiday season Members and Interactors delivered holiday dinners to the Winchester Housing Authority.

Peabody's Taste of North Shore

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Jan 11, 2023

Peabody Rotary's biggest fundraiser of the year returns at Danversport on Tuesday, March 14th. We invite everyone to enjoy some of the best food and drinks the North Shore has to offer while helping us support our community and its students. Tickets are $100 and include 2 admissions to the event and one entry to our limited raffle for a grand prize of $10,000.

Click here to buy tickets, get sponsorship information and see our growing roster of participants!

Funds raised will provide scholarships to deserving students and community improvement projects (see www.rotarypeabody.org for more info). Join us knowing you can do good while having a great time!

Rotary Peabody Joins Forces for Ellis Square Friends

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Jan 11, 2023

The Peabody Rotary Club partnered with North Shore Women in Business to donate to the Ellis Square Friends in Beverly. NSWiB matched all contributing donations, which, when combined with Peabody's donation and other raised funds, gave $1,084 to the Ellis Square Friends. This money will feed 200 people who are in need of food during the winter months.

Ellis Square Friends is based in Beverly and works to provide food and supplies to those experiencing homelessness or great need in the area of Ellis Square.

District Wide Military Veterans Club

Posted by Peter Majane on Jan 10, 2023

Our Rotary District 7930 Membership Committee is contemplating the potential creation of a District Wide Military Veterans Club, and we are trying to gauge the level of interest in this project amongst the Rotarians in our district. This club would serve Military Veterans and Non-Veterans who want to both assist veterans and participate in humanitarian projects.

A potential mission statement for this club could read: "Serving past & present members of the armed forces and their families by identifying their unmet needs and participating in other humanitarian projects locally, regionally and internationally and to advance goodwill and peace around the world."

If you are interested in this idea or would like to be part of a committee that further explores this idea, or would like to join such a club, or have friends or family members whom you think might want to join such a club, please contact District Membership Committee Co-Chair Peter Majane.

For an example of how an existing Rotary Veterans Club in Minnesota works, please click this link to view/download their brochure.

John Herth Joins Ipswich-Rowley

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jan 09, 2023

Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is happy to announce that John Herth of Rowley has joined our club, joining his wife Diane who sits on our Board of Directors. Before moving to Rowley in 2020, John was a member of the Cohasset Rotary Club.

While a member of the Cohasset club, John’s primary focus was in heading up the course setup and breakdown for the ‘Cohasset Road Race by the Sea’, an annual fundraising event that attracted over 1000 runners. In Ipswich, he regularly delivers free meals to struggling families as part of our club’s quarterly ‘Ipswich Dinner Bell’ service.

John has been and continues to be an active church leader. For several years while in Cohasset, he cooked meals monthly for a church project that prepares and freezes food for distribution to those in need on the South Shore. He also has served as a Trustee for his condo associations in both Cohasset and Rowley.

Rotary Theme for 2023-24 announced: Create Hope in the World

Posted by Alexander Falk on Jan 09, 2023

Rotary International President-elect R. Gordon R. McInally called for members to capture the world's attention and lead the way toward possibilities far beyond our current expectations.

McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland, revealed the 2023-24 presidential theme, Create Hope in the World, during the Rotary International Assembly in Orlando, FL on January 9th. He urged members to promote peace in troubled nations, help those affected by conflict, and maintain the momentum of initiatives begun by past leaders.

"The goal is to restore hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves," McInally said at Rotary's annual training event for incoming district governors.

Click here to read further details on the MyRotary website and also watch a video of his keynote address announcing the new theme.

ClubRunner Essentials Webinar Recording

Posted by Alexander Falk on Jan 06, 2023

On January 6^th, the District 7930’s Public Image and Technology Committee hosted a webinar on ClubRunner Essentials open to all clubs in our District (whether you currently use ClubRunner or not).

A representative from ClubRunner shared tips on how to save time on administrative duties, increase communication and engagement, and build a stronger membership culture, all within the ClubRunner platform.

The webinar was recorded and is now available to all interested participants, but we especially encourage Club leadership, secretaries, and webmasters to watch:

https://youtu.be/HSOrVu1E9go

D7930 Inbound Global Scholars Available as Speakers

Posted by Lori Becker on Jan 06, 2023

Are you looking for an interesting speaker? Reach out to one of 7930’s Inbound Global Scholars today!

Did you know that we have five Inbound Global Scholars in our District?

We do! They are ready to come to your club to talk about their experiences and lives at home and abroad! Our scholars are here on Global Grant Scholarships which are funded by The Rotary Foundation.

Which colleges are the scholars attending?

Our current group is enrolled in graduate programs at Harvard Law School, Tufts University, Fletcher School at Tufts and Harvard Medical School.

What are they studying?

Their areas of expertise are really interesting and include International Relations, European Law, Refugee Integration and Global Governance and The Impact of Environmental Factors on Women’s and Men’s Health.

DEI Discussion Series -- Jan. 18

Posted by David Hart on Jan 04, 2023

The Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee is hosting a discussion on Unconscious Bias A/K/A Implicit Bias.

Wednesday January 18, 2023

7:00PM – 8:30PM

On Zoom

Topic Expert: Lt. Glen Mills, Burlington Police Department

The presentation will be about Unconscious Bias, also known as Implicit Bias. Implicit Bias is a bias or prejudice that is present but not consciously held or recognized. All people have biases and some of these subconscious biases can go against what we consciously believe in. These implicit biases can influence our decision making and can lead to assumptions that are inaccurate or unfair, or to make decisions that are wrong. This presentation will include an explanation of what implicit bias is, what research on the topic suggests, identifying one's own biases and strategies to avoid bias-based decision making.

To Register click here. Download flyer here.

Congratulations Pooja Singla DGND (DG 2025-26)

Posted by Alexander Falk on Jan 01, 2023

In November, the nomination committee selected Pooja Singla, from the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club as the District Governor Nominee Designee (DGND). An eBulletin went out to the entire District in November indicating her selection and asking for any challenges. No challenges were submitted by any club in our District by the December 31^st deadline.

Therefore, we are excited to announce that Pooja Singla has been elected to be the DGND for District 7930 and will serve as our District Governor 2025-26!

We are excited to have you join the team!! Congratulations Pooja!

BIO:

Pooja Singla is a Management Consultant since 2017 helping Non-Profit organizations in Metro Boston area. She has several years of working experience in multidisciplinary domains of non-profit environment, banking, healthcare, higher education institute and government offices, in the areas of administration, management, marketing, Information technology, and research and development (R&D). Pooja has a track record of developing successful programs and maintaining strong relationships with internal/external clients. She has also been recognized for her team work. She is the Chairperson of her organization’s Technology Committee and is a member of the Marketing Committee as well. She trains the consultants onboarding for their technology needs.

World Peace & Understanding: TutuDesk Campaign

Posted by Alexander Falk on Dec 31, 2022

February is World Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month. The annual World Peace & Understanding event on February 8^th has been moved to a Zoom webinar and our topic will be the TutuDesk Campaign. As I have visited all the clubs in our district, the one theme from my DG visit presentation that resonated the most with Rotarians all over the district was the TutuDesk Campaign, so it seems appropriate to focus our World Peace & Understanding event on this topic. The speaker lineup includes Charlie Milner of the Marblehead Rotary Club, DG Randell Barclay of Rotary District 7870 (Southern VT & NH), as well as PDG Francis Callard from South Africa.

Registration is open for this event - please click here to register - and even though the event is online, there is a $20 registration fee, which coincidentally is the price of one TutuDesk. Simply put, by attending the event you are providing one TutuDesk to a child in sub-Saharan Africa.

Chelsea Presents Robert C. Wood Memorial Heroes Award

Posted by Douglas Mauch on Dec 29, 2022

The Rotary Club of Chelsea presented the Robert C. Wood Memorial Heroes Award to Shelagh Mahoney and Joe McNamee of Eastern Minerals Inc. Rotary District 7930 Governor Alexander Falk recognized Shelagh and Joe for being “Heroes Among Us” and presented them with a Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) recognition certification and pin. Assisting Alexander with the presentation was Chelsea Rotary Club Past President Joe Vinard and current President Rick Gopen.

Rotary Peabody Gifts NSCAP Elder Bags

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Dec 27, 2022

Rotary Peabody's growing annual tradition of putting together gift bags for NSCAP (North Shore Community Action Programs) continued this year as they spent one of their regular December meetings stuffing gift bags filled with warm-weather essentials and more. For the past 6 years the Club has been donating items, filling bags and giving them to NSCAP to their program participants. As the need grows, so has the Club's efforts. Starting at about 25 bags, the Club stuffed and donated nearly 50 bags to help senior citizens get through the winter this year.

Reading's Adopt-a-Family Project

Posted by Tim Kelley on Dec 21, 2022

Each year Reading Rotary partners with ReadingCares and the Town of Reading to run the Adopt-a-Family project at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Christmas distribution day was December 21. These community partners coordinate this long-standing community giving program. Receiving families are matched anonymously with donor families and/or groups to provide meal and gifts at Christmas and meals at Thanksgiving. Donors drop off in the first shift, then recipient families pick up their food and gifts during a later shift.

This year there were approximately 60 families in need and donor families/groups were matched to provide Christmas gifts and holiday meals to these families anonymously. Reading Rotary’s efforts were coordinated by Rotarian Sasha DiPietro. Special thanks to Betsy Schneider of ReadingCares and Kerry Valle of Reading’s Elder and Human Services Department for their work in organizing this program.

This is a truly inspirational and humbling event to see the community come together to help others. The generosity of the donors is overwhelming as evidenced by the many smiling faces as well as some tears of thanks. Reading Rotary is proud of and grateful for its partners ReadingCares and the Town of Reading in this community giving event. A huge thank you to all the donor families and groups. Their generosity makes this all possible. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Pictured here are volunteers from ReadingCares, Reading Rotary, the Town of Reading at the December Adopt-a-Family pick up at the DPW garage.

Housing Needed for Ukrainian Refugee Family

Posted by Tim Kelley on Dec 21, 2022

Housing is sought for a Ukrainian refugee family. They are currently staying temporarily with a Brookline Rotarian and seek permanent housing.

This is a young couple who have been sheltering in Austria for the last year. They have a 3-year-old daughter with special needs. They are looking for a house or apartment on the first floor (or in an elevator building), preferably with few or no stairs to get into the building, because the special orthopedic stroller for their daughter is very heavy.

They also have a small, well-behaved dog, under 30 pounds. And they do have a car.

They will be going to Children's Hospital and possibly also Spaulding Rehab for medical services and physical therapy for their daughter.

Their budget is $3000 per month.

Please contact Joyce Graff for more information or with any leads.

Lynnfield Presents Genealogy Speaker

Posted by Christine Travers on Dec 16, 2022

Lynnfield Rotary invites you to a program on genealogy on Jan. 26 at 6 pm at Sheraton Four Points. Features is nationally known professional genealogical researcher Michael Brophy. Dinner will be served at $35 per person. Click here to register to attend. Email info@lynnfieldrotary.com for more information.

Michael Brophy MBA is a nationally known, professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist, and lecturer from the Boston area. He has served as Program Director and Publicity Director for the Massachusetts Genealogical Council. He was the first Treasurer of the New England of Association of Professional Genealogists. Mike earned an MBA degree from Suffolk University and a BBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Mike was featured on the Irish TV series Dead Money, a genealogy TV show about heir searchers. In 2010, Mr. Brophy was hired to conduct research for the NBC television program "Who Do You Think You Are?" on an episode dedicated to the family history of actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Mike has lectured on a wide variety of genealogy subjects worldwide and specializes in New England and Irish genealogy subjects. His genealogy education includes seven certificates from the Institute of Genealogy and Historic Research (IGHR) and certificates in Private Investigation and Advanced Forensic Genealogy from Boston University.

Chelsea Bell Ringing for Salvation Army

Posted by Douglas Mauch on Dec 16, 2022

Members of the Chelsea Rotary Club supported the local Salvation Army by ringing the bell at the Salvation Army Kettle located at the local Market Basket.

The Salvation Army relies on money raised in the Kettles to service more than 25 million people in need per year.

Music for All at Lynnfield Holiday Luncheon

Posted by Peg Sallade on Dec 14, 2022

On Thursday, December 8, Lynnfield Rotary hosted its annual Holiday Luncheon at the Colonial Sheraton. Guests and new members were treated to a performance by the Lynnfield High School choral group under the direction of Douglas Hodgkins. The crowed enjoyed a medley of holiday music well sung by these talented students! Rotary used the special occasion to invite guests and new members to the club and to discuss service projects for the spring.

Happy Holidays to all!

Lynnfield Honors Fall Athletes

Posted by Peg Sallade on Dec 14, 2022

Lynnfield Rotary hosted its annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner at the Salem Country Club for the rival football teams of Lynnfield and North Reading. Shown here are the football captains, cheer captains, band and Rotary Interact Club members from both schools. The dinner recognizes the time-honored, good-natured rivalry between the two schools. Sportsmanship, camaraderie and service is the model of the day. Both teams were sent off to the field with good wishes for all, and the cheer squad and band members set the spirit for the day! Congratulations to both teams for a game well played.

Lynnfield Turkey Trot a Huge Success

Posted by Peg Sallade on Dec 14, 2022

The Lynnfield Rotary Club had a successful 5k Turkey Trot fundraiser on November 20, 2023. In fact, this year we partnered with the Lynnfield Moms Group (LMG) to honor the memory of their friend Julie Routhier, who passed away in September after a brief battle with a very aggressive cancer. She left behind a husband and three young children. Their hope was to raise funds to help other such families in the community that face the devastating loss of a loved one so suddenly. Over 300 community members turned out to run/walk and a good time was had by all. Our President, Christine Travers, even wore a Turkey Costume in honor of the race's namesake. Lynnfield Rotary would like to thank all the volunteers and families that came out to support our efforts as well as our sponsors and donors.

Retired 4 Star General Visits Marblehead

Posted by Rosie Segil on Dec 13, 2022

At a recent luncheon, Marblehead Rotary members were honored to be in the presence of several veterans who served respectively in Vietnam, the Gulf, and Afghanistan. This band of brothers came out to support our speaker, David D. McKiernan, retired United States Army four-star general who served in Afghanistan as Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

McKiernan briefly outlined the challenges of our military but also highlighted his connections with the town of Marblehead and Rotary. Did you know his uncle was the late Marblehead artist Thomas D. McKiernan? Although Tom held a long career in Foreign Service, he was an oil and watercolorist, active in Marblehead as a member of the art guild who painted our local architecture and harbors. Through this association, David had fond memories of his visit to our town, which he, and his wife, Carmen, now calls home! In addition, he acknowledged the good work of Rotarians—her daughter was a recipient of a Rotary scholarship to St. Andrew's University in Scotland. For years, academic and performing arts scholarships have been Marblehead Rotary's primary giving to our community and students. It was a delightful afternoon. We wish our veterans the best in their retirement to civilian lives and thank them for their years of service.

Arlington Helps with First Lights Ceremony

Posted by Dan Ellard on Dec 12, 2022

The Arlington Rotary helped the Arlington Chamber of Commerce distribute cookies, hot chocolate, and glow sticks to hundreds of attendees at Arlington's First Light celebration on the evening of Thursday December 1st. In addition, Arlington gathering donations of mittens, gloves, socks, and other articles of warm clothing to be donated to local charities.

Pictured here are Rotarians and Chamber members gathering donations at the event.

Ipswich-Rowley Remembers Bill Nelson and Paul Tardiff

Posted by Bob Wicks on Dec 12, 2022

Ipswich-Rowley Rotary mourns the loss of two friends and long-time Rotarians who departed us in 2022, Bill Nelson and Paul Tardiff.

Paul Tardiff joined Rotary in 1979 and served as club President in 1982-83. Paul was very active during his Rotary years, attending our meetings and events regularly, serving on committees, and contributing generously to the Rotary Foundation, where he was a Major Donor. Friends remember how he always brightened the room with his infectious smile and good humor, and that he was a leader in the club during the 1980’s and 90’s when he served regularly on the club’s Board of Directors. Paul was a multiple Paul Harris Award recipient, which recognizes his service and generosity to the Foundation.

Paul was an avid car collector and restorer, winning many awards as a member of the North Shore Corvette Club. Following graduation from Bishop Fenwick High School, he was inducted into their athletic hall of fame. Paul served in the Naval Reserve and was an avid skier. His beloved wife Beverly, to whom he was married for 54 years, was a frequent participant at club events.

In-Person RYLA is Back May 12-14

Posted by Christina Harris on Dec 09, 2022

District 7930 is excited to announce that RYLA is back, live and in person, on May 12-14 at Camp Rotary in Boxford. COVID forced cancelation of the traditional RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) since 2020. RYLA is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where young people can develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections.

The RYLA leadership team including RYLA Alumni have been meeting and planning the re-launch of RYLA as the traditional weekend retreat. In addition, RYLA will be returning to Camp Rotary after its renovation (which had required temporary relocation to New Hampshire.)

Club Presidents and Club RYLA Chairs please note you will be receiving more detailed information soon. The RYLA flyer can be downloaded here.

Please spread the word to all RYLA Alumni you can. RYLA Alumni are sought to give their input. A flyer for RYLA Alumni can be downloaded here. This flyer has a QR code for a survey. The direct link to the survey is here.

For more information see the RYLA page or contact RYLA Chair Christina Harris.

Reading Community Garden to Benefit Food Pantry

Posted by Jeanne Borawski

At their meeting on December 5, Reading Rotary was delighted to hear a presentation from Reading Community Garden steering committee member Cathy Zeek and Reading Food Pantry Board Member Simone Payment. The women shared plans for a planned expansion of the Community Garden on public land at the Mattera Cabin site on north Main Street next spring. Rotary is donating $6,000 to the creation of the Food Pantry's Community Garden plot. District 7930 will also support this project as one of its approved District Grants.

The presentation focused on the creation of a large garden that will produce vegetables dedicated to clients of the Reading Food Pantry. This garden plot will be tended by local volunteers and all produce will be given away to residents struggling with food insecurity.

Reading Rotary Co-President Sheila Clarke says, “This is such an exciting project for Rotary to be part of. We are thrilled to have a meaningful impact on improving access to healthy, fresh food for all residents.” Co-President John Douglass agrees: “The Rotary Club not only plans to support this project financially to buy supplies and materials, but our members will also be out there this spring getting our hands dirty actually building the garden.”

Pictured here are Reading Rotary Co-Presidents Sheila Clarke and John Douglass, Cathy Zeek from Reading Community Garden Steering Committee and Symone Payment, Reading Food Pantry Board.

Your Questions Answered at Rotary Learning Center

Posted by Tim Kelley on Dec 02, 2022

Have you ever asked yourself where you can find out answers to many questions about all things Rotary?

Well, you are in luck. Rotary International has a Learning Center which offers many online courses/modules with information about all aspects of Rotary.

All these courses are E-Learning. They consist of videos that you can review from the convenience of your computer. Catalog areas include: About Rotary; Club Leadership; District Leadership; General Membership; Professional Development; Public Image; Service; Rotary Foundation; Trainer.

The Learning Center can be found here. You will need to login with your My Rotary login. If you do not already have one, you can follow the prompts to register.

Lynn Hosts 100th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Luncheon

Posted by William Reilly on Nov 28, 2022

The 100th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Football Luncheon, hosted by the Lynn Rotary Club, was held on Tuesday November 22, 2022, at the Lynn Knights of Columbus. The luncheon brings together Captains from the five Lynn High School football teams for a friendly gathering before the Thanksgiving games. Also included were the Cheerleader Captains and the Band Director. The event Chairperson Sean Reid said: “Even though there is this tremendous long-standing rivalry we are still one Lynn.” This year marks the 108th Thanksgiving game between Classical and English! In 2021 Classical won the game on the last play of double overtime with a field goal!

This luncheon was started in 1920 when only Classical and English High Schools existed, now there are five High Schools: Classical, English, Technical Vocational, St. Mary’s and KIPP Academy. It is thought that some of the boys at the first luncheon had fathers who did not survive World War I, and it was a way for Rotary to remember them. There would have been 100 continuous luncheons in 2020 if it were not for COVID.

Winchester Woburn Annual Football Captains' Lunch

Posted by Kurt Heisler on Nov 28, 2022

Over 70 people joined the Winchester and Woburn Rotary Clubs' annual Football Captains' Lunch to celebrate the high school football game on Thanksgiving. Mark Ockerbloom from Channel 25 Fox was a great guest speaker. This 121st edition of the "Rivalry" was great to celebrate with Woburn winning this year!

Gloucester Announces 2023 Calendar Fundraiser

Posted by Tracy Arabian on Nov 28, 2022

The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2023, featuring the photography of several local photographers. In addition to the beautiful photography, each calendar includes a raffle ticket for a $50 weekly raffle drawing throughout the year. The calendars are $25 each and proceeds from sales will be used for the Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities.

The calendars are available for purchase at the Weathervane Gift Shop, located at 153 Main Street in downtown Gloucester (phone 978-281-1227), at BankGloucester, located at 160 Main Street in downtown Gloucester (978-283-8200), and from any Gloucester Rotary member. Calendars may also be purchased online at www.gloucesterrotary.org.

More information about the Gloucester Rotary is available online at www.gloucesterrotary.org and www.facebook.com/RotaryGloucesterMA.

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Ipswich-Rowley Welcomes Christina Manikas

Posted by Bob Wicks on Nov 21, 2022

At its regular meeting on November 17, the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club welcomed our newest member, Christina Manikas. Christina was inducted by co-President Cushing Titcomb and her Rotary sponsor, Christina Harris. Rotary just can’t get enough good Christinas. Christina joins over 70 area professionals and community leaders who are dedicated to sharing ideas and taking action.

Christina lives in Groveland and is employed as a teacher in the Peabody Public Schools, where she improves the lives of young scholars every day. She also serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors at Opportunity Works, a North Shore non-profit with a large staff of professionals with a broad range of experience working with people with disabilities.

Christina gives back to her community in many ways. She also serves on the Board at her church, chairing the Palm Sunday Luncheon. While living in Biddeford, Maine, she was a member of the Planning Board. In short, she loves being involved and making a difference.

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and being outside – especially with her beloved dogs.

The Rotary Club is thrilled to welcome Christina; we know that her skills and passions will fit very well with our core missions of service and environmental sustainability. Together we will achieve more than we can alone.

Rockport's Calendar Goes to India

Posted by Anne Lewis on Nov 21, 2022

Rockport Rotary's 2022 raffle calendar was a sellout and travelled around the globe, reaching a family in India who loved the beautiful photos of our iconic town. Our 2023 raffle calendar is now on sale and going fast! A drawing will be held each week of 2023. Winners in the first week of July and the first week of December will receive $250; all other winners will receive $50. Winning tickets will be reentered for future drawings. We only have a limited supply left for holiday gifts for your family and friends. Please contact Anne Lewis at car4forever@gmail.com or any Rockport Rotarian to reserve a copy.

Chelsea's Veterans Day Luncheon

Posted by Douglas Mauch on Nov 15, 2022

The Rotary Club of Chelsea celebrated Veterans Day by hosting 15 veterans from the Chelsea Soldiers Home at their November 8, 2022, luncheon meeting. Guest speaker for the luncheon was Chelsea Rotarian Cheryl Poppe, Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Services.

Burlington Breakfast Rotary Fundraiser at Flatbread Company December 1

Posted by Frances Fazio on Nov 13, 2022

Let's kick off December with a great night out at Flatbread Company on 213 Burlington Rd, Bedford. A portion of the proceeds from every flatbread pizza sold from 5-9 p.m., both in-house and take-out, will be donated to Burlington Breakfast Rotary. By enjoying a delicious pizza at Flatbread Company, you will be donating to the charitable causes supported by Burlington Breakfast Rotary. Bring your family and friends on December 1. Hope to see you there!

District Managed Grants Phase 2

Posted by Joan Arsenault on Nov 12, 2022

DG Alexander Falk in conjunction with the District Managed Grant (DMG) Foundation Committee have approved the start of Phase 2 of the District Grants submissions with the new deadline being December 31st!

While we have received wonderful grant applications in Phase 1 by the original October 31 deadline, these grants have not yet exhausted the available District Designated Funds (DDF) for district grants, and so we are inviting clubs to submit more grant applications between now and the end of the calendar year.

We unfortunately had to reject some grant applications from Phase 1, because of incomplete applications where additional data was not provided even after multiple email requests. If your grant was rejected in Phase 1, please feel free to reapply in Phase 2, but please make sure to submit a complete grant application. You have to fill out all the tabs in the grant application - especially the Details, Application, Budget, and Documents tabs! If your application was rejected, then it was likely because you did not fill out all the required information…

PolioPLUS Society Charter Members

Posted by Alexander Falk on Nov 11, 2022

We are pleased to recognize the Charter Members of our new PolioPLUS Society in District 7930, who have committed to donating $100 per year to the PolioPLUS fund of the Rotary Foundation until we have achieved mission success and declared the world to be polio-free. Thank you for your contributions and for your commitment to uphold Rotary's promise to the children of the world!!

It is not too late to join the new PolioPLUS Society. Please click here to sign up...

Robert C Wood Memorial Heroes Celebration a smashing success

Posted by Alexander Falk on Nov 11, 2022

We are happy to report that our Robert C Wood Memorial Heroes Celebration this past week was a very successful event for our district and for raising funds for The Rotary Foundation. In addition to honoring community heroes nominated by our Rotary Clubs with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition, we also conducted a PHF Points Balloon sale and a silent auction. The total raised through the balloons and silent auction, which was directly promised to the Foundation, was $4,050. In addition, our current financial projection shows that the event actually produced a net profit - thanks to the many sponsorships we had received this year and thanks to all the advertisers in the program book. As a result, our district will be making a total donation to the Rotary Foundation in the amount of $11,000!!

Here's a huge thank you to all the Rotary Clubs who participated and nominated community heroes, to all Rotarians who attended, to the sponsors and advertisers, to everyone who bid on auction items or bought balloons, and especially to the event organizing committee, who had worked on planning this event since July: DG Aide David Deutsch, DRFC PDG Joan Arsenault, IPDG Terry Curran, DGE Lori Karas, DGN Tom Hankard, and District Treasurer Arthur Schwartz. A big thank you also to Liz Cullen for the balloon sales, and to Bob Arsenault for assisting with the balloons as well as organizing the bell and backdrop. Last, but no least, a big thanks to all the Assistant Governors for helping with the running of the event, including setup, check-in, etc.

Giving Tuesday is November 29th

Posted by Alexander Falk on Nov 11, 2022

We need your help, as a Rotarian, to raise funds and awareness for The Rotary Foundation this Giving Tuesday, November 29th. This global day of generosity is an opportunity for all Rotary members to make a big impact with a gift of any size to our Annual Fund-SHARE. Last year, we raised more than ever before — over US$1 million! We’re asking you to help us surpass that this year, so that we can do even more good together.

The Foundation will again recognize the top three clubs in fundraising, donor participation, and online giving. Find out which clubs made the list last year and set a giving goal for your club this year. Just make sure that the gifts are made on November 29.

Thank you for your leadership and support. We know that with your help, Giving Tuesday will be a bigger success than ever.

Lynn Club Fills Bags of Hope

Posted by Bill Reilly on Nov 05, 2022

On Thursday November 3rd 2022 the Rotary Club of Lynn gathered at the Old Tyme restaurant to fill Bags of Hope with personal care items. The collection of bags is for the Jasmine Grace Outreach program, the items are primarily for women.

Women who are living on the streets or in programs throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire are given Bags of Hope filled with basic items that we take for granted every day. In collaboration with programs serving women affected by trafficking, prostitution, addiction and homelessness, Bags of Hope is driven by the community. Many different groups of people are donating the items, filling the bags and handing them out! By doing this we let the women know there is a better way, they are treasured people, and that we

are here to help.

Members of the Club donated enough items to fill 40 Purple Bags of Hope. And there were enough items left over to fill four large shopping bags, which were given to the woman running the program in Lynn. The Purple Bags are sort of a trademark for the program. One of the Club members was checking out at a local store and she was asked why she was buying 5 each of a multitude of items. When she explained about the Purple bags, the cashier told her that several years ago she received one of the bags and she was most grateful for the items in them. You never know who you might be helping when participating in something like this.

What is a Paul Harris Society Member?

Posted by Sarah Furie on Nov 04, 2022

The Paul Harris Society recognizes people who commit to contributing US$1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved global grant. The society’s purpose is to honor and thank people for their generous and ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.

Paul Harris Society contributions count toward several different kinds of individual recognition, and members receive a chevron-style pin and a certificate. Members are also listed in the Paul Harris Society Report.

Reading Tackles Football Snack Shack

Posted by Tim Kelley on Nov 03, 2022

How do you spend your Friday nights this fall? Reading Rotarians are busy running the Snack Shack for Friday night high school football games at Reading Memorial High School. Since 2015, Reading Rotary has run the Shack, selling burgers, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, candy and hot and cold drinks to the crowd.

Reading High's Shack Shack had been operated by the Reading Boosters Club but as their numbers dwindled, the Town of Reading asked Rotary to take on its operation. The Shack provides opportunities as both a public service and a fundraiser. Running the Shack Shack at such crowded sporting events also allows Rotary to publicize Rotary’s mission to the Town folk. Rotary has signage and informational literature displayed at each Snack Shack game.

Reading Rotary’s Snack Shack will be open again this Thanksgiving morning for the traditional Reading-Stoneham game. Pictured here are Co-President John Douglas and Richie Lombardo on the grill at a recent game.

Interact Cafes this Week: Lynnfield and Marblehead

Posted by Keith Harris on Oct 28, 2022

InteractCafe rejuv

Only two left. Interactors, Rotarians and Faculty members around the district are engaging in a series of workshops - InteractCafes. There is a saying in business: Success leaves clues. It means that success isn't accidental, in business, in Rotary, in life.

Visit one of the remaining Cafes — let them know how much they matter to us! All InteractCafes start at 6 and end at 7:30.

Lynnfield HS - Nov 2
Marblehead - Nov 3

It's no coincidence that the Interact clubs that participated in the Cafes in 2019 remained strong, vibrant and active through the pandemic.

There is another saying. A house that can withstand a hurricane is indistinguishable from one that can't -- until after the hurricane. Our Interact houses have been through the toughest hurricane they've faced since the program began in 1962!

Club2Club Visit About Village2Village Project

Posted by Rosie Tan Segil on Oct 26, 2022

What makes Rotary a people's club? It is by being a link in the extended community of like-minded individuals supporting each club's service projects and activities. So, when Rotary Club of Rockport’s Nikki Marin and Ann Lewis heard that Marblehead is currently hosting a Youth Exchange Student from Uganda, it linked right to their long-standing involvement in the poverty alleviation program in Uganda. Marblehead Club members were all ears as Nikki Marin, who sits on the board of Village2Village Project, presented their long-term commitment to uplifting impoverished Ugandans, meeting their needs, and building educated leaders to continue the work for years to come.

Pictured here left to right are Marblehead Rotary Co-President Nancy Gwin, Rockport Rotary's Ann Lewis and Nikki Marin, and David Deutsch, Assistant to District Governor Alexander Falk and Marblehead Rotary member.

Greater Salem Contribution Keeps on Giving

Posted by Ginger DiGrazia on Oct 25, 2022

The Greater Salem NH Rotary was pleased to contribute $14,000 toward the necessary renovation of the Pleasant Street Church kitchen. This kitchen is where Greater Salem Rotary prepares monthly community meals for those in need.

Pictured here are Mark McGinn, Pastor Ben Daggett-Gonzalez and John Pappalardo.

Fall Faire and Goat Pebble Bingo a Wild Success for Belle Isle

Posted by Vera Carducci on Oct 24, 2022

The Belle Isle Rotary Club had their 3rd Annual Fall Fair and Goat Pebble Bingo event on Saturday Oct 1, 2022.

Belle Isle Rotary members all pitched in and worked hard to make this event fun and successful. Many families in our area do not drive nor do they have the funds to partake in an event such as the Topsfield Fair. We were able to offer the children and families in our area of East Boston, Winthrop and Revere a FREE alternative to the expensive Topsfield Fair. The children had hands on experiences with small animals, crafts and delicious fair foods. The winner of the Goat Pebble Bingo was a generous neighbor that purchased a few tickets to the Goat Pebble Bingo and she was thrilled to find out she was a winner.

Somerville's Food Drive

Posted by Ann Kirby on Oct 24, 2022

The Somervile Rotary Club held its semi-annual Food Drive on Saturday, September 17. This event collects non-perishable food items, diapers, personal care items, Gift Cards and cash. Beneficiaries include local food pantries, shelters, a local senior organization and an elementary school.

The Somerville Club has had a long-term focus on food insecurity issues in the city. The cause has expanded to include much needed toiletries for vulnerable populations in shelters and schools. There is also a big push to secure diapers since they are so difficult for disadvantaged families to secure.

Star Market Porter Square has been a great partner in this event.

Pictured from left to right are Sylvia Walker, Chair of the event and Ibrahim Hachem, Club member.

Boston Rotaract Is Looking for a Home

Posted by Sarah Furie on Oct 21, 2022

During the last few years Boston Rotaract has had many different meeting spaces, though usually we have rented an office space or a conference room. We meet on Monday nights, twice a month, pretty regularly, but without having a meeting space to call our own recently, we have had to meet in restaurants/bars, which of course is loud and has no privacy. We are a small, mighty team as of now, since losing a few members during the pandemic due to students graduating and moving out of Boston, or young professionals shifting jobs and states. While we are back up and running, we are looking for a new meeting space. As an organization that mostly does in-person volunteering, and less fundraising, we don't have too much in the budget to spend on a space.

If you know of anyone who is available to host us, please let District Rotaract Chair, Sarah Furie at sarah.furie@gmail.com, know so we can talk about an arrangement.

Learn about Pollinator Gardens from OSU

Posted by Terry Rezendes Curran on Oct 21, 2022

Are you interested in Pollinators and Pollinator Gardens?

There is an ongoing 5 part webinar series from the Ohio State University that you might be interested. Whether you are interested in doing a grant for a full scale garden or just looking to bring more butterflies and hummingbirds to your home garden.

The series takes place at 10 am on Fridays for the next three weeks. The first two lectures are available on the website under the “Recordings” tab at go.osu.edu/ph101. You can still register for these last three live webinars or watch the recordings on your own schedule. Register here for any/all sessions: https://go.osu.edu/registerPH101. Find readings, links and resources for each session under the Learn With Us tab.

World Polio Day 2022

Posted by Alexander Falk on Oct 21, 2022

World Polio Day is October 24th and we invite you to participate by watching Rotary's World Polio Day 2022 Global Update video on YouTube, by joining the new PolioPLUS Society, and by being active on social media and posting one of the many sample social media messages or images that you can find by clicking the Read More button to raise awarness for Polio Eradication amongst your circle of friends and in your local community, for example:

A polio-free world is possible, but we can achieve it only by taking action together. Join with @Rotary this #WorldPolioDay to @EndPolioNow: endpol.io/wpd

Last, but not least, if you missed our District 7930 PolioPLUS Webinar with Mike McGovern on October 13th, you can now watch a recording on YouTube.

Peabody Gives DCF Families Halloween Reunion and Costumes

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Oct 20, 2022

The Rotary Club of Peabody sponsored two Halloween events for families in DCF. Our INTERACT group coordinated and ran a Halloween Costume Shop for kids who may not have otherwise been able to get costumes. The event, made possible by donated costumes and these dedicated Rotary teens, was an enormous success. This was followed by a Halloween Party for DCF families who may not otherwise be able to see their siblings during the year. This year's event tripled in size with happy reunions, food, costumes and activities generously donated by the community.

Reading Rotarians Support Town Workers

Posted by Tim Kelley on Oct 20, 2022

Reading is experiencing trash collection woes, with its trash contractor missing many pick-ups since the beginning of October. Some residents had missed pick-ups for 2 or 3 weeks. The Town has had to scramble to try and fix the bad situation. Town workers have stepped in to collect trash. They have been working overtime to pick up what has been missed by the contractor.

Representing Reading Rotary, Jeanne Borawski and John Douglass delivered refreshments to the DPW in appreciation for all their extra effort and work. Jeanne was interviewed by WBZ TV.

Rotarians offer a helping hand in times messy times.

See the news video here.

Burlington Breakfast Rotary Raffle

Posted by Fran Fazio on Oct 19, 2022

Burlington Breakfast Rotary is currently holding their Semi-Annual Raffle featuring 12 exciting prizes. First prize is a pair of tickets to the Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game on January 1, 2023. An equally amazing second prize is a $500 gift certificate to Princess Diamonds. See photo for 10 additional fantastic prizes. Only 500 tickets will be sold.

This raffle will support local charities including Ataxia, Burlington Public Schools Mental Health Awareness, People Helping People and other local non-profits.

Please contact Fran Fazio at franpf@verizon.net for tickets. You can mail checks to Burlington Breakfast Rotary, 6 Bruce Street, Burlington, MA 01803.

Thank you for your support!

Newburyport Trivia: Oct. 27

Posted by Marion Sparks on Oct 17, 2022

Newburyport Rotary's annual Trivia event is being held Thursday, October 27. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Game starts at 7 pm. Elk's Club, 25 Low St., Newburyport.

Hosted by Jeopardy winner, Jill Santopietro-Panall. Food and drink available. $25 per person; up to 5 people per team. 1 table per team.

Sign up early to reserve your table. Register at newburyportrotary.org or scan the QR code.

Walk-Ins accepted too!

Swampscott Awards over $25K in Scholarships

Posted by Buck Weaver on Oct 17, 2022

Swampscott Rotary is pleased and proud to announce that it awarded over $25,000 in scholarships in 2022. These includes four college scholarships for $5000 each and five McCarriston Trade School Scholarships.

Swampscott Rotary's college scholarships, awarded to new graduates, have gone to Ana Lambiase (UMass), Neirit Mahabub, Alhassan Bangura (Syracuse) and Ayman Alzaeem (UMass Boston).

McCarriston Scholarships have gone to Brian Ferullo, Jeremy Swiniuch, Alen Constantino, Kyle MacGilvray and AJ Luciano.

Pictured here are Doug Dubin, Debra Goldberg and scholarship recipient Ayman Alzaeem.

Burlington Hosts Comedy Night: Oct. 28

Posted by Todd Bettinson on Oct 14, 2022

Burlington Rotary Club is putting on a Comedy Night October 28^th from 7-10 PM at the Woburn Elks. Some really great comedians are lined up: Tony V, Lamont Price, Kathe Farris and Scott Oddo.

Table of 10 for $450. Single tix $45. 50/50 Raffle. Refreshments and cash bar.

To benefit BRC's High School Scholarship Program.

For table reservations or more info contact Lori Becker.

Venmo: @Burlington-MA-Rotary-Club

Marblehead 5K Promotes Fitness and Charitable Giving.

Posted by Rosie Tan Segil on Oct 14, 2022

Marblehead Rotary 5K is Sunday, November 6th, 2022, at 12 Noon.

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body! Marblehead Rotary 5K is raising awareness and support to benefit Marblehead youth's mental health and well-being. Proceeds will deliver the Daily Mindfulness Program created by Inner Explorer, a series of audio-guided practices used in 7000 schools that is simple and provides measurable results.

The Race begins at the Boston Yacht Club (BYC), One Front Street, Marblehead. Afterward, runners will go through Old Town and finish back up at the BYC with a hot dog and chowder!

For more details and to sign up, visit us: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Marblehead/MarbleheadRotary5K

Remembering Ipswich-Rowley President Raymond Morley

Posted by Bob Wicks on Oct 13, 2022

Ray Morley will be remembered for his service, compassion, and generosity. As the members of the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club mourn the passing of our beloved sitting President, we do so with the memory of what he represented both in Rotary and to the community. Generous to a fault, Ray didn’t know how to say no; he freely helped anyone, in any way he could. He epitomized the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self’.

As a former Selectman, service organization leader, local entrepreneur and Chef, Ray was well positioned to help his community. For many years before becoming our 99th club President in July, he was a reliable and indispensable supporter of club hosted events, preparing most of the food we served and often donating the facilities of his Inn. Following the disastrous Mother’s Day Flood of 2006, the club honored Ray with its ‘Person of the Year’ award to recognize his tireless efforts and extreme generosity in supporting displaced families and heroic relief workers.

End Polio Now Webinar: Oct. 13

Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault on Oct 07, 2022

Join us for an interactive evening with PDG Mike McGovern, Chair International PolioPlus Committee at Rotary International & represents Rotary on the Polio Strategy Committee of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The Zoom webinar is on October 13 from 7 to 8:15 pm. Our need to remain committed to eradicating polio in the world could not be more at the forefront due to the recent state of emergency in New York following a reported polio case and the detection of polioviruses in multiple wastewater samples in New York and London.

We will hear about the vaccine-derived case in New York, the state of polio in the world, and the latest advances in polio vaccines. The webinar will also focus on how your club can use the district's fundraising platform to raise monies and ideas for fundraising for this most important issue.

Manchester-Essex 20th Anniversary Dinner

Posted by Jack Costello on Oct 05, 2022

Manchester-Essex Rotary's 20th Anniversary Dinner was a huge success. Current members had the chance to meet past members and hear the accounts of how the club pulled through time and again raising funds for the local community and projects offshore. There was quite a bit of comedic content from the speakers including past president Chris Costello, Master of Ceremonies Don MacQuarrie, past presidents Chet and Debbie Marcus, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer and last but certainly not least past president Paul Sullivan who regaled us with what the breakfast meetings and auction were like back in the day.

State Senator Bruce Tarr, former State Representative Brad Hill and club members Dot Sieradski, Michael Grey and Marcia Hubbard all received Paul Harris Awards. Bruce and Brad gave heartfelt speeches about what the club has done for the community over their 20 years of involvement - even before the club took over the Red White and Blue Breakfast they were serving when it was hosted by the Lions!

Special thanks to Jennifer Doane, Don MacQuarrie, Christopher Shea, David Ray, Joanne Donnelly, Sarah Willwerth-Dyer, Judy Laspesa, Deborah Marcus and Stacey Scott who put the event together. This was the best event ever to witness the community effort that has drawn together the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club for 20 years, bravo to all!

Pictured above from left to right are Michael Grey, Dot Sieradski, Club President Jack Costello, Marcia Hubbard, State Representative Bradford Hill and State Senator Bruce Tarr

Lynn Cornhole Fundraiser

Posted by William Reilly on Oct 04, 2022

The Rotary Club of Lynn held a Cornhole Tournament fundraiser Sunday, October 2nd at the Old Tyme Family Cuisine. The purpose of the event was to raise money for college scholarships for Lynn seniors. There were 21 two-person teams in the tournament which included Lynn Rotarians, Acting Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools Debra Ruggiero, and Lynn Fire Chief Stephen Archer.

In addition to scholarships, Lynn Rotary is the longtime sponsor of the annual Special Games. Rotarians also distribute dictionaries annually to all LPS third graders. Its signature initiative is the Eighth Grade Recognition Program held in January, March and May. In addition to those, the Club hosts the annual pre-Thanksgiving football luncheon for Lynn High School captains, coaches and others associated with the football program.

Newly Announced D7930 Membership Citation

Posted by Peter Majane on Sep 30, 2022

The District 7930 Membership Committee is pleased to announce its new Membership Committee Citation!

Your Rotary, Rotaract, or Interact Club can now earn a District 7930 Membership Committee Citation for achieving goals that actively work toward enabling your club to grow its membership.

To achieve the Citation:

1. Review the list of 25 possible action steps that are based on best-practices:

See here for the Citation's Action Steps

2. Select at least 13 of these steps and achieve those goals

3. Report your achievement to the District Governor using this convenient online form:

https://fa.lk/Membership-Citation

In return, your Club will receive a written Membership Committee Citation certificate signed by the District Governor and the new District Membership Committee Citation Pin for all your club members (see image on the left).

If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at membership@district7930.org.

Nominations for DG 2025-26 Deadline Oct. 15

Posted by Alexander Falk on Sep 30, 2022

This important individual leads and supports the clubs in D7930 by inspiring and motivating them to Do Good in the World! All clubs are encouraged to propose suitable candidates who meet the qualifications to serve. One of these requirements is that at the time of taking office, they must have been a past president of a club, completed seven years of membership in one or more clubs, and to have attended governors-elect training seminar and International Assembly. If you feel that your club has such a leader among your members, please consider nominating them to help fulfill Rotary's ongoing missions.

More information and application.

Deadline to submit nominations: October 15, 2022.

RLI Feb-Mar 2023

Posted by Linda Doliber on Sep 23, 2022

By now, you will have either keyed in or hand-marked your calendar with February 28 and March 2, Virtual Rotary Leadership Institute evening sessions!

Parts 1, 2, 3 and Graduate must be taken in order. Registration, $25 for members; $15 for Rotaractors.

DISCUSSION TOPICS…..

Part 1: Character of Leadership; Purpose of Rotary, Understanding Rotary’s Organizational Structure and Core Values; Ethics and Vocational Service; Basic Goals and Programs of the Rotary Foundation; Engaging Members; Creating Service Projects

Belle Isle 3rd Annual Goat Pebble Bingo Oct. 1

Posted by Vera Carducci

The Belle Isle Rotary is gearing up to bring all the greatness of a Fall Faire including baby goats, pigs, chickens and rabbits, face painting, cider donuts and games/prizes to the children of East Boston, Revere and Winthrop. This is our third year of our Club members working together to bring this event to our area and we cap off this fun day with an exciting game of chance called Goat Pebble Bingo! $20 ticket can win you $1000 if the goat leaves pebbles on your square!

Belle Isle Rotary Fall Fair & Goat Pebble Bingo

Sat., Oct. 1 at 10AM (rain date Oct. 8)
Salesian Boys & Girls Club, 150 Byron St., East Boston

There will be lots of food, prizes and fun for all ages! Small animal petting zoo, face painting, pumpkin decorating!

How to play: Pay $20 and buy a numbered ticket. On Friday Sept 30, 2022, the ticket numbers will be randomly assigned to a land parcel/square. The first land parcel that our visiting goat opts to drop some pebbles in WINS!

Winners need not be present to win.

Ticket sales and questions contact:

Joe Steffano jes5678918@aol.com
Tom Hankard thankard@yahoo.com
Vera Carducci jesves3@aol.com
Mike Triant mtriant99@yahoo.com

Calling All Artists

Posted by Karen Fine Saltiel on Sep 20, 2022

Chalk on the Walk is The Rotary Club of Cambridge’s Annual Fundraiser. It is the Harvard Square version of an Italian street painting festival.

All levels of artists are welcome! They are paired with local businesses and individuals who are sponsors. Kids and families are all encouraged to participate. Most of all it is about having fun! The top three artists are awarded prizes along with the “people’s choice” award.

Proceeds fund the Cambridge Rotary Club's annual college scholarships, local literacy and education programs, programs for the homeless and refugees, and many other Rotary Club of Cambridge’s service projects.

See flyer for more information.

Robert C Wood Memorial Heroes Celebration 2022

Posted by Alexander Falk on Sep 17, 2022

Last Chance to register is Monday, Nov 7!

Thursday, November 10^th will be our annual Rotary Foundation event, but this year we are renaming it the “ROBERT C. WOOD MEMORIAL HEROES CELEBRATION” in honor and memory of our friend, the late Past District Governor Bob Wood (2018-19). This event will be starting at 5:30 PM at the Danversport and we hope that many of you will be attending. The evening will include a social hour, silent auction, dinner, and Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) presentations.

Online registration is still open this weekend and Monday, November 7 - please click here to purchase your tickets! This page also includes all the details about the dinner menu for the event as well as the program outline.

Program book ads are no longer available, as the deadline for those has already passed - sorry!

Save the Date: Oct. 13 PolioPLUS Webinar

Posted by Joan Arsenault on Sep 16, 2022

Join our zoom webinar on October 13 from 7 to 8:15 to disucss PolioPLUS. Learn how to use the district's fundraising platform, hear ideas for fundraisers, hear about the PolioPLUS Society, the recent detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus in NY, the new vaccine & more!

The time for urgent action is now. Hope to see you at our webinar on October 13.

Online registration is open here.

Yours in Rotary, The District Rotary Foundation Committee

Women in Rotary Spotlight: Kelsea Lawler

Posted by Sarah Furie on Sep 16, 2022

"The women of Rotary that have inspired me are compassionate, powerful do-gooders. While I can't name them all, I can talk about the very first. I met Patricia Doyle when I was 15 as an attendee of RYLA. It was a truly transformative experience with Pat at the core of the program. I was so inspired that I attended the conference as a facilitator the next two years and again as a volunteer every year since then. But Pat is so much more than RYLA. Over the past two decades, she has taught me what it means to be a leader, both in and out of Rotary. As a teacher herself, I was inspired to take up the profession with her as my role model and mentor. When she became the District Governor alongside her husband, Skip, I took note of her studious diplomacy mostly due to her ability to remember everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, she has ever met. And not only remember them, but care for them."

Kelsea Lawler, Parkway Rotary Club President

Why are you happy that there is more female leadership in Rotary International? Email us your quote and photo at rotary7930publicimage@gmail.com.

TBM Fall Foliage Classic Road Race

Posted by Bernie Creeden on Sep 15, 2022

After a two-year COVID pandemic absence, the TBM Fall Foliage Classic returns for its 41st Running on Sunday, October 16th at 11:00 AM. The races start at Proctor School in Topsfield and follow a most picturesque route through the countryside of Topsfield and Boxford to the finish line at Topsfield Town Hall. Register for the 5-mile, 5 k or fun run or 3-mile walk. Long sleeve heavy-weight shirts will be presented to the first 200 registrants. Individuals and Teams of all ages are welcome to participate. This year's event will support the Food Pantries in Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton.

Register online or day of event. For questions about race or t-shirt sponsorship opportunities, email Sara at sarateak@yahoo.com.

Cambridge Welcomes Global Scholar

Posted by Karen Fine Saltiel on Sep 14, 2022

The Rotary Club of Cambridge Welcomes Global Scholar Sara Fattori. Cambridge Rotary Club is hosting Sara Fattori from Bologna, Italy. Sara will be studying for her Master’s Degree in International Relations at Tufts' prestigious Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Greater Salem Commemoration of 9-11

Posted by Ginger DiGrazia on Sep 14, 2022

The Greater Salem NH Rotary's Annual Commemoration of 9/11 was held at the Salem NH Fire Station. The tribute this year was a reflection of 9/11 and supporting families to realize peace-of-mind. Our speaker was John Beland who shared stories on the development and rewarding experiences of the 9/11 Lakes Region NH Respite Program. The Respite Program is a safe haven for families of individuals connected to the 9/11 catastrophe to mend in a serene environment.

Swampscott's Annual Cookout for Residents with Disabilities

Posted by Buck Weaver on Sep 12, 2022

On August 27 the Swampscott Rotary Club sponsored and held our 37th annual picnic for North Shore residents with disabilities behind Swampscott High School. Our picnic is coordinated with Bridgewell and the North Shore ARC.

We had a beautiful day, mostly sunny and not too hot. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, drinks and cake was served and over 80 guests attended. During the day we were all entertained by music from our long-time volunteer DJ, David Legere.

The day was enjoyed by all. It has been our privilege and pleasure to hold this great event for many years!

Many Rotarians, family members, and Swampscott High School students also help setup, cook and serve and interact with our guests.

We continue to be proud to uphold our Rotary motto of " Service above Self."

Pictured here from left to right are exchange student Sebastian Sanchez, Bryan Cousin, Vicktor and Philipp Zeissig, Joe Caponigro, Fran Peralta, Doug Dubin, Debra Goldberg, Scholarship winner Ayman Alzaeem & Peter, Buck Weaver.

Learn How to Submit Disaster Response Grant

Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault on Sep 09, 2022

Join Zone 32 Foundation Team learn best practices how to create and submit your lifesaving Disaster Response Grant. Presentations by RI Grant Managers, experienced grant writers & expert panel of Rotarians. Wednesday Sept 14 at 10:00 am EST.

Ipswich-Rowley's Global Grant Approved by RI

Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault on Sep 08, 2022

Save the Ipswich River & Watershed: The Lifeblood of Our Communities Global Grant has been approved by RI. It couldn't have come at a better time. The Ipswich River is rated one of the top 10 endangered rivers in the US. Currently the river is facing its worst drought ever. “To be blunt, the river is dead,” said Wayne Castonguay, executive director at the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA). As of Aug. 30, the river plummeted through all previous drought records when it reached zero flow. Last week, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a mere trickle at 0.07 cubic feet per second. “Basically at zero,” Castonguay said.

Environmental/Public Image Mini Grant

Posted by Terry Rezendes Curran on Sep 08, 2022

Is your club interested in participating in the Fall Mini Grants that have just opened? The new Environmental Committee suggests you plan now to participate in the “No Mow May” initiative this spring.

We are working on a template for lawn signs. You customize it with your Club name and they are ready to print. We also have flyers that explain “No Mow May” for you to print and disperse and a template to pledge to support “No Mow May”.

For further information and templates contact Environment Committee Chair Terry Curran at TerryCurran7930@gmail.com.

In Memoriam PDG 2014-15 Peter Simonsen

Posted by Alexander Falk on Sep 08, 2022

Peter E. Simonsen, 72, passed away September 5th at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers after a lengthy battle with kidney disease. Born in Malden, he was the son of the late Aage A. Simonsen and Edna A. (Dauphinee) Simonsen. He was the beloved husband of Diane Humphries Simonsen for 49 years.

Peter attended Saugus High School and was a graduate of Northeastern University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Insurance. Peter held senior financial positions for over 45 years mainly as Chief Financial Officer at Cape Ann Bank and Trust, Beverly National Bank and ending his career at SeniorCare Inc. in Gloucester.

Peter joined Rotary in 1991 as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton Wenham. He was president of the club in 1996-1997. Over the years he held many positions in Rotary District culminating with serving as District Governor in 2014-2015.

Women in Rotary Spotlight: Pooja Singla

Posted by Sarah Furie on Sep 08, 2022

As the Rotary International President, Jennifer Jones is already proving, 'Skies are the limit' once the glass ceiling has been broken. She is already setting the bar high and motivating all of us to think out of the box with her theme 'Imagine Rotary!'

Pooja Singla, one of the Assistant Governors for District 7930 this year, said she cannot imagine herself in Rotary without two specific women.

"When I was promoted to be the president elect with the support of my club's members, I was really nervous if I would be able to fulfill those responsibilities that I was committing to. No one could hear my voice across the table. I was so shy of speaking. Then I met Joan Arsenault, in March 2019. She was going to be the DG when I was starting as President.

A Rare Find

Posted by Ginger DiGrazia on Sep 08, 2022

Greater Salem NH Rotary members helped with the cleanup and beatification of the ADA accessible pathways at Sunset Hill Educational Institute (SHEI) and the Wheelchair Health in Motion (WHIM) Bradford, NH. SHEI has over 2,000 feet of hard packed gravel pathways with ADA bathroom accommodations. SHEI is a safe space in a private setting for individuals of all walks of life and disabilities to gather and embrace the peaceful countryside and spectacular vistas.

To learn more about this rare find check out www.sheinh.org.

Gloucester Rotary 2023 Photo Requests

Posted by Tracy Arabian on Sep 06, 2022

Deadline extended to Monday, September 19, 2022

A 12-month Gloucester photo raffle calendar will be sold through the Gloucester Rotary that includes a raffle ticket. A winning number will be chosen each week in 2023. All profits from the calendar sales will go to the Gloucester Rotary’s efforts to raise money to support the many community and international activities in which the group is involved.

More information: https://gloucesterrotary.org/

Duplicate books from the DG library

Posted by Alexander Falk on Sep 05, 2022

In my monthly District Governor email a few days ago I had invited Rotary Clubs to do a project during Basic Education and Literacy Month (September) and perhaps build a "Little Library" in their community:

"September is Basic Education and Literacy Month. If your club has not done a District Managed Grant this year you might consider this area of focus. Build a “Little Library” with your Interact Club or your local scout troop and stock it with books. Do a project with your local library or school library, even set up a reading club or afterschool program. Consider purchasing books in languages other than English to donate. Many libraries only have a limited supply."

I want to follow up on this invitation with an offer. In recent months, Nora and I have gone through our library and removed a whole series of duplicate books that had accumulated over the years. We'd be happy to donate these books to any Rotary Club who actually wants to build such a "Little Library". It's about 250 books, mostly English and German, about evenly split 50:50.

RI Announces Presidential Citation Recipients

Posted by Terry Rezendes Curran on Sep 05, 2022

Past Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta has announced those clubs who have fulfilled the requirements to be awarded the Presidential Citation for the Rotary year 2021-2022.

Congratulations go to the following clubs in District 7930:

Burlington

Cambridge

Lawrence

Lynn

Lynnfield

Newburyport

Parkway

Reading

Wakefield

Clubs will have received an email with this certificate. Any club that wants their certificate presented to last year's President, should contact IPDG Terry Curran at TerryCurran7930@gmail.com.

Women in Rotary Spotlight: Sheila Clarke

Posted by Sarah Furie on Sep 02, 2022

Q: How are you impacted by seeing a woman Rotary International President?

A: I am incredibly pleased that Jennifer Jones is appointed as our first woman Rotary International President. I believe that you cannot be what you cannot see, and this is an especially key step in Rotary demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am motivated to carry out her mission to create peace and unity, despite our differences, as I lead the impact of the Rotary Club in my community.

-Sheila Clarke, Reading Rotary Club President, 2022-2023.

Why are you happy that there is more female leadership in Rotary International? Email us your quote and photo at rotary7930publicimage@gmail.com.

Fall 2022 Mini-Grants are now open for applications

Posted by Alexander Falk on Sep 01, 2022

Today, September 1^st, we will start accepting applications for Mini-Grants and I want to invite all Rotary clubs to do a project in one or more of the areas of the Environment, Membership, Public Image, or Diversity/Equity/Inclusion. Projects that touch multiple areas are encouraged!

The grant is a reimbursement grant with a $200 maximum to each club and only one grant per club. Grants are available on a first come, first served basis until the $3,000 district budget for mini-grants is exhausted.

The Mini-Grant application form can be found here online.

Honey harvest from the DG beehives

Posted by Alexander Falk on Aug 31, 2022

If you want to know why our District Governor cares about pollinator habitat restoration, the answer is very simple: over the last 50 years we have already lost 45% of pollinators worldwide! That is a staggering number!

We all need to come together to help with pollinator habitat restoration, and our DG not only turned his backyard into a pollinator habitat and Monarch butterfly waystation, but he became a beekeeper himself and created an apiary with two beehives in his yard. The location on the Atlantic coast is not ideal, but the two hives are somewhat shielded behind the house and have been thriving this season.

Today, August 31st, was the first day we harvested honey from the hives. We took only 4 frames - because we want the bees to have enough honey to survive the brutal New England winters - and extracted honey from them, yielding about 17 jars of honey.

Shown in this picture is a jar of honey harvested today, with the pollinator habitat in the background.

Rotaract club cultures - How similar and how different?

Posted by Alexander Falk on Aug 29, 2022

Rotaract and the Inter-Country Committee Austria-Germany-USA are inviting you to a Zoom discussion meeting with the title:

Rotaract club cultures - How similar and how different?

Picturing the practices of RAC Purdue University (USA) and RAC Hannover (Germany).

Wednesday, August 31st, at 1:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM Central European Time

Please click here to register for the event.

The Zoom link will be sent to all registrants at noon on August 31st.

Rotary Youth Exchange Welcome Picnic 2022

Posted by Alexander Falk on Aug 28, 2022

Rotary District Youth Exchange Chair Robert Ford welcomed our four inbound Youth Exchange students for the 2022-23 high school year at our annual Welcome Picnic at Camp Rotary on Sunday, August 28th, where Rotary Youth Exchange program leaders, host families, and students got together to welcome the students to our district and to conduct an initial training session.

District Governor Alexander Falk delivered remarks on the importance of the Rotary Youth Exchange program for Peacebuilding in the World and presented all students with Rotary 2022-23 theme backpacks, as well as baseball caps and Rotary 4-way test coins - encouraging them to use the coins as conversation starters when other people ask them about Rotary.

Our four inbound students this year are (left to right in the photo):

Sebas from Colombia hosted by the Swampscott Rotary Club
Rasmus from Finland hosted by the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club
Talia from Uganda hosted by the Marblehead Rotary Club
Ada from Switzerland hosted by the North Andover Rotary Club

We are grateful to those four Rotary Clubs for hosting our students and to all volunteers and host families in the Rotary Youth Exchange program in our district!

RLI 2023 - Save the Dates

Posted by Linda Doliber on Aug 27, 2022

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) 2023 Dates Announced

Happiness reigns in most homes whenever a Save the Date announces a happy upcoming occasion. So, to all District 7930 current members and future leaders: Be happy and.....

SAVE THE DATES
February 28 and March 2, 2023
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Special Two-Evening Virtual Session

Watch upcoming eBulletins and District Newsletters as well as the district website for more information as we get closer to those dates!

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about Rotary plus interact and share excitement and ideas with Rotarians, both from our district and outside 7930.

Lynn Donates School Supplies to Salvation Army

Posted by William Reilly on Aug 26, 2022

On August 25, 2022, Lynn Rotarians met at the Old Tyme Restaurant to gather together school supplies for donation to the Salvation Army. The Rotarians organized supplies by category to make it easier for Salvation Army Captains Kevin and Helen Johnson to put in backpacks for children.

At the end of the evening there were at least 15 heavily laden bags of school supplies, primarily for elementary age students. The supplies will be provided to the students at a Salvation Army distribution later in August. The Salvation Army is accepting donations at its headquarters at 1 Franklin St., Lynn Monday thru Friday.

Last Call for Reading Fall Street Faire

Posted by Jeanne Borawski on Aug 26, 2022

Reading Rotary is proud to present the 14th Annual Reading Fall Street Faire on Sunday September 11. It’s back and better than ever! Drawing thousands every year to downtown Reading, it’s one of the most beloved Reading traditions.

This year’s Fall Street Faire will include:

A 9/11 remembrance prior to the Faire

Live entertainment on three stages

More than 150 local businesses, clubs, and non-profits

Antique car show

3rd Annual Cornhole Classic Tournament

Dedicated children’s area with games and activities

Amusement zone with inflatables

Delicious food choices

Beer garden and tailgate area to watch the Patriots play on a big screen

If you want to be a part of it, now is the time. Sign up now before it's too late!

Sponsorship opportunities still available. Support this beloved community event. The Reading Fall Street Faire is offering corporate sponsorships at various contribution levels. See fallstreetfaire.com for details.

Women in Rotary Spotlight: Lori Karas

Posted by Sarah Furie on Aug 23, 2022

When asked about female mentorship, Lori Karas, District Governor Elect of District 7930, said:

"There are two women in Rotary who stand out. Joan Arsenault and I met at NEPETs when I was preparing to become President of Boston #7 in March 2017. I was still a relatively new Rotarian – just about 1.5 years. Through our discussion she then asked, 'do you know who your AG will be?' I didn’t. She immediately said, 'I will be your AG and help you take what you’ve learned at NEPETs and help you navigate Rotary.'

"One month later at the District Assembly, Joan introduced me to PDG Ingrid Brown. As the three of us spoke, Ingrid was incredibly encouraging, supportive, and felt I had what it took to make a difference.

"Now in order to lift up other women," Lori says she "makes introductions and opens doors and windows."

Why are you happy that there is more female leadership in Rotary International? Email us your quote and photo at rotary7930publicimage@gmail.com.

Melrose Hosts Left-Right-Center Tourney

Posted by Jim Oosterman on Aug 22, 2022

Melrose Rotary Club will host its first ever Left-Right-Center tournament on Friday September 23rd at Melrose's Memorial Hall (590 Main St., Melrose). If you've never played before, it's the most fun you'll have playing a game that takes under three minutes to learn! There will be cash prizes, raffles, 50/50, side games, a cash bar (beer/wine) and pizza & popcorn! Tickets are $20 per person, and tables of 10 are selling quickly. Bring your friends and family and fill a table for this 21+ event. Tickets at www.melroserotary.org /lrc or contact us at melroserotaryclub@gmail.com.

Innovative Approaches to Grow Membership

Posted by Peter Majane on Aug 18, 2022

On August 17th the Rotary District 7930 Membership Committee held a Webinar ROTARY NOW on Zoom that included the following three segments:

Panel Discussion on Membership Growth - features representatives from the top 3 growing clubs in Rotary year 2021-22

Create a Welcoming Environment in your Club - DEI considerations to enhance member engagement and belonging

Building a Membership Brochure - promoting club membership in your communities with our new online brochure builder

If you missed it live, you're in luck.

A recording of this webinar is now available on YouTube, and you can access the entire webinar through the following link, or you can click on any of the three segments above and directly jump to that portion of the recording:
https://youtu.be/v-mYKheYxVo

To access the new online membership brochure builder, please go to:
https://rotary.boydsdirect.com

Peabody Offers Sangria at International Festival

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Aug 18, 2022

Rotary Peabody is excited to operate a booth again this year at Peabody's annual International Festival on Sunday, Sept 11th. We're continuing our successful partnership with the Chamber of Commerce to add a sangria experience to the Beer Garden. All purchases directly benefit Rotary Peabody's scholarships and other service projects to improve our community. Stop by our booth to have some refreshing sangria and say hi to fellow Rotarians!

Helping our Food Pantries

Posted on Aug 17, 2022

Greater Salem NH Rotary
Serving towns of Salem, Pelham, Windham, Atkinson, & Hampstead

Standing outside the supermarket encouraging shoppers to purchase a little extra to contribute to our food drive was rewarding as we filled carriage after carriage. Thanks to our members and all those who contributed to make this food drive a success.

Our Third Annual Cornhole Tournament was a fun night for all who attended. Thanks to our tireless members who organized the tournament, our sponsors, and participants, we were able to raise 10,000 to distribute to food pantries within our five communities.

Women in Rotary Spotlight: Marnee Walsh

Posted by Sarah Furie on Aug 16, 2022

When asked what she thinks about Rotary finally having a woman as the International President for 2022-23, Marnee Walsh says, "Jennifer Jones has already demonstrated her commitment, as early as the late 1980's, by being actively involved in the numerous Rotary roles and activities she has held on her path to the Presidency. She has already made a significant difference and will continue to do so.

"The Rotary International Glass Ceiling has been broken!

"Additionally, her presidential theme 'Imagine Rotary' opens the door for powerful, creative, dedicated, diverse leadership that is so representative of her open-ended commitments. Let's hope this is a start for more females in the Rotary leadership ranks and let us all support President Jones in every way we can."

Marnee Walsh is an Assistant Governor of Rotary District 7930, the District Community Services Committee Chair and a member of the Winchester MA Rotary Club.

Why are you happy that there is more female leadership in Rotary International? Email us your quote and photo at rotary7930publicimage@gmail.com.

MIT Grad Student Thanks Melrose and D7930

Posted by Mary Beth McAteer-Margolis on Aug 16, 2022

Luis Lopez de Rivera arrived from Monterrey, Mexico in Melrose in the frigid days of January to stay with hosts Mary Beth & Michael Margolis while he completed a DEDP Master’s program at MIT. The program included many international students with its main focus being to equip high-potential young professionals from all around the world with the right tools to produce rigorous evidence-based policy to fight global poverty and inequality.

Mary Beth is a past President of the Melrose Cub, Past Assistant Governor and District Governor Aide, and member of the Paul Harris Society. But her Rotary passion has been the Rotary Youth Exchange Program the District began almost 15 years ago, helping coordinate and manage the many high school students who have visited District 7930 and those outbounds who left us to travel abroad. Luis was kind enough to stay and mind Oliver the cat while Mary Beth & Michael went to Florida in February. He was introduced to the Melrose Club and found the members to be quite helpful in getting him settled, including acquiring warm clothing. He was able to attend a few District events with the current Global Scholar Fransisco with whom he became close friends and found they share the same home town, Monterrey! Our friendship will continue for many years to come thanks to Rotary!

Now Francisco's sister Regina is looking for a family to host her this coming year at Simmons College where she'll be doing a Masters in Nutrition. Mary Beth and Michael are considering hosting her in the 2nd semester but Regina would love to find a family in the District for her start of school in mid September. She is a frequent volunteer at home in Monterrey and wants to continue her service to others. Please consider this wonderful opportunity to expand your service to Rotary and the world by offering to host Regina. You may contact Mary Beth at margateer@verizon.net or Kelsea Whittemore at kelsea.whittemore@gmail.com for more details.

Empowered Women in Rotary

Posted by Sarah Furie on Aug 11, 2022

Jennifer Jones has inspired women all over the Rotary world. How are you impacted by seeing a woman Rotary International President? Why are you proud there are more females in Rotary leadership? We would like to highlight the women of Rotary District 7930. If you'd like to participate, please email us your answer and a photo to rotary7930publicimage@gmail.com for possible inclusion in our social media campaign, website, and e-bulletin.

RI President-Nominee Announced

Posted by Tom Hankard on Aug 10, 2022

Stephanie A. Urchick, a Rotarian since 1991, representing the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania has been selected as Rotary Internation President-Nominee.

If no other candidates are nominated by 1 October, Stephanie will be elected by acclimation and will serve as RI President for Rotary year 2024-25.

Stephanie has traveled around the world in the name of Rotary to such countries as Vietnam and Dominican Republic. She served as an RI Director as well as RI Foundation Trustee and is a Major Donor and member of the Bequest Society.

Please join me in congratulating Stephanie, as she will be only the second woman in history to lead us as Rotary International President.

A Happy Get Together

Posted by Rosie Tan Segil on Aug 10, 2022

Recently at the luncheon at the Boston Yacht Club, the team of Marblehead Rotary Service Dog Project and its partner, Chelsea Rotary's Maureen Foley (1st row, third left), welcomed the Bachours family: Gabriel (fourth left), his mother, Angelica (seated second from left), younger brother Simon (third row). After a hiatus of two years because of the pandemic, the membership finally met the family's service dog rockstar, Kacey, the dependable black Labrador and companion to Gabriel. Marblehead Rotary and Chelsea Rotary clubs pulled together their resources to fundraise for NEADS on behalf of Gabriel. The 40-year-old charitable organization, NEADS, offers a wide range of Service Dogs and Assistance Dogs to meet the needs of people with a variety of disabilities or hearing loss. It was a lively visit tempering the summer heat into an enjoyable occasion!

Your Foundation Dollars at Work in Ukraine

Posted by Joan Arsenault on Aug 10, 2022

Our district has applied for a 25K Disaster Response Grant to provide shelter for internally displaced peoples in Ukraine. This grant will provide beds, mattresses, and other items needed to provide housing. The grant is in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Kyiv International. Your generous support of our Foundation's Annual Fund allows grants like these to help support those in need. Please continue to give!!!

Hot Off the Press: District Managed Grants

Posted by Joan Arsenault on Aug 10, 2022

DG Alexander Falk in conjunction with the DMG District Foundation Subcommittee have approved that more than one grant can be awarded per club: one international grant (up to $10,000 for the grant with $5000 reimbursed) and one local grant (up to $6000 for the grant with $3000 reimbursed).

Grants are approved on a first come first serve basis so get your applications in soon. Deadline to submit grants is October 31, 2022.

Want more information? Contact Joan Arsenault or Martha Holden. We would be happy to help you in this process.

Beverly's Gazebo Makeover

Posted by Jackie Rapisardi on Aug 05, 2022

The Beverly Rotary Club presented the City of Beverly and Mayor Cahill with a check for $50,000 to go towards repairing and maintaining the Gazebo on the common. It was originally built by the Club in 1997. The Club over two years and two Presidents, Marshall Handly and Diane Howard, raised this money to repair and provide upkeep for this beauty. It sits in the common across from the Beverly Public Library and right next to Montserrat College of Art. It is a wonderful structure that the community uses, but it is in need of repair. The fix-up has started and will continue so that the structure is safe for use. Thanks to the members of our Club and the community who helped to raise this money. Looking forward to a spruced-up Gazebo soon!

Rotary in 1921 Webster's Dictionary

Posted by Bob Wicks on Aug 04, 2022

It took only 16 years for Rotary to appear in the dictionary. On the inside front cover of the 1921 Old Farmer's Almanac was an ad from the G. & C. Merriam Co for their new edition of 'Webster’s New International Dictionary.' The ad opens by asking ‘have you and yours mastered these new words.’ One of the new words was ‘Rotarian.’

In Memoriam PDG 2008-09 Thomas R. Elliott

Posted by Alexander Falk on Aug 04, 2022

We are saddened to inform you that Past District Governor 2008-09 Thomas R. Elliott, formerly of the Danvers Rotary Club, has passed away this week. There is not going to be any service in the immediate future.

The family is going to work with the town of Danvers to have a memorial bench put in at the Pavilion that was the Rotary Club’s Centennial gift to the town. The intention at this time is to have a ceremony when that happens, a celebration of his life and a dedication of the memorial bench.

Our condolences go out to Carol Elliott, and their family.

Rotarians who want to, can make a donation to the Danvers People to People Food Pantry. This was a cause that Tom and Carol strongly believed in.

Donations can be made here:

https://www.danverscommunitycouncil.com/

Do You Want to Host a Grad Student?

Posted by Terry Curran on Aug 04, 2022

The Parkway Club is looking for an individual or individuals to house a graduate student who will be attending Simmons College in September. The incoming student is our last year's scholar, Fransisco's sister. She has received funding for tuition but not for housing. Please contact us as soon as possible if you can host her for a month, a couple of months, or the full year.

Please contact President of the Parkway Club, Kelsea Whittemore at kelsea.whittemore@gmail.com.

In Person Youth Exchange is Back

Posted by Andrew Maddox on Jul 30, 2022

In-person exchanges are back this year! To celebrate, Rotary Youth Exchange has unveiled a new video that showcases the life-changing experiences students, families, and volunteers can have through Rotary Youth Exchange.

You can watch it here.

We hope this video inspires you — whether you’re a Rotary member, a volunteer, or part of the next generation of Rotary Youth Exchange students — to create lasting change through peacebuilding exchanges that span the globe.

And if Rotary Youth Exchange has made a positive impact on your life, or if you’re excited about participating in the future, please share this video to let others know about this transformative program.

Greater Salem NH Awards Scholarships

Posted by Ginger DiGrazia on Jul 26, 2022

Each year we in the Greater Salem NH Rotary notify the high schools in our five communities of Salem, Pelham, Windham, Atkinson, and Hampstead requesting applicants for our Scholarship Awards.

This year we chose eight applicants based on their scholastic achievement and their community service. We had the pleasure of presenting the award in person to six of the students who were available to attend out meeting.

The selected students demonstrated their ability to achieve a high level of accomplishments in studies, leadership, interest and service in their communities, and some extended their compassion to a third world country.

Our best wishes to our future leaders as they enter a new chapter in their life by attending the college of their choice. Pictured here scholarship recipients Donovan Homsey, Jordan Krahn, Gabrielle Driggers, Mahi Patel, Katrina Souter and Kyleigh Walker

Corks & Caps Local Chapter Rotary Wine Fellowship Appreciation (RWAF)

Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault on Jul 20, 2022

Want to have fun sharing wine with fellow Rotarians from D7930 & D7790? Consider joining the Corks & Caps Local RWAF Chapter Sunday July 31 from 6-7 pm on Zoom. For this tasting, choose a bottle of Chardonnay & a bottle of Pinot Noir. Email Joan Kelly Arsenault for the invite. All levels of wine lovers welcome!

This month, PDG John Kramb, co-owner of Adams County Winery in PA, will be our guest speaker. Adams County Winery opened its doors in 1975 in Orrtanna, PA and is currently Pennsylvania’s fifth oldest operating winery. The Farm Winery sits on 40 beautiful acres of never-ending rolling hills and farmland. The vineyard is home to five different varieties of grapes, spanning over 12.5 acres.

Woburn Serves Breakfast at Senior Center

Posted by Joe Ciulla on Jul 20, 2022

The Rotary Club of Woburn had the pleasure of organizing, cooking and serving a breakfast at the Senior Center on School Street in Woburn on Tuesday, July 19th. We were able to provide over seventy of our well-deserved seniors a delicious breakfast as well as live music from Irish Entertainer Mossie Coughlan. It was a great morning of fun and fellowship.

The Rotary Club of Woburn is dedicated to serving our local community in any way we can. If you are interested in being part of an organization that makes a difference and a positive impact on your local and global community, please contact us. We're always looking for good people that want to do good things!

District Announces PolioPLUS Society

Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault on Jul 20, 2022

DG Alexander Falk, DRFC Joan Arsenault and PolioPLUS Chair Ingrid Brown are excited to announce D7930 will be launching the PolioPLUS Society in our district.

Join this new society by pledging to donate a minimum of US$100 each year until the world is certified polio free. Everyone who joins before World Polio Day, which is October 24, 2022, will be considered a charter member of D7930’s Polio Plus Society.

Joining the Society is a 2-step process:

1st Step, complete the PolioPlus Society Form at this link: D7930 PolioPLUS Society Sign Up Form.

2nd Step, make your donation. You can choose to donate in various ways, either by credit card online, or by check. If you choose to donate by check, make the check out to “The Rotary Foundation” with “PolioPlus” in the memo section and submit to your club’s Foundation Chair. If you choose a credit card, go to my.rotary.org, click on donate and choose “Polio Fund.” (To donate online, make sure you have registered on myrotary.org for a My Rotary account for you and your club to receive proper credit. Signing up is quick and easy). You can then:

• Make a onetime donation of $100 (or more) with your credit card by clicking on the “One-time donation” button and choosing the appropriate amount from the boxes below. Remember to donate again next year if you choose this option.

Wakefield Offers Chance to See Sox Up Close

Posted by Amy Luckiewicz on Jul 19, 2022

The Wakefield Rotary Club will again be hosting a Red Sox ticket chance at the WCAT Movies by the Lake. Thanks to a generous donation from Wakefield Rotarian Frank Fiorentino and Mahoney, Fiorentino, and Co., PC, raffle participants can win a pair of tickets for the Red Sox versus the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. Club President Gene Mullen said, “This is an easy way to win some great Sox seats and support local causes through Rotary.” The previous raffle drew in over $2,000 which was donated back to the community throughout the year.

Ticket chances cost twenty-five dollars and the prize includes two seats at Fenway between the visitor on-deck circle and home plate. The value of the pair of tickets is about $275. Last year’s ticket winner, Jonathan Chines said, “I’ve never sat so close to home plate! The seats were amazing, and we had a great time.”

Tickets are on sale during the Movies by the Lake on the Common. Visit the Rotary table to grab your chance to win. Tickets are also available at WCAT (24 Hemlock Road) and from any Wakefield Rotarian. You can also Venmo the club @wakefieldrotaryclub. Indicate “sox raffle” in the memo and provide your contact information. The winning ticket will be pulled at 8:00pm on Thursday August 4th at the Movies by the Lake event.

Picture here is 2021 winner Jonathan Chines and his son at the Sox game.

Successful Lobstah Raffle Scholarship Fundraiser

Posted by Rosie Tan Segil on Jul 14, 2022

Marblehead Rotary's annual fundraising and summer favorite, Lobstah Raffle, is a blockbuster hit! Since 2002, Lobstah Raffle has raised thousands of dollars for scholarships and camperships for Marblehead Youth and Children. For twenty years, and held every Fourth of July weekend, Lobstah Raffle kiosks located all over downtown have been an iconic presence during our Festival of Arts weekend for returning visitors, locals, and community members! This week, we have drawn four winners of 20-pound live lobsters. This year has been a record year, with over 25K raised! Sold-out tickets went for $5 for one ticket or $20 for 5 tickets.

Pictured from top left clockwise: Lobstah Raffle chair Marsha Christensen (far left), co-chair Aviv Hod (middle), and volunteer and Rotarian Linda Sullivan. Next are photos of children and furry friends participating in the fun during the festival.

Stoneham Rotary Begins 2022-23 Membership Year

Posted by Sharon Iovanni on Jul 13, 2022

Rotary Club of Stoneham President David Gardner (Boyd’s Direct) recently announced Rotary International’s theme for the 2022-2023 year – Imagine Rotary.

President Gardner notes that the intent of this powerful messaging is for individuals to consider what impact they could have locally and around the globe if they invest their time, talent, and treasure to find ways to provide meaningful service to others who need help. For Rotary members, that could involve any of the Five Avenues of Service - Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service, or Youth Service, or it could overlap one or more of these areas. He also noted that the seven dots surrounding the Rotary circle in the middle of the logo signify the Rotary ‘s Seven Areas of Focus – peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention & treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development and supporting the Environment. These seven areas suggest the areas in which the Five Avenues of Service might find opportunity.

Gloucester Pancake Breakfast

Posted by Tracy Arabian on Jul 12, 2022

Spend a beautiful day in Gloucester! Start with pancakes and then visit the Waterfront Festival and Gloucester's many attractions.

The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Stage Fort Park, located on Hough Avenue in Gloucester, MA. This popular event takes place concurrently with the Gloucester Waterfront Festival, which is sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and is held in Stage Fort Park on Saturday-Sunday, August 20-21, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees. For information on Gloucester attractions, visit www.capeannvacations.com.

Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $8 per person, $5 for children six and under, and are available in advance online or from any Gloucester Rotarian. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.

Manchester-Essex Announces Scholarship Winners

Posted by Jack Costello on Jul 11, 2022

The Scholarship Winners have been announced! Thank you to Judy Laspesa and the scholarship committee for their efforts in soliciting applications and selecting the winners. Here is the excerpt from our press release:

The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is pleased to announce the 2022 "Service Above Self" scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating leadership, integrity, and academic success. Graduating high school seniors must either attend Manchester-Essex Regional High School or have parent(s) or legal guardian(s) residing in Manchester or Essex, Massachusetts. Students must be enrolling in a certificate or degree-granting program in the fall of 2022.

Congratulations to this year's recipients who are both attending Suffolk University in Boston. Jacob Brown will be studying Business and Law. Isabella Thurlow will be studying Psychology, Criminal Justice and Law.

Chelsea Sends Campers to Camp Rotary

Posted by Douglas Mauch on Jul 08, 2022

The first group of ten Chelsea children preparing to attend a week at Camp Rotary in Boxford MA. The Chelsea Rotary Club annually sends twenty deserving Chelsea children to Camp Rotary. The children are chosen from essays they write as to why they should be selected to attend Camp Rotary. They are sent in groups of ten children each week for the first two weeks of camp. The Chelsea Rotary Club covers all the costs for attending Camp Rotary for the twenty children. Transportation to and from camp is provided by volunteers from the Chelsea Police Department.

Belle Isle Academic Awards Dinner

Posted by Vera Carducci on Jul 07, 2022

The Belle Isle Rotary Club had the pleasure of presenting three graduates from Winthrop with Academic Awards as they leave high school and go on pursue higher education.

We were also pleased to continue with the tradition of presenting an Academic Award for the Salesian Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, a student from Lynn, MA that has dedicated herself to work with young children from the East Boston community.

Pictured are two recipients from Winthrop and the Salesian Youth of the Year.

Wanted Host Family for Grad Student

Posted by Kelsea Whittemore on Jul 06, 2022

The Parkway Club is looking for an individual or individuals to house a graduate student who will be attending Simmons College in the fall. The incoming student is our last year's scholar, Fransisco's sister. She has received funding for tuition but not for housing. Please contact us as soon as possible if you can host her for a month, a couple of months, or the full year.

Please contact President of the Parkway Club, Kelsea Whittemore at kelsea.whittemore@gmail.com.

Peabody: 100 Years of Service Above Self

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Jul 06, 2022

As the gavel was passed from outgoing President Audrey Gordon to incoming President Rob Lowell, Rotary Peabody commemorated 100 years as a club. Club members gathered in celebration with Representatives Tom Walsh and Sally Kerans and State Senator Joan Lovely. A time capsule with the club's history and narratives of moments of our current time was buried for future Rotarians to find.

Many thanks to the time capsule committee members Tom Griffin, Emily Cooper, Martha Holden, Peggy Pedro, Loring Merrow, Stephanie Johnson, Dan Vassallo and Cathy Gravel for their hard work and research. The club is looking forward to another 100 years of Service Above Self!

Ipswich-Rowley Welcomes New Members in June

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jul 05, 2022

At its regular meetings in June, Ipswich-Rowley Rotary welcomed two new members, Andrea LaCroix and Susanne Pedersen.

Andrea is well known in our area as a realtor with Churchill Properties who serves on the committees of both the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and North Shore Realtors. She considers herself an environmentalist and hopes to support club initiatives that focus on sustainability. Andrea donates her time and talent to numerous conservation initiatives, including the Ipswich Waste Reduction Committee and the Open Space Committee, and has organized town-wide cleanups in Ipswich.

Manchester-Essex Red, White & Blue Breakfast a Huge Success!

Posted by Jack Costello on Jul 05, 2022

The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club held the annual Red White & Blue Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 2nd. I was a record-breaking success. We served over 1,200 breakfasts while offering free pony rides and face painting. The new addition to this year's event was a free water taxi from Manchester town center to the event location at Tuck's Point. Not only did it alleviate the traffic backup and parking, but it was also fun for our guests. One person who had lived in Manchester 20 years was overheard to say they had never been out on the harbor before.

Pictured here are guests in their patriotic attire enjoying pancakes at the Red White & Blue on July 2nd in Manchester.

District Ushers in New Rotary Year

Posted by Tim Kelley on Jul 01, 2022

On June 30, District 7930 gathered at Danversport Yacht Club to celebrate installation of District Governor Alexander Falk and new Club Presidents for 2022-2023. Taking the helm at Rotary International is Jennifer Jones, RI's very first female President. This year's Presidential Theme is Imagine Rotary.

We want your photos. If you took pictures you'd like to share, kindly email them to rotary7930publicimage@gmail.com.

Thanks also to immediate Past District Governor Terry Rezendes Curran for her leadership, enthusiasm and inspiration this past year.

Congratulations and best wishes to all the new Club leadership. We're looking forward to a great, new year!

Peabody's Run Raises $4000 for Ipswich River

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Jun 28, 2022

Peabody Rotary's Source-to-Sea Run on June 18th successfully completed by champion marathoner and Peabody Rotarian Dan Vassallo, raised over $4,000 for the Ipswich River Watershed Association (https://www.ipswichriver.org/), $1,000 over our goal!

The run raised awareness about the watershed, a local environment that is essential for clean water and for sustaining the life that gives our ecosystem its richness, which can help combat climate change. Clean water and environmental protection are two primary tenets of what Rotary stands in service of and we are thrilled to have had such a successful event to support these goals. For more about what our club does visit: rotarypeabody.org.

Peabody Awards Scholarships

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Jun 28, 2022

The Rotary Club of Peabody proudly supports 7 students going on to college next year with our annual scholarships. This is the culmination of the Club's yearlong fundraising efforts (including the perennially popular Taste of the North Shore) allowing us to award a total of $12,000 to these deserving students who understand what it means to put Service Above Self.

Congratulations to: Madeleine Scacchi (Sam Berns Scholarship)

Service Above Self Scholarship:

Josh Comito

Jacob Palhares

Emma Bloom

Julia Malionek

Jacquelyn Scopa

Ketsia Kabeya

Pictured here from left to right: Josh Comito, Emma Bloom, Jacquelyn Scopa, scholarship recipients and our guests at our June 16 morning meeting. More information about our scholarship efforts can be found at our website: www.rotarypeabody.org.

Lexington Passes the Gavel Again

Posted by Dan Busa on Jun 28, 2022

A lot was happening on Monday, June 27th at the Rotary Club of Lexington's annual Installation Luncheon Meeting. President Cleve Coats handed the gavel over to incoming President Veronica Caira. Veronica was also presented with her first Paul Harris Fellow Award.

President Cleve also received his third PHF from Lexington Past President and Treasurer Dan Busa and Concord Past President Sharon Spaulding. Sharon recommended Cleve to the Lexington Club and Past President Dan was his sponsor. Also, on his last meeting as president, Cleve together with Membership Chair Domenic Sicari inducted the Club's newest member, Ibn Insan Sauti.

D7930 is ShelterBox Hero

Posted by Alexander Falk on Jun 28, 2022

DG Terry Rezendes Curran and DGE Alexander Falk are proud to announce that our District has been designated HERO recognition for Rotary Year 2021-2022 from ShelterBox USA. District 7930 will be listed at the end of the Rotary Year your club will be listed on ShelterBox's HERO page.

ShelterBox is a cutting-edge charity that hand-delivers emergency shelter for families devastated by natural disaster and conflict. Its ShelterBoxes and ShelterKits contain the tools to transform lives and rebuild communities in the aftermath of disasters.

ShelterBox has provided aid to over 2.2 million people since 2000. It could not have been reached them without our help.

Follow this link for the latest news about ShelterBox disaster relief deployments.

District Installation 2022

Posted by Alexander Falk on Jun 27, 2022

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

REGISTRATION IS CLOSING on TUESDAY at 3:00 PM! Registration and online payment are required: please click here for more details and to register members and guests.

Please join us as we celebrate the Installation of District Officers & Club Presidents in Rotary District 7930 on June 30^th, 2022, at 6:00 PM at the Danversport, 161 Elliott St, Danvers. Since we are a little bit later than usual with the date of our installation, the theme for this year’s event is “It’s Almost the Fourth of July”.

Accordingly, we will have a summer cookout style dinner buffet with Danversport's own New England Clam Chowder, Warm Dinner Rolls, Strawberry Salad and Caesar Salad, Quinoa and Vegetable Salad, Watermelon Salad, Grilled Steak Tips, Chipotle BBQ Chicken, Hardwood Smoked Pulled Pork, Herbed Potato Salad, Corn on the Cob, and we will finish the evening with Blueberry Tarts and coffee/tea.

Doors will open at 5:30 and we will have cheese platters, vegetable crudites, and a cash bar for fellowship from 6:00 – 6:45 PM. A brief opening ceremony will be held from 6:45 – 7:00 PM followed by dinner starting at 7:00 PM. At 7:45 PM we will begin the installation festivities. The dinner cost per person is $65.

There's Still Time to End Polio Now!

Posted by Terry Rezendes Curran on Jun 26, 2022

The current total donations to the End Polio Now campaign as of June 25th are $66,423. Congratulations to the following Clubs who will receive the End Polio Now Certificate for donations to Polio over $1,500. Marblehead $20,991; Gloucester $4,964; Lexington $4,274; Winchester $3,550; Peabody $3,367; Wilmington $3,000; Woburn $2,521; Arlington $2,335; Wakefield $2,250; Reading and North Reading $2,046; Rockport $1965; Parkway $1,706.

Donations were also received in the following amounts from clubs around the district. Lynnfield $1,375; Lynn $1,100; Manchester-Essex $1,008; Chelsea $1,000; Somerville $975; Andover $804; Burlington $718; Danvers $625; Amesbury $600; Greater Salem, NH $515; Medford $500; Stoneham $500; Swampscott $500; Newburyport $475; Belle Isle $450; Ipswich-Rowley $428; Beverly $406; Boston #7 and Evening $400; Hamilton-Wenham $398; Salem $275; Cambridge $200; Burlington Breakfast $100; Melrose $100.

There is still time to send in those donations from the Polar Plunge or activities you did in your club or with your Interact Club.

Gloucester Donates $48K to Local and International Orgs

Posted by Tracy Arabian on Jun 24, 2022

Celebrating its 99th anniversary in 2022, the Gloucester Rotary has provided $32,428 to local projects, donated $10,825 to international causes, and awarded $5,350 in scholarships to local students since July 1, 2021. The Gloucester Rotary is a diverse group of civic-minded business and community leaders joined in a mission to support the community and the world beyond the North Shore.

“The Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self’ brings us together to make meaningful investments at home in our community and across the globe,” said Gloucester Rotary President, Tracy Arabian, who credits the generosity of spirit shared by the Rotary’s 56 members for making this possible. “These amazing people donate their time, their money, and their knowledge to make the world a better place. It has been a highlight of my life to have served the Rotary this past year as President.”

Reading Rotary Gears Up for 2022 Fall Street Faire

Posted by Jeanne Borawski on Jun 23, 2022

Although it is just the beginning of summer, Reading Rotary is gearing up to host the 14^th annual Reading Fall Street Faire on Sunday, September 11. Members of this committee are hoping to host the biggest, best Fall Street Faire yet.

Under the leadership of YMCA Executive Director, Rotarian and Fall Street Faire Chair John Feudo, the fourteen-person committee has already started meeting and planning for Reading's biggest annual event. According to Feudo, “This would be way too much work for one person to do alone. We have an incredible team. Some of the members are relatively new and bring great energy and enthusiasm. Some of the members have been doing this for years and just know how to get the job done. At the end of the day, we’re all proud to be able pull off an event of this scope for the whole town to enjoy.”

Wakefield's Father's Day Fishing Derby a Success

Posted by Amy Luckiewicz on Jun 23, 2022

The Wakefield Rotary Club hosted its second Father’s Day Fishing Tournament at Lake Quannapowitt on Sunday, June 19th. The free event, open to all ages, welcomed about 25 families fishing for various top spots. Wakefield Rotary Vice-President Gene Mullen explained, “We were thrilled with the turn-out, despite the gloomy weather.” He added, “It was great to see kids with their extended families.” In fact, for many families, this event was their first fishing experience and the perfect opportunity to learn safe and responsible fishing techniques before casting their first line.” Loaner rods were made available thanks to Mass Wildlife and bait was donated by Boats & Motors on North Avenue in Wakefield.

Rockport's Uganda Project

Posted by Anne Lewis on Jun 16, 2022

The Rockport Rotary Club used a District 7930 Matching Grant to complete Phase One of the construction of the Kateta House of Joy. It is a kitchen and dining hall on the second campus of the Village2Village Project in a very remote area of northeastern Uganda. The Village2Village Project is a charitable organization based in Indiana. It serves children in an area of Uganda where four out of five families live in devastating poverty. The second campus had only had a latrine and main office. It had no place for eating, teaching or meeting. Instead, children had to walk up to 20KM for activities on the main campus.

This project will ultimately benefit up to 150 children and their guardians. But even unfinished, the building has allowed 56 children to have their daily activities in their own local area. This area of Uganda is food insecure. Children are used to having only one meal per day, often lacking in nutrition. Now they will have regular meals and participate in their lessons on the local campus.

The Kateta House of Joy is well on the way to becoming a place not only to eat but to learn, sing, dance and grow.

Marblehead Announces Scholarship Recipients

Posted by Rosie Tan Segil on Jun 13, 2022

The Marblehead Rotary Club congratulates the students who have been awarded its 2022 scholarships in academics, leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. These scholarships support one of Marblehead Rotary Club's most important goals: assisting local students in pursuing their studies at higher education institutions. Yearly, Marblehead Rotary awards four to six students with a one-time scholarship and one with a four-year scholarship. There are six outstanding awardees: Sophia Nickolas, Tariq Abdelkahlek, Benjamin Kahn, Alexis Earp, Grace Miller, and Owen Murphy.

Greater Salem Memorial Day Project

Posted by Maria Bertolone on Jun 13, 2022

Members of the Greater Salem Rotary Club restored by cleaning Veterans' head stones for the fallen Iraq Veterans during Memorial Day Weekend.

This is the second annual clean-up. We will be returning in November to continue to honor those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Stoneham Rotarians Host Interact Students

Posted by Sharon Iovanni on Jun 12, 2022

At its June 7th lunch meeting at Gaetano’s Ristorante, Rotary Club of Stoneham members hosted four students from the Stoneham High School (SHS) Interact Club and their Advisor, SHS teacher Kim O’Connor.

This year, the Stoneham High School Interact Club - which has about 20 students - with their Advisor Kim O’Connor, engaged in several service projects, including gathering and sending clothing to Ukraine, collecting over 200 new children’s books to deliver to children in local hospitals and soliciting and delivering hundreds of packages of Pop Tarts to be distributed to Boston’s homeless population. The group meets regularly prior to the beginning of their school day. Rotary Club of Stoneham member Craig Celli has been the club’s liaison to the SHS Interact Club.

Rotary Interact Clubs welcome young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills as they come to understand the importance of Service Above Self, a Rotary motto. Clubs are encouraged to organize at least two service projects a year, one focused on their school or community and the other promoting international understanding. Currently there are 14,911 Interact Clubs in 145 countries around the world.

Is Your Club DEI Certified?

Posted by David Hart on Jun 09, 2022

As our Rotary Year 21-22 ends you still have time to submit your Club’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion citation and score sheet.

Most Clubs have found that when they review the Citation requirements (25 suggested action steps, Club must achieve 13 of the 25 for certification) that the Club has already achieved some of the action steps.

Your Club has until June 30, 2022, to review and submit your DEI Citation score sheet for certification. Please fill out your scoresheet and email to David Hart DEI Committee Chair and District Governor Terry.

DEI Citation and Score Sheet documents are available on the District 7930 DEI web page. Please see this link.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact David Hart at davidhart4251@gmail.com or at 781-718-7799.

Ipswich-Rowley Serves Senior Citizens

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jun 09, 2022

In what turned out to be a very busy week for Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians, the club hosted its annual lunch for senior citizens on May 26. This popular annual gathering could not be held the past two years due to the pandemic.

Co-sponsored by the Ipswich Council on Aging, the event featured entertainment and a delicious lunch prepared by Rotarian and Chef Ray Morley. Also assisting and cheerfully greeting the senior citizens were students from the Ipswich High School Interact Club.

A great time was had by all. We also are grateful to fellow Rotarian, the Rev. Brad Clark, and Ascension Church for making their beautiful hall available.

Pictured here are Interact volunteers.

Woburn Hosts Student Government Day Luncheon

Posted by Brian Ouellette on Jun 08, 2022

The Rotary Club of Woburn hosted their annual Student Government Day Luncheon last week. Twenty-six high school students shadowed twenty-six city department heads as part of a civics project for Woburn Memorial High School. Winners were selected based on their Civic Action Project portfolio. Woburn Mayor Scott D. Galvin was on hand to speak to the group and congratulate the winning students by awarding each with a commemorative city coin. Woburn Rotary also awarded the students with a commemorative Rotary coin.

Annual Manchester Red, White and Blue Breakfast July 2

Posted by Jack Costello on Jun 07, 2022

We are excited to announce that the Annual Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast will take place at Tuck's Point on Saturday, July 2nd, 7:30 a.m. to Noon.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, children 8 and under are free.

Pony rides, live music, face painting, all right on the beautiful Manchester Harbor at Tuck's Point, Manchester MA.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.manchesteressexrotary.org. Use the Pay/Donate button or go to the event page.

We will also be drawing our prize winners for the RWB Raffle, $10,000 in prizes. For raffle tickets email info@manchesteressexrotary.org

Peabody Rotary Ipswich River Appreciation Run

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Jun 06, 2022

Peabody Rotary is thrilled to partner with many other District Clubs in support of the Ipswich River Watershed Association (ipswichriver.org). On June 18th, Peabody Rotarian and marathon-winning runner Dan Vassallo will be running the 30 MILE length of the Ipswich River from "source to sea" to raise money and awareness for the Ipswich River Watershed Association.

This is a perfect Rotarian project because it supports the original Rotary tenet of supporting clean water and the newest tenet of sustaining a healthy environment. Would you or your club like to get involved? We’d love to have you!

You can get more info and donate at bit.ly/IpswichRiverRotary. We would also love other Rotarian’s to cheer on our marathon-winning runner Dan Vassallo as he runs the 30 miles source to sea to raise awareness for this great cause.

Gloucester Rotary Honors Tony Corrao

Posted by Tracy Arabian on Jun 06, 2022

The Gloucester Rotary has named Tony Corrao as a Paul Harris Fellow, the prestigious award named after the Chicago lawyer who founded Rotary in 1905. Corrao was selected by a committee of previous recipients of the award and will be honored at a special dinner on Monday, June 27, 2022, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The social hour will begin at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6:30pm.

Corrao, perhaps better known as Uncle Tony, was born and raised in West Gloucester. He graduated from Gloucester High School with the Class of 1977, and then spent 3½ years in the Army—serving at NASA’s Space Center in Alabama, Homestead, Florida, and Fort Bragg in North Caroline with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Upon his return to Gloucester, Tony founded Precision Roofing Services of New England in 1984. The company has been an important part of the Cape Ann economy for almost 40 years, providing solid jobs to several generations of laborers. In 2007, Corrao was the recipient of the Northeast Roofing Contractors’ Association President’s Award. After being nominated by his staff, he was named “Best Boss” of the year by the National Certified Contractor’s Network.

Lynnfield's Build A Bed Day of Service

Posted by Ron Block on Jun 02, 2022

The Lynnfield Rotary hosted “Build A Bed” on Saturday, May 21, District 7930’s Day of Service. We worked with “A Bed For Every Child,” a Lynn based initiative of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless providing beds for needy children in Essex County.

Over forty volunteers took part in an event which produced ten beds for the community.

Bed building teams were provided with lumber, hardware, tools, varnish and detailed instructions to produce the beds. After 2 hours they proudly displayed the beds that were constructed. Everyone had a wonderful time and went home knowing that ten children were going to have a bed of their own.

We wish to thank all of those who sponsored the building of a bed as well as the “builders” who joined us for this project as well as our fellow Rotarians from Ipswich, Methuen, Somerville and Wakefield for your support of this project. Special thanks to Lynnfield Fire Chief Glenn Davis for assistance with the use of the Firehouse parking area.

A Bed For Every Child receives about 250 requests per month for beds for children.

The Lynnfield Rotary Club, established in 1963 has a history of active service in our community and around the world.

Lexington Awards Scholarships to Seniors

Posted by Dan Busa on May 31, 2022

The Rotary Club of Lexington held its annual scholarship luncheon on May 23rd, at the Minuteman High School in Lexington. Twelve deserving seniors from Lexington High School, Minuteman High School and Lexington Christian Academy received the annual awards. We were also joined by senior officers of the Lexington Interact Club in Minuteman High School who were awarded an appreciation plaque for their fundraising efforts for the Polar Plunge. Interact sent 27 plungers to the event.

Andover Honors Citizens who Care

Posted by Al Ruthazer on May 25, 2022

Citizens Who Care is the Rotary Club of Andover's longest running program that honors outstanding community volunteers. Since 1996 our club has honored 10 people each year who have contributed to the local community through their extraordinary volunteer contributions. In 2009, the Club added the Educator of the Year and Student of the Year awards to Citizens Who Care. Those chosen to exemplify what it means to be an "unsung hero." They come in all ages and professions.

This year we saluted members from various organizations and groups for their outstanding work to our community. Whether it be working with our youth, creating environments for our elders to gather, or influencing the positive growth of Andover, our honorees have all made our world better.

Lynn Scholarship Recipients

Posted by Ray Bastarache on May 25, 2022

The Rotary Club of Lynn Scholarship Committee recently reviewed some 30 applications from area high schools where Lynn seniors attend before finally coming to consensus on five truly outstanding students.

Lynn English seniors Vatana Chen and Nantenen Kiata along with Abigail Constine from St. Mary’s, Lynn Classical’s Prisila Romero and KIPP Academy’s Stacey Munoz Arreaga emerged as the recipients of Rotary’s Richard Maloney & Robert Hastings Memorial Scholarships. Pictured here from left to right: Nantenen Kiata, Stacey Munoz Arreaga, Vatana Chen, Prisila Romero and Abigail Constine.

“I know I can speak for the committee members when I say how the selection process gets more challenging every year,” admitted Ray Bastarache, a longtime Lynn educator and committee chair. “Vatana, Nantenen, Abigail, Prisila and Stacey had an average GPA (Grade-point average) of 4.25, with a total of 35 Advance Placement or honors level course over their last three years of high school. They captained sports teams, led school clubs and organizations, and all five were very involved in community service. The Lynn community has a lot to be proud of.”

Flags for Heroes

Posted by Rebecca Harris on May 24, 2022

Flags for Heroes is a fund-raising activity sponsored by the Rotary Club of Arlington. People have sponsored a flag in memory of the men and women who are serving or have served as members of the Military, Police Officers, Firefighters, First Responders, Parents, Teachers, Coaches, Mentors, Community Leaders, and fly them for all the people who have made a difference in their lives.

You may sponsor as many heroes as you want, and a flag with the name of each hero will be flown at Park Circle on Park Avenue from May 25th through June 15th.

The public dedication will be on June 5, 2022, at 1 pm at the Park Circle Water Tower. The installation will be dedicated to the teachers and educators that serve the Arlington community.

We will follow whatever Covid-19 restrictions that are in effect at that time.

The cost of each sponsorship is $40.00. Click here to purchase today.

Holes for Poles and Flags for Heroes

Posted by John Muldoon and Bob Wicks on May 23, 2022

Ipswich-Rowley Rotary members got a workout on Friday when they hit the South Green in Ipswich to place holders for 200 American flags.

The flags, which are on 10-foot poles, will be installed shortly as part of the Flags for Heroes project. Rotary placed 100 on the green last year but enlarged the Ipswich display this year — and expanded to Rowley, where 100 flags will be placed on the town common.

People can sponsor a flag for $50 to honor a personal hero. “The hero may be a veteran, teacher, medical professional, mentor, or any person you would like to honor for their contribution to your life, the community, or the world,” organizers said.

Sponsorships are still available online, or by visiting the Institution for Savings and Bank Gloucester branch offices in Ipswich.

Display dates are May 27 to June 18 in Ipswich, and June 18 to July 9 in Rowley.

Proceeds from the volunteer-run organization will be used to fund scholarships and service projects in the two towns.

Story and photo by Rotarian John Muldoon, Editor/Publisher of The Ipswich Local News.

Gloucester Supports Art for Equity

Posted by Tracy Arabian on May 23, 2022

The Gloucester Rotary Club is taking steps to expand the diversity, equity and inclusion within our club and our community. We have partnered with "Art for Equity" to purchase books that promote DEI. These books will be donated to local and school libraries. Anyone wishing to support this DEI fundraiser may make a donation at https://gloucesterrotary.org/page/dei.

Art for Equity is a student run art collaborative, working to creative more equitable educational spaces within the Gloucester Public School district, one book at a time.

Visit the Art for Equity website!

Wakefield Sponsors Father's Day Fishing Derby

Posted by Amy Luckiewicz on May 23, 2022

The Wakefield Rotary Club will be again sponsoring the Father’s Day Fishing Tournament at Lake Quannapowitt. The fun-filled morning is free and open to all ages on Sunday, June 19th. Wakefield Rotary Vice-President Gene Mullen explained, “The pandemic put a hold on the past two years, but we’re really excited to bring this event back to the community.”

The Father’s Day Fishing Derby is part of the Club’s on-going efforts to focus on local support during its 100th Year Anniversary celebration; the club will celebrate its centennial on September 28, 2022. Mullen added, “This year is special to us as we approach our club’s 100th year of service to Wakefield and the global community. This local event fits right in.”

In addition to the fishing derby, the club will have resources on environmental sustainability, an area of focus for Rotary International. Wakefield Rotary respects the nature and beauty of our natural resources and we encourage all participants to fish responsibly. Mullen noted, “We strongly support catch and release and ask that all participants use good judgement in deciding if your fish is of competitive size or should be released immediately.”

Questions can be directed to the Wakefield Rotary Club at wakefieldrotaryclub@yahoo.com.

Wakefield Donates Books in Honor of 100th Anniversary

Posted by Amy Luckiewicz on May 18, 2022

Wakefield Rotarian Judy Gordon recently visited the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library's Children's Librarian Annie Hochheiser to donate several books related to environmental awareness. Recently, Rotary has added supporting the environment as an Area of Focus. The books were donated in honor of the club's 100th Anniversary which is being celebrated all year.

Pictured here: Wakefield Rotarian Judy Gordon delivering titles to Beebe Library's Children's Librarian Annie Hochheiser. Judy was the club's first female Club President in 1996-97.

Forming a District Environmental Committee

Posted by Alexander Falk on May 17, 2022

Looking for Rotarians interested in the Environment

As you may have heard, Rotary added the Environment as our seventh ahead of focus and our district is now looking into forming a new District Environmental Committee that will look into what environmental projects we can do locally within our own district, and also what other options may exist to participate in or start a new global grant in our seventh area of focus.

Possible local projects we may want to look into include pollinator habitat restoration (bees, monarch butterflies, etc.), beach cleanups, plantings in parks and on traffic islands, river/watershed restoration, etc. We are also going to be joining Operation Pollination and partnering with the National Park Service and National Heritage Areas in our region.

Our goal is to ideally have the new District Environmental Committee begin forming this spring and then start their work at the beginning of the new 2022-23 Rotary year on July 1st. If you are interested in participating on this committee, please contact DGE Alexander Falk.

Newburyport Fashion Show

Posted by Marion Spark on May 16, 2022

Fashion Show Fundraiser to benefit Newburyport Rotary.

Wednesday, June 1 from 5-7 pm

Loretta Restaurant, 15 Pleasant St., Newburyport.

Buy your tickets now for this fun event. Tickets $25. Ticket will include swag bag and table seating. Raffle tickets $1 each.

For information see newburportrotary.org or contact Marion Spark.

Build a Bed with Lynnfield Rotary

Posted by Ron Block on May 15, 2022

The Lynnfield Rotary Club is hosting “Build a Bed” on Saturday, May 21 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Lynnfield Fire Dept., South Station, 600 Salem St., Lynnfield, MA. We are working with “A Bed For Every Child,” a Lynn based group providing beds for needy children in Essex County.

At this event, all materials will be provided to teams of four. You will construct a bed with lumber, tools, and hardware (and expert instruction) being provided. It will be a wonderful experience for you and a significant resource for the children.

We welcome your financial support and would be pleased to have any or all of you join us for the construction event. The cost to build a bed is $350. Register a team of 4 or more to build a bed for $350. Sponsorships of $350 are also accepted.

The Lynnfield Rotary Club, established in 1963 has a long history of active service in our community and around the world.

For more information contact Ron Block or see the attached flyer.

Gloucester Hosts Zoom Meeting with Rwandan Partners

Posted by Tracy Arabian on May 13, 2022

This Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 7:45am, the Gloucester Rotary is hosting members on the Boneza community on a zoom call during our weekly meeting. Gloucester Rotarian Dave McKechnie -- who introduced us to Boneza and the Kivu Hills Academy -- is visiting Boneza and will be on the zoom call from Rwanda.

Since 2017, the Gloucester and Rockport Rotary Clubs have partnered and obtained grants to support the community of Boneza, Rwanda. This community is roughly the same population as the combined residency of Rockport and Gloucester. But, unlike those of us fortunate enough to live on Cape Ann, there is little infrastructure support in Boneza.

Peabody Rotary and Chamber Partner for Torigian Golf Classic

Posted by Alysa Hayden on May 13, 2022

Monday June 13. The Meadow at Peabody.

7:30 am Registration/Breakfast

8:30 am Shotgun Start

Rotary Peabody is proudly partnering again with the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce for our annual Torigian Golf Classic. Golfers and sponsorships are still available. Proceeds go back into the community for scholarships for local students. Join us for a morning of golf, food and fun!

Benefits Local Scholarship Programs

Carts included

Breakfast and lunch provided.

Golf ball cannon

Raffles

Swag bags

Medford Citizen of the Year

Posted by Anne Powers on May 10, 2022

The members of Medford Rotary Club wish to congratulate Vin Frattura for being chosen by the Medford Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year! Vin has been a member of the Medford Rotary Club for 29 years. He served as Past President and has been on the Board of Directors many times.

Vinny was chosen by the past recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award and truly exemplifies the Rotary Motto of "Service Above Self," which he referenced in his speech upon accepting the Clippership Award. Vinny is a "doer" and a "giver." You ask him and he is there with his time and energy. Our membership gives a resounding thumbs up to the Chamber for nominating and voting Vinny as their "Citizen of the Year."

Pictured here is Chamber President Maury Carroll presenting Medford Citizen of the Year Award to Vinny Fratura.

Bevery Strong and Growing

Posted by Jackie Rapisardi on May 09, 2022

As of last Thursday, May 5th, Beverly Rotary Club has inducted a total of 15 new members this year into our club. We feel this is quite a feat! Our membership is now up to 114 members. One of the new memberships is a corporate one, bringing our corporate total to five. Having the ability to have a corporate membership available, has enticed some places to join our club. We will continue in this vein actively to recruit new members into our vibrant club for the next year!

Volunteer Opportunities at NE Home For Vets

Posted by David J. Gardner on May 07, 2022

The New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV) is excited to announce that our Community Volunteer Program is resuming with weekday lunch and dinner meal services.

In light of the positive developments of the last two months, the NECHV is looking forward to re-commencing a scaled program of community volunteering here at the Center. The Veteran residents are eager to open up their home as well.

Thank you for all your past engagement and support, and for your continued interest in volunteering to support Veterans at the NECHV. It has been a challenging past two years of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and our focus here at the Center has been protecting the health and wellbeing of Veterans.

Online District Grant Management Seminar

Posted by Alexander Falk on May 07, 2022

Now is the time to get your club qualified for participating in district and global grants for the coming 2022-23 Rotary year. For a club to get qualified you have to have at least two members who have taken the district grant management seminar, and the club's current president for 2021-22 as well as the incoming president for 2022-23 both have to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the district and the club. The signing process is fully electronic, and you can click this link to find the e-signing instructions for Presidents.

Any club member who has already attended the District Assembly on April 27th has already taken the grant management seminar and is already qualified. Those who have missed the assembly, or if you have additional members in your club who want to be qualified to access the grants module in ClubRunner, the grant management seminar is now available online on the district website. If you follow this link you can watch the seminar in a 20 minute YouTube video and then all you need to do is complete a short online quiz.

Lynnfield Interact Recycles!

Posted by Peg Sallade on May 04, 2022

This spring, the Lynnfield Rotary Interact Club hosted a recycling event for the community. Data Recycling of New England partnered with Interact students to host an event at Town Hall in which Lynnfield residents could safely recycle their electronics, preserving the environment, and providing parts that can be refurbished for future use. The club made a portion of the recycling fees collected, raising over $3,000 to support future community service and Interact Club activities. Kudos to the Lynnfield Rotary Interact!!

Marblehead Harbor to Hold Huge Yard Sale May 14-15

Posted by Jessica DH Barnett on May 03, 2022

The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor will be holding a two-day yard sale at 217 Humphrey Street in Marblehead on Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sunday, May 15, from Noon to 4 p.m.

In case of rain, the sale will be conducted on the better of the two days.

The venue is located on the 441/442 bus line at the Humphrey Street / Ruby Avenue bus stop and there is plenty of on-street parking.

Featured items include costume jewelry, small furniture items, artwork, rugs, dishes, holiday décor, clothing, toys, books and more.

All proceeds will benefit the club’s scholarship program and philanthropic projects.

Building Better Playground for All Marblehead Children

Posted by Rosie Segil on May 03, 2022

Hobbs Playground will soon undergo a makeover. The new layout and updated equipment will guarantee access to children of all abilities. Leading the way to these improvements is Laney Dowling (center), Marblehead Family Fund's (MFF) Chair, who presented the playground’s final plans to Marblehead Rotary members. The MFF’s mission, since it started as a grassroots organization in 1988, has been to improve Marblehead's playgrounds, parks, and open spaces.

Marblehead Family Fund’s efforts were strengthened by individuals, families, businesses and civic organizations who managed to collectively raise $300,000, in the midst of lockdowns, to make this new playground a reality. The Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act Improvement Project Grant contributed $62,000. Marblehead Rotary capped the goal with a $25,000 sponsorship and also gave contributors an opportunity to benefit from the organization's charitable foundation status, encouraging more generous giving with tax exemption.

District Conference: May 6. Register Now!

Posted by Terry Rezendes Curran on Apr 29, 2022

Come join us and celebrate the emergence of our clubs from the pandemic. Friday, May 6. We are going to have a special Paul Harris Luncheon where we recognize all those who have generously donated to the foundation over the past year.

Just have your credit card ready and follow this link to register.

Our room block is only on hold until April 5, so please make your reservation now at our special rate of $149.

We hope to see you there.

RI Convention Houston 2022

Posted by Alexander Falk on Apr 29, 2022

Discover New Horizons

The 2022 Rotary International Convention is now just two months away so if you would like to attend, the time to register is now! We are pleased to announce that the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will be an in-person event in Houston, TX, June 4th-8th. For more information see also this flyer from Zones 28&32.

Please join DG Terry, DGE Alexander, DGN Lori, and DGND Tom in Houston and register as soon as possible!

There will also be a special District 7930 TexMex dinner on Monday, June 6th, at 7:00 PM local time, at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation Street in Houston so please make sure to register for that dinner as well.

Manchester-Essex Hosts KY Derby Auction May

Posted by Jennifer Doane on Apr 27, 2022

Returning from a two-year hiatus the Manchester-Essex Club is thrilled to host the 7th Annual Kentucky Derby Party and Auction on Saturday, May 7 from 5 to 8:30! This event brings items from all corners from golf outings and beach barbecues to fine clothing and complete wine cellars. There is a silent auction for smaller items. The live auction features State Senator Bruce Tarr as auctioneer for the big-ticket items, including an 80-inch smart television!

We will watch the Derby race live. There will be a non-betting lottery on the outcome, a hat contest for best women's and men's hats for prizes of a bottle of real Kentucky bourbon and a bouquet of roses. An excellent buffet dinner will be served throughout the evening, cash bar (yes, mint julep). Best of all we are raising money for local scholarships, food banks and international projects.

So, put on your Derby hats and be ready to have a fun time with fun people. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $30 or at the door for $35.

May 21 District Wide Day of Service

Posted by Joan Arsenault on Apr 26, 2022

Join Fellow Rotarians on May 21 on the Ipswich River for a Day of Service. Two Volunteer service opportunities are available:

1. 9am to 12pm Spring 2022 Rotary Club Ipswich River Landings Work Day: approximate teams of 4 people per site. The goal of this project will be to support our River Warden program by helping to prepare canoe/kayak landings on the Ipswich River for the paddling season via picking up trash, pruning and cutting back vegetation, and checking the condition of kiosks and signage at the following landings:

US Open Tix and More for Rotary

Posted by Susan Rack on Apr 23, 2022

Brookline Rotary is sponsoring an on-line auction as a spring fundraiser. Among the items are tickets for the US Open being held in Brookline June 16- 19, 2022. Other items include gift cards for local restaurants, services such as tutoring and legal, and special opportunities like a luxury Mexican vacation. Enjoy yourself while supporting Rotary.

Click here for information.

Passing of PDG Jack Maloney

Posted by Terry Rezendes Curran on Apr 23, 2022

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Past District Governor Jack Maloney of Lexington. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 30 at St. Brigid Church in Lexington. Arrangements for his services and his complete death notice can be found here.

Get Ready for World Immunization Week

Posted by Terry Rezendes Curran on Apr 22, 2022

Join with Rotary to promote the power of vaccines to protect children and save lives

During World Immunization Week, 24-30 April, let’s advocate for polio eradication and the importance of vaccines to the health and well-being of our communities.

So far this year $44,853 has been raised within the district to End Polio Now. That is matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at a 2:1 ratio for $89,706 additional going to Polio Eradication. This means that this year a total of $134,559 is earmarked to provide 224,265 vaccines so far this year. Let's keep collecting our pledges to reach our goal of $100,000.

Last Chance to Register for District Assembly

Posted by Alexander Falk on Apr 22, 2022

The District Assembly is our next step in the journey of training incoming club leaders for the upcoming Rotary year 2022-23, including the Grant Qualification Seminar, which is open to all club members. This year we will be in-person again and will be meeting at the Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield on Wednesday, April 27.

For the Grant Qualification Seminar we recommend that each club send at least two members to attend - but there is no limit. If your club grant committee includes multiple members, it would be ideal if they could all attend and get qualified. The District Assembly is open to all Rotarians in our district!

The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with five parallel tracks for: Presidents-Elect, Secretaries, Treasurers, Foundation Chairs, as well as a fireside chat with DG Terry Curran (for all Rotarians who don't fall into any of the previously mentioned four roles).

At 7:00 PM we will be serving a soup & sandwich buffet and continue the evening with a working dinner meeting for all groups together, which includes the District Qualification Seminar and the presentation of the District Budget.

Please click here to learn more and to register for the District Assembly.

Wakefield Focuses on Food Insecurity

Posted by Amy Luckiewicz on Apr 22, 2022

Inspired by the District's Homelessness and Hunger Initiative years ago, the Wakefield Rotary Club made strong connections with the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. This year, the Club decided to donate half of the income from the Dine Anywhere in the World Raffle to the organization. This past week, we were delighted to present the Wakefield Food Pantry a "big" check. Food Pantry board members and volunteers sold 30 of the 200 tickets. Doreen McGowan, Food Pantry Board President, accepted the check and hopes she can find a big ATM.

Pictured here Wakefield Rotary Club President Bruce Donovan, Food Pantry Board President Doreen McGowan, Club Secretary Suzanne Bowering and Club Treasurer Barbara Worley

Advanced RYLA May 14-15

Posted by Christina Harris on Apr 18, 2022

We are very excited that our first-ever Advanced RYLA will be held at Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, NH on May 14–15.

The purpose of this weekend is to support RYLA alumni who wish to continue their leadership journey and to have them help with the relaunch of RYLA for 2023. Since we have not held a traditional RYLA since 2019, we are without student leaders, so we are enlisting the alumni to help!

We are reaching out to RYLA alumni, going back more than 10 years, through Facebook, texts, calls, emails and Instagram. If you are in contact with any RYLA alumni, please feel free to share this information with them and encourage them to visit the Facebook page from their RYLA year or they can reach out to Christina at christina@PartnerWithChoice.com or 978.270.6706.

Chelsea Telethon for Ukraine

Posted by Barbara Martin on Apr 15, 2022

Chelsea Rotary presents Stand With Ukraine Telethon on April 29 from 4-7 pm.

Tax deductible donations can be made anytime by emailing Chelsea Rotary or LIVE during event.

Watch on FB Live at Facebook.com/rotary.chelsea or watch later on Chelsea Cable.

All proceeds go to Ukraine relief efforts.

Happy April Fools' from Beverly

Posted by Jackie Rapisardi on Apr 13, 2022

Our meeting started out as usual, with members trickling in at first to check in. President-Elect Mike Jones gave me a make-up slip which was signed Mickey Mouse from the Lake Buena Vista club. I had remembered that he was at Disney World, so I thought it was a cute joke on the part of the Florida club. Next came in Past-President Marshall Handly, who gave me a make-up slip from Athens, Greece. He went on and told me all kinds of details of his trip and I was telling him how I wanted to go there so badly. A few more members came in and then SEVEN other make-up slips were turned in. It dawned on me that they were all the same style of make-up slip. When I read one of them closely, my suspicions were validated. This one was signed by Glinda Witch, from Oz, Kentucky Rotary Club. Weren't our members from Beverly something else? I had slips from Key West, Berlin Bunker, and the Bowery, New York. They got me good!

April Fools', Jackie!!!

Polar Plunge a Huge Hit

Posted by Tim Kelley

Saturday, April 2, Gloucester Rotary put on a hugely successful Polar Plunge. Approximately 200 Rotarians from the District's 45 clubs plunged into the water at Long Beach in Gloucester. In addition to the Plungers were many supporters, on lookers and cheerleaders. The sun was out, but the water and air temperatures were both approximately a chilly 40 degrees.

Gloucester Rotary assembled a command center at the Cape Ann Motor Inn. Gloucester President Tracy Arabian addressed the crowd right before the 11 am plunging time to emphasize that all donations made will be double matched by the Gates Foundation to End Polio.

The District goal is $100,000.00. As of Plunge time, over $40,000.00 had been raised. Donations will continue to be collected at this link. Please designate "Polio Fund."

Wakefield Rotary Zeroes in on Arbor Day

Posted by Amy Luckiewicz on Apr 07, 2022

The Wakefield Rotary Club will be honoring the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day, recognized annually on the last day of April, with a free raffle to win a tree valued at $300 in support of the Town of Wakefield’s CommuniTREE Program. Wakefield Rotary and the Beebe library will have an Arbor Day display with the raffle tickets from April 15th to May 1st. Community members may visit the library during regular hours and register to win. The drawing for the tree is April 29th at the library. This year also marks the club’s 100th year of service to Wakefield and the global communities. Project Chair Gene Mullen noted, “This project falls right in alignment with our club’s 100th anniversary as it fits one of our seven areas of focus.” In addition to the raffle, the Rotary Club will contribute another $300 to the CommuniTREE Program to sponsor a new tree planting on the Beebe Library grounds.

Corks & Caps Wine Fellowship

Posted on Apr 07, 2022

Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.

Corks & Caps Local Chapter of Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship (RWAF) was founded by two Rotary District Governors during the COVID-19 crisis in May 2019: DG Joan Arsenault (D7930) and DG Suzanne Uhl-Melanson (D7790). Joan and Suzanne share a passion for wine, Rotary and the desire to extend this appreciation to fellow Rotarians and non-Rotarians.

Our objective is to learn more about wine, wine and food pairings and any other topics related to the appreciation of wine so that our own appreciation of good wine will be enhanced.

Join us to learn more about wine and have fun at the same time!! Meet fellow Rotarians and non-Rotarian wine lovers across two districts, two countries and three plus states. We have members from MA, ME, NH, CT, LA, VT, Cananda and FL.

We meet the last Sunday of the month from 5-6 pm on zoom. Email Joan at corksncapswine@gmail.com for more information. All Welcome regardless of wine knowledge!!!!

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

Posted by Linda Doliber on Apr 04, 2022

BE INSPIRED BY ROTARY! BE PART OF A ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN THIS DISTRICT...

When: April 30, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Where: Sheraton Four Points, Wakefield, MA

Who: Rotarians from our district and surrounding New England districts. New Rotarians and "Experienced" Rotarians who want to learn more and be re-energized for service

What: Parts I, II, III: A discussion-based, participant-centered curriculum that focuses on the structure of Rotary, implementation of proven leadership skills and methods, and the spirited interchange of ideas for planning and implementing club growth, membership retention, acquiring leadership skills that work! Graduate course will cover the 7 Areas of Focus; Facilitator Training also offered (must have District Governor recommendation and pre-approval).

Fee: $95 Rotarians; reduced fee for Rotaractors. Covers continental breakfast, mid-morning coffee, all curriculum materials, and buffet luncheon. All at a convenient conference center easily accessible via Route 128. Dist. 7930 registrants for Part I and II will receive a $50 reimbursement from Dist. Gov. Terry upon completion. Special rate of $139/night if making a weekend of it (good for two days before 4/30 to two days after. Specify RLI when making the reservation).

How: REGISTER TODAY at www.rlinea.org. Past Institute attendees have given this course rave reviews!

Lynnfield Helps Entrepreneur Spread Kindness

Posted by Peg Sallade on Apr 04, 2022

This spring Lynnfield Rotary enjoyed a special presentation on Connor’s Kindness Project (CKP) as part of our Rotary Club lunchtime speaker’s series. Connor Wright, the innovative founder of CKP, is a 12- year-old from Lynnfield MA who is often balancing his academic life, his passion for playing hockey, and his dedication to his successful business venture. Connor’s Kindness Project is about making “Kindness Kits” to help improve the lives of local children who are emotionally, physically, or financially in need.

“When Covid-19 hit things changed for all of us” Connor explained. He decided to launch a non-profit, Connor’s Kindness Project. He started with delivering Covid Care Packages, bags of thoughtful presents, to hospital workers on the frontlines of the Covid pandemic. From that success came Connor’s Kindness Kits.

Connor has delivered boxes for the Woburn police department, local health care centers and for people near and far (Alabama) helping families with chronically ill children. Connor’s Kindness Project starting small but now plans to deliver 2000 Kits!

To support Connor in his mission Lynnfield Rotary donated $1000.00 to his cause.

Pictured here are Sharon Marrama and Connor Wright, from Connors Kindness Project with Lynnfield Rotary President Jack Moynihan.

Peabody Helps Habitat for Humanity

Posted by Alysa Hayden on Apr 04, 2022

The Rotary Club of Peabody has put in sweat equity for Habitat for Humanity, working two different projects helping get homes ready for families to move in. These projects are based locally in Peabody and

Rotary Life on Land Symposium - Connecting the World through Sustainability

August 31, to September 3, 2023Rotary International Zones 28/32

August 31, to September 3, 2023
Rotary International Zones 28/32