Join the Membership Committee on Zoom, September 9 from 5-6 pm for our September Membership Meeting. The topic is: Club Newsletters Made Easy.
This topic is by popular demand from the attendees at our Membership Webinar in August. Learn about how to use ClubRunner to create and distribute newsletters to enhance your outreach both to members and to the community.
Experienced newsletter writers will share their tips and tricks.
Register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This past Tuesday, our Rotary Youth Exchange community, led by Bob Ford, gathered for a lively pizza dinner to celebrate the core of what makes Rotary International so impactful: fostering global understanding one student at a time. It was an evening of shared stories, homecoming, and fresh beginnings as we officially debriefed our returning exchange students and welcomed our newest inbound ambassador.
As captured in the group photo, we had the privilege of hearing from our two "rebounds" who have just returned home after an incredible school year abroad. Maliyah Harnish, pictured on the left, shared her transformative experiences living and studying in Finland. On the right is Tessa Lorenz, who spent her academic year immersing herself in the rich culture of Italy. Both of these outstanding young women were sponsored by the Rockport Club, and listening to their stories of personal growth, resilience, and international friendship was a powerful reminder of the impact our district's support has on the next generation.
Founded by the late Rotarian Bob Raiche, Friends Forever, Inc. promotes and focuses on peace and the development of leadership skills in youth from diverse cultures. Following a 22-year tradition of support, the Marblehead Harbor Rotary recently hosted a day-long visit by a group of 16-and 17-year old Friends Forever participants and their chaperones. This year’s participants were from Northern Ireland where there are still opportunities for peaceful solutions and the growth of community in areas formerly divided by religious differences.
ShelterBox, a Rotary partner agency, is responding to devastating flash floods that have struck the Rasuwa District of northern Nepal, near the border with Tibet. The scale of this disaster is staggering. At least 389 people have been killed, and reports indicate more than 1,000 people are missing. Entire villages have been inundated, homes and buildings swept away, and roads, bridges, power, and communications infrastructure badly damaged.
The sudden surge of water was reportedly caused by a glacier collapse, sending mud, ice, and rock crashing into the Bhote Koshi River and through communities.
Our response is underway. Our team is working with partners in the region to understand the rapidly evolving situation, determine how many people have been affected, and identify the emergency shelter and essential supplies displaced families will need.
Support This Work. Reports suggest thousands of people may have lost or damaged homes, and with villages scattered across remote mountainous areas and critical roads and bridges destroyed, reaching families in need will be challenging.
While flag exchanges might feel like a forgotten classic to some, Marblehead Rotary's newer members are bringing it back in a big way—and proving just how small our global network of 45,000+ clubs really is.
Recently, new member Anne Stevenson packed our club flag for a trip to England and visited the Rotary Club of Boston St. Botolph in Lincolnshire, completing a banner swap with Club President Kathleen Bryant (pictured).
The exchange carried incredible history: most of the Puritans who founded Boston, MA, hailed from Boston, Lincolnshire, and attended St. Botolph’s Church. Among them was Anne’s 10th great-grandfather, Rev. John Cotton, who served as vicar there for 21 years before emigrating to New England.
Of course, the moment wasn't without a little lighthearted irony—handing our club banner depicting American revolutionaries over to our British hosts was quite the handoff! That's a Rotary Flag Exchange with a Twist of history.
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program designed to strengthen Rotary knowledge and leadership skills. Founded in 1992, RLI provides Rotarians with a unique opportunity for quality education through interactive sessions led by trained facilitators, while encouraging participants to share their experiences and learn from one another.
District 7930 was well represented at the Rotary Leadership Institute of Northeast America (RLI NEA) Annual Meeting by Jean Leider (Andover), RLI Graduate; Joan Arsenault (Ipswich-Rowley), Executive Director of RLI NEA and 7930 Past District Governor; Peter Majane (Reading), 7930 RLI Site Chair; Lori Karas (Peabody), RLI Regional Vice Chair and 7930 Past District Governor; and Gail Ralston (Andover), RLI Graduate.
Jean Leider was especially excited to reconnect with her RLI Level 1 facilitator, Bernadette Kucharczuk of New Jersey, who led a presentation on Marketing Tips for Your RLI during the annual meeting.
RLI continues to provide Rotarians with valuable opportunities to build leadership skills, expand their Rotary knowledge, and connect with fellow Rotarians across the region.
The Rotary Club of Andover extends a big thank you to the Rotarians and friends of Rotary who spent their Saturday morning volunteering at the Andover Farmers’ Market!
For the third year, Andover Rotary has partnered with the Farmers’ Market to give its dedicated volunteers a well-deserved break on two summer market days. Rotary members step in to fill important staff positions, helping the market operate smoothly while supporting a valuable community resource.
On Saturday, August 22nd, we were pleased to have District 7930 E-Club members Lori Becker and Tara Janosz, along with a friend of Rotary and a Rotarian’s spouse join us. We appreciate everyone who gave their time and represented Rotary through service.
The Andover Farmers’ Market, operated by South Church (UCC) Andover, welcomes approximately 1,400 shoppers each week. The market also helps make fresh, healthy food accessible to the community. Children receive a $3 market gift to purchase fruits and vegetables, while more than 30 SNAP recipients receive matching SNAP dollars each week to purchase healthy food. The Rotary Club of Andover is a proud sponsor of their SNAP program.
We’re delighted to support the Farmers’ Market and its commitment to bringing the community together while increasing access to fresh, nutritious food.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to welcome three new members, all Assistant Vice President/Branch Managers with The Savings Bank: Bina Siddiqui of the Main Branch, Julie MacArthur of the Lakeside location, and Marc Skorupski of the Greenwood Branch.
The three new members are all transitioning from corporate members to full members. Each were representing The Savings Bank as a group and will now be full individual members, having experienced the value of Rotary.
Siddiqui said she was drawn to Rotary’s commitment to making a difference in the community and its spirit of service. She looks forward to participating in projects focused on economic and community development, food drives, and other initiatives.
“I am honored to be part of a group of people committed to serving others through selfless acts of service,” Siddiqui said.
Our Discover Rotary Day is coming up on Thursday, September 3rd, and I’m asking every Beverly Rotary member to help us make it a success!
We have a terrific guest speaker, Nancy Frates, whose story and connection to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and Mom of the late Pete Frates make this a wonderful opportunity to introduce people to Rotary and show them who we are, what we do, and the impact we make in our community.
My challenge to each of you: invite ONE person to join us! Think of a friend, colleague, neighbor, business associate, or community member who might enjoy learning more about Rotary. A personal invitation can go a long way.
Growing Rotary membership is essential to the long-term health and vitality of our organization.
Please join us for our upcoming Membership Forum, featuring Rotary International Director Tom Gump, as he shares Rotary's Vision 2030 Membership Plan. Learn about the strategies and opportunities that will help clubs attract, engage, and retain members while building a stronger future for Rotary.
District Membership Forum, Keynote Speaker RI Director Tom Gump.
August 26, 2026, 6 pm at Four Points Sheraton, 1 Audubon Road, Wakefield, MA 01880. $45.00 includes Buffet Dinner, Cash Bar.
Tom is a dynamic and engaging speaker not to be missed. He will speak on Rotary International's initiatives to strengthen and grow membership and planning for Rotary's future. We hope you'll join us for this informative and inspiring program.
The Brand Center an important resource in presenting your club’s Public Image.
Logos and graphics: Create customized logos that identify your club. Rotarians are asked only to use the correct logo as generated in Brand Center. In Brand Center there are options to generate is the club logo in other combinations (full color, all white, all black all azure blue, white and gold).
Click here to see a short video demonstrating how to create your own, brand-compliant, professional looking club logo in Brand Center.
Bring our brand to life. A consistent voice and unified visual identity are essential components of a strong brand. Learn how to use Rotary’s communication and design elements to build awareness and recognition of Rotary and to tell the story of people of action.
The Rotary name. Clubs, districts, and other Rotary Entities can use the “Rotary” name by following this guidance.
The Beverly Rotary Club is having its first ever Ice Cream Social for the benefit of Foster Families/Children on the North Shore. The event is taking place at the Cummings Center, at the back of the Four Leggers Doggie Daycare(950 Cummings Center #101, Beverly). If you can bring a chair that would be great. Parking is FREE.
Event is Wednesday, August 26th from 6-7:30. All ice cream is being donated by Cherry Farm Creamery, so you know it's going to be great treats served. This is our August service project, and we have an eager group of Rotary Volunteers to scoop just for you. All are welcome to come to this fun event. We hope to see you there.
A shout out to an incredible group of teenagers. Last weekend, the Ipswich Interact Board of Directors attended their annual leadership training weekend. Friday afternoon we headed up to Glenn Falls Campground in Lee, NH. Nearly half of them had not been camping before, and yet an hour after we arrived, tents were up, 20’ pop up was set and air mattresses were inflated.
The goal of this weekend is to prepare as a team for the upcoming year. The outcome is to pull the team together with a better awareness of the skills they will need for their leadership as well as setting their goals and events for the year.
It has become one of my favorite weekends of the year, and watching them pull together as a team, become friends and discover awareness of how they can grow and become better leaders is purely inspirational. From the question games around the campfire to the scavenger hunt that covers the entire campground to Alana‘s closing session where she led them in an exercise that focuses on achieving the RI presidential award for Interact this year-every moment was full of purpose and energy.
Please join the next District Environmental Committee meeting via Zoom on August 27th at 7pm. We will discuss current and future project ideas for your club and the district. All ideas and projects are welcome.
Join the Membership Committee on Zoom, September 9 from 5-6 pm for our September Membership Meeting. The topic is: Club Newsletters Made Easy.
This topic is by popular demand from the attendees at our Membership Webinar in August. Learn about how to use ClubRunner to create and distribute newsletters to enhance your outreach both to members and to the community.
Experienced newsletter writers will share their tips and tricks.
Register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Linda Sullivan leads the charge for our August Food Drive, making sure our local Food Pantry shelves stay stocked.
Every August, Marblehead Rotary directs its energy toward a pressing local challenge: summer food insecurity. With school meal programs on pause and living costs high, many local families face extra strain, leaving community food pantries working overtime to keep up with demand.
To support our neighbors, Marblehead Rotarians have committed the month to a targeted Food Pantry Drive. Spearheaded annually by Rotarian Linda Sullivan, club members—including volunteers Alison Richards, and Peter Speziale—are out in the community purchasing and delivering high-need groceries and household essentials.
Working side-by-side with Marblehead Food Pantry, our team is making sure the pantry floor stays stocked with the specific items families need most right now. It’s a proud hands-on effort and a great example of Service Above Self making a direct, local impact.
The Beverly Rotary Club was recognized by the Greater Beverly YMCA with a Social Responsibility Award. A breakfast meeting last week at the Mission Boathouse, the club had plenty of members in attendance to accept with gratitude the honor.
It's always great to be recognized by others in community, and we have partnered with the YMCA on numerous projects over the years to help the welfare of youth and adults for a better life. We always knew we do good things, now the community knows it as well. We will cherish this blueish sail like award suitable for display on our award shelf.
President Linda Turcotte 2026-27 accepted the award on behalf of the team.
The Lawrence Rotary Club received exciting news yesterday, and as secretary of the club I'd like to share it with other clubs in the District. As you may well know, Rotary International in Chicago gives out a few awards every year for Club excellence in community service. I am pleased to announce that the Lawrence Rotary Club received this award for its efforts in 2025-2026. Please see award attached.
Something to be proud of, and momentum we hope will carry forward!
Ipswich-Rotary Rotarians volunteer weekly at the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry, delivering food to both Rowley and Ipswich residents. Pictured is Rotarian John Witzig, assisted by fellow Rotarians Ann Witzig, John and Diane Herth, and Gina and Joe Healy.
The pantry serves the seven towns of Newbury, Newburyport, West Newbury, Salisbury, Rowley, Ipswich, and Georgetown. The 100% volunteer First Parish Newbury Pantry provides food to over 750 people each Friday, serving guests by assisting them with online ordering, filling orders, delivering groceries, and offering contact-free pickup for those who have transportation. https://www.newburyfoodpantry.org/
Ipswich-Rowley Delivers Groceries Weekly for Newbury Food Pantry
Last weekend Swampscott Rotary held our 45th annual cookout for Northeast ARC (NE-ARC) and Bridgewell. NE-ARC and Bridgewell are organizations that help people with disabilities become full participants in the community; choosing for themselves how to live, learn, work, socialize and play.
We hosted and served 100 guests on a gorgeous summer day. We had must extra help from friends and Marblehead/Swampscott Elderact members. Our guests enjoyed our food, games and the music of our DJ of all 45 years, Swampscott Rotary's current President, David Legere.
Pictured here are Swampscott Rotarians, Elderact members and friends preparing to cook and serve our guests.
Swampscott's 45th Annual Cookout for NE-ARC & Bridgewell
The Rotary Club of Arlington is saddened to announce the passing of Greg B. Anderson, a dedicated Rotarian whose 52 years of service began when he joined the club on April 23, 1974. He served as club president in 1980–1981, a Paul Harris Fellow +2, he was first named a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986, and served as secretary of Arlington Rotary for the past 10 years.
Greg continued a three-generation Anderson family tradition of service to the Arlington Rotary Club. His father, Roger Anderson, joined in 1958, became a Paul Harris Fellow, and served for 28 years. His grandfather, Nils Anderson, was a member from 1925 to 1969, contributing 44 years of service. Together, the three generations of Andersons gave a combined 124 years of service to Rotary.
A respected leader, Greg has played key roles in fostering community spirit, organizing fundraisers, and supporting outreach programs. His contributions were recognized at his 50th anniversary by District Governor Tom Hankard, DG Elect Terry Rezendes Curran and State Representative Sean Garballey, who presented him with a State House proclamation.
Greg’s wife, Nola, provided her unwavering support and presence at various Club projects in Greg’s journey underscoring the importance of family and support systems in sustaining long-term service commitments.
Being a District Governor is the most rewarding position I have ever held, so much that I stepped up to serve the district a second time. Although the commitment might appear to be daunting, the opportunity to serve Rotarians in District 7930 is filled with so many opportunities.
The training that is provided to an incoming Governor is extensive. From engagement and advice from Past District Governors to the interaction with my NEPELS and Zone classmates to the training received from Rotary International at Zone and the International Assembly, there is no other program geared at preparing someone for such a role. I have done my best to learn the mechanics of Rotary and to provide the leadership to support clubs in their quest to provide service to their communities and the world to “Create Lasting Impact.”
Posted by Frances Fazio and Joan Arsenault on Jul 31, 2026
Burlington Breakfast Rotary Co-President, Gloria Birungi, was taken in by ICE earlier this month while at Logan Airport traveling for a work conference. She has been held in ICE detention without release.
Gloria, she has been Co-President of the Burlington Breakfast Rotary for two years, is a single mother of three wonderful children ages 7-13, holds two jobs and still finds time to give of herself for volunteering.
We are reaching out to as many fellow Rotarians as possible to be there to support Gloria at her hearing on August 10 at 9 a.m. in Chelmsford. We will all wear our Rotary shirts!
This is NOT a political protest. This is a humanitarian cause. We need Gloria to be returned to her children while her case is being adjudicated.
Her hearing is scheduled for: August 10 at 9 a.m., Chelmsford Immigration Court, 150 Apollo Drive, Chelmsford, MA
Please come out and support your fellow Rotarian! For more information or questions, you may contact Fran Fazio at 781-266-6021. Thank you for your support!
Join the D7930 E-Club on Wednesday, August 5, 12:30 pm via Zoom for a special presentation by Steve Fine (Rotary Club of Peabody, MA): "Early Self-Detection and Prevention of Melanoma."
With 234,000 new U.S. cases predicted in 2026, melanoma can strike anyone. But caught early, it's curable in one outpatient visit—no chemo, no radiation.
Since 2022, Steve has given this complimentary presentation to over 600 Rotary groups. No fees, no ads—just life-saving info.
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 15, 2026, 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 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and is held in Stage Fort Park on Saturday-Sunday, August 15-16. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
Last month, at our Installation Dinner at the Swampscott Yacht Club, Swampscott Rotary recognized and thanked our outgoing president, Diane O'Brien, and installed president David Legere. David and our new officers and board were installed by District 7930 representative David Deutsch.
We also hosted seven of our nine scholarship winners and their families.
The District Environmental Committee is hoping everyone is having a great summer. Due to schedules, we have taken the summer off and are planning to meet again on August 27th at 7 pm. Please use the link below to register. We meet on the last Thursday of every month. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1JA95F8PQ6iAqSFHTWWlnw
World Clean-Up Day takes place on September 20th. Organize a clean-up with your club in your community and let's make an impact in our district. Please email me with the details of your clean-up and send pictures post-clean up. Let's make this a large clean-up day and an annual event.
As we mark Rotary Membership Month, you're invited to join fellow Rotarians for an engaging discussion on strengthening our clubs and growing membership.
We'll be sharing ideas and best practices, including:
Your favorite club service project Your club's most successful ways to engage new and existing members Your club's plans and goals for the coming Rotary year
Whether you're a Membership Chair, club leader, or simply passionate about growing Rotary, your ideas and experiences are welcome!
On July 21, Reading Rotary held its Club Installation of Officers and Directors. The Club will be helmed by Co-Presidents Lisa Simmons and Amy Walsh. Amy is coming off a year of being solo President. Pictured here are John Douglass, Phil Stewart, Lisa Simmons, Lisa Gibbs, John Feudo, Peter Majane, Margaret O'Sullivan, Tim Kelley, Amy Walsh and Sheila Clarke. Not pictured is Elena Turco.
In addition, the Club awarded scholarships to 4 graduating seniors. Special thanks to Sheila Clarke for organizing the celebration and opening her home to the event.
Manchester-Essex Rotary Club Announces “Gears For Good” Community Bike Event at Masconomo Park on September 20, 2026. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is excited to announce the Second Annual Community Bike Event, Gears For Good, on Sunday, September 20 at Masconomo Park in Manchester by the Sea. Designed to promote healthy recreation and community engagement, Gears For Good invites riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy a morning of cycling while supporting the Club’s mission of service.
“Our Rotary Club is thrilled to offer this community event, Gears For Good, for the second year as part of our commitment to 'Service above Self,'” said Club President Ron Parker. “We hope riders of all ages – especially children and families – will discover the fun, freedom and lifelong health benefits that come from riding a bike.”
Participants can choose from three ride options tailored to different ages and experience levels:
We are incredibly fortunate to live and work in a town with such a beautiful waterfront, and it’s a true joy that our weekly lunches get to take place right on the harbor at the Boston Yacht Club. Every Thursday, it serves as a wonderful, welcoming space where local business owners, neighbors, and the next generation of professionals can easily pull up a chair, talk shop, and collaborate on ways to support Marblehead.
A big part of what makes these lunches so rewarding is learning together. Each week, we invite local speakers who share practical insights on things that matter to both our businesses and our wider community.
A perfect example from our most recent gathering (pictured from right to left): Andrea Lacroix (our District Environmental and RLI Chair), who gave a fantastic, eye-opening talk on the steps we can all take toward "living beyond plastics." Aviv, our Rotary Club President. Ava Pessadente, a recent engineering graduate who is jumping right in to make a meaningful contribution early in her career. Alfred Wilson, a familiar face in our local business community and the owner of The Muffin Shop!
The Marblehead Rotary meets every Thursday at noon at the BYC, bringing together the local energy and community spirit that makes our town such a special place to do Business.
Gathering with a Shared Purpose at Marblehead Rotary
The club inducted our newest President, Linda Turcotte for our 107th year at an event last week. With big clubs comes big responsibility. Hence the gavel of truth, justice and the Beverly way! Her niece's husband, Anthony Garry, Past President of the Topsfield Boxford Middleton Club did the swearing in. Yes, we are one big, connected family, aren’t we? Linda spoke about her plans for the upcoming year and thanked many along the way for her journey as our President. She is our 6th woman President and we couldn’t be happier. Best of luck President Linda in 2026-2027. Induction was attended by outgoing DG Pooja, Incoming DG Terry and next year's DG Tim.
Linda has instructed her team of minions to revamp the club website, which will happen very soon. Just waiting for transfer of domain names and all that techy talk.
Come see us Thursdays at 12:15 at Danversport Waterfront, the go to place for district events!
At D7930 E-club, we believe that great things happen when we work together. Service Above Self isn't just our motto—it's our action plan. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that our team is ready to lend a hand on your next community project or event!
Whether you need:
* Hands-on volunteers at your event or service project * Planning and logistics support to get your initiative off the ground * Expertise and connections from our network of passionate Rotarians * Or just an extra set of (very capable!) hands to get the job done
We are here for you—across the entire district, from start to finish. Rotary brings people together to solve challenges, build friendships, and create lasting change, and we want to be right there beside you making it happen.
The Wakefield Rotary Club will again be hosting a Red Sox ticket chance at the WCAT Movies by the Lake. Thanks to another 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 Arizona Diamondbacks on the Tuesday, August 18th game at Fenway Park.
Proceeds from the chances will benefit the local and international projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club Foundation. Club President Paul Adams said, “This is a great way to win some great Sox seats and support local causes through Rotary.”
Ticket chances cost twenty-five dollars and the prize includes two seats at Fenway, Box 49, Row H, Seats 1-2, behind the visitor and on-deck circle near home plate. The value of the pair of tickets is about $300. 2024 ticket winner, Amy Luckiewicz said, “The seat location was so close to the action. I’ve never been so close to the field before!”
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 Holiday Travel Wakefield (402 Main Street), from any Wakefield Rotarian or online here. You can also Venmo the club @wakefieldrotaryclub. Indicate “Sox” in the memo and provide your contact information. The winning ticket will be pulled at 8:00pm on Thursday, August 6th at the Movies by the Lake event. You do not have to be present to win.
Wakefield Rotary Offers Chance to See Red Sox Up Close
Growing Rotary membership is essential to the long-term health and vitality of our organization.
Please join us for our upcoming Membership Forum, featuring Rotary International Director Tom Gump, as he shares Rotary's Vision 2030 Membership Plan. Learn about the strategies and opportunities that will help clubs attract, engage, and retain members while building a stronger future for Rotary.
District Membership Forum, Keynote Speaker RI Director Tom Gump.
August 26, 2026, 6 pm at Four Points Sheraton, 1 Audubon Road, Wakefield, MA 01880. $45.00 includes Buffet Dinner, Cash Bar.
We hope you'll join us for this informative and inspiring program.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians and volunteers removed “Flags for Heroes” from the Ipswich South Green and the Rowley Common today. But the message of this non-partisan tribute to honor and valor, especially during our nation’s 250th Anniversary year, will remain in our hearts and minds every day.
We want to especially thank Paula Bishop who processed all the registrations and beautifully hand crafted the dedication medallions. It was a major and loving effort.
During the Flag Day Dedication on June 14 at South Green, Rotarian Joan Arsenault reminded us that the annual display represents “the best of what we give and who we are”. Larry Jordan, Ipswich VFW Commander, noted that “George Washington inspected soldiers on this green”. Rotary President George Gray added that “the Marquis de Lafayette also visited the green, native American tribes lived here, and cattle grazed on the lawn when it wasn’t in use for military training”.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary club annually awards academic scholarships to a student from each of the two communities we serve. These recipients are exceptional leaders and scholars who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service.
This year’s recipients are Maggie Carlberg from Ipswich High School, and Danika Prendergast from Triton Regional High School in Rowley.
Maggie will be attending Loyola Marymount University to major in psychology specializing in developmental psychiatry. Her goal is to become a psychiatrist in an inpatient or ER facility
Danika is heading to the University of Alabama to major in criminology and criminal justice. Her goal is to become a police officer.
The Gloucester Rotary will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2027 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities.
The 2027 calendar theme will be The Seasons of Cape Ann. In order to publish a beautiful calendar, the Club is requesting high-quality digital photos that reflect the amazing beauty of Cape Ann throughout the year. As we will be featuring one photo per month, we need images from each season: winter, spring, summer and fall. Photographs from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester will be accepted.
Full contest rules and requirements are available online at https://gloucesterrotary.org/. All entries must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently installed its new officers and directors during a luncheon at Brightview Wakefield. In accordance with its by-laws, the service club elects new leadership annually to take office July 1st of each year.
2025-26 Club President Kathy Boyle concluded her Rotary year by thanking Wakefield members for their support, as she “passed the gavel” to incoming Club President Paul Adams.
The club also installed its incoming Board of Directors including President-Elect Wendy Maguire, Margie Daniels, Euwan Godfrey, Amy Luckiewicz, and Michael Sullivan. Boyle will serve on the Board as Immediate Past-President. Suzanne Bowering will serve as Club Secretary, Barbara Worley as Club Treasurer and Frank Fiorentino will serve as Sergeant-at-Arms.
At the Rotary District 7930 Installation on Thursday, June 25th, one of the evening's most meaningful moments was the presentation of the Rotary Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity to Joan DiPietro Gardner.
The Rotary Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity recognizes non-Rotarians and non-Rotaractors, including partners and spouses of Rotarians and Rotaractors, who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service through Rotary. It celebrates individuals whose quiet dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping others have made a lasting impact on their communities while advancing Rotary's mission of Service Above Self.
Joan was nominated by District Governor Pooja Singla and Stoneham Rotary co-president, Sharon Iovanni, in recognition of decades of extraordinary service, much of it behind the scenes.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead officially installed its officers and board members.
This year’s leadership focuses on continuity, ensuring a consistent direction to seamlessly move our ongoing community work forward. Aviv Hod (far right) returns for a second consecutive term as president, providing a stable foundation while guiding the path for Vice President Peter Speziale.
Pictured from left to right are: Secretary Brian Snell (first), Laney Dowling (second), Christiana Plum (third), Vice President Peter Speziale (fourth), Treasurer Nancy Gwin (fifth), Jack Attridge (sixth), and President Aviv Hod (far right). Not pictured but completing the team are Marsha Christensen and Andrew Gillis.
With this steady transition and a shared vision, the board is ready to sustain our momentum in the year ahead
Continuous Leadership: Marblehead Installs New Board
Posted by Tracy Arabian and Tim Kelley on Jul 01, 2026
Has your club recently hosted an event or project or are you planning something in the near future? Please share your story with us and with your local news and social media networks.
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. Your club's successes and events can give inspiration to other Rotarians.
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!
Last week, the Beverly Rotary Club installed its new roster of Officers and Directors. What a wonderful event! We were honored that Pooja Singla, Lori Karas and Terry Rezendes Curran accepted our invitation to attend. The event was held at Danversport Landing with 80 people attending. We had music by Peter Tentindo, as well as delicious hot hors d'oeuvres, a taco station and an ice cream sundae bar. Our incoming President Linda Turcotte was sworn in by her nephew, Anthony Garry, Past President of the Topsfield Boxford Middleton Rotary Club. He also swore in all of the other officers and directors.
A special Paul Harris Citizenship Award was bestowed on the North Shore Music Theatre. Bill Hanney, owner and producer, and Karen Nascembeni, Chief Operating Officer, were present to accept this high award, The club also honored our member Diane Howard with a Paul Harris Recognition.
The Rotary Club of Burlington and the Burlington Rotary Special Olympics Basketball team headed to the Lowell Spinners on June 20th. They had a meet and greet with the Lowell Spinners players that included autographs and food and drink in the Brew pen. It was a great outing organized by club members John Tuccinardi and Kevin Carnell.
The Newburyport Rotary Club is raffling off 2 Quest Kayaks, 2 paddles and a $100 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods to go towards their high school scholarship fund. Each year Newburyport gives $15,000 in scholarships and all raffle proceeds raised will go towards giving 3 students a $5,000 scholarship.
Tickets can be purchased on the Newburyport Website or you can scan the QR code in the flyer. The kayaks must be able to be picked up by the winner. The winning ticket will be drawn on Tuesday, August 4th.
Past District Governor, Joan Arsenault has received one of Rotary International’s highest recognitions, the Service Above Self Award. This distinction is reserved for those who exemplify the very heart of Rotary: a selfless commitment to helping others, not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.
The Service Above Self Award is an internationally competitive award, granted by Rotary International Directors to up to 150 Rotarians per year out of more than 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. This recognition is reserved for those who embody the very essence of Rotary—individuals whose dedication, generosity, and compassion make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Joan has consistently gone beyond expectations, someone who leads with compassion, gives generously of their time and talents, and inspires others through her passion for The Rotary Foundation.
District Governor Terry Rezendes Curran presided over the District 7930 Installation ceremony, officially welcoming the incoming Club Presidents, Assistant Governors, and a wide range of District leaders. Terry brings a wealth of experience to the role—holding the unique distinction of being both the current District Governor and a Past District Governor, a testament to her long-standing dedication to Rotary and its mission of Service Above Self.
Outgoing District Governor Pooja took the stage to recognize the exceptional work of clubs and individuals throughout the past year. She presented a series of individual awards celebrating service, innovation, and leadership across the district.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club awarded several scholarships to students pursuing higher education, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements and commitment to community service.
The scholarships reflect the club ongoing dedication to supporting local youth and encouraging future leaders who demonstrate both excellence and spirit of service.
The Greater Salem NH club services 5 communities, Salem, Atkinson, Hampstead, Windham & Pelham NH.
Rotary Club of Stoneham installed its Officers for the 2026-27 Rotary Year at a recent Lunch meeting at Stoneham TV Studios with District Governor Elect Terry Curran.
Pictured in the photo are (L to R) Incoming Co-President Ann Marie Doris, Past President Heather Mell, Incoming Districting Governor Terry Curran, Past President Sharon Iovanni and Incoming Co-President Jessica Glezellis.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary members gathered last week at the Rowley Country Club to welcome their new leadership team for 2026-27 and celebrate some community heroes.
Susanne Pedersen was installed as the club’s 123rd President by Past District Governor Joan Arsenault. Our new Board of Directors who will support her also were installed. The incoming officers include Katie Filtranti and Joe Healy as co-President’s Elect, Ted Garside as Treasurer, Mary Foote-Hill as Secretary, and Clint Dalton as Vice President Rotary Foundation. Our other Directors beginning July 1 will be Chris Davis, Diane Herth, Deb Mahoney, Christina Manikas, Martha Mauser, Lisa Shanko, and Immediate Past co-Presidents George Gray and Doug Shealy.
Another highlight of the evening was the announcement of our ‘Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Person of the Year’. We were thrilled to honor and thank Denny Drislane, recently retired head chef of the Ipswich Dinner Bell, who for 13 years served countless delicious and nutritious meals free to Ipswich residents who needed them. In addition to his culinary skills, Denny is remembered for his kindness and friendly demeaner. On hand to celebrate with Denny was his wife Elana, Ipswich Dinner Bell Executive Director Dorothy Calandra, and other members of Denny’s family.
Mark your calendar for fun, food, beverages and bowling at the Danvers Rotary Club Bocce Tournament Fundraiser on July 23, 2026, from 3 pm to dusk at Endicott Park in Danvers. This is a fun-fundraiser to supply LifeVac lifesaving equipment for Danvers Police Department.
For more information and to reserve your team space contact Barry Kaplan at tfiphoto@aol.com or 978-821-2175.
Registration is open. $30 per person. Teams of 2 for $60. Venmo to sign up @Danvers-Rotary or mail a check to PO Box 14, Danvers, MA 01923.
Sponsor Opportunities (listed on Danvers Rotary social media, website, correspondence and PR.
Don't miss the opportunity to make your final Annual Fund contribution this year before FY year end. Every Rotarian, please make your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE by June 30.
Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary clubs take action today to create positive change in communities at home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies, save mothers and children, and fight disease.
Thanks to our District 7930 grant to Ipswich-Rowley Rotary, two 5th grade classes at Pine Grove Elementary School, Rowley each spent a day at a local wetland pond that forms the headwaters of the Mill River watershed. CLICK HERE to view the Interactive Story.
Using the lens of three keystone species - beavers, cattails, and dragonflies, students built a greater understanding of this ecosystem and how it benefited both wildlife and humans throughout the town’s long history.
Rotarians then assisted in a water quality study of the Mill River watershed, helping students answer the question, "How do scientists measure the water quality of our local wetlands and rivers?"
Ipswich-Rowley Rotarian Ann Witzig then created a classroom inquiry to answer this questions, using both the collected data, GIS maps, water samples, and the professional water quality meters shared by the Parker River Clean Water Association.
5th Graders Explore Wetlands Thanks to District Grant
It's time to celebrate new Club and District leadership. Please join us on June 25, from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at Danversport, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers MA 01923.
Celebrate the New Rotary Year with party hats, decorations and party clothes!!!!
We could not have asked for better weather for our second meeting at The Deck! Full meeting, happy dollars galore and one of our best meetings of the year as we gave out $15,000 in high school scholarships!
Our 3 scholarship recipients each received a $5,000 check. They were: Sydney Champagne, from Triton who will be attending UCONN and is pre-med. She received the George A. Cashman Scholarship. Calleigh Curran from Newburyport, also received the Cashman Scholarship and will be attending Fordham and is a communications major. Gref D’Ambrosio, recipient of the Norman H. Russell Memorial Scholarship will be attending UMASS Amherst and majoring in Finance. Congratulations to all!
The District Leadership Team invites all District 7930 Rotarians to participate in a special Zoom meeting on Wednesday, June 17th at 6:00 pm to review proposed updates to the District Bylaws.
The purpose of this session is to provide members with a clear understanding of the proposed changes, answer questions, and gather feedback before voting on those changes.
Meeting Date: Wednesday, June 17th Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Join Newburyport Rotary and the Salvation Army on the 3rd Annual Sailabration. Kick off Yankee Homecomiing with a Cruise for a Cause with the Salvation Army and Newburyport Rotary.
Friday, July 24. Boarding on the Newburyport Waterfront Boardwalk at 54 Merrimac Street, Boarding at 6pm, the Captains Lady IV departs at 6:30pm and will return at 9:30 pm. Food and Drinks, Dancing, Trivia Game, Silent Auction, Amazing Sunset.
Please share with us and with your local news and social media networks the exciting news of your Club installation celebrations and your new leadership. Almost as important as the Service we do in the community is getting the word out about Rotary.
Pictured here are: (top left) DGE Pooja Singla with Chelsea President Dr. Aaron Jennings, (top right) Chelsea Past President Madelyn Garcia with Aaron; (lower left) DG Pooja giving the oath to Andover incoming Andover President Ann Ormond; and (lower right) IPDG Tom Hankard with Andover's Past President Allen Timm.
Remember the importance of telling your Rotary stories!
This July, the Medford Rotary Club is running our USA 250th Anniversary Raffle Calendar to benefit local charities — and there's a chance to win cash every single day!
Tickets are just $25 each or 5 for $100. A winning ticket is drawn EVERY DAY in July. Winning tickets are re-entered for future drawings — so you can keep winning!
Prizes range from $50 to $100, including a special $250 prize on the 4th of July!
All proceeds support the charities of the Medford Rotary Club. Your donation is tax deductible!
What better reason to visit beautiful Rockport, Massachusetts than to pick up the 20 pounds of lobster you just won in our raffle?
The Rockport Rotary Club will draw 4 lucky winners on July 30th, and each winner will receive 20 pounds of fresh lobster! Don't worry if you can't get here right away—you'll have until November 1st to claim your prize.
Even if you lose your ticket stub, we've got you covered. The lobster business will have a list of all winners on file.
Venmo: @RockportRotaryMass Or mail a check to: Rockport Rotary Club P.O. Box 54 Rockport, MA 01966
When the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor heard about the biodiversity, community, and earth health benefits of switching from curated lawns to different models, they took action.
TRANSITION YOUR LAWN: PLANT HOPE is an initiative that offers 5 models for taking your traditional lawn from a patch of ground that (considering watering, mowing, added chemical, and nutrients) creates more greenhouse gases than it absorbs, to working earth that generates a haven for water absorption, biodiversity, native plants, and in one model, hyper nutritious food for family, neighbors, and community.
They supporting the creation of a web site: www.transitionyourlawn.org, and the originator of the program has been presenting to other clubs throughout the region. Another example of Rotarians at work!
Each year the Woburn Rotary Club donates a defibrillator to a Woburn non-profit organization. Woburn Foundation Chair Bill Sullivan presents Woburn Historical Society's co-founder Kathy Lucero with the life-saving device.
The defibrillator will be housed at the Woburn Historical Society headquarters at the Burdett Mansion, 7 Mishawum Rd.
The society is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and their sixteenth year at the Burdett Mansion.
Danvers is hosting a fun Bocce fundraiser at Endicott Park Thursday, July 23 from 3pm to dusk.
Come as a team of 2 and compete for prestige and prizes. All funds will go to purchase LifeVac devices for the Danvers Police department and other health and community organizations. LifeVac is the world's #1 Choking Rescue Device and has saved over 5000 people's lives with its easy to use suction mask placement.
Food and beverages available on site. Only $30 pp, you can enter multiple teams from your club at $60 per team.
Registration is limited so 'save the date' and contact us to reserve your entry. Call or email Barry Kaplan: 978-821-2175 or email: tfiphoto@aol.com.
Learn the essential tools every Public Image champion needs to confidently manage Rotary branding and social media. This practical session walks you through creating district and club logos in the Brand Center, downloading brand‑approved content (including video), uploading videos to Facebook, and scheduling posts across Facebook and Instagram using Meta’s Business Suite. You’ll leave with simple, repeatable workflows you can use right away.
Please welcome the District 7930 E-Club, which was officially chartered as part of our District by Rotary International on April 24, 2026.
The District 7930 E-Club takes the title of the most recently chartered club in our district from the Burlington Breakfast Club, which was chartered on October 18, 2005.
The District E-club began as an eight-member satellite club, hosted by the Belle Isle Rotary, and grew quickly to fifteen members in order to charter and become a separate club. Special thanks are due to PDG Tom Hankard for his encouragement and guidance through the satellite process, and to the Belle Isle Rotary for their support.
The focus of the District E-Club is to help Rotary Clubs and other organizations within the District with their events and projects. The Club has already helped with the Reading Street Faire, the Taste of the North Shore (organized by the Rotary Club of Peabody), and the Spring Cleanup of the Arlington Town Gardens (organized by the Friends of the Robbins Town Gardens). Members of the Club also participated in the Build a Bed event organized by the Lynnfield Rotary, and the 2026 District 7930 RYLA.
The number of households that are food insecure has doubled since the pandemic according to a report released in April 2026 by Mass General Brigham and the Greater Boston Food Bank. That is 40% of all Massachusetts households (over 1 million!) with 25% regularly missing meals or going hungry.
The Rotary Club of Peabody has supported local food programs for decades: they provide and serve one meal each month at the local food pantry, Haven from Hunger. They provide weekend meals once a month to a local church that distributes to people who do not have access to food on the weekend, and the club supports the No Child Goes Hungry in Peabody, a program that delivers free groceries to food insecure families with children in the school district. Therefore, it made sense for the Club to support another meals program, Meals of Hope.
The Gloucester Rotary has named Dr. Michael Sarraf and Serena Lowe as Paul Harris Fellows, the prestigious award named after the Chicago lawyer who founded the Rotary movement in 1905. Sarraf was selected by a Club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Lowe was chosen by members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club, the very active group of Junior Rotarians. Sarraf and Lowe will be honored at the Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award Dinner on June 10, 2026, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The event will begin with a social hour at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm.
Michael Sarraf graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2000. After a general practice residency in St. Joseph Hospital, Sarraf acquired Mina Dental Associates in Gloucester in 2004. He joined the Gloucester Rotary in 2005 and served on the Board of Directors and as the President 2022-2023. Dr. Mike, as he’s known in the Club, has received several state and regional awards in recognition of his business prowess and service to the Rotary cause. Mike and his wife live in Middleton with their two children.
The incoming and outgoing Marblehead High School Interact Club officers attended the Anti-Defamation League of the Northshore's Law and Education Breakfast on May 7th at Danversport Yacht Club. The breakfast is an annual event which brings together law enforcement, superintendents, teachers, and students from the region. Advisors Jim Nye and Jack Attridge are joined by State Representative, Jenny Armini and the club members.
With the approval of the Peabody Rotary Club, I was recently appointed to the unique position of Rotarian Health Director. My mission is to help educate Rotarians in our club, and potentially throughout District 7930, about health-related issues that have not received sufficient public information or have been subjects of confusion or misinformation among the general public.
Some Initial Information:
All meetings would be virtual via Zoom on a weekday evening.
Meeting frequency would be quarterly or by consensus of the committee.
Committee members would be invited to suggest health-related topics in which they have
knowledge and/or interest and that would potentially benefit other Rotarians and their families.
Method(s) of disseminating health information would be decided by the committee.
If one of your club members is interested in joining a district-wide health committee please have her or him contact me at steve_fine@comcast.net without obligation.
District 7930 is proud to announce a new Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation, Gail Ralston from the Andover club. Gail’s own acknowledgement of the award says it best. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me! In a relatively short period of time, Rotary has become a second family. I value the way it has supported me through service, camaraderie and - in a very real way – THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE TO THE WORLD.
Way back in the 1930s, my father received a college scholarship on behalf of the Rotary Club of Richmond, Indiana! His first name was also Paul, his birthdate was the same as Paul Harris and his/our family home was just a mile from where Mr. Harris had made his family home in the south area of Chicago. It must have been ordained that one day I would find my own way to a Rotary Club!”
Gail’s unwavering dedication to service and her generosity as a Major Donor ensure that our collective impact will continue to grow, changing lives for years to come. Congratulations, Gail!
District 7930 is Proud to Announce a New Major Donor
94 students and more than 25 adults came together for a weekend filled with growth, connection, leadership, and unforgettable experiences. The impact was real, and the feedback from our 2026 survey says it all:
“Being a leader is hard work, but it is one of the most rewarding things a person could be — RYLA is absolutely the best place to learn to lead.”
A heartfelt thank you to our Rotary Clubs, RYLA coordinators, Lead Team, Family Leaders/Advisors, Facilitators, Camp Rotary, and everyone who helped make this weekend possible — especially the Melrose Rotary Club for generously covering the cost of our Ropes Instructors, along with all of our amazing club and individual donors.
These students are AMAZING — we can’t wait to see what they do with all they learned! Thank you for helping create an experience that will stay with them for a lifetime!
The District Learning Assembly has been rescheduled to June 3, 2026 at Four Points Sheraton from 5-9 pm.
The first key reason for attending the District Learning Assembly is the District grants qualification seminar, which trains Clubs on applying for in utilizing District managed grants in their communities and global grants throughout the world. Attendance by two Club members at the seminar automatically qualifies your Club.
Another reason to attend is to approve the District budget for the coming year and confirm the 2026-2027 budget as required by Rotary International regulations.
It provides motivation, networking opportunities and specialized training to strengthen Club administration, service projects, membership and annual grant qualification.
The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service recognizes individual Rotarians and Rotaractors who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Foundation such as through their involvement in Foundation committees, grants or programs. The Foundation's programs are how members transform donations into sustainable projects that change people's lives.
Each year, districts can nominate one member to honor their commitment, enthusiasm and passion for these ideals. This year our nominee was selected by the review committee. It is with great pleasure that District 7930, on behalf of the Rotary Foundation Trustees, has awarded Joan Kelly Arsenault with the Citation for Meritorious Service. Joan's enthusiastic service to the Foundation will ensure the continued success of its vital Rotary programs.
Congratulations, Joan, for receiving this prestigious honor and thank you for all that you do for the Foundation.
As the Rotary Year winds down, it's time to shift your focus to the next cycle of District Managed Grants. The window is fast approaching to submit your grant proposal. The application timeline has been tightened and funds are limited for the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
Applications Open: July 1, 2026 Applications Close: August 31, 2026 Approval Basis: First Come, First Served (until funds are exhausted)
You'll want to have your proposals ready the moment the clock strikes midnight (BUT NOT A MOMENT BEFORE) on July first. Our funding parameters have also changed for the upcoming year for either a local or international grant:
Maximum Reimbursement: $2000 Minimum Reimbursement: $1000
Three important points to remember: (1) Grants are paid on a reimbursement basis once the project is completed and the final report is received and approved. Ensure your club's budget can cover the initial upfront costs. (2) Receipts must not be dated before you have been notified of BOTH District 7930 and Rotary International approval. (3) Your club must be officially Grant Qualified by two members having taken the Grant Qualification Seminar. Please mark your calendars to attend the District Assembly on June 3 to take the qualification course. If you miss the assembly, the course and a short quiz will be available on our district website.
The Gloucester Rotary Club is pleased to announce an exciting Casino Night Fundraiser on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square on Gloucester’s harborfront.
This lively evening will bring the thrill of a casino floor to Gloucester, featuring classic favorites including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and Texas Hold ’Em Poker. Guests will enjoy an energetic atmosphere filled with friendly competition, entertainment, and community spirit—all while supporting the important work of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
Proceeds from Casino Night will help fund the club’s charitable initiatives, community service projects, and programs that make a meaningful impact both locally and beyond. Through events like this, the Gloucester Rotary continues its mission of “Service Above Self,” supporting causes that strengthen the Gloucester community.
Community members, local businesses, and visitors alike are invited to join in what promises to be a memorable evening of fun, philanthropy, and fellowship. Whether trying your luck at the tables or simply enjoying the atmosphere, every guest will be helping support important community work.
Tickets to the Casino Night are $75 each and include light snacks, a cash bar and $2000 in gaming funds. Tickets may be purchased at BankGloucester at 160 Main Street in downtown Gloucester or online at https://GloucesterRotary.org. For more information or sponsorship opportunities please contact Rick Doucette at 978-675-5443.
The District Learning Assembly has been rescheduled to June 3, 2026 at Four Points Sheraton from 5-9 pm.
The first key reason for attending the District Learning Assembly is the District grants qualification seminar, which trains Clubs on applying for in utilizing District managed grants in their communities and global grants throughout the world. Attendance by two Club members at the seminar automatically qualifies your Club.
Another reason to attend is to approve the District budget for the coming year and confirm the 2024-2025 budget as required by Rotary International regulations.
It provides motivation, networking opportunities and specialized training to strengthen Club administration, service projects, membership and annual grant qualification.
Key Reasons for the Importance of District Assembly:
This week, the Wakefield Rotary Club completed its project to honor Mother’s Day. Immediately following one of its regular luncheons, the club compiled 33 “treat kits” for mothers living at Centerboard’s Melrose, Lynn and Chelsea locations. The kits included necessities, candy and pampering supplies. Wakefield Rotarian Jill McWilliam explained, “It was important to us that each kit also had a personal note of inspiration. These women have had a difficult time, and we wanted to cheer them on.”
According to Centerboard’s website, “Centerboard provides holistic support to adults and youth in Greater Lynn and on the North Shore facing unimaginable difficulties such as housing insecurity, trauma, exploitation, domestic violence, and substance use—offering not just housing but also a wide range of services designed to help each person heal, gain stability, and pursue a safe and stable life.”
As many organizations have, the Wakefield Rotary Club is chock-full of sports fans of all kinds. Last week, in honor of the Red Sox Opening Day, Wakefield Rotarians dressed in their favorite Red Sox gear to listen to members Jay Curley and Frank Fiorentino provide the club with their “expert analysis” of the upcoming Red Sox team. Both life-long baseball fans, each brought his unique perspective to the presentation.
Curley attended Arizona State on a baseball scholarship where he played catcher, before joining the Cape Cod League. Shining as an All Star, he was signed to the Baltimore Orioles’ Minor League team. However, having served in the Army ROTC in college, Curley was activated and served in Vietnam as an Army Infantry First Lieutenant, curbing his big league aspirations. “Duty called and I served my country first,” he said.
Fiorentino, a baseball fan since age 6, played center field with Malden Catholic, and contributed to two state championships before playing for Boston College. Like Curley, Fiorentino’s ROTC commitment called and he served as a First Lieutenant in the Army in Korea.
Curley began the presentation with an overview of how Major League Baseball (MLB) is structured, how drafts worked, and salary caps. Noting that the Red Sox have the highest ticket price in MLB, Curley commented that fans continue to attend games at the historical Fenway Park in good numbers. In addition, Curley noted the evolution of diversity in baseball with the increase in foreign-born players playing major roles every season for a variety of teams.
Fiorentino continued with a focus on our hometown team, the Red Sox. He noted a particular “competitive American League” this year but felt that if the team can establish consistent pitching, the Red Sox will make a splash in 2026. He also gave an overview of the Red Sox 2026 roster, relief pitching needs, and how pitch count has impacted the pitching position. Despite what he noted as a “lack of power at bat since Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz,” he concluded, “overall this team is in better position than last year.”
Jay Curley and Frank Fiorentino provided an overview of the Red Sox during the Wakefield Rotary Club's meeting last week.
If you haven't been to Salem MA lately, this is your chance to pack in a fun and energizing day: - Hear the latest in the District over an amazing luncheon - Participate in a district service activity - See the sites of the amazing city of Salem via a (optional) trolley tour, and; - Go Pirate! Visit one of Salem's top attractions - Real Pirates Salem
This event will take place at the beautiful Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites, offering an ideal setting for this special occasion.
If you'd like to spend an overnight, the hotel is offering special rates. Contact Jill Cross, event manager at the hotel directly at 978-619-1105 (or email her at jcross@salemwaterfronthotel.com). Mention Rotary 7930 to book a room with the option of booking onenight at the negotiated price. (Otherwise the hotel requires two night stay).
Contributions to The Rotary Foundation support efforts to build stronger, healthier, and more peaceful communities. The Foundation's work would not be possible without the financial support of members and friends of Rotary.
Why give? You can feel good about giving to Rotary. Our Foundation is a world-class organization that is active in nearly every country and takes the stewardship of its funds very seriously. More than 90% of every donation is spent on our service projects, programs, scholarships, and operations.
The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 13 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator and a grade of A+ from Charity Watch.
Your contributions make it possible for The Rotary Foundation to offer a variety of grants that help fund local and international humanitarian projects, programs, scholarships, and vocational training teams. Through those, you support peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and the environment.
Promote your Rotary Club’s Public Image. 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. Effective Public Image helps expand your reach and artfully tell compelling stories that demonstrate Rotarians as people of action. The Public Image Committee’s role is to help clubs to have a robust media and social media strategy, an up-to-date website and an engaging online presence in their local communities.
We suggest all clubs engage on social media to boost your Public Image. Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) provide streamlined opportunity to get your stories out there. The various platforms can provide a direct way to push your news to the public. Here are some tips to think about.
Register for District Learning Assembly, on April 22, from 5 to 9:00 pm at Four Points Sheraton, 1 Audubon Road in Wakefield. Cost $45. Registration link here.
Calling all Presidents-Elect, Club Treasurers, Club Secretaries, Public Image, Membership, and Foundation Chairs -- and all Rotarians!
This Assembly is for all members of your club to learn more about Rotary and the leadership opportunities within your club. The Agenda is 5:00 pm start time. Choose from Club Secretary, Club Treasurer, Club Foundation Chairs, Membership and Assistant Governors ending at 5:45. At 6:00pm a buffet dinner will be served in the main function room. 7:00 pm will be the Grants Qualification Seminar. Then there will be a budget approval for the 2024-2025 year and the budget approval for the 2026-2027 year.
Most Rotary clubs report that adding and retaining members is an area of concern. So, please join us for a District Membership Seminar on Saturday, March 28 from 9 to 11:30 AM on Zoom.
The session will feature thirty-minute break out rooms on 4 topics. This seminar promises to be lively, interactive and full of helpful ideas to bolster your club membership plans. Registration is at this link. There is no fee for this event.
Topics will include: Attracting the Next Generation; Increasing Club Flexibility; Enhancing Community Engagement; Making the Most of Meetings; and Exploring Satellite Clubs.
Facilitators: Lindsay, St. Pierre, Newburyport; Ann Ormond, Andover; Kim Bohlen, Newburyport; Julie Nolan, Melrose; Steve Upton, Lynn; and Al Ruthazer, Andover.
The Chelsea Rotary Club recently demonstrated its continued commitment to community service with a $10,000 donation to the Chelsea Fire Department, supporting the purchase of a state-of-the-art drone to enhance emergency response efforts across the city.
The donation was formally presented to Fire Chief John Quatieri, who will oversee the integration of this new technology into the department’s operations. The drone will significantly improve situational awareness for first responders, helping to strengthen firefighter safety while also increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue missions.
The Danvers Rotary Club is excited to announce our 6th Annual Calendar Fundraiser. With over $3500 in prizes, each day is valued at $100 or more! Tickets are $10 each and the more you buy the more chances you have to win.
100% of the proceeds raised from this fundraiser goes directly back into the Danvers community. Our Rotary Club supports Camperships for financially challenged families, community projects, High School Scholarships, Danvers People to People Food Pantry and so much more.
Tickets can be purchased through a Danvers Rotarian or through Venmo @Danvers-Rotary (please provide email and phone number).
Please share with your fellow Rotarians, friends and colleagues. Questions can be directed to Co-President, Jacki Shambaugh (jshambaugh@trunorthbank.com) or Co-President, John Somes (jsomes@danversymca.org).
Come eat, drink and be merry with great dancing and music from the phenomenal group CHIN FRICTION!!!! We hope you will come and share in the camaraderie or our club!!!! Come rock with us on APRIL 11th at Danversport! Hope to see you there!
Rotary Club of Woburn has launched it's second year of honoring community members with Flags for Heroes. The fundraiser will not only benefit Woburn Rotary but Woburn Scout Troop 502 as well. The scouts play a major role in installing the flags and and flag maintenance.
The flags will fly at Woburn's Ferullo Field from mid April to mid May.
Woburn Teams up with Scout Troop 502 for Flags for Heroes Fundraiser
The Rotary Club of Burlington is holding a NuBingo fundraiser on Friday, April 10th at the Billerica Elks Club at 7pm. Proceeds will support the Burlington High School Scholarship fund. It is a great night out with your family and friends.
RYLA is an immersive leadership experience where students build confidence, communication skills, and friendships while discovering the kind of leaders they can become.
But talk to any RYLA alum and they’ll tell you… the real magic happens after the weekend.
RYLA alumni go on to:
Lead clubs and service projects Start community initiatives Return as mentors and facilitators Build lifelong friendships with fellow “RYLARIANS” And sometimes even become Rotarians themselves!
Many alumni say RYLA was one of the most impactful weekends of their high school years — helping them find their voice, their confidence, and their passion for service.
Parkway Rotary will be having a Paul Harris Dinner on Friday, May 1st at 6 PM to honor Judy Jose Roddy a Paul Harris honoree for her service above self as a leader in Rose’s Bounty Food Pantry. As part of the dinner there will be a wine tasting and wine raffle.
Tickets are $50 and can be ordered thru the attached Save the Date card. Venmo @stratfordstreetchurch, verification code 2692.
Further information will be provided at a later date.
Cambridge Rotary is excited to collaborate with the Brookline Rotary Club and invite you to the Metropolitan Boston Rotary Peace Academy Series.
Join us Thursday, March 19th at 5 PM for another session with Dr. Dan Odaba, where we will explore how to turn Positive Peace concepts into real peacebuilding projects. Register here to receive the Zoom link and any updates.
More about the session on Thursday, March 19th:
The fourth session in our series is the application module, focusing on how to use Positive Peace concepts to create or improve peacebuilding initiatives in your club, your community, and beyond.
The Environmental Committee is inviting you to a special meeting where we will learn about Lithium Batteries - what they are, where they are found, what their environmental impact is, and how we can host Lithium Battery Collections.
The meeting will be led by Clari Nolet, a fellow Rotarian in Los Altos, California. She is a great presenter, and you will walk away with all the knowledge you need to get your club involved in creating a Collection Event if you so choose.
Huge shout out to all our Presidents-Elect (PEs) who spent this weekend at NEPELS (President Elect Learning Seminar) in Framingham learning, sharing and getting pumped up for the coming Rotary year under the leadership of District Governor Elect Terry Curran. Rotary is a membership organization that provides community service and we are indebted to our Club leaders for set the course.
Additional kudos to all of our Assistant Governors and PELS Facilitators who are invaluable resources to the Clubs of our District.
Please ask your Club PEs to share with you their experiences at PELS. And remember to share your pictures and stories here, with your local news outlets and on social media!
Pictured above is from District 7930's Breakout Session and below are the Governors Elect from New England at NEPELS.
Applications for this year's RYLA are officially live and can be found here! Visit the D7930 RYLA page for information and the RYLA Linktree. The RYLA Team would love to visit your club to talk about this awesome youth program.
RYLA 2026 will be May 15th-17th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. We are so excited to connect with this year's rising leaders and have a committed group of returning students to help lead the weekend.
As you begin to think about who you can invite to apply for this life-changing experience, remember that the impact of RYLA extends far beyond the weekend itself. It's an opportunity for young leaders to grow, connect, and inspire one another, and we can't wait to see who will join us this year!
At a recent meeting, our guest speaker was Sharon Marrama from Connor's Kindness Project. The project was founded by her 12-year-old grandson during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time for a lot of children and Connor wanted some way to give back. Kindness Kits consist of hand-delivered boxes of carefully thought-out items, meant to be entertaining and comforting for children in challenging situations. The project reminds us that there is good in the world even at times when we are faced with conflicts and challenges. The ongoing goal is to help others while also spreading positivity, one act of kindness at a time. Over 16,000 kits have been delivered to date.
The Newburyport Rotary club is excited to host a NuBingo Music Bingo bash!
This is not your average music bingo. This is interactive with singing, dancing, and a lot of laughs. We will have raffles, prizes and some surprises along the way. There will be food and drink for purchase. The event is Thursday, April 9th from 6pm-10pm. All proceeds will be donated to the Newburyport Salvation Army. Please click on the link below to purchase tickets. The tickets are $35 and includes 2 Bingo cards. Can't wait to see you!! For info and tix, click here.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, as we come together to celebrate our accomplishments of the year with Governor Pooja and the team at the District Conference.
If you haven't been to Salem MA lately, this is your chance to pack in a fun and energizing day:
- Hear the latest in the District over an amazing luncheon - Participate in a district service activity - See the sites of the amazing city of Salem via a (optional) trolley tour, and; - Go Pirate! Visit one of Salem's top attractions - Real Pirates Salem
This event will take place at the beautiful Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites, offering an ideal setting for this special occasion. If you'd like to spend an overnight, the hotel is offering special rates.
Contact them at (978) 740-8788 and mention that you are interested in the Rotary room block.
The conference registration will be open soon. Hope to see you there!
Save the Date - Rotary District 7930 Spring Conference
This past weekend, members of the Winchester Rotary volunteered at the Greater Boston Food Bank, sorting and packing food for families across Eastern Massachusetts facing food insecurity.
It was a meaningful reminder of how a few hours of service can make a real difference for our neighbors in need.
We’re proud to support the Food Bank’s important work and grateful to our members who continue to put Service Above Self into action.
Want your club’s story to shine even brighter this year?
Join us on March 3rd at 7:30pm EST for Engage, Amplify, Repeat: Social Media That Sparks Action with Zones 28 & 32 Public Image Teams. Register now for March 3rd at 7:30pm EST.
Despite the upcoming major snowstorm, the Greater Salem NH Rotary Club prepared and served 98 hot nutritional meals at the Pleasant Street Church, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable members of our community received the support they needed. This month meal service is part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening and uplifting the region.
The Greater Salem Rotary Club proudly serves five communities, Salem, Hampstead, Atkinson Windham and Pelham NH.
Photographed here are members of the Greater Salem Rotary Club.
Members of our club, Charlie Spicer, John Pappalardo, Maria Bertolone and club President Jim Harvey.
Community Meals Served by the Greater Salem NH Rotary
Are you always looking for a new Rotary t-shirt, polo shirt or sweatshirt? When you ask someone "Where did you get that?" The answer is always at PELS/PETS or a Zone or international event.
Well on Friday, March 6th, you can drop by the House of Friendship at this year's NEPELS and shop at both Russell Hampton and Awards California. They will be located on the lower level of the hotel and be open from 9am to 5pm. They are bringing all the latest Rotary gear, including stuff with next year's theme, Create Lasting Impact.
HOTEL INFO: Renaissance Framingham Hotel & Conference Center (formerly Sheraton Tara), 1657 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701.
There is plenty of onsite parking for the Conference Center. Come in the main door and follow the Rotary signs down the corridor to your right. You'll find the stairs that will bring you down to the lower level. Our Swag Vendors are on either end of the corridor.
The survey results are coming in and are very informative. If you have not done so already, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Click here for the survey.
One of the results of the survey shows a lack of programs regarding Lithium Battery collections. Happy to announce we will have a guest speaker at our March environmental meeting to discuss this issue and how we can create programs in our clubs and district. Please add that to your calendar, this invite is extended to everyone. March 26th, 7pm. The zoom link will be sent prior to the event.
The environmental committee meets the last Thursday of every month. There was an error on the district calendar, apologies for that, it is being corrected. Everyone is welcome to join to hear about what we are up to and to discuss your own projects or ideas you have.
In the past few months, the Melrose Rotary Club has welcomed six new members! “Each one of our new members bring something special to our club,” noted Club President Julie Nolan. “We have local bankers, an oncology nurse, an educational storyteller, a retired global change scientist, and an owner of a construction company. The skills each new member brings to our club are extraordinary!” Even though they have only recently joined the Melrose club, not all our new members are new to Rotary. Allen Solomon was a long-time member of a Rotary club in Oregon prior to moving to Melrose. Sara Doktor comes from a family of Rotarians, and was active in Rotaract and Interact, as well as RYLA and Youth Exchange.
Melrose's Newest Members (Pictured L-R) are Jim Hennesy, Sara Doktor, President Julie Nolan, Samantha Lightizer and Allen Solomon. New members not pictured are Paul Roche and Florence Lee.
The club meets every Thursday in the GAR Room at Melrose Memorial Hall from 12:15pm to 1:30pm.
The Marblehead Interact Club began the year with over 100 members, all motivated to continue the service culture of the club. Off to a strong start, they have been fundraising and helping other local non-profits, including the Marblehead Rotary Club 5K, which raised over $50,000.
As a club, they have learned and carry the spirit of "Service Above Self". They have made donations to the Marblehead Food Bank and Toys for Tots and managing a winter clothes drive and hands on work at local non-profits. Our officers have been amazing and have built layers of leadership to support each grade.
Marblehead Interact Crushing a Great Year of Service!
You are warmly invited to the Networking Party for Humanity — an inspiring evening of meaningful connections and purposeful conversations.
Join compassionate Rotary leaders and changemakers as we engage in important humanitarian issues, exchange ideas, explore collaboration, and build lasting relationships — all while serving humanity and strengthening our impact together.
RLI is a powerful tool to grow member strengths and build member retention. Attendees learn:
How to lead Where the money goes What to do to create effective committees How to work with volunteers and come back motivated, energized and inspired. They share that enthusiasm with other members.
The mission of The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) North East America is to provide an educational opportunity for Rotarians as potential leaders. Each club President is asked annually to encourage Club members as potential Club leaders in the years ahead. Courses foster Rotary knowledge and leadership skills. It is hoped that these courses will also motivate the participants to be enthusiastic, creative and dedicated Rotarians. Our District's next RLI is being offered virtually on February 24 & 26, 2026. Register now! It is open to all Rotary members. Registration closes Tuesday, February 17.
Donate to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund and we will match your Foundation Points.
Share Some Love (dollars) with The Rotary Foundation’s (TRF) Annual Fund Share and District 7930 will Share Some Love with you by donating Foundation Recognition points to your Foundation account in celebration of Valentine’s Day and Rotary’s 121st anniversary. For every $100 donated to TRF’s Annual Fund-SHARE from Valentine’s Day (February 14th through February 23rd, Rotary’s 121st Anniversary), qualifies you to receive 100 Foundation points. The maximum match is 500 points.
This campaign will assist new members and those working to achieve the Paul Harris Fellow designation or move up to the next Paul Harris level to reach it faster and easier. Points are like cash.
The campaign will also help fund our District Grant and Global Grant projects which are supported by your donations to the Annual Fund-Share.
Points and cash that equal 1,000 allow donors to receive the Paul Harris Fellow designation. For example, if you are $500 away from a Paul Harris recognition, your $250 donation will be matched by 250 Foundation points to get you to that level.
Inspired by the hopeful words of primary speaker and End Polio Now leader Mike McGovern at the World Peace and Understanding Dinner on February 12, Marblehead Harbor Rotarians Francie King and Lesley Tracy were among the newest members to join the Polio Plus Society. Pledging at least $100 per year to Rotary’s efforts to end polio, Francie and Lesley will bring their enthusiasm and the latest statistics on polio eradication back to their club members to encourage and further motivate the club’s support of Rotary’s efforts to permanently eradicate polio from the two remaining countries where it is endemic. Congratulations, Francie and Lesley!
RYLA 2026 will be May 15th-17th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. We are so excited to connect with this year's rising leaders and have a committed group of returning students to help lead the weekend.
As you begin to think about who you can invite to apply for this life-changing experience, remember that the impact of RYLA extends far beyond the weekend itself. It's an opportunity for young leaders to grow, connect, and inspire one another, and we can't wait to see who will join us this year!
We have volunteers eager to speak about RYLA at your Rotary and Interact Clubs. It's a great way to spread the word and encourage more students to take advantage of this opportunity. Please feel free to reach out to Christina at Christina@PartnerWithChoice.com or call 978.270.6706 to arrange a presentation.
Thank you for your ongoing support in the future of these young leaders. Together, we are making a difference!
You can help promote peace in the world by encouraging peace and development leaders in your community to apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship.
This year, Rotary awards up to 170 fully funded fellowships for peacebuilders from diverse backgrounds to study at one of our peace centers located at leading universities around the world. The Rotary Foundation will select 50 peace fellows to study in our master’s degree programs at six partner universities in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States and 120 fellows to participate in our professional development certificate programs at Makerere University in Uganda, Bahçeşehir University in Türkiye, and the newest Rotary Peace Center at Symbiosis International University in India.
The District Environmental Committee is thrilled with the responses we've had so far to our survey and a few areas of improvement have already been identified. We want to hear from every club, so if you have not responded yet, please take a few minutes to respond.
The Rotary Club of Peabody will host its 22nd Annual Taste of the North Shore fundraiser at a new location in Peabody in March 2026. The annual event that typically draws over 300 guests, will feature menu selections from a variety of the North Shore’s most popular restaurants! The event, featuring tasting stations, entertainment, raffles and more, culminates with a special $10,000 Grand Prize Raffle!!
The 2026 Taste of the North Shore will take place at the Holy Ghost Society, 20 Howley Street in Peabody on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6 PM. "We are pleased to host this event for the 22nd consecutive year" said Rotary Club of Peabody President Kerry Armstrong. "The Taste of the North Shore is one of the best-attended annual events in the area, offering a lively and fun-filled evening for attendees and providing tangible benefits to the local community.”
Thank you to the 100 people who participated in the Zone New Member Orientation session in January. We appreciate the positive feedback on it! The fast-paced 45 minutes flew by.
Due to the popular demand, the Zone Membership team has scheduled TWO extra sessions in February to make it possible for more people to attend. Different days and different times – they might work better for some time zones too!
These New Member Orientation sessions are:
Wednesday, February 11th at 8:30 p.m. Eastern and
Sunday, February 15th at 9:30 p.m. Eastern
in addition to the one previously scheduled for April 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.
Chair of CDC's vaccine advisory committee recently questions polio shot recommendation in the US.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: PDG MIKE MCGOVERN
Mike McGovern is Chair of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) which oversees the operations of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and is the Chair of the International PolioPlus Committee at Rotary International. In addition, we are honored to have PDG Eric Denu (D7850), Zone 32 End Polio Now Coordinator.
This is a very important time for all to advocate for the Polio Vaccine! REGISTER NOW. Registration link here. Registration closes February 8th, 2026!
All welcome. Invite neighbors and friends. Keep Polio from recuring in the USA and eliminate it from the world!
Hope to see you at the World Peace and Understanding Dinner on Feb. 12, 6 pm at Spinelli's Lynnfield!
Register Today for Polio Event -- World Peace Dinner
Thirty years ago, Lynn Rotarian Joe Coombs shared a deeply personal idea with his fellow members—one shaped by his own middle school experience and the life-changing impact of a teacher who believed in him. He proposed recognizing eighth-grade students who face physical, emotional, or psychological challenges and still show up every day determined to succeed.
Since 1996, the Rotary Club of Lynn has carried forward Joe’s vision through its Eighth Grade Recognition Program, the Club’s signature event. To date, nearly 1,000 students from Lynn’s middle schools have been honored for their resilience and perseverance.
This year’s program, coordinated by Rotarian and Lynn School Committee member Tristan Smith, recognized one student from each of eight local schools. Students and their families gathered for a celebratory luncheon, generously sponsored by RiverWorks Credit Union—a meaningful reminder of the power of encouragement at just the right moment.
Wilmington Rotary and Rotary Interact will be holding their third annual Polar Plunge to support "End Polio Now" on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00AM at the Silver Lake Town Beach. All proceeds will be sent directly to Rotary International through the District to support the continuing efforts to eradicate the polio disease from the World.
The Wilmington Club will be setting up their own Go Fund Me Account, but other area Rotary and Interact Clubs are welcome to participate in their own Fundraisers along with us. Unheated changing facilities are available in the Beach House. Plungers are invited to a local restaurant for Pizza following the event. Interested Clubs or participants can contact Chris Neville, Wilmington Rotary and Interact Co-Advisor at nevjc@aol.com or cell 978-479-1500.
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.
Mark your calendars! We are excited to share RYLA 2026 will be taking place May 15th-17th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. This year’s group of students will experience a full weekend of learning, discovering, and connecting with each other. With how busy the end of year can be, make sure to save the date for RYLA 2025 before everyone's schedules fill up!
Please share the date with your Interactors and other students now as the spring can be a very busy season for them. We would also love to come and speak to your Rotary or Interact Club. Please reach out to Lexi Kantor to make arrangements at lexi.kantor@gmail.com.
On-Line applications will be available in early February.
The District Environmental Committee is excited to share this link with you to a district-wide survey. We are encouraging all individuals to take this survey which will help us focus our efforts and attention into different project opportunities. There will be prizes and recognition associated with clubs that submit the most responses, highlight interesting projects or areas of concern, or are deemed to be particularly "green".
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce its newest member, Denise “Dee” Casey, was installed into the club earlier this month by Wakefield Rotary Past President Amy Luckiewicz and her sponsor, Past President Barbara Woley.
Casey is the current Town Administrator for the Town of Wakefield, who had been sworn into office last October. With 26 years of municipal experience, including previously serving as Deputy Town Manager in North Andover, Casey is no stranger to serving her community. Among her priorities was getting to know Wakefield residents and non-profit organizations like Rotary. “I was drawn to service, and Rotary gives me a connection to the community I serve,” she noted.
Casey added that her service interests are diverse, and that she’s most interested in helping the club develop impactful clothing drives, scholarships, food insecurity projects, veteran programs, and youth projects to name a few.
It is with deep sadness that we share the recent passing of our long‑time member, Jeff Wisnia. Jeff served our Burlington Rotary club and community with unwavering dedication for many years. He was our web master, a Paul Harris Fellow and supporter of all our events and projects. His commitment to “Service Above Self” was evident in every project he touched and every life he quietly improved. His wife Judith has been active in our club and a devoted caretaker ensuring he was still able to participate with Rotary while he was ill. We will all miss Jeff and so grateful our paths have crossed with his.
Andover Rotary is pleased to share that it has once again earned the distinction of being the highest single-day fundraising non-profit organization for the Lawrence Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.
On December 23, 2025, club members, along with family volunteers, took to Main Street in Andover to ring bells and collect donations in support of families facing hardship in the greater Lawrence community. The effort resulted in more than $3,700 raised in a single day—an outstanding achievement that returned the club to the top position after a one-year hiatus.
Last year, Free Christian Church set a strong example by leading the single-day totals. Their success served as healthy motivation, and this season both organizations contributed meaningfully to a shared goal. The Lawrence Salvation Army surpassed its $100,000 Red Kettle target, ultimately raising $105,000 to support essential community services throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Danvers Rotary Club presented gift cards to local grocery stores for the Danvers People to People Food Pantry. The Pantry distributed the gift cards to families and individuals struggling during the holidays. Total number of Grocery Gift Cards 72, equaling $1800. A great project with great success, feeding our neighbors. Thank you to our Rotarians, Philip and Jane Wilson, for organizing the drive.
Pictured here are Richard Vincent, Rotarian, Amy Werner, Rotarian, John Somes, Rotary Co-President, Maureen Gillis, Community Council and Med Anderson, Community Council.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: PDG Mike McGovern, Chair International PolioPlus Committee at Rotary International,
Incoming Chair of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) from January 1, 2026 Past Trustee of the Rotary Foundation (2012-2016), Past Board of Director, Rotary International (2006-2008)
SPECIAL GUEST: PDG Eric Denu (D7850)
End Polio Now Coordinator, Rotary International Zone 32.
INVITED GUESTS: Inbound Global Scholars from Australia and Taiwan
Youth Exchange Students from Argentina and Thailand.
On January 7th, 38 members (52%) of the Lynn Rotary club took the time to volunteer to participate in our 18th annual "Dictionary Distribution project "sponsored by Reading Cooperative Bank and McGrath Enterprises.
I do not know of any other Rotary Club where the Mayor, the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, the School Superintendent, State Representative, School Committee Members, and several elected Counselors work beside Rotarians on such a special project to demonstrate to young students that literacy is important and the cornerstone to life's success. This project fits in with public officials' goals of making our community strong by instilling knowledge into the hands of a new generation.
The Marblehead Harbor Club checks in with the recipients of its grants a number of years after its grant projects have been completed. The physician who oversees the results of their 2015 global grant in Nepal was recently contacted.
A bit of history: The beautiful mountain-filled country of Nepal has been devastated over the years by severe earthquakes, which leave hundreds of its citizens, young and old, with serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries. In the past, family members were forced to bring their loved ones to the only hospital in the country that could stabilize patients, a hospital that was located in Dhulikhel, miles from their homes. Once stabilized, the injured people returned to their homes, but, back in 2015, there were no physical therapy services available to help them get back to normal function.
Save The Date & Join Us Lynnfield Rotary’s Fifth Annual Build A Bed Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:00 AM, Market Street, Lynnfield, MA
Build A Bed is returning to Market Street—and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Since 2022, Lynnfield Rotary has gathered volunteers to build beds for children across Massachusetts who otherwise would not have one. What started with just 10 beds has grown each year and in 2026, we’re excited to reach a major milestone: more than 100 beds built.
Each bed costs $350 and includes a mattress. Once completed, every bed is delivered directly to a child’s home. All materials, tools, and step-by-step guidance are provided, and volunteers work in small teams of up to four. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, making this a meaningful and hands-on family service opportunity.
This is a service project, not a fundraiser—every dollar contributed goes directly toward building beds.
Belle Isle Rotary is at it again with our BE BOLD - GET COLD Ocean Jump on Saturday Feb. 7, 2026, at the East Boston Yacht Club, 1 Rice St, East Boston, MA 02128 (plenty of parking). Doors open 10am, plunge at 12pm.
What to do from 10am until the plunge, belly flop contest and other shenanigans?
Eat delicious food, sip drinks, sample whiskey/craft beers/mimosas and enjoy the company of a bunch of fun and generous people.
Don't want to jump in the ocean - no problem, come down and just join in all the fun as we raise funds for Rotary International Polio Eradication. You don't want to miss this party!
The District Environmental Committee has not met since October due to the holidays but has some exciting updates to share, more details after our next meeting on Jan 29th at 7 pm.
If you would like to be a part of this exciting committee or are just curious what we are up to, please feel free to join the meeting. Here is the link to join.
The mission of The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) North East America is to provide an educational opportunity for Rotarians as potential leaders. Each club President is asked annually to encourage Club members as potential Club leaders in the years ahead. Courses foster Rotary knowledge and leadership skills. It is hoped that these courses will also motivate the participants to be enthusiastic, creative and dedicated Rotarians. Our District's next RLI is being offered virtually on February 24 & 26, 2026. Register now! It is open to all Rotary members.
The faculty members are carefully selected by the Institute for their teaching abilities. They are drawn from all areas of the Rotary Districts. Many are present and past R.I. Directors, present and past District Governors, successful past Presidents and those with experience in special areas. If your Club cares about its future, it will want the best leadership possible. This is an outstanding opportunity for each Club to improve the Rotary knowledge of its key people, who will also be exposed to new ideas of leadership. The exchange of ideas with other experienced Rotarians alone makes the courses worthwhile.
In November, Arlington Catholic High School Interact completed their annual Blessing Bags Event. Arlington Rotary, Arlington K of C Council 109, and the Arlington Police Department assisted Interact in supporting the Salvation Army and local individuals and families in need. Interact was able to assemble 36 kids' bags for children at the Salvation Army's daycare center. In addition, they filled over 200 bags with toiletries, warm gloves, hats, and socks, providing comfort to many in need during the cold winter months.
Rotarian Advisor Christy Kiernan and fellow teacher Rev. Dominic Ngo called for a special shoutout to high schooler Tess McQuillan for creating a helpful pamphlet of local resources to share with recipients, and to Theology teacher Ms. Przytula's classes for raising extra donations. The entire Interact Club worked together to get the packets out before the cold weather.
One of our most meaningful traditions—and a true point of pride for the Rotary Club of Lynn—is the Dictionary Project. This year marks Year 18 of the program, which began in 2008 thanks to Lynn Rotarian Jim Harris. Since then, this effort has quietly (and powerfully) strengthened literacy across our city.
Every single third grader in the City of Lynn receives a brand-new student dictionary—and this week, it all happened citywide at the same time. Rotarians deployed across Lynn, visiting each and every school, so students throughout the city were learning, exploring, and celebrating words together.
By the numbers:
• 20 schools participated (18 public, 2 private)
• 54 cases of dictionaries purchased by Reading Cooperative Bank and McGrath Enterprises
• 1,276 dictionaries distributed in a single day
• 37 Lynn Rotarians, 8 Lynn Public School administrators, and 7 Reading Cooperative Bank team members supported distribution
• 22,000+ student dictionaries have been given to Lynn third graders since 2008
The Manchester-Essex Interact Club had a fun plunge for Polio welcoming in the new year for the second year in a row as a foundational initiative toward re-establishing their Club at the Manchester-Essex Regional High School. About 25 Rotarians and Interacters participated.
Interact raised over $1,500 from the plunge including a matching donation by the M-E Club, which becomes more than $4,500 with the 2:1 Gates Foundation match. Shown in the photo are Interact Co-Presidents Charlie Athanas and Ellie Virden with several of their Board, and Club facilitator Jen Doane with several Club Rotarians and friends and family.
100% of the funds being raised will go to Rotary International and the Polio Plus initiative which will then be doubled by the Gates Foundation.
Calling all aspiring poets and wordsmiths! Rotary Poetry Awards 2026.
Write a Poem or Verse on any subject of your choice, make a donation for Rotary Charity. Submit at this link and you could be the Rotary Poet of the Year!
The entry to the competition is absolutely FREE of charge. (Optional donation to Rotary charities.) The deadline to submit the poem is April 30. 2026.
Rotary Club of Woburn recently welcomed new member transfer from Pottstown, PA Michael McCarthy.
As a Rotarian since 1997, Mike served the Pottstown Club in various capacities. He was District 7430 Secretary (2000-2001) and served as Treasurer for the District 7430 Youth Exchange Program Committee (2004-2007) and has served Rotary at District, Zone and International levels. He is a multiple a Paul Harris Society and Bequest Society member and a Major Donor.
Mike was an active member of his Pennsylvania community as a board member, and Past President, of the World Affairs Council of Greater Reading, teaching JA courses and several capacities in his church. Mike serves Setebaid Services, Inc., as a board member. His wife Mary Anne (Bradford) is a retired civil engineer. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow and Bequest Society member. She and Mike have six children and now reside in Woburn, MA.
The Rotary Club of Burlington once again participated in the People Helping People (PHP) Holiday wish tree for families in need. Our club sponsored 27 children this year. Each child requests a necessity and a special gift. The club members purchased the gifts and dropped them off with club project chair, Bev Vidoli who coordinated the distribution. We hope that this brought a smile to each child on Christmas morning.
The Rotary Club of Burlington and the Interact Club hosted a Holiday Event for our own Special Olympic Basketball team and the Echo Enrichment Club. There were 70 people in attendance for a buffet dinner, holiday music and a visit from Santa and friends. Everyone had an opportunity to meet Santa and receive a gift. It was so much fun and enjoyed by all. A special thanks to the Interact advisors Kevin Carnell, John Tuccinardi and Susan Stewart for organizing the event.
The Wakefield Rotary Club completed delivery of its donations to Ruth’s Way for Women and 121 North Common in Lynn. Ruth’s Way provides services that support “whole health and wellness,” and supports sober housing for women. Similarly, 121 North Common provides sober living for men.
The club took requests from both locations to best serve their clients’ needs. Donations included toilet paper, sanitary products, cleaning supplies, new sheets, and towels.
Ruth’s Way Founder and Executive Director Nicole O’Brien spoke at the club and highlighted the impact of donations. She was also on hand as Club President Kathy Boyle and Julie MacArthur delivered a trunk-full of supplies. Boyle noted, “Supporting those in recovery is important to their health. It’s important for them to know people care and haven’t forgotten about them.” 121 N Common House Manager Seymour McKenzie was also on hand to receive over 12 boxes of donations, delivered by Past President Amy Luckiewicz and volunteer Rob Dunn.
Melrose Rotary Club members were offered not one, but two service opportunities over the holidays, and the response was tremendous for both! A local family recently lost everything in a devastating house fire, and Melrose Rotarians provided Christmas gifts - items specifically requested by the family - as they begin to replace items lost in the fire. Items were wrapped and then shared with the family for their holiday. Also the club discovered that Bread of Life in Malden, where the club provides a monthly meal, was short on cranberry juice to serve its guests (an item not typically donated, but much appreciated and enjoyed by those who dine at the evening meal.) Rotarians were happy to deliver over 50 bottles of juice to Bread of Life in December. These small act of kindness were one way that Melrose Rotarians spread a bit of holiday joy to our community.
Pictured are members of Melrose Rotary with holiday items to be shared.
RYLA, May 15-17, 2026, at Camp Rotary, Boxford, MA.
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.
Mark your calendars! We are excited to share RYLA 2026 will be taking place May 15th-17th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. This year’s group of students will experience a full weekend of learning, discovering, and connecting with each other. With how busy the end of year can be, make sure to save the date for RYLA 2026 before everyone's schedules fill up!
Please share the date with your Interactors and other students now as the spring can be a very busy season for them.
For more information or any questions, please reach out to RYLA Lead Christina Harris.
A strong and vibrant Public Image is a key tactic for successful and growing clubs. Effective Public Image helps expand your reach and artfully tell compelling stories that demonstrate Rotarians as people of action. It is important to get the word out about the good works of your club to build interest, support and community connections. Please register now for this important webinar.
The District leadership team and I cordially invite you to the District Mid Year Leadership Meeting, where we will come together to exchange ideas, address challenges, and celebrate our collective progress. New Members are encouraged to attend, too.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently announced the election of its new officers and directors at its Annual Meeting. The club elects new leadership each year in accordance with its by-laws. The 2026-2027 Board of Directors include Euwan Godfrey, Margie Daniels, Mike Sullivan, Amy Luckiewicz, and Immediate Past President Kathy Boyle. Suzanne Bowering will serve as Club Secretary, Barbara Worley as Club Treasurer and Frank Fiorentino as Sergeant-at-Arms. Wendy Maguire was elected Vice President/President-Elect and Paul Adams will serve as President for the 2026-2027 term.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: PDG Mike McGovern, Chair International PolioPlus Committee at Rotary International,
Incoming Chair of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) from January 1, 2026 Past Trustee of the Rotary Foundation (2012-2016), Past Board of Director, Rotary International (2006-2008)
SPECIAL GUEST: PDG Eric Denu (D7850)
End Polio Now Coordinator, Rotary International Zone 32
Last week we had our annual Rotary lunch with the senior athletes of Woburn Memorial High School. Our guest speaker was Mike Parziale. Mike was a long-time wrestling coach and mentor of many Woburn wrestlers. He spoke of his wrestling career at Woburn High which was an arc that started with meager beginnings and self-doubt to becoming a very successful wrestler and one of the state's best. In 2005 Mike finished fifth at 157 lbs. at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championships at the United States Naval Academy.
Overall, he concluded his junior season with a 34-8 record to raise his career mark to 81-26 as he ranks second in single season wins in school history and fourth in career victories.
Mike was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Club of Woburn's Foundation Chair and past president Bill Sullivan. Pictured are Woburn Rotary President Danny Walbourne, Mike Parziale and Bill Sullivan.
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Rotary Club of Burlington partnered with the UCC Church in Burlington to provide turkey dinners to local families in need. The club helped to transport the turkeys from Wegman's to the church and carry out and load the turkeys/dinners to the recipients' cars. This is a yearly event for our club and coordinated by Rotarian Anna Karwan. We continue to strive to make a difference in our community.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea had the pleasure of welcoming the Honorable Amy L. Nechtem as our guest speaker. Judge Nechtem served as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Juvenile Court from 2014 – 2024 and was appointed to the bench in 2001. As Chief Justice she led the administration and advancement of policies and practices impacting juvenile justice and child welfare throughout the Commonwealth. Guests of the Club included Jay Ash, CEO Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and a PHF and Chelsea City Councilor Leo Robinson, also a PHF. Also in the picture is Aaron Jennings, President of the Rotary Club of Chelsea.
Marblehead Club recently had Philip Wilson speak at their club, and his message was truly powerful. As a polio survivor, Philip reminds us why our efforts to raise funds for PolioPlus are still so important. His story brings home the reality that polio is not just a chapter in history—it continues to affect lives today.
I believe it would be incredibly valuable for all of the district clubs to hear from him. His presentation offers both inspiration and a renewed sense of urgency for the work Rotary continues to do.Philip is also collaborating with Carlos Robledo, another Rotarian/polio survivor, to raise awareness throughout the district. Together, they bring a compelling and personal perspective to Rotary’s commitment to ending polio once and for all.
The Lawrence Rotary Club celebrated this holiday season with the Leahy School administrators and its grade1 to 5 students.
Lawrence Rotary arranged for 6 musicians to provide musical entertainment and elves to hand out gifts. This made for both a most fun and happy celebration! Among the club members who participated were Sean Murphy, our lead elf who coordinated the distribution of gifts to the assembled kids, and Shirley Fitzpatrick and Cecilia Cuesta who dressed in their elf costumes. They also brought sugar and caffeine laden snacks to sustain the adults. Richard Rodriguez was an elf, Ron Hill was Santa, and Ron's wife Janis was the lovely Mrs. Claus.
The Greater Salem Rotary Club has been committed in distributing scholastic dictionaries to 3rd graders for the past 20+ years. This week the club distributed 250 dictionaries to the Golden Brook School in Windham NH one of the communities we support.
This is an ongoing service to promote literacy and empower students with the tools they need to succeed. Gr. Salem services 5 communities, Salem, Windham, Atkinson, Hampstead and Pelham NH.
Greater Salem Rotary Club Distribute Scholastic Dictionaries
Topic: Navigating the Polio Vaccine During Turbulent Times When: Thursday, February 12, 2026 Where: Spinelli's Function Facility, Route 1, South, Lynnfield, MA, 01940
Keynote Speaker: PDG Mike McGovern Chair International PolioPlus Committee at Rotary International, Past Trustee of the Rotary Foundation (2012-2016), Past Board of Director, Rotary International (2006-2008)
Each year, Reading Rotary works with community partners, ReadingCares, the Town of Reading and many community donors coordinate the Adopt-a-Family project for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Thanksgiving distribution day was November 24. Receiving families are matched anonymously with donor families or groups to provide meal and gifts at Christmas and meals at Thanksgiving. Donors drop off at the Town DPW garage in the first shift, then recipient families pick up their food and gifts during a later shift.
Reading Rotary’s efforts were headed by Rotarian Sasha DiPietro. 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.
On November 20th the Lawrence Rotary Cub enjoyed hosting District Governor Pooja Singla (far right) and District International Service Chair Maria Bertolone (2nd from left). It was an interesting and informative meeting which included both Rotary fellowship and instruction! Also pictured from left to right are Janis Hill, Shirley Fitzpatrick, Attorney Ramsey Bahrawy, Attorney Richard Rodriguez and Ron Hill.
Giving Tuesday, December 2, is an opportunity to make a big impact with a gift of any size to The Rotary Foundation. A donation to Annual Fund-SHARE supports projects you're passionate about. A gift to PolioPlus helps transport vaccines and immunize children to keep them safe. You ensure that our programs can bring positive and lasting change to communities close to home and around the world. Please consider giving the Gift of Rotary this season, so we can keep Doing Good in the World.
For ways to donate to The Rotary Foundation, click here.
The Rotary Club of Burlington participated in the "Name a Puppy Plus" program with NEADS. This was accomplished via a District Grant in 2023. NEADS is a world class service dog program. NEADS raises and trains a future Service Dog or Breeder Dog. Service Dogs provide increased independence and connection for people in need.
Our dog is named "Junior" and has an aptitude for hearing. We received quarterly updates and photos throughout the puppy's training which kept us up to date on Junior's progress. We are excited to share that Junior has graduated from the program and has been matched to Isabelle as a Service Dog for hearing. This has been a very rewarding experience for our club, and we know we are making a difference in the life of Isabelle.
Each year as the weather gets colder, the Lawrence Rotary Club purchases and delivers 100 coats, 100 mittens and 100 hats to young Lawrence Grammar School students. Two weeks ago, the Lawrence Rotary Club delivered 100 coats, 100 mittens and 100 hats to Hennessey Grammar School students.
Rotarians pictured are Shirley Fitzpatrick, 2nd from left; Ron Hill, 3rd from the left; Pedro Rentas 2nd from the right and Attorney Richard Rodriguez in blue suit standing next to Pedro with some of the grammar school children wearing their new winter coats.
Happy Thanksgiving to all our Rotarians, families and friends from District 7930 Leadership Team.
At Thanksgiving we are especially thankful for all the service and good works our Rotarians and partners have provided throughout the year. And we are thankful for the friendships and fellowship we find in Rotary.
Do you remember the first ever district-wide Clothes Swap held this past September? It's a THING. National Clothes Swap Day is December 6.
The Environment Committee challenges you to host a clothes swap at your house or have a clothes swap activity at your next Rotary meeting. Everyone brings 1-2 items of clothing or accessories and let the fun begin. Why swap clothes? The US generates 17 million tons of textile waste annually with about 11 tons of this waste going into landfills. In many cases, these clothes are still wearable. This is a win-win for your wallet as well as the environment.
Last week Woburn Rotary and Winchester Rotary joined together to have their annual combined meeting celebrating the Thanksgiving High School football rivalry at the Woburn/Stoneham Lodge of Elks #908.
The guest speaker was Doug Carns from the Woburn Tanners 1975 Super Bowl team. Doug spoke about the great rivalry with Winchester and showed film clips of the 1975 Thanksgiving Day football game, courtesy of the Woburn Historical Society. Winchester Rotary’s historian Jack Kean also spoke about one of the longest running rivalries in Massachusetts, 125 years of Woburn and Winchester football!
As we have ticked off the first few months of the Rotary year, it is an opportune time for clubs to conduct a Public Image health check.
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. Effective Public Image helps expand your reach and artfully tell compelling stories that demonstrate Rotarians as people of action. The Public Image Committee’s role is to help clubs to have a robust media and social media strategy, an up-to-date website and an engaging online presence in their local communities.
We suggest all clubs engage on social media to boost your Public Image. Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) provides free opportunities to get your stories out there. The various platforms can provide a direct way to push your news to the public. Here are some tips to think about.
On November 12, 2025, Rotarians from across District 7930 gather to honor military veterans at the PDG Bob Wood Memorial Heroes Celebration, held at the Andover Country Club. The event recognized and celebrated veterans from throughout the district for their service and dedication to their country. Each Hero designated was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition in appreciation for their service to our country.
It was a wonderful turnout to acknowledge and support our Heroes, and we were particularly inspired by the powerful speeches by our guests of honor BG Jack Hammond and Rotary International Director Chris Etienne with the touching story of Micaila Britto, the presence of her Service Dog, Rabbit. We were privileged to have special guests from Rotary International Celeste Herbert and Mary Shackleton and PDG Bob Wood’s widow Susan Wood.
The evening’s featured speaker was Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Executive Director of Home Base. Home Base is a national nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class, direct clinical care, wellness, education and research, all at no cost to them, regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location.
More than a dozen districts have joined together during the 2025-26 Rotary year to increase membership in the PolioPlus Society (PPS), and ultimately eradicate Polio, once and for all!
You can help by setting up your annual or monthly recurring Polio donation today.
The district with the greatest percentage increase of PPS members by June 2026 will win a fancy banner and bragging rights! Better yet we will all know we did our part in saving the lives of children all over the world!
To learn more about the PolioPlus Society and find out how easy it is to join, please click here.
Each club is asked to plan an activity to raise funds for Polio sometime by March. The top 3 clubs in PolioPlus donations now are: 1. Marblehead; 2. Lexington; 3. Andover.
What a wonderful week of celebrations as the Wakefield Rotary Club attended multiple celebrations of our nation's heroes. On Veterans Day, Rotarians Jay Curley (US Army, ret.), Barbara Worley, Joie Gerrish and Jim Fitzgerald attended the town's Veterans Day event and gave tribute to local heroes.
The following day, members of the club attended the retirement party for Rotarian Fire Chief Michael Sullivan. The third generation fire professional, Michael retired with over 41 years of service to the town.
Later that week, Barbara, President-Elect Paul Adams, Wendy Maguire, Jay Curley and his wife Annette, and Frank Fiorentino (US Army, ret.) and his wife Mary attended the District's Bob Wood Memorial Heroes' Celebration. The club mominated Wakefield Veteran Servies Director David A. Mangan (US Air Force, ret.) to be recognized.
It was truly a wonderful week of celebrating those who served.
The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2026, 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. Calendars may be purchased online here or at BankGloucester (160 Main St, Gloucester), the Weathervane (153 Main St, Gloucester), and at the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce (24 Harbor Loop, Gloucester) or from any Gloucester Rotarian.
Here's a reminder that your club as a nonprofit or tax-exempt organization is required to file its annual return (Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-BL) by November 15. (This year since November 15 falls on a Saturday, the deadline is extended to November 17.) Make sure you file your return or duly file for an extension.
Our annual Halloween lunch meeting was a spirited success! More than half of our members joined in the fun by coming in costume, adding plenty of laughter and color to the day. We were delighted to welcome District Governor Pooja Singla, who arrived as Super Rotarian—cape and all!—along with our Assistant Governor Ron Block.
The room was filled with witches, cats, Mrs. Claus, Eeyore, a pirate, a roller skater, and many more creative looks. This festive gathering is just one of the many fun and fellowship-filled traditions that make our club so special throughout the year! Can you spot past District Governor Ingrid Brown?
The Wakefield Rotary Club hosted its Halloween party at a meeting this week. Co-hosts Jay Curley and Amy Luckiewicz led several haunted games and invited members to dress up in costumes.
Following the weekly lunch, Rotarians and guests gathered to play a Halloween Music Trivia game, a Halloween category-based party game, and more, all for fun Halloween-themed prizes. Members were encouraged to rotate partners on team games and sit with someone they may not know that well. Club Vice-President Paul Adams said, “We love to do service projects here, but we do take breaks for fun. It’s a time for us to work with each other, build friendships, and take a break from the daily hustle of the day.”
On Friday, Oct 24th, in honor of World Polio Day, Newburyport Rotary loaded up a truck full of crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and other mobility aids generously donated by our community - all headed to Crutches4Africa, a nonprofit that helps improve mobility and dignity for people in developing countries.
This effort was made possible thanks to the incredible support from our neighbors, fellow Rotary Clubs, and local organizations who answered the call over the past few months. Your donations will soon travel across the world and make a real difference for individuals in need.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped us collect, sort, and deliver these items. We’re proud to be part of a global mission to help eradicate polio and support those affected by it.
And a big thank you the Rotary Club of Saco Maine for helping us coordinate and letting us collaborate with you.
It was a privilege to welcome our Rotary District Governor, Pooja Singla, to the Rotary Club of Peabody. Her visit brought great energy and a clear vision for the year ahead.
She shared inspiring updates on district-wide initiatives—from youth programs and international service projects to local partnerships making a real difference. We're excited to align our club’s efforts with the broader goals of the district and explore new ways to contribute meaningfully.
Thank you, Pooja, for your leadership and for taking the time to connect with our club.
Pictured here is DG Pooja Visit with Peabody Rotary President Kerry Armstrong and Vice President Curt Bellavance.
In lieu of regular meeting last week, Beverly Rotary made 100 take home dinners for home bound Beverly folk. With the guidance of Brenda Mattos of Ellis Square Friends, a nutritious and delicious meal was prepared.
Our diners got Mexican seasoned rice. All rice seasonings came from Green Beverly Food diversion program. Corn on the cob that was donated by the American Legion in Middleton. We decided to make Mexican lasagna because we received a case of spinach wraps from our Stop & Shop donation. We prepared for 100 people, we served 96. And today’s win...we served 100 people at $1.06 a serving!!! Yup, Ellis Square Friends spent $106.00 to make that entire meal. So $49.75 of that was spent on Chicken. All we purchased was cheese, sour cream, Salsa and a 10lb bag of rice. And that is how we do it.
Thanks to Brenda, President Connor and all our volunteers who provided a dinner for those most under served #beverlyrotary #ellissquarefriends #district7930 #beverlyma #beverlymainstreets
At its dinner meeting at Austin Prep this week, Reading Rotary was pleased to welcome Sharon Kelleher, Library Director of North Reading’s Flint Memorial Library. Sharon accepted a donation for the purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the library. Flint Memorial is North Reading's public library.
Sharon had reached out to Rotarian Peter Majane seeking assistance with the project. There was a pressing need to have an AED on the fourth floor especially because the elevator is not currently working and the additional stairs created greater potential for incidents requiring the device. Pictured are President Amy Walsh, Peter Majane, and Library Director Sharon Kelleher.
Reading Rotary is proud to support the communities of both Reading and North Reading, continuing our mission of service above self. Reading Rotary also sponsors the North Reading High School Interact Club and annually offers scholarships to North Reading graduating seniors.
PDG Bob Wood Memorial Heroes' Celebration is fast approaching on November 12 at the Andover Country Club 5:30 pm. This is going to be a fantastic event and not to be missed! Please sign up now. There is a hard deadline to register for tickets to the event: Sunday, November 2.
Here is the link to register attendance for the event. Please register your Military Veteran Hero/PHF and any guests that may be coming. Your club will be responsible for payment for your honoree and any guests.
Special guests are: RI Director Chris Etienne and guest speaker, Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Director of Home Base.
Grant for Home Base. Please let Joan Arsenault, thewellbeing@comcast.net, know if your club is able to contribute to the GRANT for Home Base. We need to raise $10,000 to support this grant. The total grant is $20,000 and the District is providing $10,000 from TRF DDF. The grant provides back packs to veterans and their families with supplies for the intensive mental health program to help reduce suicide risk. In addition, the grant will be buying flags for the Memorial Day Flag Garden on the commons. These flags are for fallen heroes since the civil war. Rotary will be involved in packing the back packs as well as setting up and removing the flags.
Last week Woburn Rotary invited Assistant Scout Master Brian Grace and Scout Unit Commissioner Dave Frizzell of Woburn Scouts Pack 502 to speak about the work that the scouts do in the community and the leadership skills that are learned in the scouts. We were especially grateful for the work the scouts did for our Flags for Heroes program lead by past Rotary Club of Woburn President Bill Sullivan. The scouts helped to install the base mounts into the ground so the flags could fly in Ferullo Park in North Woburn. Rotary Club of Woburn President Danny Walbourne presented the scouts with a donation.
October 24th marks World Polio Day, a day to recognize the more than 35-year fight to end polio world-wide. This year, the Wakefield Rotary Club is again committing to helping eradicate the disease.
This week, Wakefield Rotarians recognized the past contributions of its members to the eradication efforts while re-committing to continue the efforts towards ending polio for good. Past Presidents Barbara Worley and Wendy Maguire reflected on the decades-long efforts from Wakefield Rotarians to combat polio via fundraising and education. Past President Jay Curley noted, “Although the world is so close to eradication, I know Rotarians will continue until polio is gone completely.”
According to Rotary’s polio educational website, “Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.”
The mission of The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) North East America is to provide an educational opportunity for Rotarians as potential leaders. Each club President is asked annually to encourage Club members as potential Club leaders in the years ahead. Courses foster Rotary knowledge and leadership skills. It is hoped that these courses will also motivate the participants to be enthusiastic, creative and dedicated Rotarians. Our District's next RLI is being offered virtually on February 24 & 26, 2026. Mark your calendars now! It is open to all Rotary members.
The faculty members are carefully selected by the Institute for their teaching abilities. They are drawn from all areas of the Rotary Districts. Many are present and past R.I. Directors, present and past District Governors, successful past Presidents and those with experience in special areas. If your Club cares about its future, it will want the best leadership possible. This is an outstanding opportunity for each Club to improve the Rotary knowledge of its key people, who will also be exposed to new ideas of leadership. The exchange of ideas with other experienced Rotarians alone makes the courses worthwhile.
The District Interact Council is sponsoring “Jumpstart TwoFive,” a panel discussion designed for Rotary Advisors and Interact leaders for sharing best practices.
Sunday, November 2, from 2-4 pm at Stoneham Teen Center, 79 Central St, Stoneham.
Five Interact leaders and RYLA alum will share success stories and field questions. This event is designed to address the number one concern shared by Interact Advisors across the District - how can we help our kids regain their pre-Covid vibrancy?
See if you or your kids struggle with any of these:
My students are too busy - they can’t find time to meet;
They face too much competition from other clubs...can’t find any Rotarians to help me with Interact;
Our club seems to have lost its way - they just don’t seem to have enthusiasm anymore.
Regardless of what challenges you face, this event is a space for sharing and discovery. And everyone who comes will have something of value to bring as well, because each of you have a heart for these kids. Together we can lift them up and inject new energy into the program. Nothing chases away the weariness like renewed purpose. Admission is free to all!
PDG Bob Wood Memorial Heroes' Celebration is fast approaching on November 12 at the Andover Country Club 5:30 pm. This is going to be a fantastic event and not to be missed! Please sign up now.
Here is the link to register attendance for the event. Please register your Military Veteran Hero/PHF and any guests that may be coming. Your club will be responsible for payment for your honoree and any guests.
Special guests are: RI Director Chris Etienne; US Representative Seth Moulton; and guest speaker: Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond from Home Base
Grant for Home Base. Please let Joan Arsenault, thewellbeing@comcast.net, know if your club is able to contribute to the GRANT for Home Base. We need to raise $10,000 to support this grant. The total grant is $20,000 and the District is providing $10,000 from TRF DDF. The grant provides back packs to veterans and their families with supplies for the intensive mental health program to help reduce suicide risk. In addition, the grant will be buying flags for the Memorial Day Flag Garden on the commons. These flags are for fallen heroes since the civil war. Rotary will be involved in packing the back packs as well as setting up and removing the flags.
Deadline to submit the Nominations for District Governor (2028-29) has been extended until Friday, October 31, 2025.
District 7930 is looking for the future leader for Rotary Year 2028-2029 to carry its flagship forward! This is our Rotary District.
Let's make every effort in order to make its impact more meaningful and magical going forward! We are all in this together!
Please propose suitable candidates who meet the qualifications to serve.
If you feel that your club has such a leader among your members, (including yourself) please consider putting them forward to help fulfill Rotary's ongoing missions.
The nomination form can be downloaded here. In addition to the nomination form, please include a Rotary-focused resume of the candidate, as well as the candidate's vision statement of what they would like to accomplish for our district in their year as district governor. Completed nomination forms and send to me at pooja.d7930@gmail.com along with the additional documents.
The project discussed here is by one of newer members, Virginia Jones. What a positive experience!
As members of Rotary, we understand our purpose is to provide service that benefits our communities. I was, as all new members of the Beverly Club are, privileged to receive a $250 stipend for a service program. The stipend is to encourage new members to participate in community support by developing a service project beneficial to the Beverly community.
My first thought in undertaking this project was to draw upon my professional background as an RN or my personal strengths as a yoga teacher, Reiki Master and a Black Belt karate student. But I soon realized that the costs of renting a space in which to implement and advertise such a program would far exceed the $250.
The District Environmental Committee is working on some exciting projects and would love to have your participation. Join us once a month for a 1-hr or less call to discuss what the committee is up to and how you can be a part of it.
Next meeting is Thursday, Oct 30th at 7 pm.
Please contact Andrea Lacroix at amlacroix@yahoo.com for more info, or use this link to join us:
oin the Gloucester Rotary at Magnolia 525 Tavern (12 Lexington Ave, Gloucester) tonight, October 20, 2025, 5-9pm.
A portion of all proceeds from both dining and bar receipts will benefit the Rotary Club’s community service projects. Enjoy a great meal while supporting local initiatives!
Join our Rotary Zone Membership team for an inspiring session covering Rotary’s story, values, and impact — including the Avenues of Service, Areas of Focus, and the Four-Way Test.
Discover what it means to belong and explore ways to get involved. This special program is open to all Rotary and Rotaract members — whether you're new or just want a refresher.
Choose your session:
🗓️ Tuesday, October 21st — 7:30 PM EST 🗓️ Wednesday, January 21st — 7:30 PM EST 🗓️ Thursday, April 23rd — 7:30 PM EST
Why is Rotary Public Image and consistent Branding important? Public Image is the opinion that people have of an organization based on its actions.
Rotarians do so much amazing work in their communities: we build houses for homeless; we plant trees to protect the shores from destruction; organize educational camps for low-income families; we fight Polio; we volunteer at senior homes; and so much more. If the majority of public is not aware of the great job Rotarians do in their communities how can we expect them to join and support us in our efforts?
Rotary’s public image is shaped by what and how we talk about Rotary, how we present what we do in our communities, and how often. If we are not telling those Rotary’s stories to the public, their impressions are often made up of half-truths or not made up at all. It’s weakening our brand and harming our public image.
Strong Rotary’s public image motivates public to support our efforts and projects; inspires to get involved; engages new members, volunteers, and partners; attracts new donors; and positively distinguishes Rotary from other servicing opportunities.
Nominations for District Governor for 2028-29 are being accepted starting September 1, 2025. Deadline to submit nominations: Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
This important individual leads and supports the clubs in the district 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, 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.
The nomination form can be downloaded here. In addition to the nomination form, please include a Rotary-focused resume of the candidate, as well as the candidate's vision statement of what they would like to accomplish for our district in their year as district governor. Completed nomination forms and the additional documents should be sent to DG Pooja Singla.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club successfully completed its annual golf tournament at the Windham Country Club. This event attracted a significant number of enthusiastic golfers, all of whom enjoyed ideal weather conditions throughout the day, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere.
As expressed by Jamie Santo, the club's first President, "There was a great deal of camaraderie with community business folks connecting over a great event." The tournament provided an excellent opportunity for members of the community to come together, strengthen relationships, and celebrate shared interests in a friendly and welcoming environment.
The tournament drew a large group of participants who enjoyed perfect weather while fostering strong community connections and camaraderie. Attendees bonded over a successful and enjoyable day of golf, making the event memorable for everyone involved. Funds raised from the tournament will support fuel assistance and holiday gift cards for the five communities the club serves: Salem, Atkinson, Hampstead, Pelham, and Windham, NH.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians continued a tradition with the Open Door of bringing cheer and laughter in a full bag of everything needed for a joyful birthday party of eight children. Birthday-in-a-Bag!
For four years, Rotarians have packed 25 bags for re-distribution at the Gloucester-based food pantry. Each bag, tied with colorful ribbons, contained – Happy Birthday Banner, Cake Mix, Can of Frosting, Birthday Cake Candles, Plates, Flat Ware, Cups, Napkins, Tablecloth, Party Hats, Party Noise Makers, Party Games to Play, and a full Bag of Candy.
Children’s birthday celebrations add additional stress to families already experiencing food insecurity. This Ipswich-Rowley Rotary donation of laughter and joy in a bag hopefully adds a day filled with fun for all!
Big shout out to the Environmental Committee for hosting a very fun and successful 1st Annual Clothes and Book/Puzzle Swap. What a great way to part with clothes and books you no longer want, keep them out of the landfill, and have the opportunity to shop for new to you items for one small price. The venue was fantastic, in a great location in Danvers just off Route 95 making it easy for most of the district to get there.
Be on the lookout for the 2nd Annual Swap Event. Don't miss next year's Clothes Swap.
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped set-up, break down and put out all the items as people brought them.
Winchester Rotarians, Interactors, Lion’s Heart youth, families and friends gathered to construct fifteen beds for youngsters through the Mass. Coalition for the Homeless and funded by a District Grant. Young and old gathered to champion Service in Action on a perfect Fall day.
PDG Bob Wood Memorial Heroes' Celebration is November 12 at the Andover Country Club 5:30 pm. Clubs are asked to honor a Hero, who for this event must be a Military Veteran or in Active Service in the Military. Hero may be a Rotarian or non-Rotarian.
Here is the link to register attendance for the event. Please register your Military Veteran Hero/PHF and any guests that may be coming. Your club will be responsible for payment for your honoree and any guests.
Special guests are:
RI Director Chris Etienne
US Representative Seth Moulton
And guest speaker: Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond from Home Base
Please consider cancelling your meeting the week of November 12.
Hero Submission. Please use this form to submit your Rotary Club's Veteran/Military hero for our Rotary. This information will be used for the slideshow to be shown during the event, so it is vitally important that we receive your Hero Submission no later than October 15th, 2025! Military Hero Submission Form.
Lexington Rotary continued ours annual tradition and served up BBQs to seniors in September. We lucked out with three beautiful September afternoons for our annual BBQ’s at Lexington’s senior housing communities.
All hands were on deck to support our senior friends who look forward to the visit from Rotary each year. We love giving back to our community and what better way than with cheeseburgers and hot dogs off the grill!
Newburyport Rotary is partnering with the Rotary Club of Saco Bay in Maine and the non-profit, Crutches4Africa.
We will be collecting all types of used mobility equipment until the end of October.
If you, or anyone you know, has unwanted crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or leg braces just taking up space, please reach out to me at lstpierre@ifs.bank
We’ll be shipping these devices directly to Africa where most people aren’t so fortunate to have these walking tools, never mind surgeries to fix their problems.
The Rotary Club of Andover is proud to commemorate 30 years of service, fellowship, and impactful community initiatives. To mark this milestone, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and high-energy fun at the NuBingo Music Extravaganza, a fundraising event celebrating three decades of making a difference in Andover and beyond.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Doors open at 6:00 PM, event starts at 7:00 PM at DoubleTree Hilton, Andover.
Highlights: Enjoy a lively night of music, dancing, and bingo, with food available and a cash bar. Ticket options include entry, bingo card(s), and beads for a 50/50 raffle contest. Additional bingo cards and beads will be available for purchase at the event.
This event is open to the public, offering a chance to celebrate with the Rotary Club of Andover while supporting our ongoing community efforts. Over the past 30 years, our club has championed local projects, fostered connections, and made a lasting impact through service and leadership.
Last week, the Wakefield Rotary Club participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge to fundraise in support of the Angel Fund. The Angel Fund aims at supporting research of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Fifteen participants represented Holiday Travel, WCAT, HD Physical Therapy, The Savings Bank, and First Financial Trust. Ten of the participants are also Wakefield Rotarians.
“We had a great turn-out of both participants and supporters,” commented Wakefield Rotary Club President Kathy Boyle. “We were fortunate to be able to support this great cause that has become a well-known campaign with roots right here in Massachusetts.”
In total, through pledges and day-of donations, the group collected $2,336. The Wakefield Rotary Club contributed an additional $1,000 bringing the total to $3,336 collected for the Angel Fund.
The club wishes to thank the Wilmington Rotary Club for their logistical support, participants Carla Dale, Suzanne Bowering, Cameron Harding, Madison Harding, Ed Harding, Matthew Harding, Jim Fitzgerald, Paul Adams, Tom Stapleton, Debbie Young, Kathy Boyle, Bina Siddiqui, Bertha Ruiz, Julie MacArthur and Barbara Worley and the staff at Lakeside Inn for their commitment to the event.
And guest speaker: Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond from Home Base
Please let all your club members know about this event and consider cancelling your meeting the week of November 12. Guest speaker: RI Director Chris Etienne, Representative Seth Moulton, Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond from Home Base.
District 7930 now has a permanent Post Office Box address at one of the most convenient and centralized locations in our District in the city of Woburn, Massachusetts.
The District's new address is:
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 7930
PO Box 2364
Woburn, MA 01888
Please update your address books for all mail, especially including checks for dues or other items. Kindly use this address for future USPS correspondence to the District.
To Benefit Local Scholarships & Lexington Based Projects
Two Grand Prizes of $5,000 each
Eight $500.00 Prizes
Only 300 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD
(Way Better Odds than Powerball)
DONATION - $100.00/TICKET
Join us for an action-packed charitable Friday night filled with Great Drinks, Delicious Food, Very Happy People and the chance to win THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS!
Whether you’re already using Rotary’s Service Project Center or are hearing about it for the first time, this dynamic resource hub supports you at every stage of your service project journey.
In the Service Project Center, you’ll find tools and resources all in one place to help strengthen the impact of your projects. There are documents, links, and guidance to design and manage measurable and sustainable projects, locate partners, exchange stories, share best practices, and more.
And now the Service Project Center is even more valuable and exciting to use with the addition of these new features:
A Resources page with links to project planning materials.
A refreshed, mobile-friendly Grant Center page and dashboard integrated into the Service Project Center, giving you seamless access to project resources and grant information.
An Impact page dedicated to supporting Rotary’s Action Plan that will debut with a fun game designed to test your knowledge of impact.
We encourage you to visit the Service Project Center for all your project planning needs and to check back regularly for new features and enhancements.
The Clothes and Book / Puzzle Swap are just around the corner on September 28 from 11 am to 3 pm at Danvers Art Association. We have an amazing food vendor and some great raffle prizes, so I hope you come, swap and shop and enjoy the day.
You do not need to bring anything to "shop", and you do not need to take anything home.
It is with great sadness that we inform you of Marnee Walsh's passing. She passed away on September 13th, 2025. Marnee has been an important and vibrant member of Winchester Rotary since 2010 and will be dearly missed. As a Past President, Paul Harris Award recipient, and District Officer, she led a life of service. Marnee served Rotary District 7930 on multiple committees and was a long serving Assistant Governor.
A celebration of life for Marnee will be held at a later date. Funeral services are under the direction of Costello Funeral Home in Winchester.
On behalf of the Winchester Rotary Club, I offer our most sincere condolences to Marnee's family and loved ones.
On Thursday, September 11, 2025, our small town of Rowley, Massachusetts was connected to other small towns and big cities across the United States as citizens remembered their own who perished on September 11, 2001. A memorial garden at Cross and Pleasant Streets was the gathering point in September 11, 2025, for the ceremony, attended faithfully by Rowley Fire and Police department members and many residents.
The Rowley 9/11 memorial is dedicated to town residents Jim and Mary Trentini and Laurie Neira, who were all killed when their airplane, American Airlines Flight 11 barreled into the World Trade Center. This hijacked flight departed from Boston, Massachusetts, and crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.
Worldwide, college and university-bound orphans leave their orphanage homes needing all the day-to-day living materials that parents and family members usually supply, resources that orphans obviously lack. In conjunction with the non-profit New Thing, Ipswich, MA, Harbor Rotarians contribute support for The Children’s Village in Belarus. This year, first year college and university student kits contained bedding (sheets, blanket, pillow and pillow case, coverlet), pots and pans and other kitchenware, an iron, and towels, as well as a laptop, desk lamp and study materials.
What’s our club’s connection to such a faraway but very needy place? Some time ago, the members’ hearts were touched by a talk given by Doug Brendel, head of New Thing. Doug visits Belarus frequently and is committed to working with the on-the-ground dedicated caregivers from Belarus who provide the love and attention that the orphans, from the youngest to the oldest, need to be successfully launched into productive futures. For more information (or looking for an international connection), Doug can be reached at unconventional@dougbrendel.com.
The Belle Isle Rotary Club Fundraiser - Limoncello Making Nite! Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at the East Boston Yacht Club 1 Rice St, East Boston (plenty of parking). Doors open at 5pm for happy hour/complimentary nibbles. Limoncello making begins at 6pm. Donation is $100 and for that you get all the ingredients, equipment and instruction from Belle Isle President Peter Scolaro a 40-year Cello-tarian! So you can make your very own 4 liter batch of limoncello. This is fun to do solo, couple or as a group - you can split batches. Spectators welcome as there will be plenty of fun, food and libations.
Want to sign up please call Joe Steffano 617-909-5382, Peter Scolaro 617-719-4001 or Randy Cipoletta 781-964-2600 or email jes5678918@aol.com.
Did you know that we have a new club in our District? We’d like to introduce you to the District 7930 E-Club. The club became an official Satellite Club in August 2025. We are sponsored by Belle Isle who has generously taken us in and given us a space to get started until we move to our own chartered club. We appreciate their help and support very much!
The mission of the E-Club is to provide service to clubs within our District that need some extra help. In addition, we will be providing quarterly micro-donations ($250 and under) to D7930 club projects and fundraisers.
The E-Club’s founding members, led by AG Coordinator, Lori Becker, is made up of active Rotarians who have seen the need for help with service projects throughout the District.
We are delighted to have received an overwhelming number of requests for District Managed Grants. Some funds for the Global Grants are still available.
We are excited to see this enthusiasm for community services in our District.
Thank you all for submitting the Grants Applications for your important community projects funded by the District Managed Grants. We appreciate the time and effort you invested in your proposals.
The District 7930 Grants Committee has been met with an overwhelming number of responses this grant cycle. This high level of interest speaks to the impressive work being done by the clubs for the communities served in our District 7930.
Following Ipswich Rowley Rotary's regular meeting last Thursday, several Rotarians joined Ipswich Library Director Nora Blake in front of the town Library. The occasion was the dedication of a new granite post and refurbished signage donated to the town by Ipswich-Rowley Rotary.
Seen in the photo are Jim Tedford, co-President George Gray who also is Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, Library Director Nora Blake, Project Chair Lee McNelly, Andrea Lacroix, and Martha Mauser. Kneeling are co-President Doug Shealy and dog Iorek.
This beautiful entryway post is an appropriate reminder that public Libraries are and always will be pillars of learning and democracy.
The Wilmington Rotary Club held their annual Community Ice Bucket Challenge at Wilmington's Rotary Park on Saturday, August 24. Many brave participants, including 8 Rotarians, had the pleasure of dumping ice water over their heads to raise funds for the Angel Fund of Wakefield. The Angel Fund is an organization committed to finding a cure for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Through the work of Dr. Robert Brown at the UMass Medical Center, progress has been made but the cure hasn’t yet been achieved, and additional funds are still needed.
We continue to raise funds for this worthy cause - donations may be mailed to the Wilmington Rotary Club, P.O. Box 503, Wilmington, MA 01887 or sent via Venmo @Wilmington-RotaryClub.
The Reading Fall Street Faire is coming to downtown Reading on Sunday, September 7, from noon to 5 pm, and we need your help! All Rotary members are invited, along with high school students and older—a perfect opportunity for students seeking community service hours. It’s also a fun way to meet and work alongside Rotarians from neighboring clubs. Volunteers Needed for Reading Fall Street Faire!
Even if you can't volunteer, come check out the Faire. This is one of the biggest Rotary run events in the area.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of our District 7930's new District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair!
Please welcome Anne Lewis, Rotary Club of Rockport as our New DRFC. Anne was selected by the DG Track after an extensive research and a detailed interview with her.
Anne brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision to this role. Her expertise will be a tremendous asset to the District Foundation as the mission of Rotary International is pursued.
About Anne Lewis:
Anne served on the TRF District Committee for numerous years in the past.
She is well versed in grants both District Managed Grants and Global Grants as well as Major Donor Fundraising.
She understands PHF points and all aspects of TRF.
She is Rockport Rotary Club's current Foundation Chair.
This year Rotaplast has asked DG Pooja to support their Vocational Training Team (VTT) Mission in Faridabad, India from Oct 25-Nov 9, 2025. VTTs are groups of professionals who travel abroad to teach local specialists their skills in their own field. This VTT will teach the local MDs how to perform Cleft Palate Surgeries in Faridabad, India.
We are seeking non-medical volunteers for the mission: Quartermaster; Recovery Room Helper; Recreation Therapist; Equipment Sterilizer; Ward Coordinator; Patient Transporter; Photo Journalist/Mission Historian.
If you would like to be a part of this incredible life-changing mission to help children with cleft palates, please contact Joan Arsenault for more information.
A Rotary Foundation/Paul Harris Fellow Event for our Veterans: Honoring Those Who Have Served!
Date: November 12, 2025
Place: Andover Country Club
Guest Speaker: Brigadier General Jack Hammond (ret.) of Home Base, a national non-profit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of Veterans and their families.
Clubs are invited to nominate a military veteran (or active-duty serviceperson) as a local hero in your community and award them a Paul Harris Recognition. This is a major opportunity to expand our reach as we publicize this throughout our District.
Please discuss the following with your club members:
1. Select a Hero if you haven't already and your club wishes to participate. The Hero(s) must be a veteran, no exceptions please. It can be awarded posthumously.
Last week, the Wakefield Rotary Club hosted a FUN co-meeting with Lynnfield Rotary. Attendees were mixed into teams to play an interactive trivia featuring some Rotary questions, music, and other topics. The book "Kindness is My Superpower" will be donated to both the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library and Lynnfield Public Library on behalf of both clubs. The winning team got to sign the book plates!
Wakefield President Kathy Boyle said, "We were so glad to have such a great turnout and welcome Lynnfield. Our club actually sponsored them!" She added, "Having fun together during our meeting is something we do at least every few months and it was special to us to have Lynnefield Rotarians join in."
The trivia game was hosted by Past President Amy Luckiewicz with assistance from Wakefield President Kathy and Lynnfield Co-President Christine Travers.
Long time member of Wilmington Rotary, Ernie Pearlstein, has passed away. For those of you fortunate to know Ernie, you knew that he was a great guy with an easy-going personality. He was also a clown with the Shriners in Wilmington.
Ernest Arthur Pearlstein, born April 27, 1944, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, passed peacefully at his home on August 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Ernie grew up in Wilmington and later made his lifelong home in Malden. After proudly serving his country as a United States Marine, Ernie began a long and dedicated career with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
A man deeply committed to service and community, Ernie was honored with the 33rd Degree of Freemasonry for his decades of devotion to the Masonic brotherhood. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, and participation in the charters of Independence and Logia Lodges. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Scottish Rite Children’s Learning Center in Lexington, where his efforts supported educational opportunities for children. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to helping others, Ernie was awarded the Scottish Rite Humanitarian Award in 2001. Ernie's proudest Masonry moment was being elected by the membership to serve as Junior Grand Warden in 2005.
A Rotary Foundation/Paul Harris Fellow Event for our Veterans: Honoring Those Who Have Served!
Save the Date: November 12, 2025
Place: Andover Country Club
Guest Speaker: Brigadier General Jack Hammond (ret.) of Home Base, a national non-profit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of Veterans and their families.
Clubs are invited to nominate a local hero in your community and award them a Paul Harris Recognition. You are encouraged to recognize a military veteran. This is a major opportunity to expand our reach as we publicize this throughout our District.
Please discuss the following with your club members:
1. Select a Hero if you haven't already and your club wishes to participate. The Hero(s) must be a veteran, no exceptions please. It can be awarded posthumously.
A Rotary Foundation/Paul Harris Fellow Event for our Veterans:
Honoring Those Who Have Served!
Save the Date: November 12, 2025
Place: Andover Country Club
Guest Speaker: Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond of Home Base, a national non-profit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of Veterans and their families.
Clubs are invited to nominate a local hero in your community and award them a Paul Harris Recognition. You are encouraged to recognize a military veteran. This is a major opportunity to expand our reach as we publicize this throughout our District.
Nicola A. “Nick” Barletta, 96, died peacefully on August 10, 2025. A Rotarian and lifelong resident of Rockport, Nick was a mechanical engineer who worked primarily in the areas of aerospace and computer design. Nick served on the Rockport Select Board for 39 years and was instrumental in leading many town improvement projects during his tenure. During this time, he also was active in many civic organizations in Rockport such as the Educational Foundation for Rockport and the Rockport Rotary.
Nick was also a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joachim’s Church for many years. During his youth, Nick was a member of the Rockport Boy Scouts and was particularly proud of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. In addition to his passion for public service, Nick enjoyed working in his dahlia garden, traveling with his late wife, Mary, and spending time with his family and friends.
All Assistant Governors are respectfully requested to attend the quarterly virtual Assistant Governor Forums on August 27, October 22, 2025; January 28, and April 29, 2026. Please mark your calendars.
Join us for an evening of learning and sharing. Rediscover with us best practices in serving in the AG role and tips to increase our impact in area clubs.
Tickets Are Going Fast—Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Night to Honor Rich Cowdell!
The Camp Rotary Board of Directors is to invite you to a once-in-a-lifetime evening of cocktails, dinner, and celebration as we honor an extraordinary leader and his lasting legacy. Legacy of Leadership: A Tribute to Rich Cowdell Saturday, September 6, 2025 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Camp Rotary, 372 Ipswich Road, Boxford, MA 01921
Tickets are selling quickly, and this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Join us as we raise a glass to Rich Cowdell, whose nearly 40 years of visionary leadership, mentorship, and heart have left a profound impact on Camp Rotary and generations of campers. Together, we’ll celebrate his legacy with meaningful stories, heartfelt tributes, and an evening full of connection and community.
All proceeds will support the creation of The Cowdell Campfire Circle—a lasting symbol of Rich’s incredible contributions and the spark he’s ignited in all of us.
Amesbury Rotary celebrated its 100th Anniversary at the Amesbury Historical Museum on May 29th. President Cathy Toomey cut the cake to commemorate the last 100 years of service and to welcome in the next Rotary Century.
On Thursday, July 31, the Melrose Rotary Club’s Immediate Past Co-Presidents (Don Putney and Mark Hutchinson) presented a Paul Harris Award to club member Ainsley Donaldson.
Ainsley, a member of Melrose Rotary since July 2006, has been the editor-in-chief of the club’s weekly newsletter, “Rumblings”, for the past number of years and has now passed that baton on to a newer member of the club. “The weekly Rumblings is a key part of keeping our club together, and it was particularly during COVID,” noted past president Putney, “It was essential at a time when activities and other communications were sparse or non-existent.”
Past-president Hutchinson also noted that Ainsley always attends our meetings and events with a contagious positive spirit, no matter her circumstances. She can always be relied upon to share a funny story or an inspirational poem, sometimes eliciting groans or a chuckle from those in attendance. Ainsley consistently shows up at our service projects including preparation or serving at our local meal site, digging in the dirt to keep our “adopt-a-site” looking fresh, keeping in contact with our former Rotary Youth Exchange students, and generally being a good sport about everything Rotary! She exemplifies “service above self” and for that, our club is pleased to recognize her as our club’s most recent Paul Harris Fellow.
Pictured are Melrose President Julie Nolan, Past President Don Putney, Ainsley Donaldson and Past President Mark Hutchinson.
The Reading Fall Street Faire is coming to downtown Reading on Sunday, September 7, from noon to 5 pm, and we need your help! All Rotary members are invited, along with high school students and older—a perfect opportunity for students seeking community service hours. It’s also a fun way to meet and work alongside Rotarians from neighboring clubs.
Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still available as well.
The District Environmental Committee is excited to announce a District-wide Fundraiser, a Clothes and Book/Puzzle Swap. Clean out your closets and your bookcases and bring your gently used but no longer wanted items to the event (adult clothes only please). Leave empty handed, or feel free to "shop". $10 admission, food, drinks and raffle tickets available for purchase. September 28, 11 - 3pm at the Danvers Art Association - 105 Elliot Street in Danvers. This event is open to all so please invite your friends and family.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will either be used towards District 7930's or The Rotary Foundation's environment initiatives.
Help Needed!We are looking for participation from other clubs throughout our District. The Environmental Committee is launching this as a Districtwide event. Contact Andrea Lacroix.
WHAT TO BRING:
Clean, gently used clothing – adult clothing only. Must be clean, stain-free and in good condition (no rips, missing buttons or broken zippers).
Books and puzzles must also be gently used, no ripped pages, no missing puzzle pieces.
Join the Rotary Club of Burlington for their 36th Annual Golf Tournament on August 22 at Billerica Country Club.
Still spots available for golfers. $150 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, BBQ lunch, hole prizes, raffle, super hole in one prize, silent auction and other special prizes.
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, 2025, 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 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and is held in Stage Fort Park on Saturday-Sunday, August 16-17. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $10 per person, $6 for children six and under, and are available in advance online here or from any Gloucester Rotarian. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.
Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit local and international projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club
Reading Rotary Gears Up for Annual Fall Street Faire – September 7, 2025
Reading Rotary is thrilled to announce the 17th Annual Reading Fall Street Faire, returning to downtown Reading on Sunday, September 7. This signature event has grown into one of the largest and most anticipated community gatherings in the region, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Planning is well underway, and this year promises to be the biggest and best yet! The event features something for everyone:
Live entertainment on three stages
Local vendors, civic organizations, and nonprofits
Children’s activities and games in the Family Fun Zone
An Amusement Zone with inflatables
A wide variety of delicious food options
A Beer Garden and tailgate area with NFL games on the big screen
Vendor registration is now open at readingfallstreetfaire.com, and booths are filling quickly. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this vibrant community tradition!
August is Membership Month! Join the monthly Membership webinar on Zoom. It's the first Monday of the month at 7:30 pm.
For Club and District Membership Committees and others interested in boosting Rotary membership.
It's all about the Team and it will be helpful as districts build their three subcommittees to support membership growth. You won't want to miss it. The link is here or in the Zone Calendar.
The Wakefield Rotary Club will be the sponsor for this week’s Thursday Movies on the Lake in partnership with Wakefield Community Access TV (WCAT) on Thursday, August 7. Prior to the showing of “The Wild Robot,” the club will host a Mega Musical Chairs game, open to all ages 8 and above.
Multiple rounds of the classic game will be held with prizes provided by Holiday Travel of Wakefield. Club President Kathy Boyle noted, “This is purely for fun. We love partnering with WCAT for the movie and thought this would be a fun thing to step it up a bit.”
The club wishes to thank the Department of Public Works for their assistance with organizing the game.
Registration for the musical chairs game is on-site, starting at 6:00 pm. The movie will begin shortly after at sundown and does not require any registration. All ages are welcome for the movie showing. The club recommends you bring your own chair for the movie showing. Playing in the game and movie viewing are both free.
In addition, 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 Miami Marlins on Sunday, August 17, 2025, game at Fenway Park.
June was a special month for Burlington Rotary Club as we gathered for one of our most meaningful events of the year — our annual Scholarship Dinner. Held in celebration of local achievement and service, the evening recognized outstanding high school seniors, welcomed new Interact leadership, and honored two of our own for their extraordinary dedication.
The night began with the presentation of scholarships to several exceptional graduating seniors, whose academic accomplishments and commitment to community service truly embody Rotary's values. We were proud to support these future leaders as they prepare to begin their college journeys.
A highlight of the evening was the induction of Afsa Khalifa as the new president of our Interact Club. Afsa has already shown remarkable leadership and passion for service, and we are excited to support her as she leads the next generation of Rotarians.
Four times each year, Ipswich-Rowley Rotary volunteers gather at the Masonic Lodge in Ipswich to serve nutritious meals to senior citizens and other residents. This month, a dozen Rotarians and local volunteers served over 70 “Ipswich Dinner Bell’ guests and prepared another 75 meals for delivery to those unable to attend.
The Ipswich Dinner Bell provides free meals weekly. Ipswich churches, veterans, and non-profits rotate as hosts, setting up the room, plating meals, delivering food and desserts, and cleaning up and resetting the room after the event. Ipswich High School Interactors participate during the school year wearing team shirts that are a great hit with the elderly guests. Ipswich Early Actors are another group that lends a hand during the year.
At our regular meeting last week, founder and Director Dorothy Calandra shared the story of the Ipswich Dinner Bell. It was formed in 2010 as a “non-profit cooperation of churches and community organizations to serve hot, nutritious meals, free to all who come, and create a mealtime atmosphere of fellowship with one another.” The Committee receives primary support from the Ipswich Masonic Lodge whose members support the food preparation and wash the dishes every week, the Ipswich YMCA which organizes the delivery drivers, and the Institution for Savings and Ebsco that provide generous donations.
Celebrate Your Club’s New Leadership and Share Your Story!
As the new Rotary year begins, it’s time to celebrate fresh leadership and new beginnings! We encourage every club to share your Changeover event stories—highlight your festivities, acknowledge outgoing leaders, and welcome the new team with enthusiasm.
Be sure to share your stories and photos on your club websites, social media platforms and with local news outlets. Including photos of your incoming and outgoing leadership teams is a great way to personalize your message and show the heart of Rotary in action.
Why It Matters:
A strong Public Image is a key driver of club success and growth. When clubs consistently promote their activities and leadership transitions, they raise awareness, build credibility, and inspire community involvement. Pairing a vibrant public image with a busy calendar of service projects is a proven formula for building thriving clubs.
A Rotary Foundation/Paul Harris Fellow Event for our Veterans:
Honoring Those Who Have Served!
Save the Date: November 12, 2025
Place: Andover Country Club
Guest Speaker: Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond of Home Base, a national non-profit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of Veterans and their families.
The Reading Rotary proudly recognized eleven outstanding local students with the prestigious Service Above Self Scholarship at its annual Installation and Scholarship Night, held on July 21 at Café Escadrille in Burlington, MA. The evening celebrated youth who exemplify Rotary’s core value of service above self through their volunteerism, leadership, and commitment to their communities. Reading Rotary awarded a total of $11,000.00 in scholarships at this event.
“These scholarships honor students who go beyond academics and demonstrate a sincere dedication to helping others,” said Amy Walsh, President of the Reading Rotary. “It is a privilege to support their educational journeys and celebrate their community spirit.”
This year’s Service Above Self Scholarship recipients are:
We are delighted to invite you to an unforgettable evening of cocktails, dinner, and entertainment as we honor a remarkable leader and his profound legacy. Join us for Legacy of Leadership: A Tribute to Rich Cowdell on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 6:00PM – 10:00 PM at Camp Rotary.
This special event will pay tribute to Rich Cowdell and his 37 years of unparalleled dedication, vision, and impact on Camp Rotary. Over nearly four decades, Rich has led with integrity, innovation, and heart—shaping the future, mentoring generations, and leaving an indelible mark on the Camp Rotary community and beyond.
The next meeting of the Environmental Committee is Thursday, July 31 at 7pm. Please email Andrea at amlacroix@yahoo.com for the zoom link.
Anyone interested in any environmental issues, topics or projects should attend.
You have likely heard the phrase "Plastic Free" July. I hope you have been using this past month to take stock of the plastic in your life and ways to reduce. Did you know that Sept 20th is World Clean-up Day? This is new to me also but let's take the opportunity to organize clean-ups in your communities.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in and supported our annual Corn Hole Tournament at Tuscan Village. The success of this event is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. From the spirited teams who filled the tournament with laughter and friendly competition, to the dedicated sponsors who made the day possible, your contributions truly make a difference.
The funds raised during the tournament will go directly toward supporting our monthly service at the local food pantry, benefiting families in all five of our towns: Salem, Atkinson, Hampstead, Windham, and Pelham. Because of your generosity, we can continue to provide essential groceries and resources to neighbors facing food insecurity.
🎉 Rotary District 7930’s 2025-26 Assistant Governors—The Dream Team! 🎉
Hold onto your Rotary pins, folks—because District 7930’s 2025-26 Assistant Governor squad is here, and they’re ready to lead, inspire, and maybe even breakdance for a good cause! 💃🕺
Let’s give a standing ovation (or at least a really enthusiastic Zoom clap 👏) for these rockstars:
🌟 The A-Team of Awesome 🌟Here they are along with the clubs they are working with:
At our recent breakfast meetings, Ipswich-Rowley Rotary presented this year’s scholarship recipients and introduced our short-term youth exchange students.
Earning scholarships this year were Charles Quimby from Ipswich High School and Emma Penniman from Rowley who graduated from Triton Regional High school. Charlie will attend Fordham University this Fall where he will study for a business degree in Environmental Science. Emma is heading to Syracuse University to pursue a degree in Business Management.
Presenting checks to these deserving scholars were the Scholarships Committee co-chairs, Andrea Lacroix and Katie Platt.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is delighted to welcome Beth Chase to the Rotary family, where we achieve more together than we can alone.
Beth joins our club with years of experience as a licensed mental health therapist. She holds advanced degrees in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Education. Her typical client is “an adult who is dealing with depression, anxiety, life changes and life stages, and who seeks to find joy in life and new tools to meet everyday challenges.” Beth also is a skilled practitioner of coaching, e-learning, educational technologies, and professional research.
Beth lives in Ipswich where she is active in her church and passionate about conservation. She holds memberships in the Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Trustees of Reservations. Beth discovered her love for nature early, as a Girl Scout while growing up. In her leisure time she enjoys paddling, birding, environmental activity, and reading.
30 years ago in June, the Rotary Club of Andover, MA was chartered. We are honored to still have many founding members actively involved today.
Over the past three decades, our members have dedicated countless hours, raised significant funds, and supported local, regional, national, and international non-profit causes, making our community stronger.
At the Friday, July 11th breakfast meeting, the Club celebrated like true champions with a birthday cake for breakfast because nothing says "three decades of doing good" like frosting at 7:30 am.
Here's to more years of service, laughs, and maybe a few more sugary breakfasts - because who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?
The Rotary Club of Andover (Andover Rotary) is proud to announce the awarding of three $3,000 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors residing in Andover. These one-time scholarships support students pursuing higher education in the upcoming academic semester and reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to service and community investment.
Recipients were selected based on demonstrated financial need, dedication to community service, academic achievement, and clarity of future goals.
This year’s distinguished scholarship recipients are: • Gavin Cleary, who will study Computer Engineering with a minor in Music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst • Calvin Paul, who will pursue a degree in Statistics at the University of Virginia • Shriya Bala, who will major in Biomedical Engineering at Northeastern University
District Grants are now open. The Grants Committee has been receiving the new grant applications for the year 2025-2026. Funds are limited. Seven applications have already been received.
Clubs are urged to please make the best use of their donations to the Annual Fund made three years ago. Leverage your funds for more impact in the community. Annual Fund Giving in 2022-23 SHARE was $212,702. The District Designated Funds (DDF) available in 2025-26 is $101,033. Global Grants 2025-26: $50,516. District Grants 2025-26: $50,516
The Grants deadline is on October 31, 2025, or until all the funds have been allocated to the grants on a first come first serve basis - whichever comes first.
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 7:30 am to 11:00 am 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 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and is held in Stage Fort Park on Saturday-Sunday, August 16-17. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $10 per person, $6 for children six and under, and are available in advance online here or from any Gloucester Rotarian. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.
Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit local and international projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
Tickets are now available to the annual Gloucester Rotary Comedy Night, featuring Ken Rogerson, Artie Januario, Sam Pelletier, and Boston's Dave Rattigan on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square on Gloucester’s harborfront. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Don't miss this evening of fun and laughter! Tickets are $30 each, and are available online here or contact Mark Vadala (978-490-0939).
Ken Rogerson, the funniest man you’ve never heard of, has performed on the nationwide “Rescue Me Comedy Tour” with Denis Leary, and made television appearances on such shows as NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Late Show with David Letterman, Comics Come Home for Comedy Central and Showtime’s A Pair of Jokers and more. Rogerson has also appeared at The Chicago Comedy Festival and TBS’s The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas. The Boston Herald proclaimed, “He makes the absurd seem logical” and Las Vegas Magazine wrote, “As far as pure stand-up goes, it doesn’t get any better than Rogerson.”
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce its newest member, Megan Samborski, who was installed into the club earlier this month by Wakefield Rotary Member, Joie Gerrish and her sponsor, Past President Amy Luckiewicz. Samborski was accompanied by her father, a former Rotarian, Tim Perry.
She is the current Director of Development for INspire Café, the new inclusive café on Main Street in Wakefield sponsored by the Metro North Boys & Girls Club. She notes that her driving passion…”is connecting businesses with nonprofits to do good in the community and bring people together for a greater purpose.”
She volunteers in many roles including being an elected member and Vice Chair of the Stoneham School Committee, Chair of the Stoneham Alliance Against Violence, and member of the Stoneham/ Woburn Elks Club. She added, "I'm honored to join the Rotary Club, where I can build genuine connections and help carry forward INspire’s mission of creating a more inclusive and compassionate community."
In honor of plastic free July, I would like to share a story about a fellow Rotarian who attended one of my plastics presentations at a Rotary meeting and how it's affected her:
Sometimes, it’s a small moment that shifts your entire perspective. For Susanne, that moment came while standing in her own kitchen. “I looked at the glass jars I was about to throw out and thought—why am I doing this?” she recalls. “I had been saving plastic containers, thinking they were more useful. But suddenly I realized I had it all backwards. The glass was reusable, recyclable, safer. And the plastic? That’s what needed to go.”
This quiet epiphany sparked a deeper awareness, one that has since changed the way Susanne approaches consumption in her everyday life. “Now I actively seek out products packaged in glass. When I was in Vermont recently, there were two maple syrup vendors—one sold it in plastic, the other in glass. That decision was easy.”
The following is information from District Governor Todd Smith of District 5870 where the flooding tragedy occurred. To help the victims, see the message following:
In the wake of historic rainfall and devastating floods across Central Texas, families are grieving, communities are shaken, and countless lives have been upended. The road to recovery won’t be easy—but with your help, it will be possible.
Along with reading or listening to the horrific news reports, I’ve personally been canvassing clubs in our District to see what impact we have suffered locally and to make sure our members and their loved ones are safe and secure. Thankfully, so far, I’ve not learned of any members majorly impacted. However, other districts have not been so fortunate.
Consequently, I am asking you to ENGAGE in supporting relief efforts currently underway. Together, when we Engage With Passion, we offer not just relief—but hope. And as the District Anthem goes…”there’s so much we can do!”
More than a dozen districts have joined together during the 2025-26 Rotary year to increase membership in the PolioPlus Society (PPS), and ultimately eradicate Polio, once and for all!
You can help by setting up your annual or monthly recurring Polio donation today.
The district with the greatest percentage increase of PPS members by June 2026 will win a fancy banner and bragging rights! Better yet we will all know we did our part in saving the lives of children all over the world!
To learn more about the PolioPlus Society and find out how easy it is to join, please click here.
Every year the Rotary Club of Rockport gathers in the square downtown at 10:00 am and performs the reading of the Declaration of Independence in costume. It has been a tradition now for 14 years, and each year the club expands its costume closet to accommodate the growing group of participants.
This event is a much-anticipated part of the 4th of July in Rockport for locals and quickly gathers a crowd of over 250 locals and visitors. The Declaration is read by past president and pastor Matt Wigton of the Rockport Baptist Church in a strong voice booming with conviction. The crowd is encouraged to respond with "boos," "huzzahs" and "fyes" as the reading goes on to describe transgressions of the King of England or the changes signed into law by the delegates of the Second Continental Congress.
The Swampscott Rotary Club has awarded over $23000 in scholarships during this past Rotary fiscal year.
In late June we hosted and recognized some of our recent scholarship winners and their families at our Installation Dinner.
Pictured left to right with family members behind them: Swampscott Rotary Scholarship winner, Elijah Stadtlander, attending Harvard University; David Sherman Scholarship winner, Liora Ragozca, University of Maryland; and Dan Cahill Rotary Scholarship winner, Xakari Rickards.
Swampscott Hosts Scholarship Recipients and Families
The Rotary Club of Chelsea participated in the District 7930 2025 RYLA program by sending four students from the Chelsea High School.
Upon returning from RYLA the four students attended a Rotary Club of Chelsea luncheon meeting where they shared their RYLA experience. The four students were extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the RYLA program. Joining the students were their Interact advisers.
Twenty-three teachers at Pine Grove Elementary School, Rowley, were provided workshops in grade specific environmental education curricula through an Ipswich-Rowley Rotary District grant. Each classroom, for a total of 430 students, joined their teachers for a demo outdoor lesson along the new nature trail, Trackers Trail. It elevated the entire schools awareness of the local surroundings and built sustainalbe support for environmental education in the future.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians also designed, built, and installed a large trail kiosk with a large poster introducing the new outdoor education space.
Please select this link to see an illustrated summary of our project and its impact on the Pine Grove School community.
Join the Rotary Club of Burlington for their 36th Annual Golf Tournament on August 22 at Billerica Country Club.
Golfers needed. $150 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, BBQ lunch, hole prizes, raffle, super hole in one prize, silent auction and other special prizes.
First, the environmental committee met on June 26th and we will continue to meet the last Thursday of every month at 7 pm. If you would like to join, please contact me and I will send you the zoom link. Water conservation, pollinator gardens, clean-ups, plastic pledges and zero waste events are just some ideas we discussed. Is your club working on an environmental project, large or small, we want to hear from you!
Second, I had the great pleasure of attending the district installation of Pooja Singla on June 20th at the Danversport Yacht Club. It was a great event full of fun, but I was immediately struck with the realization that this was a Zero Waste Event. While I'm sure this wasn't everyone's first thought, these are the things I think about everyday. Every club has the ability to host zero waste events, please reach out to me for tips to make your next event more environmentally friendly. Kudos to Pooja and the planning team for creating a fun and low waste event.
Last, Plastic Free July is here! My passion is plastic reduction and I would love to come speak to your club. Whether I've been to your club before or not, invite me for the first time for an information presentation on plastic facts you may not be aware of, or, invite me back for a fun BINGO game. Each square contains plastic reduction swap ... the more you've done, the better your chances of winning.
Hope to see you at our next meeting on July 31 at 7 pm.
As we all know, Rotary changes leadership yearly. But does it really? Every single day, each of us moves Rotary forward — whether by organizing another fundraiser to provide scholarships, having a conversation with a non-member about Rotary’s impact, or finding ways to maximize the effectiveness of our service projects.
We are all Rotary leaders — regardless of the date on the calendar or the title we hold.
In the past twelve months, we’ve increased Rotary’s positive impact in our communities, our nation, and around the world. It’s no secret that we live in a fractured society. But Rotary is a force that brings people — and the world — together.
When I visited your clubs last year, I asked you one simple question: Imagine your community without your Rotary Club. Who would provide the services your club delivers if we didn’t exist? How many people today might still have polio if Rotary had not stepped in?
Now, imagine the good Rotary will continue to do in the next twelve months, the next twelve years, and even the next twelve decades. It all starts with us — right now, today.
Serving as your District Governor and representing you locally and internationally has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I urge each of us to dig deeper and discover new ways to serve. Because without us, there is no Rotary, and where would the world be without Rotary?
For all the information on Grants and grants qualification module if a club is not yet grant qualified: click here.
The Grants deadline is on October 31, 2025, or until all the funds have been allocated to the grants on a first come first serve basis - whichever comes first.
Peter Majane, a Rotarian for more than twenty years, has been awarded District 7930 Rotarian of the Year for Rotary Year 2024-2025.
District Governor Tom Hankard presented the honor to Peter at our recent District Installation. Pete is a past president of the Rotary Club of North Reading. He is a member of Reading Rotary and serves as a Club Director. He has served in virtually every club and district position in his long Rotary career. For District 7930, he has served as Assistant Governor Coordinator, chair of our District Club Visioning initiative, formed multiple EarlyAct clubs, and is a Major Donor. As Membership Committee Chair, Peter has introduced different and innovative club types to our District.
Please join me in congratulating a hard-working Rotarian who is always there to support his club, our District, and any Rotarian in need.
Please share with us and with your local news and social media networks the exciting news of your Club installation celebrations and your new leadership. Almost as important as the Service we do in the community is getting the word out about Rotary.
Pictured here are: (top left) DGE Pooja Singla with Chelsea incoming President Dr. Aaron Jennings, (top right) Chelsea outgoing President Madelyn Garcia with Aaron; (lower left) Pooja giving the oath to Andover incoming President Ann Ormond; and (lower right) outgoing DG Tom Hankard with Andover's outgoing President Allen Timm.
Remember the importance of telling your Rotary stories!
From June 21–25, 2025, Calgary, Canada, transformed into a global hub of service, innovation, and connection as it hosted the Rotary International Convention. With over 15,000 Rotary memberss from more than 120 countries, the event marked Rotary’s largest in-person gathering since the pandemic—bringing together changemakers to celebrate humanitarian achievements and chart a course for future impact.
Themed “Magic All Around,” the Convention featured a powerhouse lineup of speakers, including Academy Award-winner Geena Davis, Bill Gates, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Their messages of equity, resilience, and global cooperation resonated deeply with attendees.
The gardening shed is to support the elderly residents at Chebacco Terrace, a 40 unit elderly housing development owned by the Essex Housing Authority. Residents had expressed interest in gardening, but the housing authority has no budget for this enrichment activity.
The Manchester Essex Rotary Club purchased and installed a pre-fabricated, no-maintenance 8x12 foot gardening shed for the residents, along with a modest set of gardening tools to get the residents started.
The Club will also have service opportunities for the for the 2025 growing season and beyond including help with initial bed creation, initial planting and other work to move the residents towards self-sufficiency in their new gardens.
The project was supported in part by a District 7930 grant.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently installed its new officers and directors during a luncheon at Brightview Wakefield. In accordance with its by-laws, the service club elects new leadership annually.
Club President for the 2024-25 year, Wendy Maguire, reflected on her year serving in club leadership, “It’s been an honor to serve as Club President.” She added, “Our club has succeeded in creating magic with every project we completed together.” Maguire also thanked the members of the club, citing the volume of projects and donations that the members completed this year including adopting a Buddy Bench, providing dictionaries to every 3rd Grader, sponsoring cleft lip and palate surgeries, hosting a luau for adults with disabilities, food pantry projects, and more.
The Salem Rotary Club has been making Salem a better place for local residents and has contributed to communities around the globe for over 100 years. The largest impact they make each year, however, is to local Salem high school-aged students. This spring, the Salem Rotary Club was pleased to present $55,000 in Scholarship and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Awards to senior students from Salem.
Last Tuesday, the Club held their annual Salem Rotary Scholarship luncheon where they awarded $45,000 in scholarships to 12 Salem seniors.
“This is the most special meeting we hold each year, and it is a joy for our members to meet students and their families whose lives are positively impacted by these awards,” said Carolyn Shapiro, Salem Rotary Club President.
Successful applicants are high achieving students who are also involved in their local community. They are athletes, scholars, civically engaged volunteers, and hard workers. Through this program, the Salem Rotary Club is the largest non-profit contributor to student scholarships in Salem.
Thank you to all who came to celebrate with each other at the District Installation. Danversport was a full house with so much enthusiasm. Congratulations to all our incoming Club Presidents. I have so much confidence that you will have an amazing year! It was a memorable and fun event.
It was exciting to see so many of you all so ready to make a difference in the community! Let's keep that passion going and give shape to our dreams! Fulfill them and have more FUN as we Unite For Good!
Supporting you and your projects is my goal in the coming year. Remember that the District is here to support you and we are all in this together! Please keep the line of communication open!
Please reach out to me or your Club AGs if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me or your Club AGs or anyone in the District team relevant to your quest!
Thank you again for your commitment to Rotary and Service Above Self!
Are you passionate about protecting the environment? Do you have ideas to create a sustainable future? If so, we invite you to join our Environmental Committee—a vibrant community of changemakers dedicated to preserving our planet and promoting eco-conscious living.
Why Join the Environmental Committee?
• Make a Difference: Your contributions will directly impact our efforts to combat climate change, reduce waste, and support conservation projects.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Work with like-minded individuals who share your passion for a greener world.
• Build Community: Connect with others who care deeply about the environment and want to make a lasting impact together.
In moments of change the strength and resilience of our Rotary family shine brightest. Following the unexpected resignation of Mário César Martins de Camargo, the Rotary International Board moved swiftly and thoughtfully, in accordance with our bylaws, to ensure continuity in our mission and leadership.
Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has been selected by the Board of Directors to become Rotary International’s president for 2025-26. Arezzo will become president on 1 July.
The Board conducted a special session following the unexpected resignation of RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on 8 June. Guided by the RI code and policies, the Board selected the new president-elect from a pool of candidates who were considered by the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in August 2023.
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault and Tim Kelley on Jun 13, 2025
Congratulations to Somerville for cracking the top 3 in per capita donations to the Annual Fund! Please make your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE before June 30.
Annual Fund Top 3 per capita Clubs are: Hamilton-Wenham $477.45; Swampscott $190.48; and Somerville $187.72. If your Club has not given yet, please make a club or individual donation today. Can your Club make their way into the top 3 Clubs?
Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary clubs take action today to create positive change in communities at home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies, save mothers and children, and fight disease.
Share stories of your Club changeover festivities!
Share with your local news outlets, webpages, club websites and social media details with photos of your new leadership. This is an important way to get your club's Public Image before your own local community.
A strong and vibrant Public Image is one proven key tactics for successful and growing clubs -- the other is a large number of service projects. Effective Public Image helps expand your reach and artfully tell compelling stories that demonstrate Rotarians as people of action. The Public Image Committee’s role is to help clubs to have a robust media and social media strategy, an up-to-date website and an engaging online presence in their local communities.
Attached here is a sample draft press release for local news outlets. Always include a photo when sending out a press release.
We are looking forward to Celebrate the PAST, BE PRESENT, and CAST A VISION FOR THE FUTURE at our District Installation of Presidents, Assistant Governors and District Officers.
June 17, 2025, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Danversport Yacht Club, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers, MA 01923
Be yourself! You matter! It's your day!
Our District is very DIVERSE, representing International Cultures - A GLOBAL FAMILY! WE BELONG!
OnJune 11th the Parkway Rotary Club battled the Kiwanis Club of Roslinday/West Roxbury to raise funds in support of the Jason Roberts Challenger League, a baseball league for youths with learning and physical disabilities.
The Challenger players played the opening game with the Rotary-Kiwanis game following. Both teams were packed with ringers including several Buddies to the Challenger players. The games were held at the Ohrenberger School in West Roxbury. Volunteers provided a cookout dinner for the youth players and attendees.
On hand to support the event were our own District Governor Tom Hankard along with the Kiwanis Governor Kristin Holden. The funds raised from both organizations were designated to the Jason Roberts League.
Special acknowledgment to Parkway President and team manager Ray Fitzgerald for organizing and gathering up the players.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea annually sends twenty children from Chelsea to Camp Rotary for one week. Prior to attending camp the children attend an orientation meeting in Chelsea conducted by PP Susan Gallant who runs the project for the Rotary club. At the orientation Camp Rotary Director Dr. Richard Cowdell explains what to expect at the camp. Sue and other Rotarians then help the children and their parents with filling out the required paperwork and medical questionnaires. Prior to leaving the orientation each child is presented a backpack with personal essentials they can use at camp. The Rotary Club of Chelsea has been running this project for over 15 years.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently donated $2,600 to the Wakefield Food Pantry. Funds were raised via the club’s Dine Anywhere chance. Wakefield Rotary Club President Wendy Maguire said, “We’ve supported this resource in our community for years and its as important as ever to continue that support.” Nancy and Lauren from the Wakefield Food Pantry visited the club Tuesday to receive the gift.
The Rotary Club of Arlington proudly presented its annual Flags for Heroes program, a moving tribute to individuals who have made a lasting impact through service, dedication, and leadership. From May 22 through June 16, more than 100 American flags are on display at Park Circle on Park Avenue, each one sponsored in honor of a personal or public hero.
Flags were sponsored in recognition of military personnel, first responders, parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and community leaders—anyone who made a meaningful difference in the eyes of a sponsor. Each flag includes a dedication to one or two honorees, symbolizing the values of service, sacrifice, and inspiration.
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault and Tim Kelley on Jun 06, 2025
Please make your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE before June 30.
Annual Fund Top 3 per capita Clubs are: Hamilton-Wenham $477.45; Swampscott $190.48; and Reading $186.78. If your Club has not given yet, please make a club or individual donation today. Can your Club make their way into the top 3 Clubs?
Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary clubs take action today to create positive change in communities at home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies, save mothers and children, and fight disease.
Near the end of each month the Swampscott Rotary Club meets at the Swampscott VFW and VFW and Rotary members join to make and package peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. These and packed with fruit, a dessert and a drink in "take home" packages delivered to My Brother's Table in Lynn for their clients.
Swampscott Makes Sandwiches for My Brother's Table
The Rotary Club of Chelsea hosted their 2025 scholarship recipients and the recipients’ advisors at a recent Rotary luncheon. Ten scholarships were given out consisting of eight from the Rotary Club of Chelsea, one from East Cambridge Savings Bank in honor of Joseph Vinard and one from Juan Gallego.
The Ascension Church Hall in Ipswich was once again blooming this week with colorful tablecloths, floral centerpieces, and lots of smiling faces. The event was the annual Senior Lunch, Rotary’s gift to its senior citizens. The event is co-sponsored by the Ipswich Council on Aging.
A dozen students from Ipswich High School Interact, including our sponsored Rotary Exchange Student Joao Alfonso, were on hand to cheerfully engage and serve our guests.
Music was provided by The Journeymen, a local band who regaled the diners with fun and nostalgic tunes from a variety of eras. Following lunch, the celebration continued with students and seniors dancing to tunes such as ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Henry's Catering served up their yummy chicken pot pie, which was so popular it sold out! Filling out the menu was a well-prepared garden salad, green beans, and assorted beverages. To cap off this wonderful feast, Interact served a delicious chocolate and vanilla cake.
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault and Tim Kelley on May 30, 2025
Have you made your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE this year?
Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary clubs take action today to create positive change in communities at home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies, save mothers and children, and fight disease.
Reading Rotary presented longtime Reading Rotary member Dick Haggerty with a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition at its May 12 meeting held at Austin Prep.
Dick was designated to receive this recognition as a special expression of appreciation from Reading Rotary. Dick joined Rotary in 1981. He is a Past President of the club and has been a steady and involved member. He has been dedicated to the service ideals of Rotary for well over 40 years. In addition, Dick’s father, grandfather and brother were all longtime Rotary members. Dick is a lifelong newspaperman and co-owner of the Daily Times Chronicle. Dick has been recognized by EMARC for his service to developmentally delayed adults and has been a dedicated volunteer in his native Woburn including in youth sports and the city's historic district.
Reading Rotary Foundation Chair John Douglass and Club President Amy Walsh presided over the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellow Plus 1 award. Pictured here is Dick Haggerty with Rotarians and family members: John Douglass, Meghan Needham, Rich Haggerty, Elaine Haggerty, Dick Haggerty, Erin Haggerty, Madelyn Needham and Amy Walsh.
The Wakefield Rotary Club offers a unique opportunity to its new members through the “Rookie Year Challenge”: each receives $100 of club funds to pursue a charitable project of their choice. The only requirement? The funds must be used in a way that allows the member—and other Rotarians—to actively serve, not simply donate.
When new member Carla Dale joined the club in March, she knew exactly how she wanted to use the funds. As the mother of an adult daughter with developmental disabilities, Carla is deeply aware of the limited recreational opportunities available to individuals like her daughter, Brittany.
“Especially on a Friday or Saturday, it’s hard to find age-appropriate activities for her,” Dale said. Inspired by the Rookie Year Challenge, Carla decided to organize a luau for adult participants of Communitas—a nonprofit that provides individualized, family-centered services to people with developmental disabilities in Wakefield and surrounding communities.
Danvers Rotary Club member Philip Wilson brought the impact of polio to life with a description of his life after being paralyzed, unable to use his arms and left hand, at the age of eight. His presentation, both dramatic and humorous, helped to reconnect us to the American epidemics of the 1940s and 50s. Polio occurred so long ago that now it’s only a word and no longer carries the dread and fear it once did.
Beyond describing his own life, Philip speaks to the world eradication of polio, its infectious nature, Rotary funding, international funding, American funding, the safety and effectiveness of the polio vaccines, and more. Through Polio Plus, Rotary has led the world making a remarkable commitment to world health.
Philip is available to speak on PolioPlus at your club meeting. He can be reached at: wilsonphilipe@Gmail.com or 201-956-8509. Pictured here: Philip Wison, Pooja Singla (District Governor Elect), Rich Vincent (Danvers Rotary President).
This Memorial Day we honor and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault and Tim Kelley on May 23, 2025
Contributions to The Rotary Foundation support efforts to build stronger, healthier, and more peaceful communities. The Foundation's work would not be possible without the financial support of members and friends of Rotary.
Why give? You can feel good about giving to Rotary. Our Foundation is a world-class organization that is active in nearly every country and takes the stewardship of its funds very seriously. More than 90% of every donation is spent on our service projects, programs, scholarships, and operations.
The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 13 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator and a grade of A+ from Charity Watch.
Your contributions make it possible for The Rotary Foundation to offer a variety of grants that help fund local and international humanitarian projects, programs, scholarships, and vocational training teams. Through those, you support peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and the environment.
Again we are asking for players and/or attendees to cheer us on as we play our annual game against Kiwanis in support of Jason Roberts, a baseball league for kids with learning and physical disabilities. The festivities starts at 6 PM on Wednesday, June 11th (rain date Thursday, June 12th) cheering on the young players along with a cookout and then our game starts at 7.
Our District Governor Tom Hankard will be attending, and we are encouraging other clubs to join and either play or cheer us on! We will be wearing our new club shirts (red in support of Rotary’s fight against polio). It should be noted that the shirts in the flyer are for Kiwanis shirts so contributions for the food and for the league can be done separately ($10 to $15 minimum). If you need more information please contact Ray Fitzgerald, Club President and team manager.
At our meeting last Thursday morning, Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians and guests were treated to an unusual double speaker program. Both sessions were fun and enlightening.
Joao Alfonso, our 2024-25 inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student from Brazil, entertained and informed us with a tradition that helps define Brazilian culture, the cultural phenomenon of Carnaval. Running from the Friday before Lent to Ash Wednesday, Carnaval is a major driver of the Brazilian economy, attracting over 46 million participants and generating just under $2 billion (US) dollars annually.
The celebration traces its roots to the Portuguese colonial period when settlers brought the “pre-Lenten tradition of ‘Entrudo’, a festival of street games, water fights, and general revelry. Over time, these festivities merged with African cultural influences, especially rhythms and dances brought by enslaved Africans, helping to shape the early forms of samba. Today, Carnaval is a symbol of Brazilian identity, celebrated in diverse styles across the country – from the glamorous parades in Rio to the street blocos in Salvador and Recife.”
Our District Committees need volunteers. Please consider participating in one of these Committees. Many hands make light work. These Committees usually meet once a month over Zoom. It is a great way to learn more about Rotary beyond your club. You can enhance your skills and learn best practices. Use your Rotary experience and enthusiasm to help other Rotarians.
If you're a seasoned Rotarian or a newer member, we can use your participation.
Please reach out to DGE Pooja Singla or to these Committee Chairs with interest or questions.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is delighted to welcome Iris Yoeli to the Rotary family, where we achieve more together than we can alone.
Compassionate and intelligent with a rich life experience, Iris is a retired teacher of Hebrew at the University of Hawaii and as an assistant professor at the Defense Languages Institute in Monterey, California. She also taught Arab students at an Israeli college and in other locations.
The Arlington Police Department is thrilled to introduce the latest member of their team. Roger has already become a beloved member of the department. His presence at the station brings joy, as everyone is eager to hold him, pet him, and spend a few moments with him. His arrival instantly brings smiles to our faces.
It's often said that dogs can greatly reduce stress, anxiety, and tension, and Roger has proven this to be true in his short time at APD!
Arlington Rotary Club and a matching grant from Rotary District 7930 funded Roger's acquisition and training.
Flags for Heroes is a program designed to honor individuals who have made significant contributions as heroes. These heroes may include military personnel, first responders, parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, community leaders, or others who have shown dedication and service.
You may sponsor up to two individuals on a flag. The flags will be displayed at Park Circle on Park Avenue from May 22nd through June 16th. This year, the Rotary Club of Arlington will honor the memory of Dan Brosnan, Will St. Martin and Ed Woods, three community heroes who dedicated vast personal time to supporting the youth of Arlington. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 1st, at 1:00 pm.
On May 5, Ipswich-Rowley Rotary hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for supporters of our annual Road Race. Rotarians, volunteers and sponsors assembled in The Brewers Table at the Ipswich Ale Brewery.
Rotary Board member and event co-chair Lisa Shanko spoke briefly about the event and expressed the gratitude of the club. The ‘Ipswich Ale Half Marathon for Rotary’ is the club’s signature fundraiser of the year, annually raising over $35,000 for community service projects and humanitarian support.
Again this year, the club donated $10,000 to the Ipswich Family Y. Presenting the check was club Treasurer and event co-chair Ted Garside. Rotarian and Y Executive Director Chris Bevilacqua accepted on behalf of the Y. Representing the host Trustees of Reservation was Rotarian and Crane Property Director Chris Moore along with his family.
Presenting the check is Ted Garside, while Secretary Mary Foote-Hill, Race Director Andy Ellis, Chris Bevilacqua, and Lisa Shanko look on.
The Brand Center an important resource in presenting your club’s Public Image.
Logos and graphics: Create customized logos that identify your club. Rotarians are asked only to use the correct logo as generated in Brand Center. In Brand Center there are options to generate is the club logo in other combinations (full color, all white, all black all azure blue, white and gold).
Click here to see a short video demonstrating how to create your own, brand-compliant, professional looking club logo in Brand Center.
Bring our brand to life. A consistent voice and unified visual identity are essential components of a strong brand. Learn how to use Rotary’s communication and design elements to build awareness and recognition of Rotary and to tell the story of people of action.
Parkway Rotary's annual softball game against Kiwanis is back: Wednesday, June 11 at 6 pm. We battle on the diamond for a great cause - the Jason Roberts Challenger League for children with learning and physical disabilities. The attached flyer gives the details of the game but most important of all WE NEED PLAYERS AND FANS! Our club is small but energetic however not enough members to fill the diamond so if you can please help us out!
As an added incentive Kiwanis will have their own district governor attending the game so we are inviting any past, present and future DGs and AGs to attend (and maybe play). Please contact Ray Fitzgerald, Parkway President and team manager if you wish to come and play or watch!
Posted by Alexander Falk, District Foundation Chair on May 05, 2025
As this Rotary Year draws to a close and the new one begins in just about three weeks, we encourage you to prepare for the transition especially with respect to your club's eligibility to do Rotary Foundation Grants.
In order to be able to do District Managed Grants (DMG) or Global Grants (GG) this coming Rotary year, you need to make sure to complete the following three steps:
From March 8 through March 22 a team from District 7930 left to volunteer on the District sponsored Rotaplast mission to the Philippines. This was District 7930's 20th anniversary mission. Rotaplast missions provides free reconstructive surgery for children with cleft lip and palate anomalies in developing countries.
We met at the San Francisco Airport on Saturday, March 8 at 8:00 pm to register for the flights and claim the supply and equipment boxes that accompanied us. At 11:30 pm we boarded the 15-hour flight that would take us to Taipei, Taiwan and then onto Cebu Island in the Philippines.
We were greeted by the Rotarians of the Cebu Port Centre Club, gathering our boxes and securing our luggage for the trip to our hotel. Once there they celebrated our arrival with a luncheon and introduced themselves to us. The next morning (and every morning thereafter) they arrived with 4 vans to transport our volunteers to the Seventh Day Adventist/Miller Hospital. The first day we unpacked boxes with equipment and supplies. The next day we did the clinic, where we registered 107 patients to possibly be seen during the mission. The next day we were up and running and the surgeries started.
Tired of the same old District Conferences? Have some fun on Saturday, May 31 at the Salesian Boys and Girls Club in East Boston! Rain or Shine!
Carnival food starts at noon, with carnival games and cornhole, plus pickup soccer at the Boston Scores soccer court!
Join us for a fun service project during the afternoon as well.
Stay for dinner and be treated to Melrose Club President Don Putney cooking up a delicious Pasta Dinner with dessert at 5pm served Family Style.
Come for a little while or stay the whole day! Tickets are $25 for one person, $50 for an entire family. Register at: https://rotary7930.org/Events/carnival
On April 19, 417 runners from more than 20 states 'stormed the Castle' in the annual Ipswich Ale Half Marathon for Rotary. The funds raised help Ipswich-Rowley Rotary support several of our important service missions, including school and camp scholarships. Since the inaugural race in 2016, our premier fundraiser has raised over $200,000.
Finishing first among the men was David Perloff with a time of 1:19:46.36. First female finisher was Lauren Reissfelder, not far behind at 1:30:45.55. This scenic road race winds through bucolic Ipswich, starting and ending at the Trustees properties on Castle Hill and Crane Beach.
It takes many hands and a lot of planning to make an event of this magnitude successful. As President Tom Murphy so aptly stated in his letter of appreciation to the community, we are especially grateful "to Andy Ellis, our Race Director extraordinaire for coordinating and guiding us all.” We also acknowledge the vital support provided every year by the town, including the Town Manager, the Ipswich Police and Fire Departments, and the departments of Building, Health, and Public Works. We also appreciate the area residents for their understanding during race hours.
In honor of Earth Day and our love of community, a small but intrepid group of Ipswich-Rowley Rotary volunteers braved the elements to complete our semi-annual cleanup of the two-mile segment of Route 133 between the Route 1 intersection and the Essex town line. President Tom Murphy, the club’s ‘Adopt a Highway’ Chair, was joined by President Elect Doug Shealy and Vice President Susanne Petersen.
As usual, our team collected several bags of rubbish which were later picked up by the Town DPW. Rotarians clean this section of roadway twice each year to help sustain its pristine beauty for our residents and for travelers heading towards Cape Ann.
Leo Bergeron will be presented with the Gloucester Rotary’s Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award at a special dinner on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Gloucester Rotary and recognizes Leo as a long-time local banker and community activist.
Leo was selected by a Rotary committee of previous Paul Harris recipients. Over its 100+ year history, the Gloucester Rotary has honored more than sixty individuals with the award. The award is named after Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney who founded the Rotary movement in the early 1900s.
After graduating from Nichols College in 1976, Leo began a career in the banking industry working at lending institutions in the New Hampshire seacoast region and on Boston’s North Shore. In 2000, he joined Cape Ann Savings Bank in Gloucester where he successfully established a commercial lending department to serve Cape Ann businesses.
Posted by Christina Harris, RYLA Lead on Apr 26, 2025
As a past District Governor of District 7930 and a strong advocate of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, David Gardner has experienced firsthand the transformative impact the RYLA experience can have on a young person's life.
This week, he’s reaching out and asking for Rotary members’ support in helping make the RYLA experience possible for current high school students by donating to the rewarding weekend.
Why Your Support Matters
Aside from the $25 application fee RYLA remains free for all students, ensuring that every student has equal access regardless of their financial situation. To maintain this commitment, we rely entirely on the generosity of Rotary clubs within our district and individuals like you who understand the program's value. But the cost for the staff and family advisors is an out-of-pocket expense. This is where we could use your help!
Your Donation in Action
Every contribution, no matter what size, makes a huge difference. Here's how your donation can directly support this year's program:
As we approach the Rotary changeover, now is the time for clubs to conduct a Public Image health check.
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. Effective Public Image helps expand your reach and artfully tell compelling stories that demonstrate Rotarians as people of action. The Public Image Committee’s role is to help clubs to have a robust media and social media strategy, an up-to-date website and an engaging online presence in their local communities.
We suggest all clubs engage on social media to boost your Public Image. Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) provides free opportunities to get your stories out there. The various platforms can provide a direct way to push your news to the public. Here are some tips to think about.
Camp Rotary, the renowned service project of the Lynn Rotary Club, has been offering life-changing experiences for children for over 100 years at its beautiful Boxford property on the shores of Stiles Pond. There are several weeks this summer where we have beds for older campers that we believe may go unused. In an effort to get these beds filled with deserving campers, for a limited time we are offering clubs the opportunity to send campers to camp at a discount. The regular cost of camp is $35 registration fee and $1025 for the week of camp. For the following select weeks, we can offer Rotary clubs the ability to send TWO campers for this cost instead of one!
It is important that the club pays close attention to the dates, gender and age parameters for each week.
Greater Salem Rotary's Public Image Chair Ashley Haseltine is officially a Boston Marathon runner. Her inspiring dedication and tireless efforts have truly made a significant impact. Her journey to becoming a Boston Marathon runner is a testament to her strength and determination. We are immensely proud of her achievements and the incredible support she has shown for thyroid cancer research with Team Mass Eye & Ear.
Reading Rotary just completed its Rotary Readers Literacy Project. Rotary Readers is an annual literacy project where reading books and a backpack are given to kindergarten students. This year the Rotary Club brought the project to all kindergarten classes in Reading and North Reading. This year over 400 literacy bags and over 800 reading books were distributed to eight elementary schools in Reading and North Reading. In addition, Rotarians read to each Kindergarten class as part of Read Across America.
This literacy project has been adapted from Rotary’s previous dictionary and thesaurus giveaways. Teachers expressed their preference to have the younger students receive reading books. Basic Education and Literacy is one of Rotary International's Seven Areas of Focus.
Rotary would like to offer a special thank you to Liz Whitelam and Whitelam Books for supplying these books at a generous discount.
Austin Prep’s Interact Club was integral in helping with this project, including stuffing the backpacks and reading to many classrooms. Rotary sponsors Interact Clubs at Austin Prep, Reading High School and North Reading High School.
May is Youth Service Month — a time dedicated to recognizing the local and global impact of the 350,000+ young people engaged in Rotary’s youth programs worldwide. Join us in honoring Rotary’s young leaders by:
This new account showcases the experiences of Rotary’s youth program participants! Follow for news and updates about Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange. Throughout May, you’ll find special content related to Youth Service Month.
Participating in a webinar about young leaders
Register for the webinar, Youth Service Month: Funding, Elevating, and Integrating Young Leaders, to learn directly from members of Rotary’s Youth Advisory Council about:
• How young people receive support and funding within Rotary
• How Rotarians are champions for young people and amplify youth perspectives
• How Rotary events can foster meaningful collaboration across generations
Register to attend the webinar, being held Wednesday, 14 May, at 09:00 Chicago time (UTC-5).
The webinar will be available in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Everyone who registers will receive a recording of the event. Register for the webinar.
Get Ready for the New Rotary Year! ClubRunner's annual Changeover Webinar Series is back - running from May 20 to June 3, and it's designed to help you start the new Rotary year strong with ClubRunner.
These sessions are tailored to your role, so you get the most relevant tips, tools, and updates to succeed in the year ahead.
Discover what's new in ClubRunner Brush up on key features and best practices Set your leadership team up for success Ask your questions during the live Q&A with our Product Specialists
Incoming Club Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries, please enroll and complete your role-based learning plans before the start of the next Rotary year. The Learning Center has learning plans for the Club officers (as well as other plans for membership, Rotary Foundation, public image and service projects chairs.) All members can complete the learning plans, too. Find them all in the Learning Center.
The Rotary Club of Winchester's 36th annual Charity Golf Tournament is on Monday, May 19, 2025, and we expect another great event again this year at the Winchester Country Club. We expect to sell out again this year.
We rely solely on our valued sponsors, donors, and auctions to raise the funds to support our annual charity fund. For more information, go to www.winchesterrotarygolf.com
The Rotary Club of Greater Newburyport inducted 3 new members on April 8, 2025. They have gained 10 new members since July! The club credits their success to member outreach efforts, inviting prospective members to weekly meetings and events and showing them how much fun it can be in helping others.
Thank you to all who supported Saving the Ipswich River & Watersheds: The Lifeblood of Our Communities Global Grant. And thank you to The Rotary Foundation which provided $27,000 to support this $38,624 grant.
We closed out the grant and wanted to give an update. Over two years, this grant reached over 7500 people via stakeholder trainings, outreach and social media and educated all regarding the need for water conservation as well as providing strategies for individuals and communities to reduce water use. We also developed the water conservation toolkit including creating a website to serve as a landing page for water conservation tools specific to the Ipswich River Watershed in Northeastern Massachusetts. In addition to compiling the material on one webpage, we also developed:
Attention Professional and Recreational Photographers
2026 Calendar Theme: The Seasons of Cape Ann. In Order to publish a beautiful calendar, the Club is requesting high quality digital photos that reflect the natural beauty of Cape Ann throughout the year. As we will be featuring one photo per month, we need images from each season: winter, spring, summer and fall. Photographs from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester will be accepted. Entry Deadline Monday, June 30, 2025, 12:00 PM
The Rotary Club of Rockport is proud to support financially the Rockport Farmer’s Market in their initiative to combat food insecurity. The Rockport Farmers Market has made significant strides in supporting low-income families through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
In 2024, SNAP customers visited the Rockport Farmers Market 59 times, demonstrating the community's reliance on this essential support. With the help of local businesses and community partners, Rockport Exchange can offer a unique 2:1 match program, an initiative that few farmers markets offer. For every dollar a SNAP customer spends, up to $10, Rockport Exchange will double their funds by providing up to $20 in SNAP matching dollars. This means that if a customer spends $10, they will receive an additional $20, providing a total of $30 to buy healthy food. In 2024 alone, they distributed $1,124 to SNAP shoppers. This match has been possible with additional support from local businesses such as Cape Ann Savings Bank, John Tarr Store, Open Book Systems, Institution for Savings, and the Inns of Rockport. Many community partners, including Rockport Police Department, Chamber of Commerce, First Baptist Church, Rockport Music, and the Town of Rockport Select Board are also integral in the mission to provide support for those with food insecurity.
Deadline to register: Wednesday April 16 at noon. Don’t wait to sign up for this opportunity to hone your own leadership skills, expand your Rotary knowledge, and interact with District-wide Rotarians to share ideas for growing your clubs and engaging current and future Rotarians in how Rotary serves locally and internationally. You do not have to be a club officer to participate.
Sessions are in a non-lecture, energetic, interactive format led by experienced facilitators. Parts I, II, III and Graduate will be offered. Parts must be taken in order, each taking an entire 7:30-3:30 day. This year’s Graduate theme is “Capturing the Value of Our Impact.” Curriculum for Parts I, II, and III may be found at www.rlinea.org.
Calling all Presidents-Elect, Club Treasurers, Club Secretaries, Public Image, Membership, Foundation Chairs, new Rotarians -- and all Rotarians!
Our 2025 District Learning Assembly takes place Thurs., April 10, 2025, at Four Points Sheraton, 1 Audubon Road, Wakefield!
Important learning sessions start at 4:30 pm, followed by fellowship, our District Managed Grant Qualification, and a special presentation regarding Rotary's new Action Plan.
This is an important and worthwhile session for all Rotarians. Register today. A buffet dinner will be served and a cash bar will be available during fellowship and dinner. Register here.
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault and Tim Kelley on Apr 03, 2025
The Rotary Action Plan tells us to Expand Our Reach. You can Expand Your Reach by making your Annual Fund-SHARE contribution before June 30. You can donate online by clicking here.
Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary clubs take action today to create positive change in communities at home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies, save mothers and children, and fight disease.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea will be holding its annual Kentucky Derby Fundraiser May 6, 2025. The proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to fund five scholarships for Chelsea students and to send twenty Chelsea children to Camp Rotary for one week. Tickets for the chance to own a horse in any of the three races are $100 each. Dinner tickets are $60.
If you would like to participate you can either send me a check made out to the Rotary Club of Chelsea Charitable Foundation, Venmo me the funds at Douglas-Mauch or scan the code on the flyer or go to this link.
Douglas B. Mauch, Secretary Rotary Club of Chelsea 5 Walden Pond Circle Saugus, MA 01906
Wilmington Rotary and Wilmington High Interact Club held their Polar Plunge for PolioPlus on March 22 at Silver Lake in Wilmington. For the first time in three years, the weather cooperated, the speeches were kept to a minimum, and all participants and attendees were invited back to Rocco's Restaurant for Pizza following the Plunge. Click here to see video of the plunge.
We have reached our initial goal of $1,500 and have a few more checks to deposit, however we are still quite shy of our 2023 and 2024 totals.
Thank you to all of our Members, and to Pooja, our District Governor-Elect, who also attended last Saturday's Polar Plunge to support Polio Plus.
There is still time to donate, either by check or through this GoFundme link. Thank you again for your support!
Picture are Interactors, Wilmington Rotarians, Community members who participated in the plunge in support of End Polio Now.
Last week we welcomed Leanne Carbone, the chairperson of Woburn Memorial High School Tanner Closet. WMHS Tanner Closet is a free resource to help any WMHS students in need!
Tanner Closet provides: Non-perishables: food and snacks. School supplies: backpacks, binders, folders, pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, poster board, highlighters, index cards, staplers, correction tape, etc. Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, loofahs/wash. Gift Cards: Market Basket, Stop & Shop, Family Dollar, and Target.
Rotary Club of Woburn President Bill Balboni presented Leanne with a check to help support this important resource for students in need.
Wakefield Rotary's new Pollinator Garden took its next steps this week. President Wendy Maguire, Past President Barbara Worley and Past President Judy Gordon scouted two potential locations for the garden.
"It's important that the garden be away from a major path to avoid frightening the pollinators away from the garden," Maguire said. "At the same time, we want to the community to know Rotary had a role in the gardens establishment, so we have to be strategic in its location."
After considering spots based on flood zones, foot traffic and visibility, the club has narrowed the location down to a spot near Veteran's Field and one of the Lake Quannapowitt's popular walking path.
As part of their weekly meeting the Manchester-Essex Club gathered on an early Spring morning with distinguished guest incoming District Governor Pooja Singla at the Historic Essex Shipbuilding Museum Schoolhouse to paint bowls in support of the Open Door Food Pantry's major fundraiser, the Empty Bowl.
In 2024 the Open Door served 12,000, providing over 2M pounds of food and 165,000 meals to those on Greater Cape Ann and surrounding communities with food insecurity. The fundraiser is on May 2, 4 - 8 pm at Cruiseport in Gloucester. Guests can choose and keep a soup bowl handcrafted for this community event, and the meal is simple—soup, bread, and a cookie. Tickets are 20 ($15 for children under 10) and available at the door.
The applications for RYLA 2025 are underway, and the enthusiasm from the students is palpable! We have an incredible group of young leaders eager to join us for this transformative weekend. To ensure that RYLA 2025 is everything it can be, we are reaching out for your vital support.
This year, we have encountered an increase in costs, a challenge many of you may also be facing. As Rotary members, your involvement is crucial to the success of our program. To help your understanding of our RYLA initiative and the ways you can contribute, we have created a virtual resource hub. This link (https://linktr.ee/RotaryRylaResources) contains all the information you need to learn more about RYLA 2025 and the ways you can help make this rewarding experience accessible to deserving young leaders.
The Rotary Club of Peabody received a District Grant from D7930 and partnered with Peabody Club funds and a Peabody Education Foundation grant to create a project called My First Book Club. The goal of the program was to provide every student in Grades K-2 with a book that they could own.
Club members believe that reading is a basic building block essential to learning and understanding, and the earlier we engage children in the process, the more well-rounded their overall educational experience will be. Upon acceptance and approval of the grant funding, the Rotary Club of Peabody, met and partnered with the Peabody Public Schools through Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala to launch the program. The 6 elementary schools in the Peabody Public school district were polled to select the appropriate Dr. Seuss book for each classroom.
The Newburyport Rotary Club is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a $2,000 shopping spree at M.K. Benatti Jewelers in Newburyport. All proceeds from this raffle will be donated to The Link House and Turning Point.
Raffle tickets can be bought by clicking on the link below. Thank you for your support!
The Rotary Club of Andover will celebrate its annual Citizens Who Care & Educator of the Year (CWC-EOY) Gala on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, at the Andover Country Club. This prestigious event, which begins at 5:30 pm, honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional volunteerism and have made significant contributions to the local community.
Since 1996, the CWC-EOY program has recognized unsung heroes whose dedication to service embodies the spirit of volunteerism. The 2025 honorees include: Ellen Arvidson, Ajita Bhat, Donald Cooper, Mary Beth Ellis & Eric Olson – The Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund, Amy Janovsky, Martha Mahoney, Susan K. McCready, Shawna M. McCloskey & Kristine A. Arakelian, Mark Morgan, and Buzz Stapczynski. The 2025 Educator of the Year is Julie Diehl, and Student of the Year is Sofia Duran-Clark.
Woburn Interact Club President Adrian Caruso presents a check for $2000 to Woburn Dollars for Scholars liaison Catarina DeLemos Loureiro. The money was raised during a recent "Dating Game" event at the school auditorium. They are joined by the Interact Club members and Interact Club advisor Bill Sullivan. The funds raised will go to scholarship for Woburn Memorial High School.
Woburn Interact Raises Funds for Scholarships for High School
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault and Tim Kelley on Mar 20, 2025
Foundation recognition points are awarded to donors who contribute to The Rotary Foundation through the Annual Fund or PolioPlus, or who contribute to sponsorship of a Foundation grant. Donors receive one recognition point for every U.S. dollar contributed to these funds. (Contributions to the Endowment Fund are not eligible.) Donors can transfer Foundation recognition points to others to help them qualify as a Paul Harris Fellow or Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Foundation recognition points belong to the original donor until the donor’s death, unless the points are transferred, or until the donor uses them (the surviving spouse of a Major Donor may also use the points).
What is the difference between recognition amount and available Foundation recognition points?
Recognition amount reflects the total Paul Harris Fellow recognition you have accumulated through your personal contributions plus all recognition points you’ve been given by other individuals, clubs, or districts. Recognition points given to you don’t count toward Major Donor recognition.
We encourage incoming club committee chairs to enroll in their role-based learning plans before the start of the next Rotary year. The Learning Center has learning plans for the club administration chair, membership chair, Rotary Foundation chair, public image chair, and service projects chair. Members of those committees can complete the learning plans, too. Find them all in the Learning Center under Club Leadership Courses below.
Posted by Peter Majane and Terry Rezendes Curran on Mar 19, 2025
The Lynn, Newburyport and Salem Clubs are on pace to net 5 to 12 members by June 30, 2025.
Here are tips from the Lynn, Newburyport and Salem clubs:
1. Select a powerhouse Membership Committee and lead/s! - Individuals who already have a great network of their own- Individuals who naturally love to network and show enthusiasm for their membership in the Club- Individuals who are also willing to nurture and stay in touch with new members upon their admittance to the Club.
2. Set a clear goal of the Membership Committee and keep them focused on it. - Don't sandbag but give an achievable number; ask regularly where we stand against this number and clearly document the prospect list so you do not lose track of your 'prospects' - Stay focused on the very specific activities that will achieve the results needed.
When Dave Olson lines up for the Boston Marathon on April 21, he knows he’s in for four-plus hours of struggle and pain.
But he only needs to look down at the two words pinned to his runner’s bib to remind him why it’s all worth it.
“For Deb.”
Deborah Olson died in January of 2024 at age 65 after a long struggle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Dave is running Boston in his wife’s memory and to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Deb and Dave Olson
But as he told me Wednesday, it’s also about raising awareness of Alzheimer’s, a cruel disease that touches so many people and yet can be so difficult to talk about.
“There’s still this kind of stigma about it,” he said. “If Deb had cancer, people would ask how she’s doing. That’s one of the worst things about this disease. It’s isolating for the person who has it, but it’s also isolating for the people around them, because people don’t want to talk about it.”
Do you have great photos that showcase the beauty of Rockport? The Rockport Rotary Club will be producing a 2026 photo calendar as a fundraiser this year and is requesting amateur and professional photographers alike to submit their best high-quality photos of Rockport to be entered into our contest. The photography winners of each month plus the cover will receive $50. The photos are to be of Rockport and emphasize qualities that make Rockport a special place to live, work and visit in each season. Examples include featuring the fishing industry, town events, parades, pets in a quintessential Rockport scene, quarries, architecture and ocean scenes.
The contest will run from now through April 30, 2025. Please submit your high-quality digital photos to rockportrotaryphotos@gmail.com and include your name, mailing address and phone number so we can notify you if you have won. Photos should be in landscape (horizontal) with a high resolution, a minimum of 2-3 MB or higher. Photographers will be featured no more than twice in the same calendar. Please do not include recognizable photos of people who have not given their permission to be in a published photograph. Questions can be submitted to the same email address.
Rotary's PolioPlus Legacy: Leading the Way in Global Health Progress 27 March 2025 | 10:00 Chicago time (UTC-5) Live on Zoom
Rotary’s PolioPlus program is one of our longest-term and most significant humanitarian efforts. Working with our partners, we’ve reduced worldwide polio cases by 99.9% since 1988. The networks and tools we’ve built along the way exemplify the “plus” in PolioPlus, often serving as the epidemic response system in dozens of countries during health emergencies. The panelists will discuss the role of PolioPlus infrastructure in public health and how the success of this initiative guides efforts to address other urgent health issues.
Register today! Participation in the live session is limited and available to the first 1,000 registrants. A recording will be available for those who are unable to attend live. Register here today.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce its newest member, Carla Dale. Dale was recently installed into the club by Wakefield Rotary Past President Amy Luckiewicz and her sponsor, Past President Barbara Worley.
Dale was invited to visit the club by her sponsor in January, "Initially, I wanted to learn more about the club and I was invited to the weekly luncheons," she explained. "I quickly realized it was a fun way to meet people and to join others in an organized volunteer effort."
New members are encouraged to identify areas of service that are of interest to them. Dale noted that she is excited to participate in food drives, maternal health and wellness projects, basic education and literacy and senior programs.
"Carla is a great addition to the club," said Club President Wendy Maguire. "We know she has a particular interest in assisting local adult programs for special needs adults. We encourage her to pursue that, with us, and look forward to diving into this new area of service."
Dale is a retired pharmacist. She grew up in Revere and now resides in Wakefield and has four children, Brittany, Austin, Dylan and Logan.
May 3, 2025, 9:00 AM, Market Street, Lynnfield, MA
Build A Bed is returning to Market Street, Lynnfield on Saturday, May 3, 2025. In 2022 Lynnfield Rotary hosted its first Build A Bed project producing ten beds for children in Massachusetts. In 2023 we built twenty-two beds, and last year over 100 volunteers built thirty. We are optimistic for 2025 to be our best yet.
The cost of each bed is $350. Upon completion, a mattress will be added, and the finished product will be delivered to the home of a Massachusetts child. Lumber, hardware, tools, and expert instruction will be provided. People will work in groups of up to four builders. Children are welcome with adult accompaniment. This is a service project, not a fundraiser. All contributions will be applied to the purchase of beds.
Individuals, families, and organizations can participate as follows:
Purchasing one or more beds allows your team to attend the event and build the frame. If you prefer, a bed will be constructed by our volunteers in your name.
Posted by Joan Arsenault and Tim Kelley on Mar 12, 2025
Looking for creative ways your club can raise funds for the Annual Fund SHARE? Look no further!
Circles of Gold: create Circles of Gold in your club by asking 5 members to join each circle. Each person in the circle agrees to donate $200 per year to the Annual Fund SHARE. Either have the Rotarian use rotary direct to contribute or collect a check from them each year by the end of April. If you collect a check, make sure to send to RI in the Rotarian’s name so they receive credit for their contribution. The Circle of Gold then combines their points which would equal 1000 and can honor a member of their circle with a Paul Harris recognition or another person. Some Circles are all women, others a mixed group. Make it fun! And have the club appoint a team leader to help recruit should a member drop out and to help with PH recognition.
Do you enjoy wine? Are you open to trying and learning about wines from around the world? Join Corks & Caps Local Chapter of RWAF by contacting Joan Arsenault. No Cost!
Next zoom wine tasting on March 23, 6-7 PM: Wines of France
Past topics:
• Greek Food w/ Greek wine & a Greek chef
• Wines of Beaujolais, France
• Orange Wines: the latest craze
• All about corks and wines from Portugal
• Deriving more pleasure from every glass of wine
• Gruner Veltliner & Sangiovese: little known varietals of great value
• Choosing wines by the label; an interactive tasting
The Rotary Club of Woburn recently donated a defibrillator to St. Barbara's Church in Woburn. On hand for the presentation from left to right: Past Rotary President Mike Martini, Farther Edmund Ugwoegbu and Past Rotary President Bill Sullivan.
As its major fundraiser, the Beverly Rotary Club is having BARRY GOUDREAU'S ENGINE ROOM perform at the North Shore Music Theatre on March 29th. Former "Boston" guitarist and his group the Engine Room will be providing music from the group Boston, popular rock covers and some of the group's new music. Once you hear them you will connect and feel the music! They have a following of fans all over New England.
Come have a great night while you're making a donation to the wonderful activities of the Club to help the community. We will be donating a good amount of our proceeds to "A Bed for Every Child." For tickets go here: www.nsmt.org
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Community Service Co-Chair Chris Davis has announced the results of their 2025 February ‘Share the Love’ collection for The Open Door Food Pantry.
Davis said that he is “pleased to report that our February food drive was successful and reached our goal of 1500 pounds of food delivered to The Open Door to help our neighbors in need. This represents a new record for our annual winter collection.”
He added that Rotary is “grateful to our friends and neighbors in Ipswich and Rowley who supported and contributed to this vital effort. The demand for food pantry assistance has never been greater.” He also thanked “our Rotary volunteers, especially John Witzig who helped me deliver and retrieve collection boxes at 13 drop-off locations in Ipswich and Rowley.”
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 member of the military, first responders, parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, community leaders, or other heroes.
Sponsor an American flag to honor those who have made a difference in their lives, including military members, first responders, parents, teachers, coaches, mentors and community leaders. A $75 donation sponsors a flag and supports Woburn Rotary's service projects.
You may sponsor as many heroes as you want, and a flag with the name of your heroes will be flown at Ferullo Field from mid-April to mid-May 2025.
Send checks to Rotary Club of Woburn, PO Box 2304, Woburn, MA 01888. Please include name of hero to be honored. For more info contact Bill Sullivan at sully1980@comcast.net.
RYLA 2025 will be May 16th-18th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. We are so excited to connect with this year's rising leaders and have a committed group of returning students to help lead the weekend.
As you begin to think about who you can invite to apply for this life-changing experience, remember that the impact of RYLA extends far beyond the weekend itself. It's an opportunity for young leaders to grow, connect, and inspire one another, and we can't wait to see who will join us this year!
We have volunteers eager to speak about RYLA at your Rotary and Interact Clubs. It's a great way to spread the word and encourage more students to take advantage of this opportunity. Please feel free to reach out to Christina at Christina@PartnerWithChoice.com or call 978.270.6706 to arrange a presentation.
Thank you for your ongoing support in the future of these young leaders. Together, we are making a difference!
The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to any combination of the following: Annual Fund-SHARE, individual Areas of Focus, PolioPlus Fund, as well as Disaster Response Funds and approved global grants.
The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
What your giving supports
By giving from your heart each and every year, you’ll support families and change lives. Paul Harris Society gifts have helped provide many local and international grants, including district grants and global grants created by clubs in our district. In addition, this giving helps the major Rotary endeavors, including Polio Eradication, Peace Centers, Malaria prevention, and more.
This past weekend, Wakefield Rotary Club President Wendy Maguire with members Joie Gerrish and Amy Luckiewicz sowed 30 containers of seeds in recycled milk jugs for their upcoming Pollinator Garden project. The Pollinator Garden will be placed in a location in Wakefield as part of the club’s commitment to environmental work.
In 2020, Rotary International added environmental work to it areas of focus. Through the Rotary Foundation and local clubs, Rotarians are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. Rotary empowers communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
The invoices for District Dues were emailed out through Quickbooks to club officials! If you did not receive them or have questions, please reach out to District Treasurer, Rebecca Harris rotary7930.treasurer@gmail.com.
After contracting polio in 1952 at age 8, Philip Wilson was left with no use of his arms or left hand. Since then Philip has lived a vibrant and productive life, but without any functioning in his upper body limbs and left hand. He has an inspiring and remarkable story including joining Rotary in 1984, one year prior to Rotary announcing the formation of Polio Plus. Having recently moved into Brooksby Village, Philip and his wife, Jane, are new members of Danvers Rotary. Formerly, Phil had been District 7490 Chair for Polio Plus and has done extensive speaking at Rotary clubs and events. He reminds us of the devastation polio brought to America every summer prior to Jonas Salk developing the vaccine in 1955.
Pictured above is Philip with John Nanni, Keynote Speaker for this year's Peace & Understanding event. Below is Philip addressing the assembly at the event.
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault and Tim Kelley on Feb 28, 2025
Have you made your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE this year?
Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary clubs take action today to create positive change in communities at home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies, save mothers and children, and fight disease.
The Every Rotarian Every Year initiative asks every Rotarian to support The Rotary Foundation every year.
At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund, or DDF.
At the end of three years, DDF come back to our District to pay for Foundation, Club, and District projects that your Club and others in the district choose. Districts may use up to half of their DDF to fund district grants. The remaining DDF may be used for global grants or donated to PolioPlus, the Rotary Peace Centers, or another district.
Note we are lagging behind in our expected Annual Fund-SHARE donations for the current year. Please consider making your donation today.
Our World Peace and Understanding Event on February 26 featured an incredibly inspirational talk by John Nanni. John is a Rotarian from Middletown-Odessa, Delaware and is one of 20 million polio survivors. John contracted polio at 10 months just before the Salk vaccine became available. He was paralyzed from the neck down for six months.
Thanks to physical therapy to keep his muscles from atrophying, he was able to walk and appeared to have recovered completely. He played sports as a child. At around 40 he began suffering effects of post-polio syndrome: muscle weakness, joint pain and extreme fatigue. In post-polio syndrome, survivors have used other muscles to compensate for damaged muscles and it caused those muscles to weaken.
Last week, Rotary Club of Woburn presented the Woburn Fire Dept. with Smoke/CO detectors. Fire Prevention Lt. Mark Smith and Rosa Lococo Head Clerk of the Fire Dept. were on hand to accept the donation by Rotary President Bill Balboni, along with Marie Lingblom COA Director of the Woburn Senior Center.
Rotary Club of Woburn works closely with both the Fire Dept. and Senior Center to identify Smoke Detector needs in the city.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently hosted its second Rotary’s So Sweet Swap in honor of Valentine's Day. Members and guests were invited to bring a wrapped "sweet" treat. Club Members Jay Curley and Amy Luckiewicz led an interactive, and unpredictable, “sweet swap”. Some directions included to "Swap with a club Past President," "Swap with someone who can recite the 4-Way Test," and other Rotary-related instructions.
Everyone in attendance took home an item at the end of the meeting. Some favorite “sweets” included homemade Italian cookies, muffins from the Gingerbread Construction Company, and a container of cotton candy!
Pictured above Vice President/President-Elect Kathy Boyle and Club President Wendy Maguire came to the swap dressed for the theme.
Burlington Breakfast Rotary will be holding its Semi-Annual Raffle with winners to be selected on April 24. Grand Prize is $2,000 cash. Proceeds to benefit National Ataxia Foundation, People Helping People, Mental Health Awareness, BHS Scholarship and more! Winners need not be present to win.
A major initiative for our Club this year has been to re-establish an Interact Club at the Manchester-Essex Regional High School (MERHS). After a couple meetings with a supportive school administration, we had a terrific introductory discussion with upwards of 25 students at a local pizza place that was informed and made more relevant with neighboring Interact student leaders from Gloucester and Ipswich - special thanks to Serena and Keith.
Led by Past President Jen Doane there were several follow-up discussions with a few students most interested in starting a Club when they hit upon the idea of a fun Polar Plunge fundraiser. On Saturday Feb. 15 we had about 15 Polar Plungers most of whom were students who raised more than $800 in support of Polio eradication. Our Club has agreed to match the raised funds so that our total donation is approximately $1,700. As important, one of our adult plungers is a school faculty member who has expressed interest in serving as the Interact Faculty Advisor. More to follow as we chart a new course for MERHS Interact.
The Rotary Club of Burlington is bringing you NuBingo—a high-energy, music-filled twist on classic bingo! This isn’t your grandma’s bingo—it’s bingo with a beat! Instead of numbers, you’ll be marking off popular songs as our DJ spins the hits. From throwback favorites to today’s chart-toppers, get ready to tap your feet, sing along, and cheer on your friends as you compete for epic prizes! Whether you're a seasoned player or a first-timer, NuBingo is all about fun, excitement, and unforgettable moments!
- Date: Friday, April 4th - Location: The Elks, 295 Washington St., Woburn, MA - Time: 7:00 PM
- DJ-powered music bingo - Exciting raffles & a 50/50 draw - Fabulous prizes up for grabs - BYO Snacks – bring your favorite treats!
Grab your friends, bring your best game face, and get ready to dance, sing, and win big! Whether you’re here for the prizes, the fun, or just a great night out, you don’t want to miss this! Get your tickets here.
The Rotary Club of Rockport served its annual Valentine's lunch of baked haddock to over 70 local senior citizens at the Fish Shack Restaurant last Friday. Diners were serenaded by the high school chorus, and given carnations as they exited. Many seniors expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to get together and socialize during an especially tough winter.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 6-8PM, Danversport, Danvers
Tickets are on sale now for Rotary Club of Peabody’s signature event. Thanks to you, last year we were able to award $17,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors. Your support means so much to the local community, and we hope you will be able to join us again in the new year for one of the most exciting events on the North Shore!
Arlington Rotary honored member Greg Anderson’s over 50 years of service with a surprise celebration at the Knights of Columbus Hall on February 2nd. Greg, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, has been a dedicated member since 1974.In addition, he is a past Club president and currently serves as Club Secretary.
A respected leader, Greg has played key roles in fostering community spirit, organizing fundraisers, and supporting outreach programs. His contributions were recognized at the event by District Governor Tom Hankard, DG-Elect Terry Rezendes Curran and State Representative Sean Garballey, who presented him with a State House proclamation (pictured here).
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault and Tim Kelley on Feb 12, 2025
Did you know that Paul Harris' birthday is April 19? It will be the 157th anniversary of his birthday. Have you considered hosting a celebration to mark the occasion? Tell RI about your celebration ideas by emailing our RI Annual Fund staff at: annualfund@rotary.org. You may be featured in an upcoming issue of the Paul Harris Society Resource!
Looking to help build our Annual Fund SHARE monies to support our local/international and global grants? Consider joining the Paul Harris Society:
• Contact Rotary’s Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org or +1-866-9-ROTARY (+1-866-976-8279) or the Rotary International office that serves your area.
• Mail a completed Paul Harris Society sign-up form to The Rotary Foundation.
Find answers to the most commonly asked Paul Harris Society questions here: PHS FAQs.
Save the Ipswich River: The Lifeblood of Our Communities Global Grant supported the Ipswich River Watershed Association’s Legislative Breakfast in the past. IRWA has been continuing the great work on helping our river and watershed thrive. This year's Legislative Breakfast is happening on Tuesday, March 11th. I hope you will consider coming 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. This is a great opportunity to let our legislators know how they can help support the river’s needs during this legislative session.
There's Still Time to Support Our Rotaplast Mission
Our Rotaplast Mission needs additional financial support to make our goal. We would like to acknowledge and thank those clubs who have already donated: Belle Isle, Rockport, Lexington, Newburyport, Somerville, Winchester, Parkway, Wakefield, Gloucester, Andover, Marblehead Harbor, Chelsea, Manchester-Essex, Reading, Swampscott, Woburn, Ipswich-Rowley, Burlington, Boston 7, Peabody and Salem, as well as the many individuals who have donated, and generous support from the District in the form of a District Managed Grant, but we still need more funds.
We are extremely proud to welcome one of the United States' newest citizens, Jose David Cermeño Perez. Jose came to our club back in 2012-13 as an exchange student from Venezuela, all wide eyed about Rotary. He was involved with the music and theatre department at high school, with a high point starring as Bernardo in West Side Story.
Our former exchange student who returned to his turbulent home country after a senior year at Beverly High School. He later made entry back to the US to attend Endicott College with the support of Beverly Rotary and the late Dr. Richard Wylie, President of Endicott College. Jose has informed us that he is now a US citizen as of January 25 this year.
His time here was one of preservation and persistence, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Endicott. He now lives in New York City with his marriage partner and is a financial analyst for Luxottica Eyewear.
Let's all welcome him to this 370 million strong melting pot we call the United States as a cherished new citizen.
Welcome Jose! Glad to have you aboard! We love you!
As its major fundraiser, the Beverly Rotary Club is having BARRY GOUDREAU'S ENGINE ROOM perform at the North Shore Music Theatre on March 29th. Former Boston guitarist and his group the Engine Room will be providing music from the group Boston, popular rock covers and some of the group's new music. Once you hear them you will connect and feel the music! They have a following of fans all over New England. Come have a great night while you're making a donation to the wonderful activities of the Club to help the community.
For info and tickets, click here. You don't want to miss it.
What is your Club's Polar Plunge fundraising event? Now is the time to complete your End Polio Now event. Pictured here are plungers from Salem Rotary at the Polar Plunge in East Boston hosted by Belle Isle and Parkway Rotary Clubs.
Here are the totals raised as of February 9. These totals reflect what has been sent in to The Rotary Foundation.
All clubs are asked to organize a local Polar Plunge in their community. Pick any date this winter (i.e. between now and Opening Day at Fenway Park). Plunge any way you want (ocean, dunk tank, swimming pool, jacuzzi, etc.) Be creative to organize another event to raise funds for Polio Eradication.
Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to End Polio Now. Please make sure that you send all the monies that you raised directly to The Rotary Foundation to be credited to the Polio Plus Fund. Our published results will be based on the reports from the Rotary Foundation, so only funds actually sent to the Foundation will be counted for the ranking!
Tell us about your club's event and share your pictures and story with us and your community!
What're You Doing for Competitive Polar Plunge/Polio Challenge
Our Rotaplast Mission needs additional financial support to make our goal. We would like to acknowledge and thank those clubs who have already donated: Belle Isle, Rockport, Lexington, Newburyport, Somerville, Winchester, Parkway, Wakefield, Gloucester, Andover, Marblehead Harbor, Chelsea, Manchester-Essex, Reading, Swampscott, Woburn, Burlington, Boston 7 and Salem, as well as the many individuals who have donated, and generous support from the District in the form of a District Managed Grant, but we still need more funds.
The Rotaplast Mission is scheduled for March 8, 2025. Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of children with cleft palates/lips and other deformities.
The cost of the mission is $88,000 to be raised throughout the district. We have raised in donations and pledges approximately $65,000. We hope all District 7930 clubs will support the Mission with the cost of at least one surgery -- $800. Donations from individuals will also be gratefully accepted. If you have questions, please contact Terry Curran at 617-501-3521 or TerryCurran7930@gmail.com.
Terry is available to visit your club and make a presentation, please reach out. Checks can be made payable to Rotaplast and sent to our Rotaplast Treasurer at Eagle Bank, Attention: Stephen Miliotis, 350 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149.
Andover Rotarian and Past District Governor PDG Sheryl Meehan's daughter, Colleen, was in a serious car accident and suffered a severe head injury as well as other bodily injury. Colleen is hospitalized and will require multiple surgeries. Sheryl is staying in a hotel near the hospital.
There is a great need for funds. A GoFundMe page has been created for people to contribute. Sheryl's daughter from Lawrence posted it on Facebook and we have permission to share the news and invite folks to contribute. Click here for the GoFundMe page.
Gail Ralston of the Andover Rotary Club can be contacted with questions.
Hi, My name is Becca Harris and I am a member of the Arlington Rotary Club and serving as the District Treasurer. In my "real job" I am the Executive Director of 2nd Act which is a nonprofit that is a collective of artists and drama therapists in recovery which uses theatre, film, and drama therapy to address and educate about the impact of substance use. Our programs, including workshops, plays, drama therapy and professional trainings, are impacting the district in many ways and I would love to come to your club meeting to share more about the work we do.
Please contact me at becca@weare2ndact.org if you are interested in scheduling a speaker for your club. I am available to come in person or virtually starting in March.
The Wakefield Rotary Club visited Northeast Metro Tech (Voke) this week. The club re-located its meeting to the James Wallace Breakheart Inn at the school, a fully functioning training bakery, café and restaurant located within the Voke for the first out of four Rotary lunch meetings that will be hosted at the school in 2025.
Wakefield Rotary Club President Wendy Maguire noted, “We absolutely loved our visit. It’s important to us to get to know the resources that are available to our community and to give back. Re-locating our lunch meetings there a few times a year is long overdue, and we’re excited to build a strong relationship with the Voke.” Members of the club commented specifically on the three-course menu selection, student effort and quality of the food. One member said, “I’d bring my friends here every week if I could.”
Have you made your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE this year?
Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary clubs take action today to create positive change in communities at home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, provide clean water and sanitation, support education, grow local economies, save mothers and children, and fight disease.
The Every Rotarian Every Year initiative asks every Rotarian to support The Rotary Foundation every year.
At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund, or DDF.
At the end of three years, DDF come back to our District to pay for Foundation, Club, and District projects that your Club and others in the district choose. Districts may use up to half of their DDF to fund district grants. The remaining DDF may be used for global grants or donated to PolioPlus, the Rotary Peace Centers, or another district.
Note we are lagging behind in our expected Annual Fund-SHARE donations for the current year. Please consider making your donation today.
With deep regret, we announce the passing of Past District Governor David Drislane, a vibrant member of the Rotary Club of Lynnfield, Massachusetts.
Dave was a Veteran, businessman, photographer, man of great faith, and proud Rotarian. A mentor to many, Dave's personality, vigor, and friendship will be greatly missed by generations of Rotarians, family, and friends.
Serving as our District Governor in 1964-1965 made Dave the oldest serving past district governor in the United States of America.
We can all aspire to live as Dave did -- focused on family and community. He will be sorely missed.
Pictured here is Governor Dave (seated at the far left) visiting the Peabody Rotary meeting during the 1964-65 year.
On January 8, 2025, the Rotary Club of Lynn continued with its tradition of distributing dictionaries to 3rd graders in all the schools in Lynn. Twenty (20) Lynn public and private schools participated this year, up from 18 schools in past years. Since 2008, the Rotary Club of Lynn has presented over 1,200 dictionaries annually to third-grade students. This year marks the 16th consecutive year of this service project for the Club and a distribution of over 20,000 dictionaries since its inception! All the 3rd graders were thrilled to receive a book they can call their own and take home to share with their families!
The Callahan School served as a host for the support of our local Lynn city leaders to participate in our event. The dictionaries were distributed by: Mayor Nicholson; Superintendent Dr. Alvarez; the President of Lynn Rotary, Jean-Marie Minton; and some members of Lynn’s State House representatives. The distribution began at 9:00 am on the 8th at the Callahan School. Thirty-Eight Rotarians assisted distribution of the dictionaries, side by side with several Lynn Public School staff members if various schools.
All clubs are asked to organize a local Polar Plunge in their community (hence Distributed). Pick any date this winter (i.e. between now and Opening Day at Fenway Park). Plunge any way you want (ocean, dunk tank, swimming pool, jacuzzi, etc.) Be creative to organize another event to raise funds for Polio Eradication.
Our goal is to raise as much money as possible to End Polio Now, and we’ll publish a ranking of clubs weekly (hence Competitive). Please make sure that you send all the monies that you raised directly to The Rotary Foundation to be credited to the Polio Plus Fund. Our published results will be based on the reports from the Rotary Foundation, so only funds actually sent to the Foundation will be counted for the ranking!
Tell us about your club's event and share your pictures and story with us and your community!
Join us on February 26 for our World Peace and Understanding Event. The event will be from 6 to 9 pm at Danversport, 161 Elliot St., Danvers, MA 01923.
We are fortunate to have as our special guest polio survivor John Nanni. Six months just before the Salk Vaccine distribution, John was paralyzed from his neck down. He now uses a wheelchair for most of his daily mobility due to severe Post-Polio Syndrome issues. John will enlighten us on Polio and Peace. He is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Middletown-Odessa-Townsend, Delaware, USA.
We are delighted to welcome Gina and Joe Healy, and Larry Jordan to the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary family, where we achieve more together than we can alone.
Larry Jordan resides in Beverly and serves as the Commander of VFW Post 1093 in Ipswich. He also is a member of American Legion Post 80 in Ipswich and of the service dog organization Canine Companions. Larry has been instrumental in raising the profile of veterans' services in Ipswich and was a leading force behind the highly successful 2024 D-Day parade and remembrance. Larry enjoys spending time with family, reading, painting, photography and traveling. His interests also include colonial history and assisting Vietnam veterans. Larry is a retired Director of Risk Management for Anheuser-Busch. Larry’s Rotary sponsor is Ipswich High School classmate Laurie Cameron.
We also welcomed a couple of dedicated humanitarians who recently transferred from the Lakes Region Rotary Club in Laconia, NH after moving to Ipswich to be near family. The Healy’s are sponsored by Community Service Chair Chris Davis.
Applications will be going live in early February, but planning and training are well underway!!
Here are photos from our 1st training session that took place on January 19th with a group of very enthusiastic kids! I really wish you could meet them all! You would be so proud of them and of our clubs for supporting the development of these leaders. We are once again joining forces with D7950, so we had students who came all the way from Dennis and Martha’s Vineyard to attend the training. Such commitment! Start thinking of who you can invite to apply for this life changing weekend!
We have folks who would love to come out to speak about RYLA to your Rotary or Interact Clubs. Please contact Christina@PartnerWithChoice.com or 978.270.6706 to make arrangements.
Once again, thank you for your investment in these young leaders!
Marblehead Harbor Rotarians recently hosted a second Breakfast of Champions. On the left, incoming club president Amy Hart offers words of welcome to representatives of the various sponsors of the club’s major fundraiser, the widely anticipated holiday opening gala, “Holiday Pops” which was held December 14.
This breakfast event was not only a thank-you to the sponsors but an opportunity for the sponsors to meet the invited non-profit recipients of the club’s proceeds from the Pops evening performance. It’s never too late to say “Thank you” to those we serve and to those who help sponsor the club’s events!
Below you will find a statement from Rotary International in response to United States' stated intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization.
As you will read, Rotary remains committed to public health and the eradication of the poliomyelitis disease.
Yours In Rotary, Tom Hankard, Governor, Rotary District 7930
Rotary notes the recent announcement that the United States intends to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). We remain resolute in our mission to eradicate polio. As a founding partner of the GPEI, Rotary has for decades worked closely with all the GPEI partners, the U.S. government, and other governments to end polio worldwide. This effort has reduced the number of children paralyzed by polio by 99.9% since 1988. The global effort to eradicate polio has innovated many times over the years to come close to protecting every last child.
How do you rate your club's Public Image? Is your Rotary club the best kept secret in your community? Do you have questions about ClubRunner, social media, press releases, how to get the word out about the great things Rotary does?
The Public Image Committee is here to help. We will be holding Office Hours on February 25 at 7:30 on Zoom to be available to answer your questions. Zoom link. Meeting ID: 858 1644 8117 Passcode: 033579.
Please drop in to ask your questions. In addition, if you have questions, you can always reach out by emailing the PI Committee or to PI Chair Tim Kelley.
PI Committee members are also available to visit your club or by Zoom to go over specific questions, resources or practices.
We are inviting all clubs to organize a local Polar Plunge in their community (hence Distributed). Pick any date this winter (i.e. between now and Opening Day at Fenway Park). Plunge any way you want (ocean, dunk tank, swimming pool, jacuzzi, etc.)
Your club can do it alone or partner with other clubs around you. The Belle Isle Rotary and Parkway Rotary Clubs are organizing a joint event on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The doors will open at 11 am and the plunge will take place at 1 pm (which is high tide and there is a ramp we walk down and plunge from!) Come and plunge with Governor Tom!
The Belle Isle Rotary and Parkway Rotary are teaming up again for the 3rd Annual Be Bold Get Cold Plunge to be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the East Boston Yacht Club.
Doors open at 11 am where you will be nice and warm, complimentary buffet and hot coffee/cocoa - cash bar and LOTS OF FUN! 'Plunge (walk/run down a boat ramp into the ocean) will be at 1 pm to coincide with high tide. Belly flop contest and raffles galore! Come on down and join in the fun!
The Frigid Fiver 5K is back! Sunday, February 2, 2025, 11am at RiverWalk Brewing Co. Come join the Rotary Club of Newburyport and Joppa Flats Running Club to stretch those muscles and have some time with friends! Race proceeds go back into our communities.
Register at this link. The cost is $27 for pre-registration and $35 on the day of race. The first 200 registered participants will receive a long-sleeved shirt, in addition to prizes for the winners, and of course, good food and beer at RiverWalk!
The Rotary Club of Newburyport supports our community through popular events and fundraising. It is because of your support that our Rotary Club has accomplish so much! We hope people know that when one supports the Rotary Club of Newburyport, they are in turn supporting a myriad of other community-oriented initiatives.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently contributed $500 to the Scholarship Fund of Wakefield, kicking off its annual Youth Support Campaign. This donation is one of many that the club intends to make to support scholarship, youth development and vocational training this year. Club President Wendy Maguire explained, “Each month, our Board reviews a comprehensive list of programs we hope to support this year that benefit Wakefield youth. We’re very happy to continue to support Wakefield students.”
The club also contributes scholarships to a graduating Wakefield High School senior through the Bob Crawford Unsung Hero Award and a vocational tool scholarship to a Northeast Metro Tech graduating senior. “This year we’re offering more support than ever,” Maguire said. “In addition to this recent donation, the club Board voted to support an event at Northeast Metro Tech that focuses in on girls who wish to work in non-traditional trades.”
The District Rotary Foundation Committee is looking for additional volunteers to join our committee. Specifically, we're looking for people with an active interest in our Rotary Foundation, and we currently have openings on the following sub-committees: Annual Fund, Major Donors, and Paul Harris Society.
The Foundation Committee meets monthly on Zoom on the first Monday of each month at 8:00 PM. More information about the work of the Foundation Committee can be found here on our district website: https://rotary7930.org/sitepage/rotary-foundation
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. If you are able to help, please contact PDG Alexander Falk.
Here Is our team from the 2015 Mission led by PDG Bob Wood, and you now have the opportunity to join us on our 2025 mission. We have just had two volunteers step off the upcoming Rotaplast Mission to Cebu departing on March 8 through 23. We need volunteers to fill the positions of Historian/Photojournalist (which includes taking photographs of the mission and blogging to the Rotaplast website) and Recreational Therapist (which is manning the pre-op room as the patients await their surgeries, handing out the homemade quilts, watching cartoons, and playing with the children). Full job descriptions are below. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Terry Curran immediately at 617-501-3521 or TerryCurran7930@gmail.com for more information.
As always, we are still looking forward donations to support this mission. Please send checks to our Rotaplast Treasurer at Eagle Bank, Attention: Stephen Miliotis, 350 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149.
Governor Tom Hankard introduced this year's One by One Membership Initiative at the District Installation celebration. He challenged all Rotarians to invite one person to a Rotary meeting, event, or service project during this Rotary year.
Now is a good time to ask ourselves how we are doing on this challenge. Have you completed the challenge?
The goal is to increase your club's net membership by one member. If every club in our District increases membership by one net member, we will have the most growth in decades.
One way to grow our membership is by enhancing our relationships with or finding new partners for our clubs to work with. When we find new ways to serve our community, our impact as an organization increases, and our community recognition grows.
The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area have moved so many people to want to help. Two Rotary Districts serving the Southern California affected by the fires have established relief funds to help support those in need.
The fund established by Rotary District 5280 can be found here. This includes Los Angeles, Long Beach, Malibu.
A fund established by Rotary District 5300 can be found here. This District is east of the other District and includes Altadena and Pasadena.
People often look to Rotary to find trusted stewards to accept donations during disasters. Thank you to all the Rotarian and other helpers serving that area during this catastrophe.
Every Rotarian has a personal reason for joining. The thing we have in common is our strong commitment to making a difference. We are generous with our ideas, our energy, and our contributions to community causes. Whether large or small, every donation to the Annual Fund-SHARE is meaningful and important.
You leverage and amplify your individual impact by joining with other Rotarians to support “Every Rotarian Every Year”. Consider what your gift can do!
Here is an update from one of our Outbound Global Scholars, Acadia Thielking. Acadia is pursuing a Masters in Epidemiology at the Imperial College in London. She is a 2024 Global Scholar in the Rotary Foundation’s Area of Focus of Disease Prevention and Treatment
Acadia recently wrote to Bob Mansfield, our District Outbound Global Scholar Chair:
Hi Bob, I hope all is well with you! I’m just finishing up my first term and wanted to send over some highlights 😃
I attended the Southeast Rotary Conference in Eastbourne (little city by the sea) with Nolene and some other London scholars! It was great to meet so many new people and we went on a hike nearby which was beautiful!
On Friday, December 20th, not even the snow could stop about 30 Andover Rotarians, family and friends from ringing the bell in front of Andover Old Town Hall for the Salvation Army of Lawrence.
For seven consecutive years, the Andover Rotary had collected the most amount of donations in one day for the Salvation Army. This year, we almost beat our rival, Free Christian Church, but fell short coming in at second place raising over $1550. We are a bit disappointed for not being able to defend our title but overjoyed that so many generous individuals stopped to make a donation.
Or ... were they stopped by Andover Rotarian Doug Mercurio who jumped into traffic with his snow brush to clean off windshields and then ask for a donation? Doug truly embraces our motto of "where doing good is serious fun."
Calling all Presidents Elect, Assistant Governors, Facilitators and all others participating in NEPELS. NEPELS is Northeast President Elect Learning Seminar (formerly called PETS).
NEPELS is March 6, 7 and 8 at the Framingham Sheraton. All clubs need to have your PEs register and reserve your lodging immediately. Due to renovations at the hotel, rooms are limited. Please act today!
As of today, very few D7930 participants have registered.
Did you hear the news? The monarch butterfly is in trouble. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently proposed listing the monarch as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
This is good news! We still have time to act and the ESA has a history of mobilizing resources to save at-risk species.
You can help save the monarchs. By planting native milkweed and nectar plants, you'll provide critical habitat for monarchs and other pollinators.
Together, our community has already planted 30,000+ native milkweed plants all across the country.
On December 14, Ipswich High School Interact held the 15th annual Jingle Walk community-building fundraiser. This event, begun in 2009 by the then ‘Ipswich Rotary Club,’ has been organized and sponsored by Ipswich Interact since 2011. This much anticipated annual event has become a town tradition which aims to connect the community and lift everyone’s spirits during the holiday season!
The Jingle Bell Walk begins with Santa’s arrival at town wharf and ends at Town Hall where the celebrants enter ‘Santa’s Village’ of food, games, face painting, cookie decorating, and photos with Santa. The Ipswich High School String Quartet provided entertainment. A major part of the fundraiser involves raffles where baskets and gift cards, generously donated by local businesses, are given out.
"We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and donors" said Interact President Jenny White. "This event would not be possible without the incredible support of these local businesses, which consistently give back to our community."
You are invited to join us at the White Mountain Hotel & Resort in No. Conway, NH from Friday, Feb. 28th to Sunday, Mar. 2nd for our Winter Getaway. Rotarians, their families and friends are all invited.
We will enjoy two and a half days of fun, food and fellowship. There will be options to ski, shop, dine, relax and maybe even karaoke.
On December 17, 2024, the Burlington Interact Club hosted their annual Christmas Party, a festive event filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of giving. Held at Burlington High School, the party brought together community members, including the Burlington Pride basketball team and participants from Echo Enrichment, for an evening of celebration and camaraderie.
Rotarians from the Burlington Rotary Club were on hand to support the festivities, lending their time and energy to ensure the event's success. They worked tirelessly to serve a delicious spread of pizza, calzones, and delectable desserts, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all attendees.
The highlight of the evening was a special visit from Santa Claus, who distributed gifts to the guests, much to their delight. The room was filled with excitement as recipients unwrapped their presents, their faces lighting up with smiles.
The Burlington Pride basketball team and Echo Enrichment participants were particularly grateful for the thoughtful gifts and the opportunity to come together as a community during the holiday season. The evening was not just about receiving but also about sharing happiness and building connections.
Thank you and congratulations to the Gloucester High School Interact Club for bringing back their annual Pathways Children's Holiday Party! The party provided fun, games, goodies, lunch, and a visit from Santa to the children served by Pathways for Children. An annual tradition for many years, the children's party was cancelled for several years due to the pandemic.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea had as a recent guest speaker Laura Cardona, Executive Producer at NBC10BOSTON and TelemundoNI.
Laura produces the morning news programs. She explained how it is determined what news stories are included in each newscast. Laura also described how the stories are developed. Laura also related how she became interested in the reporting of news and her experiences prior to joining NBC10BOSTON.
Included in the picture are David Jimenez-Granada, Laura Cardon and Madelyn Garcia, Club President.
In November, the nomination committee selected Tim Kelley, from the Reading Rotary Club as the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND). An email announcement went out to the entire District in November indicating his selection and asking for any challenges. No challenges were submitted by any club in our District by the December 31st deadline.
Therefore, we are excited to announce Tim has been elected to be the DGND for District 7930 and will serve as our District Governor 2027-28!
Congratulations Tim!
Tim Kelley has been an active member of Reading Rotary in Reading, Massachusetts since 1994. He has served as Club President three times, multiple years as Secretary, Board Member and served on many fundraising and service project committees including Reading Rotary Auction, Reading Fall Street Faire, Snack Shack, Rotary Readers Literacy Project and the Circus Committee. Tim was raised in Reading and practices law there. He believes Rotary provides uplifting and exciting opportunities to contribute to the local community and beyond.
At a recent “Breakfast of Champions,” hosted by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor, representatives of the extensive Marblehead sailing community and leaders in the effort to improve the environment were honored. Featured speaker was Maureen McKinnon, the Paralympic sailor who won gold in the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing. (The actual medal is an exquisite circle of jade.)
Paralyzed and in a wheelchair on land, Maureen found freedom and a passion for Olympic racing on the water, culminating by being the first U.S. woman to win gold with her sailing partner, the late Nick Scandone. Also honored at the catered breakfast were Marblehead sailing legends Dave Curtis and Joan Thayer. The environmentalists recognized were Lynn Nadeau, Harbor Rotary member Judith Black and the non-profit Sustainable Marblehead. Their collective work on educating the public about the importance of recycling, reusing, and repurposing has been invaluable to the town and its citizens.
All Rotary members should make promoting Rotary's Public Image a priority. Promoting PI is a proven strategy to increase your club's impact and add members.
Wakefield Rotary has issued a Club Public Image Challenge to its members. Wakefield's PI Committee, headed up by Amy Luckiewicz, has instituted this challenge to encourage members to participate in sharing on social media.
This is how Wakefield's PI Challenge works:
For each event or program our club runs, send club members marketing tools.
For every post you make on any social media platform (even repeat posts or professional boards), you will earn a raffle ticket.
For every flyer or poster you post or get posted in the community, you will earn a raffle ticket.
You MUST use the marketing sent to you to ensure proper branding, but may use your own words in text.
You MUST tag @WakefieldRotaryClub or #WakefieldRotaryClub to earn points. If we have community partners, you will be asked to tag them also.
A winner is pulled every month for a prize!
Kudos to Wakefield for this innovative idea to make increase promotion of your PI and making it fun. What creative ideas does your Club have to get the word out about your events and service projects?
At Beverly Rotary's last meeting in December, we had a wonderful atmosphere when the Beverly High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Adam Costa, came to add joy to our meeting. They played so many wonderful songs. We even got to sing-along! This is an annual tradition at our Club. We presented Adam with a $500 check towards expenses of the Jazz Club.
Two days after that, a great group of 55 Rotarians stood at 4 locations, ringing their bells for donations for the Salvation Army. This is an annual event started by Jack Good many years ago.
The Salem Rotary Club hosted its annual Department of Children and Families (DCF) Holiday party at Kernwood Country Club, bringing joy to foster families across the North Shore. The event featured entertainment including a visit from Santa Claus himself.
Club President Carolyn Shapiro emphasized the significance of this cherished tradition, noting how Rotarians find fulfillment in bringing happiness to community families. The celebration provided over 65 children with holiday gifts and activities while enabling foster children to spend quality time with siblings who may live in separate foster homes.
Rotary members collaborated with DCF Family Resource Worker Carla King to organize the event, managing gift wrapping, transportation, setup, and cleanup.
Promote your Rotary’s Public Image. 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. Effective Public Image helps expand your reach and artfully tell compelling stories that demonstrate Rotarians as people of action. The Public Image Committee’s role is to help clubs to have a robust media and social media strategy, an up-to-date website and an engaging online presence in their local communities.
We suggest all clubs engage on social media to boost your Public Image. Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) provide streamlined opportunity to get your stories out there. The various platforms can provide a direct way to push your news to the public. Here are some tips to think about.
The Zone Membership Webinar Series continues January 6, 2025, at 7:30 pm.
Would you like to grow your club? Rotary throughout North America sees many clubs struggling to increase membership. All volunteer organizations are facing the same challenges. Sign into this webinar to learn strategies to help your club.
Oiling the Squeaky Parts: Strategies to Increase Your Club’s Ability to Adapt. The perfect webinar for District and Club Membership Chairs and all Rotary members interested in expanding Rotary membership!
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 19. 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 was increased demand and 100 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.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently announced the election of its new officers and directors at its Annual Meeting. The club elects new leadership each year in accordance with its by-laws. The 2025-2026 Board of Directors include Margie Daniels, Joie Gerrish, Mike Sullivan, Jill McWilliam, Craig Calabrese, Wendy Maguire (Immediate Past President) and Amy Luckiewicz (Past Presidents’ Representative). Suzanne Bowering will serve as Club Secretary, Barbara Worley as Club Treasurer and Frank Fiorentino as Sergeant-at-Arms. Paul Adams was elected Vice President/President-Elect and Kathy Boyle will serve as President for the 2024-2025 term.
President-Elect Kathy Boyle has most recently served as Program Chair and served on the Board of Directors. Kathy has aimed at incorporating more youth programming into the club’s aims. “I’m looking forward to the club continuing our tradition of local community service,” she said. “I invite the community to consider joining us so we can do even more.”
The new leadership team will begin on July 1, 2025, and serve until June 30, 2026.
Wakefield Announces Officers & Directors for 2025-26
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is delighted to announce that Chris Moore and Steele Sartwell have joined Rotary, where we achieve more together than we can alone.
A resident of Ipswich, Chris Moore is Director of the Crane Estate. Previously, he served for several years as the Business Manager for the Trustees. In his capacity as a local non-profit leader, Chris has extensive experience working with local community and business leaders, as well as with town administrators. As might be expected, Chris enjoys outdoor recreation, especially fishing. Club President Tom Murphy is the sponsor and mentor for Chris.
Steele Sartwell of Ipswich is a Vice President of Business Banking at Citizens Bank. He is a member of both the Newburyport and Amesbury Chambers of Commerce and serves as a mentor, educator and presenter at the American Corporate Partners Veterans Organization. His volunteer activities have included the Manchester, NH Foodbank. Steele is a lifelong resident of the North Shore and previously volunteered and organized fundraisers for Action, Inc., GHS Sail, and HAWC. Drawing on his skills as an experienced relationship manager, Steele looks forward to assisting Rotary in its mission and engaging more area residents in community service. Membership Chair Deborah Mahoney is Steele’s sponsor and mentor.
We welcome Steele and Ashley, Chris and Rachel to the Rotary family.
This holiday season, the Winchester Rotary Club and Winchester High School’s Interact Club joined forces to deliver joy and warmth to our community. Together, they provided over 100 holiday meals to senior citizens residing at the Winchester Housing Authority.
The initiative brought smiles, comfort, and a sense of connection to Winchester’s senior residents, ensuring that no one felt alone during this festive time of year. The Rotary and Interact Club members worked hand in hand, embodying the true spirit of giving and community service.
Pictured here are Interact members delivering meals.
With the conclusion of the 2024 Council on Resolutions (COR), I am pleased to provide you with the Report of Action. For the Report, click here.
In this report, you will find: • A letter from Council Services • Resolutions that were adopted • Vote tallies for the adopted items
Voting results for all 2024 resolutions can be found on My Rotary.
Please note that the deadline for submitting resolutions to the 2025 COR is 30 June 2025. A link to the submission form, plus helpful resources, can be found on the Council's page of My Rotary. If you have any questions about the report or the COR, please let me know.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea had as their guest speaker at a recent meeting, WBZ Meteorologist Jacob Wykoff. Mr. Wykoff gave a background on how he got into the weather forecasting profession, how weather is forecast, the expected accuracy rate and why the weather varies within the eastern Massachusetts region. He took questions for 15 minutes and answered most. Also hosted as guest of the Club were the 2024 -2025 officers of the Chelsea High School Interact Club.
Stephen E. Riley, a Lynnfield Rotarian, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. He was 57 years old.
Born on April 4, 1967, in Everett, Stephen was the son of the late Joseph E. Riley, Jr. and Marilyn Louise (English) Riley. He was a proud alumnus of UMass Amherst and demonstrated a strong commitment to his community throughout his life in Lynnfield. Stephen actively participated in various local organizations, including the Lynnfield Rotary, youth sports programs, and the finance committee.
In addition to his community involvement, Stephen was a member of the Masons and the Elks. A passionate sports fan and golf enthusiast, he also had a fondness for western movies. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family.
He was the loving husband of Michelle L. (Wasak) and the adoring father of Spencer J. Riley and Vanessa B. Riley, both of Lynnfield. He was the brother of Kathi Yergin and her husband Jerry of Lison Falls, ME and Richard Riley and his significant other Julie of Peabody. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen's memory may be made here. Stephen's full obituary may be found here.
Twice a year the Rotary Club of Woburn takes over the kitchen at the Woburn Senior Center and cooks a hot breakfast for about 65 senior citizens. Lead by Rotarian and chef Jim Major, the Rotarians make scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes and strawberries while the seniors are entertained by the Irish/American musician Mossie Caughlan. Dunkin' helps to sponsor the event by providing coffee. It's always a fun time and the seniors appreciate and enjoy the morning with breakfast and sing-along favorite tunes by Mossie.
Pictured here left to right: Gardy Jean-Francois, Mina Gizzi, Amanda Harvey, Jim Major, Art Duffy, Mayor Concannon, Rob Toro, Lou DiMambro, Marie Lingblom and Harmayne Gordon. Missing from photo are Brian Ouellette, Susan Hartmere and Rotary President Bill Balboni.
Our Rotaplast Mission is still in need of financial support. The Rotaplast Mission to Cebu, which we had sponsored for many years, is scheduled for March 2024. Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of children with cleft palates/lips and other deformities.
The cost of the mission is $88,000 to be raised throughout the district. Sponsoring clubs should contribute at least one surgery ($800) or raise the equivalent. Donations from individuals will also be gratefully accepted. If you have questions, please contact Terry Curran at 617-501-3521 or TerryCurran7930@gmail.com.
Terry is available to visit your club and make a presentation, please reach out. Checks can be made payable to Rotaplast and sent to our Rotaplast Treasurer at Eagle Bank, Attention: Stephen Miliotis, 350 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149.
Social media can connect your club with current and past members, prospective members, donors, and friends. Using it is also an effective way to increase your community’s awareness of your club and its activities.
Getting started. Make social media a part of your communications toolkit, along with email, newsletters, and your website.
Create a social media plan to help you determine what you want to achieve through social media, which platforms are right for your club, and what you want to communicate to your online community.
Step 1 – Setting goals
After you decide what you want to accomplish through social media, set goals to track your progress. Keep your goals specific and measurable. When you’re writing or sharing a post, ask yourself, “Will this help us reach our goals?”
Santa Claus is coming to town at 11 am on December 14. Gather with your family at Ipswich Town Wharf on East Street to greet Santa as he arrives with a little help from his friends at the Ipswich Fire Department. Then accompany the Jolly Elf, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and the Interact elves for a joyful Jingle Bell Walk on Water Street along the scenic Ipswich River to Town Hall.
At Town Hall, Interact will host Santa’s Village, full of fun, prizes and auctions. The youngsters can visit Santa, and everyone can bring joy to other children by donating an unwrapped toy to North Shore Kids. Entertainment also will be provided by the Ipswich High School String Quartet. And for a small fee you can enjoy yummy food served by Rotarians and Interactors in the Council on Aging cafeteria.
For the 14th year, this annual community celebration of the season is produced and hosted by the Ipswich High School Interact, a community service club sponsored by Ipswich-Rowley Rotary and the Ipswich Public Schools. The event also benefits Wellspring House in Gloucester.
Amesbury Rotary’s Title Town Sports Raffle drawing is coming up on December 17th. Get a start on your holiday shopping and help support the work Rotary does in our community, awarding college scholarships to Amesbury High School students.
$20 raffle tickets (3 for $50) for the 3 Celtics Tickets, 2 Patriot tickets, and 2 Bruins tickets (plus other wine and gift card prizes) are still available - to purchase through Venmo, use the QR code in our flyer (@Amesbury-Rotary) or contact Cathy Toomey via at 978-609-3970, or by email at cathyt@stoneridgeproperties.com.
The 102nd annual pre-Thanksgiving Football Luncheon, hosted by Lynn Rotary, was held on Tuesday, November 26 at the Lynn Knights of Columbus. The luncheon is to get the Captains from the five Lynn High School football teams together for a friendly gathering before the Thanksgiving games. Also included were the Cheerleader Captains and the Band Director. The event Chairperson, State Representative-Elect Sean Reid, Classical alumnus and Rotarian, said: “It’s such a unique environment with so many teams. As a community, we want to highlight it.”
This year marks the 110th Thanksgiving game between Classical and English. 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. This year marked the 102nd gathering. Mayor Jared Nicholson spoke about how the players will look back at the game with fond memories, win or lose, he said, “These moments are so special for all of us.” He thanked the Rotary Club for hosting the event for 102 years.
This week is the last chance to sign up to go on our Rotaplast Mission to Cebu in the Philippines. We will begin assigning positions this week and we will be needing to make our flight accommodations soon. If you are thinking of joining us and need more information please contact Terry Curran immediately at 617-501-3521 or TerryCurran7930@gmail.com.
We are still in need of contributions to make this Mission a success. If you need me to visit your club and make a presentation, please reach out. Checks can be sent to our Rotaplast Treasurer at: Eagle Bank, Attn: Stephen Miliotis, 350 Broadway, Everett, MA 02151.
Last Chance to Volunteer for Cebu Rotaplast Mission
The Rotary International Convention in Calgary will be a magnificent event. Take part in this transformative, one-of-a-kind event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025.
A limited number of hotel rooms are available in the low-cost District 7930 booking. Contact DG Tom Hankard to make a reservation in our room block.
Embark on an exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, and explore enlightening breakout sessions against the backdrop of Calgary's picturesque beauty nestled amid the Canadian Rockies. Fueled by friendship and a spirit of collaboration, exchange best practices, ignite innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow changemakers the world over.
The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2025, 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 Gloucester (phone 978-281-1227), at BankGloucester, located at 160 Main Street in Gloucester (978-283-8200), and from any Gloucester Rotary member. Calendars may also be purchased online at https://gloucesterrotary.org/page/calendar.
A major initiative of Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is helping The Open Door food pantry bring joy to area families in need of assistance.
At last week's meeting, President Tom Murphy presented Executive Director (Gloucester Rotarian) Julie LaFontaine, center in photo, and Director of Operations (Ipswich-Rowley Rotarian) Jen Perry with a $2000 donation. Julie commented, "The Open Door is powered by the community to meet the needs we have." This year alone, she has seen a 30% increase in the number of people seeking assistance. Jen added that "The Open Door has been collecting food items at area markets including Shaw's in Ipswich and Market Basket in Rowley. Holiday baskets will be assembled and distributed next week."
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary recently honored long time member Nat Pulsifer for his immense contributions to our club and community. His imagination, kindness, and devotion to community made Ipswich a better place for us all. Those of us in Rotary were honored to serve with him!
Last Thursday morning, dozens of Rotarians - past and present, friends, and neighbors packed our meeting room at the Village Pancake House and donned 'bowties' to celebrate Nat and his devoted wife Holly. Many of those present participated in a fun but respectful roast of our departing hero, as can be seen in the collage.
Nat and Holly, best wishes for your new life in Maine.
Winchester Rotary Club came together for a meaningful service project: packing Thanksgiving baskets for the Council for Social Concern.
With the holiday season upon us, it was heartwarming to see the dedication and teamwork of our members as we assembled baskets filled with essential holiday items. These baskets will be distributed to local families in need, ensuring they can enjoy a festive and comforting Thanksgiving meal.
We are wishing everyone a joyful and generous holiday season!
The ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to view your member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to your website, learn more about your upcoming events and speakers, view your club meeting details and track your attendance statistics, right from your smartphone or tablet.
Member Directory: Immediately view the most up to date member directory, upon login. You can browse your member profiles which give you the necessary contact information you need to connect with just one click. Make a call to any of their phone numbers, email them directly from your device, or even add them to your contacts list.
View posts on your website: View the latest feed of home page stories that are on your website, directly on your phone, so you never miss any information, including events and speakers!
New Features: New features are being added including Message Broadcasting, ability to edit profiles on the app, updated navigation menu and member search and Foundation Recognition information.
To download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar.
For more info click here (ClubRunner login required) or contact the District Public Image Committee. Take advantage of what is available to your club through your ClubRunner subscription!
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 highlight our presence in the community and to publicize Rotary’s mission. Rotary has signage and informational literature displayed at each Snack Shack game.
This season has included six home games under the lights so far. On this night, our Global Scholar Annalena came out to join the fun and lend a hand.
Boston Rotary Club is collecting Winter Essentials to benefit Victory Programs. You can spread the warmth by buying such items as hats, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts and jackets.
Victory Programs operates various programs throughout Boston, including housing, recovery and prevention.
Please contact Kathleen at 617-347-2657 for pickup or drop off. Donations needed by December 14.
The annual joint lunch hosted by the Woburn and Winchester clubs brought the clubs together in anticipation of the 133rd Thanksgiving High School Football game. With the historic rivalry tied, excitement is at an all-time high. This cherished tradition featured captains, cheerleaders, and coaches from both schools. They joined us for a festive Thanksgiving feast to honor their teams and celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
Buy Tickets for 21st Taste of the North Shore Gala
Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 6-8 pm, Danversport Yacht Club
* Biggest annual food sampling event in North Shore. * Attracts hundreds of customers from North Shore and beyond. * Most important annual fundraiser for Peabody Rotary Club to provide scholarships for high school students, serve food-insecure families, support YMCA and help many more non-profits.
TICKET OPTIONS $50 General Admission Ticket
• Includes food and drink samples at all 25-30 tasting stations from highly rated North Shore restaurants and food vendors. • Much more than enough food for a full meal!! • Wine, Beer, and Bourbon raffles, Gift basket raffles, and Silent Auction raffle. • Buy Mystery Bag with $25 minimum value for $20.
$100 Ticket for General Admission and $10,000 Cash Prize Raffle Entry
• Includes all General Admission ticket perks, entry in $10,000 Cash Raffle, and option to buy one General Admission guest ticket for $25 instead of $50 • No more than 300 tickets will be sold
Great Winter Holiday gift for family members and friends!
This week, members of the Rotary Club of Salem volunteered to provide dinner at LifeBridge, a nonprofit organization located in downtown Salem. LifeBridge North Shore is committed to supporting homeless and vulnerable individuals in the local community by establishing access to valuable resources that promote physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing.
Believing in the fundamental worth and dignity of every person, LifeBridge aims to offer shelter, housing, meals, and drop-in services to those in need. Through these services, they strive to provide their clients with acceptance, structure, opportunity, and the tools to make healthy decisions tailored to their individual circumstances and requirements.
The Rotary Club volunteers cooked and served a hearty meal of chili and corn pudding for the LifeBridge clients. This was part of the club's ongoing partnership and commitment to support the important work of LifeBridge. The Rotarians plan to return to LifeBridge in January to prepare another delicious community meal for those accessing the organization's vital resources and programming.
Amesbury Rotary’s Title Town Sports Raffle is coming up on December 17th. Get a start on your holiday shopping, and help support the work Amesbury Rotary does in our community; awarding college scholarships to Amesbury High School students, Bike Safety Day, supporting the Council on Aging and several Amesbury community based non profit organizations, Veteran’s Day lunch, and much more.
$20 raffle tickets (3 for $50). First prize of 3 Celtics Tickets, 2 Patriot tickets, and 2 Bruins tickets second prize of $250 of wine, and third prize a $150 gift certificate to Crave in Amesbury - to purchase tickets through Venmo, using the QR code in our flyer, or by cash, check or credit card; contact Cathy Toomey at 978-609-3970 or via email at catht@stoneridgeproperties.com.
Over its 102-year history, the Wakefield Rotary Club has hosted many events and celebrations to honor veterans. In the most recent years, the club has honored its members who are veterans by posting vignettes highlighting their military photos and hosted the POW/MIA recognition table. In addition, the club befriended author Lawrence “Larry” Kirby, USMC (ret). Kirby often spoke at club meetings about his WWII memories from Iwo Jima and recounted tales from his book Stories from the Pacific: The Island War 1942-1945.
Photo left to right: Rick Hartman, TJ Tedeschi, Greg Rocco, Jay Curley, Tom Stapleton, Bill Veno, and Judy Gordon
On October 20, Burlington Breakfast Rotary participated in the Miles for Mental Health Walk at Marshall Simons Middle School track.
The 5K walk was sponsored by lululemon athletica, and Kris Fabbri of Sh;ft, a new fitness club focusing on mental health. Burlington Breakfast Rotary also sponsored the awesome t-shirts for the walk in partnership with Christine Conceision, District Director of Mental Health for Burlington Schools! Can't wait to participate again next year!
Burlington Breakfast participates in Miles for Mental Health Walk
Members of the Rotary Club of Salem recently volunteered their time at the Salem Pantry, helping out in the organization's warehouse. The Rotarians assisted with a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the Pantry's food distribution efforts.
During their time at the Salem Pantry, the Rotarians participated in several key activities. They helped prepare bags for home delivery, ensuring those in need would receive the necessary food items. The volunteers also worked on putting together pallets of food for The Market, the Pantry's on-site shopping experience for clients. In addition to the hands-on work, the Rotarians were able to take a tour of the Pantry's facilities and get their questions answered about the organization's operations and community partnerships. This provided valuable insight into how the Salem Pantry is fighting food insecurity in the local area.
This Thursday, November 14th will be our upcoming ROBERT C. WOOD MEMORIAL HEROES foundation dinner event, named in honor and memory of our friend, the late Past District Governor Bob Wood (2018-19). Tickets are still available! The evening will include a social hour, silent auction, dinner, and Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) presentations.
The Wakefield Rotary Club certainly enjoys the occasional themed party. This year at the club’s Halloween Party, co-hosts Jay Curley and Amy Luckiewicz invited members to dress up and enjoy some haunted games.
After the weekly lunch, participants and guests gathered to play Match-the-Phobia, Candy Slogans and more, all for fun Halloween-themed prizes. Club President Wendy Maguire noted, “It’s important that we’re not all business all the time.
We definitely love to plan and execute service projects, but our club loves the camaraderie and friendships we make too. These themed days really help with that.”
In the photo, Wakefield club members got into the spirit.
Winchester Rotarians, Winchester High School Interactors, Community Members, and Intactors from Woburn joined together to pack 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger. Thanks to all who participated as we do our part to fight hunger in troubled spots around the globe.
In the photo, Winchester Rotarians at the Rise packing event.
Wilmington Rotary’s Annual Live Auction and Raffle is coming up on November 15th at the Knights of Columbus in Wilmington. Preview is at 6PM and the live auction starts at 7PM. Come enjoy a fun night out, get a start on your holiday shopping, and help support the work Rotary does in our community, including awarding over $750,000 to date in college scholarships to Wilmington students.
$100 raffle tickets for the $10,000 Raffle (plus other cash prizes) are still available - to purchase, contact Hannah Roberts via email at HannahPsychNP@gmail.com.
There are two ways you can support our upcoming Rotaplast Mission to Cebu in March.
ONE: You can make a personal donation or encourage your club’s Board of Directors financially to support our Mission. Checks can be sent to our Rotaplast Treasurer payable for Rotaplast: Eagle Bank, Attn: Stephen Miliotis, 350 Broadway, Everett, MA 02151.
TWO: You can sign up to volunteer on this mission as we still have a few open positions available. The mission departs from Boston to San Francisco on March 8 and returns to San Francisco on March 23. You must travel with the group on this portion of the trip so that the equipment boxes can be counted as your second piece of luggage. This is done as a group booking through Rotaplast and will cost approximately $1,200.
For more information on the event and for ways to donate, contact Mission Chair, Terry Rezendes Curran at terrycurran7930@gmail.com.
We Urgently Need Help to Support Philippines Mission
On Monday, October 28, more than a dozen Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians turned out to serve more than 150 local residents at the weekly Ipswich Dinner Bell. Rotary provides this service four times each year and is among several community organizations who volunteer to fund, prepare, and serve free hot meals.
Our chef once again was longtime Dinner Bell volunteer Denny Drislane. Rotarians assisted him by plating and serving food and beverages, setting and decorating tables, and cleaning up. As always, a great time was had by all.
In addition to our chef, special thanks go to our Community Service Chairs Chris Davis and Diane Herth. The photos were taken by Diane.
Mark your calendars! We are excited to share RYLA 2025 will be taking place May 16th-18th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. This year’s group of students will experience a full weekend of learning, discovering, and connecting with each other. With how busy the end of year can be, make sure to save the date for RYLA 2025 before everyone's schedules fill up!
Please share the date with your Interactors and other students now as the spring can be a very busy season for them.
For more information or any questions, please reach out to RYLA Lead Christina Harris.
The Succession Planning Summit on November 2 will be rescheduled in 2025. Information on a new date will be coming out later.
This is an important topic vital to the health and vitality of your club. We hope that all clubs will participate when we are able to schedule a new date and time.
Rotary International will soon change the member lead procedure that when someone indicates their interest at rotary.org/join, their information becomes a membership lead. The current system assigns leads to the District where the person submitted their interest. The District Governor and District Membership Chair are asked via email to assign the lead to a Club that fits the membership leads needs and interests, and it’s then the Club’s role to contact the lead.
A new lead process will soon be implemented whereby all prospective members will be able to select the Club they find most interesting and suitable based on the information presented about it, such as location and meeting time. Rotary International will notify a Club’s President, Membership Chair, Secretary, and Executive Secretary will then be asked to connect with the prospective member and report on their progress.
Lexington Rotary announces its Annual Cash Raffle 2024. Drawing will take place on November 15, 2024, 6:30 PM. To benefit Rotary scholarships and community projects fund. Help Lexington Rotary fulfill its ongoing commitment to our community and buy a raffle ticket!
$100.00 per ticket- ONLY 300 SOLD - 1 in 30 chance to win!
Join us in person and enjoy complimentary hot appetizers during the drawing. Additional bucket raffle items will be available the night of the drawing. You do not need to be present to win!
In conjunction with the Cash Raffle Drawing, the Rotary Club of Lexington together with the Rotary Club of Concord is sponsoring a Holiday Care Packaging Event for Troops deployed overseas from Hanscom Air Force Base. We will be filling 30 Care Packages on November 15. Please sign up here on Signup Genius to attend and indicate what items you will be bringing.
For questions, please email Spencer Betts at Spencer.Betts@Bickling.com. Let Spencer know if you would like to participate in the cash raffle.
The Marblehead High School Interact Club started the year strong with 100 members and counting. The dynamic leadership is planning a full year of service and fundraising projects both locally and internationally.
Advisors Jim Nye and Jack Attridge are excited to work with the very motivated class of 2025 during this school year.
Recently at a Lynn Rotary dinner meeting Julie Gerraughty the Director of Development for the North Shore chapter of HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) spoke about its mission. For almost 40 years HAWC has been helping the abused in the North Shore area of Massachusetts. Whether we know it or not, we all know someone who is or has been abused. Prior to the meeting she asked members if we could donate items frequently needed by abused who make use of a safe house. Items such as: sheets, pillowcases; towels; and fleece throws. All items their clients can use when they no longer need the services of HAWC. Rotary members were quite generous.
She shared the following with the members:
Their Mission is to create social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression.
HAWC provides services to survivors of domestic abuse residing in 23 cities and towns on Massachusetts’ North Shore in order that they may make informed, independent decisions about their futures.
Everyone is invited to join us on Tuesday, November 12th at 12:30 pm for lunch or 5:30 pm for dinner at the Chateau on River Road in Andover. 20% of the total sales (before tax) will benefit the Andover Rotary Charitable Trust.
If you are unable to join us for lunch or dinner, any purchase on this day from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm (dine-in on your own time, take-out or online orders) will qualify. Mention "FLAG YOUR CHECK" to the server or phone rep or if placing an online order, add the item "Fundraiser" to your cart and "Rotary" under special instructions.
For the past two years, Andover Rotarians have been volunteering to help at The Andover Farmers Market (Market) which is held mid-June to mid-October at South Church in Andover. The Market is more than just fresh food, it’s a vibrant hub connecting local farmers who practice sustainable farming, artisans and the community through the joy of local food.
In addition to the weekly vendors, they also host rotating vendors and community partners who showcase their specialties, feature entertainment and support local food pantries by displaying a donation bin. In addition to food donated by market patrons, vendors often donate the leftover produce at the end of the market day.
Andover Rotarians help with set up, greeting patrons at the welcome booth, answering questions at the information booth, distributing SNAP benefits and assisting with the breakdown. The Andover Rotary Charitable Trust also assists the Market through a grant to the SNAP Market Match program which provides SNAP customers with a match of up to $25 per week.
In commemoration of World Polio Day, October 24th, Marblehead Rotarians organized fun and exciting activities for the whole month of October, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and global efforts to eradicate Polio. An essential part is to raise funds to continue the work that Rotarians have been dedicated to since 1985.
For the "Purple Pinky" campaign, we had Millie, our favorite middle schooler, doing the manicure! Themed purple accessories, be it purple wigs, boas, turtlenecks, shades, or tattoos, are our fashion statement. And our pièce de résistance, Purple Polio Pig Pie. Yes, it is a chance to pitch a cream pie to your favorite Rotarian's face. A pie fight for a cause. Every Marblehead Rotarian can petition to pitch a pie to anyone they fancy. Every pitch costs $20 and will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Lastly, to bring this event to a full circle of why we are doing this in the first place, we had a Polio survivor, Philip Wilson, of the Danvers Rotary Club, speak of the devastating impact of Polio and why ending it is a service to humanity.
After over a five-year absence, our Membership-Foundation-Public Image Forum successfully returned to District 7930!
We were extremely fortunate to be joined by Tom Gump. Tom is a Past District Governor from District 5950 and a member of the Rotary Club of Edina Morningside, Minnesota. Tom is known the world over as an expert in Rotary membership recruitment, club formation, and membership retention.
PDG Tom was also a part of the group who is bringing the RI Convention to Minneapolis in 2028 (moved up from 2029)! See YouTube link here.
Rotarian participants engaged in an open dialogue, shared ideas, and learned new ways to grow and strengthen our clubs.
Attendees of the Forum will receive Tom's PowerPoint presentation and District Rotary Foundation Chair Alexander Falk's Foundation slides. A special thank you to District Membership Chair Peter Majane for presenting on Membership and securing our keynote speaker and Public Image Chair David Deutsch for his PI talk.
October 24 is World Polio Day. It is a great time to join the PolioPLUS Society (PPS).
Originally started in our district by PDG Alexander Falk, PDG Joan Arsenault and PDG Ingrid Brown, the PPS now enters its fourth year in our district under the leadership of DG Pooja Singla and DRFC Anne Lewis, and we invite you all to join this year to help in our new PolioPlus Society Challenge that we have begun together with a dozen other districts in the Northeast.
What is the PolioPlus Society?
In an effort to increase sustainable giving, the PolioPlus Society was formed to encourage Rotarians to commit to a minimum of $100 per year to the PolioPlus Fund until polio is eradicated from the face of the earth. Society members receive a special PolioPlus Society pin and a certificate.
Joining the PolioPlus Society is just one way Rotarians can show their support for Rotary’s largest initiative.
Currently our District 7930 weekly newsletter is called the eBulletin. DG Tom would like to re-name it to something more memorable. Here are some suggestions we have had so far:
Rotary 7930 Connect; The Rotary 7930 Pulse; Service Spotlight; the Compass; District Dispatch; Rotary 7930 Roundup; the 7930 Voice; The Beacon; Rotary 7930 Horizons; the Chronicle; the Chowda; Wicked Good News; Service with a Side of Lobstah; Round the Hub; Pahk the News Heah; Rotary 7930 Review; and Rotary 7930 Family Diary.
Trademark consideration. An important consideration is that our newsletter name must comply with Rotary trademark and branding requirements. If using “Rotary” in the title, we must also include our district number. When used by itself, the word "Rotary" normally refers to the entire organization, Rotary International. Using "Rotary" without identifying our district implies that Rotary International is producing the newsletter. All submissions considered will have to be in line with Rotary International trademark standards.
Join Woburn Rotary for a fun night of comedy starring Woburn's native sons Dave "Andrews" Ottariano and Teddie Barrett. The night will feature three great comedians, raffle prizes and fun games.
Saturday, November 9, doors open at 7 pm at the American Legion Hall, Woburn.
For tickets contact Susan Hartmere at 781-568-9688 or Bill Sullivan 781-686-0317 or register here.
Newburyport Rotary Trivia Night is fast approaching! Grab your brainiac friends (or just friends who like to eat pizza) make a team and sign up today! Join us Thursday, October 24 at the Elks Club for a night of trivia hosted by Jeopardy! Champion Jill Santopietro-Panall! Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase. The laughs are on the house!
Proceeds will support three Newburyport Rotary Club college scholarships for local students and every 3rd grader in Newburyport and Salisbury schools receives the gift of a dictionary/atlas.
Be crowned the Smartest Team on the Seacoast! The game will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Elks Club on Low Street in Newburyport. Doors open at 6:30 and at 7:00 let the games begin! Jill and her team have prepared questions that will span many categories, so everyone has an opportunity to showcase his or her unique knowledge
Marblehead Rotary's annual 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, November 3 at 11 am. Please bear in mind, daylight savings time ends, don't forget to change your clocks!
The run begins at the Boston Yacht Club parking lot at One Front St., Marblehead. The race will end at Crocker Park and then everyone is invited to walk down the hill to the Boston Yacht Club clubhouse for hotdogs, chowder and cookies and the award ceremony.
The proceeds from this event allows our Rotary club to support some wonderful projects. One of these projects is we provide a mindfulness program called "Inner Explorer" to all the schools in Marblehead. This program teaches the kids a set of life skills to deal with anxiety, stress, and depression. This program is used in over 5000 school districts in the country.
If this program is used regularly, it has proven measurable results in better attendance, better test scores and
Rotary is hosting a 60-minute webinar called Ethical Storytelling on Wednesday, 9 October.
Stories are one of the most powerful tools we possess to talk about the work we do in Rotary. They can be used to raise money for a project, celebrate member achievements, and demonstrate the way we are making a difference around the world. But how do we make sure the stories we tell show the whole picture, and don’t inadvertently cause harm by reinforcing bias, stereotypes, or leaving out details that are important to the subject of our story? Using the principles of ethical storytelling, we can begin to understand how to make sure our stories are told with empathy and respect.
This webinar will feature experts from around the world who will help us identify the characteristics of ethical storytelling, consider the importance of ethical storytelling for Rotary, and brainstorm ideas for incorporating these principles into our communications. Register here.
Register now for the 43rd Annual Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton Fall Foliage Classic, Sunday October 20th, 11:00 am at the Proctor Schooo, 60 Main Street in Topsfield.
Professionally timed 5 mile and 5K Run-Walk. Day of race registration opens at 9:30 am.
Prizes, Food & Raffles. Supporting local food pantries, the Community Giving Tree as well as local and international community service programs.
Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, leaving countless families in need of urgent assistance. Rotary Zones 33 and 34 are responding swiftly, and your support is crucial in helping the hardest-hit areas. Please use the donation link below to contribute to recovery efforts.
Your involvement is vital in bringing relief and hope to those affected by this disaster. Together, we can make a real difference!
Rotary Zones 33-34 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Donations may be tax deductible for U.S. residents, in accordance with IRS regulations.
Come party & dance with us on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Live music featuring the The GemsTones!! The GemsTones are a youthful 5-piece retro-rock band of brothers specializing in a mix of nostalgic originals and hits from America’s decade; rockabilly, blues, country & rock‘n’roll of the 1950s! They bring new energy to unforgettable songs by legendary artists like Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly & Johnny Cash.
Light refreshments, Silent Auction, Cash Bar; $40 per person. Byfield Community Arts Center; 7 Central Street; Byfield , MA. And bring new socks which will be donated to a local shelter!!!! Hope to see you there!!! 50's attire optional!
Posted by Eric Denu, End Polio Now Coordinator on Sep 29, 2024
On Wednesday, October 2, join World Polio Day experts to learn more about Rotary’s fight against Polio and get ready to share with anyone who will listen on October 24, 2024. Register here.
Your experts include:
Clare Monroe, Rotary International PolioPlus Fundraising Specialist
Duncan Conrad, End Polio Now Co-ordinator, Zone 28 Eric Denu, End Polio Now Co-ordinator, Zone 32
Mary Lou Harrison, Rotary Public Image Co-ordinator, Zone 28
This event is for:
People/clubs with existing World Polio Day (WPD) events who are interested in learning about the 2024 toolkit/resources available at EndPolioNow.org;
People/clubs who say - Yikes! It's October 2. What can I do for WPD 2024?;
Anyone would like an update about the state of Rotary’s fight against Polio and how they can help!
Sign up here today and please share the news of this essential pre–World Polio Day event. World Polio Day is coming! We’ll help you be ready!
Are you passionate about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging?
Do you like to organize programs bringing people together to learn about diversity equity and inclusion to better support one another and the communities we serve?
If you answered YES then please reach out to PDG, Lori at lori.karas@outlook.com by October 18th.
As a Rotary leader, you understand how important it is to help others understand who we are and how we make a difference as people of action. In the improved Brand Center, you’ll find the tools and resources to help you publicize the work of your club or district and share the impact you make. These efforts help attract members, volunteers, and donors and strengthen Rotary’s brand. Thank you for making public image a priority! Don't reinvent the wheel. Use the available, easy-to-use resources in the Brand Center.
New event templates: It’s never been easier to create a flyer or social media graphic to help promote your events! Six new customizable templates for Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact events have been added to the Brand Center. These templates can be formatted with your club or district’s text, photos, logo, as well as sponsor or partner logos. Find them on the Brand Center and use them to promote service projects, guest speakers, meetings, and more.
Burlington Breakfast Rotary in partnership with Northeast Financial Center presents a Financial Literacy Program. You can join in person or on zoom. Download flyer here.
Each Monday (excluding Oct. 14)
Sept. 23 - November 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Rotary Club of Burlington is hosting "Build a Bed" with the non-profit, A Bed For Every Child non-profit.
We are going to be building 10 beds for kids that do not have a bed. All materials and tools are provided by Build A Bed. We will be guided by the Build A Bed team to put the beds together.
The Melrose Rotary Club is hosting another of its popular "Left-Right-Center" tournament fundraisers on Friday October 18th! This is the most fun you will have playing a game that takes less than 3 minutes to learn!
Tables of 10 are available, but singles and small groups can certainly join in the fun, and you'll make new friends in this fun and only very slightly competitive game. This fall event will be held at the Melrose Knights of Columbus Hall (23 W Foster St Melrose). There is a cash bar, and popcorn, snacks, and other food for sale, and multiple raffles to win. The tournament offers three cash prizes, too!
Doors open at 7pm, and games start at 7:30pm. Tickets are only $25 per person, or a table of 10 for $250. Get tickets online at this link: www.melroserotary/org/lrc. We hope to see you there!
The three bedrocks of Rotary are our members, our Foundation that benefits the World, and spreading the word of all the good things we do to positively impact our communities.
Join us October 8, 2024, at the Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield, for an interactive session focused on these three important Rotary topics with information you can take back to your Club and use immediately, dinner with fellowship, and a keynote speech from PDG Tom Gump from Rotary District 5950 in Minnesota.
Tom has founded multiple innovative Rotary Clubs, is a member of RI's Membership Growth Committee, has spearheaded local and large international grants, and is currently Aide to our Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick.
All clubs are strongly encouraged to have Officers, Directors and committee chairs or representatives from Membership, Foundation and Public Image participate. This will be a fun, informative and interactive learning forum. We hope to have all clubs in attendance.
Calling all Heroes! Save the date of Thursday, November 14, 2024, for the return of our Heroes Celebration.
As in past years, Clubs will nominate a person in their community who isn't always recognized for their extraordinary service to others.
Our event will be held at Danversport Yacht Club. Watch for more info to follow -- but be on the lookout for a deserving nominee. I encourage each Club to honor a Hero in your community.
Let's celebrate some great people, be astonished by their contributions, and celebrate the Magic of our Rotary Foundation.
Burlington Rotary's See’s Candies Fundraiser has officially begun! Indulge your sweet tooth while supporting a great cause. From chocolates to holiday treats, there's something for everyone!
5th Annual Belle Isle Rotary's Fall Fair put on for the children and families of East Boston, Revere & Winthrop. There will be lots of food, prizes & fun for all ages, face painting, pumpkin decorating, games/prizes and yummy fall foods all for free.
A lot of the families in the Belle Isle Rotary area cannot afford or get to the Topsfield Fair- we are so proud to be able to bring the flavors and fun of a Fall Fair to them! The event includes Goat Pebble Bingo, winner will win $1000!
Saturday, Oct., 5, 2024. 10 am to 12 pm (rain or shine)
Salesian Boys and Girls Club, 150 Byron St., East Boston
Contact Vera Carducci with questions. There will be lots of free food, prizes, and fun for all ages. Small animal petting zoo, face painting, pumpkin decorating all free of charge.
I joined the Rotary Club of Peabody in September 2023 and it has been a wonderful uplifting experience. I think of myself as a ”Rotarian for Rotarians,” providing life-saving health education virtual presentations to Rotarians in all Eastern and Atlantic time zones in the U.S. and Canada.
I’m also founder and president of the nonprofit Melanoma Education Foundation that was created in 1999 to educate high school wellness teachers and their students about early self-detection and prevention of melanoma skin cancer.
Prior to the Covid pandemic over 1700 schools in all 50 U.S. states and Canada were using our free online lessons, resulting in saved lives of students, teachers and their loved ones.
Let's 'Raise For Rotary' and help our District 7930 to be represented at the Rotary International's Zone 28 & 32 event.
A minimum of $1000 raised will enter one person in the Zorb competition. IPDG Lori Karas gracefully volunteered to represent our District 7930 at this event. Therefore, it's time for us to help raise $1000 for our District's representative at the Zone. Please donate before September 17 to get Lori into the Zorb competition.
The competition is on the 18th of September at the Zone Leadership Conference in Toronto.
Put your giving to the Rotary Foundation on autopilot: Enroll in Rotary’s recurring giving program, Rotary Direct, which makes giving easy, fast, and secure. You can schedule a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation from your credit card that empowers Rotarians to change lives in communities around the world.
You can sign up online, using this link, or by scanning the QR code in the image. Or, if you prefer a more traditional paper-based route, you can print and fill out this form, and then mail it to Rotary International in Evanston.
Either way, you'll be doing good in the world and will support the many wonderful projects that the Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to do.
For the past several years Lynn Rotary and the Salvation Army (SA) joined forces to assist with the annual backpack distribution to Lynn School children. Prior to the actual distribution, Lynn Rotarians were on duty at the local Walmart, donating and collecting school supplies from entering customers. Walmart and Fox 25 TV in Boston made significant donations of the supplies.
The Lynn Rotarians spent two days at the Lynn SA in late August 2024. The first day they “Stuffed the Packs” with the donated supplies, several Rotarians donated their time to sort and fill the backpacks. The enclosed picture shows from back to front: Steve Upton, Pat Gill, John McCarthy, Ray and Mackie Bastarache, Eileen McCarthy, and Cindy McCarthy. All Rotarians.
The second day, August 29th, about a dozen Lynn Rotarians, were on duty at the SA helping to distribute the backpacks to about 700 well deserving students. The students receiving the backpacks generally had to be prequalified, based on income.
Public Image is important to get Rotary's message out. Here are some resources to enhance your PI and expand your club's reach.
Brand Center: New resources are always being added to the Brand Center. You can now find an event template for promoting your fundraisers, service projects, or social gatherings. No need to create something from scratch, and your flyers will automatically be brand compliant.
Tell your People of Action stories to your local community and to us! We're always looking for good stories to share across Zones 28 and 32. Contact us with your stories and learn more on Brand Center.
The Boston Rotaract Club had its installation on the 25th of August 2024. The District Governor graced the event with his presence. The event started with light starters and welcome of the DG Tom Hankard, Rotarians Pooja, Keith and Christina, Rotaractors, Interactors, and their friends and family. Vice president Sam welcomed everyone with a quick speech followed up with icebreakers. Sofie and Yuvraj hosted the event where the Immediate past president Rishabh and past secretary Shagun reflected on the events and achievements of the previous Rotary year. The DG shared his words of encouragement and helped with the oath-taking of the new board members for the year 2024-25. Followed up by a short speech from the new president Arunima and the secretary Usha. After some light dinner, a potluck party, we ended the night with fun games, bonding and many memorable pictures.
The Rotary Club of Peabody has continued its work in partnership with the city to refurbish the Independence Greenway Bike Path, Club Co-President Cindy Moore said.
The Rotary Club’s motto is “Service Above Self,” and Moore said the goal of members is to help the city’s community.
The club has helped install water fountains, new signage, and “beautify” the path over the past three years, she said.
“It’s just one of the ways that we work to help make our community a better community,” Moore said.
The final project related to the path is installing informational signage at the trailhead near the Lahey Medical Center and Northshore Mall, which will happen in September, she said. Afterward, the club will help with upkeep on an as-needed basis.
Club member and Peabody Community Development Director Curt Bellavance and Club Treasurer Dan Vassallo have had a “crucial” role in this project, she said.
“If there are any other things in the city that we can help look nicer or beautify, we are here to help the City of Peabody and to do things to help our community,” Moore said.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently completed its multi-year project to collect and donate school supplies to benefit a Caribbean school. This year, the club selected the Sandy Point Primary School on St. Kitts.
In just three weeks, Wakefield and Lynnfield Rotarians, friends and family collected school supply items to be hand-delivered to the school. Wakefield Rotary Club Secretary Suzanne Bowering reported that over 700 pencils, 400 pens, 60 notebooks, and hundreds of other supplies were collected totaling approximately 140 pounds of school supplies. Last year, the club collected 230 pounds of supplies for the Dominican Republic with a match going to the Boys and Girls Club.
School supplies were packed into three suitcases and delivered to the island by hand in late August by Bowering, Wakefield Rotary Past President Lisa Roderick and Lynnfield Rotarian Janice Casoli. Bowering commented, “One of the joys of being part of Rotary International is participating in international service projects. It’s also great that we could collaborate on the project with our neighbors at Lynnfield Rotary.”
The three bedrocks of Rotary are our members, our Foundation that benefits the World, and spreading the word of all the good things we do to positively impact our communities.
Join us October 8, 2024, at the Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield, for an interactive session focused on these three important Rotary topics with information you can take back to your Club and use immediately, dinner with fellowship, and a keynote speech from PDG Tom Gump from Rotary District 5950 in Minnesota.
Tom has founded multiple innovative Rotary Clubs, is a member of RI's Membership Growth Committee, has spearheaded local and large international grants, and is currently Aide to our Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick.
It is with great sadness to announce the untimely passing of Rotarian Andrew P. Maddox.
A dedicated member and past president of the Rockport Rotary Club, Andy lost a short battle with cancer last week. He was a friend to many of us and served his club with distinction. For District 7930, Andy served as chair of our District Public Image Committee and held a passion for youth services; serving on our Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Committee and volunteered with our comprehensive Youth Exchange Program.
Personally, I will remember Andy as a man of great chracter and dedication to his wonderful wife Lisa and family, his career, his community, and the organization that unites us all, Rotary.
Andy's death notice is below, a Celebration of Life for him will be held in the future. Donations in Andy's memory are to be directed to the Rotary Foundation; a fitting tribute to a devoted Rotarian so that Rotary programs can live on into perpetuity in Andy's memory.
In Rotary year 2013-2014 then District Governor John Hall brought Visioning to District 7930. For the next several years over half the clubs in the District went through the Visioning Process. You may ask, “What’s the Visioning Process?” Clubs that want to redefine their goals and vision for the future can, with the Districts’ help, have an evening where they explore where they want to see their club in the future. Interest has again risen within the District to do Club Visioning.
We are looking for Rotarians to join a newly formed Visioning Committee. There will be a training on-line, but the actual sessions are done in person, so a commitment is needed to go to another club and facilitate the process. The sessions are designed to take place within a 3 hour period and the hosting club provides dinner for all. If you are interested in joining in, please contact PDG Terry Curran at 617-501-3521 or email to, TerryCurran7930@gmail.com.
Introducing the Service Project Center, our new project management platform! Enhancing Engagement – a part of Rotary’s Action Plan - IREA!
The Service Project Center, Rotary’s new hub for everything related to service, is now live. It gives you a better way to manage and share information about your service projects.
With service networking moving to this new platform, Rotary Showcase has been retired. All Rotary and Rotaract projects that were posted on Rotary Showcase have been migrated to the Service Project Center, which is being released in phases.
The initial features include:
Improved speed and performance
A more consistent user experience across different devices and screen sizes
The ability to collect more accurate project location data
The Rotary Club of Salem, MA partnered again this year with the Salem Council on Aging to host a fabulous Hawaiian Luau this year. Filled with music and dancing, good food and laughter, there were more than 125 people in attendance. It was a huge success!
Special thanks to the Council on Aging for their partnership each year. Together, we create "magic!"
On Saturday, August 24, outside the Swampscott Senior Center, the Swampscott Rotary Club held our 42nd annual cookout for people with limited abilities from the North Shore.
We coordinate with NE-ARC and Bridgewell and we served 100 guests as they also enjoyed games and music, provided by our 42-year DJ, Rotarian David Legere.
Besides Rotarians, friends and their family members we were greatly assisted by members of the Swampscott/ Marblehead Elderact Club.
Reading Rotary is proud to present the 16th Annual Reading Fall Street Faire on Sunday, September 8. Drawing thousands every year to downtown Reading, it’s one of the most beloved and largest events in the area.
Many volunteers are needed to pull off this event. Any neighboring Rotarians and friends who can lend a hand will be greatly appreciated. If you can, please sign up to help. We will have well over 100 booths, entertainment on 3 stages, lots of amusements, food, beer garden, children's activities, and lots of fun.
Nishant Patel, a dedicated Rotaractor from the Rotaract Club of Boston, recently attended the Ascension Conference (AscenCon 2024) in Chicago, held during the second weekend of August 2024. This gathering, known as Ascension, is a Multi-District Information Organization (MDIO) where Rotaract Clubs from the mid-northeast of America, alongside several South American countries and the Caribbean Islands, come together to exchange insights on Rotaract operations, changes, and goals. The MDIO directly reports to Rotary International, making it a significant platform for fostering collaboration and innovation among Rotaractors. Rotaract is Rotary for members aged 18 to 35. D7930 has two Rotaract clubs: Boston Rotatact and Endicott Rotract.
Rotaract District 7930, represented by Nishant, proudly announced its successful application to join the Ascension MDIO Rotaract Network. With this approval, Nishant will soon coordinate an onboarding call with the Ascension team to formalize their participation.
AscenCon 2024 was a vibrant and inspiring event filled with opportunities for learning, networking, and cultural immersion. Nishant had the privilege of connecting with passionate Rotaractors and Rotarians, learning from distinguished speakers, and engaging in interactive discussions that enriched the collective experience of all attendees.
The Belle Isle Club, home of DG Tom Hankard, was so impressed with the vision and details of the upcoming Rotaplast Mission presented by DG Tom and Past DG Terry Rezendes Curran that they easily proposed and passed a motion to donate $2000 towards this most noble endeavor.
The Belle Isle Club considers itself the "Little Engine That Could", we are not the biggest Club in District 7930, but we are ALL HEART and if WE can do it the rest of the Clubs in District 7930 can do it too! Let's get it done!
Burlington Breakfast Rotary proudly reports that Past President and current Co-President Rita Shah has been recognized by President Biden with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service.
Anshu Bakshi, former Director of Friends of Indian Senior Citizens (FISCO), recently informed the members of BBR:
We are writing this message to inform our Indian community and to express my heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed founder, Ms. Rita Shah, for being awarded the President Volunteer Service Award. This prestigious recognition is a testament to her hard work, dedication and passion in the field of social work.
Ms. Shah's contributions have made a significant impact on society, and her tireless efforts have been felt by many. She has worked diligently at Saheli, Burlington Rotary, and founded the Friends of Indian Senior Citizen organization, which aims to bring together the Asian senior community with compassion. Her selfless service, vision, and leadership have inspired countless individuals and advanced the field of social work in many ways.
Things you should know. The mission departs from San Francisco on March 8 and returns to San Francisco on March 23. You must travel with the group on this portion of the trip so that the equipment boxes can be counted as your second piece of luggage. This is done as a group booking through Rotaplast and will cost you approximately $1,200. You are responsible for your flights to and from San Francisco, you can use airline or credit card points if you have them, the cost is anywhere from $400 to $900 depending on when you book. You are welcome to add time before or after the trip. The hotel is included for double occupancy. Single rooms run about $850 for the 10 days. A breakfast buffet is included at the hotel daily, and lunch and snacks are provided at the hospital daily. There is a hospitality room at the hotel, a contribution of approximately $50 is suggested to provide evening snacks.
For over a quarter of a century, Brian Magrane served as President of Youth Services Managers Inc., the operating arm of Camp Rotary in Boxford, Massachusetts. Among his many accomplishments, he guided the camp through the building of its new state of the art dining hall and modern kitchen. On Monday, July 22, 2024, Board members, campers, family, and friends, joined together for the dedication of “Magrane Overlook” to honor his unwavering passion and commitment to Camp Rotary.
Overlooking the beautiful Stiles Pond, “Magrane Overlook” provides a beautiful space for campers to reflect on the beauty of the waterfront while learning about nature. As Brian Magrane steps down from his role of President, his legacy and contributions will be remembered for years to come. The Camp Rotary Board extends its deepest gratitude for 25 years of exemplary service and leadership.
Danvers Rotary is stepping forward again for the greater good as they have spent weeks with much-needed trimming and cleanup of the traffic island at the corner of Poplar and Maple in Danvers.
This landscaping task is headed by Danvers Rotarians, Jim Jezowski, President of AcuLab Measurement Standards, Inc, Beverly and Rob Della Croce, AVP at Metro Credit Union, Chelsea. Together, they have a combined rotary membership in Danvers for almost 2 decades.
“We both passed by this island every day and decided to take on the cleanup project to improve the appearance of the intersection”, says Jezowski.
Parkway Rotary is looking for players to join us in our battle with Kiwanis in support of the Jason Roberts Challenger League next month. Please contact Ray Fitzgerald, Club Secretary and Team Manager if you can join us.
The softball game is Wed., Sept., 11th, 6 pm at Ohrenberger School Field, 175 West Boundary Rd., West Roxbury. Rain date is Sept. 12.
Tickets $25.00 can be purchased by Venmo @RosWestRoxKiwanis (phone confirmation number 4124) or by check or cast at Hennigan Insurance Agency, 1766 Centre, St., West Roxbury.
Tickets include T Shirt and Chef's Cookout Dinner: sirloin cheeseburgers, gourmet hot dogs, potato chips, sodas, cookies and brownies.
The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club held their annual Red White & Blue Breakfast on June 29th 2024, at Tucks Point stating at 7:30 am to 11:30 am. In addition to the pancakes there were, pony rides and face painting for the kids, musical entertainment by the Old Salts Jazz Band, and the very popular water taxi to shuttle guests from the Manchester town center to Tucks Point.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this yet another great Red White & Blue Breakfast! This year's club co-president Ken Riehl says it here; "As our first new presidents' message to the Club, we begin by thanking you sincerely for your terrific support of our marquee community event - the Red, White & Blue Breakfast this past Saturday. Albeit a bit chilly, it was a fantastic morning with 1,100 in attendance including many families and kids who loved the delicious food, the fun music, facepainting and pony rides. We also did well in both our $5,000 drawing and 50/50 raffle."
Nominations for District Governor for 2027-2028 are being accepted starting August 12, 2024. Deadline to submit nominations: Monday, October 14, 2024.
This important individual leads and supports the clubs in the district 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, 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.
The nomination form can be downloaded here. In addition to the nomination form, please include a Rotary-focused resume of the candidate, as well as the candidate's vision statement of what they would like to accomplish for our district in their year as district governor. Completed nomination forms and the additional documents should be sent to DG Tom Hankard at tomhankard@yahoo.com.
The Zone Membership Webinar Series continues August 12. It's the second Monday of August (because the first Monday was a holiday in many places). "Open Mikes" - Mike Gibson and Mike Huie will share some of the magic that allows them to attract ~20 members in a year! You will learn about a 5 step plan to grow your club and about how follow-up tools in ClubRunner have been used effectively. Share, share, share!
As ShelterBox approaches our 25th year in global disaster relief, we would like to invite you and all club members and associates in District 7930 to our “ShelterBox All-Hands Rotary Roundup,” on Wednesday, August 28th at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET via Zoom.
This 30-minute session will focus on the power of our partnership with Rotary and will feature ShelterBox USA President, Kerri Murray, a member of the Rotary Club of Montecito, Ca. and ShelterBox Response Team member, Brian Glenn, from the Rotary Club of Denton-Lake Cities, Texas.
Sangkoo Yun, from the Rotary Club of Sae Hanyang, Seoul, Korea, has been selected as the Rotary International President for 2026-27. His nomination will be confirmed on September 15, if unchallenged.
Yun holds degrees from Syracuse University and an honorary doctorate from The University of Edinburgh.
He is the founder and CEO of Dongsuh Corp. and President of Youngan Corp., with significant involvement in civic organizations and cultural heritage preservation.
A Rotary member since 1987, Yun has held numerous roles including director, trustee, and RI learning facilitator. He co-chaired the Keep Mongolia Green Project for eight years and served on several RI committees.
Yun received The Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award and honors from Queen Elizabeth II and the presidents of Mongolia and Korea.
He is a Republic of Korea Army veteran and an elder at Andong Presbyterian Church. Yun and his wife, Eunsun, are major Rotary donors and have two children.
RAGBRAI, Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is more than just a bike ride, it is an epic eight-day rolling festival of bicycles, music, food, camaraderie, and community. It is the oldest, largest, and longest multi-day bicycle touring event in the world. On May 21st of this year, a large and destructive tornado struck cities and communities in Iowa reaching its peak intensity in Greenfield, Iowa leaving four residents dead and over 200 homes, the hospital and the fire department destroyed. The community is raising funds to help rebuild Greenfield, Iowa.
On Tuesday, July 23rd, Greenfield welcomed RAGBRAI riders to their town. The RAGBRAI route took riders through areas that were affected by the storm. It was hoped to have been under better condition, but the bicycle riders were welcomed, nonetheless.
The PolioPLUS Society provides consistent funding for polio vaccination programs and improvements in health practices, sanitation, nutrition and the prevention and treatment of other diseases such as yellow fever, malaria, Ebola, etc. whose unchecked presence cultivates opportunity for the spread of highly contagious polio virus mutations. As a Rotarian, your participation in PolioPLUS is critical fuel for the engine of Rotary's decades-long polio eradication effort.
Join Up Now!
In 2022, D7930 launched the District's PolioPLUS Society. If you are a Charter Member, please remember to make your annual $100 donation to PolioPLUS now: https://my.rotary.org/donate
And if you haven’t done so before, you can join the PolioPLUS Society now by pledging to donate a minimum of US$100 each year until the world is certified polio free. Enrolling is easy: https://fa.lk/PolioPlusSociety
This first-hand account of the wildfires in Jasper, Alberta, Canada comes from District 5370 Governor Brian Edwards.
Hello Rotary family,
We are devastated that large sections of the town and park of Jasper, our jewel in the mountains, have suffered such fire damage. The town has lost about 1/3rd of the structures, mainly residences. It is currently shut down, without water or power.
Approximately 10,000 town residents and 15,000 park visitors were successfully evacuated, with no known injuries. We thank the firefighters who put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, the police, first responders, town and park officials and no doubt many others who calmly look after us. And the members of the Rotary Club of Jasper, who provided traffic control support in this time of crisis. All are safe and accounted for, although dispersed across Alberta and British Columbia.
The Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award honors one Rotary member each year, regardless of gender or length of Rotary membership, for actively working to advance women in Rotary.
The award was established by a group of Rotarians in 2017 and is named for the first female Rotary club president, who went on to lead change for women and girls around the world through Rotary.
Any member can nominate another member in good standing for this award during August. Write to riawards@rotary.org with questions.
Posted by Peter Majane, District Membership Chair on Aug 02, 2024
With the month of August upon us, we recognize Membership and New Club Development Month. In order to grow Rotary and increase our impact, we need “all hands on deck” to share the gift of Rotary with new acquaintances, old friends, co-workers and neighbors, and all who are interested in service and want to be a part of an organization that is doing good in the world.
The second strategic priority of our Rotary Action Plan is Expand our Reach. If more people affiliate with Rotary as members, participants and partners, we’ll grow our capacity to make a greater impact. This priority focuses on how we can share our values with new audiences, create new ways to bring people together to experience the power of Rotary, and prove we are an organization that’s inclusive, engaging, compassionate, and ambitious on behalf of the world. Please take a couple of minutes to view this video with Director Chris Etienne and Bina Ahmad sharing the success of growing Rotary in District 7230 (NY city area).
August is Membership and New Club Development Month
The Wilmington Rotary Club is pleased to announce that the next Community Ice Bucket Challenge will be held at Rotary Park on Saturday, August 24. Starting at 10:00 AM, everyone is invited to enjoy the pleasure of dumping ice water over their head!
As in years past, all donations in any amount will be forwarded to the Angel Fund of Wakefield. The Angel Fund is an organization committed to finding a cure for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Through the work of Dr. Robert Brown at the UMass Medical Center, progress has been made but the cure hasn’t yet been achieved and additional funds are still needed. As in past years, ALL monies donated are fully donated to further this important research.
World Polio Day is just twelve weeks from now - 24 October 2024 ...what is your club doing to END POLIO NOW? Whether you're planning a plunge, pizza for polio or another fun activity to raise awareness of eradicating polio, let's get the word out! Perhaps you might want to share your creative ideas with our District Newsletter so that others may benefit and help make this the year that we eradicate Polio.
And if you are looking for ideas, the Marblehead Rotary Club has had great success with a rather simple idea: Purple Pigs for Polio! Each week Purple Piggy Banks adorn our luncheon tables, and Rotarians and guests are invited to feed them with spare pocket change and/or green, leafy bills. You would be surprised how much these pigs can consume! Last year alone, their bellies were filled with almost $4,000 from weekly feedings and Happy Dollars during the month of October. With the Gates Foundation, 2:1 match, that's almost $12,000 raised to continue our global polio eradication effort. If you're interested in Purple Piggy Banks for your club, Amazon links where you can find purple pigs in various sizes (we use the larger pigs on our tables) follow:
Rotarians from around the district, along with their friends and family, are invited to Melrose Rotary Club's new Second Monday Social. Each "Second Monday" club members, along with their guests, meet at JJ Grimsby's restaurant at 301 W. Wyoming Ave, Stoneham, MA from 5:30-7:00 for a social get together. The next Second Monday Social is August 12.
"It's a great way to meet members from other clubs, chat with new and old friends, and the food and drinks are great, too" says club co-president, Don Putney. In addition to the opportunity to gather socially, there is an opportunity to financially support a worthy cause and vote for the organization to receive the donations. The current "Vote Your Charity" options are aid to Ukraine, a school in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a local area food program. All of the donations collected at the Second Monday socials will be awarded at our December social to the cause that received the most votes at our July thru December gatherings.
Co-presidents Don Putney and Mark Hutchinson hope that you'll us at our next social on Monday, August 12th!
Earlier this spring, the Rotary Club of Andover in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Cherkasy, the Rotary Club of Kyiv-City, Ukraine, and the Cambridge-Isanti Rotary club coordinated and donated an Olympus endoscopic surgical system at a cost of $16,900 to Yemilchnye Hospital in Ukraine.
Endoscopy, often referred to as gastroscopy, is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to observe the inside of the body and perform less invasive surgery without major incisions.
The system was purchased and shipped by Andover Rotary with a grant from the Andover Rotary Charitable Trust, a Rotary District Matching Grant, and donations from club members.
Come for the Pancakes, Stay for the Waterfront Festival!
Saturday, August 17, 2024, Stage Fort Park
Dig into a fresh stack of blueberry pancakes at this year’s Gloucester Rotary Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Stage Fort Park on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This community-friendly tradition brings people together for a good cause and offers a hearty al fresco breakfast with stunning views from the bandstand. Finish up a plate of pancakes and head down the hill to the Gloucester Waterfront Festival, sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, running on Saturday-Sunday, August 17-18. 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 $10 per person, $6 for children six and under, and are available in advance online (https://gloucesterrotary.org/page/pancake-tickets) or from any Gloucester Rotarian. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast. Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit local projects that support people. The Gloucester Rotary has served Gloucester and the world beyond for 100+ years.
Posted by RI Membership Development Team on Jul 26, 2024
Rotary is a membership organization. That means that the unique skills and contributions of our members are the driving force behind everything we do. To accomplish everything we want to do, we need our club, district, and zone leaders to commit to growing Rotary and Rotaract. That’s why growing our membership is one of our top priorities.
Register now for the upcoming webinar The State of Membership on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Noon EDT. A recording will be available to everyone who registers.
During this 45-minute webinar, we will:
Review the current state of our membership as of 1 July 2024 Discuss the recent research findings from the all-member surveys Share ideas about how club and district leaders (YOU!) are improving the club experience for members. All ideas generated will be shared with everyone who registers.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions.
Most attacks happen when you are not aware of what is going on around you. Come learn how to REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM.
This seminar, taught by Andover Sportsmans Club members, Steve Cooper, Allan Arena and Cheryl Crawford, will cover awareness tips and techniques to keep you safe in your living quarters (home, dorm room, apartment, etc.), when in public, during transportation and while using technology. It is not a hands-on self-defense class.
When: Aug. 14th, 5-6:30 pm Where: South Church, 41 Central St., Andover Who: Teens ages 15 plus and college-bound students. Adults/parents are welcome. Cost: $15 per person or $40 per family
Questions? Email Diana Kiesel, Event Coordinator. Co-Sponsored by: Rotary Club of Andover and the Andover Sportsman's Club. Space is limited, please pre-register to guarantee your spot. Net proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Andover Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Download event flyer here.
District Governor Tom is pleased to announce that we have secured the sponsorship for the next Rotaplast Mission to Cebu in the Philippines.
We will be departing on March 8, 2025, and returning on March 23, 2025. Rotaplast is a Rotary adjacent organization, started and supported by Rotarians worldwide. Their mission is to alleviate the suffering of children with facial deformities in low-income countries through free corrective plastic surgeries (cleft lip and palate).
This is a great opportunity for clubs to be part of an international service mission. We hope that all clubs will contribute to raising our goal of $85K. We also need volunteers to come with us. Contact PDG Terry Curran at TerryCurran7930@gmail.com or call at 617-501-3521 if you are interested or have any questions.
As a part of this year's One by One Membership Initiative, introduced at our District Installation, all Rotarians have pledged, during the next Rotary year, to invite one person to a Rotary meeting, event, or service project.
The goal is to increase your club's net membership by one member. If every club in our District increases membership by one net member, we will have the most growth in decades.
One way to grow our membership is by enhancing our relationships with or finding new partners for our clubs to work with. When we find new ways to serve our community, our impact as an organization increases, and our community recognition grows.
Now is the perfect time to brush up on your Rotary knowledge base at the Learning Center. The Learning Center has seen a lot of activity in the last two months of the year. Members from 49% of clubs visit the Learning Center! That's a 9% increase compared to what was shared in May. Is your club in the 51% that have not visited The Learning Center?
What do you do when looking for answers to questions about all things Rotary? Well, you are in luck. Rotary International’s Learning Center 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 & District Leadership; Membership; Professional Development; Public Image; Service; The Rotary Foundation. Special shoutout to new courses on Public Speaking created in partnership with Toastmasters. Check it out. You will be glad you did.
The Rotary Club of Newburyport is proud to announce our 2024 college scholarship recipients! We provide $15,000 in scholarships annually to local graduating seniors. Each student receives $5,000.
The club is greatly impressed with the following three outstanding scholarship recipients. Anna Romano from Triton received the Norman Russell Memorial Scholarship and will be attending Assumption University. The George A. Cashman Community Service Scholarship was presented to Simone Chabot from Newburyport who will be attending Providence College. Jeremy Barry from Newburyport received the Norman Russell Memorial Scholarship and will be attending the College of William and Mary. We look forward to hearing about their future accomplishments.
Pictured left to right are Salisbury Chief of Police and scholarship committee member Tom Fowler, scholarship recipients Simone Chabot, Jeremy Barry, and Anna Romano, Newburyport Public Schools Superintendent Sean Gallagher, scholarship committee member Susan Viccaro, and scholarship committee member Guillermo Molina.
The Rotary Club of Rockport celebrated the 4th of July in style! The day always begins with the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Dock Square at 10:00am. The crowd is instructed to respond with a “Huzzah” when something good is read, or a “Fi” when something reprehensible occurs! Rotarians are dressed in period costumes and encourages audience participation.
Later in the day, festive club members participated in the parade on a float decorated with the Statue of Liberty and signs inviting new members.
Reading Rotary is proud to present the 16th Annual Reading Fall Street Faire on Sunday, September 8. It will be bigger and better than ever! Drawing thousands every year to downtown Reading, it’s one of the most beloved and largest events in the area. If you want to be a part of it, now is the time. Sign up before it's too late!
Vendor registration has opened online at readingfallstreetfaire.com. More details of the event are on the website.
Sponsorship opportunities still available including: Inflatable Zone; Acoustic Corner; Family Fun Zone; Beer Garden; Lamp Post Banners; and more. Sponsorship inquiries may be directed to sponsorsforfallstreetfaire@gmail.com for further information.
This year’s Fall Street Faire will include:
Live entertainment on three stages
Local vendors, clubs, and non-profits
Dedicated children’s area with games and activities
Amusement zone with inflatables
Delicious food choices
Beer garden and tailgate area to watch the NFL on a big screen
Support this beloved community event. See readingfallstreetfaire.com for more details. Questions can be directed to Tim Kelley. We hope to see you there!
Reading Calls Vendors and Sponsors to its Fall Street Faire
At a recent meeting, the Rotary Club of Woburn presented a Paul Harris Fellow to David Frizzell. David is a retired Fire Chief from the town of Belmont. Dave received this awarded for his dedication to the youth in Boy Scout Troup 502 currently sponsored by the George A. Campbell Post 101 in Woburn. He has mentored over 15 boys in their attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. The prestigious Eagle Scout rank is highest rank that a young man or woman can a attain in Scouting. In addition, he has assisted in many of the administrative functions and training of adult leaders. Also in attendance at the Rotary Luncheon meeting were 4 Eagle Scouts. Presenting the Paul Harris Award to David Frizzell was Rotary Club of Woburn Past President and Paul Harris Fellow, Bill Sullivan.
Pictured here from left to right ar Zach Bates, John Juliuson, Rotary Past President Bill Sullivan, Paul Harris recipient David Frizzell, Matthew Frizzell, and David Mullally.
On July 7, the Boston Rotaract 2024-25 tenure commenced with a memorable hike to Middlesex Fells Reservoir. About a dozen Rotaractors turned out for this fun event. What began as a planned 3-hour trek from Oak Grove to the reservoir turned into a rewarding 6-hour expedition, underscored by the initiative to collect trash along our return route.
Upon reaching the picnic spot, participants enjoyed a cultural exchange showcasing diverse Rotaracting styles and traditions from around the world. Highlights included performances of dances and songs, as well as sampling snacks from countries such as Nepal, the United States, Mexico, Iran, and India. Everyone was thankful for hosting the event and looking forward to more of this.
Acadia Thielking, who graduated from Wesleyan University in May 2021, was chosen to represent District 7930 as the 2024 Global Scholar in the Rotary Foundation’s Area of Focus of Disease Prevention and Treatment.
Acadia, who lives in Somerville, has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Science in Society from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. She is passionate about using mathematical modeling to improve infectious disease health outcomes and address the growing threat of drug resistance worldwide. Her goal is to bridge the gaps between community-driven research, mathematical modeling, and policymaker decision-making to improve large-scale health outcomes.
Winchester Rotary continued its annual scholarship awards and celebrated five graduating seniors' academic and service achievements by awarding $22,000 for their college education.
This year's winners were Adam Lubomirski, UMass Amherst; Ila Stanley, Middlebury College; Devon Headley, Babson College; Jonathan Christmas, Cornell University; and Edward Cutting, University of Michigan.
The Gloucester Rotary will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2025 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities.
The 2025 calendar theme will be Flowers of Cape Ann. In Order to publish a beautiful calendar, the Club is requesting high quality digital photos that reflect the natural beauty of Cape Ann throughout the year. As we will be featuring one photo per month, we need images from each season: winter, spring, summer and fall. Photographs from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester will be accepted.
Full contest rules and requirements are available online at www.gloucesterrotary.org. All entries must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2024. Contest contact: Matt Langis, 978-381-2500, photocontest@gloucesterrotary.org.
Rotary Showcase, our service project management platform, is undergoing a major upgrade that will enhance your ability to track service projects and yearly service goals.
In the coming weeks, Rotary Showcase will be retired, making way for the Service Project Center (SPC), a dynamic and feature-rich hub for all service projects. You’ll find better tools to manage your projects, improved speed, and streamlined processes with the new platform.
Below are the key updates and the actions you should take before 30 June:
1. Platform Update:
• Our current platform, known as Showcase, will undergo a significant update.
• It will be replaced with a new platform called the Service Project Center.
• To ensure a smooth transition, update service projects in Showcase before 30 June.
Danvers Rotary Club purchased a new double door commercial freezer for the Danvers Food Pantry. The $6,800 donation provides additional freezer storage for food donations which arrive weekly from various sources including the Greater Boston Food Bank and Stop & Shop. The Danvers Food Pantry serves on average 240 families each month with 344 families actively receiving services this year. By year end a 25% increase is anticipated over last year. Through May 2024 the Pantry distributed 72,000 pounds of food.
Recently a group of Danvers Rotarians visited the Food Pantry to thank the volunteers and view the new freezer. The Danvers Food Pantry was started 30 years ago and is staffed by over 30 volunteers who coordinate collection and distribution of Pantry supplies to serve needy Danvers residents.
Tickets are now available to the annual Gloucester Rotary Comedy Night, featuring Brad Mastrangelo, Jody Sloane, Jeff Koen, and Boston's Dave Rattigan on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square on Gloucester's harborfront. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 8 pm.
Don't miss this evening of fun and laughter! Tickets are $30 each and are available from any Gloucester Rotarian or contact Mark Vadala (978-490-0939).
For those of us who have experienced Rotary in action, we know the "Magic" Rotary has given to the World started in 1905 in Chicago by some guy we know by the name of Paul Harris.
Our new Rotary International President, Dr. Stephanie Urchick, was inspired to create this year's theme while she was on a water project mission in the Caribbean.
Happy Rotary New Year! We had a fantastic District celebration, ushering in the Magic of Rotary. In the words of new RI President Stephanie Urchick, "You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member."
Nearly 300 District 7930 Rotarians celebrated New Year's Eve with their new club presidents, assistant governors, district leadership, and Rotary International Director and Treasurer Drew Kessler!
Thank you all who were there to share in the magic. Rotarians heard from speakers and guests reinforcing the need for Rotary in our communities. Over 46 Rotary and Rotaract Club Presidents and 16 Assistant Governors were installed by Drew Kessler, truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The Rotary Club of Lynn awarded six scholarships to outstanding high school seniors on June 20, 2024 at Old Tyme Italian Cuisine. There were over 35 very qualified applicants, and those were narrowed down to these 6. It is a difficult task to eliminate applicants, and this year was made more difficult due to the lack of FAFSA information. The lack of FAFSA was due to a change by the Federal Government concerning the process. The Scholarship Committee had to make decisions without reviewing the financial ability of the family to pay the tuition.
From L to R: Joselyn Armas, Lynn English; Marianna Garcia; KIPP; Lewis Hopkins, St. Mary’s; Judith Gomez, Lynn Vocational Institute, and Angel Frias, KIPP. Absent when photo was taken Fadilat Amisu, Lynn English.
Question of the month: Why should I update my club's Rotary logo? I like the old one better.
Consistency in voice and visual identity, including the Rotary master brand or logo, is important for highlighting Rotary's impact and gives value to our work. This consistency helps reinforce the message of Rotary's mission and the effectiveness of our initiatives. Your club can help build brand recognition by using our logos correctly and consistently. Always use your customized club, district, or zone logo when promoting your club or other Rotary entity or its activities. Please do not use the Rotary logo without your club identifier. Otherwise, it implies that the promotional activity is from Rotary International and not your own Rotary club.
The Salem Rotary Club has been making Salem a better place for local residents and has contributed to communities around the globe for over 100 years. The largest impact they make each year, however, is to local Salem high school-aged students. This spring, the Salem Rotary Club was pleased to present $50,000 in Scholarship and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Awards to senior students from Salem.
Last week, the Club held their annual Salem Rotary Scholarship luncheon where they awarded $40,000 in scholarships to 14 Salem seniors.
“This is the most special meeting we hold each year, and it is a joy for our members to meet students and their families whose lives are positively impacted by these awards,” said Jennifer Close, Salem Rotary Club President.
Beverly Rotary Club members took on the task of cleaning out and planting colorful flowers and plants on the rotary near the Montserrat Station in Beverly. The Club sponsors that location each year to keep Beverly beautiful . It ends up being a fun event, with cars going by happily honking at the Rotarians as they take care of the garden. Following the afternoon planting, a social is held at a Rotarian's house around the pool. The saying, "Good deeds get rewarded" is surely true in this case!
The Wakefield Rotary Club hosted its annual Father’s Day Fishing Tournament at Lake Quannapowitt on Sunday, June 16th. The free event, open to all ages, welcomed about a dozen families fishing for various top spots. Wakefield Rotary Event Coordinator Gene Mullen explained, “The weather this year held up great.” He added, “This family event is really a highlight for our club each year.” Loaner rods were made available thanks to Mass Wildlife and bait was donated by Boats & Motors on North Avenue in Wakefield.
The patient anglers began to see lots of action as kids, parents, grandparents and relatives reeled in sunfish, yellow perch and bass. The fish, once measured and recorded by our judges, were released back into the lake. The event concluded with awards for the largest fish caught by category presented to Connor for his 7-inch sunfish and a tie between Logan and Hazel who each reeled in a 9” yellow perch.
Rotary International Director and Treasurer Drew Kessler will join us and install our incoming Club Presidents at our District Installation on June 27! The opportunity to meet a sitting Rotary International Director does not happen often.
Tickets are still available for our Happy Rotary New Year Celebration at Danversport Yacht Club. The fun starts at 6 pm on Thursday, June 27. Along with fun and laughter, a full Chinese food buffet will be served.
Do not miss out on the celebration! Register here. Registration is still open!
RI Director Drew Kessler is Special Guest at our District Installation
Posted by Peter Majane, District Membership Chair on Jun 21, 2024
When you help new members feel valued and connected to a club from the beginning, they’re more likely to stay and be part of the club’s growth. Here are four ways you can keep new members engaged:
1. Introduce newcomers to the rest of the club using the club’s website, newsletter, or email. You can also highlight new members at meetings or service activities (ask them first!) or organize small get-to-know-you sessions. Encourage current members to make them feel welcome.
2. Learn about new members. The member interest survey will help you understand their background, interests, and what they’re most excited to do with the club. Be ready to recommend Rotary activities that match their interests.
3. Pair new members with mentors who can help them feel comfortable and welcomed. Mentors can teach new members about the club and its activities, answer questions about Rotary, and suggest ways they can get involved. A mentor can also introduce them to members who share their interests.
4. Create an inclusive club experience for everyone by considering how different members are able or prefer to engage. Do people use captioning apps, need an accessible website, or want translations? Learn what your members need and make it easy for them to participate.
Incorporating these strategies in your orientation process will help new members feel welcome, supported, and valued. Doing this can lead to long-term growth and success for your club.
If you have questions or would like support with Membership, contact Peter Majane.
On Thursday June 6, the Rotary Club of Woburn celebrated 100 years of giving back to the City of Woburn with a Gala celebration held at the Woburn Elks. The evening included a delicious buffet by Chef Jason, Raffle prizes, live cover band "3 Floors Up," recognition and Citations from Mayor Michael Concannon’s Office, State Representative Rich Haggerty & Rotary District Governor Lori Karas.
Through a generous grant from the Cummings Foundation, the Rotary Club of Woburn has been able to financially support important programs to make the City a better place to live & work. These programs include:
Burlington Breakfast Rotary collaborated with Sunrise Senior Living in Burlington to create a vegetable garden for seniors. Sunrise Senior Living is an assisted living community that offers a range of living options with services.
Pictured are People of Action Burlington Breakfast Rotary at work.
Danvers Rotary Club purchased a new double door commercial freezer for the Danvers Food Pantry. The $6,800 donation provides additional freezer storage for food donations which arrive weekly from various sources including the Greater Boston Food Bank and Stop & Shop. The Danvers Food Pantry serves on average 240 families each month with 344 families actively receiving services this year. By year end a 25% increase is anticipated over last year. Through May 2024 the Pantry distributed 72,000 pounds of food.
Recently a group of Danvers Rotarians visited the Food Pantry to thank the volunteers and view the new freezer. The Danvers Food Pantry was started 30 years ago and is staffed by over 30 volunteers who coordinate collection and distribution of Pantry supplies to serve needy Danvers residents.
This past year, the Rockport Rotary Club built a classroom for Ugandan children with the support of a district grant. This comes as a result of the club's strong partnership with an organization called Village2Village Project, which focuses on serving vulnerable children in an impoverished area in rural northeastern Uganda, East Africa. The mission of Village2Village Project is to provide comprehensive, empowering, respectful, and compassionate care for vulnerable children and their families, one life at a time. The project provides basic needs support and education to over 225 children, most of whom have lost one more parent due to HIV/AIDs or violence.
On May 25, Burlington Breakfast Rotary participated in the Stoneham Memorial Day Parade. Our late Rotarian, Don Tocci, was the Posthumous Grand Marshall of the Parade. He was honored for his "Service Above Self" activities to his community, the Rotary community, to Veterans, and everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. Our founder, Kevin McKelvey, gave a moving speech about Don. We are honored to have been part of this parade.
To celebrate their 100th Anniversary in 2023, the Gloucester Rotary chose to install new playground equipment at Stage Fort Park as their centennial gift to the City of Gloucester. This was an expansion of their playground project, which recognized Rotary International's centennial celebration in 2005.
Working with the City of Gloucester, the Gloucester Rotary purchased and gifted playground equipment to the City. The equipment was installed this spring and children have been flocking to the improved playground in the past several weeks.
Rotary International’s Council on Resolutions meets each year to vote on proposed resolutions submitted by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the general council or conference of RIBI and any urgent enactments proposed by the RI Board. Adopted resolutions are then considered by the RI Board or the TRF Trustees. Each district’s Council representative participates in the Council on Resolutions, and every club and district may propose resolutions. If your club or district is considering proposing a resolution for the Council on Resolutions, please click on this link to download the guidelines.
Proposed resolutions from clubs and districts for the Council on Resolutions must be received by Rotary International on or before 30 June prior to the Council on Resolutions, including the governor’s confirmation of endorsement. There are no exceptions to the deadline.
RI Council on Resolutions Submission Deadline June 30, 2024
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 16th. Wakefield Rotary Past President Gene Mullen announced, “Anglers, mark your calendars and prepare your tackle boxes! The much-anticipated Fathers Day Friends and Family Fishing Derby is back, promising a morning filled with fun, excitement and of course, plenty of fish tales.”
On May 30, 2024, the Rotary Club of Lynn continued with its 30+ year 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. This recognition meeting, at the Old Tyme Italian restaurant was the third and last such meeting for the current academic year.
I am pleased to announce that the Zone Mental Health Affinity Cohort is hosting another Zone-wide webinar on mental health on Tuesday, June 11th, at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. This webinar will focus on self-care for Rotarians.
Posted by Richard Spalding, D1110 AG on Jun 03, 2024
By Richard Spalding, Assistant Governor of District 1110, and member of the Rotary Club of Winchester, UK
Five Rotary clubs that share a name, Winchester, met online together for the 23rd time on 18 March. What started during the pandemic has continued into a cherished tradition that is enriching each of the clubs. These include the Rotary Club of Winchester, UK; and the United States clubs of Winchester, Kentucky; Winchester, Massachusetts; Winchester, Tennessee; and Winchester, Virginia.
Yearly, Marblehead Rotary awards four to six students a one-time scholarship and one a four-year scholarship for excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. This year, we are proud to announce five outstanding awardees.
Parkway Rotary is having its annual softball game against Kiwanis to raise funds for the Jason Roberts Challenger League (baseball league for kids with various disabilities) on Wednesday, September 11th (rain date Thursday, September 12th) at their field at the Orenberger School in West Roxbury. Time TBD. There will be food and drinks at the game. More information to follow.
Most importantly, we need players! We are calling all you Rotarian ballplayers. If interested in playing and/or attending please contact Ray Fitzgerald, Club Treasurer (and Team Coach).
Identifying potential club leaders and re-energizing long-time members are important aspects of a club President’s responsibilities. Many incoming 2024-2025 club Presidents are now setting their budgets for the coming year. Please consider a budget line item of $80-$100 to either partially or wholly subsidize at least one of your club leader’s participation at Rotary Leadership Institute, April 26, 2025, location to be determined, but within District 7930 commute.
A highly interactive and informative one-day session on the organization, goals, and possibilities of Rotary, it is led by experienced faculty, and it is not necessary for participants to be currently serving club officers.
More info on curriculum? Go to www.rlinea.org or email Linda Doliber, District 7930 Site Chair. “The Magic of Rotary” will happen at the club level guided by strong leaders! Invest in yours!
You don't want to miss the chance to win the Amazing Raffle Prizes at the negligible cost. Grand Prize is '2 Tickets for a Red Sox Game' and 10 more equally attractive prizes Burlington Breakfast Rotary (BBRC) has extended it's Raffle drawing date from June 6th to June 20, 2024 in order to expand it's reach to all. The club looks forward to the mutual support of our fellow Rotarians in the District to help BBRC support the community! $10 per ticket, 6 for $50.
Also, the recording from the first session is on the Zone site. Clubs should consider using the first 25 minutes as a program. The recording starts at the beginning of the presentation and it lasts 25 minutes. The Q&A are part of the recording but for a club program, just stop after 25 minutes. Great for those days when there is no speaker. Or if you want your club to become irresistible.
Our Rotary Foundation Annual Fund SHARE Fundraiser for District 7930 is underway! Get your tickets today!
• 50% of the money raised will be donated to the Annual Fund SHARE of the Rotary Foundation.
• 50% of the money raised will go to one lucky winner of this 50/50 raffle.
Our Annual Fund SHARE needs your help so that we can provide additional funds for our club projects. Our goal is to raise $40,000 through raffle ticket sales which would mean $20,000 to the Annual Fund SHARE and $20,000 to one very lucky raffle winner.
$30 per ticket. Winner will be chosen on June 15, 2024. You do not need to be present to win.
Our Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is celebrating the heroes from our nation, our community, our relatives, and our friends, by commemorating a flag to them, from May 24 to June 8.
Mary Gallivan was recently inducted into Ipswich-Rowley Rotary. Mary currently serves Ipswich as Assistant Town Manager and Human Resource Director. A dynamic and innovative human resources leader, her strong community service commitment extends well beyond her official duties and includes, among others, volunteering at the Ipswich Council on Aging, Ipswich Illumination, and the Ipswich Food Pantry (The Open Door). Throughout her life, Mary has sought opportunities to assist those who are suffering, in need or in crisis; as a town leader, she encourages other employees to help.
Her personal interests include participating in community events, running, horseback riding, and walking our beautiful community trails. Mary enjoys relaxing with her family, spending time at the beach, and reading.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is thrilled to welcome Mary to the Rotary family, where we achieve more together than we can alone.
From left President Ann Witzig, Mary Gallivan, and her sponsor President Elect Tom Murphy. (Bob Snow photo.)
The Rotary Club of Rockport is kicking off summer with its second annual Lobster Raffle! We have partnered with a local seafood restaurant to provide our 4 raffle winners with 20 pounds of fresh lobster meat! Nothing says summer like "lobstah" from Rockport!
Tickets available from any Rockport Rotarian or at:
Tuck's Candy & Gifts, 15 Main St., Rockport
Wharf Rat, 1 Dock Sq., Rockport
Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, 24 Harbor Loop, Gloucester.
Winners will receive gift certificate for 20 lbs of live lobster, redeemable at Roy Moore Lobster Co., 39 Bearskin Neck, Rockport.
This Memorial Day we honor and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
From May 25 to 29, Rotary International is offering a super early bird pricing rate of USD $475 for the Calgary Convention to be held on June 21 to 25, 2025.
With an International Convention so close to us, now is the time to experience Rotary on a whole new level! Calgary is a beautiful place and we will all be "white hatted," the highest honor the City of Calgary bestows.
If you are interested in participating in a District 7930 hotel block at Doubletree Calgary North, $119 per night USD, email DGE Tom Hankard, so we can get you on a list!
The price will go up on May 30, save money and register now! Registration link.
Early Bird Registration Opens for Calgary Convention
What an incredible RYLA weekend! It was awesome to see these young leaders step out of their comfort zones, make new friends, and gain invaluable skills. Despite the rainy and chilly weather, the enthusiasm and engagement of 50+ teenagers from all across our District and 7950 was inspiring (and we loved having 7950 join us)!
We are all so proud of our returning RYLA Alumni - they trained for 4 hours a month for 6 months to prepare - they absolutely crushed it as Family Leaders!! The RYLA Lead Team, Rotaractors, Rotarians and other volunteers worked so hard to provide a fun, engaging and safe environment for growth to happen - you all inspire me by your hard work, wisdom, dedication. You are AWESOME (and for the record, I’m really going to miss seeing each of you on a regular basis!!). Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Don't delay, register today! Registration closes June 23!
Celebrate and support your incoming Club President and others at this year's District 7930 Installation!
Join us on Thursday, June 27 at 6 pm at Danversport. Cocktail hour will be on the deck (weather permitting) and enjoy a night of fun and friends and a Chinese food buffet.
As we take time this weekend to remember all of the brave men and women who have served our country, it is a good time for Rotary to look ahead for opportunities in your club to engage and support the individuals and families of anyone who has served or is still serving our great nation.
Over the last year the District Membership Committee has been working to gather stories of club activities focusing on the Veteran community and share ideas for clubs to engage with local Veterans in their respective towns and cities.
On Wednesday, June 5th, 12 pm, the District Veteran's Committee will host a Zoom call for anyone looking to share a success story or looking to get some ideas on what they do within their club in the upcoming year.
Monday Membership Meetup for June! Mark your calendar for the first Monday of every month. It will be Magical! Keep the alliteration going. Next session is June 3 at 7:30 pm.
This one will prompt you to Rock the Boat...on purpose.
On April 25, the Ipswich Housing Authority (IHA) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the creation of an outdoor community space centrally located within its property at 95 County Road. The area abuts Bowen Hall which houses The Open Door/Ipswich Food Pantry. The project is partially funded by Ipswich-Rowley Rotary as part of its Centennial anniversary gift to the town. Several years ago, the club also played a major role in restoring Bowen Hall for the food pantry.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians present for the groundbreaking were President Ann Witzig, Centennial chair Martha Mauser, IHA liaison Chris Doktor, Open Door Director of Operations Jen Perry, and Events chair Lisa Shanko. Open Door CEO, President and Gloucester Rotarian Julia Hazen LaFontaine also is seen in the photo.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary's Scholarships Chair Kathy Frederick presents a check for two Ipswich YMCA youth camp scholarships to Ipswich Y Executive Director and fellow Rotarian Chris Bevilacqua. Looking on are President Ann Witzig and Director Dr. Doug Shealy.
These scholarships will provide for two campers from Ipswich and/or Rowley to attend the Y’s Cedar Mill Camp in Rowley this summer.
The club also held a cleanup project at the camp this past weekend.
Did you miss the ClubRunner Nova preview? ClubRunner first announced its new version in February with huge changes underway -- ClubRunner Nova. ClubRunner staff previewed ClubRunner Nova on a live webinar on May 13. If you missed it live, the video of the webinar is now available here. Club are encouraged to have at least one member view the recording to get a view of the new platform and its capabilities.
New updates to your ClubRunner subscription will include:
Universal log in: You can now log in directly to your club or district website directly from www.clubrunner.com.
When Irene Cowdell first heard about a new Rotary initiative called “Buddy Bench/Happy to Chat Bench,” she exclaimed to her fellow Rotarians, “I know exactly where Lynn Rotary should put a bench like this.” The Buddy Bench initiative is an effort to encourage conversations in the community. It is thought that if a person is sitting alone on a bench, another may also sit and then initiate a conversation. Cowdell, a retired Lynn Public School teacher and administrator, identified the Fallon School on Robinson Street as the perfect place for the special bench. Fallon houses an alternative Pre-K through grade five program that provides a variety of academic and therapeutic supports for its students. The school utilizes a strength-based behavior management system to help reintegrate its students back into regular programs.
“Our goal has always been the same,” said Fallon Principal Nancy Takis-Conway. “We strive to create a positive learning collaborative that fosters respect and compassion. I’m so thrilled to have this bench for our students. Many of our children have the perception that they’re not popular; have no friends and simply feel isolated. Our students know what to do now when they see one of their classmates sitting alone on Buddy Bench. They come over and engage in conversation or asked them to join in the game.”
Joining Principal Takis-Conway Wednesday were several Fallon teachers, along with Rotarians Steve Upton, President Jean-Marie Minton and Deputy Superintendent Deb Ruggiero.
I realize we're halfway through the month already, but I want to address No Mow May as it seems like such a good idea. Just one bullet point from many I've been reading says:
In May, there are many other plants in bloom and the flowers in the lawn will not provide any additional food resources for pollinators. Clover and dandelion flower even with a consistently mowed lawn.
If you want to use No Mow May as an excuse not to mow, go ahead, but to attract pollinators to your garden, plant natives. The recommendation from The Monarch Gardner is "Mow Less Summer". Plant native plants and watch the pollinators thrive.
For more information contact Andrea Lacroix with the District Environmental Committee.
On May 2nd, 2024, the Lynn Rotary and the Reading Cooperative Bank hosted 468 Special Needs students for the 54th annual Special Games. Virtually all the Lynn students in Special Needs classrooms, if they are able, participate in this activity.
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. Prior to the official start, the students passed through a “Lane of Honor” consisting of Rotarians, Reading Cooperative Bank volunteers, Police, dignitaries, School Officials, Firemen and others. Ms. Kerry Ranieri, VP Community Banking & Development Officer, Reading Cooperative Bank started the games with a shout out of “Let the games begin.”
It speaks to the involvement of the leaders of Lynn who attended the Games, including Mayor Jared Nicholson; Deputy School Superintendent, Debra Ruggiero, Fire Chief Dan Sullivan; Police Chief Chris Reddy; State Representative Brendan Crighton; and numerous City Council members and School Committee members.
Lynnfield Rotary is ready to build more beds on Saturday. Join us on May 11, 2024, at 9:00 AM in Market Street, Lynnfield, in the plaza by Starbucks, Panera and Otto Pizza. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the cafeteria of Lynnfield High School. Download Build A Bed flyer here.
Lumber, hardware, tools, and expert instruction to construct the bed frames will be provided. People will work in groups of up to four builders. Volunteers are welcome to join us-individuals, families and organizations may participate. Children are invited with adult supervision.
The event is fully booked. All available beds have been claimed, but we need more builders. Thank you to our community for your wonderful support. You are providing beds for 30 children in Massachusetts an undoubtedly changing their lives.
Please share this information with friends, family, and business associates.
Hello District 7930 community! On Saturday, April 27th from 10-12 the District Interact Council of 7930 held their very first service project; The Green Hunt! The event was a fun and unique competition between neighboring Interact clubs to accomplish the goal of reducing litter within a community. It was held in Stoneham, on a warm sunny day and we were excited to see Stoneham Interact and Rotary along with Lynn Interact, as well as members from the North Reading and Wilmington clubs there! We accomplished our goal of reducing litter with a friendly competition and were excited to see how enthusiastic our fellow Interactors were!
The District Interact Council of 7930 is completely student run, and created the Green Hunt to motivate both Interact and Rotary into engaging with each other through an environmentally friendly competition. It was electric during the competition as each Interact club scrambled to their assigned sites and rushed to clean up litter during the allotted 1 hour and 15 minutes they were given. In the end, Lynn Interact claimed the victory and won a three-hundred-dollar prize. It was a fantastic experience!
Rotary is one of the world’s greatest secrets, and Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is an even bigger secret. But RYE is one of the best programs in Rotary that serves both the local and international communities. The U.S. needs to improve and broaden the education that we provide to our children. RYE allows a high school student to grow and thrive through a challenging international experience. That experience involves our students going on exchange to a foreign country, and foreign students coming here, for a full academic year. Exchange students are totally immersed in the culture, language and family life of a teenager in their host country. Host families play a significant role in the exchange student’s life, while bringing their exchange student’s experience into their homes for their own children to experience and to be encouraged to take on the challenge themselves.
Last week Rotary Club of Woburn completed a service project by presenting the Woburn Senior Center with a donation for Smoke/CO Detectors for Woburn residents that either don't have them or need replacements. Members of Rotary Club of Woburn join the Woburn Fire Department to help install the detectors. Amy O'Brien from the Woburn Senior Center accepts the check from Rotary Club of Woburn President Brian Ouellette. Thanks to Cummings Foundation for a grant that makes this possible.
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 Ph.D. 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.
In addition, scholars make GREAT speakers for your club! They all have very interesting stories and are inspirational speakers.
If you'd like to host a scholar this year, please contact AG Lori Becker at Lori@cfefitness.com to be placed on our "Yes! I want to host" list.
Carole Sharoff will be presented with the Gloucester Rotary’s Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award at a special dinner on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Gloucester Rotary and recognizes Ms. Sharoff’s many contributions to the community at large as well as to Rotary as a former club board member, secretary, and President.
Carole is the founder and CEO of Atlantic Vacation Homes and AVH Realty, Inc. and was recently awarded the vacation rental industry’s Pioneer Award with the notation that “This entire industry owes her a debt of gratitude for everything she has done.” She served on the Vacation Rental Management Association’s Board as Secretary and on the Executive Committee. She was a Presenter at the Annual Million Dollar Women’s Symposium at Salem State University Enterprise Center. Locally, she serves on the board of Action, Inc., has been a board member of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Discover Gloucester and was copresident of Temple Ahavat Achim when it was destroyed in the tragic fire of December 2007. Under her leadership, a new Temple rose from its ashes at its original site on Middle Street. In all areas of her service, Carole focuses on improving the organization’s approach to Diversity and Inclusion.
We invite you to join us in celebrating the Somerville Rotary Club is 100 Year Anniversary. The 100 Years of Service celebration is taking place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the George Dilboy Post, Davis Square, Somerville. Ticket information can be found here.
This event will highlight the Somerville Rotary Club’s accomplishments over the years and its plans going forward. The District Governor and Mayor of Somerville will attend. The Club will celebrate several people and organizations that have made an impactful contribution to many families and individuals at risk of food insecurity, homelessness, domestic abuse, and other life challenges in our community. These special people have long partnered with the Somerville Rotary Club and have together worked toward meeting Rotary’s “Service Above Self” goals.
We hope that you will join us and our celebration of service to our community. Rotary is service and service helps make our community.
Sincerely,
Celebration Committee: Gene Brune, Gene Ferraro, John Keegan, Ann Kirby, Gilda Nogueira, David Worzala
Posted by Cindie Kish, Zone Membership Coordinator on Apr 26, 2024
We’re excited to announce a series of webinars starting May 6, 7:30 PM Eastern. Join us each month for dynamic, fast paced sessions full of concrete strategies you can use to grow your clubs!
Our May 6 kick off session: Simply Irresistible: Keys to building a thriving club.
Everyone is welcome! District and Club leaders are encouraged to attend. Spread the word!
For Zoom link click here. We’ll have more details to share with you over the next few weeks.
Help us Expand our Reach on social media. We had to start a new D7930 Facebook Page. Our original Page is currently out of commission. We ask all Rotarians and friends to Like and Follow our new Page. Please invite your FB friends to like and follow. Our original Page had over 1000 followers. Our new page now has just over 160 followers. We need Rotary members to take part in increasing the impact and reach of Rotary's Public Image.
We ask all Rotarians on Facebook to help Expand Our Reach by inviting your contacts to Like and Follow our new Page.
I also want to note that our District also has a D7930 Facebook Group. What is the difference between our Page and our Group?
Arlington Rotary announces Flags for Heroes 2024. 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 George Reynolds Jr., longtime Arlington resident and Rotary member for 62 years who died this year.
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 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.
Grab a ticket, or buy a table and join Rotary Club of Burlington for an awesome FUNdraising event! It's a combo of bingo + DJ + prizes + dancing + raffles.
It would be GREAT to see some friends at this event & help kickstart our fundraising in a big way. This event will really help out the Burlington community and our scholarship fund for high school students. If you can, please come!
Will our Club President, Lori Becker, be hula-hooping? It's HIGHLY likely.
Please join us for fun night as Rotary Club of Woburn celebrates 100 years of "Service Above Self". There will be a live cover band, catered dinner, raffles, fun and fellowship!
The deadline for RYLA 2024 Applications has been extended to April 30. Why? Because we want to IMPACT more kids and we cannot do it without your help!
Please reach out to your schools, your Interact Clubs, your Rotarians, even your neighborhoods. The RYLA experience is not just about leadership. It is a prefect antidote for young people who want desperately to reconnect. It can help them pick up some of the social ground they lost during the COVID experience, and regain desperately needed self-confidence.
We believe there are at least another 20 students on the North Shore ready for RYLA - they just don’t know it yet! Here is a link to a great teaser video from Allie Foley.
RYLA 2024 will be held May 17–19, from Friday at 3 pm to Sunday at 3 pm at Camp Rotary in Boxford.
Reading Rotary just completed its Rotary Readers project during the Read Across America month of March. Rotary Readers is an annual literacy project where reading books and a backpack are given to each Reading Public Schools student in kindergarten. This year over 300 literacy bags were delivered by Rotarians to local elementary schools. In addition, Rotarians read to each Kindergarten class as part of Read Across America.
This literacy project has been adapted from Rotary’s previous dictionary and thesaurus giveaways. Teachers expressed their preference to have the younger students receive reading books. Basic Education and Literacy is one of Rotary International's Areas of Focus. This particular project was adapted from a Girl Scout Gold Award literacy project by Mary Kate Kelley, who is a Past President of RMHS Interact and one of its Charter Members.
Pictured here is Rotarian Margaret O'Sullivan with happy kindergartners.
Come Celebrate the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Somerville Rotary Club and its contributions to the city over the past century. The event will highlight the Rotary motto Service Above Self. We will applaud people and organizations that epitomize service to the community. It will also be a fun evening of food, music, and fellowship.
New deadline is April 26. Make it a family event. Children 12 and older may attend.
District Conference May 4. Join us at the Boston Museum of Science! Celebrate a Rotary year of Creating Hope in the World.
Start your conference experience at 3:00 pm with Watson Adventures' Scavenger Hunt through the Musuem of Science by working in teams of 6. You can create your own team of 6 or be joined with others.
At 5:00 pm when the Museum, closes we'll be escorted to a private room for hors d'oeuvres, dinner and awards. Plus a special presentation - D7930 Creating Hope in the World.
Price is $225 per person - includes parking at the museum garage, admission, scavenger hunt, food and awards. Cash bar will be available. Register here. I look forward to seeing you there! Don't delay!
ClubRunner first announced its new version in February with huge changes underway -- ClubRunner Nova. ClubRunner staff will share some exciting updates and showcase ClubRunner Nova with an early preview! Join the CR Nova preview webinar May 13 at 6pm to get a sneak peek of the new platform and its capabilities.
In case you missed their announcement webinar where we unveiled our exciting vision for ClubRunner, you can watch the recording and explore the Q&A here.
Discover the latest additions to your ClubRunner subscription:
Universal log in: You can now log in directly to your club or district website directly from www.clubrunner.com.
Cloud events: Elevate your event management with advanced features such as tickets, product sales, optional donations, custom registration forms and more.
Donations: Set up fundraising campaigns connected to their own bank account and invite your community to donate online.
Mobile Message Broadcasts: Send push notifications from the club or district level to members through the mobile app. Great for important reminders and last-minute updates!
Winchester Rotary and WFEE (Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence) donated Wonderbooks to Winchester Public Schools's five elementary libraries. A Wonderbook is a book with audio built in, which allows readers to read along while listening to a professional narrator. This models fluency for all students, including striving readers, language learners and vision impared students. The libraries are excited that these books will make them more inclusive for all students and will build their love of learning.
Attention, Golfers! Winchester Rotary looks forward to our 35th annual golf tournament on Monday, May 20, 2024, and expect another great event again this year at the Winchester Country Club. We expect to sell out again this year. Registration is now open!
On Wednesday, April 10th, the Arlington Rotary Club hosted visiting Rotarians from Yokohama and Kanagawa Rotary of District 2590 in Japan. The Japanese Rotarians were here to visit Global Scholars studying in Boston. Arlington hosted the visiting Rotarians for breakfast. Our District Governor Lori Karas and DG Akira Higuchi of Rotary District 2590 exchanged flags.
Two inbound Global Scholars from Japan already in Boston area - one a neurosurgeon at MGH and another pursuing Music degree -- also joined the meeting.
DGN Pooja Singla and AG Lori Becker was also in attendance for the festivities.
Boston Rotaract recently sponsored a bonding event. Rotaractors gathered to ice skate at the Rink at 401 Park. It was a great success as the club is building up its membership.
Rotaract brings together people ages 18 and older to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service.
The Wakefield Rotary Club has recently grown to welcome five new women into its ranks. The growth inspired incoming Club President Wendy Maguire to launch a new speaker series with the aim of getting to know our members on a more personal level. “We all know what each other do for work. But I’m really interested in getting to know our members more,” Maguire explained. “What are their interests? Do they have any secret talents? What motivates them?” In an effort to accomplish just that, Maguire launched a new speaker series called “I Have a Story” earlier this week during the club’s regular lunch meeting at Brightview. Members and guests are invited to volunteer to speak on their interests, rather than just their work.
The first to volunteer was Wakefield Rotarian Paul Adams. Adams joined Rotary in 2017 and is a past Wakefield Rotary Board member. “I’ve been playing the banjo for about 15 years. I’ve never mentioned that at Rotary,” he said. Fitting the bill for Maguire’s speaker series, Adams stepped up to the microphone this past Tuesday to speak about the banjo, its roots in Africa and the Caribbean, share some of his favorite bands, and even perform himself. “I really enjoyed sharing that part of me,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve always been interested in and I was glad to share it with the club.”
The Stage Fort Park Playground Improvement Project-- Gloucester Rotary's 100th Anniversary Gift to Our Community-- has moved forward another step!
In March, old equipment was removed and the new playground equipment was installed! More work is to be completed before the project is finalized, but this was a major step.
Important note: The equipment is not yet open for children to use. Please respect the caution tape surrounding the new equipment.
Learn more about this project--including how you can support it-- by clicking here.
The Environmental Committee wants you! Please join us on April 24th at 6pm to share what your club is doing, especially as we celebrate Earth Month.
Don't forget to book me to speak to your club about Plastics. The talks I've done so far have been received very well and has sparked numerous discussions about all aspects of plastics. Plus I have free giveaways when you invite me in.
Please email Andrea Lacroix for the zoom link for the April 24th meeting.
The Rockport Rotary Club hosted an International Potluck for Polio and we encouraged people to come in the costume of the country they were representing. The variety of foods and drinks that the Rotarians prepared was awesome, some did come dressed, and we raised over $800 for the children of the world!
District Conference May 4. Join us at the Boston Museum of Science! Celebrate a Rotary year of Creating Hope in the World.
Start your conference experience at 3:00 pm with Watson Adventures' Scavenger Hunt through the Musuem of Science by working in teams of 6. You can create your own team of 6 or be joined with others.
At 5:00 pm when the Museum, closes we'll be escorted to a private room for hors d'oeuvres, dinner and awards. Plus a special presentation - D7930 Creating Hope in the World.
Price is $225 per person - includes parking at the museum garage, admission, scavenger hunt, food and awards. Cash bar will be available. Register here. I look forward to seeing you there! Deadline to register is April 18 so don't delay!
Parkway Rotary is looking for 2 or 3 volunteers to assist us in serving meals to homeless veterans at New England Center and Home for Veterans on Court Street in Boston around the corner from City Hall. It will be April 25 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Please contact either Brunna Cunha, Club President, or Ray Fitzgerald, Club Treasurer if you can help us out. Thank you.
Volunteers Needed for Boston Veteran Center April 25
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 Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Anthony’s in Malden. Tickets for a chance to be a horse owner are $100. Four tickets will be drawn to represent each of the four horses in the 1st race, twelve tickets will be drawn to represent each of the six horses in the 2nd and 3rd races. The race will be 10 “furlongs” in length. 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. 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. You can also Venmo the funds to Douglas-Mauch, scan the QR CODE on the flyer or click here.
Our District 7930 Rotary Foundation Committee is looking for additional new volunteers for the coming Rotary year 2024-25. If you are passionate about doing good in the world through the many projects supported by our Rotary Foundation, please consider joining this important district committee. We have several different working groups on the committee, focused on areas such as global grants, district grants, polio eradication, annual fund, Paul Harris Society, global scholarships, endowment, and major donors. If you are potentially interested in joining the committee and would like to learn more, please reach out to incoming District Rotary Foundation Chair 2024-27 Alexander Falk via email at al+7930@falk.us - thank you!
Rotary Foundation Committee is looking for volunteers
The deadline for RYLA 2024 Applications has been extended to April 12. Please encourage any prospective students to get their applications submitted.
RYLA 2024 will be held May 17–19, from Friday at 3 pm to Sunday at 3 pm at Camp Rotary in Boxford.
Applications for RYLA can be found on this year’s Linktree page. See the fabulous RYLA 2023 Video here. This year, we are excited for the first time to join forces with District 7950 and their students and are welcoming up to five students from every town, until spots fill up. So be sure to have students apply soon!
If you have any questions, please email me, Christina Harris, or call me at 978.270.6706. Thank you again for your support of the RYLA program!
Thanks to generous donations from the Gloucester and Manchester & Essex Rotary Clubs, a District 7930 Managed Grant, and private non-Rotary donations, a $45,000 generator was purchased for Kivu Hills Medical Center in 2023. The generator finally arrived in February after contending with massive rainstorms, which led to treacherous potholes and mudslides. It was an extreme challenge for the truck carrying this generator. Thankfully, the road will be paved soon.
There is currently no medical clinic locally for the 30,000 rural residents of Boneza, and the Kivu Hills Medical Center will also provide services to millions of people in the surrounding regions when it opens its doors later in 2024.
Is there a hero in your life, past or present? Why not honor them by sponsoring a flag in their name at this wonderful community event? The honoree could be a veteran, an active-duty service member, a first responder, police, firefighter, EMT, teacher, coach, an essential worker, a family member, humanitarian, or best friend. Your hero's name will be personalized on a medallion, which will be attached to a full-size American flag and will be given to you as a remembrance when the display is taken down.
Flags will be proudly displayed at the Amesbury Servicemen's Memorial Honor Roll on Main Street (across the street from Amesbury Middle School). Flags will be on display starting Memorial Day, May 27th through Flag Day, June 14th. You can recognize your hero by sponsoring a flag for $75.
Sponsorships are available for business and community groups. Each sponsor will receive the number of flags list below, in addition to special recognition on Amesbury Rotary's website and all publications. Sponsorships rates and benefits are as follows:
Come to an evening of song, dance and fun!!! The event is on April 12th at Danversport Waterfront, 6:00 pm-10:30 pm. Proceeds will benefit the charitable causes of Beverly Rotary Club Foundation, including local scholarships. When you come to a Beverly Rotary event, it's always lively. We have music by the famous "Spike the Punch" band. It's casual dress because we want you to let your hair down to dance, eat, drink and have fun!
Tickets are $85 which includes admission, food (appetizers, food station, dessert and coffee/tea), silent auction, live auction, 50/50 raffle, tower of gifts game, putting contest and beer/wine raffle. There's also a Dance Contest for the most memorable dance! For info how to purchase tickets, sponsor or preview auction items, click here. Download event flyer here.
SAVE THE DATE! Rotary Club of Woburn will be celebrating 100 years of service to the community on the evening of June 6th, 2024. The celebration will feature a live cover band, raffles, a catered buffet meal, cash bar, dancing and special announcements. Registration will be opening soon. Come celebrate with us! It will be a fun night!
Rotaplast is back up and operating and our District is exploring sponsoring a mission in the Rotary Year 2024-2025 with District Governor Tom Hankard. They have already done a mission to Columbia, with Chelsea Rotarian Juan Gallego as the mission leader. The Cebu Mission, which we had sponsored for many years, has been moved to March so we are investigating other missions. Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of children with cleft palates/lips and other deformities.
In the meantime, there is an opportunity for Non-Medical Personnel to volunteer for an upcoming mission to Vietnam. Rotaplast is looking for non-medical volunteers to join a surgical trip from June 30 - July 12, 2024.
Twice a year for the past eight years Rotary Club of Woburn has provided Birthday Party Bag Kits to the local food pantry at the Council of Social Concern. Last week about 30 kits were assembled with $20 worth of goodies each. The bags contain cake mix, icing, candles, party plates, napkins and flatware for struggling local families.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary successfully completed its annual food drive to benefit The Open Door’s Ipswich Food Pantry and is pleased to announce that 1230 pounds of food was collected in February at seven locations in Ipswich and Rowley. The Open Door staff said they appreciated both the quantity and the quality of the food donated.
Since Valentine’s Day falls in February, the theme for this year’s drive was “Share the Love” for our neighbors in need. Rotary is grateful for the support of our participating drop off locations and to our friends and neighbors who donated food this year. Donations were collected at the Ipswich offices of The Institution for Savings, BankGloucester, Brookline Bank, the Ipswich YMCA, the Ipswich Public Library and North Shore 24 Fitness in Rowley.
Hundreds of Rotary leaders assembled in at the Marriott in Newton March 7 through 9 to take part in President Elect Training Seminar or PETS. Our District joined with six other Rotary Districts for Northeast PETS (NEPETS). These Districts cover Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of Maine and Quebec.
PETS is training for Presidents and Assistant Governors (AG) who will begin their roles on July 1.
Every Rotary year there are new Club Presidents, District leaders and leadership in Rotary International. Our new leaders came to learn about and discuss Rotary's Action Plan, new emphases and projects that your Club will be part of in the coming year. The President’s curriculum included sections on Vision and Action Plan, DEI, Membership, The Rotary Foundation and Public Image. There was also great opportunity to network with other Club Presidents to gain connections and inspiration from the countless service opportunities in the Rotary world.
Tomorrow (March 19) is the day! Rotarians, their friends and families are all invited to the area's culinary spotlight: Peabody's Taste of the North Shore. The event will begin at Danversport at 6 pm. Join us for a celebration worthy of our 20th anniversary! We have a record number of restaurants (30!), a growing list of sponsors, and fantastic activities (grab bags, raffles, silent auctions) throughout the night working together to make this best Taste yet.
Don't have your ticket yet? Go to peabodyrotarytaste.com. Admissions will be sold at the door, but if we sell out of raffle tickets (we did last year), you won't be able to purchase them upon arrival. Don't miss out on your your chance to win $10,000. Purchase one of only 300 raffle tickets sold for the grand prize, today!
We hope you'll join us tomorrow night for food, fun and fellowship as we raise money for scholarships supporting the next generation of Peabody leaders.
With pride and excitement, on behalf of myself DGE Tom Hankard, along with DGN Pooja Singla and DGND Terry Rezendes Curran, Immediate Past District Governor Alexander Falk has been appointed District 7930 Rotary Foundation Chair starting 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027.
The mission of The Foundation of Rotary International is “to help Rotary members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.” Alexander Falk has shown he epitomizes our Foundation mission in word and deed. The incoming District Governor track look forward to and will depend on his leadership.
Applications for RYLA (May 17-19) can be found on our Linktree page. This year, we are excited to join forces with District 7950 and their students for the first time. Be sure to have students apply soon, as spots will fill up.
There's no better way to learn more about RYLA than by hearing from those who have experienced it! Below you'll find RYLA Alumni share their valuable lessons and what they have gained from attending our weekend.
"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
"In just three days, I developed my leadership skills all while making meaningful connections with the members of my RYLA family. There is simply no other experience like it!" -Maddie Cass
On March 12 the Somerville Club welcomed Eileen Ryan, Founder of Beyond Plastics Greater Boston. Eileen gave an excellent and animated presentation on current and future environmental issues with plastics. She updated the Club on proposed bills in the Massachusetts Legislature and provided materials for members to become active in the process. The Club looks forward to following up with Eileen and Andrea Lacroix, the District Environmental Chair.
Pictured here left to right are Sylvia Walker, Co-President; Gene Ferraro, incoming Co-President; Eileen Ryan, Beyond Plastics Greater Boston and Gilda Nogueira, Somerville Member,
Through a Rotary connection, I have heard that an Interactor from Brazil, District 4540, is honored to be taking a course at Harvard mid-April and is unable to afford housing. She and her Rotary network are asking if anyone is generous enough to host her for one week: April 17-22.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently had as their guest speakers the project managers from the Northeast Metro Tech DECA Chapter. DECA is a non-profit student-run organization that prepares high school students in business, marketing, finance and hospitality. The student members participate in various business events and competitions to advance their knowledge and leadership skills.
In thispicture are Michelle Broome, Chapter Advisor, Lilliana Mendez, Project Manager, Julianna Arevalo, student, Almi Abeyta, Chelsea Public Schools Superintendent, Iliana Reyes, Project Manager and Jennifer Hassell, Executive Director Chelsea Chamber of Commerce.
The Rockport Rotary Club is hosting an International Potluck For Polio on Thursday, April 4th, starting at 5:30. Entrance cost is $25 per person and it will all go to Polio! If you would like to join us please contact Ingrid Brown and let her know if you’ll be bringing an app, salad, main meal, dessert, or beverage to share, what country you are representing, and we are encouraging costumes.
For World Polio Day last year more than $836,000 was raised online. Let’s add to what D7930 can add to our donations by June 2024!
Salem Rotary presents A Night at the Speakeasy Annual Auction, March 20, 6 pm at Historic Hawthorne Hotel. Please save the date and get your tickets today!
Your $125 ticket includes creative food stations, a silent auction and raffles as well as a fabulous, good time!
We hope to see you at the Speakeasy! Creative attire suggested but not required!
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary recently inducted Gordon Harris as a new member. Gordon is a semi-retired carpenter and, since 2014, the official Ipswich Town Historian. This is a significant responsibility since the Ipswich Town Seal commemorates the town’s unique distinction as the ‘Birthplace of American Independence,’ stemming from the resistance in 1687 of town leaders and citizens to burdensome taxes imposed by the British Crown. In his capacity as our official historian, Gordon is a prolific researcher and author of new and interesting articles about the town’s colorful past. As a carpenter and historian, he also assists homeowners in researching their historic homes.
The Rotary Club of Peabody recently presented a check for $1,000 to the Peabody Veterans Services Department. The club held a "Walk For Veterans and a Day of Service" on Veterans Day 2023 to recognize veterans and raise funds for Peabody's Veterans Services Department. That department helps veterans with disability claims, making appointments, rides to those appointments, financial assistance, education and other veterans' benefits, as well as the bi-annual Veterans Day breakfast. The day of service was led by Peabody Rotary Service Coordinator Stephanie Johnson, as the club cleaned up the area around the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Peabody Square. We also encouraged Peabody residents to do service for veterans, yardwork, errands, rides, etc.
Pictured at the presentation are Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt, Peabody Rotary President Cathy Gravel, Peabody Veterans Agent Steve Patten and Peabody Rotarian and veteran Herb Harris.
The 20th anniversary of Rotary Peabody's Taste of the North Shore is almost here! We invite all Rotarians and their friends and families to enjoy a record-breaking 30 restaurants serving food, desserts and beverages. Join us at Danversport on March 19th at 6 pm for an evening of food, spirits and fellowship.
There are still a few tickets for our $10,000 grand prize raffle still available. Raffle tickets sold out last year; don't miss out on your opportunity to win! Go to peabodyrotarytaste.com to purchase your ticket. More admission options are available on the site.
In addition to food and beverages, there will be a limited amount of grab bags, silent auctions and our very popular wine, beer and bourbon raffles.
Just One Week until Peabody's Taste of North Shore
Citizens Who Care & Educator of the Year (CWC-EOY) is the Rotary Club of Andover's longest running program that honors outstanding community volunteers. Since 1996, we have honored people each year who have contributed to the local community through their extraordinary volunteer contributions. Those chosen exemplify what it means to be an "unsung hero."
2024 Citizens Who Care honorees include:
Peggie Ritzer & Kristen Walsh
Martha Tubinis
Steve Cooper
Andover TV (Wess Murphy, Sean Murphy & Sara Antonakos)
Medford Rotarians are sponsoring our First MEAT Raffle! $20 per ticket. 1st prize $500 worth of meat from Dom's Sausage 2nd prize $250 worth of meat from Dom's Sausage 3rd prize $100 Gift Card to Pearl Street Station Restaurant
The Medford Rotary Club gathered at the Medford Public Library to celebrate our 100th anniversary. Many memories, photos and laughs were shared with long-time members 50 years+ and former members. A great time was had by all! We are honored to be in service to the Medford community and we will continue to cultivate, collaborate and support the needs of others in the spirit of Rotary's motto - Service Above Self.
At a recent lunch meeting Reading Rotary hosted members from their affiliated Interact Clubs. Reading sponsors one Interact at Reading Memorial High School, another at Austin Preparatory School in Reading and also one at North Reading High School. All three clubs sent students to RYLA last year and are working on building up their membership post pandemic.
The RMHS, AP and NRHS Interacts each have members participating in the District Interact Council. It was great to have so much young energy present.
The Woburn Memorial High School Interact Club recently held their annual fundraiser: "The Dating Game." The fundraiser was a success and the funds raised will help support the Council of Social Concern's food pantry and Woburn Dollars for Scholars. Over $1,000 was raised. Adrian Caruso, Emily Kline, Caden Fleming and Dawson LeBlanc of the Interact Club attended a recent Rotary Club of Woburn lunch meeting to talk about the fundraiser.
Have you ever wanted to try making your own charcuterie board? Bring a friend and learn how to create a beautiful and delicious appetizer display. Our talented chef Cara, of Cara's Creative Charcuterie, will walk your through step-by-step and you will build your charcuterie on a custom board that you get to keep.
Join the Rotary Club of Burlington for our fundraiser on Saturday, March 30 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at Grand View Farm, 55 Center Street Burlington, MA. Space is limited. Register here.
Registration Fee: $60 Register By: Saturday, March 23
On February 15, President Darshana Thakkar and Assistant District Governor/District Governor-Elect Pooja Singla of Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club (BBRC) were interviewed by Burlington Cable Access Television regarding the installation of a Buddy Bench at Fox Hill Elementary School. This project is a successful collaboration between District 7930 and the BBRC team.
The Buddy Bench is available for this year’s 500 students to experience a safe space for talking, making new friends, celebrating achievements, discovering, and connecting with each other.
At a recent lunch meeting, Reading Rotary welcomed two new members, Margaret O'Sullivan and Tom Seyffret. President Sheila Clarke did the honors of installing them. Margaret is a realtor with William Raveis in Reading Square. Tom is a manager with North Shore Bank's Reading location also in Reading Square. Both Margaret and Tom have long time ties to the Reading community.
Salem Rotary presents A Night at the Speakeasy Annual Auction, March 20, 6 pm at Historic Hawthorne Hotel. Please save the date and get your tickets today!
Your $125 ticket includes creative food stations, a silent auction and raffles as well as a fabulous, good time!
We hope to see you at the Speakeasy! Creative attire suggested but not required!
The Winchester Rotary is raising funds to end polio with a "Pints for Polio" event at Lord Hobo, 5 Draper Street in Woburn, MA, on March 21st, 6:30 to 9:30 pm.
We have had to start a new D7930 Facebook Page. Our original Page is currently out of commission. We ask all Rotarians and friends to Like and Follow our new Page. Please invite your FB friends to like and follow. Our original Page has over 1,200 followers. Our new page has just over 100 now. We ask for your help. We all need to take a part in increasing the impact and reach of Rotary's Public Image.
We ask all Rotarians on Facebook to help Expand Our Reach by inviting your contacts to Like and Follow our new Page.
I am back from Sarasota where I attended the very first ESRAG Projects Fair. It stands for Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group. I met a handful of very interesting Rotarians doing GREAT things for the environment. You can't leave a Rotary conference without doing a service project. This picture is at a Micro Forest where we helped right trees that were leaning after a large storm and cleared paths. It was fun until I was attacked by red ants! Thankfully we were wrapping up as that happened and I caught the ants climbing up my leg before any damage was done.
Here is the list of projects presented: Susquehanna Watershed Project Cape Cod Watershed Institute Coastal Ecology Sustainability Camp Kawartha Environment Centre Lunch out of Landfills Ottawa Youth Rotary Forest Ipswich Watershed Grant Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) Every Club Climate Friendly
Time is running out to get your tickets to the 20th anniversary of Rotary Peabody's Taste of the North Shore! Our tickets sold out last year; don't miss your chance at the $10,000 grand prize! Tickets are $100 each and include 1 admission and an entry into our grand prize raffle - a maximum of 300 tickets sold. Join us on March 19th, 6PM at Danversport.
We also have a celebration worthy of our 20th anniversary with a record number of participating restaurants. Sample dishes from 30 area restaurants ranging from pasta, charcuterie, short ribs, mac and cheese bar, truffle mashed potatoes, spinach pie, pastries, beer, spirits and so much more! For details go to: peabodyrotarytaste.com for up-to-the-minute details.
We will also have our popular grab bags ($20 each, minimum $25 value), beer, wine and spirits raffles and additional raffles with exciting prizes. Don't miss out on the fun, food and fellowship with your fellow Rotarians. Go to peabodyrotarytaste.com for more info. We hope you'll join us at Danversport on March 19th.
Rockport Rotary Club hosted its annual Valentine’s Luncheon for the seniors in town at the Fish Shack. They received a haddock dinner, chocolates, red carnations, a Valentine made by the elementary school kids, and were entertained by the High School Chorus. Such a fun and appreciated time!
The audience helps pick the winner! Over $2000 in cash prizes!!
Doors open at 7PM, Performance from 8PM-10PM - Cash Bar for Cocktails & Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres - Tickets: $50 for Adults; $25 for Students under 18; under 12 FREE. (Proceeds to fund Rotary Club of Lexington’s High School Scholarship program)
Apply for tickets here, (let us know how many adults and how many students) we will send you a bill. Or you can pay via Venmo: @Daniel-Busa
Planning and training for RYLA 2024 (May 17-19) is well underway. We had two Family Leader Training sessions at our new location at the Stoneham Teen Center. We did lots of team building activities as well as a deeper discussion of our RYLA weekend! We are excited to have such a great group!
Family leaders for RYLA are what makes our weekend so special. Some of the answers of this year’s Family Leaders were just so meaningful that I thought I would share them with you so you could see the impact you are having by sponsoring students for RYLA. These kids are AMAZING!
Applications for RYLA 24 will be live early to mid-February, so stayed tuned! In the meantime, we are ready to start visiting clubs to share the new video! Please email me, Christina Harris, or call me at 978.270.6706. Download the attached flyer here. Thank you for your support of the RYLA program!
Friends of Rotary Club of Amesbury, Massachusetts, we're kicking off our biggest fundraiser in a number of years. One lucky winner will win $5,000.00. We're only selling 100 tickets so your chances are good. Raffle ticket only is $100. Admission to event only is $25 per person. Drawing event is March 11 at Ristorante Molise in Amesbury.
You can buy your chance for the big prize or by clicking on this link or order and pay by check in the amount of $100.00 for each raffle ticket you are ordering, plus $25.00 per person for the number of people who will be attending Raffle night in person; made out to Amesbury Rotary, with Raffle Royale written in the memo line, and include your contact information, and the number of raffle tickets and raffle night admission tickets being ordered. Then mail to Amesbury Rotary, PO Box 554, Amesbury, MA 01913, or drop it off at Stoneridge Properties, 20 Market Street, Amesbury.
The evening of the drawing we are also going to have grab bags and a drop bucket for those who attend in person (only $25). Get your tickets today and enjoy a fun evening with good friends, and good food. Any way you look at it, you're a winner.
This week, Woburn Rotary's annual defibrillator donation was presented to the Woburn Public Library. Library Director and Honorary Rotary member Hermayne Gordon was there to accept the donation.
Also, Rotary Club of Woburn President Brian Ouellette presented a short film he filmed and directed about the library titled "The Renovation & Expansion of the Woburn Public Library". The film documents the construction of the library addition from 2016 - 2019 using drone footage and rare construction footage of inside the library. The film was co-directed by Susan Thifault and written and narrated by former library director Andrea Bunker. Special thanks to former long-time library director Kathy O'Doherty and President of Library Trustees Richard Mahoney for their input on the film.
I am Sophie Saquet, a current senior at North Reading High School, and 2024 Miss North Reading. I am a finalist competing for the Miss Massachusetts USA title this March and I wanted to invite you to take part in this journey! Outside of my passion for pageants, I am member of the North Reading Interact Club, as well as serve as Vice Governor for the District 7930 Interact Council. I love to support the community I represent and to bring to life great opportunities for growth. For this reason, I established a GoFundMe that will not only support the finances required for me to compete in Miss Massachusetts, but half of the amount donated will go directly to suicide prevention. I hope you consider donating to this fund, as this cause is very important to me. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Download a flyer with details here.
At their weekly breakfast meeting, Marblehead Harbor Rotary members assembled Valentine’s Day cheer packs for 47 clients of a local rehabilitation and skilled nursing home. The tiny arrangements contained faux rosebuds and were designed to give lasting happiness in smaller spaces like a bed table or bureau top. A card of good wishes accompanied each bud vase.
Lynn Rotary recently received an update on all the activities of the Lynn Classical Interact Club. Lynn Classical Interact Club Faculty Advisor and English teacher Lauren Jenkins reported as follows:
The Interact Club has been doing a fantastic job of keeping up with community happenings.
Our students ran a Turkey Box fundraiser, and we received 18 paper boxes that we filled with everything but the turkey. Students at Lynn Classical, who were identified by our family liaison, were able to take these boxes home to their families. We also received almost $600 in donations, so we were also able to give families gift cards to Market Basket. It was a huge success.
Past District Governor Ingrid Brown celebrated Rockport’s inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student Lila Michaux’s sixteenth birthday. Also attending was one of District 7930's newest outbound students, Mari Penaloza, who will be going to Italy for the 2024-2025 school year. Such a great program!
As we cap off our Get Movin' to End Polio fundraising - let's join together to learn the latest information from Rotary International Polio Society Chair, Mike McGovern on where we really are with Ending Polio! February 7, 6:00 to 7:00 pm on Zoom.
Mike McGovern is Past District Governor of District 7780 and a member of the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He currently serves as chair of the International PolioPlus Committee.
The Winchester Rotary volunteered at the Greater Boston Food Bank on Saturday, January 27th, and helped package 20,000 meals for our neighbors in Massachusetts.
The Greater Boston Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. GBFB works to increase food distribution to provide three meals a day to every person in need in Eastern Massachusetts while supporting healthy lives and healthy communities.
For more information or to get involved with GBFB, click here.
Save the Date – Lynnfield Rotary’s Build A Bed - May 11, 2024, 9:00 am, Market Street
Build A Bed is returning to Market Street in Lynnfield on Saturday, May 11, 2024. In 2022 Lynnfield Rotary hosted its first Build A Bed project producing ten beds for children in Massachusetts. Last year ninety-one volunteers built twenty-two beds, exceeding our goal. We are optimistic for 2024 to be our best year.
Lumber, hardware, tools, and expert instruction to construct the bed frames will be provided. People will work in groups of up to four builders.
The beds cost $350 each. Upon completion, a mattress will be added, and the finished product will be delivered to the child’s home.
Individuals, families, and organizations can participate as follows:
One or more beds can be purchased for $350 each. This allows your team to attend the event and build the frames. If you prefer, your donation will allow a bed to be constructed by our volunteers in your name.
DEI DISCUSSION SERIES #4, February 21, 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
An Inspirational Presentation by Rotarian James Norris, Founder/Owner/Executive director of Handi Capable Fitness helping Handi Capable community and training Handi Capable athletes. James will share his life's experience!
Handi Capable Fitness is dedicated to encouraging people to get out, be active, and be proud of the life they live. On this journey, bodies become stronger and able to push harder. A Handi Capable athlete is someone who sees beyond their challenges and has the courage to be active. It’s not about whether you win the race. Being a Handi Capable athlete is about getting out and taking action, no matter what.
James is also an author of many books such as Feeling Left Out: The First in a Series Children's Books and Feeling Accepted: Coast to Coast: The second in the series.
WHO: For any Rotarians who want to learn more about Rotary’s structure, programs, leadership styles, fundraising, and service opportunities. It is not necessary to be on a club leadership track to participate.
REGISTER NOW AT:https://rlinea.org/ and then on the left side click on More Info under the heading "RLI NEA Seminar - Dist 7930-Wakefield, MA-Virtual; February 27th 2024"
Greetings everyone! Salem Rotarians will participate in the upcoming "Frozen Flamingo Frolic" - an icy plunge into our cold Salem ocean waters! One of Rotary's primary initiatives is a commitment to ending Polio in the world. Our local Frolic is Salem Rotary's contribution to this effort with Plunge proceeds going to this important worldwide initiative. Note that Salem Harbor Master has advised us to change the original location due to the tide.
Wear water shoes of some kind to protect your feet from rocks, debris, etc.
The area has been icy, so take your time getting down the ramp.
No jumping off the dock or surrounding area; You must enter from the boat ramp.
Be advised that health issues from plunging can occur well after you get out of the water as your blood tries to warm your extremities. If you feel off 15 – 20 minutes after you get out of the water, get checked out to make sure nothing serious is occurring.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea welcomed its newest member, Allison Gamble. Allison works for North Suffolk Community Services in Advancement and Grants. She was sworn in by Past President Allan I. Alpert and welcomed by President Almi Abeyta.
The Winchester Rotary capped off a year of support for Mission of Deed in December with a winter coat drive contributing over 75 coats and our annual linen and bedspread donation of over $2000. The club volunteers monthly to assist new clients as they receive new beds, furniture, linens, and kitchen supplies for clients on the north shore.
Winchester Rotary has a long history of supporting the Mission of Deeds, going back to its founding by a Winchester Rotarian. The Mission of Deeds has served over 16,500 clients through local donations and grants since its founding. Consider donating your used furniture to them or joining one of their upcoming fundraising events. www.missionofdeeds.org
In our latest fundraiser, the Beverly Rotary Club conducted an online auction, raffling off only one item: a trip to LA to see the Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre, with a 2-night hotel stay. The winner at two minutes before the closing time was Jen Lapan. She bid on it for her daughter and roommate, who are studying in the theatre department in college. The two girls took off on their adventure and stayed in the hotel right near the Peacock Theatre. Reports from mom to us are that they had a blast. They hobnobbed with the stars on the Red Carpet. They did some sightseeing and visited Hollywood emmy museums. The city life at night was great too. Our club obtained the tickets from a member's son who works in Los Angeles. Thanks to him, we were thrilled to bring happiness to these young ladies, and simultaneously we raised money toward our projects this year. You can tell from the photo below that it was a trip to remember! And the winner is.......everyone!!!
The Belle Isle Rotary and Parkway Rotary Clubs are very excited to be gearing up for our 2nd Annual Be Bold-Get Cold Plunge to be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The doors will open at 9am and the plunge will take place at 11am (which is high tide and there is a ramp we walk down and plunge from!)
Like last year, which was a rousing and fun success bringing together many Rotary Clubs in District 7930, the event will be held at the East Boston Yacht Club, 1 Rice Street, East Boston, MA 02128. There is plenty of parking and of course there will be plenty of refreshments and fun for all. Hope to see you there!
Come to plunge or just to cheer. Lots of food (potluck) and fun. Drinks/mimosas (cash bar). Grill to be fired up. Raffles and prizes.
They say, "One person's trash, is another's treasure." Recently, the Wakefield Rotary Club put that idiom to the test during the club's Second Chances Auction. The internal fundraiser invited members to bring gently used or unwanted items in for donation. Other members can then bid on them, generally starting with a bid of just five dollars.
Rotarian Wendy Maguire explained, "We've all gotten something for our birthday or holiday that just isn't quite what you'd want or use. That's the stuff we wanted for the auction!" The meeting began with a reflection by Past Rotary President Jim Fitzgerald who reminded the club that Rotary is all about giving second chances...to people, to projects, and to ideas. He ended his reflection with a clip from the song "Second Chances" by Gregory Alan Isakov.
The main event at the recent Rotary International's International Assembly attended by District Governor-Elect Tom Hankard in Orlando, Florida, is the unveiling of Rotary's annual theme.
International President-Elect Stephanie A. Urchick announced "The Magic of Rotary" is our theme for next year.
Stephanie recalled how on a service trip, to the Dominican Republic a boy who saw clean water coming out of a new water filter called out to Stephanie for her to show him that "magic" again. Watch a short video of the announcement.
The Magic of Rotary will also be the final annual theme as Rotary International transitions to multi-year themes for both internal and external use.
In a 2019 article "Socks Are A Critical Component of Our Health" by Harold Cox, the Associate Dean for Public Health Practice and Associate Professor of Community Health Sciences at Boston University School of Public Health, most homeless people face foot care problems because they often lack resources to buy well-fitting, adequate footwear. Many homeless people have a condition called polyneuropathy, in which they lose nerve function and cannot feel irritations of the feet. The thickened skin can then break down to an ulcer and become infected, causing sepsis or even deep bone infections. Lack of access to quality health care can exacerbate these problems. All of this can be mitigated with proper foot care, including access to clean socks.
It is with a heavy heart, that we are reach out to share the news that Al Fay, our friend and longtime member of Burlington Rotary, has passed away.
Al was a model Rotarian and, more importantly than that, he was the best example of a good citizen, neighbor, friend, family man, and, simply put, person. He is a true role model of what a community leader should be. Al Fay joined Rotary 12/3/2010 and was a member until his passing. He leaves behind an amazing legacy.
Every conversation with Al was interesting and full of countless stories about his time as Fire Chief, Selectman, early resident of Burlington and more clubs and activities that we can note here.
Please keep Al, his wife Joyce, and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Al was truly an amazing person. Burlington will not be the same without him. Our club will miss him terribly.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al’s name may be made to the to the Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation c/o Brian Curtin 35 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803
Posted by Ingrid Brown, District Polio Chair on Jan 19, 2024
Here's your a reminder to get your donations and get fit for 2024! It’s up to you to make the difference for the children of the world, so let’s do this together!
Time to get moving, put on those new exercise outfits and sneakers, and let’s all make some healthy New Year’s resolutions, and raise some serious funds for the eradication of polio! You can choose your own dates, so no excuse about scheduling!
How do you move: (@$25-$50 per hour?)
Clean your house; food shop; yoga or exercise class; ride a bike; ski (if you can find snow); Polar Plunge alone or with a group; join in one of the district events; use your imagination – anything goes!
How do you raise donations:
Ask family members; ask club members; ask co-workers; support yourself
Either set up a Raise For Rotary page or collect $$/checks and have your club send to Rotary End Polio.
It’s that time of year again! We are excited to share RYLA 2024 will be taking place May 17th-19th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. We are ready for this year’s group of students to experience a full weekend of learning, discovering, and connecting with each other. With how busy the end of year can be, make sure to save the date for RYLA 2024 before your schedule fills up!
For more information or any questions, please reach out to RYLA Lead Christina Harris or view the RYLA page on our website.
Lynnfield Rotary in collaboration with a local community partnership, A Healthy Lynnfield, is offering an 8 hour certificate training in Mental Health First Aid. This is a practical skills based course to teach the public how to respond appropriately to someone that exhibits signs of mental illness or substance use. There are only a few seats left. Rotarians are welcome to register for this nationally renowned program. The deadline is Friday 1/19. Participants are required to attend both sessions.
Where would you go if you could dine anywhere in the world with no limits on how far you travel?
The Wakefield Rotary Club is hosting its fifth chance that offers the winner a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Dine Anywhere in the World Contest offers one lucky winner and a guest the opportunity to win a trip to any destination in the world of their choosing! The winner will receive round-trip airfare for two, an overnight in a 4-star or better hotel and a gift certificate for dinner to the restaurant of their choosing!
On January 10, 2024, the Rotary Club of Lynn continued with its tradition of distributing dictionaries to 3rd graders in the 18 public elementary schools in Lynn. Since 2008, the Rotary Club of Lynn has presented over 1,200 dictionaries annually to third-grade students in the Lynn Public Schools. This year marks the 15th consecutive year of this service project for the club and a distribution of over 19,000 dictionaries since its inception!
The Reading Cooperative Bank continued with its financial support of this project by funding the purchase of the dictionaries. Additionally, the bank supported the project by providing the assistance of at least 11 staff members to aid in the distribution.
In addition to the bank assisting the Lynn School District had 15 volunteers to assist in the distribution. The Superintendent, Evonne Alvares, the Deputy Superintendent Debra Ruggiero were among the staff members who contributed their time.
Pictured here with Lynn 3rd graders are Rotarian Ray Bastarache, Lynn School District, Tina Hooufnagiel, and Reading Cooperative Bank's Tess Cunha and Maria Santa.
The Swampscott Rotary Club has been delivering Holiday Fruit baskets for over 40 years. These go to Swampscott and Nahant Senior Centers, Town Departments, senior citizens, widows and widowers and others who may be ill or need extra support.
Over the last several years we average about 80 baskets delivered each year.
Every year we receive numerous thank you notes and cards, but none more interesting (or impressive) as the attached thank you from Nahant resident, Calantha Sears, age 102!
The Rotary Club of Peabody is inviting everyone to get moving to end Polio with yoga! On January 25, 2024 @ 6PM, we will proudly join Rotary International and Rotary District 7930 in their efforts to “Get Moving” eradicate polio. Rotary Peabody’s goal is to raise more than $500 There will be two ways to support the Rotary Peabody: get moving at our yoga class or sponsor a Rotary Peabody team member who will be participating in the class.
Ipswich High School Interact leaders of the 2023 Jingle Bell Walk met with Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians last week to announce the revenue from their event, Jingle Bell Walk, nearly doubled from the previous year. They were on hand to present Ipswich Caring with a check for $1,500. Additional proceeds will fund their micro loan projects with Kiva.
For more than 40 years, non-profit Ipswich Caring has assisted Ipswich families in need. With the help of over 200 volunteers, "Ipswich Caring provides financial and in-kind support to youth, adults and families through a variety of programs and services." Like Rotary, this group is dedicated to Service Above Self.
Join in on the P is for POLIO FUN-raiser to help eradicate Polio worldwide, January 28th 5:30-8 pm. Sign up with your family, sign up with your friends. Click the link and pick an activity or two. Pool space is available for plunging with families as well. $25/person suggested minimum donation to join in the fun.
Yes! Polio still exists, which can severely disable children and is not curable. Vaccinations prevent Polio. Rotary has significantly contributed to eradicating Polio in 99.9% of the world. Unless we eradicate polio, within 10 years, as many as 200,000 new cases could occur around the world each year. In the past few years, only two countries have reported cases of polio caused by the wild virus, but no child anywhere is safe until we’ve vaccinated every child.
Click and sign up to reserve your activities and times at the Ipswich YMCA. Thank you to the Ipswich YMCA for donating the space for this important fundraiser. If you are not a member, please bring your entrance fee payable to Ipswich Rotary Trust or in cash.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce its newest member, Patricia Birchem. Birchem was recently installed into the club earlier this season by Wakefield Rotary Past President, Lisa Roderick and her sponsor, Past President Amy Luckiewicz.
Birchem is most interested in developing economic and community development projects along with scholarships and youth programs through her membership in Rotary. She explained her interest in joining the club, “I was drawn to the guiding principles of truth, fairness, goodwill, friendship and giving back to those in need.” She added, “I’m looking forward to making lasting change in the world and our local community by taking action through service.”
Birchem is a realtor with Leading Edge Real Estate. She grew up in Medford and now resides in Wakefield with her husband Mark. The couple has two children, Isabella and Caleb.
Pictured here is Patricia Birchem at her Installation with Lisa Roderick.
The District Environmental Committee is up and running and wants your suggestions! If your club has an environmental committee, let's talk and discuss what you are doing and how we can work together to take your projects further.
Water plastics and pollinators... these are the issues the Ipswich-Rowley Club are working on. The Ipswich-Rowley Club has a Global Grant focused on Water Conservation. We have partnered with the Ipswich River Watershed and are seeing positive results. I will be attending the ESRAG Projects Fair at the end of January to showcase this grant.
Is your club looking for a speaker? Please contact me, Andrea LaCroix. I have been making the rounds at many Rotary clubs delivering a very informative talk on plastics. I am available to speak at your club, will have giveaways to distribute and am very excited to come give in-person presentation soon!
May seems like it's far away, but we will begin promoting No Mow May in March.
Due to a scheduling conflict, the next District Environmental meeting will be January 24th at 6pm. Please email me for a zoom link.
Happy New Year! Cheers to a new year and new opportunities for Service Above Self.
Wishing all Rotarians, partners, friends and neighbors happy and healthy New Year!
Thank you to all who for your story submissions for the eBulletin and website. It is so inspiring to see the work and fun from throughout our District. The link for submitting stories can always be found on our website or find it directly at this link.
May the new year bring you joy, peace, and happiness.
Posted by Ingrid Brown, District Polio Chair on Dec 29, 2023
Are YOU ready?? Time to get off your duff, put on those new exercise outfits and sneakers, and let’s all make some healthy New Year’s resolutions, AND raise some serious funds for the eradication of polio! You can choose your own date(s) so no excuse about scheduling!
How do you move: (@$25-$50 per hour?)
Clean your house; food shop; yoga or exercise class; ride a bike; ski (if you can find snow); Polar Plunge alone or with a group; join in one of the district events; use your imagination – anything goes!
How do you raise donations:
Ask family members; ask club members; ask co-workers; support yourself
Either set up a Raise For Rotary page or collect $$/checks and have your club send to Rotary End Polio.
March 19th, 2024 will be the 20th anniversary of Rotary Peabody's popular and biggest fundraiser of the year. We're inviting all Rotarians to join us to enjoy the best flavors the North Shore has to offer. Our $10,000 raffle (only 300 tickets sold), wine and beer raffle, $20 grab bags (value of $25 or more) will once again be a part of this event. This event supports deserving high school students with scholarships, helps feed food insecure families and funds the service projects we perform year-round to make our community stronger. For more information go to www.peabodyrotarytaste.com to purchase tickets and get more information about sponsorship opportunities. We hope you'll join us!
Promote your Rotary’s Public Image. 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. Effective Public Image helps expand your reach and artfully tell compelling stories that demonstrate Rotarians as people of action. The Public Image Committee’s role is to help clubs to have a robust media and social media strategy, an up-to-date website and an engaging online presence in their local communities.
We suggest all clubs engage on social media to boost your Public Image. Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.) provide streamlined opportunity to get your stories out there. The various platforms can provide a direct way to push your news to the public. Here are some tips to think about.
Save the Date! RYLA is coming May 17-19, Camp Rotary in Boxford.
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!
Ingrid Brown from Rockport Rotary celebrated an International Holiday Lunch at a Turkish restaurant with her former Global Scholar, Makiko Ueda, from Japan and current French Youth Exchange student, Lila Michaux.
Maki’s parents just arrived from Japan to celebrate Christmas with the whole family.
The Salem Rotary Club recently hosted its annual Department of Children and Families Holiday party. This event supports children throughout the North Shore region and allows foster children the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their foster families and often their siblings who are not able to be housed in the same foster home. Hosted at the beautiful Kernwood Country Club in Salem, this fun afternoon provided fun activities, a magician, stories with Elsa and Anna, good food, gifts, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
"The Salem Rotary Club is proud to support DCF at this annual event,” said Club President Jen Close. “This event is something we look forward to every year, and Rotarians have just as much fun bringing joy to families in our community as the children who attend."
Wishing all Rotarians, community partners and friends the happiest Season's Greetings and Happy New Year. Thank you for all you do for your Rotary club and community. We appreciate all you do!
We hope you all are able to take time to spend time with family and friends during this time.
Best Wishes to All and continue to Create Hope in the World!
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently announced the election of its new officers and directors at its Annual Meeting. The club elects new leadership each year in accordance with its by-laws. The 2024-2025 Board of Directors include Margie Daniels, Joie Gerrish, Mike Sullivan, Jill McWilliam, Steve Skory, Glen Duffy (Immediate Past President) and Amy Luckiewicz (Past Presidents’ Representative). Suzanne Bowering will serve as Club Secretary, Barbara Worley as Club Treasurer and Frank Fiorentino as Sergeant-at-Arms. Kathy Boyle was elected Vice President/President-Elect and Wendy Maguire will serve as President for the 2024-2025 term.
Members of the Chelsea Rotary Club helped the Chelsea Salvation Army raise funds for the holiday season by ringing the kettle bells at the Chelsea Market Basket. The Rotarians rang the bells at both entrances from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Rotary Club has been supporting the Salvation Army by ringing the kettle bells for over 20 years.
It's that time of the year again where the Rotary Club of Andover is reaching out to our friends and community for nominations to recognize those unsung heroes among us for the title 2024 Citizens Who Care. To be recognized are Citizens Who Care, Educator of the Year and Student of the Year.
Nominations are being accepted through January 15, 2024 and information can be found on the club's website.
Thank you for the time, energy, and financial support you give to Rotary’s mission. Consider showing this great video at your next club meeting:
The Rotary Foundation plans for the future, not just for today, and helps members put ideas into action. In the words of Arch Klumph:
“Rotary has assumed a great obligation to the world … . Its opportunities are limitless, but its income today and of tomorrow will never permit it to do the many things which it could and should do. Let me remind you of these three facts: (1) money alone does little good, (2) individual service is helpless without money, (3) the two together can be a godsend to civilization.”
Thank you for the time, energy, and financial support you give to Rotary’s mission.
Many members of the Rotary Club of Woburn recently participated in an event to cook and serve breakfast at the Senior Center on School St. in Woburn. The senior guests were served scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage patties and strawberries along with orange juice and coffee that was donated by a local Dunkin' franchise. The senior guests were also entertained by a local Irish American entertainer, Mossie Coughlan. Mossie had the guests singing classics such as "Oh Danny Boy" and even got some of them up to dance.
Members of the Greater Salem, NH Club participated in our annual Salvation Army bell ringing.
For over two decades we have been collecting donations for those in need, the Club matching every dollar we collect.
We continue to engage in the community findings ways to help others and make a positive difference, as we stand by our Rotary motto “Service Above Self.”
View the recording of the special webinar hosted by our DEI Committee on December 6. Our DG Lori Karas joined with Israel's D2490 DG Bashir Nusair from District 2490 on how everyday life has changed in Israel since October 7, 2023.
Hear the firsthand accounts from Rotarians on life with warning sirens and rockets. Learn what they are doing to support one another and the community.
You can support The Rotary Foundation all year by making a recurring gift with Rotary Direct. Choose how much and how often to give, using this simple and secure tool to make a big impact.
The Wakefield Rotary Club completed its annual Autumn donation of dictionaries to every third grader in Wakefield. 314 copies were hand-delivered to all Wakefield public schools as well as Odyssey and St. Joseph’s School. Diligent Rotarians Suzanne Bowering, Barbara Worley, Tom Stapleton, Joie Gerrish, Paul Adams, Wendy Maguire, Lisa Roderick, and Jill McWilliam visited each school and walked students through some of the resource’s highlights including how to look up the word “volunteer,” the American Sign Language alphabet, and historical information all included in the book.
The project has been going on decades. And although it may seem dated, there is evidence that hard copy dictionaries still have meaning. In a recent article, “Hold Onto Your Paperback Dictionaries, Don’t Throw Them Away,” Third Grade Teacher Heather Stamps highlighted several reasons for their relevance including exposure to new vocabulary and organization. She added, "Paperback dictionaries provide elementary school students with repeated exposure to the alphabetization method of information organization at a fixed cost." Fueled by this article, the feedback from Wakefield teachers and students’ smiles, the Wakefield Rotary Club looks forward to continuing this project for years to come.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently contributed items to the Wakefield Interact’s Care Closet. The Care Closet is accessible to high school students and contains free clothes and other necessary toiletries for students in need. Rotarians donated items to kick start the closet including items for students as well as hangers and containers for storage. Interact Advisor Bridget Hagerty and Interact leaders Ahmen Othman and Riya Patel visited the club this week to pick up the items.
The Care Closet is still seeking items including teenage clothes, coats, winter boots, toiletries (deodorant, body spray, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, etc.), laundry detergent, or monetary donations to purchase these items. To make a donation, please contact Wakefield Interact Advisor Bridget Hagerty at the Wakefield High School.
Please join us for the next District Wide Environmental Committee meeting on Dec. 27th at 6 pm. Please email Andrea LaCroix for the Zoom link.
In the meantime, here are tips for a Plastic Free Holiday Season:
1. Choose Plastic-Free Gifts That Prevent Waste. Looking for the perfect practical gift? Reusable metal, glass, or ceramic water bottles and travel mugs are plastic-free gifts that will also help the recipient to reduce future waste! Other zero-waste gifts include bamboo utensil sets, stainless steel straws, loose tea and tea strainers, beeswax food wrap, Swedish reusable cloths, a stainless-steel tiffin (perfect for bringing lunch or keeping in your car to have handy if you go out to eat to bring leftovers home in), reusable bowl covers, reusable cotton tote bags, stainless steel or ceramic compost bins for your kitchen, and so much more.
Rotary Club of Lexington began their annual Sand for Seniors event. Dropping off ice melt to seniors ahead of the snowy season.
Sand 4 Seniors is a volunteer program provided by the Lexington Rotary designed to increase safety during the winter months and help reduce the risk of falls. This program was created for eligible seniors who are either physically or financially unable to acquire their own bucket of an ice melt product.
This program is available to Lexington residents 60 or over, live in their own home and are physically or financial unable to get ice melt themselves.
The Medford and Malden Rotarians again hosted the seniors of their respective football teams for their annual Thanksgiving Football Rally luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 16th at Pearl Street Station in Malden. President Paul Solano of Malden and Past President Paul Bardaro of Medford were the emcees. Also invited were the Senior football players and captain, the Senior cheerleaders and the coaching staff of both schools. The Superintendent of both Malden and Medford along with the school Principals and other school administrators.
Rotarians from both Medford and Malden Clubs were in attendance along with several Medford Alumni players who were invited to join us.
The Massachusetts high school football rivalry between Malden and Medford dates back to 1889, making it the second-oldest continuous high school football rivalry in the country!
A good time was had by all. Go Mustangs! Go Tornados!
You can honor a loved one in a meaningful way with a contribution to The Rotary Foundation that helps sustain our efforts around the world.
The easiest way is to start at rotary.org/donate and select the option to make a donation in honor or in memory of someone. You can contribute to the Annual Fund-SHARE, the World Fund, the Endowment, PolioPlus, the Disaster Response Fund, a specific area of focus or a global grant.
As the donor, you’ll receive gift credit and a tax receipt (where applicable). The person you’re honoring or their family can be notified of your gift by email, or you can choose to print a notification and deliver it yourself.
Consider making a gift to the Foundation today to honor someone you love.
You’ve seen the show on TV. Did you ever imagine being there? Well, here’s your chance to be among the stars at the 75th 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California on January 15th, 2024! What a great event sponsored by the Beverly Rotary Club to support our students so they can become STARS!! TICKETS ARE NOT SOLD FOR THIS EVENT. They are PRICELESS! You get a souvenir book with all the categories and photos in it. You see your favorites walking down the Red Carpet that YOU just walked down. They even stop to take photos and some with just you! You are there as they show it live on television. This is an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime event! This package includes a two-night stay at the Wayfarer Hotel by Hilton, which is minutes from where the Emmys Awards will be held. What an incredible memory you’ll be making!
May I have the envelope please? And the winner is...YOU!!!!
START BIDDING NOW! Auction ends 6pm December 19, 2023.
As the District representative on the Council of Legislation (COL) I wanted to let you know the results of the recent meeting. Twenty six resolutions were transmitted to the Council and 7 resolutions were adopted, all of which were recommendations to the RI Board. TheRI Board will consider these items at its upcoming meetings. The Report of Actions can be viewed here.
Voting results for all 2023 resolutions can be found on My Rotary here.
Should you have any questions about the Council on Resolutions or the adopted items, please contact Council Services at council_services@rotary.org. The deadline for submitting resolutions to the next Council on Resolutions is 30 June 2024.
On Wednesday, November 22, the Austin Prep Interact Club served pre-Thanksgiving meals at the Salvation Army Cambridge Corps Community Center.
The Interact was accompanied on this service project by Advisor and Reading Rotarian Lisa Simmons. Lisa serves as Assistant Admissions Director at Austin Prep. The Austin Prep Interact is sponsored by Reading Rotary.
Austin Prep is an independent Augustinian Catholic school in Reading serving boys and girls in grades 6 through 12.
Donations to the Foundation are essential to securing and expanding our programs throughout the world. We recognize with gratitude clubs that make extraordinary contributions.
100% Paul Harris Fellow Club: These are clubs in which all dues-paying members are Paul Harris Fellows. The club receives a banner. This is a one-time recognition, but the intent is that the club will maintain its status.
100% Foundation Giving Club: This banner is given to clubs that have an average of US$100 in per capita giving and in which every dues-paying member donates at least $25 during the year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, the Endowment, or approved global grants.
Every Rotarian, Every Year Club: This banner is awarded to clubs that have a minimum Annual Fund contribution of $100 per capita during the year and in which every dues-paying member personally contributes at least $25 to the Annual Fund in that time period.
Top Three Per Capita in Annual Fund Giving: These banners are presented each year to the three clubs in each district with the highest per capita Annual Fund giving.
100% Paul Harris Society Club: This banner is awarded to clubs in which every dues-paying member contributes at least $1,000 during the year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved global grant.
100% Rotary’s Promise Club: These are clubs in which every dues-paying member supports the Endowment with an outright gift of $1,000 or more or a commitment of at least that amount in an estate plan. These clubs receive a certificate upon request.
The 101st annual pre-Thanksgiving Football Luncheon, hosted by Lynn Rotary, was held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Lynn Knights of Columbus. The luncheon is to get the Captains from the five Lynn High School football teams together 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 109th Thanksgiving game between Classical and English!
Giving Tuesday, November 28th, is a great time to promote Foundation giving. Support our Foundation on Giving Tuesday, November 28th. Make a gift to the Foundation and share your support on social media. The top clubs in fundraising, participation, and online giving will be featured on My Rotary. Read about last year’s honorees.
2. Other ideas to promote the Foundation
a. Share our impact. Take time during a club meeting to show members how the Foundation transforms gifts into service projects that advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by fighting disease, improving the quality of education, protecting the environment, alleviating poverty, and doing even more. Invite a Foundation scholarship recipient or a community member who was involved in or benefited from a grant project to speak about the Foundation’s impact on their life.
Tracey Scherrer Friedman, Executive Director of The Haven Project, along with her colleagues Jamie Ayer and Angelica Perez Baez, presented on November 16 to Lynn Rotary information concerning their nonprofit and what they do to help homeless young people in Lynn.
Tracey explained that The Haven Project was the first organization north of Boston dedicated specifically to providing age-appropriate services to a growing, vulnerable 17 to 24 year old homeless young adult population. Since 2011, they have been implementing their mission through six essential focus areas: basic needs, employment, housing, education, health, and community engagement.
Past RI President Jennifer Jones informed Past District Governor Alexander Falk today that our District 7930 was one of only 53 districts in the world to receive the District Citation for the previous 2022-23 Rotary year.
This citation is awarded to districts where at least half of the Rotary Clubs have achieved the Rotary Citation for the prior year.
IPDG Alexander Falk is presently scheduling visits to those clubs to present them with their framed Citation certificate at some point in the next 2-3 months and to recognize the great work that those clubs and their presidents have accomplished in the previous Rotary year.
Click on Read more... to read the letter from PRIP Jennifer Jones.
Please join us for a special webinar hosted by the DEI Committee - Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 7:30AM
Topic: Everyday life changed on October 7, 2023, in Israel.
Join District Governor Bashir Nusair from District 2490 in Israel, Rotarians from Israel and our District Governor Lori Karas.
During this meeting you will hear firsthand accounts from Rotarians on life with warning sirens and rockets. Learn what they are doing to support one another and the community. We’ll also talk about how we can help, too. Register here.
Having enough time is always a challenge so at the Rotary Club of Andover, we wanted to remove that challenge from our membership options. A weekly meeting/commitment may be a deterrent for some who want to become involved in a service organization so about 7 years ago, our club added a Service Membership in addition to our Regular (aka Traditional) and Corporate/Family Membership options.
A Service Member at our club can participate in all activities (volunteer opportunities, committees, club and district events, etc.). The quarterly dues are $100 and include one breakfast meeting per month. Additional breakfast meetings are encouraged and incur a nominal fee.
The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2024, 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 Gloucester (phone 978-281-1227), at BankGloucester, located at 160 Main Street in Gloucester (978-283-8200), and from any Gloucester Rotary member. Calendars may also be purchased online at https://gloucesterrotary.org/page/calendar.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea was recently honored to host two Rotary roamers from India. They were Surendra Manjrekar from the Rotary Club of Mumbai Sion and Aniruddha Nakhawa from the Rotary Club of Thane Angels. Rotary banners were exchanged.
On November 8, the Andover Interact Club hosted the District-wide InteractCafe event which included Interactors from Haverhill, Lawrence and North Andover. At the Cafe, which is a workshop that explores initiatives for interact across the district, Andover interact Club President, Annabel Pierce presented Alan Michel with a check for $500. They raised the funds from the Chamber of Commerce, while volunteering for Andover Days. The funds will be used to match the Andover Rotary Club grant that we are receiving from the Rotary District to purchase the Buddy Bench. Chamber member Bob Lavoie presented the check to Interact President Annabel Pierce. In the photo from left to right are Chamber Member, Bob Lavoie, Interact President Annabel Pierce and interact members Saoirse Daly, Silvia Storch, and Savannah Ross.
We are happy to announce that Katherine Platt has joined Ipswich-Rowley Rotary.
Katie Platt is the new Officer Manager at Campbell-Porter Funeral Home, formerly known as Whittier-Porter. Now in her 10th year with Campbell Funeral Home, she has assumed responsibility for the High Street location formerly owned and operated by Bob and Kim Porter. Katie is thrilled with this opportunity. ‘I am excited to extend my experiences with different situations and dynamics in new ways with the community.’
In the true spirit of Rotary, Katie has discovered how rewarding it can be to help people during difficult times. ‘When you can make someone smile, it warms your heart knowing that you were able to make that difference.’
Last Saturday morning a group of Rotarians descended on our ‘adopted highway,’ removing unsightly debris from the roadside along Route 133 between County Road and the Essex town line. Over the course of about 2 hours, the team collected 8 large bags of trash, helping to maintain the beauty of this picturesque motorway.
As usual, the litter removal squad was organized by President Elect Tom Murphy. Helping this year, were Rotarians Susanne Pedersen (pictured in the photo), Lee McNelly, Nat Pulsifer, and Doug Shealy. This project is part of our larger commitment to protecting the environment.
The next meeting of the Environmental Committee is Wednesday, December 27th. Note, no November meeting as it's the day before Thanksgiving. Speaking of Thanksgiving, here are some tips for a sustainable plastic free Thanksgiving:
1. Choose Scratch Over Store-Bought 2. Shop Local 3. Use Sustainable Decor 4. Serve on Reusable Dishes & Dinnerware 5. Provide or Bring Reusable Containers for Leftovers 6. Compost!
The environmental committee is open to everyone who cares about the environment. There are many areas of sustainability, and the committee is open to everyone and every project idea. My passion is plastics. I am a speaker for Beyond Plastics and available to speak at your club. Please reach out to get me on your club's schedule.
Paul Harris Fellow recognition is given to anyone who contributes at least US$1,000 to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved global grant. This recognition, which consists of a certificate and pin, can also be given on behalf of someone else.
More than 1.85 million people have become Paul Harris Fellows since 1957, including notable figures such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Russian President Boris Yeltsin, and polio vaccine developer Dr. Jonas Salk.
Are you ready to become a Paul Harris Fellow and support The Rotary Foundation at this level? Read about the History of the PHF Recognition.
Yours in Rotary, D7930 Foundation Committee
Looking for a speaker? Contact Joan Arsenault to arrange for a talk on our member benefit The Rotary Foundation!
The Wakefield Rotary Club has an honored tradition of recognizing the service of veterans year-round through various service projects, donations, and partnerships. This year, however, the club members wish to highlight the service of veterans within its ranks; the club is home to four military veterans and a Peace Corps volunteer.
Jay J. Curley served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Infantry, serving in Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star Medal for heroic service. After his military career, his service to others continued at home as an attorney in Wakefield and the Wakefield Rotary Club President from 1987-88. In fact, his dedication to the Wakefield community and beyond is unwavering with 52 years of perfect attendance, more than any other member of the club. He said, “I have always tried to help people from a young age and continue to do so today through Rotary. I did not want to lead a life without giving back. I was a team player in the military and am a team player in Rotary. I like to have a positive approach to helping others.”
Marblehead Rotary and the Marblehead community again came together to raise funding for "Inner Explorer," a mindfulness platform designed to support mental health and well-being in schools and centers across Marblehead schools. The annual 5K run attracted 90+ runners on a sunny, mild November morning. Winding through the town's historic alleys and finishing for a relaxed celebration at the Boston Yacht Club over foot-long hot dogs and delicious New England Clam Chowder, it was a smashing gathering of families and friends. Congratulations to Adam Kingsbury of Rose Valley, PA, Ist Male Overall, and Kylynn McKinley of Marblehead Ist Female Overall winners. Cheers to the participants, families, friends, volunteers, sponsors, and contributors, and a big shout-out to our chair, Nancy Gwin, for spearheading this successful event! For a complete list of winners, see https://my.raceresult.com/268500/.
We are pleased to announce the recent dedication of the Community Center Billiard Room in remembrance John "Jack" Maloney. Jack made many significant contributions to the community throughout his lifetime and the Rotary Club of Lexington wanted to honor his legacy. Jack was very active in Rotary International, as President of the Lexington Rotary Club 1975-1976, and as District Governor (1980-1981) of district 7930. Jack was also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He belonged to the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. He was a Town Meeting member for many years and was appointed to many committees in Lexington. Jack was the former President and Chairman on the board of Depositors Trust Company in Medford and Lexington. Jack was also the recipient of the Lexington Lion's Club White Tricorne Hat in 2003 for his outstanding contributions to the Town of Lexington. He also served on the Boards of North Cambridge Catholic in North Cambridge as well as Cristo Rey High School. For many years he served on the board of the Josiah Hayden Recreation Center in Lexington, serving as Treasurer for 10 plus years.
The Swampscott Rotary Club and President Philipp Zeissig welcomed District Governor Lori Karas, AG Martha Mauser, and PDG Alex Falk. It was our honor host them and have Lori update us on district activities and plans and programs.
During our meeting we also recognized a couple of our extra hard working Rotarians:
Diane O'Brien is our incoming vice president. She is a tireless worker for the town and Swampscott Rotary. Along with several other volunteer organizations she in which she is active Diane also helped found, and now heads, our local Anchor Food Pantry. She organized and ran our October Danny Cahill/Anchor Food Pantry 5K Race which netted $10,000 for our food pantry and a Dan Cahill scholarship. For all her volunteer efforts we recognized Diane with a Paul Harris Award.
For the past three years Doug Dubin Has been president twice, volunteering for whatever we are doing, and always there to fill in if needed. For his great spirit and efforts we recognized Doug with a Paul Harris Award—his third!
Swampscott Rotary again sponsored the food for our town's Veteran's Day breakfast at the Senior Center with a donation of $350.
DG Lori Karas Visits Swampscott and Other Happenings
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is partnering with the Ipswich Council on Aging to bring conversation and companionship to senior members of our community isolated or lonely in their homes. We will first receive training from both the COA and professionals in this field before meeting our senior companions.
Posted by Mary Beth McAteer-Margolis on Nov 09, 2023
On Saturday Oct 28 the Melrose Rotary Club hosted their third game night fundraiser. The Spooky Halloween themed event was a replay of our popular LEFT RIGHT CENTER game with winners taking home over $800 in prizes! Melrose Rotarians and their businesses stepped up to sponsor the prizes.
Our generous sponsors included: Mark Robinson - Robinson Funeral Home; Mark Hutchinson - Brad Hutchinson Real Estate; Rosylene Forgione - Melrose Eastern Bank; John Gately - Gately Funeral Home; and Judy Clark-Sullivan & Clark Attorneys.
Raffle prizes and best costume prizes completed the fun evening netting Melrose Rotary $4000, part of which will fund our Happy to Chat Bench and our donation of 125 dental supply toiletry bags to Housing Families, a Malden based 501(c)(3) serving housing insecure families in the Melrose Malden Everett area.
Our next round of Left Right Center will be held on April 6, 2024, at the Melrose Knights of Columbus. Mark your calendar now and watch the District newsletter for ticket details!
The Wakefield Rotary Club brought some in-meeting fun to its Halloween meeting on October 31st. Long-time Rotarians Jay Curley and Amy Luckiewicz hosted a three-part trivia game centered on the holiday. “We love our meetings, but having a theme really brings a change of pace,” Luckiewicz said.
Rotarians and guests in attendance, several in costumes, were divided into 5 teams. The first round cenetred on Halloween trivia. “It included history, geography, and questions that didn’t mean you had to be a Halloween expert,” Luckiewicz added. Round Two was a Halloween, horror and suspense movie picture round. The final round was based on the actors and movie trivia featured in the picture round.
The Peabody Club had lots to celebrate last week. They received a citation for 20 years of being Chamber of Commerce members during a Chamber event. Then Past DG Alexander Falk visited to present the Club with 2 awards:
Achieving at least half of the club goals during the 2022-2023 presidential year; and Being the #3 earner in the District for Foundation donations.
Peabody Rotary sends out extra thanks to Immediate Past Presidient Rob Lowell for guiding them through such a great year.
A Sustaining Member is someone who contributes US$100 or more each year to the Annual Fund. These contributions count toward several different kinds of individual recognition and club recognition banners.
For about US$10 a month, you can be a Sustaining Member and help provide life-changing opportunities for people on a yearly basis!
Just after October 25, 2023 – I reached out to my classmate Tina Champman District Governor of D7790 to inquire what was needed for those in the Lewiston, Auburn, Bowdoin and Winthrop areas, as they lost 18 members of the community. Due to the lock down and the community taking some time to digest all that occurred I’ve received word. The Governor of Maine has posted to their website the names of vetted and reputable organizations. Please visit Healing Together: Supporting Victims and Families of the Tragedy in Lewiston | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills (maine.gov).
This incident, the scores of news reports of people being murdered both locally and afar, remind us of the need to focus on mental health and wellness. Please take care of yourself, family, your fellow Rotarians, neighbors, and community. If you know someone in need of help - please go to www.masshelpline.com.
It's the time of the year again for the most awaited Annual Fundraiser of Wilmington Rotary!
Grand Prize: $10,000.
Other prizes: $1000, $500 and $250.
A Tax-Deductible Donation in the amount of $100 will enter your name in the Raffle Drawing. (Friends and family can also combine their donations to make up to $100). The Drawing will be in the First Named Person on the raffle ticket. Only 350 tickets will be sold.
What: Raffle Drawing of Wilmington Rotary Annual Auction
Where: Knights of Columbus Hall, 112 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington
When: Friday, November 17, 2003, 7:00 pm
Live Auction! Silent Auction! Raffle and Fun!
Please contact Wilmington Rotary Past President Greg Sadowski at 978-657-6167 (office) or 978-808-2681 (cell) or email gregory.sadowski@edwardjones.com for more information.
The District Interact Council is pleased to invite you to join us for one of our exciting InteractCafes this fall. Student run, these great events are designed to support our Interact clubs and educate Rotarians about their critical support role. Note the location change for the 11/15 Cafe.
November's InteractCafes are.
Ipswich HS - Nov. 1
Andover HS - Nov. 8
Wilmington HS - Nov. 15 (note location change)
The updated dates and locations are also on the flyer downloadable here. There is one in each region of the District. While club presidents and Interact coordinators will be invited directly, it is also important that our District leaders have an opportunity to experience the joy of Interact firsthand. It is also a chance to lead by example - to show these young people that we do indeed believe in them and are committed to supporting them in their efforts.
The Rotary Club of Peabody will hold a Walk For Veterans immediately following the Veterans Day ceremonies at City Hall on Saturday, November 11. At the end of the short walk, Rotarians will spend the afternoon cleaning the area around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the monument itself, at Courthouse Plaza. In the spirit of Rotary's motto “Service Above Self,” we are indebted to those who served for us. Rotarians will assist those veterans who are in wheelchairs.
Members of the District 7930 community are encouraged to join Rotary on the walk. We also ask that donations to the Peabody Veterans Department be made at peabodyrotarytaste.com. In the message area, please enter “Veterans Walk.” Additionally, we ask that our fellow Rotarians spend some time that afternoon (and every day) assisting veterans by doing chores around their homes, running errands or just keeping them company.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! A proclamation from Governor Maura Healey's office announcing the good news: October 24 is World Polio Day! Marblehead Rotary's Linda Sullivan, the chair of our club's End Polio Now campaign, successfully lobbied the governor's office to declare October 24 as World Polio Day - affirming our district's and the state's Rotary clubs' commitment to keep the promise alive in eradicating Polio. The proclamation:
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently had a special dinner to celebrate the offficers and directors for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year. At the dinner the Rotary Club presented PHF certificates and pins to seven new PHFs. The new PHFs are Joan Cromwell, Stacey Gurska, Amanda Alpert, Gail Mauch, June Vinard, Kathy Webber and Marilyn Garcia. A PHF pin and certificate will be presented to Helen Zucco at a future Rotary meeting as she was not able to attend the dinner.
The Beverly Rotary Club presents its famous North of Forty Turkey Raffle … and the Gizzard of Oz promo video. You can purchase a ticket for $20 and you might win a 40 lb. turkey!!!
The dressed, locally grown 40 pounds plus turkey will be delivered to the winner's home three days before Thanksgiving with an industrial-sized roasting pan, which will be engraved with the winner's name.
The drawing will be held on Thursday, November 9. You do not have to be present to win. You can purchase tickets for $20 each by contacting Brian Murphy at 978-927-8689 or moiph@comcast.net or by paying online at this link. A copy of your ticket stub will be sent to you via email.
For a good laugh view our video to promote the raffle by clicking here.
We need your blood! Well actually only a pint of it. As everyone knows their is a blood donation shortage in the Boston area so we are sponsoring a blood drive in conjunction with the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Hospital) on November 28th from 11 AM to 5:30 PM at the Edelweiss Village on 2220 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132. Appointments can be done by logging on to this link.
October 24th marked World Polio Day, a day to recognize the 35-year fight to end polio world-wide. This year, the Wakefield Rotary Club re-committed to helping eradicate the disease after raising thousands of dollars over the past ten years by raising awareness and education through a press and social media campaign.
The campaign includes using articles, letters, hashtags and social media clips from EndPolio resources.
Recently, six Wakefield Rotarians, one Lynnfield Rotarian and a prospective member met up for the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Luncheon at the Quannapowitt Yacht Club. October's guest speakers were three of the Wakefield Police Department's female officers: Officer Kelly Tobyne, Officer Meaghan Roberto, and Officer Micayla Botelho. The women spoke about their different roles in the department and what it is like being a police officer.
Pictured left to right are Suzanne Bowering (Wakefield Rotary), Officer Roberto, Officer Tobyne, Officer Botelho, Janice Casoli (Lynnfield Rotary), Barbara Worley (Wakefield Rotary), Amy Luckiewicz (Wakefield Rotary), Joie Gerrish (Wakefield Rotary), and prospective member Patricia Birchem. Missing from photo was Kathy Boyle (Wakefield Rotary).
Recently, four leaders of Ipswich High School Interact took the reins of our weekly Ipswich-Rowley club meeting. In addition to collecting Happy Bucks, making announcements, and coordinating our weekly celebrations, the officers used PowerPoint to update us on their second annual summer camping retreat at Green Meadow Campground in Glen, NH. The event is designed to energize and organize the leadership team for the coming year.
Dubbed ‘Leadership in the Woods’, the chaperoned event lets 13 Board members step outside their comfort zones to plan and budget meals and gear, organize fun activities, and share event duties. Following a fun filled hike on nearby Black Cat Mountain, a guest speaker from RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) introduced a learning and organizing game that uses a color test to help identify personal leadership styes. The group then separated according to their dominant color: red (fiery) do more, blue (cool) do it right, green (earth) do it fairly, and yellow (sunshine) do it together. Each group picked 5 or 6 goals from the Interact Presidential Citation list.
Stoneham Rotary 50/50 Raffle Golf Ball Drop on October 24 at 1 pm.
Help us help graduating seniors; you could win up to $2,500. Scan either of the QR Codes or visit stonehamrotaryclub.org and click on Order Tickets in the story about the Golf Ball Drop. You will know by next Tuesday whether you are the lucky winner. In any case, an exceptional student will receive a scholarship to help them in their first year of college.
Shower us purple, aubergine, lavender, mauve, violet! October 24 is World Polio Day, Marblehead Rotary kickstarted their fundraising event last week with inspired purple everything: pinkie stamps, piggy banks, petals, crocuses, boas, and M&Ms!
Marblehead Rotary plans to continue fundraising for polio throughout the year with weekly banking coins on our purple piggy bank, selling purple flower of the season, and joining with Marblehead Interact clubs for various projects to fundraise for polio.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea celebrated Hispanic Heritage at a recent meeting. The guest speaker for the meeting was Ramiro Torres known as the “freaking Puerto Rican” on his radio show GetUp Crew on HOT 96.9. Born in Everett, Massachusetts and one of the original young Latino influencers, Ramiro Torres has been the voice of morning radio for millions in Boston for over 20 years. Attending the meeting were several students from Chelsea High School and the newly appointed Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez.
In his World Polio Day message, Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInnaly explains why we still need your support for our efforts to eradicate polio.
Want to learn exciting news and updates as Rotary seeks to cross the Finish Line to Ending Polio? Stay tuned for our District’s push Get Movin’ to End Polio to be held Monday, January 1, 2024 – Saturday February 3, 2024. Dust off your sneakers, shake the wrinkles out of your work-out outfits, and plan to join us at several fitness organizations – locations to be announced shortly, and let’s get this done!
And a reminder (and thank you) to our Polio Plus Society Charter Members – October is your re-up month to continue your pledge, so go online and continue your commitment to the children of the world.
The Newburyport Rotary Club’s 100th Birthday Party was a rip-roaring, rocking good time, with lively conversation and dancing! Consistently rated one of the best show bands in New England, Decades by Dezyne’s uniquely engaging performance thrilled the audience. Many attendees were inspired to put their dancing shoes to good use.
Senator Bruce Tarr was introduced by Rotarian Louis Rubenfeld. The Senator offered Co-Presidents Nikki Misenheimer and Kimberly Bohlen, and Immediate Past President, Dan Hartman, an official Senate Resolution commending the good works and social aspects of Newburyport Rotary.
Speakers were fabulous and funny! Rotary Foundation Chair Liz Cullen regaled us with the history of Rotary, including some hysterical historical club shenanigans. Past President Claudia Harris introduced Foundation Chair Liz Cullen. Liz and Presidents Nikki and Kim presented Paul Harris Fellow pins to President-elect Lisa Darke and to Jill Moran, Newburyport HS Interact Advisor. Jan Lorrey Flowers’ Rotary blue and gold centerpieces were gorgeous. Of course the Blue Ocean Event Center food and service were amazing, along with the view. It was a fitting way to celebrate Newburyport Rotary’s 100 years!
The District Interact Council is pleased to invite you to join us for one of our exciting InteractCafes this fall. Student run, these great events are designed to support our Interact clubs and educate Rotarians about their critical support role.
There will be 4 events.
Stoneham HS - Oct. 18
Ipswich HS - Nov. 1
Andover HS - Nov. 8
Burlington HS - Nov. 15 (note Burlington date change)
The dates and locations are also on the flyer downloadable here. There is one in each region of the District. While club presidents and Interact coordinators will be invited directly, it is also important that our District leaders have an opportunity to experience the joy of Interact firsthand. It is also a chance to lead by example - to show these young people that we do indeed believe in them and are committed to supporting them in their efforts.
Recently at our Zone 28 and 32 Learning-to-Lead Training DGE Tom Hankard and DGN Pooja Singla, along with DG Lori Karas, Foundation Chair/PDG Joan Arsenault and PDG Terry Rezendes Curran engaged with Rotarians from around Canada, the United States, French Guyana, and Bermuda!
DGN Pooja was enrolled in GNTS, Governor-Nominee Training Seminar and DGE took GETS, Governor-Elect Training Seminar, and graduated from official training.
Other sessions ranged from videotaping club and district events, DEI, membership, and public image There were many plenary speakers including a keynote address discussing being gay and a Rotarian from Rotarian Brian Rusch.
Reading Rotary has been serving the community of Reading for 100 years. Rotary will hold a 100th Anniversary Celebration at Meadowbrook Golf Club on November 2 at 6:00. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at www.readingmarotary.org or at this link by October 26.
President Sheila Clarke is delighted to announce that Reading Rotary will make a special Paul Harris Fellow presentation to Reading native General Jack Hammond, US Army Ret., Executive Director of Home Base. Home Base is a national nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class, direct clinical care, wellness, education and research – all at no cost to them – regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location. Home Base organizes the Run to Home Base – Red Sox Foundation event at Fenway Park. President Clarke said, “Home Base provides amazing support to Veterans in need. We are so happy to be able to honor General Hammond at our Gala. His service and leadership are so inspirational. You won’t want to miss it.”
The Rotary Club of TBM’s 42nd Annual Road Race will be held on Sunday, October 15th. The Race starts at 11:00 am . There are certified 5k and 5 mile courses through the beautiful foliage of the quintessential New England Topsfield course. The races begin and end at the Proctor School, 60 Main Street, Topsfield. Registration is open online and in person the day of the race. Proceeds will benefit local food pantries and other TBM projects.
Happy Halloween from Rotary Youth Exchange student Lila and her counselor PDG Ingrid Brown! Lila is visiting from France and is off to a great year in Rockport.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce its newest member, Joie Gerrish. Gerrish was recently installed into the club earlier this season by her sponsor, Past President Barbara Worley.
Gerrish said, “I was encouraged to join Rotary by a friend and fellow Rotarian. I volunteered to help at Rotary's Build-a-Bed Project. The positive vibes of this group's energy as they strive and work to support projects like this and many others is the catalyst that helped make my decision to accept their invitation to join them.”
Gerrish has lived in Wakefield her entire life, attending Wakefield Public Schools. She has served as a Wakefield Adult Mentor (WAM) since 2002 as a “Big Sister.” Currently, Gerrish serves as the President of the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) and has been a volunteer since 2008. Wakefield Rotary Club President Glen Duffy commented, “Joie has a proven record of volunteering and commitment to the community. She already has jumped right into projects that impact Wakefield and beyond.”
Pictured here are Past President Bob Kimball, Joie Gerrish, and Past President Barbara Worley.
In 2022-23, OUR Rotary Foundation (unaudited numbers*):
• Awarded 1,098 global grants totaling US $68,681,428.*
• Provided 473 district block grants totaling US $27,877,138.*
• Dispersed US $14,788,668 in Disaster Response grants.*
• Trained 100 new Rotary Peace Fellows at Centers around the world and announced the formation of a new Peace Center in Turkey.
• Announced the third Program of Scale Grant, United to End Cervical Cancer in Egypt.
• Estimated that the number of people walking due to the polio eradication efforts of Rotary International and its partners reached 20 million.
YOUR significant support of OUR Rotary Foundation helped make all this possible. We wish to thank you for your continued generosity and choosing OUR Rotary Foundation as one of your philanthropies of choice! Contact Joan Arsenault to arrange for a talk at your club on The Rotary Foundation.
While at the Zone Learning to Lead Conference in Toronto, I met a District Governor from D6380 who told me about a mental health toolkit developed by Rotary Action Group (RAG) on Mental Health Initiatives for school or youth group leaders. This toolkit is a train-the-trainer resource for ages 12 and older plus a framework for referrals and increasing providers. The primary resource is the Boston's Children's Hospital 'Break Free From Depression' (BFFD).
It is with great pleasure that the Stoneham Rotary Club reports on its extremely successful literacy project for Stoneham Kindergarten students. Through a generous donation from Stoneham Ford, the club purchased three titles focused on the experiences new students have in their first days going to school through Book Oasis, our local bookstore.
Eighty-six books of each title were delivered to three different schools, including South School, Colonial Park School, and the Robin Hood School. Each school received one title, and when the students complete their title, the books will rotate to the next school until all three books have been read.
When the books have been fully circulated, a portion of the three titles will be distributed to each school and to the public library. The books have all had bookplates placed so future students will know that the Rotary Club of Stoneham is an advocate for learning to read and we hope that this project becomes an annual program. Over 100 students will have the opportunity to read each of these selected titles.
The response was amazing as seen in the photographs and we hope it builds their interest in reading and ultimately has a positive impact on their reading enjoyment and ability.
Thanks to Craig Celli for his collaboration with the teachers, getting the books ordered, and distributing them to each of the schools with Club President Rosanna Rodriguez.
Lace up your running shoes and join Swampscott Rotary for the Cahill 5K and 1-Mile Walk, a community event aimed at honoring the memory of Danny Cahill. The event will support two causes dear to his heart: the Danny Cahill Rotary Scholarship and the Anchor Food Pantry.
The race is scheduled for October 22nd, 2023, at the picturesque Linscott Park in Swampscott, Massachusetts. Registration and sign-in will begin at 7:30 AM, with the race officially commencing at 9:00 AM.
Danny Cahill, a lifelong resident of Swampscott, was not only a dedicated member of this community but also someone who embodied the Rotary motto "Service Above Self." He lived his life with a passion for helping others and making a difference in the lives of those around him.
Creating successful and sustainable eco-tourism and micro enterprise among extremely poor mountain villages. Build on proven initiatives started in eastern and other parts of Nepal over the past 20+ years, harnesses a proven Appreciative Planning and Action (APA) development methodology along Nepal’s 1000 mile Great Himalaya Trail (GHT)—spanning East to West Nepal.
This Economic Development International Project, supported by District 7930 and Amesbury Rotary, is being managed by Amesbury Rotarians Malcolm (Mac) Odell, Mark Bean, and Sandy Carlisle, who would love to present this project to your Rotary Club with an awesome PowerPoint presentation. The Great Himalaya Trail Project is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt NH corporation. To learn more about the project please click on this link.
Please contact Mac Odell via email malcom.j.odell@gmail.com, or to talk or text at 603-770-6006 to set up a date that fits your club’s program schedule.
The Winchester High School Interact club has started the school year by recruiting over 60 new members. The leadership team has a full year of activities planned. Including the upcoming Interact Cafe and volunteering at the Rotary Club's Rise Against Hunger meal packing on September 28th, where the club and community will pack over 10,000 meals.
Register here for the September 28th meal packing event.
Please join us on Saturday, October 21st for this fun night of Irish American music, dinner, raffles and silent auction items. This Fundraiser will help Woburn Rotary fund service projects throughout the year including CSC Food Pantry, Woburn Veterans, Fire Safety House, Smoke/CO Detectors for seniors and more.
The weather was a fitting compliment to 48 enthusiastic registrants who teed it up for the Annual Lynnfield Rotary Golf Tournament at Reedy Meadow Golf Course on Friday September 22. The Golf Committee lead by Committee Chairman, Tom Adamczyk, exceeded all expectations to make this a memorable event.
Although the wind kept safe the Hole in One $5000 prize on the 9th hole, it didn’t prevent the A. A. Dority Team, from taking first place once again with a score of 57. Congratulations to their team of Phil Crawford, Allen Schweitzer, Paul DeVincenzo, Phil Anderson.
They were followed by 2nd place finisher - Ironside Financial Team with a score of 59. Their team consisted of Steve Riley, Vanessa Riley, Chuck Cotting & Christine Cataldo. In 3rd place was Lynnfield Psychological Team with a score of 60. Duffers Tom Adamczyk, Gil Stringer, Mark Braga, & Tony Carangelo rounded out their team.
Hello, my name is Becca Harris and I am a proud member of Arlington Rotary, District Registrar, and a member of the recovery community. I am grateful for the support of family, friends, and especially my rotary family. September is National Recovery Month and I think it is very important to raise awareness surrounding mental health, addiction education and recovery.
Did you know?????
• 6.34% of youth and 15.35% of adults in the U.S. reported a substance use disorder in the past year.
• 11.2% of overdose deaths are aged 15 to -24 years old.
• The rate of substance use and related overdose deaths have increased exponentially during the pandemic
The rain gods held off on September 23, enabling members of the Marblehead Harbor Rotary to volunteer with SPUR and Sustainable Marblehead for an area beach and parks cleanup. The Marblehead Harbor contingent was assigned a woodland trail area with adjoining harbor side conservation land; and they collected a variety of items, including the usual empty cigarette boxes, nip bottles, paper and plastic bags, metal pieces and even one sneaker!
We have found that partnering with local service organizations on volunteer projects improves our impact in the community.
Pictured left to right are Francie King, Bob Erbetta, Judy Gates, and Marblehead harbor Rotary Co-president Linda Doliber.
We want to hear from you and what projects you are interested in. With so many ways to support the environment, let's discuss the ONE thing most important to you.
On September 12th, the Club Presidents were invited to attend the first-ever combined meeting with the Assistant Governors. DG Lori has made a commitment to keep the Presidents connected throughout the year and her suggestion was to invite them to attend a combined meeting four times a year with the AG's and other district leaders. The goal is to have them share their successes and their struggles with each other and the team that is here to serve them.
There was a great exchange of ideas from our 24 Club Presidents and the majority of Assistant Governors who attended the one-hour meeting. Many ideas to support membership, enhance public image, and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion were shared and it is obvious that our district is in good hands with our Club Presidents.
The transcript of the meeting and the presentation were emailed to the entire Presidential class and the district leaders who are ready to provide any assistance the clubs need.
Future meeting topics will be assessed via a survey and those ideas or concerns will be the agenda for the next meeting scheduled for December.
The Problem -- Making sure there is enough clean, plentiful water to support wildlife, homes, and businesses on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Did you know that the Ipswich River provides drinking water for 14 communities and more than 350,000 people?
The Solution -- Water conservation in all of our communities.
Rotarians - Here’s our three-step ACTION PLAN for water conservation plan. Help us by inviting either Ann Witzig (aswitzig@gmail.com) or Joan Arsenault (joan@massteximaging.com) to speak at your next meeting!
Lynn Rotary will be having the 2nd Annual Cornhole Scholarship Fundraising event on October 1st.
If you can’t attend, donations to the Scholarship fund will be greatly appreciated. Any Lynn resident who is a senior is welcome to apply for a scholarship in the spring of 2024.
We would love to have you attend the event. Hopefully we will have a showdown between the Fire Chief and the Police Chief for all the marbles!
Donations may be sent to: P O Box 8100, Lynn MA, 01904. Checks payable to Lynn Rotary Charitable Corp. However, we would like to have you and your friends at another great event.
The Rotary Club of Woburn recently celebrated Susan Hartmere's 30 years of Rotary service. Susan joined Rotary in 1992 and became the first woman to be president of the Woburn Club in 1996. She was also president again in 2018. Susan, a Paul Harris Fellow, was presented with a commemorative clock by current president Brian Ouellette with a plaque that reads, "Susan Hartmere: Thank you for 30 years of Rotary Club of Woburn service. You represent a true example of "Service Above Self."
On Friday, September 29th at the Zone Learning to Lead training in Toronto, Lori Karas, our District Governor, will Bounce for the Foundation!
This event raises money for the Rotary Foundation and supports the good work we do locally and around the globe. Help Lori raise the $1,000 needed to register and participate. You can donate by clicking here.
Of course, every donation to the Rotary Foundation is tax deductible and, if you're a Rotarian, will earn you Paul Harris points.
The Things a District Governor will do to Raise $$ for the Rotary Foundation!
Thank you to all who participated and or contributed to our successful Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 26 and the subsequent Ice Bucket #2 last week at the High School when the Football Team and both the girls and boys Soccer teams were able to participate.
Shout-outs also go out to the Boys and Girl's Cross Country and Girl's Field Hockey Teams who joined us on August 26th along with Legacy Dance Studio and many of our local families, the Lydon family, past supporters and local residents. The participation of the athletic teams really make this a fun and entertaining experience.
Thanks to Mike Burns, for his continued involvement and organization, the High School Interact Club, the High School Custodial staff, our ice humpers, George Hooper, Jim Fennelly and Greg Sadowski, and the Fire Department for their assistance. Special thanks to Tom Pazyra for taping and editing the programs. Two short You Tube videos here should bring a smile to your face. Video 1. Video 2.
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. The event is at Harvard Square's Oktoberfest on October 8th.
We are looking for artists to do a chalk street drawing. Participation is FREE. Families, kids individuals or teams can participate. It's about having fun. All talent levels are enthusiastically welcomed!
The 34th Annual Winchester Rotary Golf Tournament is October 16th at the Winchester Country Club. This tournament is held to benefit the Winchester Rotary Charitable Foundation. The fund supports numerous local charitable organizations and the national and international works of Rotary International.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester has a long history of supporting and maintaining the playground at Stage Fort Park. In 2005, we celebrated the Rotary International Centennial Anniversary by rebuilding the children's park. In 2023, for our centennial anniversary, we have entered phase 2 of the project--at a cost of $200,000!
The Marblehead Harbor Rotary welcomed District Governor Lori Karas to its September 5 meeting for her official visit. In addition to bringing her enthusiasm and passion for “Creating Hope In The World” to the Harbor Rotary, DG Lori honored the club by inducting two new active members, Amy Hart, Vice-President of Lending at Marblehead Bank and Lesley Tracy, Owner of Changing Behaviors Consulting, plus a new service member, Elaine Leahy, President of Sustainable Marblehead.
The Marblehead Harbor Rotary meets Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. at the Masonic Hall, 62 Pleasant St., Marblehead. Visiting and prospective Rotarians are welcomed. See www.rotaryclubofmheadharbor.org
Pictured here are Co-President Linda Doliber, District Governor Lori Karas, Lesley Tracy, Amy Hart and Elaine Leahy.
The Wakefield Rotary Club has made a $1,000 contribution to the Wakefield Youth Action Team’s Amigos program. Amigos, due to launch this semester, is a mentoring program between English Language Learners (ELL) at the Galvin Middle School and older students at Wakefield Memorial High School. The program seeks to help facilitate connections between ELL students and the broader Wakefield community through forging connections, field trips, and social events.
$500 was donated from Club funds and an additional $500 was donated by Past President Barbara Worley in honor of her mother.
DG Lori has set aside DDF funds to support a district wide initiate to improve mental health. This grant opportunity is to purchase "Buddy Bench/Happy to Chat Benches" to help decrease loneliness and supports well-being in children and adults.
A buddy bench or friendship bench is a seat in a school playground or area where a child can go when they want someone to talk to. "Happy to Chat" benches encourage people to start conversations and talk to each other, rather than being isolated and sometimes lonely.
DG Lori has set aside $10,000 in matching funds for any club wishing to participate in this district managed grant. The cost of a bench is $1000. Just like any district grant, the club would put forth the initial $1000 and once the grant is complete, the club will receive $500 in reimbursement from District Designated Funds or DDF.
There are 20 benches available to district clubs on a first come first serve basis. Deadline to apply is OCTOBER 1th. One bench per club will be reimbursed. You can order either a Happy to Chat Bench or a Buddy Bench. Happy to Chat Benches are appropriate for libraries or other public places and Buddy Benches are for schools. If your club wishes to order more than one bench, that is ok, however only one bench will receive $500.00 in reimbursement from the grant and you will be responsible for the shipping costs.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently completed its One-and-One School Supply Drive to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield and a school in the Dominican Republic.
This summer, the community was asked to donate two school supply items, one to be kept locally and one to be donated internationally. Wakefield Rotary Club Secretary Suzanne Bowering reported that approximately 230 pounds of school supplies were collected in total including over 250 packs of crayons, 36 reams of paper, 288 notebooks, hundreds of pencils and more.
School supplies were then divided up, with half of them packed into two suitcases headed to Caribbean. “We had planned on hand-carrying two suitcases to the Dominican Republic and filling them to the brim. We hit that goal,” Bowering said. Shortly after the pack up, the Boys & Girls Club supplies were delivered by Rotarian Anthony Guardia to the club. Bowering and Rotarian Amy Luckiewicz brought the two suitcases of supplies to the Dominican Republic and handed them off to a local contact. The Dominican school children will return to school in the next week and the items will be delivered to the teachers.
Rotary only runs on the strength of our volunteers. Our group of District volunteers always can use new blood with fresh ideas and enthusiasm.
Please join us for on Sept. 14, at 6:30 pm for a webinar featuring Chairs from our District Committees. You will learn about the important work each group does and be able to ask questions of the Committee Chairs. You will have the opportunity to see what they do and whether you may be suited to join one.
The following Committees will participate:
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
Membership
Foundation
Public Image
Environmental
Assistant Governors
Also, calling Club Past Presidents to learn more about the role of Assistant Governor.
Register here. You'll get the Zoom link after you sign up.
Co-President of Lynnfield Rotary, Christine Travers welcomed Lori Karas the new Rotary 7930 District Governor to the recent Thursday member luncheon meeting. After her introduction, Lori outlined her plans for the Rotary 2023-2024 year. She echoed the theme of RI President Gordon R. McInally, which is Create Hope in the World. This year Lori’s focus will be on Mental Health and Well Being. Lori stated: “Lending an ear to friends” can be more than superficial. One concrete example that she hopes will encourage dialogue is having local Rotary organizations sponsor “Let’s Chat Benches or Buddy Benches” that will be placed in public areas. The aim of the benches is to reduce isolation by fostering safe areas for friendly one on one conversation. She is asking that local area clubs engage in a partnership to help meet the challenge of Mental Health and Well Being.
She went on to invite member participation in District events that will highlight how Rotary can participate in Mental Health and Well-Being activities. She ended her remarks by briefly summarizing a calendar of events that will feature Rotary’s continued commitment to ending Polio and Rotary’s ever-present interest in fostering world peace.
Meet Don Dowling, the newly installed president of Marblehead Rotary. A fun-loving, hardworking, no-nonsense father of two, he brings fresh vitality to our club as one of our youngest members, spicing up our meetups and events with his infectious positive energy and winning attitude. He has led our club to competitive sports events to raise funds for our signature projects. A natural athlete, he was captain for many years of our yearly Polar Plunge to End Polio campaign. He was the perennial crew leader in the duck-tape regatta race to benefit the clean water project in Burkina Faso and co-captain for our Marblehead team in the district softball championships. Described as the point man and the "glue" in handling the complex logistics of our yearly scholarship fundraising project, the Lobstah Raffle, Don could be seen shuffling around town in his big truck, working tirelessly during the Fourth of July celebration.
RI President Gordon McInally has stated that mental health projects are deeply personal to him and has asked all to prioritize mental health projects in their district this year. Given this directive, DG Lori is launching a "Buddy Bench/Happy to Chat Bench" District wide grant opportunity that will help decrease loneliness and supports well-being in children and adults.
A buddy bench or friendship bench is a seat in a school playground or area where a child can go when they want someone to talk to. "Happy to Chat" benches encourage people to start conversations and talk to each other, rather than being isolated and sometimes lonely.
If your club is interested in this District Managed Grant, email Joan Kelly Arsenault.
All Rotary clubs in District 7930 are challenged to complete in the Cornhole Tournament Reading Fall Street Faire on September 10. The RFSF is a Reading Rotary event.
Grab a friend to enjoy our new beer garden and entertainment during the best event in Reading! Register here.
Bags Fly at 2 PM
$60 Per Team
Cash Prizes Top 2 Teams (but it's really about bragging rights)
Haven Street, Reading.
You can also order a custom cornhole board with your company or personal design to use during the event and take home and keep. Contact Sheila Clarke for details.
Definition: “Tabling” – District 7930 Rotarians and IRWA advocating for WATER CONSERVATION at our local Garden Centers, Street Fairs, and Town Festivals.
• Sunday, Sept 10: Reading Fall Street Faire (Tabling) • Sunday, Sept 10: Wolf Hill Garden Center, Ipswich (Tabling) • Saturday, Sept 16: Boxford Apple Festival (Tabling) • Sunday, Sept 17: North Reading Town Day (Tabling) • Sunday, Sept 24: Wolf Hill Garden Center, Ipswich (Tabling) • Thurs. – Sat., Oct 5-7: Ipswich Illuminations (Tabling) Hours – flexible, 2-hour shifts.
The Winchester Rotary is a proud sponsor and volunteer at Mission of Deeds in Reading. One of our members was a founder of the organization which gives beds, furniture, and household items, free of charge, to people in need. They help people throughout Middlesex and Essex Counties.
David McIsaac, Executive Director of Mission of Deeds, recently spoke at our club to share all the good work the organization is providing. The Winchester club volunteers monthly to help clients pick up furniture and yearly donates over 100+ comforters and sheets during the holiday season.
Our Rockport Long Term Youth Exchange student, Aili Mattson has finally made it to Brazil. She will be spending the year in Pedeneiras which is in D4510 in the state of Sao Paolo in Brazil!
Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program presents opportunities for students to advance their knowledge and world understanding by allowing them to visit a different country - either for a few weeks in the summer or for an entire year of high school. Participating students live with host families in their target country for about 3-4 weeks in the summer (short-term program) or for about 3 1/2 months during the school year (the long-term program relies on three host families, each hosting the student for a third of the school year) under the sponsorship of a local Rotary Club.
For more information about District 7930's RYE Program, click here.
A relief fund for victims of the devastating wildfires in Maui has been established through the Rotary District 5000 Foundation as we come together to recover and rebuild. Please consider donating to this special fund and sharing the opportunity with others to help.
From Hawai'i Rotary District Governor Mark Merriam, August 9, 2023:
Today has been a tragic day for our Rotarians, families and friends on the Island of Maui. The fires across the island have changed lives forever. Truly devastating. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted.
As people of action, we can take immediate action. As we come together to recover and rebuild, we need to support each other. We need to Create Hope for Maui.
On August 17, 2023, Eric Daniels spoke at a Lynn Rotary meeting about a book he and his daughter Jessica wrote about his longtime friend and mentor, Two Star General Bernard Loeffke (Ret.) The book, published in 2018, is: Our General Our Friend, Lessons in Leadership, Friendship, and Service from a Master: Major General Bernard Loeffke (ret). In addition to being an author, Eric became a Funeral Director upon leaving the military.
Eric spoke about the General’s military record and how they met. A 1957 graduate of West Point, he fought in and was wounded during the Vietnam War. The General later served as the commanding general of U.S. Army South. The General retired in 1992. During his career he was awarded four Silver Star Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and four Air Medals
August 9, 2023, was a tragic day for our fellow Rotarians, their families and friends on the Island of Maui. The fires across the island have changed lives forever. The Marblehead Harbor Rotary is sending our love and support to all of those impacted by the devastating wildfires.
As people of action, we are following suit with many others and taking immediate action. We need to Create Hope for Maui.
Through the Rotary District 5000 Foundation, a relief fund has been established. Foundation President Dave Hamil and Treasurer Sharon Amano will handle all donations.
A committee will be organized shortly to find the greatest needs for distribution of monies. A single fund will be the most helpful over time to provide the most significant benefits.
From August 23 - September 23 the Marblehead Harbor Rotary will be donating all club "happy dollars" to the Maui Fire Relief Fund and encourages all who can, to also make a contribution, in any amount.
Several City dignitaries including Mayor Briana Longo, Fire Chief John Freedman, and Acting Police Chief Covino attended a dinner and presentation by Medford Rotary of scholarship awards to high school seniors from Medford. The students and their parents attending included Alyssa Cassarino, Nailah Chowhury, Brendan Chrowley, Emma Gibbons, Zoe Kalaw and Grace Kallberg. The presenters included Past Presidents, Eric Ghewalla, Tony Giamberadino, and John Hackett, and current President Paul Bardaro. A great evening was had by all.
Mayor Longo urged the students to remember their hometown and to get involved at school to give back in some way. President Paul Bardaro said he would love to welcome the parents to become part of Medford Rotary and for the students to seek our Rotaract Club at their college. Good Luck in your freshman year!
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?
Posted by Grace Brogan, Stoneham Interact Club on Aug 09, 2023
My name is Grace Brogan, I'm from Stoneham Interact Club and was recently given the title of District Interact Governor of 7930. Both Keith Harris and I have worked to create a District Interact Council for 7930.
The new District Interact Council of 7930 came together on August 6th for an important meeting in Stoneham. Inspiring ideas and conversations filled with motivation sprung up. We began planning the Interact Cafes. With each new perspective, idea, and opinion, our spirits rose as we understood the future being set in motion. Governor Lori Karas made an appearance and shared with us her Rotary story. We were honored to hear about her values and goals and hope to continue working with Governor Lori in the future. The District Interact Council discussed its first service project, one of many more to come. Our ambition stems from and is centered around mental health, and everyone contributed in the planning. Our sole purpose is to enable growth within communities and between the people. We strive for a better future, so join hands with us!
On July 26th from 6 -8pm, Wildfire served up a smorgasbord of tunes ranging from ABBA's Dancing Queen to Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA for an enthusiastic crowd on the final night of the Lynnfield Rotary Concert series. The talented vocalists of the group led the way with a wide-ranging repertoire of songs including Simply the Best by Tina Turner, Gloria by Laura Brannigan, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, Giver Me Some Lovin’ by Richie Valens, Old Time Rock ‘n Roll by Bob Seger and many more, to the delight of the largest audience of the year.
The weather couldn’t have provided a better backdrop for Lynnfield Rotary's final Concert. The energy was exhilarating as young and old enjoyed the inviting evening atmosphere with family and friends.
Lynnfield High's Interact handled food and beverages and were so busy they asked that the food and beverage tables remain up until after the final song.
Nominations for District Governor for 2026-2027 are being accepted starting August 6, 2023. Deadline to submit nominations: Saturday, October 14, 2023.
This important individual leads and supports the clubs in the district 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, 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.
The nomination form can be downloaded here. In addition to the nomination form, please include a Rotary-focused resume of the candidate, as well as the candidate's vision statement of what they would like to accomplish for our district in their year as district governor. Completed nomination forms and the additional documents should be sent to DG Lori Karas at lori.karas@outlook.com.
You are cordially invited to Zone 32's first workshop on Foundation Fundraising moderated by Annual Giving Officer Rebecca Silber and Major Gifts Officer Celeste Herbert. This session is open to District Leaders including AGs, District Foundation Chairs and Committee members, Club Leaders and Club Foundation Chairs or anyone who would like to learn more about the Foundation.
* Rotary Foundation ABCs: Advance Planning for Long Term Success
August 8, 5:00 PM-6:00 PM EST
Learn how data-informed goals can enhance your Rotary Foundation plans, to help your club/district achieve success with fundraising and Foundation engagement. Register in advance for this meeting by clicking here.
Rotary Foundation ABCs
Eileen Rau, Rotary Regional Foundation Coordinator
On July 27 Lynnfield Rotary had the honor of welcoming as speakers Kristen Vogel, Lynnfield’s new Superintendent of Schools, as well as Rotary Scholarship winners from last year and the award winners for this year.
Ms. Vogel stressed her commitment to literacy, inclusion and competence for this coming year and throughout her tenure. She is eager to add her imprint to the excellent school system that she has inherited. During the Q&A period, she fielded questions about building suitability and adequacy for the future and the safety issues that would protect our children more effectively.
Co- President Christine Travers thanked Ms. Vogel for coming and then introduced the Scholarship winners. Evan Fair and Laura Lim were the Lynnfield High School scholarship winners for 2022. They returned to receive the balance of their $2000 award.
Join us August 31 at 6 pm for a viewing of Apple TV’s presentation of the hit musical Come From Away with keynote speaker Kevin Tuerff.
Tickets required, available online through EventBrite, suggested donation $10.00 per ticket.
GET TICKETS. For additional information click here. Melrose Rotary is a Silver Sponsor of this wonderful community event.
On 9/11, 38 planes, carrying 7,000 passengers were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada when US airspace was shut down. Kevin Tuerff was one of those passengers. The kindness and compassion he experienced shaped his life’s purpose from that point forward. We are honored to have Kevin speak at our community viewing of Come From Away.
In 2002, Kevin began an annual tradition to honor the lives lost in the 9/11 attacks, and also pay tribute to the heroes of Newfoundland, Canada, who showed the world their kindness in 2001. To learn more, visit Kevin’s website Pay It Forward 9.11.
To celebrate its Centennial Anniversary, the Gloucester Rotary will host a free Community Concert with musical guests Captain Jack & The Strangers (The Northshore's Premier Billy Joel Tribute Band) and opener Brandon Blatchford & the Wannabe Teenagerson on Friday, August 11, 2023, 6-10 pm at the Antonio F. Gentile Bandstand in Stage Fort Park.
The celebration will include food and beverages for purchase from 5 Star Phresh-Phood and Harbor Tap Trailer!
On Thursday July 27, 2023, 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.
Tickets are now available to the annual Gloucester Rotary Comedy Night, featuring Carolyn Plummer, Jim Colliton, Jimmy Cash, and Boston's Dave Rattigan on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Cruiseport Gloucester (6 Rowe Square, Gloucester). Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Don't miss this evening of fun and laughter! Tickets are $30 each and are available from Ruth Pino (ruth@ruthpino.com, 978-764-6710).
Reading Rotary is proud to present the 15th Annual Reading Fall Street Faire on Sunday, September 10. It’s back and better than ever! Drawing thousands every year to downtown Reading, it’s one of the most beloved and largest events in the area. 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 including: Premiere Sponsor; Inflatable Zone; Acoustic Corner; Custom Cornhole Boards; Amusement Park; Family Fun Zone; Beer Garden; Lamp Post Banner; and Street Faire Fan Signage for Business and Residents. Sponsors should contact Jenniffer Rogers for further information.
Save our Waters: State of the Rivers in District 7930. Supported by Ipswich-Rowley Rotary’s Global Grant, “Save the Ipswich River & Watersheds: The Lifeblood of Our Communities.” Join the webinar on August 24 from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm.
Did you know that our water supplies on the North Shore are at risk due to overuse? Want your garden and your community to be prepared for the next drought? Join Ipswich-Rowley Rotary and the Ipswich River Watershed Association for an interactive webinar on the state of our rivers in northeastern MA and southeastern NH! We’ll discuss the current state of the Ipswich River, which provides water to over 350,000 individuals and businesses on the North Shore. Explore our toolkit for water conservation and advocacy, and learn more about how to get involved in saving our rivers! Members of the public are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend. Be a part of the solution!
Beer and Bites returns to the Tannery during the bed race on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30! Come on down to the Rotary Club of Newburyport’s annual Yankee Homecoming event. Enjoy new food options from Rosita’s Cocina and Kona Ice. You will also find fan favorite Riverwalk Brewing, including their pizza. We are featuring a return of the band Unnamed Colors, that is carving a new niche in rock with fiery progressive songwriting, engaging performances, and a powerful sound all their own. Band members include Sierra Partlan - vocals & piano, Andrew Aghababian – guitar, Jay Partlan – drums and Michael Martel – bass.
All proceeds from the event are returned to the community through non-profits and college scholarships. For more information about the Rotary club, please contact Co-President Kimberly Bohlen at kmbohlen123@gmail.com.
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 take on any remaining 2023 home game opponent.
Club Treasurer Barbara Worley said, “These tickets are amazing, and 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.
The Ipswich-Rowley club on Saturday, July 22 had a table at Northern Lights Farm Stand, 243 High St, Ipswich 10 am - 12 pm to advocate and educate on the need for conservation of water in our lawns and gardens.
This is part of ongoing work funded by the global grant Save the Ipswich River: The Lifeblood of Our Communities to create an advocacy toolkit to save our river. You can access the Rotary Grant Toolkit here. Stay tuned for the launching of a district wide training on how you can spread the word on water conservation at garden centers near you!
Winchester Rotary awarded seven Winchester High School graduates over $25,000 in scholarships for the upcoming college year. The winning students were Claire Lupien, Dorothy McCarthy, Claire Kutylo, Lucy Patalano, Kaitlyn Donato (all pictured above), Ayesha Ghosh, and Inaam Bhanji (not pictured). Rotarians Kurt Heisler and Brian LaPointe, Co-Presidents (Pictured).
The Winchester Interact Club welcomed six new officers for the coming school year and thanked the outgoing leaders for their leadership and a successful year. The club was proud to support three students for RYLA this year.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is collecting new school supplies for students in Wakefield and the Dominican Republic. The public is invited to donate two new school supply items. One item will stay local and given to the Wakefield Boys and Girls Club. The second item will be donated to a school/orphanage in the Dominican Republic.
Wakefield Rotary Club Secretary Suzanne Bowering explained, “We know kids here in Wakefield need school supplies and the Boys and Girls Club is positioned to know which kids need the most. We’re thrilled to partner with them to distribute the supplies locally.” She added, “And as part of Rotary’s mission abroad, we know that kids in the Dominican Republic also need supplies, so we’re asking people to donate to those kids too. This way, one item is kept local, and one item is going abroad.”
Immediate Past District Governor Alexander Falk's tenure as DG was the featured subject of an article published on July 12 in the Marblehead Current. You can find the complete article here.
The article highlights Alexander's accomplishments in the role. "Falk’s term was marked by strong operations, including thorough training for incoming presidents, secretaries and treasurers, promoting environmental causes, fundraising for the Rotary Foundation and advocating the district’s commitment to eradicating polio worldwide."
Thank you, Alexander, for your steady, wise and inspirational leadership!
Burlington Breakfast Rotary is holding its Semi-Annual Raffle.
Tickets are $10 each or a book of 6 tickets for $50. The drawing will be held at the Woburn Bickford’s on July 27. BBR members will be setting up a table at the Burlington Shaw’s on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to sell tickets.
To purchase tickets, please email Fran Fazio at franpf@verizon.net or mail a check to 6 Bruce St., Burlington, MA 01803.
Prizes include: Personal training (value approximately $1500), auto detailing, jewelry, gift cards and scratch tickets. Proceeds to benefit National Ataxia Foundation, People Helping People, Mental Health Awareness and other non-profits.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently installed its new officers and directors during a luncheon event earlier this week at Brightview. In accordance with its by-laws, the service club elects new leadership annually. Club President Glen Duffy was sworn in as President for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year and Wendy Maguire will serve as Vice President/President-Elect. “This club has been so welcoming since I joined a few years ago. I’m thrilled to serve in this position as we begin our one hundred and first year of service.”
In addition, the club installed its incoming Board of Directors including Margie Daniels, Ed Harding, Michael Sullivan, David Hayden, and Amy Luckiewicz. Suzanne Bowering will serve as Club Secretary, Barbara Worley as Club Treasurer and Frank Fiorentino as Sergeant-at-Arms. The new leadership team took office on July 1, 2023, and serve until June 30, 2024.
The club also presented Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Jim Fitzgerald, John Tramontozzi, and Norm Theriault for their support of the Rotary Foundation.
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 19, 2023, 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 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and is held in Stage Fort Park on Saturday-Sunday, August 19-20, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $9 per person, $5 for children six and under, and are available in advance online at https://gloucesterrotary.org/page/pancake-tickets, from any Gloucester Rotarian or at the following Gloucester locations: Bank Gloucester, 160 Main Street, Gloucester, MA Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main Street, Gloucester, MA
Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.
Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit local and international projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
Having forty-seven guests at the 2023 Installation and Awards Dinner for Stoneham Rotary was exciting. It was a great year: back to in-person meetings with speakers, two new members and an incredibly active youth program. Oh, and it was also our club's 100th Anniversary of Service Above Self.
The club members sponsored three RYLA attendees, sweatshirts for our Interact members, and financial assistance with airfare for Nicole, the Interact President, to travel to Belgium for a short-term exchange.
Five Paul Harris Awards were presented; three to Rotarians and two to Interactors. Congrats to Janice Houghton (+3) for her superb work as secretary, Craig Celli (+1) for his unfailing effort in membership and planning service projects, and finally, Adam Rodgers (+1) for his exceptional work with RYLA and Interact. The amazing truth is that every one of these Rotarians serves the community in so many other roles.
It’s with a heavy heart I bring to you the passing of Past District Governor, Mary Valentine Callahan - “Val Callahan,” as she was known. For over 30 years Val had been a Rotarian, beginning in District 7910, where she was Club President, Foundation Chair, GSE leader, Assistant Governor and District Governor 2014-15. When Val moved to Boston, the Boston #7 club welcomed her. She became the club’s Foundation Chair. Val was a Major Donor, Sustainer and Bequest Society Member.
She will be missed by Rotarians both near and far. Val leaves behind her husband, Rotarian Mohamed Elhanash, her two grown children and their families.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, at 10:00AM on August 26, 2023, at Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02111.
Earlier this year, District 7930 advanced the idea of creating a Club designed to attract veterans and active or retired military looking to serve in their local communities. There are already a number of great groups that are serving the needs of these individuals, but we thought with Rotary's vast network and commitment to service that there could be a way to be a resource.
The 1st goal was to identify any current members who are veterans to give us feedback and to learn what clubs are already doing to support their local veterans. We received responses from about 20 clubs that have 80+ veterans serving in Rotary in our district. Service projects range from Flag of Heroes celebrations to food service to homeless Veterans.
If your club did not get a chance to reply to the survey please take a few minutes to complete via this link https://forms.gle/1AnUjnZ7QuGCF4jv6
The Gloucester Rotary will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2024 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities.
In Order to publish a beautiful calendar, the Club is requesting high quality digital photos that reflect the natural beauty of Cape Ann throughout the year. As we will feature one photo per month, we need images from each season: winter, spring, summer and fall. Photographs from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester will be accepted. Full details here.
Last week, Rotary Club of Woburn's treasurer Bill Balboni presented Woburn Veterans Agent Bob Davis with $1,000 worth of gift cards for Woburn veterans. The donation was made possible by a grant from Cummings Foundation.
Pictured here is Bill Balboni presenting Market Basket gift cards Bob Davis.
District Managed Grant are short-term project, either local or international, that supports one of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus. Funding requests are on a first come first serve basis and open July 1. Grants close October 31, 2023. Your club must be grant qualified to receive grant monies.
Matching grants are available of up to $3000 with a minimum match of $500 for local projects and $5000 for international projects with a minimum match of $2500. Remember that district managed grants are reimbursement grants! The club must first up front the money and complete the project and final report before reimbursement occurs. Reimbursement typically occurs in May/June of the following year as RI must approve all grants. After the grant application process is closed, the district sends a spending plan to RI for approval. Once the spending plan is approved, monies are transferred to the district’s foundation account.
On Saturday, June 24th, Town of Ipswich staff and Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians joined Ipwich River Watershed Association (IRWA) at Wolf Hill Garden Center to spread the word about how to conserve water in lawns and gardens. This is part of ongoing work funded by the global grant Save the Ipswich River: The Lifeblood of Our Communities to create an advocacy toolkit to save our river. You can access the toolkit at https://pie-rivers.org/portfolio-item/rotary-grant-funded-toolkit-for-water-conservation-and-advocacy/. Stay tuned for the launching of a district wide training on how you can spread the word on water conservation at garden centers near you!
Posted by Christine Rhoades Travers on Jun 29, 2023
The evening of Jun 19th at Gallina’s at MarketStreet was the site of the Lynnfield Rotary 60th Anniversary celebration reception and Presidential “gavel pass” installation.
Lynnfield Rotary Members, Interact members (young Rotarians), and guest enjoyed delicious, assorted food choices as President Christine Travers gaveled the celebratory meeting to order. After welcoming comments and a brief outline of the night’s agenda, President Christine introduced the first of the evening’s speakers, Luke Kimball, Lynnfield Rotary Past President and third generation Rotary member who represented a family steeped in Lynnfield Rotary history.
Members and guests of the Marblehead Harbor Rotary recently welcomed PDG Joan Arsenault and Erin Bonney Casey for an update about efforts to restore the Ipswich River to its former vibrancy. Joan spoke briefly about the assistance that is being supplied by a significant Rotary grant. Erin, Planning and Resiliency Program Manager for the Ipswich River Watershed Association, covered the 40+ mile long makeup of the cities and towns that draw water from the Ipswich River, the fact that the river has been identified as one of our country’s most endangered rivers, and the challenges ahead to educate the public on conservation methods that, if implemented, will ensure the river’s healthy future. While Marblehead does not draw its water from the Ipswich, the conservation information imparted by Joan and Erin was invaluable to the members, as that information applies to communities, both adjacent to the Watershed and outside its boundaries.
Pictured below, l to r: Linda Doliber and Jessica Barnett, Harbor Rotary Co-Presidents; Elaine Leahy, President of Sustainable Marblehead; PDG Joan Arsenault; Erin Bonney Casey, Manager of Planning and Resiliency for the Ipswich River Watershed Assoc.
Marblehead Harbor Gets Updates on Ipswich Watershed
Attention all Club Treasurers! Here is the video of Club Treasurer training from NEPETS. It features Arthur Schwartz, our District Treasurer from Marblehead Rotary.
Yearly, the Marblehead Rotary Club awards four to six students a one-time scholarship and one student with a four-year scholarship for excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. Congratulations to the six outstanding awardees: Stella Monico, Cait Mullins, Teaghan Kay, Yasen Colon, Clair Davis, and Matthew Schricker.
(From left to right, front row) Scholarship recipients: Stella Monaco, Matt Schricker, Claire Davis, Cait Mullins, and Yasen Colon. Not in the picture, Teaghan Kay. (Back row) Rotarians Ed Nilsson, Brian Snell, co-presidents Nancy Gwin, and Blair Lord.
Rockport Rotary will celebrate the Fourth of July with our annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. Our role players will be out in full force and in full costume to hear our Town Crier present the newly ratified Declaration, fresh from Congress. Meet us on July 4th at 10AM in Dock Square—right in the heart of downtown Rockport—to cheer on our new nation.
To the 300 people who attended the District Installation on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 – Thank you for joining us! It was an evening filled with tradition, glitz, glam and fun. From the beautiful remarks from DG Alexander to the passing of the gavel/ digging stick, to the Presidents receiving a “Paulie” award in honor of their incoming year as Club President. In keeping with the Red Carpet theme of the evening, there was a PowerPoint of Coming Attractions – which you can access here. Enjoy, as we look forward to the new Rotary year ahead, beginning on July 1, 2023.
The Peabody Club took steps towards their DEI goals this year using their District Grant funds to diversify classroom libraries in Peabody's public elementary schools. The Club feels strongly about representation being an important part of a child's education, and offered to supplement classroom libraries in grades 2 and 3. Through a collaborative effort with the teachers and Club members, we presented each classroom with 2 boxes filled with books representing children of all races, backgrounds, religions, abilities, etc. We were thrilled to present these books to each classroom and read selections from the books to the class. The enthusiastic teachers have assured the Club that the books will be well utilized.
District Governor Alexander Falk was honored with the Barry Weed Award for Service on June 13 at the Marblehead Harbor Rotary’s installation breakfast. Given in memory of the late Barry Weed, a charter member of the Harbor Rotary who also served as the District’s assistant treasurer, the award represents the caring, dedicated, community-oriented service for which Barry was known during his tenure as president of Marblehead’s National Grand Bank. With his solid grasp of Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” and a stellar year leading District 7930’s 40+ Rotaries, Alexander was the Harbor Rotary’s clear choice for the special recognition.
Pictured here is DG Alexander receiving the Barry Weed Award for Service from Jessica Barnett, President of Marblehead Harbor Rotary.
The following is a letter written by the Medford Interact Club. They are looking for help finding a new advisor. Please respond to the email below if interested or think you can help them with their search.
Dear Medford High School Faculty and Staff,
Originally known as the Ambassadors for Change, Interact Club has been empowering students at MHS for over fifteen years. You might not know what Interact Club is or what it does. As a more ‘lowkey’ club, you may not have seen Interact in the spotlight at school like other clubs. However, if you have ever seen a sticky note with an inspirational quote, received a small gift in your mailbox or delivered to you by students, voted on your favorite Halloween costume contest, got your car washed, bought a cup of hot chocolate in support of charity, participated in basketball tournaments, you have seen Interact Club working, and hopefully it had left a positive impact on your day.
Interact is a student-led organization that actively works to promote the belief that everyone at Medford High School deserves to feel recognized, empowered, and involved. We strive to strengthen the community within MHS by embracing the diversity seen throughout the school. Interact is a safe space for students to bring each of their special gifts to the table and use them toward bettering the community. Each month new projects created by the students themselves are initiated based on the premise of Interact’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Over these past fifteen years, Interact Club has been truly fortunate to have Ms. Amie Saulnier as its club advisor. As the one who helped Interact to bloom here in Medford so many years ago, she has always encouraged us and we cannot be more grateful for what she has done here at the MHS. Her unwavering support and trust in Interact’s students has been instrumental to the success of this club and has shaped it into what it is today. Her selflessness and dedication to us has allowed us to thrive, letting us realize our ideas and considering even the most absurd ones we come up with. She has created an environment within her classroom of creativity and inclusivity, pushing us to make a difference in our community. Unfortunately, this year marks Ms. Saulnier’s last year teaching in Medford to work with multilingual learners in the town her own kids go to school in.
It's been a true privilege, honor, and great pleasure to be the District Governor 2022-23 for Rotary District 7930 and to serve our 44 Rotary Clubs, 2 Rotaract Clubs, and 1,550 Rotarians in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.
Wednesday, June 21st, was our District Installation event where our incoming Club Presidents, Assistant Governors, and District Governor as well as other District Officers got installed, and they will all take over in just a few days on July 1st, when we transition from #ImagineRotary to #CreateHopeInTheWorld
I know our district will be in good hands under future leadership and I am thankful to all current AGs, District Committee Chairs and Members, District Leaders, and Club Presidents for all the amazing things that we've accomplished this year!
And a big shout-out to RI President Jennifer Jones and Trustee Chair Ian Riseley for this fabulous year, too!
The Rotary Club of Newburyport recently announced its scholarship recipients.
The club provides $9,000 in scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors. A recipient graduating from Newburyport High School and another from Triton Regional High School received the Norman H. Russell Memorial Scholarship.
A Newburyport graduate received the George A. Cashman Community Service Scholarship. The value of each scholarship is $3,000. The scholarships are funded with money raised at Rotary events.
Kellan McDermott of Newburyport High will attend UMass Amherst and study business and computer science. He was co-captain of the undefeated soccer team that won a state championship. McDermott is a member of the student council and involved with Special Olympics.
On Sunday, June 11, Ipswich High School Interact held a special meeting that was attended by their families and some friends from the sponsoring Ipswich-Rowley Rotary club. In addition to celebrating their achievements and installing new leaders, the club created this event to strengthen their connections with parents, school administrators and the Rotary club. Supported by Rotarians, Interact is driven by the children and enabled by the parents who raise them and shape their values.
Following dinner, Rotary President Martha Mauser shared a bit about Rotary and our annual Youth Exchange program. The club then presented a year-in-review slide show, beginning with a leadership camping trip in August and running through each club event. Interact runs a number of events during the year to raise money for charitable organizations. Their Jingle Bell Walk just completed its 10th year in Ipswich and has become an annual town tradition. This year, the club also raised money to fund Kiva revolving micro loans to small businesses in developing countries. Many of these loans already have been repaid and reissued as new loans.
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.
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!
The Winchester Rotary celebrated Town Day on June 3rd by hosting our Pancake Breakfast. We served over 350 people with the support of over 35 sponsors. It was a huge success.
The Rotary District 7930 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee hosted a discussion on Cultural Awareness presented by Dr. Shamaila Khan, Ph.D. on May 17th, 2023.
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.
Manchester-Essex Rotary is excited to announce that the Annual Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast will take place at Tuck's Point on Saturday, July 1st, 7:30 a.m. to Noon.
Free Water Taxi from Town Hall and Reed's Park to Tuck's Point 8:30 to 12:30!
Free face painting and pony rides!
Manchester Summer Stage will be performing selections from "School of Rock"
State Senator Bruce Tarr and Former State Representative Brad Hill will be on hand flipping pancakes.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, children ages 4-8 are $5, children three and under free.
Use the "Donate Button" on our website www.manchesteressexrotary.org to purchase with a credit card or purchase at the door, or pay via the event registration in the calendar.
Impressions of the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne from Yoland Li, President of Cambridge Rotary.
It’s my first time attending the Rotary International Convention. I highly recommend Rotarians to join the next year’s convention in Singapore. I signed up already.
Here are some of the highlights and photos from Melbourne.
1) The House of Friendship provided all the details about Rotary projects and Fellowship details. They even had a Shelter Box.
2) I joined the general sessions every day. I really enjoyed the End Polio Project update and the partnership with Global Citizen.
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.
Question: Why should we care about using the "new" Rotary logo?
Answer: Some brands are recognized around the world just by their logos. When people see the logo, they instantly know what it means and what to expect. That visual recognition comes from years of using a logo widely and consistently.
Rotary also benefits from having a strong, recognizable brand that is legally protected. District and clubs are allowed to use the Rotary logo when you add your own identifier with no additional imagery. Additionally, when people see our logos in print, online, or on social media, they should immediately recognize them both as representing Rotary and as symbols of an organization that takes action to make the world better.
You can strengthen Rotary not just in your community but all over the world by using our logos correctly and consistently. This reinforces to the public who we are and what we do.
Furthermore, based on a membership study that ran across Zones 28 and 32, clubs with a membership growth culture have a strong public image and are well known in their communities. Having a consistent brand helps contribute to membership growth.
Here are my first quick impressions of the 2023 RI Convention in Melbourne:
1) Seeing the House of Friendship in its full form. So many inspiring projects I am now excited about.
2) Connecting with current club presidents, who have been incredibly helpful in advising me for my year. I now feel much more prepared to lead Boston 7. Also, being able to connect with our sister club, Rotary Club of Melbourne - we have already started brainstorming for a project together!
3) Incredibly fun fellowship-building events that have helped me connect with Rotarians from all over the world, who share many of my interests. There have been several "cheeks hurt from smiling" moments!
The 2023 RI Convention has come to a close last week and Nora and I are traveling back to District 7930 this weekend. We will be landing at Boston Logan Airport at 2:15 PM on Monday, June 5th.
You can now watch some of the highlights of the RI Convention from the convenience of your own home or office. These are the opening and general session speeches delivered by our Rotary senior leaders:
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.
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.
Cambridge Rotary's District Grant Supports Science Club for Girl
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.
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 15th 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.
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.
Town Allocates $25K to Reading's Street Faire Expenses
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.
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 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!
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:
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.
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!
At the 100th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
Author Christina Brown Speaks at Burlington Rotary
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
“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
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.
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 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.
Speaker Opportunity: Advocacy for Water Conservation
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.
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.
Our 3DistrictConferenceis coming up in five days already, next Saturday, April 22nd, 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 17th is Patriots’ Day and this is the LAST day to register for the conference:
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.
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 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 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!
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.
“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
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.
"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
"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
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.
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.
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.
On Wednesday, March 29th 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
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 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 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.
Cambridge Joins Center for Astrophysics Book Drive
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.
Malden Rotarian James Norris: Author and Inspiration
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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!
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!
Announcing a new DG District Grant match for TutuDesks
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.
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).
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.
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.
Saving the Ipswich River & Watersheds Legislative Breakfast
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
Burlington Breakfast Donation to People Helping People
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”.
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.
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!
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.
Somerville Sponsored Global Grant Scholar Shares Research
District Governor Alexander Falk visited the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club today, February 1st, 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!
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.
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 enumerating the various situations the students struggled with and how they were overcome.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.”
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.
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."
Registration is now open for the Virtual Winter Rotary Leadership Institutetwo-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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Winchester Supports Mission of Deeds and Housing Authority
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.
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!
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.
Rotary Peabody Joins Forces for Ellis Square Friends
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.
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 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.
On January 6th, 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:
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.
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.
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 31st 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.
February is World Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month. The annual World Peace & Understanding event on February 8th 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.
World Peace & Understanding: TutuDesk Campaign
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.
Chelsea Presents Robert C. Wood Memorial Heroes Award
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.)
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
Burlington Breakfast Rotary Fundraiser at Flatbread Company December 1
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 beingDecember 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…
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!!
We are happy to report that our Robert C Wood MemorialHeroes Celebrationthis 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 tothe 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.
Robert C Wood Memorial Heroes Celebration a smashing success
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Fall Faire and Goat Pebble Bingo a Wild Success for Belle Isle
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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 Rotary Club is putting on a Comedy Night October 28th 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.
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!
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.
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 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
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.
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:
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).
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.
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
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!
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.
Thursday, November 10th 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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Swampscott's Annual Cookout for Residents with Disabilities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, September 1st, 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!!!
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.
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!
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Manchester-Essex Red, White & Blue Breakfast a Huge Success!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please join us as we celebrate the Installation of District Officers & Club Presidents in Rotary District 7930 on June 30th, 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.
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.
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.”
Although it is just the beginning of summer, Reading Rotary is gearing up to host the 14th 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Annual Manchester Red, White and Blue Breakfast July 2
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
Wakefield Donates Books in Honor of 100th Anniversary
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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 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.
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!!!!
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!
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.
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 the club is thrilled to give back to their immediate community in such a tangible way.
Pictured here are Peabody Rotarians on their Mar 26 build day. #RotaryInAction
Reading Rotary just completed its Rotary Readers project. Rotary Readers is an annual literacy project where reading books and a backpack are given to each Reading Public Schools student in kindergarten. This year approximately 300 literacy bags will be delivered by Rotarians to the five Reading elementary schools. In addition, Rotarians read to each Kindergarten class as part of Read Across America. It was exciting and fun to be able to read in person this year after doing virtual reading in 2021.
This literacy project has been adapted from Rotary’s previous dictionary and thesaurus giveaways. Teachers expressed their preference to have the younger students receive reading books. Basic Education and Literacy is one of Rotary International's Areas of Focus. This particular project was adapted from a Girl Scout Gold Award literacy project by Mary Kate Kelley, who is a Past President of RMHS Interact and one of its Founding Members.
After a recent fundraiser, the Interact Club at Woburn Memorial High School donated proceeds to the Woburn Dollars for Scholars program. Here, Interact Club President Emily Sullivan presents a check to WDFS Committee President Rosemary Donovan.
The Downtown Boston Rotary is proud to host the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England at their next speaker meeting on April 5th.
The UCCN has organized various fundraisers for the people of Ukraine during the current war in their country. They have also provided information on the many other organizations helping Ukraine during this conflict and directed many in the Boston-area towards appropriate ways to donate funds and supplies to the people of Ukraine.
The DBRC is thrilled to welcome Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England to discuss the war in Ukraine and what we can do to help, and we hope Rotarians from around the district will join us. The meeting will be taking place downstairs at Elephant & Castle on Tuesday, April 5th, doors open at 6 PM and the meeting will begin at 6:30 PM.
Downtown Boston Hosts Ukrainian Cultural Center of NE
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 11am at the Cape Ann Motor Inn on Long Beach, located at 33 Rockport Road in Gloucester.
Anyone wishing to support the #EndPolioNow campaign may make a donation online at my.rotary.org/en/donate. Please be sure to select the “Polio Fund.” Each of the D7930 clubs are invited to participate and may register their participation by clicking here.
The Polar Plunge is this coming Saturday in Gloucester. I look forward to seeing you all at the beach. Once a club has donated a minimum of $1500 it qualifies them to receive the End Polio Now Certificate from Rotary International. Last year only four clubs in our district reached that benchmark. I’m pleased to say that the top seven clubs above have already surpassed that level. Let’s try to get our District back to more participation throughout the clubs.
Year to date we have raised $36,734.01 of our $100,000 goal, that’s over one third of the way there. I have heard from many clubs that they are submitting their donations after the plunge, so I will continue to list the clubs as we head toward our goal.
“To support and ensure sustainable long-lasting safe water, sanitation and hygiene programs to communities in need.”
To further this cause, WASH-RAG’s Board of Directors is delighted to announce a one-time, special grant of $25,000 to encourage Rotary Districts and clubs to become active participants in a WASH project. Better still – that $25,000 will be eligible for a dollar-to-dollar match from DDF and/or cash contributions to the Global Grant.
Eligibility
All Rotary Districts and Clubs qualified to participate in The Rotary Foundation’s Global Grants Program can apply for the grant. Clubs who have participated previously in a small WASH project, funded by a District Grant are encouraged to apply.
Danvers Rotary is excited to announce our 2nd Spring Raffle is off to a great start as we approach the first draw date on April 1.
Every day in April a new winner will be drawn at the Danvers YMCA.
Prizes include gift certificates for restaurants, coffee shops and local services and there are also cash prizes of $750 to be won. Tickets are on sale now and through the drawing period for just $10 each and remain in the pot until drawn!
Contact any Danvers Rotarian or call the Danvers YMCA (978-774-2055), 34 Pickering Street, Danvers, MA 01923 to enter. Any questions, please call 978-774-2055 or email DanversRotary@gmail.com.
Raising money for scholarships is one crucial cornerstone activity for Marblehead Rotary Club. Last week, with close to 150 spectators, Marblehead’s Got Talent 2022 was a roaring success at its new venue at The Cabot Cinema in Beverly. Congratulations to the talented winners!
Senior Colby Kramer took in $6,000 first place of scholarship winning. He played Scherzo No. 2 Op. 31 by Frederic Chopin. As second-place winners, Junior Charlie Smith and Sophomore Mona Gelffgatt won $4,000 with an original song titled “Will Get Past This.” Freshman Brady Weed came in third place with $3,000 for his rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire.” Junior Griffen Collins and seniors Olivia Gardener, Audrey Jones, and the duo of Nora Bekkai and Kasey Louden took home a scholarship for fourth place with $500 each.
Dr. Philly Karani, brother of Burlington Breakfast Rotary member Zareen Karani Araoz, has received the Rotary International Service Above Self Award for 2021-22, the highest recognition from Rotary International.
Dr. Karani dedicated much of his life to serving through Rotary. He was the District Governor and also served on the RI Rotaract Committee, among others. He was very loved by the members of the Club he founded in Pune, India. He did and inspired hundreds of projects there, uplifting the condition of many and transforming lives, leading a long-term project to adopt a village and bring all amenities to it.
He continues his good work in New Zealand, since the past 8-9 years. He has attended one of our District Inauguration dinners during one of his visits here. Dr. Karani would welcome meeting and helping any Rotarian from our District visiting New Zealand! Congratulations Dr. Zarani! You are a true inspiration!
Dr. Philly Karani Receives Service Above Self Award
The Arlington Rotary Club is excited to celebrate Earth Month! On April 30th Arlington Rotary Club is teaming up with our new Arlington Catholic Interact Club to hold our 1st Mystic River Clean Up.
10-12pm Mystic River Arlington. Please park on side streets of Webster, Palmer and Beacon.
We are challenging other district clubs along the Mystic River to join us in keep the Mystic River Watershed clean and healthy! If you are not located on the Mighty Mystic, please consider picking a day in April to clean a watershed area in your community.
Thank you to the Greater Salem, Woburn and Salem clubs who have started adding their donations through MyRotary. Donations to this year’s Polar Plunge are being directly made through the donate button in MyRotary or through your club’s Foundation Chair. Once a club has donated a minimum of $1500 it qualifies them to receive the End Polio Now Certificate from Rotary International. Last year only four clubs in our district reached that benchmark. I’m pleased to say that the top six clubs above have already surpassed that level. Let’s try to get our District back to more participation throughout the clubs.
Year to date we have raised $35,559.01 of our $100,000 goal, that’s one third of the way there. There are 15 clubs in the district who have not started making their donations to Polio through MyRotary and I have got questions from many of them and some are planning to attend the plunge in Gloucester and then add their donations in. We cannot count donations and add your club to the list, if your club doesn’t record them through the RI website.
Last week Woburn Rotary donated a defibrillator to Nexus, Inc. Nexus provides residential alternatives for developmentally challenged individuals that promote the highest quality of life possible and opportunities for full integration into the mainstream of life in their home.
Executive Director Greg McGowan was on hand to receive the donation and spoke about Nexus currently serving individuals in Woburn and surrounding cities.
Winchester Rotary club has been blessed with a wonderful core group of members who have help me as President over the past two years to maintain and grow our Club. We are adding four new Service members along with two new Corporate members will be joining us shortly. Thank you, Kurt Heisler, Co-President Elect. What a great way to start off 2022! Keep all members moving forward and engaged!
Rotary International President-Elect Jennifer Jones recently addressed all our Rotary Club Presidents-Elect at the Northeast PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) in early March. Her powerful speech referenced her presidential theme - Imagine Rotary - and also related a story from her first few days in the RI PE office in Evanston and the power of connections across the Rotary world.
Her message is not only inspiring for Presidents-Elect, but for all Rotarians. You can now watch her speech and the following Q&A here: https://youtu.be/Aur2YZXoRNI
Donations to this year’s Polar Plunge are being directly made through the donate button in MyRotary or through your club’s Foundation Chair. Once a club has donated a minimum of $1500 it qualifies them to receive the End Polio Now Certificate from Rotary International. Last year only four clubs in our district reached that benchmark. I’m pleased to say that the top six clubs above have already surpassed that level. Let’s try to get our District back to more participation throughout the clubs.
Year to date we have raised $33,225.01 of our $100,000 goal, that’s one third of the way there. There are 7 clubs in the district who have not started making their donations to Polio through MyRotary. I have got questions from many of them and some are planning to attend the plunge in Gloucester. We cannot count donations and add your club to the list, if your club doesn’t record them through the RI website.
Belle Isle Rotary Club is set to have our Trivia Nite on Friday April 1, 2022, to be held at the Salesians Boys & Girls Club. We are gearing up to have a night full of fun competition with prizes and of course, bragging rights and awards for the winning team.
Friday, April 1. Doors open at 5 pm.
Salesian Boys & Girls Club, 150 Byron Street, East Boston, MA 02128.
Complementary make your own nachos bar. Cash Bar. Prizes and Raffles. Donation/ticket price $25 per person
For info about the event, tickets or sponsorships please contact Joe Steffano (617) 909-5382, Steve Miliotis (781) 731-3057, Vera Carducci (617) 909-5384 or Mike Triant (617) 913-1531.
Dear Rotary Friends, The President of the Rotary Club of Lviv, Ukraine spoke to the NYC Rotary Club today and I was invited to join. Please accept this report on happenings live from the devastation.
-Amy Luckiewicz, Wakefield Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Lviv International
The Lviv RC is made mostly of international business people and they commonly speak English. Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine. Lviv Rotary Club President James Joeriman is American and he was the primary speaker. He is currently sheltering in Warsaw, Poland with his wife and small children. He's working through RC networks to raise money for consumable supplies for the military hospitals. $1.2 million Euros has led to 10 trucks of supplies and they are fully stocked at the moment. Overflow is managed by Lviv defense forces and distributed by priority need to Lviv and the entire country. Supplies are sourced from Poland and Germany; he is unaware of any supply shortages. Lviv Rotary is focused on supplying medical aid, not military equipment.
Lviv Rotary Club (in particular his English-speaking club with international members), are utilizing their international networks to maximize effective response. To his knowledge, the other Lviv Rotary Clubs, Ukranian speaking clubs, are still operating.
Donations to this year’s Polar Plunge are being directly made through the donate button in MyRotary or through your club’s Foundation Chair. Once a club has donated a minimum of $1500 it qualifies them to receive the End Polio Now Certificate from Rotary International. Last year only four clubs in our district reached that benchmark. I’m pleased to say that the top six clubs above have already surpassed that level. Let’s try to get our District back to more participation throughout the clubs.
Year to date we have raised $33,550.01 of our $100,000 goal. That’s one third of the way there. There are still 18 clubs in the district who have not started making their donations to Polio through MyRotary. We cannot count donations and add your club to the list, if your club doesn’t record them through RI.
Club officers, “experienced” Rotarians, new and newer members of Rotary...This message is for you! RLI sessions are offered in both internet and in-person venues this year. Meet other Rotarians from different districts and enrich your Rotary experience by sharing leadership styles and program ideas.
Virtual:
March 12, D7870, Southern NH and VT
March 19, D7430, Southeastern PA
April 19, D7475/7490, West Orange, NJ
In-person:
March 26, D7950, Southeastern MA, Cape Cod, RI at Upper Cape Tech, Bourne, register by March 16
OUR HOME DISTRICT... April 30, D7930, Sheraton Four Points, Wakefield (all parts plus Graduate and Facilitator Training). We will be offering Sessions 1, 2, and 3 and also an advanced class and a class for facilitators. Cost for this day (which includes a continental breakfast and lunch) is $95. Those D7930 Rotarians taking Session One or Session Two will receive a $50 refund after attending the session from the District.
Want to complete all three parts in one year? Register for both virtual and in-person Parts I, II, and III at www.rlinea.org.
Leaders know there is always more to learn!
Multiple Opportunities at Rotary Leadership Institute
Rotary Club of Topsfield Boxford Middleton invites you to join them for a fun evening of St. Patrick's Day- themed virtual MUSIC B-I-N-G-O for a great cause!
Sunday, March 13, 2022, 6:00-7:15 PM. Online from your Computer, Phone, or Tablet. Entry id $25.00 per computer.
Proceeds will benefit NEADS. NEADS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Princeton, MA that provides highly skilled Service Dogs for people who have a disability.
As in year’s past it would be wonderful if you would bring your club banners to hang over the railings on the back of the motor inn. We have revised the registration sheet so that you can add all who are coming to cheer you on. So, if you are the only member of your club plunging, but you are bringing 5 members/friends/family with you, please go back into the following link and re-register your club. Clubs can register their participation by clicking here. Currently, we have approximately 100 Rotarians, Interactors and friends coming to the beach.
District 7930 District Equity & Inclusion Committee Discussion Series
Join Us for a discussion on Privilege & Belonging.
Guest Speaker: Ricky Meinke
Associate Director of Student Involvement at Berklee College of Music, Ricky is an educator, Community organizer and advocate for change. Ricky’s experience working in cultural and student centers across Higher Education has shaped his goals of creating inclusive environments and breaking down barriers that disrupt communities. Ricky does this by addressing inequity in various ways through critical research, building active collaborations across communities, and targeting toxic elements that lead to disparaging dynamics for community members.
We promise to inspire Presidents-Elect to lead their clubs and to empower them to achieve success as we Imagine Rotary!
This year’s keynote speakers include RI President-Elect Jennifer Jones, Evan Burrell, Dr. Tunji Funsho, and Carolyn Jones. They will aim to inform and reinforce our program and our conversations, inviting us all to consider concepts like “thinking out of the box”; becoming a change agent; leading your club to be more project-oriented; collaboration and flexibility. You will leave this PETS program feeling “fired up” and eager to begin the amazing year ahead as your club’s President!
The Northeast Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (NEPETS) is Rotary’s training program for club Presidents-elect and Assistant Governors throughout New England and parts of Canada. The goal of NEPETS is to prepare Presidents-elect and Assistant Governors for their upcoming roles through provocative plenary speakers and discussions with peers from various districts during breakout sessions. NEPETS is a collaborative effort of seven Rotary districts and includes the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, southern Maine, and southern Quebec.
Even if you are not a President-Elect or Assistant Governor, we invite you visit the NEPETS Virtual House of Friendship to learn more about Rotary Fellowships, Action Groups, and the amazing projects being conducted in our seven districts.
Over 950 Runners have already registered for the Malden Half Marathon + 5 Mile Race being held on Sunday, March 13. The Half Marathon begins at 8:00 am and the 5 Mile Race kicks off at 9:30 am.
The Malden Rotary Club is respectfully asking for volunteers to assist with some Race Day activities that will begin at 7:00 am. Volunteers will receive a shirt, libation, and meal at the Post Race Party circa 11:00 am, right in the heart of Malden's vibrant Downtown Dining and Gaming District.
Please contact Malden President Paul Solano at psfinserve@aol.com or 617-240-4130 by Friday, March 11 to provide the name or names of your volunteers.
We will be most happy to sign off on any Community Service hours! Thank you!
The Gloucester Rotary invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
A Night at the Races is a fun-filled evening for adults with all the suspense and excitement of being at the racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. At various points during the evening, betters will be able to use their winnings to bid on merchandise and services that have been donated for the event. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group.
Gloucester and Rockport Rotaries partnered together, along with funding from a District Managed Grant and several additional individuals and organizations, to purchase and install a standby power generator for Kivu Hills Academy in Boneza, Rwanda. Boneza is a community similar in size to the combined population of Gloucester and Rockport and has limited infrastructure. In the past several years, Gloucester and Rockport have worked with the Arise Rwanda organization to support the installation of a kitchen at Kivu Hills Academy and a well for the citizens of Bugarura District. The well project was also supported with a District Managed Grant.
Arise Rwanda is a multi-dimensional education, community building, and infrastructure improvement organization. They facilitate project selection and completion based on community members' expressed needs and the community's own priority setting. Education has been a leading and pressing need in the region. As a result the Kivu Hills Academy, an accredited Technical and Vocational Secondary School, was founded in 2016 and now serves a student body of 273 high school students. (Kivu Hills Academy is the only high school in the region.) Kivu Hills Academy offers academic programs in Masonry, Computer Systems Technology and Networking, and Tourism.
Consistent electric power is required to maintain the productivity of the academic environment, power the pumps bringing water to the school, provide safety and lighting, and prevent power surges that can destroy expensive computer equipment. The generator installed this winter will meet this need of a stable electrical supply.
Thank you to Gloucester Rotarian David McKechnie for bringing this opportunity to our attention. Thank you also to the District Grants Team for your support with these important projects.
We’re back! In-person Rotary Leadership Institute, Saturday, April 30, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Four Points, Wakefield, MA. Located just off Route 128 and near the shops of Lynnfield’s MarketStreet, The Four Points is one of the premier conference centers north of Boston and offers ample parking, comfortable meeting rooms, and hotel-wide Wi-Fi for break periods. Parts I, II, III, Graduate and Facilitator training will be offered. The registration fee for the day is $95 which will cover a continental breakfast, all curriculum materials, a mid-morning coffee break, and buffet luncheon. Participants do not have to be club officers – All Rotarians are leaders in their communities and businesses! All leaders know that learning never stops! Rotarians participating in Session 1 or Session 2 will receive a $50 reimbursement after attending from the District.
Mark your calendars and register today at www.rlinea.org. Guided by experienced facilitators, the day will be full of Rotary fellowship and stimulating, challenging discussions about Rotary’s organization, resources for Rotarians about membership, strategic planning, club communication, fundraising, and a host of other subjects. (Curriculum content is available at rlinea.org).
Fellow Rotarians… The first (that I know of) plunging has taken place at St. Camillus parking lot in Arlington, where the Arlington Club members have been plunged into a dunk tank. Don’t think that the dunk tank had any heated water in it. No, on the contrary, these brave Rotarians and friends plunged down into the icy water with President Becca losing her glasses on her tumble. Thankfully one our senior members had their “grabber” handy and was able to fish them out of the tank. If your club is also doing a separate “Plunge,” let me know and I’d be happy to join you, if I’m available.
As in year’s past, it would be wonderful if you would bring your club banners to hang over the railings on the back of the motor inn. We have revised the registration sheet so that you can add all who are coming to cheer you on. So, if you are the only member of your club plunging, but you are bringing 5 members/friends/family with you, please go back into the following link and re-register your club. Clubs can register their participation by clicking here.
Donations to this year’s Polar Plunge are being directly made through the donate button in MyRotary or through your club’s Foundation Chair. Once a club has donated a minimum of $1,500.00, it qualifies them to receive the End Polio Now Certificate from Rotary International. Last year only four clubs in our district reached that benchmark. I’m pleased to say that the top five clubs below have already surpassed that level. Let’s try to get our District back to more participation throughout the clubs.
The list below includes your donations made to PolioPlus from July 1, 2021, as of February 19, 2022. But this is just a list of the TOP TEN. Year to date we have raised $29,250.01 of our $100,000 goal. There are still 20 clubs in the district who have not started making their donations to Polio through MyRotary. We cannot count donations and add your club to the list, if your club doesn’t record them through RI.
If you are planning to go to the RI Convention in Houston, please join us for an evening of relaxation and fun and some awesome Tex-Mex food at The Original Ninfa's on Navigation!
Monday, June 6th, 2022, at 7:00 PM (local time) we will gather for a family style "Fajita Fiesta” meal at a cost of 35.00 per person plus 8.25% tax and 18% gratuity. So we are collecting a $46 per person as a registration fee, which includes tax, gratuity, and the credit card processing fee. Payment is required at the time of registration, and we can only accept credit card payments (sorry, no checks!).
Drinks will be on individual tabs and will be separate.
Seating is limited, so we can only accommodate 40 people at this event. Please click here to register to reserve your spot! We will be opening the registration to friends in other districts in 1-2 weeks, so please register ASAP before the event fills up...
And if you have not registered for the RI Convention in Houston yet, please use this link to learn more. The special low registration rate of $495 is only available until February 28th!
In February 2020, the Interact Club of Marblehead started a fundraising project to build toilets for individual homes in Mewat in the Nuh district, 2 hours south of New Delhi, India. Predominantly populated by Meos (indigenous Muslims), Mewat lags on almost every developmental measure, where sanitary facilities such as toilets and clean drinking water are persistently lacking in homes and schools.
As a result, Mewat is a hot spot for international development assistance. It is also a go-to site for National Immunization Day (NID) in the Delhi region for Rotarians from many parts of the world. The latrine project addresses the multiple issues endemic to poverty-stricken villages like Mewat, in which women often bear the most. Girls have suffered from higher dropout rates, poor maternal health, high infant mortality, and violence when they try to relieve themselves in the open without a closed-in structure.
When the lockdown hit in March 2020, activities across non-essential organizations, schools, businesses came to a standstill. However, as the new virus spread globally, the sponsoring club for the latrine project in India, the Rotary Club of Delhi South Metropolitan, and its lead US partner, Rotary Club of Morgan Hill in California, were committed to seeing this project through. More than ever, it became urgent to build these toilet stations as these communities were reporting an unprecedented spike of Covid 19 cases. As a result, the fundraising efforts for this project took on a pressing turn.
It's 2022, and Marblehead's Got Talent (MGT) is back with $15,000 in performance art scholarships for Marblehead students.
Every year, Marblehead Rotary awards scholarships to qualified students who compete for the top three prizes: $6,000 for first place, $4,000 for second place, and $3,000 for third place. With an additional four runner-up winners of $500.00 each. More and more financial scholarships for the performing arts are hard to come by. But we made it a goal to recognize our talented high schoolers through healthy competition to foster their development in the performing arts and help them pay for college.
As our year-long celebration comes to a end, we reminisce on the past and look forward to the future. We are having our culminating event on the very date that the Beverly Rotary Club was started 101 years prior!
Join us for a fun time of socializing, hors d’oeuvres, dancing to live music and examining our time capsule! The details are on the invitation posted. Click here for the link to purchase tickets. Maybe you’ll join us?
A Ukrainian 12-yr old boy with electrical burns over 90% of his body was recently airlifted from Ukraine and brought to Shriners Hospital (Mass General) in Boston. This was done with assistance from Ukraine Rotary Club Kyiv-Sophia and Rotary Clubs in our neighboring District 7910. Dr. Gennadiy Fuzaylov, who is treating the boy advised that his mother Oksana is staying in Mass General Hospital "parent apartment" available to her only while her son is in the hospital for treatment. However sometime in the next 3-weeks Taras will be released and both mother/Oksana & Son/Taras, who do not speak English, will need a place to stay near Massachusetts General Hospital as Taras needs to receive follow up treatments for up to 6 Weeks then needs to return to Ukraine.
Fellow Rotarians… I hope that you and your club are planning to join us on April 2nd in Gloucester for the Polar Plunge. As in year’s past it would be wonderful if you would bring your club banners to hang over the railings on the back of the motor inn. We have revised the registration sheet so that you can add all who are coming to cheer you on. So, if you are the only member of your club plunging, but you are bringing 5 members/friends/family with you, please go back into the following link and re-register your club. Clubs can register their participation by clicking here.
Donations to this year’s Polar Plunge are being directly made through the donate button in MyRotary or through your club’s Foundation Chair. Once a club has donated a minimum of $1500 it qualifies them to receive the End Polio Now Certificate from Rotary International. Last year only four clubs in our district reached that benchmark. I’m pleased to say that the top four clubs below have already surpassed that level. Let’s try to get our District back to more participation throughout the clubs. The list below includes all donations made to PolioPlus from July 1, 2021, as of February 12, 2022. Year to date we have raised $27,950.01 of our $100,000 goal. There are 20 clubs in the district who have not started making their donations to Polio through MyRotary. We cannot count donations if your club doesn’t record them.
1. Marblehead
2. Rockport
3. Arlington
4. Reading
5. Lynn
6. Chelsea
7. Wakefield
8. Parkway, Swampscott, Amesbury and Gloucester are tied
The Rotary Club of Lynn held its Eighth Grade Recognition Program Thursday, February 10th, at Old Tyme Family Cuisine. This signature program, a staple on Rotary’s annual calendar, seeks to recognize young middle school students from Lynn who, each in their own way, has overcome an obstacle in their lives to achieve success both inside and out of the classroom. This is the first recognition since the start of the pandemic. The Club will have two more before the end of the school year. The program's longtime sponsor is RiverWorks Credit Union.
Seated from L - R: Daniel Brown, North Shore Christian School; Sindy Carbajal Santos, Thurgood Marshall Middle School; Tyler Desmond, St. Mary’s, Marian Division; and Aysia Olaes, Breed Middle School. Back row, Dick Ruth, Rotarian and Program coordinator; Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, Rotarian and Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools; Peter Kopoulos, Chief Financial Officer for RiverWorks Credit Union, and Dr. John Dolan, Rotarian and Head of School at St. Mary’s High School. Absent when photo was taken but recognized for her outstanding achievement was Jazlene Ledesma, Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, Discovery Program.
Increasing Access to Clean Drinking Water for the indigenous Wayuu people
The Chelsea Rotary Club is cooperating with the Fonseca Club in La Guajira, Colombia on a new global grant to bring clean drinking water to the villages of the indigenous Wayuu people on the Guajira peninsula. The area where the Wayuu live is a desert climate and there are over 350,000 indigenous people in this northern peninsula in Colombia. Over 5,000 indigenous children have died in the last few years from lack of water and other diseases derived from lack of water.
Our objective is to build 24 wells that will serve around 7,000 indigenous people, including children. Children and their mothers are the ones who are searching for water, on an everyday basis, they have to walk, ride mules for miles in search of water.
Donations to this year’s Polar Plunge are being directly made through the donate button in MyRotary or through your club’s Foundation Chair. Once a club has donated a minimum of $1500 it qualifies them to receive the End Polio Now Certificate from Rotary International. Last year only four clubs in our district reached that benchmark. I’m pleased to say that the top four clubs below have already surpassed that level. Let’s try to get our District back to more participation throughout the clubs. The list below includes all donations made to PolioPlus from July 1, 2021 as of February 5, 2022. Year to date we have raised $27,716.01 of our $100,000 goal. There are 21 clubs in the district who have not started making their donations to Polio. Please register with the Gloucester Club to let them know the number of participants. Clubs can register their participation by clicking here.
The Greater Salem, NH Rotary Club recently distributed more than $16,000 to area gas and oil companies to support over 60 families in need in its service area with their heating costs. This is the second year the club has offered this Fuel Assistance Program. Special thanks to our partners: B & H Oil, McLean Oil, Palmer Gas & Oil, and Murphy & Sons.
Deb Whitten, Credit and Collections Manager of Palmer Gas & Oil said, “Families continue to struggle during this pandemic and this donation will help tremendously. This is the second year that we have received this extraordinary gift from the Rotary Club, and we could not be more thankful.” Adds John Lilly of the Greater Salem Rotary Club, “This has become one of our major service projects and we are thrilled to work with the Ermer family and Palmer Gas & Oil long with B & H Oil, McLean Oil, and Murphy & Sons.”
Pictured here: John Lilly and Jeanne Geisser of Greater Salem Rotary Club present a check to Deb Whitten of Palmer Gas & Oil.
The Rotary Club of Peabody is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year "Taste of the North Shore" in person again this year! This popular fundraiser promised an evening of fun, prizes and, of course, delicious food from some of the best restaurants to be found on the North Shore. All proceeds benefit scholarships for Peabody High School children and our other community projects throughout the year.
Join us at 6 pm at the DoubleTree in Danvers on March 1. Raffle tickets for our $10,000 grand prize includes 2 admissions to the event and cost $100. Business sponsorships are still available. For tickets and more information click here.
*Full vaccination or negative COVID test required. Masks will be required at all times, except for eating.*
While we wish it was safe to hold an in-person RYLA for high school students in 2022, we don’t believe we are there yet! Because of that, D7930 will hold an Advanced RYLA for a small group of students who have already participated in RYLA.
The purpose of this weekend will be to continue to develop alumni who wish to continue their journey of leadership development and to support the RYLA program going forward. While RYLA students currently lead families and participate in some of the planning, the event is primarily led by a group of Rotarians. The longer-term goal is to have the weekend be more alumni/student led.
We are hopeful that the weekend will be held at Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, NH, tentatively on Saturday-Sunday, May 14-15. We are returning to Camp Glen Brook to be good stewards of our resources as we have a deposit there from 2020, when we had to cancel due to the pandemic.
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
A Night at the Races promises to be a fun-filled evening for adults with all the suspense and excitement of being at the racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. At various points during the evening, betters will be able to use their winnings to bid on merchandise and services that have been donated for the event. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group.
This year our district is hosting six Global Scholars who are here to further their studies in their chosen fields: Deborah Kang (Korea) in Public Policy and Urban Planning, Makiko Mitsunami (Japan) in Maternal and Child Health, Paul Schmidt (Germany) in Bioelectronics, Yumeka Kawahara (Japan) in Refugee Integration, Yusuke Yoshikawa (Japan) in Public Health and Francisco Barrera (Mexico) in Epidemiology.
These scholars all have extensive backgrounds in their specialties and would be delighted to share their knowledge and cultures with you. Please reach out and arrange for them to speak to your clubs. You can access links to their biographies and email addresses on our district website (rotary7930.org), under Our District/Rotary Foundation/Global Scholars.
Our German friends from our Inter-Country-Committee Austria-Germany-USA, for which our district 7930 is a founding member, have organized a great virtual event with Thomas Neubert, Senior Director Strategic Incubation & Innovation, Intel Corp./Silicon Valley as keynote speaker. Please see the attached invitation PDF for more details, including the Zoom link (requires login).
The Inter-Country-Committee Austria-Germany-USA invites you to an emotional and informative presentation via ZOOM on February 9th, 2022, 12:30 PM EST (06.30 PM CET).
Thomas Neubert has lived in Silicon Valley for 30 years and will deliver an inspiring keynote speech "Life lessons - The glass is always half full", which will be held in English. We look forward to welcoming guests from Germany, the USA and Austria.
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 11am at the Cape Ann Motor Inn on Long Beach, located at 33 Rockport Road in Gloucester. Anyone wishing to support the #EndPolioNow campaign may make a donation online at www.Rotary.org/donate. Please indicate that your donation should support the “Polio Fund.”
The Annual World Peace and Understanding Event on February 3 featured two movies this year. The evening started with the Premiere of a documentary, by Sarah Furie, a member of Boston Rotaract, titled “The Talk With My Black Sons.” This was followed by a lively question-and-answer session with the director. If you missed the event, you can watch the documentary here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JuG2CusHaJo
The second movie was a compilation about the fruits of our Interact MicroFinance grant through the eyes of the Interactors and other young adults; building compassion and understanding around the world and within the students themselves. Our district has provided ten Interact Clubs and other youth organizations with $500 in seed funds each to begin doing Microloans on the Kiva platform. Four of the clubs recorded short video segments of the young adults choosing a microloan to support and explaining why they picked that particular project. You can watch the video here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9F7rx4BXyNA
Building Peace and Understanding in our Communities and Around the World
The Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club is holding its annual “25 Days of Kindness” food drive this month to help address food insecurity in its communities. Rotary is partnering with The Open Door’s Ipswich community food pantry and local businesses to collect food items for neighbors in need.
“Food needs often increase after the holidays, especially among our fellow citizens whose livelihoods are impacted by the ongoing COVID pandemic,” said a Rotary statement.
Donations will be accepted through February 3 at the Ipswich branches of Brookline Bank, BankGloucester, and the Institution for Savings, as well as at the Ipswich Community YMCA.
The most-needed food items include peanut butter, canned meats (tuna, chicken, and turkey), break- fast cereal, hearty soups, canned fruits and vegetables, spaghetti sauce, boxes of macaroni and cheese, rice, noodles, pasta, and pancake mix.
The donated food will be delivered to the Open Door in early February and distributed to clients of the Ipswich food pantry.
Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones wants members to imagine the possibilities in the change they can make to transform the world.
Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, revealed the 2022-23 presidential theme, Imagine Rotary, as she urged people to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality.
“Imagine, a world that deserves our best,” Jones told incoming district governors on 20 January, “where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.”
Jones, who will make history on 1 July by becoming Rotary’s first female president, gave a live online address to precede Rotary’s annual training event for district governors from around the world, the International Assembly. The assembly was rescheduled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and will now be held virtually 7-14 February.
The Salem Rotary Club is thrilled to present our first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training at our Rotary meeting on January 25th. Our training will be conducted by Human in Common. Human in Common is an innovative team of experienced diversity consultants who specialize in providing professional diversity and ethical upstander training for nonprofits, municipalities, businesses and schools.
Members of the Human in Common team who will join us include:
Deborah Cohen, M.Ed. (pronouns: she/her) is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Human In Common. She is the creator of Ethical Upstander training -- a compassionate, experiential model of teaching active bystander intervention skills. For 30 years, Deborah has worked as a social justice educator, integrating community organizing and collaborative arts projects as a vehicle for amplifying diversity, equity & inclusion.
Robert Gordon, B.A. (pronouns: he/him) is a Diversity Specialist at Human in Common. He has a background in organizational planning, education, and multicultural recruitment. His expertise lies in bringing people together across organization levels to develop and strengthen a sense of belonging among people of color within the workplace or community. Robert collaborates with clients to identify and break down systemic barriers, increase cultural humility, and empower people from marginalized backgrounds.
Pictured here is presenter Robert Gordon.
Salem Presents Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training
Camp Rotary is pleased to announce that tickets are now available to our Centennial Gala Celebration! The event will take place on site at our camp in Boxford, in our new dining hall, on the evening of June 11, 2022 from 6 – 11 PM. The committee has planned this event to be a touch of elegance as a formal way of recognizing the achievement of providing 100 summers of camp for generations of children from the North Shore and beyond! The gala is geared towards adults only (21+) with cocktails, dinner and dancing on the agenda. With only 200 tickets available, the event is expected to sell out, so if you are planning on attending, we advise you to purchase your tickets quickly.
Winchester Rotary Club combined with our Interact Club to deliver 85 meals to our Local Housing Authority residents. Then we all gathered for some Christmas Cheer at Sons of Italy for some food and drink and wonderful song from our very talented INTERACT members!
Happy New Year and hoping for a very productive 2022! We kickoff with a big FOOD DRIVE ON 1/22!
Rockport Rotary President Rob Audano and Rotarian Anne Lewis present a check for $50 to Lynne Anderson, the winner of the raffle drawing on January 6. Rockport Rotary’s 2022 Calendar features 13 photographs of the Rockport area selected from over 200 submitted to their photo contest. Every calendar has a raffle ticket that will be entered into a drawing each week of 2022 with winners in the first week of July and the first week of December receiving $250 and all other winners receiving $50. Winning tickets will be reentered for future drawings.
There are a few more calendars left for purchase by contacting Anne Lewis at car4forever@yahoo.com or 603-721-1038.
Donations to this year’s Polar Plunge are being directly made through the donate button in MyRotary or through your club’s Foundation Chair. Once a club has donated a minimum of $1500 it qualifies them to receive the End Polio Now Certificate from Rotary International. Last year only four clubs in our district reached that benchmark. I’m pleased to say that the top four clubs below have already surpassed that level. Let’s try to get our District back to more participation throughout the clubs. The “Official” Polar Plunge has been scheduled for April 2nd and is being sponsored by the Gloucester Club. Again we will meet at the beach at the Cape Ann Motor Inn. More information on whom to contact in the Gloucester Club to apprise them how many people will be joining them, and information on how to make reservations at the Cape Ann Motor Inn will be forthcoming. The list below includes all donations made to PolioPlus from July 1, 2021, as of January 14, 2022. Year to date we have raised $24,906.01 of our $100,000 goal.
It's 2022, and Marblehead's Got Talent (MGT) is back with $15,000 in performance art scholarships for Marblehead students.
Every year, Marblehead Rotary awards scholarships to qualified students who compete for the top three prizes: $6,000 for first place, $4,000 for second place, and $3,000 for third place. With an additional four runner-up winners of $500.00 each. Marblehead Rotarian David Deutsch explained, "More and more financial scholarships for the performing arts are hard to come by. But we made it a goal to recognize our talented high schoolers through healthy competition to foster their development in the performing arts and help them pay for college."
How to join? It is open to all Marblehead High School. Send a video audition to us by midnight on January 24. The audience will choose semi-finalists on Thursday, February 3, at the Marblehead High School Auditorium, and then capping the event in the grand finale at Cabot Theatre in Beverly on Thursday, the 17th. For more information and to get an application online, visit: www.marbleheadsgottalent.com.
On January 12, 2022, the Rotary Club of Lynn continued with its tradition of distributing dictionaries to 3rd graders in the 18 public elementary schools in Lynn. Since 2008, the Rotary Club of Lynn, MA has presented over 1,200 dictionaries annually to third-grade students in the Lynn Public Schools. This year marks the 14th consecutive year of this service project for the club and a distribution of nearly 18,000 dictionaries since its inception!
This year the Reading Cooperative Bank (RCB) funded the cost of the dictionaries. The prior sponsor, the Coastal Heritage Bank branch in Wyoma Square was purchased by RCB in 2021. Tess Cunha, VP and Branch Administrator for RCB was more than happy to step-up and sponsor the project. In 2021, due to Covid 19 restrictions, the dictionaries were distributed by the teachers, but this year the Rotarians and employees of RCB were able to personally distribute them.
The deadline to submit a District Managed Grant for either local or international projects is January 31, 2022. Your club must be grant qualified to apply for a grant. District Designated Funds (DDF) can provide 50% of funding up to $3000.00 for local grants and $5000.00 for international grants. For example, if your club contributes $6000 for a local project, then DDF match would be $3000.00. DDF monies are available to distribute once grant applications are closed, our spending plan is approved by RI and monies received. Once the district receives the funding and after your project is completed, you will receive the grant distribution. Please note: due to reduced giving to the Annual Fund Share in year 2018-2020, (Annual Fund Share giving provides our grant monies 3 years later), only one grant is able to be approved per club.
Seven Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor rang in 2022 by cooking and serving a New Year’s Eve dinner to over sixty clients and staff members at Lifebridge, a shelter in the center of Salem, MA. The menu included baked glazed ham, sweet potato, roasted vegetables, and rolls...But the best was left for last...brownie sundaes with homemade chocolate sauce.
Pictured cooks, l. to r., Don and Linda Doliber, Heidi Whear, Judith Black, Mike Elkin, and new Service Members Greg and Jean Cassanos. Not pictured but appreciated for their cooking skills and contributions, President Patricia Sullivan and President Elect Jessica Barnett.
As you all know the Polar Plunge has been scheduled for April 2nd this year in Gloucester, however you can plunge when and where you choose. All Rotarians and their sponsors are donating directly to Polio Plus through the donate button in MyRotary or through your club’s Foundation Chair. This list includes all donations made to PolioPlus from July 1 as of January 7. Year to date we have raised $24,772 of our $100,000 goal.
Join the Party and Raise Money for the Rotary Foundation!!! You are invited to the Gala Fundraiser for the Rotary Foundation with Fellow Rotarians from Zones 28 & 32.
Wednesday, 23 February 2022, 8:00 pm ET. With District 7930’s Pre-Gala Event 7-7:45 pm ET hosted by DG Terry & DGE Alexander
Don’t Miss this Event!!!
Your ticket gets you into the Zone Event as well as the Pre-Gala Event & Matching Points Click this link for detailed program information & ticket pricing: Registration/Tickets for Zone Virtual Foundation Gala. FYI, you will receive a separate Pre-Gala Event Link close to the event.
Because the Coronavirus and its variants have again become more active, I have moved the next two district events back to Zoom.
First is the Mid-Year Leadership and Pre-PETS meeting scheduled for January 27th. This is for all Presidents, Presidents-Elect and future Presidents for the following two years. This meeting is now open for registration at https://rotary7930.org/event/mid-year-leadership-meeting-1/. The agenda is for a welcoming statement and then to breakout rooms with your respective Governor, DGE, DGN or DGND. Each room will have their own agenda with the DGE staying in the main room to have his Pre-Pets presentation with the Presidents-elect.
The second half of the Pre-PETS presentation for the Presidents-Elect is scheduled for February 12 from 3:00 to 4:30pm. Registration is open for this event at https://rotary7930.org/event/pre-pets-part-2/.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently announced the election of its new officers and directors at its Annual Meeting. The club elects new leadership each year in accordance with its by-laws. The 2022-2023 Board of Directors include Paul Adams, John Dale, Margie Daniels, Wendy Maguire, Jill McWilliam, Bruce Donovan and Amy Luckiewicz. Suzanne Bowering will serve as Club Secretary, Barbara Worley as Club Treasurer and Frank Fiorentino as Sergeant-at-Arms. Glen Duffy was elected Vice President/President-Elect and Gene Mullen will serve as President for the 2022-2023 term. Mullen commented, “I've been so impressed with the meaningful work that our club members have been able to accomplish over the past several years. I’m thrilled to be elected as President in 2022!”
The Belle Isle Rotary typically donates Market Basket gift cards during the Christmas season. Working collaboratively within our community, this year, we decided instead to give five (5) $100 Target gift cards to the Revere High School guidance department and five (5) $100 Target gift cards to the Revere Seacoast Alternative High School guidance departments to be disbursed based upon the needs of their students/families.
The teenage group is often looked over or last thought of when it comes to Christmas generosity by local resources. We wanted to do something in our little corner of the world for these kids. Our newest member John Kingston of the Revere City Credit Union and Revere's newest school committee member was gracious enough to deliver the gift cards for us!
This November and December the Arlington, MA Rotary Club has been busy! The club supported The Salvation Army of Cambridge, Massachusetts by serving Thanksgiving Lunch with students from Arlington Catholic, raising over $400 bell ringing, donating over 100 pairs of socks and creating 20 family game night bags for families in need.
We honored Peter Lundstrom, Lead Teacher of the AHS Alternative Education Program, as a Paul Harris Fellow at Rotary District 7930's Heroes Dinner.
We collected toiletries for a drive set up by one of our members kids through the Martin Richards Foundation.
The club sponsored 10 children and teens engaged with the MA Department of Children and Families through the Wonderfund MA.
Each year Reading Rotary partners with the community for the Adopt-a-Family project for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Christmas distribution day was December 22. Rotary works with the local organization ReadingCares and the Town to 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. 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 new Rotarian Adam Sandberg.
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 our 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!
Despite the gray weather, everyone had a festive time on Saturday as the Ipswich community celebrated the annual arrival of Santa Claus. The Jolly Elf arrived at town wharf at 11 am and was escorted by children of all ages, and by the host Ipswich High School Interact elves, along Water Street to Santa’s Village at Town Hall.
At Town Hall, Santa held court to meet the children, who also enjoyed seasonal games provided by Santa’s Elves. Christmas Trees were auctioned off, and the Marines collected 6 boxes for ‘Toys for Tots”. Downstairs at Town Hall, additional elves from the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club were on hand to prepare and serve food. Even the Grinch had two green thumbs up for this fun event.
The ‘Jingle Bell Walk’ is an annual gift to the town from Ipswich High School Interact, a school-based club of community service minded young leaders that is supported by the Rotary Club and Ipswich High School. The event also benefits from strong community support and the generous sponsorship of many local businesses.
Beverly's beloved Rotarian Jack Good passed away last year. The project of bell ringing for the Salvation Army was his baby. The tradition carries on and we know that Jack is with us. Rotarians were stationed at two Stop ’n Shops and a Walgreen’s in Beverly. There were shifts throughout the day, organized by Alan Temkin, who has assumed Jack’s job for this project. Some Rotarians wore costumes and were chatting with all the customers going in and out of these businesses. Needless to say, we are a merry group! The question now remains: which location collected the most money......? Time will tell. Thanks to all of our Beverly Rotarians who were part of this project!!!! Happy Holidays!
Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is donating $6,000 to Black Earth Compost, a local food composting facility.
One of the major existential crises we face today is climate change. Whether this is a manmade issue or a global cyclical issue, greenhouse gas emissions are a substantial contributing factor to the warming of the planet. Scientists today are realizing that the predictions of this global warming trend have a much shorter timeline than originally thought and unless we figure out how to produce fewer greenhouse gasses and recapture them resulting in lowering their concentration in our atmosphere there will be catastrophic results to our climate, food and water availability and sea level changes. In response to these issues, the Manchester-Essex Rotary club has submitted a grant to support the Black Earth Composting project.
One of the ways we can contribute to the solutions of this complex issue is composting. Compost reverses global warming through deep carbon storage and reinvigorates our ability to grow food. A major challenge being in Massachusetts, a vast amount of food we eat comes from outside New England. So, we are net importers of nutrients. It is not cost effective to ship compost out of the area. Compost is a nice carbon sink, it stores carbon long term in the soil, and it pulls CO2 out of the air, so it has a net negative impact on the emissions. It’s just the simplest thing people can do right now to have an impact on solving this problem.
This a great opportunity to engage or re-engage your interact advisors and students. The project is simple. I am having one of the clubs put through a District Managed Grant for $6,000, which the District is funding. We are going to use Kiva as a microfinance platform, because we've already had great experience with it both with some Rotarians in our district using it, as well as the Marblehead Interact Club using it successfully for many years. We plan to create separate accounts on Kiva for each Interact Club that wants to participate. The accounts will be set up in the Rotary Club's name but you should provide the Interact Club with the login information and let your Interactors decide which projects to fund. As the loans are repaid over time the funds go back into your account and are available to be re-loaned.
Rotary Clubs need to apply by December 30th to participate in this program. There is an online application here and clubs and interactors should watch the MicroFinance YouTube video on our District Website or by clicking here.
Once we know how many Rotary/Interact Clubs will be participating we will divide the grant money equally and set up the accounts.
District Governor Terry Curran showered our club with recognition in many areas of contributions to Rotary Foundation 2020-2021. Among them: Marblehead Rotary is one of the handfuls of clubs to achieve the district's top three highest per capita on annual giving and for individual member participation. In addition, the Marblehead Rotary was recognized as one of the top contributors to the district’s campaign for the Rotary Foundation’s “End Polio Now” fund-raising campaign.
Accepting these citations is the past 2020-2021 president, Arthur Schwartz (right), whose leadership steered the club in staying the course during the challenging year of the pandemic, and Blair Lord (left) the 2021-2022 club president.
After a recent fundraiser, the Woburn Memorial High School Interact Club presented Woburn Veterans Agent Larry Guiseppe with gift cards for Woburn Veterans.
From left to right: Guiliana Long, Interact Club VP Cece Allen, Interact Club Advisor Devin McDonough, Woburn Veterans Agent Larry Guiseppe, Interact Club President Emily Sullivan, Maelle Pierre, Macayla Hamilton, Caden Fleming and Dawson LeBlanc. (Missing: Rebecca Michel)
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor purchased materials for, and is distributing, buckets of sand and pet-friendly ice melt and scoops to local senior citizens. Prevention of falls and serious injuries is a serious issue for the senior population. The Club partnered with the Marblehead Council on Aging, which is delivering buckets via its bus to those seniors who cannot pick them up at the Community Center.
Pictured are two of the several club volunteers, Linda Doliber and Cyndi Kilbarger. Missing from the photo are volunteers Club President Patricia Sullivan, Judith Black, Donald Doliber and Tim Shotmeyer.
Belle Isle Rotary Club has submitted a District Managed Grant to support campers from East Boston to Camp Rotary.
For those Clubs without Interact Clubs (or even for Clubs with Interacts), please consider supporting the District Managed Grant from Belle Isle Rotary Club. It will support 10 students from the Salesian Boys & Girls Club in East Boston to go to Camp Rotary for a week this summer. This experience will make a lasting impact on these children, who otherwise will never experience summer camp. It will also support Camp Rotary as it enters its 100th year.
Donations to support this can be sent to Belle Isle Rotary c/o Tom Hankard, 14 Edgehill Road, Winthrop, MA 02152. Please add Camp Rotary to the memo line.
The Rotary Club of Lynn welcomed seven new members into its ranks at Thursday’s monthly meeting Old Tyme Family Cuisine.
From L to R: Dr. John Dolan, Head of School at St. Mary’s High School; Claire Price, Department Head at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute; Dianna Chakoutis, Ward Five counselor and manager of Old Tyme; Stephen Archer, Lynn Fire Chief; Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools. Administering the oath of office was Rotary President Ray Bastarache. LVTI vice-principal Kerry Hayward, and Asst. secretary for Housing & Urban Development, Danielle Bastarache, were unable to attend due to prior commitments.
On November 18, the Lynnfield Rotary Club hosted its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Salem Country Club. Unique to this event is the celebration of the athletic rivalry between the North Reading and Lynnfield High School football teams prior to the annual Thanksgiving Day Game. Captains of both teams, as well as Captains of the Cheer Teams and the North Reading Band joined the festivities. A letter about sportsmanship written by our Rotary Unsung Hero, Linda Naccara, from the Lynnfield Council on Aging, was read to the group of aspiring young leaders. Coaches from each team spoke about the outstanding camaraderie and growth of student athletes throughout their varsity careers.
In addition, special to this occasion, the Lynnfield Rotary Club gave a check of $5,000 to the Rotary Foundation to support international service projects across the globe. District Governor Terry Rezendes Curran accepted the donation and spoke about the wonderful work of the Rotary Foundation. The young adults at the luncheon got to hear how "Service Above Self" is put into action through Rotary.
The District Governor would like to support the revitalization of our Interact Clubs this fall. To that end we have put together a $100 mini grant for clubs to use to assist their Interact Club in doing a service project. Applications are now available online and close on January 30th. Start talking to your Interact club now and plan a service project with them. This can also include a service project to celebrate World Polio Day on October 24. We are asking all Interact Clubs to plan a project to celebrate our progress towards Polio Eradication.
Mini-Grants for Interact: Deadline Extended to Jan. 30
The Rotary Club of Chelsea is holding a Sports Raffle to benefit its Charitable Foundation. Proceeds from the raffle will support the amazing work the Rotary Club does in Chelsea and the surrounding communities including sponsoring Chelsea students at a week of overnight camp each summer, scholarships to graduating high school seniors, support of the Jordan Boys and Girls Club, HarborCov, ALS Walk and so much more. There are 9 amazing prizes with the Grand Prize being a trip for 2 to Patriots vs Dolphins on Jan 6-10, 2022. Thanks to our President Dan Pranka for organizing such amazing prizes. Tickets are $50 each. Drawing will be held December 14th. Do not need to be present to win. For tickets please contact Bruce Mauch Secretary Rotary Club of Chelsea at dgmauch@comcast.net or 857 544-9041.
Ipswich, MA – “Jingle Bell Walk” Saturday, December 18 2021, 11:00 am to 2 pm
Join us for a day of holiday festivities and cheer! Greet Santa as he arrives at the Ipswich Town Wharf. Sing carols with Buddy the Elf as we await Santa’s arrival! Jingle bells will be available for purchase. Jingle your bells and follow our honored guest and Buddy the Elf on a festive “Jingle Bell Walk” to the Ipswich Town Hall at 45 Green Street. Keep a sharp eye out for the “Grinch”!
Once Santa arrives at Town Hall, he will receive children, 11 and under to take photos with. Parents are urged to bring a camera! Each child will receive a gift bag from Santa as well. Following their visit with Santa, the children can have their faces painted, play festive games, and create holiday crafts. The Rotary Club will serve pizza, hot cocoa, cookies and more in the cafeteria.
Tickets will be available for purchase in order to enjoy delicious food, face painting, and crafts. There will be free games to play as well as raffles for Christmas trees and other great items!
Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts fit for a child to support the Marines in their organization, Toys for Tots! For more information go to www.ipswichrotary.org. Proceeds from the Jingle Bell Walk will be donated to local business and we are working towards funding an international project!
As we close out Foundation Month, I wanted to remind you that #GivingTuesday isthis Tuesday, November 30. This global day of giving 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 US$800,000 — and we’re asking you to help us raise even more this year! Watch and share our Giving Tuesday video from the Rotary Foundation.
The Foundation will again recognize the top three clubs in fundraising, donor participation, and online giving. See last year’s top performers and set a goal to be on this year’s list.
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed and educated on ways to support The Rotary Foundation, we are pleased to share information on a new initiative that is launching in Rotary District 7930. The 70+ initiative is a district-wide effort to encourage Rotarians to consider the benefits and opportunities of a charitable gift via their IRA.
Starting at age 70 1/2, the IRS allows individuals to make a tax-free distribution or qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from their IRA directly to a charity of their choice. And in the year you turn 72, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD), which is required annually when you reach this age.
Each year Reading Rotary partners with the community for the Adopt-a-Family project for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Rotary works with the local organization ReadingCares and the Town to coordinate this long-standing community giving program. Receiving families are matched anonymously with donor families and/or groups to provide meals for Thanksgiving and meals and gifts at Christmas. Donors drop off at the DPW garage in the first shift, then recipient families pick up during a later shift.
Reading Rotary thanks one of our newest members, Adam Sandberg, for coordinating our work with Adopt-a-Family. Along with Reading Cares and the Town of Reading, our goal is to make sure every family in town has a happy Thanksgiving. Pictured here are Rotarians and other volunteers at the Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Family on November 22.
A millennial, two young professionals, two retirees, and three returnees to Marblehead Rotary with a combined 115 years of Rotary experience are among Marblehead Rotary’s new additions. These new members share one common thread: the Rotary brand made a strong impression on them as a touchpoint to make a difference. In addition, they have an enduring connection to the town of Marblehead. “We'll continue to adopt innovative ideas to make our members even more engaged and hope to attract more new talents,” says Blair Lord (top right), our club president. Meet the new team…
(First Row, from Left to Right)
Wilson Lautner grew up in Marblehead through sophomore, moved out to Sonoma Country in California, where he finished high school. Recently, he moved back to Marblehead to begin a career in residential real estate. His mission is to build partnerships with non-profit organizations to bring new opportunities to elevate and extend fine arts' reach to Marblehead.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently installed Dr. Aaron Jennings as its newest member. Aaron is the Equity, Diversity and Excellence Officer for the Chelsea Public Schools. Pictured with Aaron is Dr. Almudena Abeyta, Superintendent of the Chelsea Public Schools and Aaron’s sponsor, Allan I. Alpert, the Installing Officer and Richard Gopen, President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Chelsea.
On November 18th our Rotary District 7930 held a webinar to look into Microfinance and how we can easily come together to help to empower people around the globe to lift them out of poverty by providing them with small loans to support them in buying chickens, buying a sewing machine, fabrics, seeds, and many other things that enable them to be more productive members of their societies.
As an example we looked, in particular, at the non-profit organization Kiva that provides a platform to connect borrowers around the globe - via field partners in their home countries - with lenders in the US and Europe who come together to support those loans via crowd-funding.
Microfinance is also a great tool for Interact Clubs: the club can raise some money and then decide which loans to give out and follow those borrowers and their progress. The Marblehead Interact Club has been doing this for many years. This would also be a great opportunity for Rotary Clubs to apply for a Mini-Grant for their Interact Club. Mini-Grants for Interact are still open until December 15...
Posted by Tracy Arabian (she, her) on Nov 16, 2021
The Gloucester Rotary has produced a beautiful 2022 calendar, featuring scenic photography from local artists. In addition to the calendar, each purchase enters the buyer into a weekly raffle. $50 prizes will be drawn each week with two bonus prizes-- a $250 prize in June and a $500 prize in December. Calendars are $25 each, and proceeds from the sale of calendars will be used to support the many projects of the Gloucester Rotary. The calendars are available for purchase online (link: https://gloucesterrotary.org/) or in person 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.
On Thursday, November 11th the district held our annual Rotary Foundation event “A Celebration of Our Heroes” starting at 5:30 PM at the Danversport. The evening included a social hour, silent auction, dinner, and Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) presentations from 25 Rotary Clubs honoring 43 community heroes for their work during the pandemic.
This video is a compilation of just a few of the things we have done in our 100 years. Our Rotarians are featured in the video, with some beautiful birthday wishes from our sister clubs.
Thank you to them for being a part of our celebration!
The North Reading Rotary Club is proud to announce a new project with a mission of making this an annual or semi-annual event. Volunteers of all ages are invited to come together for a common purpose of taking responsibility for our town in order to help create a clean, green, litter-free place to live, work and play! While North Reading is a beautiful town, when you start looking for litter, you will see it everywhere – in neighborhoods, parking lots, sidewalks, buried in the woods and along the Ipswich River. From soda bottles to pizza boxes, beer cans and alcohol containers, amazon boxes and bubble wrap, plastic bags and old masks, there is an abundance of trash in our natural habitat.
This video is a compilation of just a few of the things we have done in our 100 years. Our Rotarians are featured in the video, with some beautiful birthday wishes from our sister clubs.
Thank you to them for being a part of our celebration!
This week, Woburn Rotary celebrated Harris "Harry" Cohen who has been a Rotarian for 50 years! Harry joined Rotary Club of Woburn in 1971 and is a Paul Harris Fellow +3. He also served on the Board of Directors for a number of years and has volunteered many hours of service to Woburn, included organizing the annual pancake breakfast. Harry continues to be an active member of Rotary Club of Woburn and comes to almost every weekly lunch meeting. Harry was presented with a proclamation from State Representative Richard Haggerty and a proclamation from Woburn Mayor Scott D. Galvin.
Picture here is Past President Susan Hartmere present presenting Harry with a commemorative clock to celebrates his 50th anniversary as a Woburn Rotarian.
The Wakefield Rotary Club hosted it’s Purple Pinkey event at the Fall In Love With Wakefield event last month. Club Secretary Suzanne Bowering explained, “Our Purple Pinkey event is designed to raise awareness of Rotary’s efforts world-wide to eradicate polio.” She continued, “In countries that experience technology challenges and in some rural areas, children have their pinkey fingers dyed purple to indicate they received a polio vaccine on their immunization day.” Rotary has been a global leader in the eradication of polio worldwide since 1985. Today, 99.9% of the world is polio-free. To learn more, visit endpolio.org.
Thursday, November 11 will be our annual Rotary Foundation event “A Celebration of Our Heroes” starting at 5:30 PM at the Danversport. The evening will include a social hour, silent auction, dinner, and Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) presentations.
Registration closes Monday, November 8, at 5PM!
Registration is required for this in-person event. There will be no walk-ins permitted!
We will be adhering to all current Covid-19 regulations to make sure this is a safe event for all Rotarians. Any person not vaccinated will be required to wear a mask, and you may choose to wear a mask even if you are vaccinated, if you are concerned about gatherings in indoor spaces. As you know, the Danversport facility has a very large ballroom, so we are confident that we can have people spaced out sufficiently to ensure a safe dining experience.
Newburyport: Come topple the smartest trivia team in the area! The Rotary Club of Newburyport invites you to test the trivia waters, as Newburyport resident and business owner Jill Santopietro Panall hosts and shares her Jeopardy!® expertise with those brave enough to play a local version of the popular quiz show. The games will be held on Thursday, November 18, at the Elks Club on Low Street in Newburyport. Doors open at 6:30 and at 7:00 let the games begin! Jill and her team have prepared questions that will span many categories, so everyone has an opportunity to showcase his or her unique knowledge.
Proceeds will support college scholarships for local students. According to Newburyport Rotary Club President Dan Hartman, “The club contributes up to $9,000 per year in scholarships to local graduating seniors. We are proud of our students and happy to help them. Your continued support is so important!”
Our generous major sponsor again this year is the Institution for Savings. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available, including multiple round sponsorships at $100 each.
It gives me great pleasure to announce the results of the Nominating Committee, who met on November 4th. 2021. After interviewing candidates. the decision was made to nominate Thomas Hankard , past president of The Belle Isle Rotary Club of East Boston, Revere, Winthrop, as the District Governor for Rotary Year 2024-2025.
According to the By-Laws of District 7930, if there are no dissensions by December 31, 2021, Tom will be considered elected by acclimation.
The Beverly Rotary Club is once again having its Turkey Raffle. You can purchase a ticket for $20 and you might win a 40 lb. turkey!!!
The dressed, locally-grown 40 pounds plus turkey will be delivered to the winner's home three days before Thanksgiving with an industrial-sized roasting pan, which will be engraved with the winner's name.
With proceeds from the North of 40 Turkey Raffle, we are partnering with Rotary Clubs around the world to END POLIO NOW.
And, we are also working with local Rotary Clubs to protect the Ipswich River and adjacent watersheds -- the lifeblood of our North Shore communities.
Do you have dinner plans for Tuesday, November 9th? No? Great! Grab a flatbread and enjoy some bowling from 4-10 p.m. at American Flatbread in Somerville.
Boston Rotaract will be holding a fundraiser there. $4 of every large flatbread and $2 of every small flatbread sold that night goes to supporting Afghan Immigrants and Refugees coming to Boston via partnership with Combined Jewish Philanthropies. Spread the word!
Service during COVID is alive and well! Greeted by CEO Janet Nittmann of Windrush Farm, North Andover, members and friends of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor were joined by Marblehead High School Interactors in spending a day of fellowship and service spreading cushioning mulch on bridle trails, performing light carpentry work, and cleaning out and hosing down the barn.
Windrush, which depends on volunteers to perform many upkeep duties, offers therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities and also offers services to veterans dealing with the effects of PTSD. An added plus at the end of the day for the Rotarians and Interactors? They were invited to meet and greet Windrush's handsome horses in their paddocks.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently completed its annual donation of dictionaries to every third grader in Wakefield. 253 copies were hand-delivered to all Wakefield public schools as well as Odyssey and St. Joseph’s School.
The club would like to thank the following Rotarians for their diligence in delivering the books: Suzanne Bowering, Jim Fitzgerald, Jill McWilliam, John Tramontozzi, Tom Stapleton, Barbara Worley and Catherine Dhingra.
Is your club planning a great community project this year? Consider applying for matching funds from D7930! In the current funding round, the District has approved funding for six projects to support projects that address literacy and education both locally and internationally, and support local food pantries. These projects provide great benefit to our communities, enhance the visibility of Rotary on a local level and provide the opportunity for clubs to demonstrate Rotary "ideals in action" for the benefit of attracting valuable new club members.
Projects are required to fall into at least one of the 7 Areas of Focus, must be a new project for your club, involve broad participation by members, and will be complete by May 15, 2022. If you are considering a project that meets these criteria, you may want to consider this matching grant opportunity. The application can be found here.
Beautiful, crisp, sunny weather was the setting for the PUMPKIN PAINTING IN THE PARK in Beverly Common. The event was hosted by the Beverly Rotary Club in partnership with Beverly Main Streets. 100 children registered to paint their pumpkins at the Gazebo. All of the pumpkins were donated thanks to the State Sheriff’s Department, Smolak Farms and Dr, Bill Beckman. Tables were set up with paint and decorations. After the children finished painting, their pumpkins were photographed for a montage of pumpkins.
Beverly Rotary continues to celebrate its Centennial Celebration with special events happening each month! Happy Birthday all year to the Beverly Rotary Club and its 112 members, serving the community!
Rotarians from Ipswich, Rowley and Wakefield, together with 12 high school students from St. Johns Prep, Danvers, joined Rachel Schneider, Ipswich River Watershed Association, Sat. Oct 23, for an outstanding hands-on training for Keeping Water Clean Day, a Greenscapes program.
Our inter-generational volunteer teams learned about the intricacies of the water cycle through a terrarium-like model, explored the cleaning of drinking water in a wastewater treatment plant, followed the polluting of water within our communities using a model of the local landscapes, and defined our watersheds within the different towns. We are ready to train more volunteers, and put our skills to action in our communities. Contact Ann Witzig, aswitzig@gmail.com.
Learn more about wine and have fun at the same time!! Meet fellow Rotarians and wine lovers across two districts, two countries and three plus states. Monthly tastings are themed and many feature special guests and presenters. We meet every last Sunday of the month from 5-6 pm on zoom for a tasting of two wines -- typically one white and one red varietal. Rotary Fellowships are open to fellow Rotarians and non-Rotarians. There is currently no cost to join our local chapter but we encourage you to join the Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship (RWAF). Next meeting October 31. For more information contact Joan at corksncapswine@gmail.com.
D7930 & D7790 Corks & Caps Wine Fellowship
Methuen Rotary Club held its 4th Annual June Jubilee. We choose non-profits that we feel their values align with the mission of Rotary and give away $1,000.00 per week every Friday in June.
This year one of the organizations we chose was On The Move INC. The mission of OTM is First, to promote literacy for children in need, so that they achieve 3rd grade reading proficiency by the end of third grade while simultaneously sparking their interest in reading as one step to becoming life-long learners. Second, to encourage a healthy lifestyle, for these same children, by providing them with bikes to stimulate their bodies as well as their minds. For more info visit www.otminc.org.
Pictured here: Rotarians James Savarino & Erica Hadley & William Haddad BOD from OTM INC.
Dr. Patrick Tutwiler is starting his fourth year as the Superintendent of the Lynn Public School District. Lynn is one of the five largest school districts in Massachusetts with over 2200 teachers and staff, 25 buildings to maintain and nearly 17,000 students to educate. To say he has a lot on his plate would be a massive understatement. However, when he was recently asked by three Lynn Rotarians and former LPS educators, Steve Upton, Dick Ruth and Ray Bastarache, to consider a Rotary Corporate Membership for his school district, he responded with a smile, “Absolutely! Why wouldn’t we team up with Rotary?”
Tutwiler has seen firsthand the many benefits this partnership between Lynn Rotary and the school district has delivered to Lynn students. These include: multiple college scholarships to high school seniors; eighth graders, who have overcome challenges, are recognized three times a year with a special lunch, a citation, a certificate of deposit at a local credit union, and a gift card to Barnes & Noble. In the 18 Lynn elementary schools, over 1300 dictionaries are distributed annually to all third graders through Rotary International’s Dictionary Project, as well as the Club’s 50-year sponsorship of the “Special Games” for the many Lynn elementary students who are challenged by physical or learning disabilities.
Are you a business owner? Do you want to show your creativity and Holiday Spirit? Methuen Rotary Club is holding the 2nd Annual LIGHT UP METHUEN this Holiday Season. December 4th - January 1, 2022 trees will be lit up all over the City.
A google map will be posted on our website and Facebook page with all the tree locations throughout the City. We will ask viewers to vote on the best displays and there are prizes for the TOP 3! Help us and decorate the Downtown, too. Limited number of spots available. Contact methuenrotaryclub@gmail.com or call Julie at 978-835-2819.
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault, PDG on Oct 23, 2021
In celebration of World Polio Day, District 7930 hosted “PolioPLUS and its Impact on Covid & Viral Outbreaks” on October 20th from 7-9 pm via Zoom. The featured speakers were Nancy Barbee, Ina Pinkney, and Michael McGovern. This event also set the stage for the return of our Polar Plunge with details forthcoming by DG Terry Curran.
The Belle Isle Rotary Club will hold their Annual Comedy Nite on Wednesday Nov. 3, 2021. Doors open at 6 pm at
Giggles Comedy Club 517 Broadway (Rt 1 S), Saugus, MA 01906.
All You Can Eat Pizza – Cash Bar Prizes and Raffles 3 Great (and different!) talents on the stage
Donation/ticket price $35.00 per person
Venmo Belleisle-rotaryclub or Paypal Rotary Club of Belle Isle Foundation.
Got questions about this event or to purchase tickets, please contact Joe (617) 909-5382, Steve (781) 731-3057, Vera (617)-909-5384 or Mike (617) 913-1531.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is hosting its third contest that offers the winner a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Dine Anywhere in the World Contest offers one lucky winner and a guest the opportunity to win a trip to any destination in the world of their choosing! The winner will receive round-trip airfare for two, an overnight in a 4-star or better hotel and a gift certificate for dinner to the restaurant of their choosing!
Tickets cost $100.00 each and a limit of 250 tickets will be sold. 10-packs of tickets are offered at a reduced rate of $750.00 and are available to a single entrant, not groups. The winning ticket will be pulled on Tuesday, February 15th at the club’s regular meeting at Brightview Senior Living in Wakefield.
You can purchase your tickets now by visiting Holiday Travel of Wakefield, calling (781) 245-5131 or purchasing online at www.wakefieldrotaryclub.org/raffle-2021. Wakefield Rotarians also have tickets available for sale.
Bring a team of up to five players, or we can create a team for you. Topple last year's smartest team on the seacoast and vie for cash and other prizes! Hosted once again by our local Jeopardy!™ winner Jill Santopietro Panall, the evening promises interesting questions, odd historical facts, and lots of friendly competition!
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Elk's Club, 25 Low St., Newburyport
Doors open @ 6:30, Game starts @7:00 pm.
Food and drink available for purchase.
$125.00 per team; up to five people per team. Or $25 to register as a single. Grand Prize for the winning team is $250. Other fun prizes are on tap, too.
Newburyport: Are you as smart as a “Jeopardy!” champ?
Proceeds will support college scholarships for local students. According to Newburyport Rotary Club President Dan Hartman, “The club contributes up to $9,000 per year in scholarships to local graduating seniors. We are proud of our students and happy to help them."
Our major sponsor again this year is the Institution for Savings. Round sponsorships are available for $100 each.
In light of our commitment to support the environment, Marblehead Rotary has been working in partnership with Bike Marblehead and Sustainable Marblehead to provide bike racks throughout town. We were able to fund the project with a matching district grant.
"Installing bike racks sends out the message that we are serious about the reduction of carbon emissions, as well as the personal wellness and health of our community," said Linda Sullivan of Marblehead Rotary. Furthermore, what is a better way to promote and enhance the cycling culture of our town?
Previously, riders would secure their bikes on signposts, fences, or trees, too often causing damage to the makeshift rack. For years, we’ve had the bike path and now we have accessible racks to encourage people to use the path more. We’ve installed the first racks at Shubie’s Marketplace, Beach Bluff Park, Upper, and Lower Stramski Way and at Abbot Hall.
Pictured here are Linda Sullivan of Marblehead Rotary and Ed Futcher of Sustainable Marblehead inspecting the bike rack at Clifton Improvement Association's Beach Bluff Park.
The Board of Directors of Senior Care, Inc, a Gloucester based senior citizen services organization, has awarded Ipswich Rotarian Nat Pulsifer their 2021 ‘Myra L. Herrick Outstanding Older American Award’ for his contributions to the safety and well-being of North Shore citizens, especially in his home town of Ipswich.
According to Scott Trenti, CEO of Senior Care and a Gloucester Rotarian, Nat was recognized for repeatedly volunteering at ‘the COVID-19 vaccination on-site in Ipswich, greeting the participants in the first two waves of vaccinations. He knew most of the people coming in, and welcomed everyone with genuine warmth and efficiency’.
According to Trenti, ‘the Myra L. Herrick Outstanding Older American Award is given yearly to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the welfare of elders in an innovative, creative, or dedicated way, or who is a role model for continuing to live an active, healthy, and purposeful lifestyle.’
One of several recipients recognized this year, Pulsifer has long been an active supporter of numerous environmental and humanitarian non-profit organizations and charitable events in Ipswich and the North Shore. Congratulations Nat on this well-deserved recognition!
In the photo, Scott Trenti presents the award to Nat in front of the Pancake House in Rowley following a recent Rotary club meeting.
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary is taking Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s message “Each One, Bring One” to heart. In just 4 months, we have added 4 new members.
Sometimes it is just a matter of being present at an event. We had an opportunity to have a table promoting the Burlington Breakfast Rotary and what we are all about at both the “Celebrate Burlington” event and the “Diwali Festival” on the Burlington Common. We had a poster and flyers with our recent projects and our Banner prominently displayed. We also had a Cornhole game for the children at Celebrate Burlington. Members took different shifts to take charge of the table and share with interested persons how our club “enriches Burlington.” From these two events, we attracted 3 new members.
Recently, new neighbors moved into our area. As we spoke to them during the past few months, my husband and I mentioned that we are Rotarians. They told us that they used to be Rotarians. We invited them to a complimentary breakfast at one of our meetings and to learn about our Club. Next week, our neighbor is being inducted into our “Small but Mighty” Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club!
So be present, spread the word, and “Each One, Bring One” or two, or three! Can’t wait to see what the next 8 months will bring!
On Thursday, September 30th, members of the Lynn Rotary Club gathered at the Old Tyme restaurant for one of its regular meetings. The Club choose to do a service project prior to conducting a regular club meeting. The project was to put together 50 brown bag lunches for My Brother’s Table. The lunches consist of 2 PB&J sandwiches, a drink box, and a nourishing snack. This is an ongoing need at My Brother’s Table. Especially since they are restricted in how they can feed those in need.
Since the Covid pandemic restrictions began, back in March 2020, the Table has relied on volunteers to make and deliver to the Table the brown bag lunches. Since that time members of the Rotary Club of Lynn have made well over 5,000 sandwiches.
If you are interested in helping the Table, please feel free to contact Meredith Nash at: Meredith@mybrotherstable.org. If you would like to join the Rotary Club of Lynn please send a note to: lynnrotaryclub@gmail.com.
Pictured here are various Rotary Club members hard at work making the 100 sandwiches for the bag lunches.
Lynn Club Makes PB&J Sandwiches for My Brother's Table
Posted by Leila Brandao dos Santos on Oct 09, 2021
Boston Rotary #7 members are taking their fight against polio to Club Cafe during the Pints for Polio 2021 fundraising event set for the month of October.
Pints for Polio is an annual fundraiser that raises money to help in the global fight against polio. For every pint purchased, $1 will be donated to Rotary International’s Polio Plus campaign.
Club Cafe is located at 209 Columbus Avenue in Boston's Back Bay/South End.
Rotary International and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, at a time when there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year. Since then, Rotary has been internationally recognized as a leader in eradicating polio across the globe, and cases have been reduced by 99.9%. Just two countries continue to report cases of wild polio virus — Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Creating successful and sustainable eco-tourism and micro enterprise among extremely poor mountain villages. Build on proven initiatives started in the Makalu and other parts of Nepal over the past 20+ years, harness a proven Appreciative Planning and Action (APA) development methodology along Nepal’s 1000 mile Great Himalaya Trail (GHT)—spanning the entire 500 miles from East to West Nepal.
This proposed Economic Development International Project, supported by District 7930 and Amesbury Rotary, is being designed by Amesbury Rotarians Malcolm (Mac) Odell, Mark Bean, and Sandy Carlisle from the Amesbury Rotary Club, who would love to present this project to your Rotary Club with an awesome PowerPoint presentation.
On October 23, 1-4 pm, Ipswich / Rowley Rotarians are looking for volunteers to help work hands-on-science activities that support watershed education for 5th graders. This Greenscapes program was cancelled last year due to COVID - https://greenscapes.org/your-school/ .
The Ipswich River Watershed Association is offering, instead, an afternoon of family activities developed for 5th grade classrooms across the county. Volunteers are needed to lead / direct a table (total of 8 tables) that has a Greenscapes hands-on watershed activity.
Please email Ann Witzig at aswitzig@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering Oct. 23, 1 pm-4 pm. The location will be determined shortly.
Looking for Volunteers! Imagine a Day without Water.
This is a fun suggestion for all the clubs in our District:
On Sunday October 24th, which is World Polio Day, organize a Paws For Polio walk in your town! This can be a simple but fun event, and won’t take a lot of planning. Find a starting point, take donations for Polio, give out some dog treats and take a walk with friends! This will be good exercise for you and your dog (s), and raise community awareness for Rotary’s mission to eradicate Polio world wide all in one easy package!
The Belle Isle Rotary had a Fall Fair event for the children and families of East Boston Revere and Winthrop. We aimed to bring some of the highlights of the Topsfield Fair to our neighbors that may not be able to go to Topsfield for a variety of reasons, we helped subsidize this event by selling squares for Goat Pebble Bingo and the lucky winner was John Francis.
We had baby goats, baby pigs and bunnies as well as a two chickens and two ducks The kids had a great time hand feeding and getting to sit down and spend time with the small animals, hold them and learn about them.
We also offered treats hot dogs, hot apple cider donuts, popcorn and chocolate milk and lemonade from Peabody's own Dujanski Farm. It was a real joy to be able to bring a little bit of Fall Fair to our friends and neighbors in the Belle Isle Rotary region and we look forward to having this event again next fall.
Did you know that we have a gem right here in District 7930? Camp Rotary, located on Stiles Pond in Boxford, MA, is the longest running, consecutive service project of any club! It started back in 1921 when several members of the Lynn club were approached by the secretary of the Lynn YMCA (who happened to be a past president of the Lynn club) with the idea to purchase land that could be used to open up camping opportunities for boys from the Lynn area.
Over the past 100 years, much has changed (the camp is coed; cabins have replaced tents; the facility has continuously been upgraded – most recently with a new, spacious dining hall) but through it all, the club has ensured that the vision of those original founders would continue. This year, after being forced to close for a summer due to COVID, the camp reopened and nearly 1000 campers enjoyed part of their summer making new friends while experiencing a sheltered independence, personal growth and a lot of fun!
The camp’s board of directors have planned a gala event for June 11, 2022 to celebrate the 100th year anniversary. More information on that event, as well as other centennial activities will be coming over the next few months.
In May, as the state relaxed COVID restrictions, the Reading Rotary was met with a challenge. Could they pull of planning the Fall Street Faire in just three months? Fall Street Faire Co-Chair Gregg Johnson explains, “It was never a question of what we wanted to do. Of course, we wanted to hold the Faire. But it usually takes six months of planning and organization. We were all aware that trying to do it in three months would be hard. But we decided to just go for it and try to pull it off.” The Faire was held on September 12 from noon to 5 pm.
The team of more than 20 Rotarian and other volunteers mobilized, set up the website, got the word out to vendors and sponsors, and worked with Reading Town officials on logistics. John Feudo, Fall Street Faire Co-Chair said, “We’re lucky that this event was well supported by the Town. We have a long history of working well together. We couldn’t do this without their support and coordination.”
The Belle Isle Rotary Club is gearing up for their annual Goat Pebble Bingo Bash on Saturday Oct 2, 2021 to be held at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club, 150 Byron St East Boston, MA.
The goats will be arriving and be let loose on the bingo squares and a lucky $20 ticket holder will win $1000!
We will have a petting zoo, Fall Fair treats, face painting and pumpkin decorating.
Every week you read this newsletter learning new and wonderful things about Rotary. Some members feel comfortable in their local group, some seek more from the district and other can’t stop until they’ve circled the globe again and again. Regardless of the depth or the topic, Rotary International offers a remarkable amount of information.
Start by clicking https://my.rotary.org/en/news-media/newsletters log into “MyRotary,” and then click on the blue “Manage Subscriptions” button to subscribe. Here are a list of some of our current newsletters:
The Belle Isle Rotary had a wonderful night Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at the Marina Wharf Restaurant in Revere presenting member and Past President Ashley Melnik with a Paul Harris Fellow. Many Rotarians including DG Terry Rezendes Curran were in attendance as well as many of Ashley's friends and family. In addition, Ashley Melnik was recognized as an Unsung Heroine Award in June 2021 presented at the State House for her community of Revere where she works as City Clerk and does a lot of good deeds for local Veterans.
Posted by Bill Tobin, ShelterBox USA on Sep 17, 2021
Here is an update of current ShelterBox response work. Except for Haiti, all our current response work is due to people displaced by conflict. Our work in areas of conflict displacement has twice earned the Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Shelter is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for peace. At ShelterBox, we work tirelessly each day to provide displaced families with shelter and basic household items. We have also implemented COVID-19 mitigation items in our aid packages. Items such as soap, wash basins and face coverings are helping to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Let this sink in…There are over 3 times as many Rotarians in District 7930 than in the entirety of any of the countries covered in this report. You can help us extend Rotary’s reach.
We are available for online meetings to clubs, and district leaders. We have a critical need for funding, your support is very much appreciated. www.shelterboxusa.org
HAITI – Earthquake
ShelterBox has a team in Haiti after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the country on Saturday 14 August. Buildings have been flattened and hospitals already under strain from COVID-19 are overwhelmed. Days later, Tropical Storm Grace dumped more than a foot of rain over some of the worst affected areas. Families face an impossible choice: shelter in their damaged, dangerous homes, or shelter outside at risk of rains and floods. We are partnering with Habitat for Humanity Haiti, who have strong local connections and knowledge of communities. They will help us identify the most vulnerable people in the local communities who need support, and who are not being served by other agencies. We have a ShelterBox team in country who are working closely with Habitat for Humanity Haiti to coordinate assessments, practical training, running distributions and post distribution monitoring activities. Our aid has arrived in Haiti, has passed through customs, and distributions will take place imminently.
Rotary International requires Rotary Clubs to segregate their financial activity between Operations and Charitable Activities. At a minimum, this should be done by utilizing separate bank accounts for operating funds (dues, meal income and expenses, etc.) and charitable activities (donations received and project expenses incurred). However, even with this clear segregation between operations and charitable activities, donations made to Rotary Clubs are generally not tax-deductible, because Rotary Clubs are organized under chapter 501(c)4 of the IRS code.
For this very reason, several Rotary Clubs have successfully created a separate second legal entity, typically called the "Rotary Club of XXX Charitable Foundation" and then applied for section 501(c)3 status with the IRS for that second entity. This setup then allows Rotary Clubs to fund-raise for charitable projects through this charitable non-profit organization and thus provide their donors with the benefits of those donations generally being tax-deductible.
On September 16th, District 7930 hosted a Zoom webinar where we discussed in more detail what a 501(c)3 charitable / non-profit entity is, what the minimum requirements are to operate one, and how to set one up. Our speakers, Elizabeth Roth, Esq. and Ed David, CPA - members of the Rotary Club of Greater Salem, NH - are experienced in the process of setting up such entities and consulting with non-profit organizations. We also had members of Rotary Clubs attending, who have set up their own 501(c)3 charitable entity in the past, and spoke about their experience and results.
My name is Anne Lewis of the Rockport Club and I am pleased to be serving as your D7930 Global Grants Chair this year, working with Foundation Chair Joan Arsenault and DG Terry Curran. I would be glad to help with any of your application, implementation and reporting questions.
Links to many excellent Global Grant resources will be posted on our district website soon but in the meantime, a good place to start is with “A Guide to Global Grants”. To find the link, just go to rotary.org, My Rotary, The Rotary Foundation, Apply for Grants and then Global Grants.
Please be sure to contact me early in your application process to discuss funding and the availability of DDF (District Designated Funds). Only Global Grants that originate within our district will be eligible for DDF this year. There have also been other changes in the funding model from Rotary International that we can discuss.
On Tuesday, October 5th the Rotary Club of Arlington will hold its Annual Paul Harris Fellow Award and Community Persons of the Year recognition banquet at St. Eulalia's Church, 50 Ridge St. Winchester. Cocktails start at 5:30 followed by dinner and program.
We welcome you to join us in celebrating the outstanding service that each of our award recipients have contributed to our community. (See attached invitation for all the details.)
Our water sources, the Ipswich River and adjacent watersheds, the Parker and the Essex, are threatened and may disappear if conservation action is not taken.
Please join us on September 30th on Zoom, 7-8 pm to hear about the In-District Global Grant “Save the Ipswich River and Watershed: The Lifeblood of our Communities”. Find out how you and/or your club can participate in this grant including a District Rotary Day of Service. This global grant is the second In-District Global grant that our district has ever undertaken. Be a part of this historic moment and help us save our River and water supply!!! Registration required in order to receive the zoom link, which will be sent the day of the event. Questions? Contact Joan Arsenault (joan@massteximaging.com), Ann Witzig (aswitzig@gmail.com) or Ingrid Miles (ingridmiles@kw.com).
The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is pleased to honor two great residents from Manchester-by-the-Sea: Sue Thorne and Tom Kehoe.
Most recently, this impressive pair were the Co-chairs of the town's 375 Committee starting in 2019 that is still working together in 2021. Their skill and dedication to this milestone celebration has been exemplary. They brought together a cross section of town citizens to their 375 Committee that produced and excellent program of events, fundraising, gatherings and historical updates and education.
The District 7930 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee is proud to announce that seven (7) Clubs have achieved the District 7930 Governor’s 20-21 DEI Citation.
The following clubs achieved at least 13 of the 25 action steps are:
Burlington Breakfast
Cambridge
Lynnfield
Malden
Manchester/Essex
Marblehead
Peabody
When told about the achievement of the seven clubs, PDG 20-21 Betsy Manzelli remarked “I am very proud of the efforts of the seven clubs; not only the achievement the DEI Citation but also that their efforts highlight the work they perform in their communities.”
Over the next several weeks PDG Manzelli and District 7930 DEI Committee Chair will be visiting the above seven clubs to present their District 7930 DEI 20-21 Citation.
Ipswich Rotarian Keith Harris will soon hop up on his bicycle and tow his faithful dog around 70 scenic miles west of Boston.
Owner of Harris Graphics in Rowley, Keith and doggie Cheyenne will cycle through Lincoln, Sudbury, Acton and Concord to raise money to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS.
“If anyone else is so inclined to join as a rider, the course is gorgeous,” Harris said of the Sept. 19 event.
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault, PDG, DRFC on Sep 07, 2021
Support Rotary’s Foundation year-round by making an automatic recurring gift with Rotary Direct. You choose how much and how often to give. It’s a simple and secure way to make a big impact!
Online credit card contributions can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually, with a US$10 transaction minimum. Donors can also enroll using the Rotary Direct enrollment form, The Rotary Foundation Contribution Form, by calling the Support Center at +1-866-9ROTARY, or by going online here.
Donors can change or cancel their recurring giving online at any time through My Rotary. After you sign in, go to Account Settings by following the link in the upper right. Then choose the Donor Self Service tab. Rotary Direct is safe, secure and easy… Sign up today!
Rotary International has recently updated Rotary's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with this new DEI statement that was just released this summer:
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.
Sign up now for The Rotary Club of Cambridge’s annual event Chalk on the Walk. Chalk on the Walk is the Cambridge version of an Italian street painting festival.
This year’s event will be held at Oktoberfest on October 10th in Harvard Square. We are looking for artists who will have the unique opportunity to draw their work right on the street in designated squares. Artists can choose to reproduce existing artworks or create their own. This event is lots of fun! Both individuals and families with no training in art are especially encouraged to participate. It can be a great team building exercise as well.
With the help of a District 7930 Managed Grant, the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor purchased a commercial refrigerator for North Shore Families Together Food Pantry in Lynn.
Since March 2020, after specific food insecurity was brought to their attention, North Shore Families Together has been providing food to local families in need. The refrigerator will enable the organization to extend and expand the storage of perishable foods including fresh vegetables, fruits and dairy items.
The refrigerator is a double-glass-door, full-height commercial unit manufactured by True Appliance. Tom Kulevich and Rick Cohen of Tri-City Sales in Salem facilitated the purchase. Tri-City Sales, a third-generation, family-owned discount appliance store, has been a landmark in Salem since 1959 with a second location in Ipswich, serving customers throughout New England.
Salem Rotarian Bruce Whear, founding president and owner of Wire 4 Hire in Salem, was a consultant on the project.
The Marblehead Harbor Rotary Club has made food insecurity its primary focus during COVID-19 by helping to support the work of The Marblehead Food Pantry, Casa Mariposa in Lynn, and Salem State University in addition to securing the refrigerator for North Shore Families Together.
Club Foundation Chair Linda Doliber and Maestro Dirk Hillyer received the delivery of the refrigerator to North Shore Families Together. Proceeds from the club’s annual Holiday Pops conducted by Hillyer funded the club’s contribution to the purchase.
Marblehead Harbor Receives District Managed Grant for Commercial Fridge
Posted by Joan Kelly Arsenault, PDG, DRFC on Aug 31, 2021
The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants. The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
Paul Harris Society contributions also count toward Sustaining Member (Annual Fund contributions only), EREY (Annual Fund contributions only), Paul Harris Fellow, and Major Donor recognition. Paul Harris Society members are listed in the Paul Harris Society Report. Recognition consists of a chevron style pin and a certificate provided by your District Paul Harris Society Coordinator Maria Bertolone.
Medford Rotary members are very generous when it comes to helping those with food insecurity. Every year for more than 40 years they give away 200+ food baskets to families in Medford with all the fixings for a Holiday dinner; including the turkey. Even last year, the committee decided the pandemic wasn't going to stope their efforts. So $50 gift cards were given to 226 local families in lieu of the actual basket.
The committee again wanted to do something to help those still in need. So it was decided to help others through 4 of the pantries housed in Medford. A check for $2500 was presented to: Community Cupboard located @ the Unitarian Universalist Church on High St., Saint Raphael Food Pantry on Boston Ave., W Medford, Mystic Community Market on Mystic Ave and Bread of Life, Malden, who serves the Medford, Malden & Everett Communities
Attention Professional and Recreational Photographers Gloucester Rotary 2022 Raffle Calendar Submissions
The Gloucester Rotary is looking for photographs to include in our 2022 calendar. A raffle ticket will be attached to each calendar and a winning number will be chosen each week in 2022. All profits from the calendar sales will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s efforts to raise money that supports the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
Thursday, November 11 will be our annual Rotary Foundation event “A Celebration of Our Heroes” starting at 5:30 PM at the Danversport. The evening will include a social hour, silent auction, dinner, and Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) presentations.
All Rotary Club have been invited to nominate a hero from their community to present them with a PHF recognition at the event. Candidates could be doctors, nurses, teachers, crossing guards, emergency services personnel, veterans, or anyone else whom the Rotary Club believes to be a community hero. The online nomination form has been sent to Club Presidents earlier this summer, and the nomination deadline is October 11th.
We would also like to ask all Rotary Clubs to start thinking about silent auction items: we would ideally like to see items with a minimum value of $100, so that people will be eager to bid high! All monies raised in the silent auction will directly go to The Rotary Foundation! Details about how to submit the silent auction items will be announced in September.
Program Book Ads can now be purchased
There will be a program book for the event that will contain the photo and bio for each hero as well as ads from event sponsors and local businesses to help reduce the cost of the event and to support our foundation fund-raising efforts. Sponsorship and program book ad details are now available, and we hope that many of you who run businesses in our communities will consider putting in an ad for your business to help support this event. Please click on the Read More button (or see further below, if you are already on the detailed article page) to learn about sponsorship and ad options.
The Parkway Rotary Club will be packing and distributing back to school supplies to local elementary students in West Roxbury and Roslindale. The club has partnered with the local food pantry, Rose's Bounty and the Chittick Elementary School to provide kids with things they want, but can't afford -- stickers, cool erasers, key chains, scrunchies. You know, the exciting stuff that makes young kids feel special when they return to school. Our goal is to not only provide those supplies, but also to draw families into the food pantry to eliminate their food insecurity.
We would be ever so thankful if you were able to donate to the project.
You can send monetary donations to our PO Box 320552, West Roxbury, MA 02132.
Or you can order directly from our Amazon wish list here: tinyurl.com/ParkwayBacktoSchool2021 Make sure to select "add to cart" directly from the list. If you click on the item first, it will ship to your house and not Rose's Bounty.
The club will be accepting donations until Saturday 9/4. Thank you for supporting Boston kids in need.
During Beverly Rotary's 100th anniversary celebration year, we are doing activities each month especially connected to our community. August is absolutely no exception.
The Beverly Rotary Club was a part of the Arts Fest event held in downtown Beverly this past weekend. We set up our tent and had a day filled with volunteers from the club to facilitate children painting T-shirts to take home. This is always a happy event but it was extra special this year because the weather cooperated with us and we had a beautiful crowd appreciating what we do! We also distributed ice cream to senior citizens at Homecoming! We love our community!
August is Membership and New Club Development Month.
On August 19 we held a Membership Forum on Zoom. In case you missed it, we invite you to view the recording on YouTube to help you grow your Rotary clubs. We had three speakers present on August 19, 2021, and you can find links to their presentations here:
Alexander Falk, DGE, presented the new fillable membership brochures created in cooperation between the District Membership and Public Image committees.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, August 14, 2021, causing widespread destruction in the Caribbean country, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The death toll has risen to more than 2,000 as search and rescue teams are racing to find survivors in collapsed buildings and rubble. At least 6,000 are injured and many more are still missing.
Many Rotarians have asked how they can help, and Rotary International is coordinating global relief efforts through Rotary District 7020, which includes Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St. Barth, St Maarten, St Martin, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, US Virgin Islands, and Haiti. District 7020 - in cooperation with the Disaster Network of Assistance Rotarian Action Group - has set up the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Recover Fund and is asking for donations. You can donate via PayPal, Credit Card, by wire transfer, or by sending a check. Please click on the flyer on the left for detailed instructions for wire transfer or for mailing check.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently returned to his “home” at Brightview Senior Living on Crescent Street. On Tuesday, August 17th, the club moved offline and returned to in-person meetings after over a year of online meetings. Although there were less handshakes than usual at a meeting, club members were thrilled to see each other in person. Past President Mario Portillo shared, “After a year and a half of Zoom meetings, which I was grateful we did to stay active, it was wonderful to meet face to face again, share a meal and discuss how we can be of more impactful service during a time of great need.”
In preparation for the transition back, Wakefield Rotary Club President Bruce Donovan met with Brightview staff to establish safety protocols. Each fully vaccinated member is allowed to meet in the meeting room after providing their vaccination card, an arrival check-in, and a temperature check. Masks will remain in place in common areas of the facility.
The Lynnfield Rotary Club recently held their annual (except for last year during COVID) Concerts on the Common. In addition to bringing in some terrific musicians for everyone to enjoy, the club also awarded two $2,500 cash prizes to local nurses as part of a raffle fundraiser that raised over $14,000.
As club President Jack Moynihan shares “Lynnfield Rotary created the raffle in order to honor the first responders, doctors and nurses that have served our communities selflessly over the past year. We are thrilled that two nurses won. They deserve every accolade we could give them.”
Lynnfield Sponsors Concerts Honoring First Responders
Several Lynn Rotarians, as well as Assistant Governor Peter Majane, supported Lynn’s Salvation Army Captain Kevin Johnson with its drive for school supplies for students returning to school in the fall. The annual campaign is known as Stuff the Bus! The drive was conducted August 6th thru the 8th. This is the third year that the Lynn Club assisted in this project.
The Rotarians distributed flyers to people entering Walmarts in Lynn and Saugus asking if they could buy much needed schools supplies and donate them to the Salvation Army. There were bins at the store exit where they could place the items. In one three hour shift of distributing flyers, 6 large storage bins were full of donated supplies. The Rotarians were there for 4 three hour shifts and similar results were seen in all shifts. It helped that Walmart had several aisle of supplies available, many at a discounted price. The donated supplies will be put in backpacks and distributed to school children later in August; it is an annual event the children look forward to.
If you were unable to donate supplies, you may contribute funds to the Salvation Army by mailing a check to 1 Franklin Street, Lynn Mass. 01901
The Rotarians assisting in the distribution were: Pater Majane, Rotary District 7930 Assistant Governor; Ray Bastarache, Lynn Rotary Club President; Alex Sanchez and Bill Reilly both members of the Lynn Club.
Pictured here is Lynn Rotary President Alexandra Sanchez.
Lynn Partners with Salvation Army on School Supply Drive
Join us on September 17th, (7-11pm) at Woburn/Stoneham Elks #908, 295 Washington St. Woburn for a fundraiser featuring Irish/American Entertainer Mossie Coughlan. Tickets are only $40 per person and includes dinner: Garden Salad, Pasta and Meatballs w/house made sauce, Chicken stir fry w/white rice, cookies/brownies, Coffee from Dunkin', Cash Bar and dance floor. There will also be silent auction items to bid on and a 50/50 raffle. Fun for the whole family! Contact Bill Sullivan for tickets: Email: sully1980@comcast.net Phone: (781) 686-0317. Woburn Rotary fundraisers benefit Council of Social Concern, Woburn Student Government Day, Veterans, Seniors, etc.
Ipswich Rotary is seeking Club/individual contributions for Global Grant 2229621 “Saving the Ipswich River & Watershed: The Lifeblood of Our Communities.”
This global grant is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ipswich East, Ipswich England in District 1080 and hosted by the Rotary Club of Ipswich, in District 7930. With a budget of $34,000.00 all Rotary Club and individual contributions will be impactful in raising the funds needed to finance this in-district global grant.
The Ipswich River is the lifeblood of our region providing drinking water to 350,000 people and businesses daily, including 30 communities within Rotary District 7930.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce that it completed 421 hours of community service, 9 service projects and donated over $16k last Rotary year, which ended on June 30, 2021. Immediate Past President John Tramontozzi commented, “During the pandemic, we’re especially thrilled that we were able to remain active and impactful as a club.”
Projects were completed using social distancing with a priority on safety, allowing Rotarians who chose to attend in-person projects to feel safe. Projects included writing cards for the veterans of Wakefield, creating blankets for the Special Care Nursery at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, and packaging party-to-go bags for the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. Club Service Chair Judy Gordon noted, “These projects helped others and lifted our spirits during a very challenging time for everyone."
With limited opportunities for in-projects, the club focused its donations on impactful projects. Locally, gifts were made to the Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, the town’s virtual Mental Health Community Forum, and supporting holiday gifts for Wakefield families to name a few. The club also contributed funds to the Rotary Foundation’s efforts towards disease prevention and treatment, supported a project to buy respirators for India’s COVID patients and the Chelsea Rotary Club’s trip to Texas to assist with a winter storm’s damage to water service.
The club will be returning to in-person meetings full time starting August 17, 2021 with safety rules in place.
The Belle Isle Rotary members (Sterling Sobey, Joe Steffano, Mike Triant, Tony Zambuto Tom Hankard and Vera Carducci) and the great staff from the Salesian's Boys & Girls Club (Zoe Bakos and Damian Salgado) collected food items at Market Basket in Revere to donate to the East Boston Salesian's Boys & Girls Club camp to help offset their summer camp food budget. Belle Isle Rotary is so grateful to Market Basket Revere for letting us collect the food items at their store and we were blown away by the generosity of the shoppers on Friday July 16th 2021.
Belle Isle Teams up with Camp Staff for Food Collection
Reading Rotary is holding the 13th annual Reading Fall Street Faire, as extremely popular event that brings together local restaurants, retail businesses, and community groups for a fun-filled, family-friendly day.
Downtown Reading streets will shut down for the public to stroll and enjoy local shops, restaurants, musical and dance performances, and community group booths. Planned events include a tailgate area, cornhole tournament, children’s activity area, a vintage car show, and three stages with performances going throughout the afternoon. There is something for everyone.
The Reading Fall Street Faire Committee is looking for help! Here’s how you can show your support:
Sponsor: The Fall Street Faire is an enormous undertaking. It wouldn’t be possible without the sponsorship of local businesses and organizations. This is an opportunity to get your business in front of thousands. Many sponsorship levels are offered, to ensure all local businesses can participate. See fallstreetfaire.com or contact Jenniffer Rogers for more information.
District 7930's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) program is a two-year program. High school students attend the RYLA weekend as first-time attendees--participating in several leadership development activities and discussions. The following year, selected participants are invited to spend 20+ hours over five months training to be Youth Facilitators at the next RYLA weekend. Young adults who participate in both years come away with an amazing skill set and great friends from among their peers and from the Rotarians who help guide the program!
Due to COVID, RYLA was certainly different this year! Instead of inviting Sophomores and Juniors in High School to attend, we invited back our RYLA Alumni. The program was held over two weekends. In late July, a Zoom session with special speaker Tisha Hood was held. Last weekend, an all-day in-person RYLA day was held with twenty young adults and the D7930 RYLA Committee. The day started with a paddle on the Ipswich River, various leadership activities and sessions, special guest speaker, a BBQ, and campfire at Camp Cedar Mill in Rowley. Our guest speaker was the extraordinary endurance athlete Katie Spotz, who inspired the entire group with her efforts to raise funds and awareness of the issue of clean water around the world. Learn more about Katie at www.katiespotz.com.
The RYLA Reunion was a wonderful success. All who attended were inspired to continue to serve their communities and the world beyond, and several of the attending young adults agreed to help with RYLA in the coming year!
A special Thank You to the Rotary Clubs of Malden and Ipswich for their support of our impactful day!
Wakefield Rotarians have been hosting a table at the Wakefield Movies By The Lake. The group has been promoting memberships as well as their Red Sox Raffle to raise funds for their local projects. To learn more about the Red Sox Raffle, visit
The drawing is Thursday, August 5. Get your tickets today.
Back row: President Bruce Donovan, new member Susan Hubbard, our first female President Judy Gordon, Past President Tom Stapleton, Past President Anthony Guardia. Front Row: Past President Barbara Worley and President-Elect Gene Mullen.
On August 5th we will be having a District Business Meeting, on Zoom, to take care of administrative tasks. All club Presidents and Secretaries have been emailed the credentials for electors for their clubs and asked to return them to Tom Hankard, Chair of the Credentials Committee at TomHankard@yahoo.com. Any member of the District is welcome to attend this meeting and learn more about the state of the District.
Also sent to the Clubs was a revision to the existing ByLaws of the District which will need to be approved by the majority of Electors present. We will also be confirming the appointment of Lori Karas as District Governor Nominee, and the positions of Assistant Treasurer, Secretary and Assistant Secretary as well as a new member of the Permanent Fund.
The Zoom link will be sent out on August 5th to all those who have registered on the district homepage in ClubRunner at:
The Medford Rotary Club recently presented $11,500 in scholarship awards to graduating seniors from the City of Medford. The students were recognized for their academic achievement, community service and leadership. Congratulations to our recipients for their hard work, leadership and dedication to our community. Ed Hackett and his committee diligently reviewed all of the applications and chose the following recipients:
Leo McCabe Memorial Scholarship – Ruby Piscatelli
John C. Kirwan Memorial Scholarship – Jack Benoit and Rian Benoit
Joe Carr “Spirit of Life” Scholarship – Josephine Rizzo
Medford Rotary Leadership Award – Amy Orcutt
Mark Egitto “Service Above Self” Scholarship – Talia Ritchie
The Medford Club welcomed District Governors of District 7930.
Pictured here from left to right Marnee Walsh, Asst. District Governor, Alexander Falk, District Governor Elect, Terry Rezendes Curran, District Governor and Doug Shoop, President, Medford Rotary Club.
Terry greeted the members of the Medford Rotary thanking them for all their hard work and service over the past 18 months, especially during the Pandemic. She encouraged them to "keep helping" others through the many service projects that we undertake annually. The club is currently planning their annual Dictionary Giving, where they provided each 3rd grader in Medford with a student dictionary. Also in the works is their Annual Charter Night to celebrate their 98 anniversary as a Chartered Rotary Club.
Reading Rotary’s Reading Fall Street Faire will return on Sunday, September 12 from noon to 5 pm in Downtown Reading.
The 13th Annual RFSF, hosted and coordinated by Reading Rotary, is an annual community event bringing together local restaurants, retail businesses and community groups for a fun-filled, family-friendly day. The Faire route will feature numerous vendors and community group booths to visit. This is always a fantastic day to celebrate community and to meet and mingle with friends and neighbors.
The Faire also features: Children’s Area, Kids’ Zone, performances on three stages, a Car Show, Football Tailgate, Cornhole Tournament, dunk tank, food, fun and much more.
This is Reading Rotary’s biggest event and fundraiser of the year and the Town’s biggest community event.
Event Chair John Feudo says of this year's Faire: “After we have had to cancel or change so many community events, it is so exciting that we can put on the traditional Faire in the Downtown. We are faced with the difficult task of cramming 6 months of planning into about 2 months, though. So we hope vendors and sponsors will sign up in force!”
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club committed to a multi-year program to support dental care through the Children’s Dental Network.
According to Dianne Powers, Program Director of the Children’s Dental Network, the program provided care to 142 Salem, NH students in Pre-K through Grade 12 towards the end of last year.
The program’s success is a result of the tremendous support provided by Dr. Michael Delahanty, Salem NH school superintendent. It should be noted that Dr. Delahanty is a also a member of the Greater Salem, NH Rotary Club.
The program enhanced its infection control protocols to operate safely. It is estimated that the value of services, not including the network's education piece was $45,458.52.
This effort covers 8 schools in Salem. In addition to the Greater Salem Rotary Club it is supported by other local community groups. In addition, the program is highly grateful for the dentists and their staffs who donate their time and expertise to this important health effort.
The Children’s Dental Network has functioned for 13 years. It provides dental care to children who don’t have access to dental coverage.
New Manchester-Essex Rotary President Jennifer Doane comes from a Rotary family. Her parents, Tom and Barb Guebert are lifelong Rotarians and both are past Presidents of the Carlyle, IL Rotary club. Tom is a past District Governor (2015-2016) of Southern IL, District 6510. They reside in Griffin, GA. Jennifer was a Rotary International Exchange Student in 1988-89, and spent her junior year of high school studying in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Jennifer in married to Michael Doane and has two children, Finn and Ava and is a resident of Manchester.
On June 29th the District 7930 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee hosted our final event for the 20-21 Rotary year: a panel discussion about how your Club and/or District can start or enhance DEI initiatives.
The DEI Committee had secured four great panelists and DEI subject matter experts, who shared some great ideas and initiatives.
The four Panelists were:
Lexi Kantor – District 7930 DEI Committee Member, Boston Rotaract Club member and Human Resources professional for Ovia Health.
Bill Paulson - Rotary Club of Needham member, Past President, and Chair of the Rotary District 7910 Social Equity Task Force.
Earl Miller - Greater Newburgh Rotary Club member, past President, past Assistant Governor and currently leads the Rotary District 7210, “Think Differently,” DEI Team.
The recording only includes the panel discussion of the evening, and does not include the Q&A session to preserve the privacy of the attendees and allowing them to ask questions in a safe space.
The Wakefield Rotary Club will be hosting a Red Sox ticket raffle at the WCAT Movies by the Lake. Thanks to a generous donation from Rotarian Frank Fiorentino and Mahoney, Fiorentino, and Co., PC, raffle participants can win a pair of tickets for the Red Sox versus Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Club President Bruce Donovan explained, “These tickets are a great way to support our local projects and enjoy our first place Sox. Your twenty dollar donation can win you great seats between the visitor on-deck circle and home plate and all proceeds will benefit our humanitarian projects.”
Project Coordinator Barbara Worley added, "We are excited to have the ticket donation from Rotarian Frank and his firm to kick off the Wakefield Rotary year with a fun and easy fundraiser. It's a good warm up to get in the swing of bringing in funds for local Rotary projects."
Tickets are on sale during the Movies by the Lake on the Common on July 8th, July 22nd, and August 5th. Visit the Rotary table to grab your chance to win. Tickets are also available at Holiday Travel (402 Main Street) and at WCAT (24 Hemlock Road). You can also Venmo the club @wakefieldrotaryclub. Indicate “sox raffle” in the memo and provide your contact information. Only 120 chances will be sold and the winning ticket will be pulled at 8:00p, on Thursday August 5th at the Movies by the Lake event.
Rotarians, if you are in touch with any of your former RYLA participants (particularly from 2017 - 2020), please reach out to them to make sure they have heard about the RYLA Reunion!
RYLA Reunion 2021 - July 25th via zoom (with Tisha!) and in person July 31st all day!
The Rockport Rotary Club, with matching D7930 grants, has seen to completion the renovation of the House of Joy in the Village2Village Project Children’s Center in northeastern Uganda. The Village2Village Project is a charitable organization based in Indiana and serves children in an area of Uganda where four out of five families live in devastating poverty. Their House of Joy is not only a kitchen but a dining and activity center for nearly 200 children, their families and the community.
Rockport Rotary’s first district matching grant in 2019-2020 was designated for complete renovation of the ten year old building. But significant structural problems were discovered that had to be addressed. So a second grant in 2020-2021 provided funds for new countertops and cabinets, painting and the purchase of two high efficiency cook stoves, 15 tables and 150 chairs.
The House of Joy is now double the original size, more easily cleaned and structurally sound. It has enhanced lighting, arched open air windows and a new paint job inside and out. Food storage, eating and cooking are much more hygienic. The new Rocket Stoves are 90% fuel efficient and produce little to no indoor smoke.
Today the House of Joy is not only a place to eat but to learn, sing, dance and grow.
On June 14, 2021, the Town of Ipswich dedicated a field of 100 flags to honor heroes. A stunning display of large flags on ten foot poles will grace one of the main gateways of our town, the beautiful and historic South Green, until July 10.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary developed this field of honor so that citizens could remember the heroes in our lives. The field recognizes anyone who made a difference in their life, such as a first-responder, medical professional, teacher, essential worker or someone who served in the military. It is an especially poignant year to begin this annual project to honor heroes given the COVID pandemic.
The flags were dedicated during a special ceremony on Flag Day, June 14.
Spend a beautiful day in Gloucester! Start with pancakes, visit the Waterfront Festival and Gloucester's many attractions, and end your day with the District Cruise in Gloucester Harbor aboard the Beauport Princess.
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 21, 2021, 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 21-22, 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. For information on the District Cruise, visit https://rotary7930.org/event/pdg-joan-arsenault-s-district-conference/ (information and registration should be online shortly).
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $8 per person, $5 for children six and under, and are available in advance online at www.gloucesterrotary.org or from any Gloucester Rotarian. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.
The District Installation celebration at Danversport Yacht Club was a fun and inspiring night for District 7930’s first large face-to-face gathering since the pandemic hit. Congratulations to incoming DG Terry Curran, her team of District Leadership and all the incoming Club Presidents for a wonderful evening.
Cowboy hats off to DG Betsy and her team for persevering and achieving so much through a most unusual, Zoom-filled year.
It was an uplifting and promising kick off to the 2021-22 Rotary year. This year’s theme is Serve to Change Lives
Reading Rotary recently presented Boy Scout Charlie Lloyd with a donation supporting his Eagle Scout Project. Charlie is a Life Scout in Troop 702 in Reading working to complete the Eagle Scout rank. Charlie's Eagle Scout Project is to repair and replace a trail boardwalk in Reading's Town Forest. Charlie's project will add to the network of boardwalks throughout the Town Forest. Charlie had to plan with and get the approval of the Town Forest Committee, the Trails Committee and Conservation in Town.
A Boy Scout Eagle Project must help a non-profit or community entity for the improvement of the community. Troop 702 Boy Scouts have completed many Projects in the Town Forest. This boardwalk will be of service to hikers, campers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, cross country skiers, runners and many other types of people who use the Town Forest.
Reading Rotary's donation is part of an initiative to forge a partnership with Boy and Girl Scouts as there is a natural commonality of purpose in these organizations. Reading Rotary is happy to be able to help Charlie achieve his lifelong goal of obtaining the Eagle Scout Rank.
Charlie's Project is scheduled to be completed this summer.
The Rotary Foundation’s year-end is 30 June. Click below for important year-end deadlines and information on ways to give. Make sure to share these resources with your club and encourage them to use the addresses shown on the Year-end deadlines document to prevent delays in giving.
As you know while the Corona crisis in the US is getting under control and life is getting back to old norm, situation in India is getting worse and currently it is absolutely devastating! The suffering and pain of people are beyond imagination. They are fighting for life with a huge need of Oxygen Concentrators, Oxygen Generators, Vaccines and many other essential medical supplies.
JOYGURU HUMANITARIAN SERVICES and Boston Rotary #7 have taken the initiative to help hospitals in India to purchase life saving items such as:
Oxygen concentrators, Ventilators, installation of oxygen generators and other essential medical supplies.
There are so many people who are gasping for air and battling to survive. JOYGURU has already sent $50,000.00 to one hospital in Calcutta. There are two other hospitals who have requested help.
We would like bring awareness of the situation to District 7930 and to possibly join us and serve humanity.
On June 5 2021, Camp Rotary had the ribbon cutting to open its new dining hall and to start its centennial year celebration. It was one hundred years ago, in April 1921, when the Rotary Club of Lynn purchased 48 acres, including a small camp, bordering Stiles Pond in West Boxford and Camp Rotary was born. That first year of Camp Rotary a dining hall was built to provide meals for the campers. In 2020 that hall was razed and construction began on its replacement.
This year marks the centennial year of the operation of the Camp. It is believed that Camp Rotary in West Boxford is the oldest continuous Rotary Camp/project in the world. It is amazing to think that over 100 years ago a relatively new Rotary Club was formed in 1918 in Lynn. Those members of the Club had the foresight to envision a Camp which could be used to give underprivileged boys of Lynn an opportunity to experience an overnight camp in the woods of West Boxford. Some of those boys may have lost a father during the Great War.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club has been doing "Hybrid" meetings since August 7th. Crazy to think that was 10 months ago. Certainly there was a lot of guidance and guidelines to adhere to, as well as some trial and error. Rather than backtrack and talk about what was, I feel it more pertinent to offer considerations for groups now as they are working their way back.
Location
Our meetings are at the Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, NH. The space is large enough to allow members to have their space and respect distance. It's very important for it to feel like ONE meeting, not just those on Zoom and those in person. Then you really have two meetings and a disjointed group. The room we use has the ability to put Zoom up on multiple TV screens with a HDMI connection and use the TV audio. Members on Zoom can feel seen and interact with each other AND those who are in person. Happy "dollars" (we haven't gotten back to using cash) have a Zoom table when we go around. By tilting the computer, those on Zoom can see around the room to whoever is speaking. We focus on the flag during pledge of allegiance, crowd during meal, and podium during presentation. An unexpected benefit is our speaker ability has really grown. Speakers also have the choice of in-person or Zoom, so we've been able to get folks across the country. They can share their screen if on Zoom, or we share their presentation if in person.
Since the Governor’s announcement that “business is back to normal,” the Danversport Event Center has relaxed their COVID requirements and reopened to full capacity. What that means for us is that those incoming Presidents can invite their family, friends and fellow Rotarians to come and celebrate the upcoming Rotary year. Consider skipping your Club meeting that week and instead join us for the installation on June 24. We also want to thank those Presidents who have guided our Clubs through the pandemic this past year. Since the International Convention next year is in Houston Texas our theme will be country, so feel free to come in your jeans, cowboy boots, bolo ties and/or cowboy hats. The cost is $50.00 per person and can be paid during your on-line registration. Please don’t wait until the last minute as walk-ins will not be allowed. We need to give the facility firm numbers several days before.
In 2019, the Amesbury Rotary Club and Police Department rebooted Bike Safety Day (BSD) thanks to a District Granted supported by contributions from the Rotary Foundation. And then in 2020 the pandemic hit, and we were in lockdown. But the good news is that on a sunny Saturday in May 2021 we were able to be outside and reinstate BSD once again.
The Rotary Club provided free bike helmets and fitted all participants, conducted a free equipment check, and helped children complete a bike rodeo course. On the course, children were able to practice their skills and learn about riding their bicycle safely.
At the completion of the course, students were awarded a certificate of completion and a goodie bag. The goodie bag included information about road safety, Rotary, and a 4-Way Test coin.
As a special treat, all participants were entered into a drawing with a chance to win a bicycle; one for boys and one for girls. It was wonderful to see Bike Safety Day start again as we all begin our return to normalcy. All of this because of our contributions to the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund.
For the first time in 14 months, the Rotary Club of Lynn met in person Thursday night, May 20, 2021, for the purpose of awarding scholarships to five students.
Though all five of this year’s winners come from Lynn schools, Scholarship Committee Chairman Raymond Bastarache said that all students who live in the city, regardless of high school, are eligible to win the $1,000 grants. In addition to Ray, three other Lynn Rotarians were part of the committee and are in the picture, left to right: Jeff Weeden, Jean-Marie Minton, Ray, and Richard Ruth. The students pictured are: Thanayri Ortiz, Samantha Parker, Kevin Biv, and Noah leGal.
The winners are Noah leGal and Matthew Sanchez from Classical, Samantha Parker and Kevin Biv of English, and Thanayri Ortiz of KIPP Academy.
Thank you to everyone in D7930 who attended The Rotary Foundation Virtual Gala! The event as a whole raised $183,680 for TRF with over 1,500+ viewers. For Zone 32, our District raised the highest amount of money ($12,680) and were the second largest ticket sellers. Our pre-party was a huge success and we were able to meet new Rotary friends from D7790! Thank you again for your generous support of Our Rotary Foundation!!!
$183,680 Raised for Our Foundation at Virtual Gala
As the Rotary year 20-21 is coming to an end, I would like to remind every Club of the District Governors DEI Citation. As of May 21, four (4) Clubs have submitted their DEI Goal Tracking Sheet to Governor Betsy and myself.
Please remember that the DEI Goal and Tracker sheets are located on the District 7930 website. I know based on conversations I have had and emails I have received we have more than four Clubs out there that are working on their DEI initiatives.
Our goal is to announce to the District all Clubs that have achieved the District 7930 District Governors Diversity Equity and Inclusion Citation 20-21 by June 30th.
On Tuesday, June 29, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM the District 7930 DEI Committee will be hosting our last event for the 20-21 Rotary Year. This event called “DEI Think Tank” will be a moderated panel discussion on what otherRotary Clubs are doing to identify and enhance their DEI initiatives.
The Panel Discussion will be for approximately 20-30 minutes and then be opened up to you for questions. To register go to the District 7930 website as registration is now open.
Further information and the panelist bios will be shared in the coming weeks
Congratulations to the 13 clubs in the District who applied and executed a mini-grant this spring. Grants were available in three categories: Public Image, Membership and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Marblehead Harbor and Danvers clubs did grants in the Membership Area. They updated and published a new tri-fold brochure for one club and produced flyers, invitations and business cards in the other.
Two clubs, Gloucester and Peabody, chose to do grants in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Area. In Gloucester the $200 District Seed Grant will be used so that they may contribute to the equity initiative underway in the Gloucester School system. Mila Barry, a Gloucester HS student received a grant from Gloucester Educational Foundation this year for seed funding towards her Art for Equity project. Art for equity is totally youth-driven, and works to diversify bookshelves in the Gloucester Public School libraries by raising funds and purchasing books that empower people of color and celebrate the narratives of diverse voices. Gloucester Rotary will speak with Mila about her book wish list and then purchase books for her endeavor with the $200. So that each member of Rotary is involved in the process and not just giving money aka lip service, we will ask each contributor to buy a book whether in their name or in Gloucester Rotary name. This effort will match the seed money and give us the purchase power to make a difference in our schools libraries. When the Interact Club restarts, our next phase will be to continue this work through the Interact population.
You are cordially invited to a presentation by the Inter-Country Committee (ICC) USA-Germany-Austria on Tuesday, June 1st, 2021, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM CDT (1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT), hosted by the Rotary Club of Chicago, on Zoom. Our district 7930 is one of the founding districts of the ICC USA-Germany-Austria, which was initially established at the RI Convention in Hamburg in 2019.
Speaker: James D Bindenagel, Senior Professor, Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, Germany
James Bindenagel is a former U.S. Ambassador and career U.S. diplomat. He is currently Senior Professor and was the founding Henry Kissinger Chair at Bonn University in Germany.
One of the questions of our time is the future of the liberal order. In "Germany From Peace to Power? Mr. Bindenagel posits a new role for Germany. More than ever, the transatlantic partnership, whose core is the German-American relationship needs to re-invent itself to deal with 21st-century diplomacy. This book makes the case for Germany playing a more significant leading role in Europe.
Have you chosen a President for the next Rotary year yet? If not, the clock is ticking! Have you run through the possibilities? Will a Past President step back up? Will a few members split the year up and tackle a few months at a time? Check out this interview with Tim Kelley from the Public Image Committee and Terry Curran, the District 7930 Governor Elect. I ask them questions about what multiple club presidents look like. How do they split up the work? How do they represent their club at the district level? How would they even get started? Learn the answers to these questions and more here.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea is running a raffle to raise funds for scholarships, sending children to Camp Rotary and other community projects. Go to the Rotary Club of Chelsea website www.chelsearotary,org for raffle rules and list of prizes being offered.
Total of 77 Prizes.
75 prizes valued at $77 or more.
Prize pool to exceed $7777.
Only 777 tickets to be sold. $25 per ticket. Purchase book of 4 for $100 and receive one free ticket.
At a recent virtual meeting of the Rotary Club of Lynn, some of the Skills USA team from the Lynn Vocational Technical Institute presented a workshop to the members. The workshop presentation was entitled Building Tolerance and Inclusivity. The presenting team members were: Juan Cubides-Ramirez, Nyssa Lewis, Brian Lopez-Mejia, assisted by Alexandra Rodriquez and Ambar Rodriquez. SkillsUSA is a national partnership, with over 20,000 chapters all over the country, formed by students, teachers and industries working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. . The Lynn chapter creates dozens of programs every school year.
In this time of racial divide and the issue of White Privilege the team of students led by faculty advisor Jason McCuish and co-advisor Claire Price decided on a presentation of Building Tolerance and Inclusivity. The objectives were as follows:
1. Grow in your understanding of empathy.
2. Define: marginalization ,micro aggression, implicit bias, and privilege.
3. Engage in reflections that will support your progression toward more tolerance and inclusivity.
We are so excited to announce the plan that is underway for RYLA 2021! This year, instead of inviting new participants, we will be focused on our RYLA Alumni (initially from the past 3 years) inviting them to participate in additional leadership training (and lots of fun!) with our RYLA Reunion 2021!
The Reunion will start off with an on-line leadership training session on July 25th. This session will focus on Resilient and Adaptive Leadership and will be led by Tisha - a superstar RYLA presenter from our 2019 RYLA!
Marblehead Rotary Service Dog Project is thrilled to announce its latest success in uniting nine-year-old Gabriel Bachour with his specially trained furry friend, who will help him navigate his world. Gabriel is autistic and has special needs that impose extra challenges on his everyday routines. His mom, Angelica Bachour, learned that he could thrive with a service dog. After surmounting many hurdles, heightened by a pandemic year, and with the combined efforts of Marblehead Rotary Club and Chelsea Rotary Club, Gabriel and Kacey are ready to take on their world - or, at least, the fourth grade.
The World Class Service Dogs organization, NEADS, matched Gabriel with Kacey 8 months ago. And just two weeks ago, the two finally completed their training and held an official graduation from the program. Arthur Schwartz, Marblehead Club president, recognizes the financial challenges of bringing a well-trained service pet into a family. “But its enormous benefits to people with disabilities to improve their day-to-day function and secure their safety and well-being is well documented. So for us, it is a compelling decision.”
Reading Rotary with Reading High Senior Class Parents and volunteers planted an array of lawn signs with each graduating Senior’s picture and the message “We Love Our Seniors Reading Memorial High School Class of 2021.” The signs were arranged in front of the Town Hall and Town Hall Annex facing the Reading Common. The display is sponsored by Reading Rotary. The set up was coordinated by Senior parent Mrs. Maria Casarano. The signs were printed by Boyd’s Direct in Stoneham.
Rotarian Mike Collins, who chaired this project said: “We are so happy to be able to provide these signs for the Seniors who have faced a lot of adversity this year. It makes it worth our efforts to see so many people enjoying them.”
"Our Foundation is the Grease on the Axle to Make the Wheels of Rotary Turn Round"
Dean Rohrs, Trustee of The Rotary Foundation
Annual Fund-SHARE The Annual Fund is the main funding source for Foundation programs. Your gift empowers Rotarians to carry out sustainable service projects in your community and around the world.
At the end of each year, contributions directed to Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund.
The Rotary Foundation uses the World Fund to support Rotary’s highest-priority grants and programs, which are available to all Rotary districts.
Our district uses the District Designated Fund to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects the clubs in choose.
EARLY REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW instead of May 3rd as was announced earlier!
BBRC would appreciate District and other clubs participation and help in order to achieve our common Rotary Goals!
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club presents its first, nationwide Virtual Art Auction. The online auction will take place on “bid.marlinart.com” for one day on Saturday, May 15 at 7 pm.
Funds raised will benefit local charitable causes as the Breakfast Rotary Club continues to enrich Burlington with several community initiatives. Enjoy a lovely evening from the comfort of your home.
Share this event with friends, family, and acquaintances nationwide.
Rotary District 7930 Event at Granite Coast Brewing Company
Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 1 PM EDT – 5 PM EDT
Price: Free
Join us at Granite Coast Brewing on Sunday, May 2 from 1p-5p and help us End Polio!
All bartender tips will be donated to The Rotary Foundation’s End Polio campaign. Invite your friends, family, colleagues and clients to join you for a pint and help us end polio! Tip your bartenders well and help us inch closer to a polio-free world! Each $1 raised will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation!
District Assembly is coming up on April 20 on Zoom.
What is the District Assembly you may ask? It’s when we start training for the upcoming Rotary year. This year we will again be on Zoom. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. First up is the Club Secretary Training. Learn how to navigate through Club Runner and the important aspects of your job. Next is the Club Treasurer Training. One of our current club treasurers will give you tips and hints on how to keep your club up and running. Don’t remember how to get into your My Rotary account to make your donation to the Annual Fund? PDG Joan Arsenault will show you and answer any questions you may have. After that Alexander Falk and I will take you through the PowerPoint for the District Qualification for next years District Managed Grants. Everyone who is present will get credit for attending the qualification and those clubs with at least 2 members will get the memorandum of understanding sent out to them. After this session Rotarians will need to go online and view the training and take the quiz at the end of the session. The final session for the evening will be the district budget. District Finance Committee Chair, PDG Peter Simonsen will take us through next year's budget. Please note that a quorum of Presidents Elect need to be present to approve the budget. Please register to attend the assembly on the District Webpage. The morning of the assembly the Zoom link will be sent to all registrants.
Rotarians bringing skills to aid Texas Disaster Plumbing Project.
Join Juan Gallego, Chelsea Rotary, on Thursday, April 29, 7:30 a.m. to learn about his team's experiences in Texas. Juan will share his story with the Ipswich Rotary and hopefully other interested Rotarians in District 7930. Contact aswitzig@gmail.com for the zoom link.
Juan Gallego, Chelsea Rotary, financed and contributed his skills to a crew of volunteers fixing the broken plumbing created by the deep freeze in Teas. Join Ipswich Rotary Zoom to hear his story.
Join the District Membership Committee on Star Wars Day, Tuesday, May 4th, at 7:00 PM for an informative evening to discuss the results of our recent District Exit Interview Survey. In January 2021 we contacted former members of Rotary Clubs in district 7930, who left the district during 2018, 2019, and 2020. We received an amazing number of responses and will present a detailed analysis of why people leave Rotary Clubs in our district - and then facilitate a discussion on what we can learn from those answers. This evening is primarily intended for Club Presidents, Presidents-Elect, Club Membership Chairs, and Assistant Governors, but any Rotarian interested in Membership is invited to join!
As some of you may know, our district 7930 is one of the founding districts of the new Inter-Country-Committee (ICC) Austria/Germany/USA that was established at the RI Convention in Hamburg, with PDG Joan Arsenault being one of the initial signatories on the ICC's founding documents representing the USA. As part of our membership in this ICC we recently heard from our friends in Germany that the newly formed Rotary Club Leverkusen Rhein-Wupper (located in Leverkusen, Germany) is looking for an International Rotary-Contact Club to manage joint projects and to cultivate friendship across the borders.
For more information, please see this PDF Flyer, which includes website links and contact information. If your club is interested in such a partnership, please reach out to this new club directly and reference that our district is a member of the ICC Austria/Germany/USA.
Rotary Club Leverkusen Rhein-Wupper is looking for a partner club
Since the Fall of 2020, the Greater Salem Rotary Club has amped up its support of the 5 New Hampshire towns it serves. "Even though we were limited in certain activities, the Club decided that we needed to kick it up a notch with our support," said Club President Chris Adams. The Club decided to extend direct help to groups and residents impacted during the past year. This support came in the form of direct grants to provide fuel assistance, grocery store gift cards, food for the holidays and gift baskets. The Club also purchased personal protection equipment for local police and fire departments. The Club also provided 20,000 masks that were distributed throughout the community.
Importantly, these efforts involved cooperation with local groups and businesses. For example, the Club worked with local energy companies to identify people who needed fuel to stay warm. The Club also negotiated discounts with the companies so the donations had even more impact.
Each year the Wakefield Rotary Club hosts a spring and fall food drives to benefit the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. With COVID-19 concerns still on everyone’s mind, the club got creative. Past President Barbara Worley explained, “We didn’t want to add contact points between our members and grocery store shoppers this year, so we did something a little different. Traditionally the Wakefield Rotary does a food drive at Shaw’s in March however this year we thought we might be able to make an impact another way. We created an Un-Food Drive.” In March, Rotarians were asked to make a direct financial gift to support the pantry and the results were amazing. Worley added, “We raised way more than we expected.”
Reading Rotary just completed our Rotary Readers project. Rotary Readers is an annual literacy project where two reading books and a backpack are given to each Reading Public Schools student in kindergarten and first grade. This year over 550 literacy bags were delivered by Rotarians to the five Reading elementary schools. Due to the pandemic, Rotarians delivered them to the school offices rather to each classroom. In non-pandemic times, the books and bookbags would be delivered in conjunction with a time where Rotarians would read to each class. This year the reading is being done virtually.
This literacy project has been adapted from our previous dictionary and thesaurus giveaways. We heard from teachers that they preferred to have the younger students receive reading books. Basic Education and Literacy is one of Rotary's Areas of Focus. This particular project was adapted from a Gold Award literacy project by Mary Kate Kelley, who is a Past President of RMHS Interact and one of its charter members.
Pictured here is President Elect John Douglass delivering bookbags to Killam Elementary School.
Did you know that there are 5 Rotary Clubs of Winchester in the world? Four are in the USA (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Virginia) and one is in the UK. The 5 Presidents of these decided it would be interesting and fun to start holding regular informal get togethers this Rotary year, hosted by the UK Club. So far, we have held 5 of these using zoom, just for the 5 Presidents, making the discussions easier. We hope these will continue into the next Rotary year, with 4 of the 5 Presidents changing and one doing a second term. We have discussed and shared a whole variety of topics such as the many different and innovative ways to fundraise, how to attract new members especially younger ones, projects and, of course, how we have all coped during the pandemic. We also managed to take a lovely screenshot photo with local landmarks for our respective backgrounds.
And a paragraph introducing each of the Clubs and Presidents:
Social media and online presence are important components of getting the word out about Rotary’s Service Above Self.
The Public Image Committee has recently reviewed the online PI of Rotary 7930’s Clubs for good examples of Club websites, Facebook and Instagram Pages. There are a lot of excellent examples of online social media, the PI Committee would like to encourage Rotarians to take a look at our top 2 ranked Clubs for website, Facebook and Instagram.
The following first and second place Clubs will receive Paul Harris Points for jobs well done.
Many additional Clubs are also doing an excellent job in maintaining a consistent and updated info online. Congrats and thanks to all Clubs who successfully promote their Public Image online.
Posted by Holger Knaack, RI President on Mar 28, 2021
In these difficult days, we are so heartened to receive such uplifting reports on the unrelenting efforts of our Rotary members who have responded in their communities against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the single question we hear time and again is, “Are we getting involved with COVID vaccination?”
The answer is yes.
This does not mean we will deviate from our commitment to eradicating polio, which remains our highest priority and continues to be our only corporate program. Polio vaccinations must continue unabated, as must our effort to raise $50 million per year for this effort.
This year, the Peabody Rotary club hosted guest speakers from the sensational group, CultureHouse. It is a non-profit which improves livability in local communities by transforming unused spaces into vibrant social infrastructure. In layman's terms, CultureHouse is an urban living room where there is free wifi, no need to pay to visit or sit awhile, and the space can be used flexibly for events, workshops, test kitchens, or play (think small trampolines for kids of all ages). Basically, in partnership we will dream it with our community members, and we will do it.
By researching the community's needs, engaging community members through advisory groups and participatory action, building spaces which foster community, and then operating those spaces to collect data for the city, they help folks and their municipalities find a path forward for continued development. The Peabody CultureHouse crowdfunding campaign launched on Monday, March 22nd and has already seen vital support from Rotarians. Please visit the crowdfunding page (https://www.patronicity.com/project/culturehouse_peabody) to help bring this lively, creative, joyful, much needed project to our district.
Manchester-Essex Rotarians volunteered their services to pack and distribute food to 160 households as part of a District Grant. Families received produce, dry goods, fish, meat, specialty items like olive oil, coffee and baking mixes. It was a fabulous spring day to be outside. Manchester-Essex Rotary Club received a matching grant from Rotary District 7930. Our $2,000 investment became $4,000 for the Open Door.
Pictured: Stacey Scott, Judy Laspesa, Joanne Donnelly and Marcia Hubbard.
After learning that the traditional district-wide Polar Plunge event to raise money for the End Polio Now campaign was canceled for 2021 because of COVID-19, the Rotary Club of Arlington decided to organize its own event. The result is the Polar Dunk, which will take place on Saturday, March 13th. Volunteers from the club will be plunged, one by one, into a carefully-scrubbed carnival-grade dunk tank filled with chilly water. The Arlington Media Center will be on hand to record the event for posterity -- which is particularly important this year, because COVID-19 restrictions do not permit the usual crowd of spectators!
If your club hasn't been able to organized its own End Polio Now fundraiser, the Arlington club invites you to sponsor one of our dunkers at the following web page: https://raise.rotary.org/Daniel-Ellard/fundraiser
March is Women's History Month and honors and celebrates the achievements and struggles American women have endured in the United States. Throughout history, American women have faced obstacles in gaining rights not only for themselves but for a variety of other under-represented and disenfranchised groups in America.
I felt it was most appropriate to celebrate the women in Beverly Rotary Club’s history, since it was a long time before women were allowed to be members of the Club and not just “Rotary Anns.”
The 1989 Council on Legislation of Rotary International vote to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary. “My fellow delegates, I would like to remind you that the world of 1989 is very different to the world of 1905. I sincerely believe that Rotary has to adapt itself to a changing world,” said Frank J. Devlyn, who would go on to become RI president in 2000-01. Not all of the members in the Beverly Rotary Club were happy with this RI decision, but the majority prevailed.
Our first female President, Kim Mannetta, was in office for the 2000-2001 year. Since then, we have had three more women as our Leaders and one more to take the leadership role next year: Jo Broderick, Sarah Macburnie-Liporto, Maureen Trefry and Diane Howard.
The Beverly Rotary Club is a growing club, with 113 members and 40 of them are women. What an accomplishment! So during this month of Women in History, we salute the 40 women who are a part of an outstanding, enthusiastic Beverly Rotary Club! Congratulations on being an amazing part of history!!!
Juan Gallego, Chelsea Rotarian, has sent a brief update on the great need in Texas for disaster relief.
Here is today's message. Many families are in great need of plumbing repairs. The homes we are fixing need re-piping and that takes lots of work. It normally takes us 4 to 5 hours to do one house. Lots of the homes are trailer homes, very uncomfortable to work, other homes work are attics but, attics here are very low. The main thing is we are helping these families and we are happy to do it. We are working with organizations like - 4Bresponse.org and The Fuller Center for Disaster Rebuilding (https://fullercenter.org/disaster-rebuilders/)
Will send you pics later.
Juan
If you would like to assist the Chelsea volunteers, the websites listed represent the groups organizing some of the relief efforts, and are in need of funds. Or you can donate through the Chelsea Rotary Venmo, noting that your funds are meant for the Texas Plumbing Project. Venmo account @Chelsea-RotaryClub. Please make sure to note donation as Texas Plumbing Project.
2021 Getaway Raffle: Two Nights with Dinner at the beautiful Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, MA!
Raffle proceeds will fund scholarships for graduating seniors at Newburyport High School and at Triton Regional High School!
Are you ready to break out of the everlasting winter and stay at the beach with your favorite getaway partner?
For tickets got to https://newburyportrotary.org or mail check to Rotary Club of Newburyport, PO Box 831, Newburyport, MA 01950. Your email or mailed receipt serves as your ticket.
$20 = 1 ticket. $50 = 3 tickets. Raffle tickets available between February 23 and May 1! Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9. Win and take a loved one away.
Two night stay in a Classic City view room with Sunday through Friday check-in. Includes $150 gift certificate to 1606 Restaurant and Bar. Value may fluctuate on dates. No cash value. You must call in advance to schedule. Expiration Date is May 31, 2022.
When it comes to parties, the Beverly Rotary Club sure knows how to throw them, whether it’s in person or remotely. February 24, 2021 was the 100th Birthday of our club. We had a kickoff celebration at our meeting on the night of the 25th. Every member, past and present, had a delivery of a special cupcake with our Birthday logo, a party blower and a copy of our goals this year. A wonderful video recalling the past 100 years was played at our party meeting. State Representative Jerry Parisella and Mayor Michael Cahill both had proclamations for our Club. We were honored with special guests: Betsy Manzelli, Alex Falk, Lori Karas, David Deutsch and Joan Arsenault. We had a champagne toast given by our longest serving member, John Glovsky. Lastly, we had a “workshop" about bubbly drinks at the end of the celebration. One ongoing activity for the club is to have each member perform at least 100 hours of community service this upcoming year.
We are also planning an event for each month until we have a culminating celebration next February (hopefully all together in person). Some of the monthly plans include a time capsule, scavenger hunt, 100 lights into the sky, an activity with our Interact Club and a special Literacy activity with the schools. We have more in the works but that’s just a tease.....maybe our sister clubs can join us in the fun! Happy Birthday, Beverly Rotary Club!!! Here’s to the next 100!
If you would like to see our video, go to YouTube and look for Beverly Rotary Centennial. I’m sure you will know many people in it!
On February 17th The Rotary Club of Malden, donated $600.00 to the Malden Warming Center. The Malden Warming Center is located in the Church of The Nazarene in Malden headed by Pastor Gerry Whetstone. The Warming Center provides the homeless community in and around Malden a place to get in out of the cold overnight, dinner, and breakfast (provided by local partners).
The donation came from the sale of “Malden Thanks You Essential Workers” signs to the community of Malden. The work that the Malden Warming Center does is both vital and essential to the homeless and the community.
The AHS Interact Club has been very active during the 2020-2021 school year even with Covid-19. Although we had to make several changes to accommodate the virus, we were still able to have an eventful fall/winter. We started the year by building our annual scarecrow for Andover’s scarecrow festival. We met outside Andover high school, underneath one of the open tents, to build our project. We had around 15 to 20 student participants. We made sure to take precautions as we socially distanced ourselves while we built our scarecrow.
Thanks to Rotary member, Michelle Houlihan, Interact connected with Hannah Finn from the One Wish Foundation. Together, we teamed up to organize a toy drive through the school. Due to some administrative complications, we had to run the drive outside of school. Although we had to deal with some obstacles, the toy drive was still a huge success! We were able to collect over 180 toys. As we worked on the drive with One Wish, we were also planning to make a few donations for Andover’s Seniors. Interact came together and wrote holiday letters for the Seniors at Marland Place (Assisted Living)! Aside from the letters, we donated over 200 hats to the Senior Center for the holidays. None of this would have been possible without the generous help of Jane Burns, Director of Elder Services. She was kind enough to give us another amazing opportunity to work with our seniors. Together, we are creating a student senior mentor program to help guide seniors through technology! We are planning to launch this in January of 2021. We are still working out the details. We cannot wait to work together after the new year!
International Women’s Day is held every year on March 8th, a day to celebrate the social, political, economic, and cultural achievements of women around the world. The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 world. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted women and girls in significant ways, amplifying the inequalities they face every day. It is fundamental that women’s voices and experiences are central to national and global recovery plans. A key contributor to a more equal COVID-19 world is increasing women’s access to leadership roles. There is much to be done, in addition, we recognize the women around the world who are challenging gender bias and inequality and are changing the world as we know it. Even year on this day, we come together to celebrate achievements and to promote awareness about the importance of an inclusive world by making strides in women’s rights.
Brunswick Rotary Club met Lonnie Hackett on March 31, 2014 when Lonnie was a Senior at Bowdoin College. He brought us an opportunity to help the poorest children in Lusaka through an innovative program which trained classroom teachers as front-line health care workers.
Twelve clubs in District 7780 supported this program, now called Healthy Learners, and it has grown from serving 12,000 school-age children and will soon scale to serve a million children. The Rotary Club of Ipswich Massachusetts and Rotary Club of South Berwick-Eliot joined the Brunswick Rotary Club as International partners for a total of five Global Grants.
Join us for our virtual World Peace and Understanding event on March 3, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Our speaker for the evening will be 2018-2019 Global Scholar recipient Seamus Matlack. Seamus, a native of Boston, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2018 and went on to pursue a Master’s of Science Degree in Defense, Diplomacy and Development at Durham University in England. Rotary Foundation’s Area of Focus of Peace and Conflict Resolution. The Durham University Master’s Program provides specific expertise in conflict prevention and sustainable peace, conflict intervention, and post conflict reconstruction as well as diplomacy and peace building. The thrust of the Master’s program is how to include and incorporate diverse members of local communities into peacekeeping operations.
Posted by Joan Arsenault & Annual Fund Subcommittee on Feb 21, 2021
Did you know that our Annual Fund giving supports many local and international projects? Your member benefit is truly at work in D7930!!
Last year, we spent $58,323 on club and district projects from our district designated funds, with 85% of the grants spent locally, including $13,500 for grants specific to COVID food relief, and approximately 15% spent internationally in Bangladesh, Uganda and Columbia. 27 total Grants were awarded in total, 17 to clubs and two to the district as a whole (Service Dog & Backpacks for Wonderfund Charity).
In addition, for the first time in history our district received a $94.950.00 global grant to be used within our district for PPE for Care Dimensions and PPE/food relief for St. Francis House.
Looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon? Looking to connect with fellow Rotarians and non-Rotarians from our district, Maine, Quebec, Louisiana, the Cape and Florida? Like or Love Wine? Then D7930/D7790 Corks & Caps Wine Fellowship is for you!!
Please join us the last Sunday of the each month from 5-6 pm EST. This fellowship is open to all Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike, so share with friends and family members.
Next wine fellowship is Sunday February 28th 5-6- pm. Our varietals for tasting will be a Merlot from California and a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
Chelsea Rotarian Juan Gallego is again looking to put the Rotary commitment to "Service above Self" to work. Due to the extremely cold weather in Texas and loss of electricity to heat homes thousands of Texans are living in homes with broken water pipes. There are not enough plumbers available in Texas to rapidly repair the frozen pipes. Juan is looking for support from Rotary District 7930 to raise funds to fly local plumbers to Texas to help repair repair the frozen pipes. Juan has pledged $5,000 of his own funds to incubate the fund raising and has committed to get a minimum of 20 plumbers to give one week of their time to travel to Texas. The funds raised would be used for airfare to fly the plumbers to Texas. Anyone interested in assisting Juan with this project please contact Juan at juangallego@comcast.net.
District 7930 is pleased to offer all clubs a one-time mini grant starting now!!!
Starting this week the District is offering all clubs a one-time reimbursement mini grant in the amount of $200. We are focusing on the areas of Membership, Public Image and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Just fill out the application online, and your approval will be quickly forthcoming.
What can you do? Replace those club flyers that you have run out of. Make new t-shirts for your club with the correct logos from Brand Central. Have a friendraiser, as your club starts to meet in person again later this spring, inviting them to a social to learn about Rotary. Develop and print an orientation package for new members joining your club. Sponsor a new diverse member to your club ($200 max) who might not be able to afford your regular club dues. Host a DEI training for your club... These are only a few examples, your imagination is the limit.
Spring 2021 Mini-Grants for Membership, Public Image, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
If you missed the New Member Welcome & Rotary Membership Benefits webinar that the District Membership Committee hosted on January 25th, you can now watch a recording of the event on YouTube and also download the PowerPoint slides from the event, which include many useful links to Rotary International and district website resources.
This presentation covered all the amazing membership benefits that are all included in your Rotary membership. We discussed benefits on the district level, zone level, education benefits, Rotary Foundation benefits, and benefits on the RI (Rotary International) level. Please feel free to share this information with your Rotary Club, and especially with new members who have recently joined or event prospective new members!
New Member Welcome & Rotary Membership Benefits
Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club, once again, made the Headline News of the Burlington Cable Access Television (BCAT). BBRC’s ‘Tech Assist for Seniors’ program is appreciated and is expanding.
A video with interviews was broadcast by BCAT TV on 01/20/2021.
Senior citizens in the area are benefitting from the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Technology Assistance Initiative program.
BHS student volunteers have been instructing senior citizens in the technologies imperative to keeping connected in the COVID culture.
We are excited to start this new year with great news: The Rotary Foundation has been honored with Charity Navigator's Four Star rating for the 13th year in a row.
"Your achievement and 4-star rating will enhance your organization’s fundraising and public relations efforts,” says Michael Thatcher, president and chief executive officer of Charity Navigator. "This exceptional designation sets the Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness."
Click the link below for the full story to share on Facebook, your district webpage, and wherever you reach donors.
Environmental Justice is the fair treatment of all people with respect to environmental politics and their implementation. A hallmark of environmental injustice is the persistence of geographic inequalities in the distribution of environmental burdens or amenities.
Who is our Guest Speaker?
Dr. Marcos Luna, Salem State University, Professor of Geography and Sustainability, describes the geography of environmental justice in our own backyard.
This presentation will illustrate how Environmental Justice is an important part of the struggle to improve and maintain a clean and healthful environment, especially for those who have traditionally lived, worked and played closest to the sources of pollution.
Join the Ipswich/Rowley Rotary, Thursday, Feb 25 at 7:30 a.m. on ZOOM.
Marblehead Harbor Rotary Club is proud to announce Marblehead's 100th Eagle Scout, Liam Conley. Rotary's own Don Doliber was the Chair of the Eagle Board for this momentous occasion.
Liam is a Marblehead High junior and is a mature, outstanding young man who is reliable, patient, responsible, and has an excellent sense of self. He is beginning to think about life after high school which might include enlisting in the Marine Corps.
Liam's project was to restore the public benches at Fort Sewall. Once all stakeholders were on board, the service team that he recruited needed to disassemble, sand, replace damaged boards, reassemble, and place them back into the proper location. Each of these benches provides phenomenal views of Marblehead Harbor for residents and visitors to enjoy. This project consumed a total of 230 hours of planning and implementation.
Want to read more about Liam's Eagle Scout service project or Fort Sewall, click on Read More...
Each year Reading Rotary partners with the community for the Adopt-a-Family project for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Rotary works with the local organization ReadingCares and the Town to coordinate this long-standing community giving program. Receiving families are matched anonymously with donor families and/or groups to provide meals for Thanksgiving and meals and gifts at Christmas. Donor drop off in the first shift, then recipient families pick up their food and gifts during a later shift.
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 Gregg Johnson and John Douglass.
Rotary District 7930 received a grant from The Rotary Foundation to help with COVID relief and was able to provide St. Francis House (SFH) personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff who engage in face-to-face mental health services, and to assist with its food program. St. Francis House, in Downtown Boston, is the largest day shelter in Massachusetts, serving an average of 500 poor and homeless men and women a day, 365 days a year.
The funding District 7930 received from the Foundation was augmented by donations from a number of local Rotary Clubs, as well as from Rotary Clubs in Kyoto, which is Boston’s sister city. The other local beneficiary of the Rotary grant is Care Dimensions, which offers hospice and palliative care services throughout Eastern Massachusetts.
Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Presents a Free Concert For All! Virtual Benefit Concert on December 12
Dear friends near and far: this has been a difficult year, and many of our beloved holiday traditions have had to be set aside. With this in mind, the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is offering a special gift to all music lovers who want a virtual way to celebrate the holidays. The annual Holiday Pops Concert for 2020 will be offered online at no cost. This is our way of making the season bright!
ClubRunner has done a pretty amazing job improving their mobile app this year. We highly recommend that you install the new ClubRunner mobile app on your phone so that you can interact better with your own Rotary Club as well as with District 7930.
The new mobile app now also includes all the information that you would normally look up in the printed district directory, but you can now have it all right in your pocket on your phone all the time.
Join the Peabody Rotary Club on Monday, November 23, 2020 for our 2nd Virtual Trivia Night! Kick back with a beverage or two and help the Peabody Rotary Club in supporting service projects throughout the City.
What a perfect way to kick off a week of giving thanks!
"Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast." --William Shakespeare
The Bishop Fenwick Interact Club, along with the assistance of members of the Peabody Rotary Club, provided leaf cleanup services to four homes needing assistance, where the homeowners are currently going through Cancer treatments. The Interact Club was able to assist, following all Covid-19 safe measures. Nice work BFIC!
TBM Rotary is conducting a fundraising raffle to benefit the Tri-Town Food Pantries and other community programs sponsored by the Club. The prize is a 2.1cubic foot freezer (Valued at $250) plus $250 in food gift cards. You can order your entries by email by sending a message to TBMRotary66@gmail.com. Tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $20. The drawing will be held live on Facebook @TBMRotary on December 20, 2020.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently hosted its second hybrid meeting since COVID-19 restrictions began. Meeting both in-person, with socially distanced protocol, and offering a simultaneous meeting online, the group gathered to greet one another and complete a double service project. Wakefield Rotary President John Tramontozzi explained, “During these difficult times, Wakefield Rotarians recognize the need and desire to connect with our members regularly. About once a month, when we perform a service project, those who are able to participate in person are welcome to do so with proposer CDC guidelines including face coverings and social distancing.”
Danvers Rotary Club recently held a ceremony at Endicott Park to donate a covered picnic pavilion to the Town of Danvers. The dedication was attended by the Town Manager, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, town employees, and Rotarians. The $78,000 project was started in the spring of 2019 and required approval from numerous town boards. Coordinated by Danvers Rotarians, the 24’ x 44’ structure was ordered from Engineered Wood Structures in Holland, Michigan and assembled by a local contractor. Park staff will rent the pavilion for family reunions, birthday parties, and other events.
If you can imagine a Winter Wonderland filled with beautiful children’s voices, holiday stories, lovely orchestral music, solos and duets, Santa Claus and Chanukah, all sprinkled with Marblehead memories and tributes, then you will begin to see what HOLIDAY POPS REIMAGINED 2020 will be. The virtual concert will take on Saturday December 12 at 7:00 pm. It’s FREE, though donations are welcome. The virtual concert can be viewed on Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Facebook page.
This informative evening will be led by Elizabeth Davis, Rotary International Annual Giving Officer and will focus on your Annual Fund and how to use these funds to make an impact in your community and around the world!
This month’s meeting will feature guest speaker Fred Mullins, who works for VIAS Imports, a wine importer; and wine varietals from the Piemonte (Piedmont), Italy region.
The Marblehead Rotary Club and Lynch van Otterlook YMCA will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday, October 25, 2020, 10am-3pm.
Advance appointments are required. No walk-ins will be accepted. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “schedule an appointment” or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All Successful Donors will get a free COVID antibody test.
Congratulations to all Rotarians in District 7930 for their contributions, hard work and commitment to our Foundation, with special thanks to the District Foundation Committee, the District Million Dollar Journey committee and the District Polio/Polar Plunge committee for making our year a huge success!
Ipswich High School Interact is a Rotary sponsored service club sanctioned by the Ipswich Public Schools and advised by Ipswich Rotary. Last week, the club leaders presented their plans for two new service projects at the weekly meeting of the Rotary club, currently held on Zoom.
Just in time for the holidays, the Ipswich Rotary Club has announced its new “IpswichRowley-opoly” game for $30 per game. All proceeds from the sales of the game will benefit the on-going work of the club during the pandemic.
Like its predecessor issued many years ago, this collector game board features many local businesses and professionals who generously support our club during this fundraiser. Be among the first to collect $300 when you pass “Bank Gloucester,” receive a Chamber Card from the “Ipswich Y,” or purchase the “Institution for Savings Depot Square” branch for just $200. All in play money, of course. If you enjoy “Monopoly”, you’ll enjoy playing this game with all the local fun built in.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead has been hard at work reimagining its traditional Holiday Pops Concert, to continue its long-standing tradition of community celebration at holiday time. Despite the challenges of these times. Rotary Club President Patricia Sullivan and Concert chairs Judith Black, Betty Lautner and Jessica Barnett have created a new virtual format that will be full of music, local talent, sing- a-longs and holiday memories from Marbleheaders.
Holiday Pops Reimagined 2020 will take place on Saturday evening, December 12, at 7:00 pm. Gather together with a few special friends and family to enjoy a delightful evening of holiday cheer. A donation of $50 will reserve a space for you and your group, providing access to the concert.
The Wakefield Rotary Club never stopped meeting during the COVID-19 crisis. Like many, it just moved online, and members have been meeting weekly each Tuesday. Club President John Tramontozzi commented, “I looked forward to these meetings every week. Being disconnected from people, this was a welcome interaction.” But recently the club decided to try to host a hybrid meeting, an effort to ensure safety while giving an opportunity to do a service project. Members were offered a socially-distanced in-person meeting as well as an opportunity to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom.
Please enjoy an introductory talk by Connor Lapresi, Area Director and Club President of The Last Word Toastmasters International in Burlington, MA, as well as two breakout sessions on Membership and Transitioning during the Pandemic. (click read more to skip to a specific point in video)
The Cambridge Rotary Club invites you to support local charities and showcase your artwork by participating in the virtual "Chalk on Your Walk" event. Due to COVID, the annual "Chalk on the Walk" fundraiser in Harvard Square was cancelled. However, the groups served by the Cambridge Rotary need help more than ever!
The event will showcase artwork by artists and children online. Not only will this support many local charities, it will be a great way to document this unusual time through art.
With the assistance of a special District grant for First Responders, the Rotary Club of Cambridge donated much needed disposable gloves and face masks to Cambridge's Finest.
It's time to connect again to achieve our common goals of community service projects!BBRC appreciates the opportunity of helping other Rotary Clubs in fundraising projects and now BBRC needs your help fundraising to help support-- 1. National Ataxia Foundation 2. Rise Against Hunger 3. ongoing assistance to local senior citizens, scout troops, and more
This year's Flags for Heroes Dedication Ceremony will be held on November 8 at 1pm. Arlington Rotary has dedicated this year's installment to the Corona Virus Heroes and in memory of Corona Virus Victims.
Please consider sponsoring a flag in honor or memory of your hero. They may be men and women who are serving or have served as 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 on Park Avenue from October 25th through November 11th. To sponsor a flag for $30 or more info please visit http://arlingtonmarotaryflags.org for details.All proceeds of this fundraiser will help support Arlington Rotary Club Scholarship program and other projects the club supports in Arlington.
Members of Arlington Rotary Club answered the call for donations from the Bedford VA Hospital. The club and the Arlington community came together to donate over 400 books, 400 DVDs, 100 pairs of sweatpants and 100 CDs.Thank you for club member, Paul Buckley, for spearheading this effort. The Bedford VA has provided Paul with a list of other items the hospital is in need of, if you are interested in joining the cause please contact him at arlexins@gmail.com for more info.
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary, a small but mighty Club, once again is shining brighter. BBRC is expanding and thriving. Its "People of Action" honor Rotary’s motto of "Service Above Self." As Rotarians, in our quest to make a difference in society, Rotary indeed opened opportunities by installing its first International Satellite member in India. This showcase project may present a template/model for other clubs as well in Rotary District 7930 and beyond.
The Newburyport Club has a great service project coming up Saturday, September 26, 2020. The club will be helping Operation Warming Hearts and the Salvation Army preparing, assembling and delivering 300 meals to the greater Newburyport area as well as notes and cards with positive messages, words of encouragement or even a homemade greeting card. Volunteers are needed to pick up food, prep and package food and deliver meals. Could you or your family write notes or cards? What a fun family project it could be! For information or to volunteer, contact Marion Spark at marion.spark@nemoves.com.
The Peabody Rotary Club and Granite Coast Brewing Company will host an online general knowledge trivia game on Thursday, September 24, to benefit the club’s local scholarship fund.
Teams of up to six players will use their preferred digital device to compete in several rounds of trivia from the comfort of their own home. Hosted by Crew Ryan of Captain Crew’s Question Cruise, participants will have the opportunity to discuss their answers with their teammates, even if they are not playing from the same physical location. Prizes and raffles will also be awarded.
Receiving the Rotary Citation is an honor bestowed on clubs who have achieved the goals set forth by the RI President. I am honored to announce that 24 Clubs in D7930 received the Rotary Citation from Past President Mark Maloney for Rotary year 2019-2020!
All Rotarians and friends/families are welcome to join us. Fellowships no longer require you to be a Rotarian, to join so please invite friends/family who are wine lovers!
Our September and October virtual tasting program will be led by Rotarian Gene Pellerano from Ellsworth/D7790. Gene has worked in a wine shop for 20 years and will be organizing the meetings/speaker/wine varietals. More info to follow. If you wish to join us in September please email Joan Arsenault at CorksNCapsWine@gmail.com.
The District 7930 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee will host a workshop and discussion on Diversity Equity and Inclusion featuring Dr. "Bowtie" Todd Jenkins, Founder and CEO of Bowtie Leadership and Development, Inc., a global leadership management training and coaching firm with a focus on bringing diverse people together to increase individual or organizational productivity and performance.
Although a date has not been set the DE&I Committee is anticipating late October or early November. This will be a virtual event via Zoom and all Rotarians are invited to attend. When you register for the event you may also submit any questions for Dr. Jenkins and the DE&I Committee.
Further details and information will be released shortly.
22 clubs responded to participate in the 25K Disaster Grant awarded to D7930 from RI. Each club will be reimbursed $426 for the purchase of PPE for Police/Fire Departments and First Responders. Congratulations to the following Rotary Clubs:Amesbury, Belle Isle, Burlington Breakfast, Burlington, Cambridge, Chelsea, Gloucester, Gr. Salem, Hamilton-Wenham, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lynn, Manchester-Essex, Marblehead, Marblehead Harbor, Methuen, Peabody, Reading, Boston Rotaract, Salem, TBM and Winchester.
Deadline to submit photos extended to Sunday, September 27, 2020.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2021 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s many community and international activities. In Order to publish a beautiful calendar, the Club is requesting high quality digital photos that reflect the amazing communities of Cape Ann throughout the year—photos that reflect what the photographer feels “community” means to him/her, whether it is a person, place or event. As we will be featuring one photo per month, we need images from each season: winter, spring, summer and fall. Photographs from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester will be accepted. Click here for full contest rules and requirements. All entries must be received by Sunday, September 27, 2020.
The Boston 7 Rotary Club is excited to welcome Rotary International Vice President, Johrita Solari as a special speaker to their October 7 zoom meeting at 6:30pm. Visitors are encouraged and may register for this meeting here. For information, contact Boston 7 President David Manzi at david.manzi201@gmail.com.
Johrita Solari is board chair and chief visionary officer of Solari Enterprises Inc., a property management company with 300 team members specializing in affordable rental housing. The company, which she co-founded with her husband, Bruce, was inspired by Rotary’s guiding ethical principles. “The Four-Way Test hangs in our lobby, and every team member sees it as they come into work,” Solari says.
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club in an effort to assist seniors and others having difficulty with technology and how to use a variety of electronic devices, is introducing a “Technology Assistance Program” This novel community service initiative is designed to connect seniors and computer challenged individuals with others via technology. This service is especially timely during this unprecedented period of the coronavirus in place of traditional, person to person meetings and get-togethers.
22nd Annual Manchester Essex Rotary / Landing Restaurant Golf Tournament Tuesday, October 6, 2020 12:30 Shotgun Start Florida Scramble or Best Ball Format The Meadow at Peabody Golf Course 80 Granite Street, Peabody MA 01960
It our pleasure to announce to you that the African region has just been certified wild poliovirus-free.
Rotary members have played an invaluable role in the effort to rid the African region of wild polio. We should be proud of all the hard work that we’ve done to eliminate the wild poliovirus throughout Africa and in nearly every country in the world.
This progress is the result of a decades-long effort across the 47 countries of the African region. It has involved millions of health workers traveling by foot, boat, bike and bus, innovative strategies to vaccinate children amid conflict and insecurity, and a huge disease surveillance network to test cases of paralysis and check sewage for the virus.
Over the last two decades, countless Rotary members in countries across the African region and around the world have worked together to raise funds, immunize children, advocate with local and national leaders, and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, enabling the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to effectively respond to and stop polio outbreaks.
This milestone is an incredible public health achievement for Rotary members, the African region, and our GPEI partners, and a huge step forward on the road to global polio eradication. But we still have important work to do in order to eradicate wild polio in the last two endemic countries.
We have faced many challenges in our journey to eradicate polio. But we’ve made remarkable progress, and the polio infrastructure that Rotarians helped build will serve as a lasting legacy that will continue to help protect vulnerable children against other diseases for decades to come.
We are calling on you today to recommit yourselves to ending polio. We need each and every one of you to help finish this fight and continue raising $50 million each year for PolioPlus. The eradication of wild polio in the African region shows us that polio eradication is achievable, and shows how our hard work, partnerships and financial commitment continue to propel us forward, even during a global pandemic.
Thank you for your continued efforts, for achieving a wild polio-free African region, and for remaining committed to fulfilling our promise of a polio-free world.
Sincerely,
Holger Knaack President, Rotary International
K.R. Ravindran
Chair, The Rotary Foundation
Rotary International President Holger Knaack and Nigeria National PolioPlus Chair Dr. Tunji Funsho congratulate Rotarians on eradicating wild polio in the African Region. Watch here.
In 1996, the great African leader Nelson Mandela launched the Kick Polio Out of Africa campaign with Rotary International’s support, setting out a vision for a polio-free Africa. At the time, wild polio paralyzed 75,000 children each year. Today, August 25, 2020, after four years without a single case of wild polio, the World Health Organization will make an announcement during a live stream from 10am to 12pm EST.
The summer may be almost over but the BBQ is not! September lends itself to great grilling in the back yard or deck with family & friends (at a social distance) or just you and your partner. So what wines can still capture the summer magic?
For the next tasting, IPDG & wine connoisor Suzanne will lead us through a tasting of two varietals: white: Vinho Verde (Portugal) & red: Cote du Rhone. The Vinho Verde should be served very chilled and would be great with Shrimp from the grill tossed with lemon and garlic, fresh tomatoes and fresh basil. Cote du Rhone is generally lighter than many reds and accompanies most any meat from the grill (beef, pork, lamb sausages); serve preferably at about 68F.
You will hear more about these wines during our August 30th tasting at 5 PM via ZOOM. In addition, Conrad Heede President of RI RWAF will also be joining us.
The Marblehead Rotary Club hosted a special webinar for it's weekly Zoom meeting on August 11th, with guest speaker Pulitzer-Prize winner and White House Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, Mr. Phil Rucker. Mr. Rucker previously has covered Congress, the Obama White House, and the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns. Rucker also is co-author of "A Very Stable Genius". He joined The Post in 2005 as a local news reporter.
During the meeting, Mr. Rucker was interviewed by two local journalists, Christine Stevens of the Marblehead Reporter and William Dowd of the Salem Gazette and Swampscott Reporter. Webinar attendees had the opportunity to submit questions in advance and during the webinar. Host for the evening was Arthur Schwartz, the President of the Marblehead Rotary Club.
The webinar was recorded and if you missed it you can now watch the recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WeRmLmFwW54
Marblehead Interview with Pulitzer Prize Winner on YouTube
The Amesbury Rotary Club invites you to attend their August 26 meeting with Dr. Todd "Bowtie" Jenkins and a presentation "Moving from Diversity to Inclusive Opportunities for All." The RI 2020 Presidential theme is “Rotary Opens Opportunities” and we are charged to grow rotary and ensure it is an invitation to endless opportunities! The best way to grow, is to inspire and motivate existing members and to look for potential members who are missing. This presentation is not your ordinary diversity talk, so be prepared to get inspired, learn and have fun!
Click "Read More" for Dr. Todd "Bowtie" Jenkins bio.
The Rotary Foundation has approved D7930’s disaster response grant application for $25,000. $15,625 of the grant monies have been distributed to those who responded to a district-wide call for action for PPE last spring when COVID first hit us hard. The following agencies have received PPE for the amount of $3,125: Care Dimensions, Sunrise of Lynnfield Senior Living, SeniorCare Inc., Arlington Visiting Nurses and Community Care, and Beverly/Swampscott AFC Urgent Care.
In addition, $9,375 is slated for Police/Fire Departments and First Responders across the district. If your club is interested in supplying PPE to your local police/fire dept/first responders, please email PDG Joan Arsenault at joan@massteximaging.com by midnight of August 31, 2020 (this is a firm deadline). You will then receive information on how to proceed with this grant. Thank you. Congrats D7930!
PDG Joan
D7930 Receives RI Disaster Grant for Covid-19 Relief
Downtown Boston Rotary Club will host a virtual fundraising jazz/funk concert on Friday August 28, 2020, 6-8pm. All proceeds will go to our community partner — St. Francis House — a homeless shelter here in Boston. Our performers will be Boston-based The Kenmore Quartet.
To secure a ticket, Venmo $25 or more to @DowntownBostonRotary.
We're excited to end the summer on a high note and to show that the pandemic will not stop us from pursuing our fundraising endeavors in a perfectly safe way. Anyone anywhere can attend so please help us get the word out. We hope to see you there!
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
Jones will officially become president-nominee on October 1, 2020, if no other candidates challenge her.
At the last DEI committee meeting on July 30, we discussed the latest version of a draft document of how to help clubs become more inclusive and inviting to a broader audience. This will be rolled out to Assistant Governors and to clubs in the coming months. If you are interested in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Rotary, please consider attending our next call, and potentially joining the committee. More information about the D7930 DEI Committee.
Please join the Marblehead Rotary Club for a special meeting on Aug 11, 2020 at 6:00 PM that will be conducted as a webinar. Our guest will be Pulitzer-Prize winner & White House Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, Mr. Phil Rucker.
Mr. Rucker previously has covered Congress, the Obama White House, and the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns. Rucker also is co-author of "A Very Stable Genius". He joined The Post in 2005 as a local news reporter.
Calling all Wine Lovers! Join us on Sunday, August 30, at 5 pm for the next Corks & Caps D7790-7930 Wine Appreciation Local Chapter of RWAF. Our Wine Leader will be PDG Conrad Heede, current President of RI's RWAF. All Rotarians and non-Rotarians are welcome to attend so please invite others. If planning on joining us, email Joan at CorksNCapsWine@gmail.com. The zoom link, info on specific wine varietals for tasting and how to join our wine chapter will be provided. Hope to see you on August 30th! Cheers & Clink!
Corks & Caps D7790-7930 Wine Appreciation Meet
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, 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 21, 2020.
Nominations for District Governor for 2023-2024 are Now Being Accepted
Cathy Gravel received Rotarian of the Year for the Rotary Club of Peabody 2019-2020 Centennial Year at a social distanced celebration on June 25th.Cathy is the kind of Rotarian you want in any club. The kind that always says yes. The kind that volunteers proactively to fill the gaps.
A top priority for Rotary District 7930 is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve and are inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities. To that extent, our district Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee is excited to announce that we have not only added many more (and diverse) members to our committee, but also created a new page on our district website that includes both Rotary and non-Rotary resources to help you with training, background information, and assessments regarding unconscious bias, creating an inclusive environment, and taking a clear anti-racist stance.
Five years ago, a few dedicated Rotarians got together to form the first community-based ElderAct Club in the world-- the Elderact Club of Marblehead & Swampscott. This year's annual report shows that the combined efforts of the 21 member club provided over 4,434 hours of service!
For this Wine Fellowship we have a special guest, Zahava Kraicer, Tasting Room Manager at Frank Family Vineyards.
Zahava will be talking to us about Napa Valley as a region. We will talk about soil, climate, barrels, wine labeling and the grape varietals that grow in the valley. You may download a map of the Napa Valley, which we will be referring to throughout the talk.
The Downtown Boston Rotary Club is kicking off the new Rotary year working on an international grant that will benefit up to 15,000 women and girls, and would love your support!
By partnering with Rotary clubs in Ghana and around the world, as well as experts in the field and several non-profit organizations, DBRC is working to address menstrual health management in rural Ghana, which affects women and girls who lack access to sanitary products, as well as hygienic, safe spaces in which to use them. Menstruation causes 1 in 10 young women to miss school, some dropping out altogether. Affected individuals may also face increased risk of disease and/or social stigma. Access to safe and affordable menstrual health management resources for young women in Africa is crucial for their long-term health and economic empowerment.
Throughout the past year, Boston Rotaract had a positive impact in the Greater Boston community! The club is proud of their growth and fundraising efforts for both local and international service projects.
Boston Rotaract celebrates 2019-2020 Accomplishments
The last few months have been unlike anything we have ever seen, and as a Rotarian I am proud of our ability to adapt and respond in our communities and around the world. I have presented ShelterBox to clubs in “virtual” meetings across the country and have witnessed how Rotary efforts are making a difference. It is inspirational.
Total Rotary club and individual Rotarian support for ShelterBox USA in District 7930 (through 6/26/2020) is $7,827!
Four D7930 clubs contributed $2,477 of the total donations, including the Bronze Donors Interact Club of Marblehead High School and the Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford, Middleton.
On my last day as District Governor, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your time, talent and commitment to your club and our district over the past year.
For me, this past year as District Governor has been an unbelievable experience and something I wouldn't trade for the world! All of D7930’s successes are yours and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have accomplished. It’s been an amazing flamingo journey and one that I’ll cherish forever!!!
Wishing my very best to 2020-2021 District Governor Betsy, the upcoming Presidents and the DG track as they continue D7930’s journey. I know they will have a stellar year!!
I’m proud to have been a part of your team. It has been a privilege!!
The Newburyport Rotary Club is proud to announce their 2020 scholarship recipients.
1. Norman H. Russell Memorial Scholarship of $3,000 goes to Bridget Lane of Newburyport from Newburyport High School.
2. George A. Cashman Community Service Scholarship of $3,000 goes to Annemarie Noe of Newburyport from Newburyport High School
3. Norman H. Russell Memorial Scholarship of $3,000 goes to Fay Paicos of Salisbury from Triton High School.
The club interviewed several students from both Newburyport High School and Triton remotely via Zoom. The committee had a difficult choice but felt these students rose to the top and deserved their support through the scholarships.
The Newburyport Club was fortunate to have the awardees attend their weekly Rotary meeting today via Zoom.
Maine native, Bowdoin College graduate and founder of the Healthy Learner project in Zambia Lonnie Hackett has been named the winner of the 2020 Rotary Zone 32 Donald MacRae Peace Award. Healthy Learners is a non-profit organization working in Zambia to deliver health care to vulnerable children by educating elementary school administrators and teachers to recognize illness in their students and provide them access to government clinics in their communities.
The award is named in honor of Halifax Rotarian Donald MacRae who first proposed that Rotary promote goodwill and peace among nations in 1918. The award is for outstanding achievement in advancing international understanding, goodwill, and peace. Zone 32 consists of more than 1000 Rotary Clubs from Bermuda to Canada as well as parts of the United States.
RI President Mark Maloney shared on Facebook today (June 26, 2020) that Rotary International has created a new area of focus: supporting the environment. This new area of focus to support the environment will give Rotarians and Rotaractors even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact. Learn more: https://on.rotary.org/3i4zNxl
On 4 May 1987, the US Supreme Count changed the face of Rotary International forever. On that date the Court unanimously ruled that Rotary couldn't discriminate based on sex and they had to admit women into local Rotary Clubs. The Council on Legislation followed up soon after changing the by-laws and constitution of our organization.
Greater Salem Rotary Club, in connection with the owner of the Common Man Restaurant (whose owner is a Rotarian), organized MaskUpNH.com-- delivering masks over the weekend at the Salem NH High School.
Our district is down 77 members as of June 10. Please remember to add members on or before 30 June to count for the current Rotary year, 2019-20. Clubs are still inducting members, so do your best to continue to attract members during this time!! If you’re planning a virtual induction ceremony, consider having the new member induction video from RI President Mark Daniel Maloney ready to show.
In February, D7930 Rotarians were given the challenge to perform 10,000 Acts of Peace before the end of the fiscal year-- June 30, 2020. The amazing Rotarians in our district blew that goal out of the water so quickly that the goal was reset to 20,000 Acts of Peace. As of June 15, we are at 20,028 and still counting!
Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will link you with Rotary and Rotaract members from around the world. Sign up now for this free online event that takes place 20-26 June. Our first virtual convention is open to all Rotary members and participants.
It is with great sadness that I inform you that Past District Governor Steve May, from District 7930, has passed away. He was formerly a member of the Rotary Club of Reading. Steve was District Governor from 2010 to 2011, and also served as a Club president, District Foundation Chair, and Assistant Governor. He was a Paul Harris Major Donor. Steve relocated to Florida, and is being laid to rest there.
The Rotary Club of Downtown Boston would like to thank the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario for sharing the International Rotary Fellowship with us during our club's first online meeting. We had over 50 attendees and our guest speaker of the month was Jeff Werner- former Executive Director of the New England Carpenter benefits Fund. The topics covered ranged from business planning to a nationally recognized extended care program. Despite being compelled by the current circumstances to hold our meeting virtually, we were pleased that this online medium allowed us to connect briefly with our fellow Canadian Rotarians.
In a deadly fire at a house in Burlington, the owner of the house and his mother lost their lives. BBRC Rotarians Ray Graber, Kevin McKelvey, Pooja Singla and Taufiq Sheikh of Brookline's Bank set up an account to help with the funeral services. Contribution from BBRC Rotarians, Brookline Bank and some community help, the family was presented with $750 to help with funeral arrangements. The club's efforts were truly appreciated!
At the June 10th business meeting and memorial service, Rotary District 7930 remembered all the Rotarians who have passed in the last twelve months. Even though it was an online event, it was a very moving ceremony and many members spoke out after the memorial to share their thoughts about those that have left us.
Come one, come all and join with the celebration of the wonderful job our current club President's have accomplished this year and welcome our new Presidents for the new Rotary year, 2020-21. This will be a unique and very different installation for District 7930 but we need to band together and celebrate!
D7930 announces the results of the recent vote for Council on Legislation Representative and alternate and the RI Nominating Committee Representative and alternate.
The Beverly Rotary Club has served its community for almost a century. Today, our help is needed more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a health and economic crisis that has not been seen in our lifetimes, and our neighbors are hurting.
That’s why we created the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, and seeded it with more than $11,000 in pledges from Beverly Rotarians.
We know that money will run out quickly. That is why we are launching the Care From Your Chair fundraiser later this month. You don’t have to leave your house to help your neighbors -- you can simply log on to the internet and make a bid on any one of dozens of fun items, including: Artwork, Jewelry, Fine furniture, Gift cards, Golf outings, and Sports memorabilia.
In February, D7930 Rotarians were given the challenge to perform 10,000 Acts of Peace before the end of the fiscal year-- June 30, 2020. The amazing Rotarians in our district blew that goal out of the water so quickly that the goal was reset to 20,000 Acts of Peace. As of June 3, we are at 18,259-- only 1,741 away from our doubled goal!
Twenty-three wine lovers crossing three states and two districts, met May 31 for a wonderful wine tasting of two wine varietals: Pinot Grigio and Zinfandel. DG Suzanne from D7790 led us in tasting and tips on how to taste wines, the reason for corks versus twist caps, and what glasses are recommended for sipping white versus red wines. An overall fun, fun, fun time!
Our next Local Chapter of RWAF is slated for Sunday June 28th at 5 pm. Our very own DGND Alexander Falk will be leading the tasting of Grüner Veltliner - a grape variety that is grown primarily in Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic and Sangiovese - an Italian grape varietal that is best known for its role in Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, as well as many "Super Tuscans." We will also be sharing food pairings with these two wines. Hope you can join us. Open to Rotarians, Spouses and Friends. More info to follow via Club Runner. If interested in joining us, you can also contact DG Joan at joan@massteximaging.com.
As you know, the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation is where our voluntary $100 per year donation under the Every Rotarian Every Year program goes, but let's keep in mind the wonderful SHARE model of the Rotary Foundation: 50% of all the funds donated to the Annual Fund come back to our district three years later in the form of District Designated Funds (DDFs), which we can then deploy for both global grants and district-managed grants to help our Rotary Clubs do wonderful projects - both in their communities and around the world. For example, this year the following are just some of the projects we supported with DDFs: Service Dog, Backpacks for Children in Need, Covid Food Relief, as well as global projects such as toilets in India, etc.
As this Rotary year comes to an unusual end in less than a month, I wanted to ask you for your help. Think about the many Rotary District 7930 in-person events you have missed this spring, and how much money you have saved on drinks, dinners, and gas mileage... we would really appreciate it, if you could donate some of those monies to the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation right now: https://my.rotary.org/en/donate and make sure that Annual Fund is checked. Thank you so much!!
Let's multitask in our efforts to fight viruses! In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we still have a promise to keep to the world's children - ending the preventable scourge of polio. Please join Polio Plus Chair Michael McGovern and Rotary Foundation Trustee Julia Phelps for a Livestream on June 10th. And join us in donating at least $10 to The Rotary Foundation's PolioPlus fund during the week of June 8-17 at: https://www.endpolio.org/donate.
Those of us lucky to be working from home should consider chipping in a little of the lunch money we've been saving. Ditto the meeting meals we haven't purchased holding Rotary meetings on Zoom. And remember, every dollar we give becomes three with the Gates Foundation match!
The Rotary Club of Burlington recently donated 150 pounds of food to the People Helping People Food Pantry in Burlington. The PHP Food Pantry serves an average of 155 families per month and it spiked to 184 families in March due to the COVID 19 virus crisis. Pictured left-to-right; Roger Bell – Rotary Club of Burlington President, Jane McIninch and Cheryl Barnes - People Helping People Co-Coordinators.
Learn about the Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship (RWAF)
Join DG Joan Arsenault and DG Suzanne Uhl-Melanson for an evening of fun sipping on wine while hearing about the new RWAF Chapter being formed in our two districts. This evening we will be tasting the following wines: Pinot Grigio and Zinfandel. Purchase one of each and consider choosing a wine from these varietals that you have never tried. We will be comparing tasting notes and hearing about the characteristics of each grape variety. And of course we will want you all to share what you have brought to the tasting. You will also hear about the specifics of joining the Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship (RWAF) Chapter as well as plans for future wine events.
Partners are also encouraged to attend.
See you on the 31st for our first "sipping" adventure!
DG’s Joan & Suzanne Joan Arsenault – District Governor 2019/2020, District 7930 Suzanne Uhl-Melanson - District Governor 2019/2020, District 7790
Fellow Rotarians, I received the following email from PDG Donna Lee Rubin recently on the status of our international service mission to Cebu in the Philippines.
“I’m saddened to say that due to the global travel restrictions and the uncertainty of the spread of the pandemic, we must postpone the 2020 mission to Cebu. I have notified PDG Anton in Cebu who will communicate with the sponsoring Rotary Club , patient recruiters , hospital and volunteers. They are truly admirable, loyal and so hard working. We are so appreciative of the ongoing enthusiasm and support from the clubs and donors in my dear District 7930. You are all so special to me and I miss you…
What an impact D7930 has made globally having sponsored missions since 2001 which is when I brought Rotaplast to Massachusetts and beyond in our Zones.I was DG and went on the first district sponsored mission to Bolivia just weeks after 911 and the full Boston team all stayed on the team to join the mission. It was fabulous and was the platform for helping so many children in need globally for years to come.
Now in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be canceling missions through at least July 2021. We hope to get out on the other side of this and resume future missions. Hopefully D7930 will be there to sponsor the next mission to Cebu.
The Inter Country Committee (ICC) Austria-Germany-USA was formed a year ago at the Rotary International Convention 2019 in Hamburg, Germany, and had an online meeting conducted via Zoom on May 18, 2020. Participants from Rotary districts in the three countries collaborate to help define future projects that will be conducted in a cooperative effort between those countries. Participating from Rotary District 7930 were DG Joan Arsenault, DGND Alexander Falk, and Martha Mauser, past and future president of the Ipswich Rotary Club as well as Inbound Coordinator for District 7930 in the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
Inter Country Committee Austria-Germany-USA Meeting
On Saturday morning, May 16, Reading Memorial High School Senior Class Advisors and Parents along with Rotarians planted an array of lawn signs with each graduating Senior’s picture and the message “We Love Our Seniors Reading Memorial High School Class of 2020.” The signs are arranged in front of the Reading Town Hall facing the Reading Common. The display was set up as a surprise to students and their families and was spearheaded by Senior parent Mrs. Kathy Kinney and sponsored by Reading Rotary. The signs were printed by Art Hayden of Hayden Specialties in Wilmington
The Rotary Club of Burlington purchased and donated 7 Bleeding Control Kits to the Burlington Public School System late last year. Bleeding Control Kits are designed to provide essential equipment that empowers the general public to take action as immediate responders in stopping life-threatening bleeding caused by traumatic injuries. Pictured left to right – Rotary Club of Burlington President Roger Bell, Burlington Fire Fighter Lt. Mark Saia, Burlington Police Lt. Glen Mills, Burlington Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Conti and Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent.
Burlington Donates Bleeding Control Kits to Schools
From the Department of Many Hands Make Light Work……
Recently, the Rotary Clubs of Manchester-Essex, Gloucester, Rockport and Beverly assisted in delivering Ryan and Wood Hand Sanitizer to deserving folks in the communities.
In March of this year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bob and Kathy Ryan, owners of Ryan and Wood Distillery in Gloucester, halted their thriving spirits production to focus on making hand sanitizer. The recipe, made from their vodka distillate, hydrogen peroxide and glycerol, came from recommended guidelines set forth by the World Health Organization. Production has been brisk, with each 500 gallon batch disappearing off the shelves as fast as they’re put up. Bob and Kathy have been generously donating to medical facilities and essential organizations. Bob reached out to the area Rotary Clubs to see if they would help get the sanitizer to folks we know of in our communities who could benefit from it.
We did it! We met our goal of 10,000 Acts of Peace!
Let’s keep it going! With all of the service in our communities occurring due to COVID19, I would like to challenge us to get to 20,000 Acts by June 15th. Let’s celebrate our Acts of Peace at the Virtual District Installation on June 25th.
You are invited to an incredible evening with First Lady of Massachusetts Lauren Baker on Tuesday, May 19, at 7pm via Zoom. This amazing evening will be a fireside chat format with First Lady Lauren Baker. Hear about the Mass Coronavirus Relief Fund and its impact on our communities. There will be an opportunity for Q&A during the meeting.
Questions related to Mass Coronavirus Relief Fund are being collected prior to the webinar. To submit your question, contact Lori Karas at lori.karas@outlook.com prior to the event.
We are looking forward to you joining us. What a great opportunity about hearing what is happening in the state as well how this fund is impacting the people in areas where we work, live and serve.
This fireside chat webinar has been recorded, and you can now watch on YouTube, if you missed the live event: https://youtu.be/_tgywnGXXJc
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is giving $250 gift certificates to qualified applicants who lost their jobs due to Covid-19. The certificates are meant to help Marblehead residents purchase food and other basic necessities from town grocers. “Our goal is help individuals who have been laid off from ‘non-essential’ positions who may have been receiving an hourly wage and/or surviving on tips,” said club President Kathleen Murphy. “They are financially the most at risk group, struggling to pay for food and essentials.”
The Marblehead Harbor has so far raised $6,700 and continues to fundraise to provide as much assistance as possible.
Reading Rotary is delighted to announce that it recently received a donation of $1,000 from Cummings Properties. Cummings Community Giving seeks to recognize and support communities of its staff, clients, volunteers and associates. The gift was made in honor of and at the recommendation of John Bogosian of Reading. John is a much-appreciated volunteer of the Cummings Foundation.
The Rotary Club of Burlington located,obtained and distributed 2 cases of sterile gloves to the town's Public Safety front line departments today. Club President Roger Bell is pictured here with Burlington Fire Chief Michael Patterson.
On Wednesday, May 6th, CEO Scott Doll of The Global Impact Group (TGIG) discussed Rotary's relationship with TGIG and Volunteer Surge and how we can use tele-support to Reach Those Who Are Physically Isolated. This Zoom call was recorded, and if you missed the live meeting, you can now watch it here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5prBNSvxQr0
Any Rotary Club wishing to participate in a Rotary Foundation Global Grant and/or District Managed Grant must have at least two members qualified to manage grants. To qualify your Rotary Club, please follow these important three steps:
1. Watch a 16-minute Grant Management Seminar 2. Take a short Grant Qualification Quiz 3. Electronically sign the Memorandum of Understanding
Rotary District 7930 "Roared into the Twenties" last Thursday night (April 30) at our first virtual District event, as we celebrated the 100 year anniversaries of the Lawrence, Malden, and Peabody Clubs!
DG Joan led the evening with proclamations of the multitude of accomplishments each club has experienced over the past 100 years, and Rotary International President Mark Maloney presented the keynote talk, reminding us that Rotary Connects the World. Music from the twenties and a chat to catch up with friends after the formal proceeds rounded out the evening.
Congratulations to the Lawrence, Malden and Peabody Clubs on your centennial anniversary!
During this unprecedented time in history, we are reminded of the tremendous importance of essential workers in our community. This realization has sparked discussions among Rotary Clubs on ways in which they can assist and support their communities during this time of crisis. Many of these discussions have been interesting and productive.
The Essential Worker Thank You Sign program of the Stoneham Rotary Club was formed as a result of these conversations. The program offers a way to combine visual support for the workers who are not able to stay home during this critical time with financially supporting Covid-19 relief efforts. Essential workers include doctors, nurses, technicians and other hospital staff, EMTs, police officers, firefighters, transit personnel, grocery store employees, delivery drivers and more.
The Andover Rotary, Andover Cares, The Knights of Columbus, and other local civic organizations are partnering to help Fuel The Fight-The Andovers, Inc.75% of all (tax deductible) donations for Fuel The Fight made through Andover Cares will support feeding health care workers providing front-line support for citizens in our region. Any remaining donations will support this, or other local causes related to health and wellness in our community, which Andover Cares sponsors.
Our struggling local restaurants need business to help survive through the prolonged stay at home advisory period .... and Lawrence General Hospital employees working on the front line of the Covid pandemic need food because their cafeteria is closed ... and moreover, the outpouring of public support in sending meals to the hospital has been a "tremendous" emotional boost to the healthcare workers while they face Covid-19 every day.
Click here for information about this program or to contribute to this important effort.
Reading Rotary has begun placing signs around Reading to encourage those on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19 pandemic. President Mike Collins said, "It's important to recognize the service of those the health care workers, first responders and essential personnel who are doing so much for the community. We are also reaching out to the town, schools and clergy to see how our Rotary volunteers can be of service now."
Reading Rotary has moved its meetings online and is continuing to work closely with the Reading Food Pantry to help those facing food insecurity during the quarantine. Rotary makes a weekly run into the Greater Boston Food Bank for the Reading Food Pantry and members are working in outreach to RFP clients.
Capt. Kevin Johnson, who runs the Salvation Army in Lynn, is really something special. He only has 3 full time employees the rest are volunteers. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Lynn.
Kevin only has been in Lynn for about 2 years. When he and his wife came to Lynn they knew nobody. He started the Covid-19 food bank from scratch about a month ago, and now he is giving out hundreds of boxes of food daily. He gave out the 10,000th box in April! He has managed to involve a huge number of volunteers, many of them officials in the City of Lynn. In the time before the Coronavirus, he made the Salvation Army HQ available for the monthly food distribution in which many Lynn Rotarians are an integral part.
Medford Rotary donated meals to Medford Fire, Medford Police, Armstrong Ambulance, Lahey Winchester ER, Bread of Life, and Lahey Burlington ER on two dates in April. More than 250 “plated” hot meals with salad & garlic bread were donated! This also helped Avelinnos in Medford. This restaurant is very supportive of Rotary’s many fundraisers and it is our way to give back to them as well.
“I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for sending lunch to the Medford Police Department. Thanks for also choosing a well deserving Medford restaurant (Avellino's). Your consideration and generosity are greatly appreciated."
--Detective Sergeant James Benoit, Medford Police Department
“I’d like to thank you, on behalf of Armstrong, for the lunch that you dropped off for our crews yesterday. They were so grateful, and the gesture really does mean so much at this difficult time. We are all leaning on our support systems to get us through these tying period, and the Rotary certainly made everyone feel so appreciated and cared for. So we send you big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!! Many thanks."
--Meredith A. Lambroff, Chief Business Officer, Armstrong Ambulance.
The Rotary Club of East Nassau in the Bahamas has arranged a fabulous online speaker series. Each Friday in May, there will be a Rotary leader speaking at 1pm.
This Friday, May 8, RI President-Elect Holger Knaack will be speaking. Rotarians from around the world are welcome to join the meeting.
If you are looking for something different to do (or maybe you need a club attendance make-up), please send an email to rotaryclubeastnassau@gmail.com to receive the link to join the virtual Zoom meeting. Pre-registration is required to join the call.Connect using Zoom on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
D7930 committed to performing 10,000 Acts of Peace between February 12 (the date of the World Peace & Understanding Dinner) and June 1, 2020.
What are you and your club doing right now to battle the COVID pandemic? Log your acts under Disease Prevention and help us get to our goal of 10,000 Acts of Peace by June 1.
Have you donated food/funds to a food pantry? Have you donated PPE to a human services agency? Have your members volunteered their time? Please log your Club's Acts of Peace here.
D7930 Logs 916 Acts of Peace in One Week-- going from 3,174 to 4,090!
D7930 committed to performing 10,000 Acts of Peace between February 12 (the date of the World Peace & Understanding Dinner) and June 1, 2020. What are you and your club doing right now to battle the COVID pandemic? Log your acts under Disease Prevention and help us get to our goal of 10,000 Acts of Peace by June 1.
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom - it was great seeing our friends from their living rooms! Boston Rotaract kicked off the its virtual April with a member meeting on Monday, sharing progress from the last quarter and hearing what members have been doing to take care of themselves during this time. A few special Rotarians joined the call and the club welcomes other district Rotarians to join their meetings and events. The group welcomed a Rotary superhero, Evan Burrell from Sydney, to speak about his Rotaract and Rotary journeys, as well as about the importance of personal branding and telling your digital story.
Like all of you, I've been home for over a month watching the COVID-19 pandemic unfold and feeling like I should be doing more! I'm healthy, I have food on the table, and I'm able to stay home. Not everyone can say that! And then our district had this awful virus hit us personally with the death of Beverly Rotarian, Don Kelly. Don was club president when I served as governor (2007-08). He was a great club president, and even better Rotarian, a better yet community supporter. What a loss …. Just like all the others who’ve died because of this virus.
So, here's what I've come up with .... JULIA'S COVID-19 CHALLENGE. Many of you have already given, thank you! For those of you who haven’t … here’s your chance.
I'm challenging a 200 of my friends and friends of Rotary in District 7930 to donate $25 to Rotary's Disaster Response Fund. One-thousand donations (Rotarians and non-Rotarians) will result in one COVID-19 Disaster Response grant ($25,000) being funded for a Rotary district somewhere in the Rotary world. I have almost 4,000 followers on Facebook and 150 of them have already given. We have almost 2,000 members in District 7930 and I hope that I can count on at least 10% (200) of you to rise to the challenge. If you’ve already given, thank you again!
I hope I can count on 200 of my friends in District 7930 to step up and donate. Let me know when you donate (email, PM, or on my FB timeline) so I can keep track of how we're doing.
Thank you and let's make a difference!
Julia D. Phelps, Ed.D. Trustee, The Rotary Foundation, 2017 - 2020 Director, Rotary International, 2014 - 2016
Update 4/13/2020: District Clubs have jumped onto this opportunity to help their communities! At this time, all funds have been committed. Thank you D7930 for your commitment to serving!
I would like to share with you some great news from District 7930 and the Rotary Foundation!
The Rotary Foundation recently gave districts more flexibility in using DDF money. Clubs who are grant qualified have access to apply for a District grant up to $6,000 per grant (50% Club/50% District) to be used for COVID 19 FOOD RELIEF. There are ONLY 25 clubs who qualified this year and each of those clubs/members received a separate email from me. Qualified clubs need to submit grants by May 1 and complete the project by June 1. Grants will be approved on a first come, first serve basis until the $19,000 is depleted.
D7930 committed to performing 10,000 Acts of Peace between February 12 (the date of the World Peace & Understanding Dinner) and June 1, 2020. What are you and your club doing right now to battle the COVID pandemic? Log your acts under Disease Prevention and help us get to our goal of 10,000 Acts of Peace by June 1.
How has your Club adapted to today's new reality of online meetings? What innovative ways are you continuing to support your members, your community and the world?
Please share your story with us. The District would love to know what you are doing and how you are managing.
Last Saturday's Polar Plunge was a huge success! Almost 200 Rotarians and friends plunged into the frosty waters at Long Beach in Gloucester-- raising more than $91,000 to End Polio Now! We are currently $99,000 away from raising ONE MILLION Dollars since the first Polar Plunge 10 years ago.
Thank you to everyone involved with the Plunge, including our plungers, donors, sponsors, and the many people and organizations who donated their time and resources to make the Plunge a success!
It's time to register for this year's Winchester Rotary Club's Rise Against Hunger meal packing event on Thursday, March 19, 4pm at Hadley Hall! This is an event we encourage members to bring colleagues, family, kids and friends to help us pack over 14,000 meals in less than 2 hours! There will be a pizza party after the work is done.
Please join the Methuen Rotary Club at our 10th Annual Celebration Of Achievement, where we honor students, teachers and the "Service Above Self" recipient. On April 14, 2020 at 6pm at the Merrimack Golf Course, 210 Howe Street, Methuen, MA. Our special Guest Speaker will be Donna-Lee Young Rubin, the Chief Executive Officer of Rotaplast International.
Tickets $50, includes family style dinner, coffee, dessert and cash bar. Register at methuenrotary.org.
Chris Daly, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar alumna and Associate Director at the New York Peace Institute, has been named as one of the “5 Best Mediators in New York” in this article. Photo credit: www.nypeace.org
The Chelsea Black Community celebrates Black History Month with a month long series of events promoting black history in Chelsea. As part of the celebration the CBC recognizes several local residents and business persons as Chelsea Trailblazers. In recognizing this year’s Trailblazers the CBC took into consideration ethical behavior grounded on compassion, nurture and social bonds. Ideals and convictions that pertain to human beings’ behavior toward each other and to the preferred organizations of their communities such as – historical experience, empathy and the need for integrity and harmony. This year’s honorees include Chelsea Rotarian PP Susan Gallant. Susan was recognized for commitments to the Chelsea Rotary Club and the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. Susan organizes and coordinates the Chelsea Rotary’s project of sending 20 Chelsea children to Camp Rotary every year. She also runs the Chelsea Chamber’s annual Pot-O-Gold and Brighter Holidays Breakfast with Santa. The Chelsea City Council honored the 2019 CBC Trailblazers with resolutions at their February 10, 2020 meeting.
Although India is certified Polio free since year 2011, still there is a fear of its coming back. Hence, every year as a precautionary measure India organizes a National Immunization Day (NID) to deliver Oral Poliovirus Vaccine drops to every child under 5 years of age. This year the NID was on January 19th. 2020 in India. Invitations were sent to many Rotary Clubs in the world to come to India and have Rotarians from allover the world volunteer and participate in immunizing children by dropping those two precious drops of polio vaccines. It is a tremendously rewarding feeling to realize that you administered those two drops of vaccine and saved a child from being a victim of polio! The joy of that experience can only be felt as there is no proper words to describe that heartfelt feeling!
It was my longtime dream to participate in NID and personally deliver the polio vaccine drops and save at least a child suffering lifelong from polio. The opportunity landed this year. Past Rotary International Director, Brad Howard of California lead a program that invited Rotarians from USA to join together and participate in India’s NID on January 19th and 20th. I was so excited to get this message and immediately applied for my dream come true program. There were 49 fellow Rotarians from different Clubs of USA, Canada and Barbados joined together and went to India to experience this unique opportunity. Majority of Rotarians in our group was from USA.
Here’s your chance to meet a Rotary International President Mark Maloney close to home and go to a party at the same time! Plus, with early bird pricing you can save $20 dollars (or $40 for a couple) by registering for the 100th Anniversary Celebration before Wednesday, March 18, 2020. On the 19th of March the price goes to $100 per person.
(Click "Read More" for more information and a chance to sponsor the celebration.)
Last week's D7930 World Peace & Understanding Dinner was host to inspiring table discussions between RYLArians, Interactors, Youth Exchange students and Rotarians as they defined local community peace projects. These projects will be implemented between now and June 1st, 2020 as part of the District's commitment to create 10,000 acts of peace. These acts will also count towards PeaceJam's Billion Acts of Peace!
This year's Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students were introduced at the Rotary District 7930 World Peace & Understanding dinner last week and participated in the PeaceJam activities of the evening.
Funny you should ask. In less than two weeks, Rotarians and friends from all over District 7930 will leap into the frosty waters off Gloucester-- all in the name of eradicating polio!
Text ENDPOLIO to 71777 to make a donation right now or to join our plungers on February 29, 2020, at Long Beach. Click here for more information.
Woburn students Adam Ghili and Lauren Tramonte spoke at a recent Rotary Club of Woburn meeting and told of their experiences at last year's RYLA weekend. Both were empowered by the challenges of those few days at RYLA and came through as more confident individuals and leaders. Both will be returning in May to be leaders to the new RYLA students and families. Congratulations to both!
The Gloucester Rotary Club will hold their annual “A Night at the Races” on Friday, March 20, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
A Night at the Races is a fun-filled evening with all the suspense and excitement of a racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. At various points during the evening, players will be able to use their winnings to bid on merchandise and services that have been donated for the event. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group. Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased online or at the door on the night of the event.
The Hamilton-Wenham Club typically meets on Friday mornings at 7:30am at the Wenham Tea House. However, this Friday, February 14, 2020, 7:30-9:30am, the Club will meet at the Gloucester House, located at 63 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester, during the SeniorCare Valentine's Day Meals on Wheels Fundraiser Breakfast. SeniorCare provides a variety of services to seniors in nine North Shore communities, including Hamilton and Wenham.
Any Rotarian in need of a makeup or simply wanting to have a delicious meal with a fun group is welcome to join the Club Friday morning. For more information, please contact DGE Betsy Manzelli for details. Tickets for the breakfast are $15 per person, and may be purchased online or at the door during the breakfast.
Hamilton-Wenham to Visit Gloucester for This Week's Meeting
The Rotary Club of Winchester's 32nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 18, 2020, at the Winchester Country Club. Our tournament is held to benefit the Winchester Rotary Charitable Foundation, Inc. The fund supports numerous local charitable organizations as well the national and international works of Rotary International. We rely solely on our valued sponsors, donors, and auctions to raise the funds to support our annual charities fund.
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the exclusive Winchester Country Club each year for our golf tournament. The WCC offers only a few non-member golf events each year. The Rotary Club of Winchester Charity Golf Tournament is fortunate still to be one of the very few to offer exclusive access to golf at the WCC.
For full information on the Tournament, including sponsorship and registration, please visit our webpage. Additional Questions can be directed to golf@winchesterrotary.org.
Funny you should ask. In just over two weeks, Rotarians and friends from all over District 7930 will leap into the frosty waters off Gloucester-- all in the name of eradicating polio!
Text ENDPOLIO to 71777 to make a donation right now or to join our plungers on February 29, 2020, at Long Beach. Click here for more information.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s biggest priority is to eradicate polio from the country, adding that the government will utilise every measure in its fight against the disease.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s biggest priority is to eradicate polio from the country, adding that the government will utilize every measure in its fight against the disease. The prime minister met with a delegation of the organization Rotary International working towards polio eradication, where he was accompanied by Special Assistant to PM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza.
The District has again made mini grants available to clubs to help with their Membership and Public Image goals. The deadline to apply for both types of grant is March 31, 2020.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea installed four new members in January. New members standing next to President Peter Zaksheski are Rabbi Mark Golub, Chaplain at the Hingham Harbor Senior Center, Robert Repucci, Executive Director of Winnisimett Real Estate Inc., Cheryl Poppe, Superintendent of the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea and Mary-Lou Ireland, Director of Assessing for the City of Chelsea.
The Rotary Club of Ipswich will host the 4th Annual Empty Bowl Dinner on Thursday, February 20, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Hellenic Center, 117 County Road, Ipswich. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Open Door Ipswich Food Pantry, which serves Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton and Wenham. Empty Bowl events are held nationally to generate awareness concerning hunger and to raise money for local hunger-relief programs. The meal is simple; soup, bread and a cookie. Guests select and keep a one of a kind handcrafted bowl of their choice. The bowl goes home as an unspoken reminder that “Somewhere – someone’s bowl is empty.”
D7930 World Peace & Understanding Dinner Wed, Feb 12, 2020 Spinelli's, Lynnfield $45 /Rotarians & Guests $20 /Rotaractors & Youth Register here Registration closes at 11:59pm on Monday, February 10, 2020
This year’s World Peace & Understanding Dinner will be interactive, and will be led by youth and PeaceJam. Young people will be working hand-in-hand with Rotarians to develop new projects that can bring peace to our local communities within the context of Rotary's Six Areas of Focus. Together, we will develop these projects and then go back to our communities and implement them as a team.
We will also be challenged to log ten thousand acts of peace as Rotary District 7930. These will be part of the PeaceJam One Billion Acts of Peace campaign, which has been nominated 8 times for the Nobel Peace Prize.
One of the main initiatives of Rotary is clean water, sanitation and hygiene education. These are the basic necessities for a healthy environment and productive life. The Rotary Club of Amesbury is focusing on this initiative locally by addressing the Combined Sewage Overflows (CSO’s) into the Merrimack River.
Over 800 million gallons of untreated sewage were released into the Merrimack River in 2018. Untreated sewage can cause life threatening disease including cholera, typhoid, dysentery and hepatitis A.
The D7930 Membership Committee is happy to share a fresh opportunity for clubs to host FRIENDraisers to attract new members and present alternative forms of membership. Clubs can apply for up to $200 reimbursement match. Partner with another club and we'll reimburse up to $300!
The purpose of this mini-grant is to encourage the Rotary clubs of District 7930 to develop their orientation process, work on club development, host a "Friendraiser" event to attract new members or to provide support for new members to pursue their Rotary passions.
Please carefully read all of the qualifications, requirements and timelines.
Reading Rotary held a New Member Open House on January 15 and inducted three new members: Jeanne Borawski, Andrea Evans Zoia and Gabe Moraga.
Membership Chair Lisa Gibbs and a team including, John Douglass, Brian Tobin and Mike Collins, organized a very successful Open House at RCTV (Reading Community Television). The Membership Committee sent out invitations to businesses and other prospects in town and encouraged members to bring at least one guest as a potential member. They also passed out some Rotary swag, a new Club brochure and applications to all visitors. We had 11 additional potential new members attend and it was a great time.
As part of the Open House, new members Jeanne, Andrea and Gabe were inducted by Vice President John Douglass.
Please join the Marblehead Rotary Club for one of our most important fundraising events of the year: The Finale of Marblehead's Got Talent on February 7, 6-10 PM, at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. This event will include live performances by our seven finalists, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and live and silent auctions - you just have to come to see the amazing talent that is competing this year!
Marblehead's Got Talent is a Performing Arts Scholarship that is being awarded by the Marblehead Rotary Club in cooperation with the Marblehead High School Interact Club via a talent show competition. First prize is a $5000 scholarship, second prize is a $3000 scholarship, and 3rd prize is a $2000 scholarship.
Please come and join us for a fabulous evening of amazing performances, and to help us raise the monies we need to award these scholarships. Tickets are available online for $50 per person at http://marbleheadsgottalent.com/.
Rotary International President-elect Holger Knaack is encouraging Rotarians to seize the many opportunities Rotary offers to enrich their lives and the communities they serve. Read the full story here.
Please join the Wood family, the Rotary Club of Peabody, The Sheraton & D7930 for the Dedication of the Robert Wood Executive Boardroom on Thursday, January 30, 2020, 5-6 pm, at the Sheraton Wakefield Four Points. Light refreshments will be served at 5pm in the hotel lobby, and the meeting room Dedication will begin at 5:30pm. Tamara Husband, Director of Catering will deliver opening remarks followed by the blessing of the room by Sister Lenore Coan from the Rotary Club of Ipswich.
D7930 is currently accepting applications for the 2020 Rotaplast Mission to Cebu City, Philippines October 11-25, 2020. If you are interested in going on the Mission as a Non-Medical Team Volunteer, please contact DGN Terry Curran at terrycurran7930@gmail.com. Applications for this mission will close on March 31, 2020.
RYLA wants to speak to your Rotary or Interact Club! Contact Christina Harris at Christina@PartnerWithChoice.com or 978-270-6706 to schedule. RYLA Changes Lives!!
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. Sophomores and juniors are invited to attend a weekend long event, where they learn leadership and life skills including goal setting, cultural understanding, problem solving, communication, public speaking, networking, community building, team building and more!
Rotary Cruise Theme Song(to the tune of the Love Boat) Rotary, traditional yet new Come aboard, were expecting you Service Above Self, lifes sweetest reward Let it flow, it floats back to you District Conference - soon will be making another run District Conference - promises something for everyone Set a course for adventure, Your mind to celebrate Rotary won’t be boring anymore It’s an open smile at a friendly time Yes Rotary. It’s Rotary,
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. Sophomores and juniors are invited to attend a weekend long event, where they learn leadership and life skills including goal setting, cultural understanding, problem solving, communication, public speaking, networking, community building, team building and more!
Your Rotary club can support RYLA by
Asking school administrators and Interact club advisers to promote RYLA
Inviting former RYLA participants to speak about their experience at a club meeting
Budgeting to send local participants to the district RYLA weekend
Recruiting young people with leadership potential in the community to attend district RYLA
Organizing RYLA reunions or follow-up events
Contacting your district RYLA chair to find out how your club can participate
On December 17, 2019, the Newburyport Rotary Club held their holiday evening meeting at the Custom House Maritime Museum to donate $5,000 to local charities. The recipients were the Salvation Army, Pettengill House, Anchor Diaper Bank, Community Service and the Boys and Girls Club. Each received $1,000.
As we approach the end of 2019 and start a new year and a new decade, it’s a great time to reflect on your commitment to OUR Rotary Foundation and create your Rotary legacy. In March of 2019, DG Joan & DGE Betsy, with the blessing of then DG Bob, announced our district’s Million Dollar Journey to support the Rotary Foundation.
Now you might be asking, “what is a Million Dollar Journey?” The idea originated in District 5110 in Oregon in 2014 with the goal to raise a minimum of $1 Million in new donations for the programs of The Rotary Foundation with minimum donations of $10,000 from each donor in cash or a bequest. Our journey started in March 2019 and will conclude on October 15, 2020. We will celebrate our Million Dollar Journey on Thursday, October 15, 2020 by unveiling the exact amount of money we’ve raised for the Rotary Foundation during this time period. Our guest speaker for the evening is Past RI President and Trustee Chair (2020-21) Ravi Ravindran.
The Gloucester Rotary Club supported the Northeastern Conference Freshman-Sophomore Meet at Beverly High’s Henry Cabot Lodge Fieldhouse on Saturday, December 21, 2019. Students from several north shore high schools participated in this annual event.
The Polar Plunge Team wanted to share with you some important updates about our upcoming 2020 Polar Plunge...
It's not too late to register! Our 2020 Polar Plunge to End Polio is on Saturday, February 29, 2020 (snow day March 14th) and we can't wait to celebrate our 10th Anniversary with a BIG goal. Register today to participate in the 2020 Polar Plunge, a Rotary District 7930 tradition since 2009! Click to register as a Plunger.
Parking at the event will be strictly enforced. Please plan on parking at Good Harbor Beach on Thatcher Road and take the free 2-minute shuttle to Long Beach.
Room reservations at the Cape Ann Motor Inn are now OPEN! Please make your reservation directly through them by calling (978)281-2900. They sell out fast! Call ASAP if your team needs a changing room.
This year, to save on costs, we have a new participant shirt policy. If you register by February 1, 2020 AND have raised (as recorded on Mobile Cause) a minimum of $25.00, you get a free shirt. Off-line donations recorded on Mobile Cause count! If not...shirts will be $5 at the door while supplies last. You'll get your ticket for your shirt at check-in. If you are virtually plunging and not planning on attending the plunge, please contact me ASAP to reserve your shirt.
ALL participants MUST have a waiver signed and participants must be in high school or older. If students are carpooling, please ensure they bring their waivers SIGNED by their legal guardian. Rotarian advisers may not sign waivers for students. Visit our site to download a waiver today.
Sponsorship opportunity information will be coming soon!
Don't forget..friends and family are welcome to come to Long Beach in Good Harbor on February 29th to hold a towel, take pictures, scream and shout and cheer us on!
Please don't hesitate to contact Amy Luckieiwcz at (781)588-0257 or at polarplunge7930@gmail.com with any questions or to share your success stories in fundraising.
Congratulations to Megan Battinelli, Swampscott Cheer Team & Céire Rocco, Marblehead Cheer Team recipients of scholarships by the Marblehead and Swampscott Rotary Clubs. The recognition of these student athletes took place at the Rotary's annual luncheon held at the Tedesco Country Club.
Honoring both student leadership and sportsmanship is the meaning of the annual luncheon. Supporting this aim, each year, Marblehead Rotary awards its scholarship to a Swampscott athlete, and Swampscott Rotary does the same for a Marblehead athlete.
On hand to speak and to participate in the event were District Governor, Joan Arsenault and and District Governor-Elect, Betsy Manzelli.
Marblehead and Swampscott Rotary Scholarship Luncheon
The Greater Salem NH Rotary participated in the Festival of Trees in Pelham, NH. This year our “International Tree” was dedicated to World Peace. The ornaments on this tree signify a handful of the many countries Rotary reaches out to every day and is a hopeful reminder of Rotary and your connection throughout the world.
Greater Salem Dedicates International Tree to World Peace
The Peabody Rotary Club is reeling from the unexpected loss of Cara Murtagh, who died unexpectedly on Thanksgiving. Peabody TV has released a video highlighting the life of Peabody Superintendent of Schools Cara Murtagh. The nine-minute video features clips from her funeral service as well as clips from Peabody TV's archive of Murtagh speaking at various school functions and meetings. View the video here.
Want to Grow Rotary in your community? Then this is for you! Join Rotarians from across New England to learn how you can offer flexibility in membership models so more people can get involved with Rotary. There are so many people in every community who is interested in service, in volunteering, in making a difference. We will show different membership models that your club can use to appeal to more people, accommodate more life-styles, and involve more people in Rotary. Practical ideas, proven examples, real Rotarians sharing real ideas.
PeaceJam will be our speakers for District 7930 World Peace and Understanding Dinner.
For this World Peace & Understanding Dinner, we are doing something new: This will be an interactive evening led by youth and PeaceJam. We ask that you invite your Interact Clubs, Rotaractors, RYLA students, Youth Exchange Students and any other youth interested to this event.
The PeaceJam Foundation is an international organization whose mission statement is "to create young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates who pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody." The 'One Billion Acts of Peace' Campaign has been nominated 8 times for the Nobel Peace Prize. 14 Nobel Laureates have joined the campaign with the mission that: Everyone matters. Everyone can make a difference.
Together, we are unstoppable.
Young people will be working together with Rotarians to brainstorm about new projects that can bring peace to our local communities - in the six areas of focus that Rotary cares about. During the evening, we will develop project ideas, and then it is our goal that after this evening Rotarians and young leaders will go back to their communities and implement ten thousand acts of peace in our Rotary District 7930, that will be part of the PeaceJam One Billion Acts of Peace campaign.
The Medford Rotarians are collecting new hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for the clients of Bread of Life, Malden. The clients that come to the kitchen for meals come are out in the cold until they open with no hats and gloves. Our members are asking their friends, co-workers and clients to help in this effort. Our many bank members are placing baskets in their lobby for their customers to donate items to this worthy cause.
As you know, 2020 is a LEAP YEAR and the Polar Plunge Team has just the idea of how you can spend your extra day for good!
The 2020 Polar Plunge to End Polio will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 (snow day March 14th) and we can't wait to celebrate our 10th Anniversary with a big goal.
D7930 has set the goal of reaching $1 MILLION in cash gifts by June 30th and we're so close!
Don't forget-- YES! Your fundraising will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation YES! Your cash donations and fundraising will earn Paul Harris Credit YES! You can invite your friends, family, and non-Rotarians (in high school or older) to plunge with you YES! You can make a difference in preventing polio world-wide
The Beverly Rotary Club and the Learning Express Toy Store are pleased to announce their co-sponsorship of a seasonal toy drive for the benefit of Kennedy Kares. The drive was held at the Learning Express Toy Store in North Beverly Plaza on Dodge Street on Saturday November 16, 2019.
Kennedy Kares is an organization founded by Kennedy Steiner, now a sophomore at Beverly High School. Six years ago, at the age of eight, Kennedy responded to the unfortunate theft in Danvers of several boxes of newly collected toys scheduled to be donated to the U.S. Marine sponsored “Toys for Tots” program. When it became clear to Kennedy that many expectant and needy children would not be receiving any gifts for Christmas, she donated many of her own toys and collected 100 toys as part of MIX 104.1 WWBX-FM radio toy drive. She became committed to a course of action that such a problem should never happen again if she had anything to do with it. Following this experience, Kennedy has individually spearheaded annual toy drives reaching levels of 8,200 brand new toys in 2018 and over 30,000 toys over the past six years. These have all been donated to Toys for Tots, Beverly Hospital and Mass General Hospital.
Earlier this year, the Rotary Club of Beverly recognized Kennedy for her outstanding and sustained love for children in need, clearly distinguishing this young woman with Rotary’s most prestigious community based Paul Harris Award. The Rotary Club is now pleased to reaffirm Kennedy’s pledge to create joy and happiness for many hope-filled children during this up-coming holiday season.
Boston Rotaract is excited to announce that it surpassed its fundraising goal of $2,000, successfully raising $2,314 via two community fundraisers and donations. The money will go to Found in Translation (FiT) to support scholarships for two Language Access Fellows.
Most recently, the club raised over $900 at its “Bowling Over Barriers” fundraiser on October 29 at Flatbread Company in Somerville. It was a fun night of pizza, bowling, raffles, and fellowship. Open to the public, around 70 folks attended, although a percentage of all flatbreads purchased from 5-11 PM went to supporting Rotaract’s benefit night. This event was held in addition to “Karaoke 4 Charity” in late September, which raised near $1,400 in one night.
The D7930 Nominating Committee met on November 5th. 2019. After interviewing candidates. the decision was made to nominate Alexander Falk, past president of The Rotary Club of Marblehead, as the District Governor for Rotary Year 2022-2023.
According to the By-Laws of District 7930, if there are no dissensions by December 31, 2019, Alexander will be considered elected by acclimation.
The Foundation Dinner at Andover Country Club was an amazing event.
Massachusetts First Lady Lauren Baker told us about the needs of thousands of children served by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, and how the non-profit organization Wonderfund helps meet some of those needs. Then, we heard from Micaila Britto, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who suffered severe injuries in the line of duty, about her experiences with her new service dog, Rabbit, gifted to her by donations from several D7930 clubs and individuals and District Foundation monies. Rabbit took center stage and charmed everyone in the room.
Finally, several local "Unsung Heroes" were honored with Paul Harris medals. Each hero has an inspiring story that reminded all of us of the importance of Service Above Self.
Thank you to the planning committee, the dinner attendees and, in particular, the community heroes honored at the dinner.
It is with great sadness to inform you that Past District Governor Bud Curtis of the Rotary Club of Rockport passed away on November 4th.
Bud was the last surviving charter member of the Rotary Club of Rockport and served as District Governor in 1984-1985. He was the President of the Rockport Club in 1961 and served as Team Leader on Cultural Exchanges to England and India. Bud was a dedicated Rotarian and maintained perfect attendance until the last years of his life.
Bud ran Curtis News in Rockport for 40 years and was very well known and loved in his town. He will be missed.
Our thoughts are with the Rotary Club of Rockport and Bud's sons and their families.
Services for Bud were held on Saturday November 9, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to:
Rotary Club of Rockport PO Box 54 Rockport MA 01966
The Gloucester Rotary Club has produced a beautiful 2020 calendar, featuring scenic photography from local artists. In addition to the calendar, each purchase enters the buyer into a weekly raffle. $50 prizes will be drawn each week with two bonus prizes of $500-- one in June and one in December. Calendars are $25 each, and proceeds from the sale of calendars will be used to support the many projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
For more information on the calendars, or to purchase a calendar, please contact any Gloucester Rotarian, or calendars may be purchased online (shipping/handling fee will be applied).
The district membership forum was well received and attended, including members from D7930 New England E Club and D7910.Keynote speaker PDG Kate Sims provided an informative, interactive and inspired presentation on membership ideas.
The points of interest included: Respect, Relevance, Inclusion, Engagement, Open-minded thinking, Mentoring, Coaching, Collaboration, Service and Corporate (Group) members and other membership types, Discussing and accepting differences and having FUN while serving local communities.
Value proposition was discussed: what brings individuals together and what are member and prospective member’s passion. Is the club meeting it?
The evening ended with roundtable discussions and many great ideas were provided.
The first InteractCafe in Winchester was a big hit! The idea was simple: take motivated teens and Rotarians, bring them together, allow them to mingle and exchange ideas, and send them home with everything they need to make their clubs even stronger! It was so much fun to watch everyone meet and share with their counterparts from other clubs - everyone was so energized!
We are holding a second InteractCafe on Thursday, November 14, 2019, from 6:00pm to 7:45pm, at Ipswich High School. For information or to register, contact keith@partnerwithchoice.com.
What does this have to do with your role as RYLA Coordinator you might ask! Good question. . . there is such great synergy among all of our youth programs that we want to bring everyone together to share ideas and enthusiasm! We will have a table for RYLA Coordinators to share ideas about marketing, organization, funding, etc.. As added incentive we will be showing the new RYLA promo video - it is amazing!
We want everyone – adults and kids alike – to leave InteractCafe with a renewed energy and vision for our Youth Programs! Some marketing materials for RYLA 2020 (May 8-10 at Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, NH) will be available at this meeting! Wait until you see the new video!
This week's D7930 Foundation Dinner will honor Micaila Britto, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who suffered severe injuries in the line of duty. The Salem News told Ms. Britto's story in an article that appeared recently. Read the article here.
D7930 will gift a Great Dane service dog to Ms. Britto to assist with the aftermath of her injuries. In addition, the District will honor several Unsung Heroes nominated by clubs. Rounding out the evening will be a special talk from our guest speaker Lauren Baker, First Lady of Massachusetts and member of the Board of Directors of Wonderfund, a private non-profit serving children of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
Registration for the dinner closes today at 3pm. Register here.
A Big Thank You to the Rotaplast Mission Team and the Clubs and Individuals who donated and raised $65,000 to allow the District to sponsor this mission and send 8 non-medical personnel over. Another Successful Mission occurred. There were 75 patients and 85 surgeries performed.
One of the many stories of how the 2019 Cebu City Rotaplast Mission changed lives:
Reynald is a 14-year-old boy who came in to the hospital for a cleft lip repair. But before he came in, his mother had stopped at his school to notify them that Reynald would be absent for the duration of the repair. To her surprise, she learned that he hadn’t been showing up in school this year – other students were bullying him because of the way he looked with his cleft lip. As a result of the repair and care he receives from our Rotaplast mission, he’ll be able to go back to school. Saving Smiles, Changing Lives.
On the evening of May 1, 2019, Rotary of Andover Citizens Who Care recognized Steven Crowley as Student of the Year for his volunteer work in the community and with middle school kids at the Andover Youth Center – in front of about 250 Andoverites who boisterously supported him for his good work.
His brother and sister couldn’t be there that night– they were away at college – but his mom, Amy, was busy snapping photos and his dad, Thomas, was super busy just being proud dad.
Then the unthinkable happened.
Shortly after their arrival home, right after the family walked through the door, Thomas had a heart attack and sank to the floor. Steven saw this happen right in front of him yet mustered to call 911 while his mom tended to his dad’s needs. However, on this, Steven’s night of nights, Thomas, only 60 years old, didn’t make it.
Interact taps into the best that can come from a partnership between Rotarians and young people. In 7930, we want to help your club embrace that potential. We are committed to a more robust Interact experience for everyone involved. This is why we designed the InteractCafe.
The first InteractCafe was held this past week at the Winchester High School. The idea was simple: take motivated teens and Rotarians, bring them together, allow them to mingle and exchange ideas, and send them home with everything they need to make their clubs even stronger. It was also important to keep it local and relatively brief (being on a school night). Topics included membership growth, fundraising, international projects and developing closer relationships with sponsor Rotary clubs. Attendees also had time to share with each other, to meet their counterparts in other clubs. At the end of the evening, the new District 7930 RYLA video was shown for the first time - and the kids LOVED it! This event is designed to be regional, and a second InteractCafe is being planned for Thursday, November 14, on the North Shore (likely at Ipswich High School). Stay tuned for details!
District 7930 is hosting its first ever Interact Cafe--a casual evening designed to help strengthen our Interact clubs and the program as a whole--on Wednesday October 23, 2019, 6-7:30 pm at Winchester High School. This casual cafe style evening will be hosted by Rotarians and Interactors with a world of experience, there to help you connect, network and learn.
What topics will be addressed?
How can your Rotary club get an Interact club started. How can we grow our Interact club. How can your Interact club do an awesome International Project. What are other clubs doing for fund-raising?
The evening will end with a sneak peek at our brand new District 7930 RYLA video!
Please join the Everett, MA club on Thursday October 24, 2019 for our annual "Comics for College" Comedy Night Fundraiser at Giggles Comedy Club, located inside of Prince House of Pizza, 571 Broadway, Saugus.
All proceeds from the event go directly towards our clubs annual grant of 10 - $1,000 college scholarships to deserving Everett seniors. The night will feature 3 comedians, 50/50 raffle and a Basket Raffle. Tickets are $25 pp/$250 per table of 10.
Come enjoy some great laughs and good company as we raise funds to help the next generation of Everett teens go to college and leave their mark on the world!
The deadline to submit your PI Mini Grant application is this Friday, November 15, 2019.
The D7930 Public Image Committee is pleased to share an opportunity for clubs to increase their Public Image with a D7930 Mini Grant. Clubs can apply for up to $250 reimbursement match. The deadline to submit your application is November 15, 2019. Your project must be completed and all paperwork submitted by January 1, 2020. Download the application here.
Please carefully read all of the qualifications, requirements and timelines.
The Gloucester Rotary Club and Castle Manor Inn are taking action on World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.
There will be a Dining Fundraiser at the Sea Glass Restaurant at the Castle Manor Inn, located at 141 Essex Avenue (Rt 133) in Gloucester on Thursday, October 24, 2019, from 5pm to 9pm. The Castle Manor Inn will donate 10% of all dining proceeds from this event to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s #EndPolioNow fundraising Campaign. All funds raised at this dinner will be matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Reservations are recommended—978-515-7386. For more information about the Sea Glass Restaurant, visit their website at www.castlemanorinn.com.
It's back! The Newburyport Rotary Club presents its annual Trivia Night. Will your team take the prize as the Smartest People on the North Shore?
Come for the challenge. Come for great prizes, including cash to first place. Come out to have a great night in Newburyport, but definitely come on down to the Elks Club at 6:30 PM on Thursday October 24th. Information/registration: www.newburyportrotary.org.
Now, which comes first, our question, or your answer?
Come eat pizza and go bowling for a good cause on Tuesday, October 29, at Flatbread Company at Sacco’s Bowl Haven in Somerville! All proceeds will go to funding scholarships for Found in Translation, an organization that trains low-income, multilingual women to become medical interpreters. The cost to fund one Language Access Fellow is $1,000 -- help us fund TWO fellows this year!
Flatbread Company will donate $3.50 for each large flatbread and $1.75 for each small flatbread sold during the benefit night. You can register for the event in advance on Eventbrite: https://bowlingoverbarriers.eventbrite.com
Boston Rotaract is excited to announce the results of our Karaoke 4 Charity fundraiser!
The event, held on September 30th at Hong Kong in Faneuil Hall, was a huge success - we raised over $1,300 for Found in Translation, which teaches low-income multilingual women to become medical interpreters.
A ticket was required to enter our reserved section at the venue & appetizers were included in the ticket price. Boston Rotaract had printed materials at the event promoting our club and information about meetings so prospective members could get a quick understanding of what our club is about. We collected email addresses as well, so we can thank attendees for joining us at the event and invite them to future meetings.
The Peabody Rotary Club has partnered with Newhall Fields Community Farm in Peabody and the City of Peabody by writing a grant which will supply an irrigation system on 2 acres of land. This irrigation system will allow the farm to grow nutritious food and supply food for Peabody and surrounding communities that is accessible, affordable and nutritious.
Volunteers and recipients will have the opportunity to learn about farming, nutrition and food sustainability all within an urban area. The ability to make use of the 2 acres of land thru irrigation will greatly impact farm production and other offerings to the public.
District Governor Joan Arsenault welcomed 14 Rotarians to Part 1 of the Rotary Leadership Institute on October 5 at the Sheraton Four Points conference facility in Wakefield. In the day-long sessions, participants shared comments and experience on topics ranging from Rotary membership growth and retention, qualities of strong leaders, ethics, the Foundation, and creative fundraising.
Upcoming institute dates/locations and registration info is available at www.rlinea.org.
Helping Rotarians to be stronger leaders.
Rotarians Learn from Each Other and Enjoy Time Together
For Rotary clubs and Interact Clubs in the Winchester area, the District is hosting its first ever Interact Cafe--a casual evening designed to help strengthen our Interact clubs and the program as a whole--on Wednesday October 23, 2019, 6-7:30 pm at Winchester High School. This casual cafe style evening will be hosted by Rotarians and Interactors with a world of experience, there to help you connect, network and learn.
What topics will be addressed?
How can your Rotary club get an Interact club started.
How can we grow our Interact club.
How can your Interact club do an awesome International Project.
What are other clubs doing for fund-raising?
The evening will end with a sneak peek at our brand new District 7930 RYLA video!
This is for Interact student leaders, Rotary and faculty Advisors and club leaders that want to either start an Interact club or strengthen their existing club. While we are gearing it for the area around Winchester, any clubs are welcome to join. If this goes well, we will host one on the North Shore in November.
Meet and talk with other Interact leaders. Network, ask questions, get answers!
I hope you will join the District and be a part of the District Grant to award a Service Dog through the Service Dog Project, Inc to our recipient Micaila Britto.
Micaila is a United States Marine Corps Veteran who served for seven years before being medically retired due to injuries sustained while in service. Micaila’s Military Occupational Specialty was Aircraft Launch and Recovery with an expertise in the recovery efforts for emergency landings of helicopters and aircraft. It was the injuries she sustained during a recovery mission that forced her into medical retirement.
Micaila suffers from debilitating migraine headaches from a severe brain injury, and struggles with balance and mobility issues and chronic pain. Despite these injuries Micaila is passionately involved in Veterans Services.
Please consider supporting this Veteran with a Service Dog. Donations at the red ($250 +), white ($500+) and blue ($1000+) levels with be involved in the presentation as well as receive pins and be on a plague given to Micaila. Please send donations to: Service Dog Project, Po Box 3635, Peabody, MA 01960 or to Joan directly at 79 Old Right Rd, Ipswich, MA 01930.
Micaila will receive her Service Dog at the District Foundation Dinner on Thursday, November 7, 2019, 6-9pm, at the Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury Street, Andover, MA. Register here.
Cambridge Rotary will be raising our glasses in a wine tasting event at the classy and magical Phillips Auditorium at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA, on October 23, 2019, 6:30-9:30pm.
Mingle, enjoy wine and snacks. Live jazz, polio campaign and information about our two projects for girls in Bangladesh and Colombia will be on display, as well as mentors to our 2 STEM programs. Free parking.
The Second Annual Family Feud! will be hosted by Melrose Rotary Club on Friday, November 8, 2019, 7-10pm, at Melrose Memorial Hall, 590 Main St, Melrose, MA. Teams of 5 adults will face-off in a fun evening of survey questions, hilarious answers, and audience participation. Silent auction and cash bar. Proceeds benefit the Melrose Rotary Club Charitable Fund. Free to Watch - no ticket needed. Team entry fee is $250.
Six inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students in District 7930, hosted by the Rotary Clubs in Marblehead, Hamilton/Wenham, Rockport, Ipswich, North Andover, and Salem, NH, and one student from District 7910 hosted by Bedford had their orientation at Bretton Woods, NH, in September.
The students come from Germany, Belgium, Spain, Czech Republic, India, Chile and Brazil, and will spend a year in a US high school, living with host families. Former exchange students, called Rotex, helped to mentor and train the students on topics such as school, host families and learning how to live in the United States. The students also got to experience the Zipline and a trip up the Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington, with a special tour of the weather station.
There is still space available for this Friday's Trivia Night!
The Rotary Club of Gloucester will host a Trivia Night on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the Gloucester House, located at 63 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the game will begin at 7 p.m. Teams of four will compete for the title of Cape Ann Trivia Champions.
All trivia fans are invited to this fun night of knowledge and laughter. The registration fee is $100 for a team of four players. Proceeds from this event will support programs of the Gloucester Rotary Club. The night will also feature a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and light snacks for purchase.
The Membership Committee is happy to share a fresh opportunity for clubs to host FRIENDraisers to attract new members and present alternative forms of membership. Clubs can apply for up to $200 reimbursement match. Partner with another club and we'll reimburse up to $300!
The purpose of this mini-grant is to encourage the Rotary clubs of District 7930 to develop their orientation process, work on club development, host a "Friendraiser" event to attract new members or to provide support for new members to pursue their Rotary passions.
Please carefully read all of the qualifications, requirements and timelines.
6:30pm – 7:30pm Why Membership Matters Membership Data - Does it tell a story? Younger Members - Relevant & Meaningful What is your Value Proposition? Competitive Market, What is our Differentiator Networking, Community Service and Opportunity Friendship, Business and Connections Strategy and Goals Club Options –Flexibility
7:30pm – 8:00pm Roundtable Discussion on Membership Topics
For fun, wear your favorite flamingo clothes or bring your favorite flamingo item. Prizes will be awarded for the best outfits & items!
The Haverhill Rotary Club is pleased to host speaker Charlie Ruth Castro on Thursday, October 3, at its noon meeting at the Haverhill Country Club.
Charlie Ruth is a lawyer, innovator and a Rotarian on a mission. She was one of six Young innovators recognized during Rotary Day at the United Nations last November. Jack Rummel is hosting this speaker, promising that she’s an entertaining speaker with a powerful message.
Members of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor spent a recent Saturday morning at the local farmers' market to tell visitors what we do and how much fun we have doing it. The club hopes that spreading the word about 'service above self' will help attract new members. Members engaged with people who approached the Rotary table and invited them to come to a meeting for a free breakfast and a bit of fellowship.
Marblehead Harbor Spreads the Word at the Farmers' Market
The Rotaplast Mission in Honor of Bob Wood District Team left for Cebu City, Philippines on Sunday Sept 22. Our team members are:
Jim Stone and Julie Nelson from the Rotary Club of Ipswich
Nick Shea from the Rotary Club of Greater Salem
Ami Borovick and Susan King from the Rotary Club of Rockport
Bill and Becky Beckman from the Rotary Club of Beverly
Brian Ahern from Rotary Club of Danvers.
You can follow their blog on https://rotaplast.org/blog/. We are continuing to collect monies for this mission. New donations and previous pledges can be sent to District 7930, c/o David Boudreau, Institution for Savings, 68 Storey Avenue, Newburyport, MA 01950.
Methuen Rotary Club is holding its 7th Annual Bocce Tournament to benefit the Methuen YMCA Summer Camp program on November 2, 2019, 5:00-11:00pm. Two levels of competition, food and raffles always make this a fun time.
If you are interested in joining us, sponsoring or donating to the raffles, please visit us at www.methuenrotary.org
The Greater Salem Rotary Club is hosting its 5th Annual Golf Tournament October 4th at Windham Country Club. The tournament is "real golf" for the serious golfer, but yet lots of fun, raffles, prizes for all! This is one of Greater Salem's biggest fundraisers of the year.
The Upward Bound Second Chance scholarship is awarded annually by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor to persons seeking certificate courses and programs likely to improve employment opportunities.
Recently the club welcomed scholarship winner Skarleth Ponce who received her check and shared plans to attend North Shore Community College to become a dental assistant. That's another great example of Rotary's generosity at work. Skarleth Ponce (r) is pictured above with Club President Kathleen Murphy (l), and Scholarships Committee Steve Lipsky (c).
The Greater Salem NH Club wrapped up the 2018-2019 year, proudly with having made a difference for a number of organizations in the 5 towns we served! Food pantries were a big focus, with sizeable donations or services delivered to St. Anne's, Pleasant St., St Patrick's, & Shepherd's Pantries with cash donations or preparation of meals on an ongoing basis . The pasta lunches have been a great hit! We also gave considerable donations to Hampstead and Atkinson Libraries for furniture, childrens chromebooks, etc, Salem Children's Dental Network, Field of Dreams, 5 High School Academic Scholarships (increased from 3) and a Robotics Club sponsorship too!. Honoring the memory of those lost in battle or other events also was very special with support for the Vietnam Moving Wall, 911 Monument Project, Homeland Heroes Foundation. And so much more! We hope to make it even bigger in 2020!
Congratulations to Christine Sloss recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Christine was recognized during the Rotary Installation luncheon held on July 25th at the Eastern Yacht Club
A class leader at Marblehead High, Christine embraced her commitment to community service leadership. She was the President of the Marblehead High School Interact Club.
In the past two weeks, the Rotary Club of Lynn recognized the outstanding contributions of three longtime and faithful Rotarians with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow pin. District Governor Joan Arsenault was on hand Thursday to present pins to past President Stephen Upton and Club Treasurer Arthur Horgan while President William Reilly presented Dave Richardson with his pin at the August 29th meeting.
Richardson, a former funeral home director, first joined the Lynn Rotary Club in August, 1975, and over those 44 years he served with distinction in every administrative position within the Club.
The Rotary Club of North Reading is pleased to announce that it will now serve as District 7930's first cause-specific Rotary Club. Rotary world-wide is known for tackling humanitarian issues including the global eradication of polio, water and sanitation issues, woman’s health, literacy and more. These issues are addressed locally and globally at the discretion of the independent clubs. Recently, Rotary International voted to allow local clubs to focus on individual causes as they deem appropriate. Current North Reading Rotary President Dave O’Neill explained, “Every year our club takes a hard look at how we can help North Reading residents. It led to a lengthy discussion, bringing in experts in different fields, and completing an assessment over the summer. It was unanimous. Our members want to tackle addiction prevention.” He continued, “When you think about how many families, generations even, are affected by addiction, it’s heart breaking. We want to help.”
Join Boston Rotaract for a fun and philanthropic night at Hong Kong!
Come sing/eat/drink/socialize at Hong Kong in Faneuil Hall to raise money! All proceeds will go to funding scholarships for Found in Translation (FiT), an organization that trains disadvantaged bilingual women to become medical interpreters. The cost to fund one Language Access Fellow is $1,000 -- help us fund TWO fellows this year!
A message from Jeffry Cadorette, Rotary International Director (2018-20), Rotary Club of Media, PA (District 7450)
On Monday morning, I texted with Past RI President Barry Rassin. While Nassau was spared the full force of Dorian, and he and Esther are fine, other parts of his country are devastated having been dealt a blow with Dorian’s full fury. Dorian is now headed toward the US and other parts of our neighboring Zones 33 & 34.
Whether you want to help Barry’s District, the Bahamas, or one of the states in the southern part of the US that are awaiting Dorian, this link will give you information on how to do that.
At the bottom of the link is a form telling you additional ways you can donate. The Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is set up in North Carolina and is able to make international donations. You can designate where you would like the funds to be directed in the memo portion of the check you write. A representative from each district in Zone 33 & 34 will determine where to allocate the funds. They have experience with this DAF and process having had multiple hurricanes last year. Share this link on social media wherever you deem appropriate.
Peter Majane from the North Reading Club would love to visit your club to speak about exciting memberships opportunities:
Rotary Connects
Elderact: an innovative Rotary sponsored project that brings the model of Rotary meetings, leadership structure and Rotary Leadership Institute and community service project planning and implementation to senior centers, senior nursing facilities, and senior residences that will off numerous opportunities to collaborate
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI): a 4-part program designed to encourage the exchange of Rotary information and ideas via a small group discussion format. Topics covered in the one-day sessions include: Membership Recruitment and Retention, Club Publicity, Creating Successful Fundraiser, Ethics, Goal Setting, and Our Foundation.
Contact Peter at peter.majane@gmail.com with any questions or to schedule a date to come speak to your club.
You can take it to the bank that on the last Saturday of each month, a group of Lynn Rotarians will gather at Salvation Army Headquarters on Franklin Street to distribute food to over 400 Lynn family members. “This is a project we took on back in 2015 when the last food pantry in the city closed,” recalled Lynn President Bill Reilly. "We started distributing food in September, 2015, in the St. Mary’s Church parking lot and did that right through the winter months. It was tough work, not just unloading the huge truck from the Greater Boston Mobile Food Bank, but also carrying out there long rectangular tables from the St. Mary’s High School cafeteria. After a couple of years we moved to Catholic Charities on North Common Street and now we’re at Salvation Army. Some of our members arrive around 6am to help unload but most are here by seven.” Front row l to R: Mackie Bastarache, Diane Reilly, Lorry Willis, Paula Clancy and Claire Price. back row: Bill Reilly, Ray Bastarache, Paul Price, Dan Cahill (Swampscott Rotary) and Steve Upton.
Two more new members from the Beverly Rotary Club took advantage of the grant offered by our club to do a project in the community on August 17. Matthew Blanchard and Connor Mooney organized an event to clean up trash floating in our ocean and washed up on surrounding beaches.The event took place at Obear Park in Beverly. About twenty people attended and had fun while cleaning up our community waters! Paddleboards and trash bags were provided, but some people brought their own paddleboards. They collected much more trash than they were anticipating. A few things they found in the ocean/surrounding beaches were a lamp, plastic chair, and sink. Great camaraderie with a great goal to help our community!
Don't wait to sign up for Rotary Leadership Institute, October 5, 7:30-3:00 at the Wakefield Sheraton Four Points. The curriculum is designed along discussion format, rather than lecture; and, the energy generated among the faculty and participants will encourage stronger leadership skills for Rotarians who are already leaders in their professions and communities.You do not have to be on your club's officer track. RLI is open to all Rotarians. Register before September 23 at www.rlinea.org. The $100 fee covers all curriculum materials, continental breakfast, mid-morning coffee break and lunch.
Members of Boston Rotaract volunteered at and ran in the annual ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) Race 4 Research on Sunday, August 18, in Cambridge, MA.
The Race 4 Research is a chip-timed 5K road race around Technology Square, as well as a separate four-mile walk and wheelchair ride along the Charles River. An after party and awards ceremony was held outside the ALS TDI office to celebrate participants finishing the race and walk.
Five Boston Rotaract members ran the 5K. In addition, seven other Rotaractors volunteered, helping the ALS TDI staff set up and break down the race areas. Volunteers also served as course marshalls during the race to help direct runners toward the finish line.
All proceeds benefit the ALS TDI, the first nonprofit bio-tech organization focused toward ALS Research. The 2019 Race 4 Research raised over $39,000, helping bring the ALS TDI closer to a cure for the disease.
The Medford Rotary Club recently installed its new officers and directors at its annual Charter Night held at Century Bank in Medford. The bank offers a beautiful view overlooking the Boston Skyline and they graciously hosted us again for this event. Annually, the service club elects new leadership. Anne Gelineau Powers, Financial Advisor at Baystate Financial was sworn in as President. Anne is serving her second term as President, she also served in 2015-16. Other officers include Chuck Mahoney, President-Elect, Cheryl Staude, Secretary, Alan Martorana, Treasurer and long time Rotarian, Bob Bates, Sargent-at-Arms.
The club’s 2018-19 Board of Directors include: Herbert Boudreau, Scott Cutler, Isabelle DosReis, Bob Kaminer, Tricia Rizzo, Doug Shoop, Pat Theberge and Richard Wolfson and John Murphy ex-officio.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2020 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s many community and international activities.
Full contest rules and requirements are available online at www.gloucesterrotary.org. All entries must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2019.
The Topsfield-Boxford-Middleton Club will hosst its 4oth Annual Fall Foliage Classic in Topsfield on Sunday, October 20. The event is a family friendly event and the club's major fundraiser. This year's main beneficiary is the Northshore Education Consortium.
We would argue that you will not find a more beautiful course as this race is held at the height of foliage!
The Cambridge Rotary Club is sponsoring a evening of bowling at Sacco's Bowl Haven, 45 Day Street in Somerville (Davis Sq.) from 6-8 on the evening of September 9th. Please come join us for bowling and Rotary fellowship while supporting a wonderful cause.
Boston Rotaractors raised nearly $10,000 during the 2018-2019 Rotary Year with the goal of providing sustainable clean water solutions to communities in Ghana. August 12, 2019 marked the successful completion of their long-term international service project.
In order to pursue the two-year clean water mission, the club collaborated with two organizations: 1. Pure Home Water (PHW) and 2. The Rotaract Club of Adenta Central.
PHW is an MIT-based social enterprise that creates and distributes household drinking water technologies in the northern region of Ghana. Boston Rotaract donated $8,500 to two separate PHW initiatives from 2018-2020. As a result, 222 sustainable water filters were given to families, providing access to clean water to 1,500 people across three communities in Tamale, Ghana. The project was completed in July 2019.
District 7930 is working with the Service Dog Project, Inc., located in Ipswich Massachusetts, to award a Great Dane Service Dog to a Veteran. We are pleased to announce that we have found an awardee for the Service Dog! More info to come....
If you or your club would like to participate in this service project, please send your donations to District 7930, PO Box 3635, Peabody MA 01960, Attn: Service Dog Project. Make the check payable to District 7930 and note "Service Dog Project" in the memo.
All donation amounts are accepted. However if you would like to be considered a sponsor the levels are as follows:
To date we have raised $2,000 towards the Service Dog which is a cost of over $20,000, including training of the dog and the Veteran.We hope we can count on your support!
All sponsors will be recognized at the Foundation Unsung Hero Celebration on November 7th at the Andover Country Club. Register here for the dinner celebration.
Susan Wood, her son Bradley, and daughter-in-law Anita cordially invite Rotarians, family and friends to a Celebration of the Life of Immediate Past District Governor Bob Wood on Sunday, October 6, 2019, 3-6pm, at Seaglass Restaurant, 4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury MA.
Light Hors d'oeuvre will be served, and there will be a cash bar.
Please RSVP by September 20 as Susan needs a headcount for the afternoon. Registration
The Beverly Rotary Club is giving all new Rotarians $250 in seed money for a service project of their own devising. The only rules are that it has to be a service project -- they can't simply turn around and donate the money somewhere else -- and that the project has to involve the help of other Rotarians. The idea is to help get new members into the swing of things quickly, and pair them with veteran members it might otherwise take them months to get to know.
Camp Rotary is hosting a last meal in the original dining hall on September 7, 4 - 8 PM. It is a fund raiser to help defray the cost of the new dining hall that will be built during the off season. The original dining hall was built in 1921 when the camp was founded. Camp Rotary is located at 372 Ipswich Road in Boxford, MA.
In addition to purchasing a ticket to the dinner, there are opportunities to make larger donations by being a sponsor of the dinner. Information/registration
Our district is looking for your help to honor a Veteran who would benefit from a service dog. Service Dogs cost approximately $20,000, and we are looking for your Club to donate funds to provide a Great Dane from the Ipswich Service Dog Project to a Veteran.
Great Danes are perfect service dogs to help those in need, suffering from PTSD or having balance/walking difficulty. The District will be providing $10,000 from Foundation funds, and we are asking for Club donations to support this most incredible gift.
Rotary International President Mark Daniel Maloney's 2019-20 presidential theme, Rotary Connects the World, is a powerful statement. In theme with President Mark's vision, District 7930 has established a new membership initiative: Rotary Connects. “The first emphasis is to grow Rotary — to grow our service, to grow the impact of our projects, but most importantly, to grow our membership so that we can achieve more,” Maloney said, and he believes that connection is at the heart of the Rotary experience. District 7930 also thinks so.
Rotarians please share link below with all Family, Friends and Fellow Rotarians within and outside of our District.
Rotary is going to the Holiday Pops on Friday, December 13, 2019 to END POLIO NOW!!! This will be an evening to remember with the Boston Pops live concert, a visit from Santa, and a special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Your ticket includes a donation to The Rotary Foundation's efforts to End Polio Now and the Districts Goal of raising ONE MILLION DOLLARS during our 10 years of the Polar Plunge!!
Yes, this February we will be having our 10th Annual Polar Plunge. Over the past 9 years we have raised: $810,537.81. To reach our million dollar goal by the end of the Rotary year, we need to raise $189,462.19.
Join the Burlington, Medford, Malden and North Reading Rotary Clubs at the Greater Boston Food Bank.
On September 14, 2019, from 9:30 to 12:00 pm, the Rotary Clubs of Burlington, Medford, Malden and North Reading will host a food sorting and packing service project at the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) in Boston.
50 volunteer slots are open and are on a first-come-first- serve basis. Register here.
Congratulations to Christine Sloss recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Christine was recognized during the Rotary Installation luncheon held on July 25th at the Eastern Yacht Club.
A class leader at Marblehead High, Christine embraced her commitment to community service leadership. She was the President of the Marblehead High School Interact Club.She also worked as a coordinator for all the North America Interact Clubs in a new, joint Rotary and UNICEF program, called the Initiative Interchange. The purpose was to raise money for universal education. This past summer, Christine organized a Rotary service trip to Nepal to help deliver physical therapy to injured survivors of the earthquake that devastated the country in 2015.
Christine exemplifies the guiding principle of Rotary --- “Service above Self” -- the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life. She plans to continue her education in public administration, urban planning, and environmental sustainability
The Newburyport Rotary will be selling beer and dogs at the annual Lion's Club Bed Race on August 1, 2019, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in The Tannery Marketplace parking lot located at 75 Water Street, Newburyport.
Donna Lee Rubin, PDG 7930 & CEO of Rotaplast International, Inc informed the District that this year's Rotaplast Mission in Cebu City, Phillipines is named in Memory of PDG Bob Wood.
The Mission to Cebu City, Philippines is slated for September 22 through October 5, 2019. This will be the 14th mission sponsored by our District! I am in strong support support of our District's international mission.
My husband Bob was a participant in the 2015, 2016 and 2018 Missions. He participated in the 2015 Mission due to the passion of PDG Bob Wood and also joined the Ipswich Rotary Club due to PDG Bob Wood and this mission. As a speech pathologist, I have personally worked with children with Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate helping them eat and speak. In addition, the 2019-2020 Rotary Presidents voted to support this mission when they met at PETS.
It is our goal to perform 150 surgical procedures, bringing total surgeries sponsored by District 7930 to over 1,250! All medical equipment and supplies are shipped with the team, and the $65,000 mission ($600 per surgery) will be funded by private donations and our district’s Rotary Clubs. We are sending 8 non-medical volunteers.
I hope we can count on your club to help us reach our goal. With your club’s support, we can make a real difference in the lives of children restoring their dignity, and giving them the ability to smile, swallow, eat, breathe and speak more normally.
Checks made payable to Rotaplast, may be sent directly to District 7930, c/o David Boudreau, Institution for Savings, 68 Storey Avenue, Newburyport, MA 01950.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester MA will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 17, 2019, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 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 17-18.
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $8 per person, $5 for children aged six and under, and are now available online or from any Gloucester Rotarian and at the offices of Horvitz & Frisch, P.C., located at 128 Main Street in Gloucester. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.
The Rockport Rotary Club’s annual Lobsterfest is a unique outdoor dining and fundraising event at the Legion Bandstand, serving boiled lobster, clam chowder and more.
The Lobsterfest takes place on Saturday, August 10, 3-7 PM (rain or shine), at the American Legion Hall Bandstand at scenic Back Beach in Rockport, MA. Tickets are $35 and include Hot Boiled Lobster, Clam Chowder, Corn-on-the-Cob, Roll, Watermelon & Soda /Water. There will also be a cash menu of burgers, hot dogs, chips, beer & wine. Live entertainment by “Two Weeks from Everywhere.”
Advanced tickets are recommended, and are available at: John Tarr Store, Village Silversmith or from any Rockport Rotarian or visit www.rockportrotary.org.Proceeds to benefit Rockport Rotary Club Community and International Service Projects.
The Lobsterfest will be followed by Rockport Illuminations’ annual fireworks show, and festive lanterns will be displayed throughout the town all weekend for the occasion. Come for the entire weekend and enjoy the fun!
The Methuen Club kicked off the 2019-2020 Year right. At the annual Installation Dinner that took place on June 25th at Mexico Lindo , six (6) Members were given Paul Harris Fellows. Also, Connie Doto was awarded Rotarian of the Year.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently honored their past presidents at a luncheon meeting. Eighteen past presidents attended the luncheon hosted at the Homewood Suites Boston in Chelsea. Past President Allan I. Alpert was the most senior past president having held the office in the 1977 – 1978 Rotary year.
We have received questions about how individuals and clubs can make memorial gifts in honor of PDG Bob Wood.
Susan Wood has asked that no flowers be sent. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Robert C. Wood to the Annual Fund/Share Program of the Rotary Foundation. Checks should be sent to Liz Cullen, District Foundation Chair, 283 Wethersfield Street, Rowley, MA 01969. Please note on the check: In memory of DG Bob Wood.
A Celebration of Life will occur at the end of the summer or early fall and details will be forthcoming once known.
For nearly 40 years, Mark Daniel Maloney and his family have demonstrated that Rotary connects the world. Now the self-described 'cheerful traveler' embarks on the next phase of his life's journey: serving as Rotary International's new president.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea honored their 2019 scholarship winners and the 2019 Chelsea Public School’s Educator of the Year at a recent luncheon meeting. The Club awarded scholarships to five graduating seniors from Chelsea High School; Jocelyn Poste, Alny Herrera, Deedee Hernandez, Ivan Romero and Nildaliz Enamorado-Rodriguez. The Club also awarded a 6th special scholarship to Lizet Vasquez in memory of Rotarian Joanne Tarason who passed away recently.
Jennifer Stanford, a teacher at Chelsea’s John Silber Early Learning Center, was recognized as the 2019 Educator of the Year.
Presidential Class of 2020 Starts Their Year with Fun, Fellowship, Connection & the Flamingo Challenge at the District Installation!
A big congratulations to our Club Presidents as they start the 2019-2020 Rotary Year! The District Installation launched RI President Mark Maloney's theme of "Rotary Connects the World." This paired with the new RI vision statement "Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves." makes this coming year so inspiring and lets not forget FUN!!!
The Flamingo Challenge is on!!! Ask your fellow Rotarians what that means if you are not sure.
And don't forget Aloha!!! The RI Conference is in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii this year, from June 6-10, 2020. REGISTER early as it may sell out quickly.
My love affair with Rotary started when I was a junior in high school and was selected for a Fulbright program. One of the participants told me about Interact during the break of a preparation course for applying to U.S. colleges, and inspired me to start my high school’s first ever Interact Club, which I ran successfully with my co-president and about 10 members for a year until I graduated.
I got a scholarship to attend a college in Massachusetts and moved from my small town of Septemvri, Bulgaria. On 17 August 2009, several flights later, I found myself in the United States of America, a country where I knew nobody and no one spoke a word of Bulgarian. The moment I landed at Boston logan Airport symbolized my departure from a world that was familiar and comfortable; I realized I had left my family, homeland, and culture behind yet to discover a whole new community, country, and new friends.
The Rotary Club of Lynn’s Scholarship Committee reviewed a record number of application packets this spring from graduating seniors before awarding four Thomas P. Maloney & Robert A. Hastings Memorial Scholarships at its luncheon meeting Thursday at Old Tyme Family Cuisine.
“This is my fifth year on the scholarship committee,” said chairman Ray Bastarache,”and I know I can speak for the entire committee when I say this was the most stellar group of applicants that we’ve had. Perhaps we share that opinion every year but truth be told, this class was, in one word, exceptional!”
The Methuen Rotary Club celebrated it’s 2nd Annual June Jubilee by giving away money to deserving non –profits in Methuen. Each organization was invited to lunch and to speak about how the donation will help the people that are served in the community. President Julie Brady had the honor of presenting $1000.00 checks to each of the following organizations. Commander Curt Williams Accepted on behalf of the Methuen V.F.W. Post 8349. Larry & Eileen Giordano accepted on behalf of Merrimack Valley Foster Kids, City Councilor Jessica Finocchario and Cole Welch , President, accepted on behalf of the Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project and Julia Pesek , Community Relations Director accepted of behalf of the MSPCA Nevins Farm.
Christine Sloss will be heading to Suffolk University in the fall. A class leader at Marblehead High, Sloss embraced her commitment to community service. She is the President of the Marblehead High School Interact Club (Rotary Club at the High School level) and is working as a coordinator for all the North America Interact Clubs in a new, joint Rotary and UNICEF program, called the Initiative Interchange, to raise money for universal education. This summer, Sloss organized a Rotary service trip to Nepal to help deliver physical therapy to injured survivors of the earthquake that devastated the country in 2015. Sloss plans to continue her education in public administration, urban planning, and environmental sustainability.
Christopher Gally will be attending Bowdoin College in September. During his tenure at Marblehead High, Gally was a three-sport athlete and the quarterback of the successful football team. One of his teachers called him the epitome of a student-athlete; a quiet leader who inspires others through his example. Gally is a member of the National Honor Society and is an Assisting Minister and Acolyte at his church.
A matching grant from the Rockport Rotary Club and Rotary District 7930, along with in kind donations from Emerson Swan, Inc and Breen and Sullivan Mechanical Services, has provided the Action Emergency Shelter at 370 Main Street in Gloucester with a new energy efficient air conditioning system. This system will help to keep shelter guests and staff cool all summer long and save thousands of dollars in energy costs over the long term.
On June 12, Rockport Rotarians visited the shelter to experience their grant dollars in action.
Beloved Rotarian, Robert C. Wood, originally of Darien, Connecticut, later of Cambridge and Georgetown Massachusetts, and Derry, New Hampshire, passed peacefully on June 30, 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital. Bob served his full term as Rotary 7930 District Governor from July 1, 2018 until his death, June 30, 2019. Bob was the cherished husband of Susan for 47 years, father to Bradley and his wife Anita, grandfather to Taylor, as well as friend and mentor to many.
Bob joined Rotary in 2001 and was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Greater Georgetown and served as that club’s second president. He later joined the Rotary Club of Peabody in 2009. He served Rotary District 7930 in many capacities including District Registrar, Assistant Governor, District Treasurer, and most notably District Governor during the 2018-2019 “Be the Inspiration” Rotary Year.
Bob had a passion for the Rotary Foundation, as it was his self-proclaimed charity of choice. Further, Bob was a Major Donor as well as multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He was a strong supporter behind the scenes to over a dozen District Governors. He was instrumental in launching the Homeless and Hunger Initiative in Rotary District 7930 – a program that is well engrained in Rotary Clubs throughout Rotary District 7930.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea annually sponsors twenty Chelsea children to one week at Camp Rotary. The Club pays all expenses for the camp week including tuition, field trips, cabin pictures and canteen funds.
Camp Rotary is an overnight camp located on Stiles Pond in Boxford, MA owned by the Rotary Club of Lynn and managed by Youth Services Managers, Inc. The Rotary Club of Chelsea covers all expenses for the children sponsored. The children are chosen based upon essays submitted to the Rotary Club of Chelsea explaining why they should be selected to attend camp. Prior to camp the selected children and their parents are required to attend a pre-camp meeting held at the Chelsea Salvation Army. At the meeting camp director Dr. Rich Cowdell explains to the children and their parents what to expect during their week at Camp Rotary. He also answers questions from the children and their parents. Rotary Club of Chelsea Past President Sue Gallant is the chairperson of this Rotary project. She works with the Chelsea Public Schools to distribute the applications to Chelsea students, coordinates transportation to and from camp with the Chelsea Police Department and makes sure all the children are properly prepared to attend camp. That includes supplying each child with a backpack filled with items they will need for camp. Since 1998 the Rotary Club of Chelsea has sponsored over 350 Chelsea students at Camp Rotary thanks to the generosity of the Chelsea Club members and local businesses.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Blair Lord into the club at its weekly Thursday luncheon meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Marblehead Rotary Club President, Alexander Falk, presided over the induction ceremony.
Like every Rotary club we needed to increase our membership. It’s quite simple – without a sizable group, running projects becomes difficult. The same people can’t be asked to step up for each project again and again without risking burn out. Even with the best of attitudes (which all Rotarians have, right?) it gets difficult to keep diving into the pool on a regular basis.
Where do we begin? The first thought is to have a reception to showcase the club. Ok, it’s not a bad idea but many organizations run many events and the bulk are not successful. It’s a buyer’s market. You need to show your potential members how your club represents their best opportunity for volunteering. You need a story that is accurate and compelling.
State Senator Brendan Creighton of Lynn presented an Official Citation to outgoing Lynn Rotary President Brenda Peral at a recent meeting. During Peral’s tenure as president, the Lynn club grew its membership significantly, held two successful fundraisers and increased its menu of volunteer opportunities. William Reilly is the new Rotary President.
Please join us in inducting our Club Presidents, District Team and Rotaract Presidents on Thursday, June 27, at Danversport Yacht Club. Cocktail hour at 6:00pm, and the festivities begin at 6:45pm.
Wear your best Hawaiian shirt/outfit. Learn about the 2019-2020 RI theme Rotary Connects the World and the Flamingo Challenge.
I’ve been proud to be a Rotarian for a long time. But today, the Rotarian spirit in me hit a whole new level. This letter is about a lot of things, but ultimately, it’s about what Rotary is best at…connecting with people.
This story starts five years ago in 2014. Back then, I was working as the Youth Services Director in North Reading, while still a Wakefield Rotarian. That year, North Reading Rotary had an abundance of applicants for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Two students would have to be cut, and I just knew all of the candidates deserved RYLA. I reached out to my Wakefield Club President at the time, Bob Kimball, to see if Wakefield would be willing to fund two students from North Reading. As is common with many communities at the time, RYLA conflicted with Wakefield’s prom and SAT prep so we had no candidates from that class. Bob proposed the idea to our Board and unanimously they agreed to fund two students from North Reading. Ultimately, we sponsored a Sophomore, Annie Nietzsche, and a Junior Marc Flaherty.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will host a Sunset Cruise aboard the Privateer, docked at 63 Rogers St in downtown Gloucester, on Thursday, July 11, 2019. Boarding begins at 6:00pm, and we leave the dock at 6:30pm, returning at 9:30pm.
In addition to beautiful Gloucester vistas and refreshing ocean breezes, the cruise will include sandwiches, salads and desserts, a cash bar, and fun entertainment.
Tickets are $35 each and can be reserved by contacting Brad Pierce at 978-884-9999. The Privateer can accommodate 150 guests. Last minute walk-ons are welcome, but advance reservations are appreciated.
As Rotarians are enjoying the RI Convention happening now in Hamburg, Germany, the rest of us at home can still lock in the special rate being offered for next year's convention in Honolulu, Hawaii! Register now to only pay $395 per person. Rates are also lower for Rotaractors and other guests under 30 years of age!
Click this link to register that includes detailed instructions on how to register. Some convention hotels are already sold out, so act fast!
Aloha Rotary -- Register now for RI 2020 Convention to lock in lowest price!
Julia Phelps, Rotary Club of Amesbury and Trustee, Rotary International (2017-2020), was the speaker at a combined dinner meeting of Marblehead and Marblehead Harbor Rotary Clubs. She updated the memberships on the status of Rotary's Polio Plus program and the challenges the world faces on eliminating polio from the earth.
We had a fantastic RYLA weekend May 10 - 12 with 70 kids (50 RYLArians and 20 student leaders) at Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, NH! We had the kids going from morning until late at night. They were exhausted, but by all accounts, it was a very impactful weekend!
Here are a few quotes from the evaluation forms:
“RYLA was by far one of the best weekends I’ve ever had. I will never forget this experience, and I’ll apply what I’ve learned to my life”.
“I really enjoyed this camp and feel that I learned so many life lessons that will change me as a person forever”.
“I will be honored to come back and will make the time to attend training while in college. I swear by RYLA and use the lessons & concepts I’ve learned here on a daily basis. I want to start a Rotaract Club at my college this fall. Love all of you. You are all my big RYLA family." (A “Super Senior” (i.e., 3rd year leader))
Manchester-Essex Club hosted visiting Rotarians from Australia this spring, Peter Sutherland and his wife Sally. Peter is the president-elect of his club. They are now home again. Peter sent this message to our President, Mike Storella.
Hello Mike, Thanks again for delivering your Club Banner to me, and for having Sally and I at your meeting. We have made it home to Melbourne again and are missing The USA already. Attached is a photo of the presentation of the banner to our President at North Balwyn Rotary Club in D9800.
Peter Sutherland
Manchester-Essex Hosts Rotarians from "Down Under"
The Rotary Club of Lynn held its final Grade Eight Recognition Program Thursday at Old Tyme Family Cuisine. The program has been a staple on Rotary’s event calendar for over a decade thanks to the generosity of its longtime sponsor, RiverWorks Credit Union.
Each Lynn public and private school is asked to nominate one student from its eighth grade class for special recognition. Rotary is looking for students who have overcome challenges in their life and have a positive impact on the school and their classmates. Lynn Rotarian and local businessman Joe Coombs came up with the idea many years ago based on his personal experiences in middle school that were positively impacted by a classroom teacher. Recognized at its luncheon Thursday were: From left - right: Josilyn Flynn, North shore Christian School; Gabriel Mieses, Sacred Heart School, Sean Paul Miki-Cushing, Pickering Middle School; and Ashley Perez Lopez, Thurgood Marshall MS. Back row: Rotary President Brenda Peral, Rotarian and Master of Ceremonies Drew Russo and Program coordinator Wendy Silva.
Consider our Contacts module to be your clubs' online address book, integrated with your eBulletin and email. Besides basic information such as name, phone number and primary email address, you can also store details such as birthday, anniversary and nickname, in addition to contact information such as home and work address, secondary phone numbers and email addresses, etc.
Even import from or export contacts to Excel!
Create non-member lists to track sponsors, volunteers, supporters, prospective members and more!
Besides basic information, you can also store details such as birthday, anniversary, nickname, home or work address and more.
Create numerous groups to better manage your contacts and understand their involvement with your club. Separate them by friends, prospective members, bulletin subscribers, sponsors and more. Labels will allow you to color code and categorize each group making it easier to identify a certain set of people. This makes it easy to email just a few specific people, whether you want to send club announcements, a request for volunteers or an invitation to an event.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has named Patrick Thorpe and Danny Williamson as Paul Harris Fellows, the prestigious award named after the Chicago lawyer who founded the Rotary movement in 1905. Thorpe was selected by a club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Williamson was chosen by members of the Interact Club, the very active group of Gloucester High School junior Rotarians. Thorpe and Williamson were honored at a special dinner in May.
Please join us in inducting our Club Presidents, District Team and Interact Presidents on June 27th at the Danversport Yacht Club 6 to 9 pm with registration beginning at 5:30 pm.
ATTIRE: Wear your best Hawaiian shirt/outfit. Visit https://2020alohashirts.com if you want to order an official Rotary Hawaiian shirt.
This past weekend our District hosted a 5 District conference at the Doubletree Hotel in Danvers. It was due to our own DG Bob Wood who had the vision for this stellar weekend of fellowship & a youth focused session called "Game of Throneless" organized by Keith and Christina Harris. DG Bob Wood was present for lunch and the annual business meeting and led our District throughout the day.
Thank you again to DG Bob Wood for making our District shine!
Shout Out to DG Bob Wood for a Great District Conference!
For the past 49 years, the Lynn Rotary Club has served as the major sponsor of the Lynn Special Games. “I know this is our 49th year,” said Associate DPW Commissioner Lisa Nerich, the coordinator of the Special Games, “and I can’t recall any organization other than Rotary sponsoring this event. I doubt we could stage this without Rotary’s help.”
“Our members very much enjoy these school projects,” said President Brenda Peral. “The smiles of the children’s faces tell the reason why this project is so important to them."
The Special Games are held at the Lynn Vocational Technical Field house and brings together some 30 specialized classroom programs encompassing over 350 students with the full range of diagnosed disabilities. Teachers, classroom aids and about 100 student volunteers from LVTI work with children on the many playful activities set up around the field house. Several Lynn Police officers lead the parade of students and teachers around the facility along with Lynn School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Tutweiller and Police Chief Michael Mageary. Carolyn Cole, a former Rotarian, sang the National Anthem. Rotarians in attendance to support students were: Steve Upton, Harvey Rowe, Mackie & Ray Bastarache, Diana Moreno, Dick Ruth, Wendy Silva. Rev. Bill Simpson, Brenda Peral and President-elect Bill Reilly. Lynn Rotarian Pattie Capano coordinated the event with Ms. Nerich.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester recently collaborated with several local agencies to present a substance misuse prevention and self-care forum to every student at the Gloucester High School. Over the course of two days, the forum brought together three local organizations, the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI), Gloucester’s Health Department, and Children’s Friend and Family Services, to provide students with real stories of addiction and recovery, as well as the importance of self-care.
Three recent Gloucester High School graduates, Cody Desmond, Lilly Salah and Christian Maki, who are in recovery, gave students some insight into their struggles through addiction and journey to recovery during a guided conversation with PAARI’s Care Advocate and Outreach Specialist, Tito Rodriguez. This was followed by a presentation from Children’s Friend and Family who focused more on the prevention side of things, stressing the importance of self-care as an alternative to using substances to manage stress. Students were provided with an opportunity to ask questions of the panelists and the presentation was followed by a survey, with many students expressing how impactful the presentation was for them and also hoping that other opportunities would arise to invite the speakers back to the high school.
This forum was an opportunity for the Rotary Club of Gloucester to provide outreach and education around a topic that has profoundly impacted so many in the Gloucester community.
Gloucester Substance Misuse Prevention & Self-Care Forum at High School
Parts 1, 2, 3, and Graduate were cancelled for April 27th at the Sheraton Four Points, Wakefield, and RESCHEDULED for October 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., same location.
A vibrant, discussion-based learning tool for current and potential club leaders and any club member who wants to learn more about our organization, Rotary Leadership Institute covers subjects like, but not limited to, strategies for attracting and retaining members, running successful fundraisers, and understanding our Foundation.
Remember to MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW, as registrations will close 10 days before the October 5 event!
Does your club need help with issues like recruiting and retaining members, planning for the future, plus fundraising, fellowship and service ideas? RLI is open to ALL Rotarians, not just club officers. However, district-wide, as of 4/12, fewer than 10 Rotarians have submitted intention to attend the April 27 Rotary Leadership Institute day at the Sheraton Four Points in Wakefield. A minimum of 8 attendees is necessary for each level (Parts 1, 2, 3 and Graduate). DON'T WAIT to register, as, based on registration numbers, RLI will decide whether or not to run the program in District 7930 ten days before the scheduled event. Register NOW at www.rlinea.org.
Questions, call Linda Doliber, Site Chair, at 781-631-6938.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY for an energizing, informative experience!
The District Conference is right around the corner with opportunities for all to attend! Mark your calendars and sign up now: May 3 and 4 at the Doubletree Hotel in Danvers. Register here.
There are 5 Districts attending allowing for celebration, exploration and expansion of your rotary world. Find out what others are doing and how it can benefit your club. Make new friends while celebrating your club's year.
Consider having your club meeting at the Friday luncheon where DG Bob Wood will celebrate Paul Harris awardees. Join us at the annual business meeting in the afternoon and our memorial service. Then Dance the Night Away with the band Boston Commons.
Saturday is a program called Game of Thrones put together by our very own Keith and Christina Harris involving our youth. Don't miss out!!!
Saturday afternoon and evening join the other Districts in fun and fellowship touring Fenway Park as well as a boat cruise in Boston.
Have you been hearing the term Diversity & Inclusion and wondering how it applies to you and your club? You are invited to attend Rotary District 7930's first Diversity & Inclusion Workshop, with guest James Lopata. Learn more about this topic and how to make an impact on your dynamic club by gaining tools that will help you foster an inclusive community for every current or potential Rotarian!
Date: Thursday, April 25 Time: 7:00-9:00 pm Location: McLane Middleton, 300 Trade Center #7000, Woburn, MA 01801
The Rotary Club of Chelsea hosted the Chelsea High School Interact students for lunch after the students held their 2019 Government Day. The Interact students took over the Chelsea city government for the morning. The students assumed management and governance positions and experienced how city government works. Included in the picture are the Chelsea High School Interact students who participated and the Chelsea Rotarians who hosted them for lunch.
Student leaders have been meeting with Rotarians on Saturday mornings since December to train for their roles as Student Facilitators at this year's RYLA weekend. Training activities range from physically challenging puzzles to serious discussions about diversity and sensitivity.
As planning began for the 2019 Polar Plunge, DG Bob Wood agreed to "take a dive" for the effort, allowing a caricature to be used to follow the progress of the District's fundraising this year. As of April 4, we have raised $99,432 of the $125,000 goal set last fall. It's not too late to donate to the plunge. Contact your Club's Foundation or Polio Plus Chair for information on how you can donate to Rotary's signature program.
Doug Place, Past President of the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club, has been nominated to receive a Community Champion award for his efforts on behalf of his community. Anyone who knows Doug and would like to vote for him, please go to https://a.pgtb.me/HQbVz2 and vote for him under the "Community" category before April 12.
Burlington Past Pres Nominated for Community Award
Camila Nagashirom, Rotary Youth Exchange student from Bolivia, swapping Rotary Club Flags with Alexander Falk.
Camilla was sponsored by Rotary Club, Grigota, Bolivia. She has been a wonderful addition to the Marblehead community we are grateful to have her with us.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester will host a Trivia Night on Friday, April 26, at the Gloucester House, located at 63 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the game will begin at 7 p.m. Teams of four will compete for the title of Cape Ann Trivia Champions.
In 2019, there will be a special raffle for Early Bird Registrations: -- Register before April 12 and receive 2 chances to win -- Register before April 19 and receive 1 chance to win
All trivia fans are invited to this fun night of general knowledge and laughter. The registration fee is $100 for a team of four players. Proceeds from this event will support programs of the Gloucester Rotary Club. The night will also feature a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and light snacks for purchase. Registration forms may be obtained any Gloucester Rotary Club member or downloaded at www.gloucesterrotary.org.
On April 9, 2019, we will be holding our 9th Annual Celebration of Achievement Banquet at Merrimack Golf Course 210 Howe St. Methuen MA We will be honoring both a Teacher of the Year and a Student of the Year from the Methuen Public School System and Presentation of Mary Academy, as well as award college scholarships to high school seniors who reside in Methuen and attend Methuen High School, Presentation of Mary Academy or Central Catholic High School. In addition, the Club will present its “Service Above Self” Award, honoring an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution in the Methuen Community and most exemplifies the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self. Our Special guest speaker is Larry Giordano founder of Merrimack Valley Foster Kids.
Registration is now open for District 7930 RYLA 2019, which will be the weekend of May 10-12. For information about how your club can support high school students in your community, visit the District RYLA page or contact RYLA Chair Christina Harris. Deadline for Applications is April 15, 2019.
In 2009, my addiction to Rotary began. Sponsored by my hometown Rotary club, I attended the District 7780 RYLA and after that weekend, I was hooked. I joke now that RYLA is the gateway drug to Rotary, but looking back on it, it could not have rung more true for me. The RYLA experience opened my eyes to the potential Rotarian community. In an effort to be more involved, I would become the President of my local Interact club the following year, and then receive a Rotary scholarship for my college studies. I often went back to the club that had sponsored me for both RYLA and the scholarship to share my experiences and the opportunities they had given me, and each time felt like I was walking into a family reunion rather than a room full of strangers. After college, I moved to Boston, a city that immediately felt uninviting and overwhelming to a Mainer. My remedy for homesickness? Find the nearest Rotary club. The minute I walked into the first Downtown Boston Rotary meeting, I knew that I had found a new home. I can say with one hundred percent certainty that the reason I walked into that meeting and became so involved in our club is because of that glimpse of community I received way back in 2009 through RYLA. While I may joke about RYLA as a gateway drug, it may be more a life-sustaining one as it truly is our youth programming from RYLA, to Interact, to Rotaract, that keeps the Rotary name alive. For any club looking to attract millennials is to invest in the younger generations from the ground up. You never know, the high school junior you sponsor today for RYLA may be our District President in 10 years.
The Chelsea Black Community celebrates Black History Month with a month long series of events promoting black history in Chelsea. As part of the celebration the CBC recognizes several local residents and business persons as Chelsea Trailblazers. In recognizing this year’s Trailblazers the CBC took into consideration ethical behavior grounded on compassion, nurture and social bonds. Ideals and convictions that pertain to human beings’ behavior toward each other and to the preferred organizations of their communities such as – historical experience, empathy and the need for integrity and harmony. This year’s honorees include Chelsea Rotarians Saritin Rizzuto and Bruce Mauch. The Chelsea City Council honored the 2019 CBC Trailblazers with resolutions at their March 4, 2019 meeting.
We are pleased to report that our District 7930 Rotary Youth Exchange Program has been recognized by NAYEN (the North American Youth Exchange Network) with a Bronze Achievement Award.
This is straight from the cover letter by Paul Reagan, NAYEN President 2017-19:
On behalf of the North American Youth Exchange Network, I want to congratulate you and District 7930 for the wonderful Rotary Youth Exchange Program that you support. Your program is being recognized for distinguishing itself at the Bronze Level of the NA YEN Achievement Awards. This recognition is for those districts that participate enthusiastically, conduct activities that are best practices, and strive to build strong programs.
Motivated by the huge numbers of people who need wheelchairs in the world, Cambridge members wanted to join forces with other clubs who have helped the disabled become abled. ALEM, in Mexico has a proven program to go a step further by training and employing disabled persons to repair wheelchairs in Mexico.
The Cambridge Club used the power of a district grant and donations to expand the program by asking "Club Rotario Cuernavaca Juarez, Mexico" to support us to help ALEM do more to expand their reach. Their idea was to conduct wheelchair maintenance workshop sessions at various cities, including Poza Rica, Veracruz; Cuernavaca, Morelos; and Taxco, Guerrero on the day before the repair days. A district grant was approved to both buy needed parts for repairing 500 wheelchairs and to train disabled persons how to repair the chars and set up a repair workshop. The Cambridge Rotary Club donated $2550 and the following clubs also donated funds: Boston, Marblehead, Marblehead Harbor and individual Rotarians from Cambridge. For a total of $4460 which was matched by the District.
Enjoy a luscious three-course meal prepared TABLESIDE by the area’s most popular chefs! Have fun with your friends while raising scholarship dollars for local high school seniors! You are cordially invited to join us at the Rotary Club of Newburyport Chefs’ Dinner in the Grandview Ballroom at Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury, MA on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Proceeds support college scholarships for high school seniors at NHS and Triton and provide donations for important local nonprofits. Each chef will prepare a three-course meal tableside for 10 people.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club is getting out into the towns we support with 4 separate events to share "everything Rotary and how we can support your community". The first event was March 26th in Pelham, NH and we had a terrific turnout! Upcoming events are April 16-Atkinson, May 21-Windham, and June 11-Hampstead.
Anyone is welcome to come to any of these events to learn more about Rotary and potential membership.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is Awarding Scholarships Worth $18,500!
The Enhanced Scholarship and The Fraffie Welch Scholarship are for students seeking a two or four year degree from a college or university and will be awarded on the basis of need. Application Deadline is April 1, 2019. The 2nd Chance Scholarship for those seeking to improve their employment by enrolling in a certificate course or similar program. Application Deadline is July 15, 2019.
Do you know someone who might benefit from a scholarship? Please feel free to share this information with them. We are accepting applications now! To apply and learn more about these scholarships, please visit: www.marbleheadscholarship.org.
Marblehead Harbor is Awarding Scholarships Worth $18,500
As “People of Action”, District 7930 Rotary Members are invited to help address the issue of hunger and food insecurity in Suffolk County and Eastern Massachusetts. On May 18, 2019 from 9:30 to 12:00 pm District 7930 will be hosting a food sorting and packing service project at the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) in Boston. 50 volunteer slots are open and are on a first-come-first- serve basis. If enough children (ages 7-15) register, the GBFB will provide a project for them also. Register here.
The Greater Boston Food Bank is located at 70 South Bay Avenue, Boston. If you have any questions please contact: Peter Majane at 781-443-5148 or Dave Hart at 781-718-7799.
(click "Read More" link for more information on the Greater Boston Food Bank and the need in eastern Massachusetts)
Last Month, the Methuen Rotary got together and prepared 150 "Party Bags" that were donated to the Methuen food pantries of Neighbor’s In Need. Decorated boxes were placed throughout Methuen and we collected all kinds of party supplies with the help of the Methuen community. The bags were decorated by the kids at Methuen YMCA and each bag contained cake mix, frosting, candles, plates, napkins, balloons, tablecloth and a variety party themed items. The reason behind this was to ensure that since people were already struggling to provide a meal to their family…they should also be able to celebrate and not worry about the expense of a party.
The District Membership Team is proud to announce the next New Member Orientation Event!
Hosted at the Four Points Sheraton on Thursday, April 11th, the event will welcome over fifty new members and prospective members. All new members will receive mail and email invitations provided that they have been entered into Club Runner. Presidents and Membership Chairs are encouraged to provide this date to new members as early as possible and include the invitation in their welcome packets. For more information, please contact Amy Luckiewicz at rotary7930membership@yahoo.com. Members may register now at https://rotary7930.org/event/welcome-party--a-district-7930-orientation-2/
Join us at the District Assembly this Wednesday, April 10, at the Sheraton Wakefield and hear this incredible speaker: LaShonda Delivuk! LaShonda is a 28 year old Rotarian and current Club President who spoke recently at RI's International Assembly in San Diego. Her talk at our Assembly will be focused on teaching us practical strategies to manage our time, recruit and retain members and restore the joy of service.
The Assembly is geared towards all Rotarians with an initial training session for PE's, Treasures, and Secretaries.
Session Highlights:
Exploring Membership Options
Ways to Give through the Foundation
Club Health Checks: Growing Your Club to the Best It Can Be
Expanding Your Club's Reach through RI & District Tools
Going Global: Global Grant and Rotaplast Opportunities for Service
Learn Fundraising Successes and What to Avoid
District Grants: How to Qualify. Meet the District's Service Dog
Youth Services: Hear from our RYLA, Interact and Youth Exchange Students
Click here for time, schedule specifics and to register.
More than 100,000 U.S. patients are currently waiting for solid organ transplants. Each day, about 77 people receive an organ transplant. Each day, 19 people die waiting for an organ transplant.
The numbers are overwhelming, but there is a way you can help a transplant patient right here in Middleton, Mass who needs your help. The friends and family of 21-year-old Nick Jarvis, are asking our community and the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for life-sustaining assistance. Nick had a kidney transplant approximately one year ago and we are happy to report the kidney is working! But that is not where the story ends. In the past 15 months, Nick has attended 211 medical appointments and takes many expensive medications every day to keep his kidneys working. The COTA for Team Nick J community campaign is organizing an event to help with these and other transplant-related expenses. COTA funds are used for transplant-related expenses only, but can be used anytime in the patient’s life that he/she should need it.
Mike Martini was recently recognized and was presented with a commemorative clock by Rotary Club of Woburn President Susan Hartmere. Mike has been an active Rotarian for over 40 years, is a Paul Harris Fellow and also a past president. Mike has remained active in the Woburn community volunteering his time to Woburn athletics and serves on many community boards.
The Ipswich Rotary Club invites the public to attend the Taste of Ipswich and Beyond Wine and Food Gala on Thursday, March 14th, at The Mansion on Turner Hill in Ipswich. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Come join us for an enjoyable evening of food, drink and good friends, all in support of the Ipswich Family YMCA and Ipswich Rotary programs.
"Community means people rallying around each other and celebrating a shared trait. This trait can be as contentious as being pro-abortion, as rooted as Judaism, as tribal as being Armenian, or as simple as believing pineapple belongs on pizza. The best part of being in a community is that no bond is trivial; any similarity can make you feel a little more connected and a little less alone. At RYLA, I found myself immediately embraced in an incredibly strong, tight-knit, and welcoming community; one I hope to share with as many people as possible. While I was excited to find my people at the retreat, I was eager to start fresh, take risks, and step outside my comfort zone. In the 2 day span of the RYLA retreat, I met my best friend, Nyley Moise, and even after all this time we remain very close friends. The staff were kind and easygoing, and the counselorswere inspiring and fun to be around. I can confidently say that RYLA has made me a more proactive, confident, and ambitious leader." --Marina G, RYLA participant 2018
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, March 29, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
A Night at the Races promises to be a fun-filled evening for adults with all the suspense and excitement of being at the racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. At various points during the evening, betters will be able to use their winnings to bid on merchandise and services that have been donated for the event. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group. Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased from any Gloucester Rotarian.
Things you should know… The mission departs from San Francisco on September 22 and returns to San Francisco on October 5th. You must travel with the group on this portion of the trip so that the equipment boxes can be counted as your second piece of luggage. This is done as a group booking through Rotaplast and will cost you approximately $1,000. You are responsible for your flights to and from San Francisco, you can use airline or credit card points if you have them, the cost is anywhere from $400 to $900 depending on when you book. You are welcome to add time before or after the trip. The hotel is included for double occupancy. Single rooms run about $650 for the 10 days. A breakfast buffet is included at the hotel daily, and lunch and snacks are provided at the hospital daily. There is a hospitality room at the hotel, a contribution of approximately $50 is suggested to provide evening snacks.
The Polar Plunge was a huge anti-polio fundraising success, but the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is taking it one... toe further with the Big Toe Plunge.
In a joint activity with Marblehead's InterAct, intrepid volunteers will dip their big toe at famed Devereux Beach, Saturday, March 23rd, at 10:00am. All District Rotarians are invited to participate and test their mettle against the mean surf of a (hopefully) balmy Spring day. Creative outfits and outlandish toe dipping will be encouraged. An anti-polio fundraiser will take place on location.
An overflow crowd of students, teachers, family members and Lynn Rotarians gathered at Old Tyme Family Cuisine recently to celebrate one of the club’s most popular events: Rotary's Eighth Grade Recognition Program which was started decades ago by longtime Lynn Rotarian Joe Coombs. Mr. Coombs admittedly struggled in middle school until one of his teachers showed him how to get on the right track. Coombs never forgot the help he received so he introduced his idea of recognizing one eighth grade student from each Lynn middle school to receive some recognition. The Lynn Executive Board love Coombs's idea and has run with it ever since. The program runs from January to May.
Don't Miss this year's District Assembly with guest speaker LaShonda Delivuk current President of the Rotary Club of Lynchbury-Morning. This 28 year old woman joined Rotary when she was 23 years old!! Come here her inspiration talk about Balancing Time, Rotary and Work!
The District Assembly has something for all Rotarians! Training for secretary's and treasurers will be provided as well as a business meeting for PE's to address the district budget and other items. General sessions for all will focus on exploring membership options, Ways to Give through the Foundation, Fundraising, Expanding Your Clubs reach through RI and District Tech Tools, Youth Services, and Grant opportunities!!!
April 10th, registration opens at 2:30 Time: PEs, Secretaries, Treasurers session from 3 to 3:30 pm General Sessions begin at 3:30 pm running to 6 pm Fellowship: 6 to 6:30 pm Dinner: 6:30 to 8:30 pm Cost: $47.50 per person Place: Sheraton Four Points Wakefield
Belle Isle Rotary Club March Madness Trivia Night Benefiting the Rotary Club of Belle Isle Foundation, a 501 c 3 non-profit
Salesian Boys and Girls Club 150 Byron Street, East Boston March 29, 2019 Doors at 6pm, Trivia at 7pm Games will be on during Trvia Nacho Bar, Pizza, and Cash Bar $20 per person
RIPE Mark Maloney will speak at the Thursday evening dinner at NEPETS on March 7. Because of this special speaker, the dinner has been opened to all Rotarians interested in hearing Mark speak. If you are not attending NEPETS as a President-elect or member of the presentation team, this invitation is for the meal only. $45 per meal, must be paid in advance by credit card no later than 5PM Wednesday, March 6> No walkins and no checks will be accepted at the door. First-reserve-first-serve with 75 seats available. Again, no walkins will be accepted for the Thursday dinner and all reservations must be completed no later than 5PM Wednesday, March 6.
On Thursday, February 14th, Saugus Rotary held their joint meeting with the Lynnfield Rotary Club and it was a huge success!!! We’d like to thank American security analyst, author and media personality Robert Siciliano for delivering an incredible presentation on identity theft and personal security. Opened our eyes to just how prevalent and important it is to protect yourself from fraudsters, hackers and criminals.
The Burlington Rotary annual major fundraiser “Friday Night at the Fights” is back. This year’s event will take place on Friday, April 5, 2019, at the Billerica Lodge of Elks. We look forward to another great night of boxing this year and greatly appreciate your support.
10 Amateur boxing matches Catered Dinner Doors open at 6PM Fights begin at 8PM
The Rotary Club of Burlington relies on major fundraisers like this one to further our mission to serve the community and support the great charitable organizations that benefit Burlington and the region.
For table reservations contact: John Tuccinardi at 781-820-9635 jtuccinardi@fedheat.com
David Manzi introduced Rotary District 7930's focus on homelessness and hunger at the World Peace and Understanding Dinner in February 2016.. Since then, Sheryl Meehan, David Gardner and our current DG, Bob Wood, have worked to inspire clubs to accept the challenge to do what we can as Rotarians to help those less fortunate. From the experiential program in February 2016, to the diaper program and other mini grants, district grants and individual club projects, many Rotarians have contributed greatly in so many ways in our communities.
Once again, Bob Wood has dedicated the World Peace & Understanding Dinner to the plight of homelessness. The keynote speaker, Chief Justice Timothy Sullivan of the Housing Court, will provide updates on the current status and share his thoughts on what is being done and can be done to build on the great work that our members have done.
Our District is once again offering ten $500.00 scholarships to graduating seniors that attend a Technical High School. The scholarships will be awarded to seniors that plan to pursue a trade after graduation. The funds can be used to obtain a certificate or license as well as to purchase tools for their trade (electrician, plumber, automotive mechanic, carpenter, beautician etc.)
This award is funded by our Annual Giving donations to The Rotary Foundation.
Clubs are encouraged to copy and share the application. Applications are also being sent to the Guidance Departments of all the Massachusetts Vocational Technical High Schools in our District. The application has been sent to 16 high schools in our District. This includes high schools that offer trade classes to their students.
The Scholarship Committee will meet in late April to select the winning candidates. Please note that children and grandchildren of Rotarians are not eligible.
World Peace & Understanding Dinner February 28, 2019, 5:30pm Sheraton Four Points Wakefield $45 per person Register Here
The Challenge of Housing
Please join us for an incredible evening with Chief Justice Timothy Sullivan of the Massachusetts Housing Court, who will be our speaker. He will be focusing on the great challenge we face with housing in Massachusetts.
"As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said thousands of years ago, “When the best leader's work is done, the people say, 'We did it ourselves’”. My time spent as not only a participant, but also as a facilitator within RYLA has equipped me with leadership tools that I can take with me wherever I go. One of the most incredible lessons that I learned as a leader is the importance of listening. I’ve seen that great leaders do not take over; rather, great leaders listen and allow team players to have a voice. The best leaders make people feel heard. Without the exposure to this lesson, and many other life-changing experiences within RYLA, I don’t think I would be as successful of a leader as I am today. RYLA has taught me how to be more fearless, more resilient, has connected me with incredible like-minded individuals, and has helped me to become the best version of myself." --Marissa, RYLA participant & student facilitator
The Rotary Leadership Institute is a leadership and development workshop to strengthen Rotary Clubs through education, collaboration and the exchange of ideas among Rotarians.
Members of Rotary Club of Woburn recently completed a service project to help families celebrate children's' birthdays. Spearheaded by Jim Major, the club organized supplies and ingredients needed for a family birthday celebration. The bags were donated to Woburn's food pantry located at The Council of Social Concern on Merrimack Street. Most club members were on hand to organize and distribute the supplies to make each bag, including president Susan Hartmere and recent past president William Sullivan.
Please join us at the World Peace & Understanding Dinner focusing on critical issues surrounding housing and homelessness prevention in our District. Keynote speaker to be announced shortly. Cost $45pp. Information and registration.
We've seen a huge jump in registrations and donations over the past 10 days and we want to say thank you! We have well over 110 participants and look forward to meeting their friends, families, and towel holding supporters. And with just over 2 weeks to go to our most famous event of the year, the Polar Plunge Committee wanted to share some important updates.
If you have any questions, please reach out at your convenience to the team at polarplunge7930@gmail.com.
Click the "Read More" button for important logistics information and hints on raising money.
Marblehead Rotary club is pleased to welcome Jason Silva as its newest member. Silva, recently appointed Marblehead Town Administrator, transferred his affiliation with the Salem Rotary Club to the Marblehead Rotary Club. Silva is a firm believer in the mission of Rotary— providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship.
Silva, A seasoned professional in the public sector, Jason brings a wealth of experience to the Town of Marblehead. Having worked at the local and state levels of government as well as in the non-profit arena, Jason brings a unique perspective to the complex issues important to communities and the region.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently hosted a Patriots Appreciation Day by giving back to the community. Members and guests were invited to wear their favorite Patriots gear to a regular Tuesday meeting and bring in an item for the food pantry to donate to the Interfaith Food Pantry. Wakefield Rotary Past President Judy Gordon explained, "The food pantry was low on a bunch of items because of an increase in need from the community. Our club decided to donate needed items and celebrate the Pats going to the Super Bowl all in one day." Gordon explained that donations to the food pantry are common among Rotarians. "Although we were celebrating the Patriots, it's not unusual for Rotarians to step up when supplies are needed. But it was a fun way to celebrate our favorite football team and give back all in one!" To make a financial or item donation to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry, please visit https://www.wifoodpantry.org.
The American Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts, along with members of the community, will come together to honor local heroes who have exemplified the mission of the Red Cross over the past year on March 28, 2019.
These heroes gave of themselves to better our communities and have given their time to benefit others. This breakfast is one of the largest events on the North Shore and we anticipate over 500 attendees from the business and non-profit communities alike.
The Rotary Club of Ipswich is hosting the 1st Annual Empty Bowl Dinner for The Open Door Ipswich Food Pantry on Wednesday, February 13th at the Hellenic Center, 117 County Road, Ipswich. Empty Bowl events are held nationally to generate awareness concerning hunger and to raise money for local hunger-relief programs.
Proceeds from this event will benefit The Open Door Ipswich Community Food Pantry, which serves Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton and Wenham. The meal is simple; soup, bread, water and a cookie. Guests select and keep a one of a kind handcrafted bowl of their choice. The bowl goes home as an unspoken reminder that “Somewhere – someone’s bowl is empty.”
Come join the Rotary Club of Ipswich as we work to eliminate food insecurity in our communities.
This past Thursday was our first 8th Grade Recognition Program of the year. Each year the Rotary Club of Lynn recognizes one 8th grade student from every middle school in Lynn each month between January and May. The students are awarded with a certificate, a $25 credit to open a savings account at Riverworks Credit Union and a Barnes & Nobles gift card.
We would like to give a shout out to Riverworks Credit Union for sponsoring this wonderful program.
We've seen a huge jump in registrations and donations over the past week and we first wanted to say thank you! We have well over 110 participants and look forward to meeting their friends, families, and towel holding supporters. And with just over 2 weeks to go to our most famous event of the year, the Polar Plunge Committee wanted to share some important updates.
If you have any questions, please reach out at your convenience to the team at polarplunge7930@gmail.com.
Click the "Read More" button for important logistics information and hints on raising money.
Rotary District 7930 has been awarded a $30k grant from the Rotary Foundation to sponsor a Vocational Training Team (VTT) to Kent, England this May. The team will study and exchange best practices in the areas of substance abuse prevention, mental health, school and law enforcement relationships, and school threat assessment. Rotarian Team Leader Amy Luckiewicz commented, “This team is the first time the Rotary Foundation has sponsored a law enforcement training team from this area. The ability to offer local School Resource Officers the opportunity to participate in this level of international learning is exciting, impactful, and rare.” Four School Resource Officers were competitively selected to join the team to travel to England for two weeks. Sergeant Daniel Perenick (Winchester), Detective Dawne Armitstead (Winthrop), Detective Paul Lucci (North Reading), and Officer Megan Tierney (Newburyport) will join team leader Amy Luckiewicz (Wakefield) in May.
2019-2020 Rotary International President Mark Daniel Maloney announced the upcoming theme at the Rotary International Assembly.
Shortly afterwards, he wrote the following address to those in attendance, "Thank you for joining me this morning as I announced my theme for the 2019-2020 Rotary year: Rotary Connects the World. I encourage you to share our theme widely with your fellow club members and throughout your districts to help create enthusiasm and excitement for the year ahead. You can download theme materials here and share widely on Facebook. I look forward to everything we have planned for you this week during the Assembly, and I hope that you leave San Diego feeling inspired to help shape the future of Rotary. It is only by working together that we can truly accomplish great things."
Peabody Rotary is hosting its 15th annual Taste of the North Shore on Tuesday, March 19th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Danvers. There will be 25 restaurants serving their tastiest dishes, from main courses to sides to desserts. There also will be a silent auction of many coveted items—vacations, sports memorabilia, gift cards, lottery tickets, collections of wine and craft beer and more.
The highlight event of the evening will be the drawing of the $10,000 raffle winner. Tickets are $100, which includes admission for two to the event. The winner does not need to be present, but you really don’t want to miss the evening attended by over 400 people. What a great way for clubs in the district to support one of their own and perhaps enrichen their own clubs by $10,000!!
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce the finalists for the "Marblehead's Got Talent" competition. These talented performers will vie to win both prestige and scholarships at this year's benefit finale. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 6th beginning at 6PM at the Boston Yacht Club.Proceeds from this benefit event will be used to fund the night’s winners as well as other scholarships that will be awarded later in the year! Scholarship prize money for the winners has been doubled from last year’s edition. At the end of the program, the top three winners Marblehead's Got Talent finale competition will be awarded a $5,000, $3,000 & $2,000 scholarships for their talented efforts.
LIVING THE ISLAND LIFE is a new musical comedy about a family of six (including a large dog named Kitty) from Buffalo New York, on vacation in—they think—Rockport, Maine. They land, instead, on Cape Ann and learn about life on our side of the bridge through eleven locals’ colorful interpretations of “island” life and its people. In between uproarious laughs, the players sing very familiar musical tunes—with all-new lyrics. A grand showcase of community talent and local heroes will add to the audience’s delight.
Although I had considered myself to be a very open-minded individual before attending RYLA, I can say with absolute certainty that taking part in such an amazing camp has given me an entirely new appreciation for the unique experiences, struggles, and viewpoints of others. During the span of just a few days, the many team-building activities we had done allowed me to reflect on how similar my fellow campers and I were in our personal goals for RYLA, and how the attributes that did differentiate us helped us to compensate for each other's weaknesses and achieve tremendous success through working collaboratively.
As I grew closer with my family of rylarians, senior facilitators, and rotarians, I came to understand the true importance of leadership and kindness, and how being a part of a tight-knit community is easy once you find the courage to make yourself vulnerable and speak genuinely with those around you. Looking back, I am incredibly thankful that I chose to venture outside of my comfort zone by attending RYLA, rather than skipping out on what I now know to be a truly life-changing experience. Taking part in this camp has not only improved my confidence and leadership abilities by leaps and bounds, but has allowed me to form unbreakable bonds with countless others who also wish to make a positive difference in both the world and themselves.
Sophia attended RYLA and returned as a student facilitator.
When the clock struck nine on Tuesday morning, January 8, approximately 22 Lynn Rotarians and a few friends entered the third grade classrooms of Lynn Public School students armed with gifts - new student dictionaries. This is the 11th year that the Lynn Club has participated in the highly successful “Dictionary Project”, due in large measure to the financial support of the project’s sponsor, Equitable Bank, and the leadership of Lynn Rotarian Jim Harris, who has spearheaded this initiative since its inception back in 2008. The logistics of providing every public school third grader with a dictionary is daunting to say the least when one considers there are 19 elementary schools in Lynn, the eighth largest school district in Massachusetts. In addition, Lynn's third grade enrollment fluctuates daily, due in large part to the high mobility of its population. For example, the third grade enrollment moved up and down 50 students since September from 1200-1250. “Truth be told, I don’t know what we would do if we didn’t have Jim (Harris) taking the ball on this massive project,” admitted President Brenda Peral. “The Club is so lucky to have him. Our members know that to succeed in school and in life in America, you must be able to use the English language effectively.”
"RYLA was one of the most unforgettable weekends of the year. I learned so many new things about myself and how to be a leader during that weekend. I made new friends and made memories to last a lifetime. We worked on problem solving and team building with through obstacle courses and games. These are skills that can help us greatly in the real world.
As of right now, I am so excited to be returning to RYLA as a senior facilitator. We have only had one meeting but the group has already bonded in so many ways. I can already tell that the Rotarians chose a group of responsible and dedicated kids. RYLA is a community, and I look forward to the leadership we can provide this year. I’m already counting down the days until this year’s RYLA!"
At its annual holiday party, Marblehead Rotary Club members were generous in their support of the Marblehead Fire Department’s annual toy drive. Armed with packages both large and small, Rotarians continued to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to better our extended community. Marblehead Rotary Club President, Alexander Falk and Marblehead Rotary Club Past-President, David Deutsch delivered this truckload of gifts to the Chief of the Marblehead Fire Department, Jason R. Gilliland. Gilliland expressed appreciation for the Clubs’ support of the department’s efforts.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently donated $400 to support California fire relief efforts. The funds were collected during their holiday meeting in December from members, guests, friends and family in attendance. Funds were sent to the Rotary District 5130 (California) Fire Relief Fund. The mission of the Rotary 5130 Fire Relief Fund is to provide help in the most efficient and effective way to those devastated by the wildfires in Lake County and neighboring Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino Counties.
The Peabody Rotary Club surprised our club Vice President Chief Tom Griffin with a much deserved Unsung Hero Award in December. This "surprise" took 3 months to pull together and was no easy task as "The Chief" was a Private Investigator. The date was chosen so that his wife Patty, a School Teacher, and family would be able to attend as well.
The five Common Characteristics of an Unsung Hero--our Chief has every one:
Humility
Empathy
Committed to a cause
Courage to do the right thing
Consistent excellence and teamwork
What Our Chief has done for our community is immeasurable. To say he is ingrained in every fiber of the City of Peabody would be an understatement.
Our most sincere congratulations to this amazing man!
I had the pleasure of attending the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena this past New Year’s Day. Seeing these floats up close was on my bucket list. I was enthralled with all of the floats....but then came the “crocodile”! Rotary International created a float “Service Rocks” paying homage to Sir Elton John with his legendary hit "Crocodile Rock!!!” A total of 24,400 flowers covered the float. The Crocodile was 21 ft. tall, playing a rock-and-roll beat as his number one fan, a swamp snake, slithered and danced to the music. The crocodile even had heart-shaped glasses made from cranberries like Elton John’s signature glasses. The singer also inspired the classic keyboard top hat with stylish feathers. This was Rotary’s 40th consecutive float n the Rose Parade. The commentators talked about how Rotary “is known for service, literacy and peace.” “Service Rocks” encompassed Rotary’s love for community service and celebrated the Rose Parade theme: “The Melody of Life.” What a great experience I had! I’m so glad to be a Rotarian!
No one said we were perfect. But we all had fun with our Holiday Classic Sing Along at two of the Sr. Housing Residences in Medford. Tom Burke arranged for the Medford Club to spread some holiday cheer. This has been a tradition for over 15 years. Dom Cammara led us in song as we entertained the residents at Riverside Ave and Bradlee Rd housing. Tina Buke and Nancy Caporale made gift bags for everyone attending with hand soap, lotion, tissues and cookies.
The Gloucester Rotary Club collected over sixty toys in early December that were donated to Action, Inc.'s Project Uplift to support North Shore families.
Medford Rotarians gathered together with their friends, neighbors and co-works to donate to the Mission of Deeds, 2nd annual coat drive. Mission of Deeds serves thousands of families and individuals throughout Middlesex and Essex counties. Our clients include the veterans, previously homeless, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, the elderly, victims of fire or other tragedies, and those with disabilities. They strive to provide them with New beds, coaches (gently used) and household items such as pots & pans, blankets and sheets.
We had a great turn out and prepared over 60 Holiday Food Baskets for the communities of Salem & Hampstead NH on December 15th. We're especially grateful to the Salem NH Fire Dept for housing this project AND delivering them to the lucky homes!
Members of the Rotary Club of Chelsea rang the bells for the Chelsea Salvation Army at the Chelsea Market Basket. The Chelsea Rotarians volunteer their services every year to cover both doors of the Market Basket for one full day.
The Rotary Club of North Reading recently hosted a holiday party at Peabody Court. The event welcomed seniors and residents to enjoy lunch and caroling. This year, attendees were treated to singing by the Interact Club, Peabody Court staff, Rotarians and volunteers. North Reading Rotary would like to thank Elder Services Director Mary Prenney and Maureen Hickey for their assistance with the event.
For over a decade, the Rotary Club of Lynn has engaged the services of the Lynn Public Schools’ Fine Arts Department to entertain its members at the Club’s final meeting before Christmas. In past years, the LPS has sent its jazz band or concert singers but Thursday’s concert at the Ole Tyme Italian Cuisine was extra special as Dr. Sabrina Quintana, Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instruction for Music, sent four members of Lynn’s string ensemble. Lynn Rotarian and Past President Steve Upton, longtime public school administrator, coordinated the event.
The Manchester-Essex Club awarded two past presidents with Paul Harris pins. At our annual holiday meeting Chris Shea and Dave Ray received the coveted pins. For Chris Shea, an active member since 1980, this was his third Paul Harris pin. Wives, Katy Shea and Debbie Ray were in attendance to share the honor.
Photo, from left, Deb and Dave Ray, President Mike Storella, President-elect Rob Lipkowitz, Secretary Dot Sieradzki, Katy and Chris Shea.
The Marblehead Rotary Club collected and donated over 50 toys for the annual Christmas Firefighter Toy Drive this year. On Thursday, December 20th, President Alexander Falk and Past-President David Deutsch met with Chief Jason Gilliland to drop off an entire pickup truck full of toys at the Marblehead Fire Department.
Rotary of Somerville inducts a new member, Jen Atwood, the new director at East Somerville Main Streets whose mission is to improve the life of our community by building investment, connection and pride in the community of East Somerville. East Somerville Main Streets does this by strengthening the role of the East Broadway Business District as a commercial center and by promoting the East Broadway Business District as a remarkable and unique cultural destination, known for celebrating its traditions and heritage and maintaining the community’s diversity. In her prior role, Jen served the state as manager of the Local Cultural Council program at Mass Cultural Council. She is looking forward to focusing her efforts in supporting the local community in her new role. Joining Rotary is important to her both professionally and personally - to continue that ideal of service to one's community through multiple avenues.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Linda Sullivan inducted into the club at a recent Thursday luncheon meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Marblehead Rotary Club President, Alexander Falk, presided over the induction ceremony.
A graduate of Northeastern University, Sullivan spent the early part of her career working in marketing and customer service on the east and west coasts for the water purification and filtration industry. Several years later, she found her true passion to be the publishing world at Little, Brown and Company in Boston. As Corporate Secretary and Clerk/ Manager of Corporate and Community Affairs, Sullivan was responsible for planning and executing all corporate events as well as building relationships in the Boston community through employee participation in children’s reading events, ESL adult tutoring, mentoring middle-school children and serving meals to the homeless and disadvantaged.
New artwork from Brian Murphy, portraying fellow Rotary members, is made of found objects and discarded wood. Mark your calendar for Tuesday 12/18 from 5-7:30pm at Sterling Gallery 306 Cabot Street, Beverly. We will have a “Meet the Portraits” reception. Get to meet the people, in person, who inspired this art. Cards will be available for a small donation to the Beverly Rotary Scholarship Fund, to be signed by Jim Davies, Andrew DeFranza, Lee Yaffa and Rick Mooney.
Refreshments will be served. Hopefully you can make it.
The Woburn Rotary Club recently honored two special Woburn residents with Paul Harris Awards. Retiring State Representative James J. Dwyer for over 10 years of service at the Mass State House and Kathy Flaherty for her philanthropic contributions to the Woburn community. Mayor Scott Galvin was on hand and presented each with a proclamation from the City of Woburn.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has produced a beautiful 2019 calendar, featuring scenic photography from local artists. In addition to the calendar, each purchase enters the buyer into a weekly raffle. $50 prizes will be drawn each week with two bonus prizes of $500-- one in June and one in December. Calendars are $25 each, and proceeds from the sale of calendars will be used to support the many projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
For more information on the calendars, or to purchase a calendar, please contact any Gloucester Rotarian.
Fifteen extraordinary teenagers who attended last year's RYLA weekend have signed on to be Senior Facilitators at the 2019 RYLA in May. Their commitment to sharing this amazing program began this weekend with their first training session. Over the next four and a half months, these young adults will work with each other and Rotarians to strengthen their leadership skills. In May, the Senior Facilitators will lead eight teams of Junior Rylarians through a weekend of discovery and fun.
The RYLA team is looking for Rotarians to help coordinate the program. If you are interested and/or would like more information,please contact RYLA Chair Christina Harris.
The Winter 2018/2019 Pubic Image and Membership Mini Grants are now open for submission. The purpose of mini-grants is to improve and/or increase the public image of the Rotary clubs of District 7930, encourage clubs to develop their orientation process, work on club development, host a "Friendraiser" event to attract new members or to provide support for new members to pursue their Rotary dreams. Categories for mini-grant approval are listed in the grant applications. All mini grant applications are due by January 21, 2019.
Rotary of Somerville inducts and welcomes 2 new members; Chris Rodrigues from East Cambridge Savings Bank and Vincent Maganzini from Rockland Trust to their club. Chris Rodrigues joined East Cambridge Savings Bank in 2006 and has built many valued relationships over the past 12 years. As a Rotarian, Chris looks forward to promoting goodwill in the Somerville community in addition to building long lasting relationships will fellow Rotarians.
Congratulations to Charlie Milner who was honored today with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. For twenty years, Milner and his wife Toby have worked tirelessly on projects supporting literacy. Milner is a true custodian for the guiding principle of Rotary --- “Service over Self” -- the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
Marblehead Rotary Honors Toby & Charlie Milner
The Engage the Community Program developed in New England has been chosen by the Rotarian Action Group for Addiction Prevention as the premier program for Rotary Clubs to implement in their communities. Based on the brain science of addiction with a focus on tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and opioids, Rotary Clubs will welcome all stakeholders in their communities to convene and discuss the current status, the response required and action steps to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. The initiative supports those who are currently committed to addressing and reducing addiction and educates youth and adults about how to reduce exposure to drug use and minimize the harm caused by addictive substances in our communities.
The community forum is the first step and welcomes all stakeholders to attend the event, including:
• Prevention Experts
• Health Care Professionals
• Recovery Experts
• Local Government Officials
• Schools & Educators
• Law Enforcement & First Responders
• Religious Leaders
• Youth & Civic Group Leaders
• Parents
• Rotarians
Through a mix of media and structured discussion, community stakeholders will review the brain science of addiction, and the increased risk to the teen brain. As participants learn about the driving forces of addiction and local activity working to address it, the program enhances supportive and collaborative relationships among stakeholders as they engage in shared action steps to address the issue upstream at the local level.
The Tookit is available for $895 and includes a thumb drive with the five videos and an instruction manual to assist with planning the forum.
Read more about the complimentary school based program . . .
There will be a special event at the historic Cabot Theater on Tuesday, December 4, featuring local artist Paula Cole and special guests as they perform the music of blues legend Bessie Smith.
The event will raise funds for the renovation of the balcony at the theater. Rotarians are being offered a special discounted price of $100 for premium seating to view the concert, plus you’ll get a special engraved seat with your name.
Buy tickets here for the special Rotary price, which includes a pre-show reception and a balcony seat inscription.
During October and from around the globe, alumni from the Rotary Youth Exchange program visited clubs to reflect on their experiences as student. Called Reconnect Week, Dr. Binish Desai visited Marblehead Rotary Club to discuss his company, Eco Eclectic Technology, which conducts research and invents products in pursuit of a clean India.
Desai is fond of saying “Nothing is useless in this world; what might be a waste to you is someone’s asset.” In 2005, when Desai was high school age and a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Waukegan, Illinois, he created his first commercial brick from recycled materials. From that experience, his path from Rotary led him to build an entire company on this concept, converting industrial waste into usable products.
DG Bob Wood wishes to thank all the clubs that participated in the Unsung Hero Event held last week in honor of Rotary Foundation Month. Twenty-four Unsung Heroes were honored by their clubs and the district with a Paul Harris Fellow for their commitment to their communities. The evening was filled with accolades, tears of joy and amazing story after story of people’s commitment to Service Above Self.
Thank you to all who attended for the best evening ever!!!
At a recent Rotary meeting, Woburn Police Chief Robert Ferullo announced his retirement after serving as Chief for seven years and as a police officer for almost forty years. Past Rotary president William Sullivan presented Chief Ferullo with a Paul Harris Fellow and stated "Chief, you have set an example for many by your contributions to your community. Your personal involvement makes Woburn a better place in which to live." The Chief's father, Robert Ferullo Sr. did the pinning. An emotional Chief Ferullo spoke of his love for the job and service to the Woburn community. He plans to stay active in the city after retirement.
The Danvers Rotary Club and President Jacki Shambaugh (third from right) recently hosted a group of students from Northern Ireland. The Catholic and Protestant group are in the U.S. for 2 weeks funded by Friends Forever, a non-profit organization.
The Friends Forever program promotes trust, empathy, and friendships among cultures in conflict. Danvers Rotary presented them with a check for $2,000 to support their program.
Using photography to tell a story can become complex and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. By following a few guidelines, having a focused mindset, and applying a bit of confidence, you can take great pictures with less intimidation.
Read the full story by Rotary International Staff Photographer Alyce Henson here.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently recognized 13 of its members who have reached perfect attendance during the Rotary year 2017-18. Although the minimum attendance requirements by Rotary International have eased, many of the Wakefield Rotarians take pride in attaining or maintaining perfect attendance. This is achieved by attending regular weekly meetings, by visiting other clubs both locally and world-wide or by attending an e-meeting online.
“This just demonstrates the commitment our members have to Rotary and the community,” commented long-time member Judy Gordon.
Gordon along with fellow members Barbara Worley, Jim Fitzgerald, Bruce Donovan, Tom Stapleton, Amy Luckiewicz, Lisa Roderick, Elaine Guaetta, Suzanne Bowering, Fred Singer, Jim Tarpey, Frank Fiorentino, and Jay Curley have accrued a cumulative number of 253 years of perfect attendance. Curley received special notice for his 47 years straight of perfect attendance and the club was recognized for its commitment by Immediate Past District Governor Dave Gardner and Immediate Past Club President Mario Portillo.
As of Saturday, November 3, 2018, the Polar Plunge has raised $14,692 of the $125k goal for this year's Polar Plunge.
Have you seen the recently added Polar Plunge banner on District 7930's homepage? DG Bob Wood--being the immensely good sport that he is-- has allowed the Polar Plunge team to use him humorously to help promote the plunge.
Rotary District 7930 (eastern Massachusetts & southern New Hampshire) will hold its 9th Annual Polar Plunge to Eradicate Polio on February 9, 2019 (snow date February 16). We will plunge into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Long Beach in Gloucester at 11am.
At a recent luncheon meeting, the Gloucester Rotary Club honored community member Mike Mullen, who has supported the annual Polar Plunge for the past several years, receiving Rotary International's Major Donor award in 2018. The club also recognized Rotarian Michael Sarraf, who received his Paul Harris award this year. Also honored at the meeting were several Rotarians who have received their "plus-1" or more Paul Harris awards. The Gloucester Club is proud of this ongoing commitment to serving our community and our world through support of the Rotary International Foundation.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club was excited to kick off their joint venture with the Red Cross on the Home Fire Campaign on Saturday Oct 20th and 27th. The 20th they worked together with the Red Cross at the Salem NH Fire Dept Open House to sign up residents that needed smoke detectors installed. On the 27th, three of our newest Rotarians helped install 25 smoke detectors and 6 carbon monoxide detectors at 6 homes in Salem. Moving forward we will be working in all five of our communities: Atkinson, Hampstead, Pelham, Salem and Windham. targeting the senior centers and using social media as well to get our word out!
The Home Fire Campaign is a National initiative with the Red Cross, so if you have friends or family throughout the US that might need their help, encourage people to contact their local Red Cross to get scheduled!
Registration is now open for the 2019 RYLA- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards- weekend on Friday-Sunday, May 10-12, 2019, at Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, NH.
RYLA is a weekend of discovery designed for high school sophomores and juniors. Designed for teens who have begun to exhibit leadership skills and want to take them to another level, RYLA features indoor and outdoor activities that challenge them to become leaders. The overall program is run by Rotary District 7930, and the entire weekend is carefully planned and facilitated by returning seniors from prior RYLA years. Every aspect of the weekend is intended to ensure a safe and challenging environment in which the participants are free to engage and grow.
Here are the results that some of our graduates have shared...
Increased self-confidence
Improved career skills and knowledge
A unique understanding of leadership and citizenship
Increased awareness of some of the other Rotary Youth Programs, like Interact and Youth Exchange.
An enhanced college application (RYLA has been around since 1961, and is recognized by many colleges and universities for its outstanding leadership development)
District 7930 clubs are invited to sponsor up to five students. The sponsoring club will pay the $325 per student tuition, and student applicants will each pay a $25 registration fee. RYLA applications can be downloaded from the District 7930 website at bit.ly/RYLA2019. Limited spaces are available for the weekend-- clubs are encouraged to start the application process as soon as possible. Information packets will be mailed to Club Presidents and/or Club RYLA Coordinators in the coming month.
The Newburyport Rotary Club will host the 3rd edition of its popular Trivia Night on Thursday, November 15th. Hosted by local Jeopardy! Champion Jill Santopietro Panall, the event will feature 10 rounds of challenging and diverse trivia questions, as we seek to crown the smartest team on the North Shore. The top team will win a cash prize of $250!
Teams of up to 5 players are invited to register by visiting the event page on Facebook or by emailing newburyportrotary@gmail.com to register or for more information. Entry is $25 per person. Food, beverage, and side events will be available.
We had a great time when we did this in April and we're looking forward to another fantastic event!
Unsung Heroes Dinner Thursday, Nov 08, 2018 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Four Points by Sheraton 1 Audubon Road Wakefield, MA 01880 Register Here
The Unsung Hero Event is fast approaching. There are three things you need to do prior to November 8th. The first is get together a table to celebrate your hero at the event. We will be presenting the awards, by a calling the honorees up to the front of the room with the President of the Club that is honoring them. The President will put the Paul Harris Recognition medallion on their honoree, and DG Bob Wood will present them with the certificate and Paul Harris Pin. We need some folks from your club to cheer all of this on.
The second is to get together a basket to be auctioned off during cocktails. The basket should have things that are reflective your community, no need to go beyond $100 value, and let Betsy Manzelli btzmnz1@gmail.com know that you are bringing one. All proceeds will go to the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation.
And finally, come on November 8th, celebrate your hero, celebrate yourselves for being the inspiration always!
Top 10 Reasons Why You Want to Participate in The District 7930 RYE Program
10. No one who has welcomed a stranger from another land into his home can listen to a news story from the other side of the globe in quite the same way again.
9. International exchanges, like this one, have been singled out by Colin Powell, an outstanding military leader and Secretary of State of the most powerful nation on earth, as the most effective way to work toward international peace.
8. Rotary Youth Exchange brings more people together in a community over a longer period of time than perhaps any other program Rotary does on a regular basis.
7. Rotary Youth Exchange is a continuing education program that is founded on the rock of American culture: The American Family.
Rotary Means Business Topic: Generational Magic Wednesday, Nov 14, 2018, 6-8pm The Lanam Club, Andover Information/Registration
Increase communication, cooperation, collaboration, performance, and productivity in the workplace. Learn how to put an end to the popular culture inspired generational myths that prevent you from capitalizing on the power of everyone, no matter what generation they are from, currently in your workplace.
This month’s Featured Cause/Charity: Andover’s Downtown Businesses Relief Fund. Many of Andover’s downtown businesses were forced to close for a significant length of time following the Columbia Gas crisis. This month’s cause/charity will be voluntary contributions to a fund established to support these impacted local businesses.
Special Guest: This month’s special guest Ironstone Farm. Ironstone, through its programs Challenge Unlimited and Ironstone Therapy, connects people and horses to improve the quality of life for those participating in the numerous programs there. The Rotary Club of Andover has sponsored many programs there, including one recently for individuals in early recovery from substance abuse and addiction. Other programs service cancer survivors, veterans (with PTSD), and individuals with a wide range of physics, social, cognitive, and other disabilities.
The Peabody Rotary Club is the host club of Rotary Global Grant Recipient, Kazuki Motohashi. Kazuki received his $30,000 grant from District 2750 and the Tokyo Akebono Rotary club. He is studying at Tufts University for a PhD in Economics and Public Policy. He is passionate about environment and development, clean water and sanitation around the world, particularly in Southeast Asia. He received a Bachelor of Laws degree from University of Tokyo in 2012 and a Master’s degree in Public Policy in 2014. He subsequently worked on environmental policy at the Mitsubishi Research Institute. Representing Peabody Rotary as host members to assist Kazuki while he’s in the area are President Stephanie Johnson and members Martha Holden and Peggy Pedro.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is offering an amazing opportunity to dine ANYWHERE in the World! Want to have dinner in Italy? Lunch in Paris? Now is your chance!
One lucky winner will win round-trip tickets for two people, an overnight hotel in a 4-star hotel (or better), and a gift certificate to a restaurant of their choosing!
Single tickets are $100, Packs of 10 are $750
Only 500 tickets will be sold. Raffle proceeds will benefit the local and international projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club. The new drawing date is February 5 and we are inviting folks to Dockside Restaurant for a cocktail party at 6pm. The drawing will be at 7pm. Visit http://wakefieldrotaryclub.org/raffle-2018/ today!
The Gloucester Rotary Club held a Polio Awareness/Education meeting on October 23 in preparation for World Polio Day. A special slide show was playing as members arrived and members were given purple beads, EndPolioNow stickers, and the opportunity to paint their pinky nail purple. If a member didn't want to paint a nail, purple bands were available to wear on their pinky. A rousing and competitive game of "End Polio Now Jeopardy" followed. The meeting wrapped up with a short video in which the WHO Director-General and UNICEF Executive Director thank Rotary for our efforts to #EndPolioNow. Following the meeting, the Rotarians had fun taking pictures with a variety of polio-inspired hashtag signs. Members were then encouraged to share their pictures on their favorite social media sites.
Rotary is a bottom-up organization with the club playing the key role. This structure and culture is also reflected in Rotary International’s Council on Legislation. Every three years, each district around the world elects a Council on Legislation (COL) representative to serve a three-year term. Collectively, these representatives are charged with studying, deliberating and voting on proposals to change Rotary’s basic governing rules and documents.
The Council must act on two types of proposals: resolutions, asking the RI Board of Directors to make changes in the rules the Board has authority over, and enactments, which directly change the RI Constitution, Bylaws, and recommended Club Bylaws. Interestingly, the RI Board of Directors has no power themselves to change these three governing documents, only the Council can do that.
The Rotary Club of Lynn hosted its first “What is Rotary” informational meeting Tuesday at the Old Tyme Italian Cuisine on Boston Street. A large crowd of “prospective" Rotarians socialized with Lynn members and learned about the many volunteer initiatives the Lynn Club currently engages in.
“We were very pleased with the turnout,” admitted Club President Brenda Ortiz Peral. “We do a lot of service in the Lynn community, and this event allowed us to share our great story with the community at large. I know I can speak for our members when I say we were extremely pleased with the number of people who came and left with membership forms.”
The North Andover Rotary Club will host a special open forum and discussion on Thursday, October 25, at 6pm at Brightview (1275 Turnpike, Rt 114, North Andover) to discuss short and long-term solutions for business, homes, residents, renters and homeowners as regards the recent Merrimack Valley Gas Fires. Town Manager Andrew Maylor and MA Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Jay Ash will be on hand for this important discussion.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Jeff Tucker inducted into the club at its weekly Thursday luncheon meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Marblehead Rotary Club President, Alexander Falk, presided over the induction ceremony.
Jeff is the Principal/Owner of Tucker Architecture & Landscape located at 59 Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in regionally and nationally recognized firms, Jeff specializes in thoughtfully designed new homes, renovations and landscapes in tune with their surroundings.
At a recent lunch meeting, the Rotary club of Woburn hosted District Gov. Bob Wood and past DG David Gardner. David presented the club and past President William Sullivan with many awards and citations including: Rotary International Presidential Citation 2017-18, Certificate of Appreciation for support of End Polio Now, Membership Certificate (net +3 in membership gain), Rotary Foundation $100 per capita 100% member participation, Rotary Foundation Average Giving 100% member participation and Rotary Foundation #1 club in District Annual Fund per capita (over $1000 per capita per member.
Unsung Heroes Dinner Thursday, Nov 08, 2018 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Four Points by Sheraton 1 Audubon Road Wakefield, MA 01880 Register Here
The Unsung Hero Event is fast approaching. There are three things you need to do prior to November 8th. The first is get together a table to celebrate your hero at the event. We will be presenting the awards, by a calling the honorees up to the front of the room with the President of the Club that is honoring them. The President will put the Paul Harris Recognition medallion on their honoree, and DG Bob Wood will present them with the certificate and Paul Harris Pin. We need some folks from your club to cheer all of this on.
The second is to get together a basket to be auctioned off during cocktails. The basket should have things that are reflective your community, no need to go beyond $100 value, and let Betsy Manzelli btzmnz1@gmail.com know that you are bringing one. All proceeds will go to the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation.
And finally, come on November 8th, celebrate your hero, celebrate yourselves for being the inspiration always!
The Chelsea Rotary Club is running a raffle for a trip for two to the Patriots/Miami football game on December 9, 2018. Tickets are $25 each and only 250 tickets will be sold. Details of what is included or shown below. If interested in purchasing a ticket please contact Bruce Mauch, Secretary of the Chelsea Rotary Club, at brucem@chelseaclock.com. The drawing will be held at the Chelsea November 27 Rotary Meeting.
Time to get your teams ready!!!! The Methuen Rotary Club is holding it's 6th Annual Bocce Tournament. This year our tournament benefits the Methuen Girls Softball League Scholarship Fund and The Methuen MSPCA. there will be food, raffles, and tons of laughs . Never played before....No worries we are all amateurs and it's all about having fun and raining money for a great cause. Sponsorships are available.
Saturday, November 3, 2018, 5pm-11pm Sons of Italy, 459 Methuen Street, Methuen, MA $50/person or $200/teams of four Dinner only: $25/person
Andy and Jessica Barnett members of the Rotary Club or Marblehead Harbor and - as importantly, members of Marblehead Little Theatre ("MLT"), presented one of its first-even "Ginny Awards" to Alexander Falk, President, Marblehead Rotary Club.
For many years - Falk has served as Trustee of MLT and given generously and sincerely of his time to help maintain and improve the Firehouse, MLT's permanent "home". His commitment to the theater will have a lasting impact on the theatre and the surrounding community.
Ginny Morton has been the heart, soul and spirit of MLT. It was her vision to give MLT a permanent home. Ultimately, the Firehouse on School Street, Marblehead became the manifestation of of Ginny's vision.
Falk was away when the award was given out at the MLT Gala and so the Barnetts graciously came to our club's weekly luncheon to honor our deserving president.
TBM Rotary is planning to partner with Breakaway Restaurant in Danvers, where the Club meets on Tuesday’s at 6:00 pm on a Service Project. We are accepting donations to go directly to local homeless veterans through the Danvers Veteran’s Council. Items needed include socks, gloves, sleeping bags, blankets, canned goods, and toiletries among other things.
There will be an event at Breakaway on November 11th beginning at 4:00 pm featuring dinner, a comedian and music. Tickets are available for $15 pp through www.BreakawayDanvers.com.
Did you know that there is a Rotary Initiative underway to provide Addiction Prevention Education to our communities and it is going regional and maybe global?
The first community forum was held in May and there are almost a dozen being planned around New England and interest is spreading to New York, New Jersey, Halifax, Vancover and beyond.
Would you like to be apart of this initiative in your community, the district or beyond? If so, please consider joining the new Addiction Prevention Task Force in District 7930 and support the efforts of clubs and members who want to add addiction prevention support to Make a Difference! We need help in promoting the initiative, speaking at clubs and supporting clubs that decide to host Community Forums and implement the school based curriculum in their high schools.
Please send me an email and let me know how you would like to help by clicking here!
Do You Want to Support Rotary's Initiative on Addiction Prevention?
Following the lead of Paul Harris and his Chicago #1 club, the Peabody Rotary Club was the sponsor of a public comfort station (aka a porta-a-potty) for the annual Progeria Research Foundation 5K Road Race. The very first Rotary project in 1905 was a public comfort station in Chicago. (Click the "Read More" link below to see a picture of the 1905 project.)
The Progeria Research Foundation is one of the local charities that the Peabody club supports. The event was held on Saturday, September 8th, and several racers were grateful to have the facilities available. Many Peabody Rotarians participated and a few did very well in the event. Dan Vassallo and his wife Katrina were the men’s and women’s winners; Chief Tom Griffin came in 2nd place in his age group; and Peggy Pedro came in 2nd place in her age group of walkers.
Congratulations to all the members of District 7930 for achieving positive growth in membership during the 2017-2018 Rotary year. This is the first time in five years that we have had an increase. Through the efforts of the Membership Committee under the leadership of Amy Luckiewicz and Jim Major, they have provided the spark to inspire clubs to expand their reach into the community. Through exciting new programs like the mini grants for both membership and public image, clubs could access matching funds to attract individuals who share our vision of Service Above Self. Let's not forget the new Welcome Party program, which has had a sensational impact in terms of retention based on the early numbers. In fact, we moved from 90% to 96% retention this past year. Although we were only up 2, we were able to reverse the downward spiral that is still typical in North America. Only 3 ditsricts in our Zone, received this achievement.
But none of this would have been possible without the hard work of each of the 21 clubs who had positive membership growth. Their innovative approach to inviting their communities to be part of Rotary has produced some amazing results. Here is the list of clubs who have made it happen:
Official Club Results
Andover
+8
Everett
+1
Reading
+6
Belle Isle
+2
Gloucester
+2
Salem, MA
+3
Beverly
+4
Greater Salem, NH
+1
Saugus
+3
Burlington
+9
Ipswich
+6
Stoneham
+2
Cambridge
+1
Manchester-Essex
+15
Topsfield-Boxford-Middleton
+5
Chelsea
+2
Methuen
+3
Winchester
+1
Downtown Boston Evening
+13
Parkway
+1
Woburn
+3
If you want to know what these clubs did to grow their clubs and increase their impact, reach out to the Immediate Past President or Membership Chair and introduce those ideas to your club. Keep up the great work and continue to invite people to serve your community and the world, one day at a time!
The Wakefield Rotary Club is offering an amazing opportunity to dine ANYWHERE in the World! Want to have dinner in Italy? Lunch in Paris? Now is your chance!
One lucky winner will win round-trip tickets for two people, an overnight hotel in a 4-star hotel (or better), and a gift certificate to a restaurant of their choosing!
Single tickets are $100, Packs of 10 are $750
Only 500 tickets will be sold. Raffle proceeds will benefit the local and international projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club. Visit http://wakefieldrotaryclub.org/raffle-2018/ today!
The Wenham Country Club came alive with excited and energized sports enthusiasts on a recent warm and sunny Sunday afternoon when the Rotary Club of Hamilton-Wenham held its first ever 0.5K Mini-Marathon to benefit youth and senior services in Hamilton and Wenham. Rotarians, family members and friends, of all sizes, shapes, ages and physical conditions, competed in a hotly contested romp around the golf links. Hydration (refreshment) stations were strategically located to keep the contestants in fine form for the event, and VIP entrants received the use of a gold cart if the course proved too difficult. Competitors and spectators alike cheered when event coordinator Anne O’Connor announced at the conclusion of the competition that the 0.5K Mini-Marathon would most likely become an annual fundraiser for Hamilton-Wenham Rotary. Ipswich Rotary President Martha Mauser was heard issuing a challenge to Marblehead Rotary President Alex Falk to see which club could outperform the other in next year’s Mini-Marathon.
Hamilton-Wenham Rotary Hosts The 0.5K Mini-Marathon
The Parkway Rotary Club is happy to announce this year’s recipients of the Marilyn Larosa Education Scholarship. The scholarship goes to students headed to college from the Parkway neighborhoods of West Roxbury and Roslindale. Criteria for the award include public service, merit, need, and academics.
This year’s scholars and humanitarians are Johanna Brait and McKenzie Barnwell. Johanna Brait attended the Dexter Southfield School in Brookline where she played tennis and violin. She participated in the Make-A-Wish program as a volunteer and was a tennis instructor. She is enrolled at Holy Cross College where she will be studying biochemistry and Spanish.
Register this week to be guaranteed a shirt for the @TBMRotary 39th Annual Fall Foliage Classic on October 14th at Proctor School in Topsfield. Do a good thing for you and a GREAT thing for our communities.
Run with us on a non Patriots game day Sunday to curb youth substance abuse and help other causes. Register at www.northshoretiming.com
Linda Doliber and Michael Elkin of the Marblehead Harbor Rotary Club were honored at a recent club meeting for their on-going commitment and dedication to The Rotary Foundation. Club President Mike Cognata presented Linda with a Paul Harris Fellow +3 pin for her noteworthy achievement, and long-time Rotarian Michael was acknowledged with a Paul Harris Society Chevron for his many years of support for The Rotary Foundation. District Paul Harris Society Chair Bob Gravino thanked Linda and Michael on behalf of the District and Rotary International, and spoke of the value of The Foundation to both Rotarians and those from around the world who benefit from its work. Be The Inspiration through your support of The Rotary Foundation and all the good it does in the world.
Rotary Foundation Awards at Marblehead Harbor Rotary
On Sunday, September 16, TJ Kelley, a Reading Memorial High School senior and President of the RMHS Interact Club, was honored with his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at the Old South Church in Reading. Reading Rotary President Tim Kelley (and TJ's dad) presented him with a congratulatory certificate on behalf of Rotary. The Certificate was part on an initiative started by PDG David Gardner to forge a partnership between Scouting and Rotary.
In addition to his involvement with BSA Scouts and the RMHS Interact Club, TJ has participated in RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) weekend. This year will be his third RYLA as both a participant and on the planning team.
Keith and Christina Harris both Ipswich Rotarians and RYLA adults were on hand to celebrate with TJ and family.
The inaugural meeting of the ElderAct Club of Lynnfield was held on September 12, 2018 at the Lynnfield Senior Center. More than 50 people participated in this event which featured speeches from District Governor Bob Wood, District ElderAct Chair Mirjana Maksimovic, Lynnfield Rotary President Ron Block, and several members of the Marblehead Harbor Rotary and the ElderAct of Marblehead Harbor/Swampscott Club (ElderAct MS). Lunch was served compliments of the Lynnfield Rotary.
The event had great support and participation from Asst. District Governor Peter Majane, Past District Governors Dr. Victor Saldanha and Dave Drislane, and Lynnfield Rotarian Bob MacKenrick. ElderAct MS members described projects they have done from simply clipping coupons for military families abroad to installing lock boxes on the homes of selected people in their community.
The Peabody Rotary Club was recognized with the Peter Torigian Memorial International Festival Spirit Award in September! Mayor Bettencourt praised the Rotary Club of Peabody for being involved in every aspect of the City, including the International Festival, the schools, the Library, Haven from Hunger and Citizens Inn, all the things that raise the quality of life in our City.
The District Leadership is excited to announce the 2017-2018 Rotary Citation recipients.
The Rotary Clubs of Amesbury, Beverly, Boston, Burlington, Cambridge, Danvers, Greater Salem, NH, Ipswich, Manchester-Essex, Marblehead, Medford, Reading, Salem, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester, and Woburn all exceeded the requirements to achieve this prestigious award. Congratulations to the Presidents and to every member on your role in this success.
Have you selected your UNSUNG HERO yet? Have you submitted your name to Joan Arsenault? You don’t want your Club not to be represented at our November 8th Paul Harris UNSUNG HERO Awards dinner.
Please take the time today to talk to your Club, select a HERO and submit the name to Joan today. There is a little bit more you can do. You can click here to register your hero and yourself, and your other Club members who are joining you should do the same. It’s going to be a great event, one you really don’t want to miss.
Don’t forget, we’re also asking for a $100 valued locavore basket (items indicative of your community or your area) that will be auctioned off to attendees. All proceeds with go to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund, which will come back to us in three years.
So, join me, the Governors’ track, the Foundation Committee and the other Clubs in the District in honoring someone who does things because that’s who they are, not what they can get out of it.
On Sunday, September 9, the Reading Rotary put on the 2018 Reading Fall Street Faire. This year's Faire was a resounding success. Approximately 170 vendors and community groups set up booths along the Faire route on Haven, Main, High, Chute, Linden and Sanborn Streets in Downtown Reading. There was entertainment all day on two stages, one or Main Street and one on High Street. Other features were many blow up apparatuses for the children set up around the route. Other featured areas were: the Children's Area at the Reading Coop parking lot, a Car Show, NFL Tailgate, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Cornhole Tournament, flash mobs, food and drinks and much more. The day was kicked off with a 5K Road Race starting at Washington Park.
Early in September, our district hosted its third New Member Orientation Party in partnership with District 7910 in Newton, and we welcomed over 50 attendees. The event introduced new members to the overall big-picture of Rotary International, allowing clubs to focus more on club-level culture, policies, and information when they on-board new members. The vibe is fun, casual, and run like a party complete with snacks, dinner, dessert and decorations! The dress-code is “come-as-you-are.” Each session, we invite members who have joined within the past 2 years. If you are a veteran Rotarian, please encourage your new members to attend. If you're a new member, please watch this1-minute video from Daryl Jaeger. Daryl is a new member from Downtown Boston and wanted to encourage others to attend the event.
Rotary Exchange Student, Maggie Larkin, reported on her Rotary Youth Exchange experience in Torrevieja, Spain. For the year, Larkin attended school at Colegio la Purisima. She was surprised to learn that most of her classmates had shared a classroom since they were three years of age.
When she first arrived, language and communication were difficult for Maggie. But, by Christmas, her language skills were strong enough to feel comfortable navigating day to day life and making friends and building those friendships.
In June Maggie, along with many friends, went on Eurotour visiting Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin & Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Slovenia, Slovakia, Venice and Rome. She tried many new foods in every location - but most importantly, Maggie reported that she has made friendships for a lifetime and she is grateful to everyone, including Rotary, Rotary Youth Exchange, and her sponsoring club Rotary Club of Marblehead, for providing her the opportunity.
Maggie Larkin Shares Her Youth Exchange Experience
The Rotary Club of Burlington is excited is excited to announce a Dynamic group of speakers coming to our club in September
Pete Bouchard is a meteorologist at NBC 10 Boston - September 14th 12 Noon
Maria Stephanos Channel Five - September 21st 12:30 PM
Billy Jaffe - Billy Jaffe is an on-air ice hockey analyst for NESN, providing commentary for pre-game, post-game and intermission shows during Boston Bruins games - September 28th Noon
Hank Phillippi Ryan is an American investigative reporter for Channel 7 News on WHDH-TV, a local television station in Boston, Massachusetts. She is also an author of mystery novels - October 9th 6 PM
We meet at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Road Burlington. The cost to attend is $20pp to pay for the cost of your meal. If you are intereested in attending, contact Janet Fitzgerald sullivanfh@ccomcast.net
Our exchange student Aku Kavka arrived from Finland. He attended his first Rotary meeting with us last week. He was very well-spoken and is excited to get started in school, which starts this week. Welcome Aku!!! He is an ice hockey player who loves to ski. Aku will be studying here for his junior year at Beverly High School. We hope you have a wonderful experience! Glad you are our guest!!!
And, the Beverly Rotary Club received a surprise donation. Any business that had been in the Cummings Center for 20 years or more, got to pick a charity for them to donate $1000.. Lex Ushakoff of CCI Reprographics chose our club.
I’m sure many of you are wondering what exactly an UNSUNG HERO is.
Is it the police person delivering a baby in the back seat of a car? Is it a fireperson going in and out of a burning building countless times to save lives? Is it a teacher who goes out of their way to be sure her class has everything it needs for the school year?
Well it could be, or it could be a wait staff that makes sure that a homeless person gets a cup of coffee and a muffin every day and takes it out of their tips to pay for it. Or it could be a janitor in school that does extraordinary things to make life better for the children. Or it could be anyone that makes random acts of kindness a lifestyle without ever thinking that it is unusual. Nor do they think they would or should get an award for what they do on a regular basis.
THAT is an UNSUNG HERO. Someone who neither expects nor seeks praise nor an award for something they just consider the right thing to do. I hope this helps.
Unsung Heroes Dinner November 8, 2018, 6 - 9:30 PM $50 a person Four Points by Sheraton Hotel 1 Audubon Road, Wakefield, MA
The Rotary Club of Winchester had a busy and productive meeting on August 16th with the induction of a new member, the presentation of a Paul Harris Society Chevron to a club member, and a talk on an on-going global grant. Christian Neckermann was inducted as a Rotarian by Club President Rich Mucci, assisted by Christian’s sponsor and Immediate Past President Steve Mix. Long time Rotarian Dick Sampson was presented with a PHS Chevron, acknowledging his many years of support for The Rotary Foundation. Brendan Pulsifer, a junior at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, related his two years of work as a summer student intern working with Bowdoin College graduate Lonnie Hackett (Class of 2014) and Healthy Kids/Brighter Future in Lusaka, Zambia. Brendan is a resident of Winchester and is an alumnus of Winchester Community Music School where he studied piano for many years. Winchester Rotarian Laurie Russell is the Executive Director of the school and has known Brendan and his family since he was a young boy.
The Rotary Club of Greater Salem, NH is sponsoring its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, October 5, at The Windham, NH Country Club, 1 Country Club Rd.
Details and register online. $150 per player includes 18 holes, Cart, Dogs/Drinks on the course and Dinner! Registration @ 6:30 AM, Play starts @ 8AM.
Congratulations to Rosie Segil, recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Segil has worked tirelessly within Marblehead Rotary Club and on her own leading community service projects both locally and abroad. For the past few years in her native country, the Philippines, Segil has led a literacy project. Segil exemplifies the guiding principle of Rotary --- “Service over Self” -- the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2019 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s efforts to raise money that supports the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
In Order to publish a beautiful calendar, the Club is requesting high quality digital photos that show the unique beauty of Cape Ann throughout the year-- landscapes, seascapes, harbor scenes, sunrises/sunsets, boats, wildlife, etc. As we will be featuring one photo per month, we need images from each season: winter, spring, summer and fall. Photographs from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester will be accepted.
Full contest rules and requirements are available online at www.gloucesterrotary.org. All entries must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2018.
Gloucester Rotary Club Announces Photography Contest
The Ipswich Rotary Club presents Castle Royale on November 9, 2018, 7-11pm, at Castle Hill.
Cocktail Attire, Black Tie Optional 21+. Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold’em, Craps, Cash Bar, Chamber Music, Hors D’ouvres, Silent Auction. Choice of prizes for the winners.
Proceeds benefit Ipswich Rotary Charitable Trust.
$75 advanced purchase only. NO tickets at the door. $1000 in play chips per ticket, additional chips available for purchase. Tickets available online at www.ipswichrotary.org, First Ipswich Bank, and Institution for Savings, Ipswich & Rowley locations.
Join District Governor Bob Wood on November 8th as we celebrate the Unsung Heroes in our community. Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Foundation by honoring others. Join us as we celebrate that special person who wakes up every morning and puts others before him or herself and dedicates their life to helping others in need, truly embodying the motto: “Service above Self”
Each Club has been asked to select an Unsung Hero from their Club or Community to be awarded a Paul Harris Recognition at this event. Each awardee will a certificate, a pin and a medallion. Since this is a Rotary Foundation event, the Clubs have also been asked to form a Locavore Basket valued at $100 to be placed in a silent auction, proceeds to benefit the Rotary Foundation. Items in the basket should be indicative of the Club’s community or local area.
Clubs may be seated at their own table of 8 or 10 or combined with other clubs should they have fewer attendees. Please register here for yourself, your club, and please note that there is a special registration for the honoree, as there will be no charge for them at this event. The deadline for submitting an Unsung Hero nominee to the District is October 1, 2018.
The Members of the Rotary Club of Medford are ready to Welcome you to their 4th Annual Charity Casino Night on Saturday, September 29th at Memorial Hall in Melrose. They promise an evening of Fun, Gaming, Food, Libation, Raffles, Dancing and Laughs! Winners have their choice of several fabulous prizes!
We have professional dealers, so you feel like you are in Vegas. Last year, we even added a slot machine tournament for more ways to win - it was a big hit!
Would you like to help us out by becoming a Sponsor? Sponsorships include tickets and are a good bargain. Or offering up a Raffle Prize?
This is an event you don't want to miss! See you there!
The Interact Club of the Rotary Club of Winchester recently held a successful eye glass drive, donating more than 325 pairs of eye glasses to the Woburn Lions Club for their Sight Program.
The high school students in the Interact Club choose an eye glass drive as their spring community service project. The students worked with local Winchester businesses and organizations such as the Winchester Library, the Jenks Center, the Fuller Cup, and Winchester Community Music School as drop off locations, in addition to collecting glasses as Winchester High School. Winchester’s Interact Club meets at Winchester High School, typically at the end of the school day, and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Winchester. Other service projects that the Winchester Interact Club has done include maintenance projects at Wright-Locke Farm, volunteering at Winchester’s Chili Fest, participating in Rotary District 7930 Polar Plunge for Polio Eradication, and more.
Winchester's Interact Club Eye Glass Drive a Success!
Last week, Beverly had its annual Homecoming week. The Beverly Rotary Club was a large part of this community event. At Lobsterfest Day we had an informational booth at Lynch Park as a community support. The next day we served ice cream to hundreds of Senior Citizens in the park. This is a tradition since our past President Brad Gaige was involved with the Senior Center in town. Since his passing, the event is named after him. And, finally on the last day of Homecoming Week, we drew the winner to our Winner’s Choice Raffle, where a trip of a lifetime could be won: Fiji, Hawaii, the Masters’ Tournament or Tuscany! We are happy to announce that Marshall Handly of Beverly was the winner of his choice of a trip!!! Congratulations, Marshall!!!
Woburn native and resident Susan Hartmere, a Woburn Rotary Club member since 1992 and our current president, recently joined a Rotary Club International Humanitarian Group on a trip to West Africa to provide some much needed health assistance to residents in Ghana. This is her 11th such humanitarian trip. Her account of the assistance is as follows:
It is wonderful to see when a Rotary Youth Exchange student gets involved in service projects on both ends of their exchange - the sponsoring club and the hosting club. This past year our Marblehead Rotary Club hosted Marisol, a youth exchange student from Thailand. Marisol is not just a great student, but also a very talented artist and produced stunning watercolor paintings and other works during her exchange year. She then decided to sell some of those works to raise money for a career-training project for mental-health patients that her sponsoring club in Thailand, the Nong-khae Rotary Club, is presently working on.
The Gloucester Rotary Club its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 18, at Stage Fort Park, serving hundreds of pancakes to hungry friends. Shown here (left to right) Foundation Chair and Past President Steve Kaity, President Julie LaFontaine, District Governor Bob Wood, Past President Pat Thorpe, Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, and Gloucester Trivia Guru and Master Pancake Flipper Tom Dexter.
Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Foundation by honoring others. On November 8th, join District Governor Bob Wood at the Sheraton Four Points in Wakefield to celebrate an unsung hero in your community.
Designate a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition as a tribute to a person who has made lives better in your community and/or around the world, demonstrating shared purpose with the The Rotary Foundation and its six areas of focus: Promoting Peace, Providing Clean Water, Saving Mothers and Children, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, and Fighting Disease.
Join us as we celebrate that special person who wakes up every morning and puts others before himself/ herself and dedicates his or her life to helping others in need, truly embodying the rotary motto “Service above Self”!
The Gloucester Rotary Club will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, August 18, 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 on Saturday-Sunday, August 18-19, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. A special FREE parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $8 per person and are available from any Gloucester Rotarian or at the following Gloucester locations: North Shore Health Project, 5 Center Street, Rose Baker Senior Center, 6 Manuel F Lewis Street, Bank Gloucester, 160 Main Street, Cape Ann Savings Bank, 109 Main Street, and Institution for Savings, 4 Parker Street. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.
Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit the Rose Baker Senior Center, North Shore Health Project, the Cape Ann YMCA Teen Leaders and projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
The Rotary Club of Rockport is hosting its 22nd annual Lobsterfest, rain or shine, on August 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall Bandstand at Back Beach.Tickets are still only $25, and include a hot boiled lobster, clam chowder, corn on the cob, a roll, watermelon and soda or water. There will also be a cash menu of burgers, hot dogs, chips, beer and wine. Two Weeks from Everywhere will provide live entertainment.
Tickets are still available at the John Tarr Store, Village Silversmith, any Rockport Rotarian or call 603-721-1038. Advanced tickets are recommended.
The LOBSTERFEST will be followed by the Town of Rockport’s annual fireworks show, and the town will be illuminated for the occasion. Come for the day and enjoy the fun! For more information visit our website. Proceeds to benefit Rockport Rotary Club Community and International Service Projects.
One of the community service project that the Rotary Club of Ipswich is involved in is maintaining the 9/11 Memorial and Garden in the Town of Rowley. The memorial honors the three Rowley residents who were killed on American Airlines Flight #11 on September 11, 2001, and was dedicated on September 8. 2012. The memorial is made from a piece of steel from the World Trade Center in New York City. In the spring and fall of the year, a work party of Ipswich Rotarians spend a Saturday morning sprucing up the garden and planting seasonal flowers to keep the area beautiful and to honor the memory of the married couple and woman who lost their lives in the tragedy of 9/11.
Rowley Select Board member and Ipswich Rotarian Bob Snow received a call in late July from a resident who lives across the street from where the married couple lived in Rowley. She asked Bob about the Memorial and who took care of it. The caller told Bob that the married couple’s oldest daughter was coming from California for her 30th high school reunion in the near future and asked if someone might clean up the Memorial and Garden. This was the daughter that the couple were flying out to visit on 9/11.
Without hesitation, Bob contacted the local garden center that donates plantings for the semiannual work on the garden, removed the old spring plantings and put the donated arrangements in the ground, arranged for the watering of the new plants, and replaced the worn American flags at the memorial with new ones provided by the Rowley Fire Department.
The Wilmington Rotary Club will hold their 4th Community Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 18, at Rotary Park at 10:00 am.
This year, we are also offering a "leadoff package" fpr a night at Fenway. Included are two tickets for the Red Sox/Cleveland Indians game on Monday, August 20th. Seats are in the third base grandstand, section 24, row 9, seats 9 & 10. Also a $50.00 gift card to Eastern Standard eatery, a five minute walk to Fenway plus a $ 50.00 gift card to the Red Sox Souvenir Shop complete this terrific package. To bid on line, go to Rotary Club of Wilmington, Ma.on Facebook or by phone, 978-944-0155. The lucky high bidder will be notified at the Ice Bucket Challenge.
It's important to note that ALL MONEY raised from this event will go directly to A. L. S. Research.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
Why should I donate to The Rotary Foundation? Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world.
How does The Rotary Foundation use donations? Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies.
What impact can one donation have? It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.
What are the areas of the Foundation’s focus? Promoting Peace, Providing Clean Water, Saving Mothers and Children, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, and Fighting Disease. Even the United States has problems in all six areas of focus, the reason for Global Grants, assistance going in all directions to help promote a better world.
Rob Deina, outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor signed the Charter and passed the gavel on to Mike Cognata, current President of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor (shown on the left) at the recent 2018 Installation Dinner. The Dinner was attended by over 50 members and guests including Kang Yu, the Assistant District Governor.
Mike Coganata stated that he has three primary goals for the upcoming year including "finding individuals who live in Marblehead (or nearby communities) who are in need of assistance but are reluctant to ask for help. Assistance could include help with medical bills, small home repairs, etc. The second goal includes increasing the club's membership by creating greater awareness of the International Rotary Club mission and projects." Mike went on to say that "This awareness will come through club activities, Facebook and other means to show the public the good work done by Rotarians." The third goal includes "collaborating with other clubs in order to combine resources to be more effective in completing projects both locally and internationally."
The Rockport Rotary Club held their annual Installation of Officers and Board Members for the 2018-2019 year and Community Awards Dinner in June at the Pigeon Cove Tavern.
Congratulations to our 2018-2019 Officers and Board Members: President (Sue King), President-Elect (Derek van Gulden), Vice-President (Ami Borovick), Secretary (Kecia German), Treasurer (Rob Audano), Sargeant at Arms (Phil Chalmers), Directors (Mary Ciaraldi, Sean Fennessy, Robert Liebow, Nikki Marin & James Moore), Past President (Andrew Maddox) and Foundation Chair (Dennis Doolin).
In Memoriam for Donald Thrasher, a long-time member of the Rockport Rotary Club was presented by Derek van Gulden.
Community awards were presented to June Sullivan for Citizen of the Year and Marcia Audano for Town Employee of the Year. A Special Recognition award was presented to the Sandy Bay Historical Society of Rockport and the Paul Harris Recognition to Sean Fennessy and Mary Ciaraldi.
The weather was beautiful for this year's Special Olympics softball tournament, sponsored by the Burlington Rotary Club. The tournament was started by the Burlington Club over 10 years ago and became an annual event hosted in Burlington by the Burlington Recreation Department. Eight teams participated in this year's event, two from our club's Special Olympics program and six sponsored by other communities' Rotary Clubs. Delicious burgers and franks were grilled for the dining pleasure of the Special Olympians, their families visitors, and Rotarians. This annual event now brings over a hundred players, coaches, family members and spectators to our town to enjoy the game and the food and drinks provided free to them by our club.
The 2018 Montreal Zone Conference is a unique event and we want you to be a part of it.Previously known as the Zone Institute, it was open only to past, current, and incoming District Governors. It is now open to EVERY Rotarian with an interest in becoming more engaged in Rotary! The theme “People Coming Together” fits our goal in providing you an extraordinary and unforgettable event.
The 2018 Montreal Zone Conference will address our goals as Rotarians and the ways to make Rotary an integral part of our thinking, doing, and actions – with a goal of inspiring leadership for change and innovative solutions among all Rotarians in addressing the future of Rotary both locally and globally.
The Rotary Foundation is a non-profit corporation that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.
The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world." It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$1billion. It has one of the largest and most prestigious international fellowship programs in the world.
Perhaps you should join our district Rotoplast mission to the Philippines. The one remaining position is for a Recreational Therapist. Don’t let the fancy name intimidate you. It’s one of the best positions on the team. You are the friendly face our patients see before they go into the operating room. In your own air-conditioned space, you greet the children, give them quilts, toys and play with them--maybe with matchbox cars--maybe with coloring books.
The mission leaves on September 30 and returns on October 14. If you’re ready to experience rotary passion, this could be it. Contact Terry Curanfor more information.
If your club would like a presentation on Rotaplast, contact Terry Curan. If your club is ready to financially support this mission, send your checks made payable to Rotaplast to District 7930, c/o David Boudreau, Institution for savings , 68 stores Avenue, Newburyport MA 01950.
The Beverly Rocking Rotarians participated in the annual “Reid’s Ride” to support the AYA Alliance to fight cancers striking adolescents and young adults on July 15. The team consisted of Jackie Rapisardi, Captain of the team, Brian Murphy, Matt Blanchard and Stephanie Raby. The bike ride began at Lynnfield High School and went along a 28-mile, route to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. With the Beverly Rotary Club supporting them, the team raised over $5500. Jackie was the third highest fundraiser, while the team was 6th highest fundraiser!
Thanks to all of our family, friends and club members who supported the team!
Peabody Rotary recently awarded $12,000 in scholarships to several 2018 High School graduates. Financing of these scholarships comes from Peabody Rotary fundraising events such as the Torigian Golf Classic, the Taste of the North Shore and various other events throughout the year.
Pictured are the scholarship recipients with Peabody Rotary Scholarship Committee members Randi Holland, Dan Vassallo, Joe Scurio, Audrey Gordon, Curt Bellavance and Jeff Doherty. The committee was chaired by Cathy Gravel (not pictured).
Paul Harris Society Chair Bob Gravino recognized Marblehead Rotarians Alexander Falk (Club President), Keith Taylor, Julie Livingston (Club Secretary) and David Deutsch (outgoing Club President) as members of the Paul Harris Society with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at the Club’s July 12th Installation Luncheon at the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to sustain our impact around the world. It was noted during the presentation that Marblehead Rotary was in a three way tie for District 7930 Clubs having the most PHS members.
The District 7930 leadership is looking to fill several District jobs, requiring a variety of skill sets. If you would like to work with an amazing group of Rotarians, download this list of job openings to see how you can help the District serve our clubs.
Camp Rotary, established in 1921 is the longest continuously running Rotary project in the world. Camp Rotary is a private, nonprofit, educational, independent, co-ed overnight camp for kids ages 7 - 15. The camp has a rich history dating back to 1921 when it was founded as a service project of the Rotary Club of Lynn. The Camp is owned by the Rotary Club of Lynn, and is managed by a board of independent officers and directors operating as Youth Service Managers, Inc.
The bylaws of YSM require a triennial review of our financial records, and we are looking for a committed CPA to review our financial records (not an audit). We use Quickbooks accounting software, and we would turn over a copy of the Quickbooks file for the review, along with recent treasurers notes, bank statements, etc.
Please contact YSM treasurer Gary Nangle at gpnangle@comcast.net if you would be able to help us with this review. Thank you.
The Chelsea Rotary Club has been sending children to summer camp for 18 years and this summer, 20 Chelsea children got to experience a week at Camp Rotary on Styles Pond in Boxford, MA.
The Chelsea Police Department partnered with the Rotary Club and provided the transportation to and from Camp Rotary as part of their commitment to community service. The Chelsea Rotary Club covers all the expenses including a weekly field trip, cash for the camp store, a backpack full of personal necessities and a group photo. Children are selected based upon essays they write explaining why they should attend Camp Rotary. Chelsea Rotary Past President Susan Gallant oversees this project. Camp Rotary is a private, nonprofit, educational, independent overnight camp for kids ages 7 – 15. The camp was founded as a service project of the Lynn Rotary Club in 1921.
The District Membership and Public Image Committees are thrilled to announce Summer/Fall Mini Grants are now open! Public Image Mini Grants are matching grants up to $250 and all Membership Mini Grants are matching up to $200 (please see additional details for clubs that partner with other clubs).
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 each year. IOAD aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.
Overdose Awareness Day has been a key remembrance event for those who have died from fatal drug overdoses since 2001. On August 31 thousands of people worldwide will stand beside the friends and families of fatal overdose victims to reflect on their losses.
In keeping with the 2017-2018 Rotary International theme of “Rotary: Making a Difference,” the Gloucester Rotary Club is pleased to announce that our members raised $85,000. These funds were used to support local, regional and international non-profit organizations. Local groups were gifted $66,400, international causes received $14,100 and regional causes received $4,500.
Local recipients include: 1623 Studio, Action, Inc., Addison Gilbert Hospital, Backyard Growers, Bandstand Concerts, Cape Ann Animal Aid, Cape Ann Food Pantry, Cape Ann Plein Art, Cape Ann Symphony, Cape Ann YMCA, Care Dimensions, Christmas Parade, Day by Day Adult Care, First R Reading Program, Fishbox Derby, Fishermen's Memorial Service, Fishtown Horribles Parade, Friends of Council on Aging, Friends of Seacoast Nursing, Generous Gardeners, GHS Track Meets, Gloucester Adventure, Gloucester City Hall Restoration, Gloucester Education Foundation, Gloucester Fireworks, Gloucester Fund, Gloucester Rotary Foundation, Gloucester Stage Company, Grace Center, Inc., Harborlight Community Partners, Harvest Meals/Interfaith Commission, HAWC, Maritime Gloucester, Meals on Wheels Holiday Gift Program, Memorial Gifts, North Shore Health Project, P.A.A.R.I., Parent Teacher's Organization, Pathways for Children, RYLA, SAIL GHS, Sawyer Free Children’s Library, SeniorCare Inc., St. Peters Fiesta, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Stage Fort Park Playground & Gazebo, Teen Artist Guild, United Way of North Shore, Wellspring House, Wreathes Across America and several scholarships awarded to high school seniors.
In the month of June the Methuen Rotary Club decided to start a new tradition by holding their 1st June Jubilee.
"This past year, I have had the privilege to serve as the President of the Rotary Club of Methuen. When I accepted the position of President, I made it clear to my fellow Rotarians that I wanted our Club to give back to our community. As my service as President comes to a close, we came up with a way to do just that. We decided to hold our 1st Annual Rotary Club of Methuen’s Weekly June Jubilee. Myself and the Board of Directors have decided to donate $1,000.00 a week to Five (5) charities that serve Methuen. The charities chosen represent the issues that are important to our community and to Rotary Club. Each organization was sent a letter and invited to attend a luncheon so they could also speak about their organization. We plan on continuing this every year in June. As of now, the charities were chosen by the Club Members. The non profits chosen were The Clean River Project, Methuen YMCA, Debbie's Treasure Chest, Neighbors In Need, and Methuen Arlington Neighborhood. It has been well received in the community and we already cannot wait until next June to have another fantastic month." --Immediate Past President Jonathan Rossi
The Rockport Rotary Club presented a Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10AM on July 4th, at Dock Square in Rockport. Members of the club were dressed in period costumes and church bells were ringing to “gather” the towns people. Reverend Matt Wigton read the Declaration of Independence at 10AM. Audience participation was encouraged during the reading. It was a fun event and a great way to start the 4th of July festivities.
How would you like to have not only your own Rotary Club members contact information but also the entire District at your fingertips? You can and so much more by downloading the new and improved ClubRunner Mobile App. You can also access club and district leadership, stories and events all with just a few clicks. Connecting to them is as easy as clicking on the phone number or email address.
You can download it on the AppStore or GooglePlay and be on your way in minutes. Now would also be a good time to make sure that your profile is current, and if you do not have a picture saved, or your birthday listed, considering updating your information now!
Reach out and collaborate with other like minded Rotarians from around our district and be the People of Action that your are!
The Gloucester Rotary Club is pleased to sponsor The Continentals pop rock show band concert on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at 7:00 pm, at the Antonio Gentile Bandstand in Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA.
A new Rotary year has started and the membership team is in full swing! The Membership Team wanted to provide you with some important information about Rotary Membership Inquiries early on in the year. These automated emails come from Rotary International (RI) and may inform you that your club (or for Assistant Governors-clubs that you represent) has a membership lead. I wanted to give you some direction on what to do with those. Short answer: you can go ahead and delete RI Membership Inquiry automated emails...the district will make first contact. Any email from Jim Major or Amy Luckiewicz talking about a lead is the one to keep and follow up on.
Let us explain...
The District Membership Team has a plan to mange these leads in a shared system that ensures the best fit for the prospective member and also cuts some of the work for the club. Our plan includes the following:
The Marblehead Rotary Club bid farewell to their International Rotary Youth Exchange student, Marisol Wann from Thailand, at a recent club lunch meeting. Marisol gave a heartfelt and emotional talk about her time in United States and Marblehead. She shared movies with us on Thailand, her native home. And, then she shared movie clips and pictures of her experiences and talked beautifully about all her friends and her host families. Marisol's video about her exchange year is available on YouTube. She made a point to discuss how much she felt she had had matured over the year. Her friends in the States encouraged to try things to discover her true interest and learned about her devotion to art.
We wish Marisol the very best and hope she maintains here connections to us and our community as she ventures out into her future.
On June 7, 2018, at the Mt. Vernon Restaurant & Pub, The Rotary Club of Somerville inducted Officers and Board members for the 2018–2019 year. Congratulations to Kevin Su, President; Cyrus Amin, VP & President-Elect; David Worzala, Treasurer; Gilda Nogueira, Secretary; and Board members John Keegan, Gene Ferraro, Paul Stanton, Nancy Kavanaugh, and Ann Kirby.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is proud to introduce its seven 2018 scholarship recipients:
Derek Marino is heading to Bates College in the fall. A class leader and award-winning student/athlete, Derek carries himself with humility and maturity even after having “lettered” in Football, Basketball and Baseball as well as being named the Captain of many of these teams. He was awarded the “Educational Athletics Achievement Award” a recognition from Massachusetts for community service and leadership.
Erika Massaro will be attending either Northeastern University or Tulane University in the Fall. She plans to study Public Health and Biology with the hope of pursuing a pre-medicine academic track. Massaro is proud of her outside involvements including being a volunteer at Beverly Hospital and tutoring students in Lynn and Salem through the North Shore Men(Tu)tors program – Massaro being a Co-President of that group.
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted a new member into the Ipswich Club on June 13th. Betsy Frost became the 73rd member of Ipswich Rotary. Shown in the photo are President Cushing; Betsy; and Bob Gravino, Betsy’s club sponsor. Betsy’s father, Oakley Melrose Frost, and grandfather, Oakley Taylor Frost, were members of Rotary in Vermont. Ipswich has an evening meeting on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the club’s long-time traditional Thursday morning meetings. One additional new member is in line to be inducted into the Ipswich Club, and two prospective candidates are in the wings.
In September the Rotary Club of Lawrence Massachusetts will celebrate the teachers of our community with our annual Teacher of the Year event.
18th Annual Lawrence Rotary Club Teacher of the Year Awards Friday, September 7, 2018 The Claddagh Pub 399 Canal Street, Lawrence, MA Buffet Dinner & Cash Bar 5 PM Program Starts 6:15 PM Tickets $25
TBM Rotary completed a successful year under the leadership of President Dan Mackey. Club members gathered on June 27th at Beverly Airport for a cookout and the Annual 50/50 drawing. President Dan flew away to celebrate the year during which the Club supported hurricane victims in Houston with a $10,000 donation to Rotary Clubs in Houston and sent a deserving family to Disney World in May along with the annual array of service projects and community support.
Please join us for an evening reception, including drinks and hors d'oeuvres, at the home of Alexander & Nora Falk to learn more about the clean water projects conducted by 3 Rotary Clubs within District 7930 in cooperation with the BARKA Foundation.
Location: Home of Alexander Falk, President, Marblehead Rotary Club, 452 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead, MA 01945
International Development Success Story: Rotarians Improve Life for an Impoverished African Village through Clean Drinking Water
We did it! Rotary Clubs in Marblehead, Swampscott, Interact students at Marblehead and Swampscott high schools, and everyone involved in the Duct Tape Regatta over the past 5 years have played an integral role in delivering clean drinking water to Lampiadi, a rural village of 600 people in Burkina Faso, one of the most water-stressed nations on the planet.
The Rotary Club of Reading presented a check on June 13th for $3,150 to District 7930’s Global Grant for Healthy Kids/Brighter Future in Zambia. The grant supports a school-based healthcare system for vulnerable children in Zambia’s capital city of Lusaka. Reading Rotarians Greg Ryan and Mike Collins are pictured presenting the check to Ipswich Rotary Club President Cushing Titcomb and Bob Gravino. The grant trains teachers as community health workers and connects children to the free and available Zambian national health care system, so that basic medical care and health education are more effectively and efficiently provided. Clubs and individuals interested in supporting this grant should contact Bob Gravino at rcgravino@aol.com.
Parkway Rotary President Terry Rezendes Curran and Ipswich Rotarian Bob Arsenault recently gave a presentation on Rotaplast to the Doyon School EarlyAct Club at a joint Ipswich Rotary/Doyon EarlyAct meeting at the Ipswich school.
Terry and Bob spoke to the 80 plus 4th and 5th graders and the 35 Rotarians and guests about Rotaplast and its mission to provide free reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate to children from the age of 3 months up to seventeen. Typically, this surgery would cost around $650, and each mission completes about 130 surgeries. Rotaplast does ten missions around the world each year with Rotaplast International paying all costs. Everyone on the Rotaplast team is a volunteer for the two weeks of the Rotaplast visit and they pay their own airfare for the trip.
A Great time was had at our 28th Annual Comedy Scholarship Fundraiser. For the past 28 years Tom Burke has been organizing this very successfully event with 3 great comedians and an awesome dinner. All this to raise funds for our annual scholarship awards.
Thanks again to Tom Burke for chairing this event for ALL 28 Years - Congratulations Tom!
The Rotary Club of Woburn, an organization that promotes programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Woburn Community. The Rotary Club of Woburn is one of 100 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s “100K for 100” program. This Woburn –based organization was chosen from a total of 597 applicants, during a competitive review process.
Representing Rotary Club of Woburn, President William Sullivan and Treasurer Dan Walbourne joined 300 other guests at a reception at TradeCenter 128 in Woburn to celebrate the $10 million infusion into Greater Boston’s nonprofit sector. With the conclusion of this grant cycle, Cummings Foundation has now awarded more than $220 million to Greater Boston nonprofits alone.
The Rotary Club of Woburn is grateful to receive generous funds from Cummings Foundation. With this substantial grant our club will be able to:
Furnish a defibrillator to a worthy organization each year,
Install CO Monitors in elderly homeowners’ residences,
Supply local Veterans with new undergarments and socks,
Donate Birthday Party Bags filled with items to celebrate a child’s special day,
Host a luncheon for Woburn Memorial High School Seniors to celebrate their participation in Student Government Day,
Utilize the Fire Safety House at all city wide events and all elementary schools in Woburn. This will teach the children how to react to smoke and fire in a safe way.
Somerville Rotary Club was honored to be at the Somerville High School Annual Awards Night. Somerville Rotary granted $2,000 scholarships to two well-deserving outstanding students of Somerville High School. A brief background on the these high achieving young women, Mei Mei Collins and she will be attending Harvard University in the fall to study Environmental Engineering, while Saja El Saudi will be attending University of Massachusetts, Boston. The night over $175,000 in scholarships was awarded and a lot of the donors were residences of Somerville looking out for the next generation. Big thanks to Past-President, Paul Kaufman for his hard work every year on the Rotary Educational Fund and to our own Somerville's Past-Mayor, Gene Brune for his contribution to the SHS Scholarships.
Spotlight on D7930 Global Grant-Supported Project @ Rotary Peacebuilding Summit in Toronto, June 22-23
With funding provided by a Rotary Global Grant submitted by District 7930 in 2016, a non-profit organization is partnering in Zambia with the Rotary Club of Nkwazi and the Zambian Ministries of Education and Health to improve the health care for vulnerable children in the capital city of Lusaka. The school-based health care model trains teachers as community health workers and connects children to the national health care system, so that basic medical care and health education are more effectively and efficiently provided.
The results are in for May 2018 and three clubs have added double-digit growth in their membership. Each of these clubs have had successful membership development programs and the results speak for themselves. Check out the chart below for the listing of all clubs with positive membership growth. District-wide, we are up 24 members as of today and we hope that clubs continue to induct and record all new members before June 30th.
Want to find out what the most successful clubs are doing, consider calling or meeting with them or the Membership Committee, and re-purpose their ideas and programs to add to your Team!
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted a new member into the Ipswich Club on May 9th. Alicia Zampitella became the 72nd member of Ipswich Rotary. Shown in the photo are President Cushing; Paula Bishop, Alicia’s club sponsor; and Alicia. Ipswich recently began a Service Membership Program, and holds evening meetings on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the Thursday morning meetings. One additional new member is scheduled to be inducted at the June evening meeting before the close of this Rotary Year, bringing a total of eleven new members into the club since July 1, 2017, while losing two members who relocated from the area.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently held its annual Scholarship/Educator of the Year Luncheon at Homewood Suites in Chelsea. The Rotary Club presented five $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors. Four of the scholarships are presented to students from Chelsea High School and the other scholarship is presented to a Chelsea resident graduating from an area high school. The Rotary Club also presented their annual Chelsea Public School Educator of the Year award to Mrs. Sally Siriani from the Clark Avenue Middle School. Shown in the picture are Rotary President David Mindlin, Esq, Bob Alconada, Scholarship Committee Co-Chair, Michael Talbot, Principal of the Clark Avenue Middle School, Stefanie Rodrigues, Chelsea High School scholarship recipient, Dr. Mary M. Bourque, Superintendent of Chelsea Schools, Danelia Ramirez, Chelsea High School scholarship recipient, Mrs. Sally Siriani, Educator of the Year, and Lindsey Garcia, Northeast Vocational School scholarship recipient.
District 7930 2018-2019 Foundation Grant Management Seminar & Certification training is now available online. Remember, 2 members of your club must complete the certification, including the president elect. For more information, contact District Foundation Chair Liz Cullen.
On Tuesday, June 26th, at the International Convention, from 2-3 pm there will be a breakout session that will introduce a global grant focused on addiction prevention education. The goal is to get as many clubs and districts excited about the possibility of tackling this epidemic in a meaningful way and one that we are capable of having a tremendous impact.
The program is designed to bring together community leaders, public health experts, parents and others in a World Cafe model to learn about the brain science of addiction and the driving forces that Rotary can address.
We will introduce the Rotary Toolkit on Community Engagement as a tool to educate our communities and our children of the risks involved with the developing mind, advocate for healthier outcomes and collaborate with those who want to reduce the effects of addiction. The Rotary Addiction Prevention Seminar is a new partnership initiative between the International Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention and Edventi, a prevention education curricula company. The model was developed for replication and scalability across communities and regions through Rotary.
In partnership with the Massachusetts Prevention Alliance, the Rotary Club of Newton hosted the premiere launch of the new Rotary Addiction Prevention Seminar: Engage theCommunity. This three-hour multi-district event supported by District 7910 Governor, Karin Gaffney and District 7930 Governor Dave Gardner, brought together 75 stakeholders representing public health, public safety, recovery and grief supporters, family members, clergy, medicine, treatment and private business to learn about a new Rotary Toolkit. The toolkit is designed to engage communities in a discovery and learning experience about the driving forces of addiction that includes brain science and big business profit-driven strategies. The event’s featured guest was Dr. Bertha Madras, of Harvard Medical School, an appointed member of the White House Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis.
Peabody Rotary is again teaming up with the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce to hold the annual Torigian Golf Classic on Monday, June 18th. Proceeds from the tournament are used to fund the scholarship programs for each organization. This year, Peabody Rotary awarded $12,000 in scholarships to local 2018 High School graduates. Please consider joining us for a great day of golf and fellowship There are also some sponsorship opportunities still available. For those who do not golf, you might want to register to take a lesson from a golf pro and then join everyone for lunch.
Come join Boston Rotaract on Thursday, June 14th, for a fundraiser at 730 Tavern in Central Square. This is our last fundraiser for our international service project that benefits Pure Home Water, be there to celebrate the completion of this project!
Pure Home Water is a non-profit with a mission to provide clean water to people in Ghana, they do this by creating low cost water filtration devices for families who lack access to clean water.
The Salem Rotary Club celebrated its 100th birthday at their meeting last Tuesday and installed a commemorative bronze plaque to the exterior of the Hawthorne Hotel, where the Club has met since 1925, to mark the occasion.
“It has been a great privilege of my life to serve as the 100th President of the Rotary Club of Salem,” said Jason Consalvo of Salem Five Bank. “I am honored to serve alongside a group of dedicated leaders. It is my hope that the final months of my term proceed with all the enthusiasm for service, fellowship, and fun that have been a hallmark of the first half of this Rotary year.”
The Club was formed on January 8, 1918, by 22 prominent Salem businessmen at the Roger Conant Inn. The Club challenged the formalities of the time by hosting noon meetings, a time when men traditionally went home for dinner, and by encouraging members to address each other by his first name, an intimacy forbidden at that time. The first officers included President George W. Ashton; Vice President J. Clarke Brown; Secretary Robert W. Hill; and Treasurer Robert P. Butterick. Directors included: S. Fred Smith, Aubrey Nelson, Arthur Palmer, and Lawrence Pedrick. The Club received its charter by Rotary Deputy Governor Lester Winchenbaugh of Boston on April 9, 1918. Women were permitted to join the Club in 1987. Deborah McNulty served as the Club’s first female president for the 1997-1998 year.
The Rotary Club of Wilmington supports the Wilmington Memorial Library’s programs to develop a culture of reading and learning in their community. The club, combined with a District Managed Grant, purchased innovative materials to encourage reading at the elementary and middle school and levels. The project also included the purchase of e-readers, which will help the library support the Wilmington High School summer reading program.
A few good Rotarians are needed to fill out the upcoming Rotaract Mission to the Philippines.
Are you still searching to find your “Rotary Moment”? Maybe it’s waiting for you in Cebu City. That’s where the medical mission for cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries that our district supports is going. We leave on September 28 and head to the Philippines through San Francisco with a group of 25 volunteers. After approximately 10 days and 130 surgeries we come back filled with inspiration and wonder having made a huge impact in the lives of the patients.
Go to the Rotaplast website and see all that this great organization does. If you would like to be part of this mission, send an email to gaterrycurran@gmail.com. If you would like the Rotaplast Committee to come to your club and make a presentation contact GATerryCurran@gmail.com. If your club is ready to make a donation, send a check payable to Rotaplast to: Rotary District 7930, c/o David Boudreau, Institution For Savings, 68 Storey Avenue, Newburyport, MA 01950.
Volunteers Needed: District 7930 Rotaplast Mission
You could say members of the town's Rotary Club are the Johnny Appleseeds of Danvers. The club recently donated 40 saplings to re-establish the apple orchard at Endicott Park. The hope is to revive apple picking at Endicott Park and eventually also sell the apples at the Danvers Rotary Farmers Market. Previously, only a handful of apple trees remained in the park's back orchard, in the field adjacent to the playground just off Curtis Way, the loop road inside the park. The aging trees had been slowly coming down. The donation was spurred by Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley, who challenged every Rotary Club to plant a tree for each of its members by Earth Day 2018. Danvers Rotary President Bill Nolan took up the challenge. He reached out to Christopher Sanborn, the town's director of natural resources and harbormaster, who suggested replanting the orchard. The 40 apple trees cost $3,500. Many of them have already been planted by students at Essex Tech.
The public is invited to enjoy the creativity and passion of over 30 local amateur and professional artists with 100 pieces of artwork at the second annual Rotary Club of Stoneham Arts Festival. The event will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the First Congregational Church of Stoneham, 1 Church Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts.
The club started the festival to showcase the wonderful talent in the Town and to bring community members of all ages together for an afternoon of cultural and artistic enrichment. The program is free for the public to view. Some of the artwork will be available for sale.
The 2017-2018 Rotary year has been one to remember. So much has been accomplished in our communities and around the world. It certainly takes a village to Make a Difference, but often, it is one person who exemplifies what it is to be a Rotarian. This is the person that walks the walk and talks the talk about Service Above Self. You have spoken, and here is the list of Rotarians of the Year for the clubs who participated in the nomination process:
Club
Rotarian of the Year
Belle Isle
Ron Moses
Beverly
Dick Wylie
Boston Evening
Hélène Vincent
Burlington
John Tuccinardi
Cambridge
Randy Lindel
Chelsea
Todd Taylor
Everett
Erik Jackson
Hamilton-Wenham
Betsy Manzelli
Ipswich
Dotty Levesque
Lexington
Dan Busa
Lynnfield
Tes Mercedat
Malden
Ronnie Puzon
Marblehead
Carl Siegel
Marblehead Harbor
Jessica Barnett
Medford
Anne Powers
Melrose
Jeff Newman
Newburyport
Nikki Misenheimer
Parkway
Terry Curran
Peabody
Sue Trahant
Reading
Gregg Johnson
Rockport
Susan King
Salem
Jason Consalvo
Stoneham
Amy Morin
Swampscott
Buck Weaver
Wakefield
Suzanne Bowering
Winchester
Jack Kean
Woburn
Bill Sullivan
To each of you we owe so much gratitude! You have been there in the trenches doing the work to make the club run smoothly, to guarantee the success of events and service projects, and most importantly to provide an example of what it is to be a Rotarian! You are my heroes for this year. Thank you for all you have done in the service to others!
Each nominee will receive a small token of our appreciation and hopefully a thunderous applause as their Club's Rotarian of the Year at the 2018 Club & District Installation and Cookout. Register here, and be there to support these incredible Rotarians.
On Monday, May 21, a crew of Reading Rotarians traveled to downtown Boston to help serve lunch at the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV) and kick off the District Week of Service for Veterans.
NECHV is a national leader in housing and serving Veterans who are at-risk of homelessness. NECHV supports Veterans with innovative services that enable success, meaningful employment, and dignified independent living. NECHV serves over 350 Veterans each day in their home communities. It contains 60 affordable apartments, a distinct and separate 24 bed female Veterans transitional dormitory, and over 185 transitional and emergency beds. 250 Veterans reside at NECHV each night. Each year, NECHV serves over 100,000 resident meals. 450 Veterans complete NECHV training programs each year. More than 400 Veterans find permanent homes through NECHV each year. Current NECHV Veteran programs include Education, Clinical Support, Employment and Housing. It is open 24/7 every day of the year, serving Veterans.
Rotary served lunch and dinner all week at NECHV. Reading was the first Club with the help of Boston Rotary to start off this excellent service project.
The Newburyport Rotary celebrated it's 95th birthday on Tuesday, May 8, with a fun party at Andiamo Restaurant with appetizers, cocktails and cake. The Club was founded on May 10,1923 by local businessman Norman Russell, and his friends.
The Saugus Rotary Club recently held its annual Scholarship Luncheon at Price Restaurant in Saugus. The 5 recipients each received a $2,000 Scholarship. Pictured above (l-r) are Rotarian Kathy Cuccinelli, Nicole Viera, Amanda Napoli, Sophia Struzziero, Rotarian Ajla Rovcanin, Arianna Raftelis, President-Elect Tara Leary, Lauren Coccoluto and Past President David Fama.
On Thursday, May 10, members of the Rockport Rotary Club presented four Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) to the town of Rockport. The event was held at the Rockport Police Department. The Rockport Health Department had approached the Rockport Rotary Club for the need of AED’s for four of their beaches (Front, Back, Old Garden & Long Beach). In the off season the AED’s will be deployed for use in other location within Rockport. The club came through with a grant for $5,540 to pay for these life-saving devices. The Rockport Public School students used a 3-D printer donated by the Rockport Rotary Club in 2015 to create plaques for each AED kit.
Thanks to all the Rotary Clubs who participated in the Arbor Day Project. You planted a total of 2,700 trees across the district partnering with your communities. This project is sure to Make a Difference in our environment, both from a health and a beauty perspective.
If you have a story to tell about how you managed the project and would like to share in an upcoming eBulletin, please submit a story complete with photographs.
Please share your story on social media with the hashtag #D7930ArborDay.
Over the next few months, do your best to check up on your trees and provide water, and maybe a little love, so that they will thrive through the summer giving them the ability to survive their first winter. As the trees grow 2 feet or so this year, take pictures and continue to post on FaceBook. You will be amazed at how quickly those little twigs become trees that will enhance the environment for decades to come.
On May 12, Reading Boy Scout Troop 702 held a Court of Honor to confer the rank of Eagle Scout on Dustin Rosh and Harrison Fiscus. As part of the ceremony, Reading Rotary presented both Eagles with a Certificate of Congratulations.
District Governor David Gardner has launched an initiative to partner more closely with Scouting. Reading Rotary has also sought to work with Scouts and has contributed to several Eagle Scout Community Service Projects, including Harrison's. Rotary and Scouting are natural partners as both are committed to service and high ethical conduct.
Reading Rotary will contribute $200 to a qualifying Eagle Scout Project or a Girl Scout Gold Award Project.
Harrison's Eagle Project was a boardwalk in the Town Forest. Dustin's Eagle Project was a beautification of the landscaping at Church of the Good Shepherd and installation of a Peace Pole. Both young men are graduating high school this spring. Dustin will attend Wake Forest. Harrison will attend University of California at Berkeley. Congratulations and thank you for your service to the community, Dustin and Harrison.
Posted by Alisha Shrestha, Interact Historian on May 24, 2018
On 14 February 2018, after school, students of the Interact Club were able to participate in painting bowls for the annual Chelsea Hunger Network. The Annual Chelsea Empty Bowls fundraiser helps feed hundreds of people in Chelsea each year. This year Interact members were able to show their artistic skills and put it for a good use to help fundraise. Some students used images from online for inspiration to create the bowls, and some used their own creativity to make unique designs. ̈I am so happy to see that so many students care about the well-being of the community. As president of this club it is nice to see that there are many students not only volunteering but having fun as well. I hope this can continue to be an event every year now so that the high school students of this city can be more involved with their community. ̈ President Fazila Nasimi.
Join us for the 32nd Annual Burlington Rotary Golf Classic! Start the day with 18 luxurious holes of golf with a cart, box lunch, snacks and cold drinks on the course. Afterward, we have a great dinner planned with hole prizes, raffles and a silent auction all to benefit local scholarships and our club's ongoing fundraising efforts.
The Rockport Rotary Club held a wine, beer and whiskey tasting fundraising event” on April 28, 2018. The event was held at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. The Roaring 20s/Prohibition Era was the theme for the evening with period music, décor and dress attire. I was a fun and enjoyable evening for everyone that attended. A collection of fine wine, beer and spirits was provided by Seabreeze Liquors of Gloucester. Chas. E. Kreis from Rockport catered the event with an assortment of delicious cold and hot hors d’oeuvres served by fellow Rotarians dressed in formal Roaring 20s costumes.
Do you love Cornhole or want to try for the first time? Come hang out June 10th afternoon with the Greater Salem NH Rotary Club while we raise money for our local food pantries of Pelham, Salem, Windham and Hampstead/Atkinson! We have cash prizes for both Social and Competitive players. Don't worry about rain, we have covering if necessary. Food included and cash bar.
Come and network with both Rotarians and guests, learn about their businesses, and share your capabilities. Make business contacts, exchange business cards, refer business. Rotary Means Business encourages all attendees to support the success of their fellow Rotarians and guests by doing business with them, and by referring others to them.
Let’s all visit Rotary District 7010’s Rotary Means Business event on May 30, 2018, 5:30-7:30pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, Waltham. $15 if you pre-register by May 28 or $20 at the door. Light appetizers and cash bar available.
For those who attended the 2018 Rotary Summit at Mount Washington, you know that it was a monumental event bringing together over 500 Rotarians from around New England with speakers and programming that provided a once in a lifetime experience. None of this would have been possible without the support of so many of our sponsors. I want to personally thank each and every sponsor as you were instrumental in supporting the event's motto: Create Positive Impact, Through Caring Service, Powered by You! The Summit was meant to be a springboard to action and provide ideas and connections to other like-minded people. Your contributions will be Making a Difference for so many!
Please Read More to see the list of the sponsors and please thank all who supported the 2018 Rotary Summit at Mount Washington.
I would like to express my gratitude to each and every Rotarian during the 2017-2018 Rotary year as you have all fulfilled this year's theme - Rotary: Making a Difference!
One way to acknowledge the great work of Rotarians is to have our members nominate who was instrumental in a great year!
Club Rotarian of the Year
District 7930 will be honoring one individual from each club as the Rotarian of the Year. It might be someone who made a huge contribution to the success of one event this year or an individual who is in the background throughout the year ensuring that everything exceeds expectations, but it should be someone who exemplifies the Rotary Spirit in everything they do. If you would like to nominate someone to be recognized, please click on the link below and provide their name and a short statement about why you chose them for recognition. Please complete before May 25th so that we can prepare the presentation for the District Installation.
District 7930 Rotarian of the Year
The District is focused on serving each Rotary Club in an effort to help you make as big an impact as possible. Please reflect on who you feel has made the biggest difference to your club this year as a District Leader. It could be your Assistant Governor or a Committee Member who provided guidance or help with increasing the success of your Club. Once again, please complete by clicking the link below before May 25th so that we can prepare the presentation for the District Installation.
If you are interested in nominating a club member as the Rotarian of the Year for your club or, if you want to nominate a district leader, such as a committee member or chair, Assistant Governor, or someone else who has had a special impact please click here to forward your Rotarian of the Year Nomination.
The District Installation dinner will be a little less formal this year. Everyone is invited to celebrate our club and district leadership for the coming year! Dinner will be served family style, and will be a cookout of beef tips, chicken and all the trimmings. Ceremonies and speeches will be brief and to the point. Dress code is resort casual – khakis and polos for the guys – comfortable dress for the ladies. No ties! If you have a favorite Rotary shirt you’d like to wear, that might also be appropriate!
Let's have a party, let's Be the Inspiration
Last Chance to Register for District Installation!
Learn about the driving forces of addiction, and how to raise awareness and initiate change that will effectively work to reduce rates of addiction.
Collaborate with other community members and professionals on how to prevent addiction.
Find out how to replicate this seminar in your own community.
Rotary understands that addiction, like polio, is a preventable global disease. Rotarians in clubs across the country are mobilizing to bring solutions to the epidemic. This program is the launch of a new initiative to unite Rotary Clubs, the community, the public health sector and drug prevention specialists to raise awareness about what perpetuates addiction and about ways to be part of the solution.
The short, interactive seminar has been designed for easy replication and scalability for Rotary Clubs, individuals, and community organizations across the country to deliver in their communities and regions.
This program is designed for anyone in the community who is interested in taking action to reduce drug use and addiction. This program is hosted by the Rotary Club of Newton.
This year's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) was this past weekend and it was an amazing weekend!
Fifty first time high school participants joined with 23 high school facilitators and a dozen or so Rotarians and Rotaractors at the beautiful Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, NH, for 48 hours of learning, leadership, fellowship and down right fun! This year's theme (chosen by the high school facilitators during their training) was I Am Because We Are.
Thank you to the many Rotary clubs and members who worked together to provide this a great weekend for our future leaders. These young adults are amazing!
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting its 2nd Annual Champagne Art Auction on Friday, May 18, 2018, 6 pm-8 pm. The tickets are on sale now. Limited seats are available. Please join us and feel free to invite your friends and guests. All are welcome!
The ticket is only $30 per person. The ticket price includes - Complimentary Champagne - Hors D’oeuvres - Beverages - Front row to incredible art pieces guaranteed to inspire! - Featuring Art in All Media & Price Ranges - Also Auctioning Sports Memorabilia!
There will be a 50/50 Raffle too!
FOR TICKETS, Call: Pooja at (248) 895-1591; Ray at (781) 221-0018; Mike at (781) 273-0885 or Email Kevin at kbmassociates13@gmail.com. All proceeds from the event will be distributed to Boys Scouts, HELPIS,
TBM Rotary presents our Send A Family to Disney Sendoff Party at the Breakaway Restaurant on Route 1 N in Danvers on Saturday, May 19th fro 3:00-6:00 PM.
Come participate as the TBM Club sends a deserving family on their way to Disney World. There will be games, prizes, raffles, and Musical Bingo.
It will be a fun afternoon with a magical SEND-FF at 5:30 PM.
Kristin Kelleher, the District 7930 and Ipswich Rotary Club sponsored Rotary Global Grant Scholar for 2016 – 2017, was inducted into the Boston Evening Downtown Rotary Club by President Helene Vincent and President-elect Jennifer Smith at the May 1st Boston Evening Rotary meeting. The guest speaker for the meeting was Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.
Kristin received her Master’s Degree in Environment, Politics and Globalization from Kings College, London, England, and is now employed by the Climate Action Business Association in Boston as their new Program Director, working with companies to help them become more sustainable and socially responsible.
If it's the first Monday of the month, you can take it to the bank that a group of Lynn Rotarians can be found at My Brother’s Table Soup Kitchen on Willow Street in Lynn serving meals, washing dishes and waiting on table for disabled patrons. Since July of 2015, Lynn Rotarians have committed to volunteering at The Table on the first Monday of each month and have not wavered on that commitment. “These patrons are our neighbors and need our help,” said Club President Steve Upton. “We enjoy making their day a little better. I can always count on a solid group of 6-9 Rotarians to step up on Mondays.”
The Rotary Club of Ipswich gave a farewell sendoff to club member Bob Wicks on April 19th. Bob and his wife, Debbie, have relocated to North Brookfield, Massachusetts.
Bob joined Ipswich Rotary in 2005 and served as club president, president-elect, vice president and member of the board of directors. Club service included editor of the weekly e-newsletter, Latchstring (3 years); website, ClubRunner, and Facebook administrator; club secretary (4 years); and public relations chair. Bob’s emphasis on leadership and member development during his term as Club President (2011–2012) encouraged others to do the same. He mentored his successors and helped others to develop skills to prepare for leadership positions. His wise counsel included tips on recruitment of new members and retention of existing membership through involvement in club activities and community service.
Following his club presidency, Bob used his experience and talents as an assistant governor, serving eleven district clubs as AG over a six year period: Gloucester, Manchester-Essex, Rockport, Hamilton-Wenham, Newburyport, Amesbury, Greater Salem, Lynnfield, North Andover, Saugus and Winthrop.
Bob Wicks is a model of what embodies the best in Rotary. He sees a world that can be better and where he can make a difference; that his actions and those of others have created lasting change in the world, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Ipswich Rotary and District 7930 will miss him and his ability to Make A Difference.
Posted by Alisha Shrestha, Interact Historian on May 14, 2018
On 16 December 2017, a considerable amount of students from Interact Club and adults from Rotary Club of Chelsea went to prepare lunch at Rosie’s Place in Boston. Rosie’s Place is a shelter for poor and homeless women who need a safe and nurturing environment for them to live. During the volunteering, students were able to prepare food such as scrambled eggs, beans, ham, salad, etc, as well as serve the homeless women food. After the women finished eating, students were able to clean the tables, fix chairs, and wash the dishes.
The 2018 Rotary Summit at Mount Washington brought together over 625 Rotarians from five Rotary Districts covering New England and Quebec over the May 4-6th weekend. Our theme for the Summit was Make Positive Impact Through Caring Service Powered by You! This was a unique opportunity combining a stellar venue, inspirational speakers, informative breakout sessions, a food packaging project, youth programming, delicious food, stellar entertainment and absolutely amazing fellowship.
Essentially this is what we do every day. But how can we make a bigger difference? How do we Finish Strong? Whether you attended the Summit or not, there is a message that has been resounding throughout our district and beyond all year. If we collaborate with our members, our community, other clubs and districts, our community and others who share our commitment, we can and will accomplish so much more. As we approach the final goal of polio eradication, we know that when Rotary commits to a goal, even with obstacles that would deter others, we will prevail. How will you find and act on your passion, reap the personal rewards of Doing Good in the World and bring health and happiness to those around you, locally or globally.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has named Sal Frontiero and Susan Kelly as Paul Harris Fellows, the prestigious award named after the Chicago lawyer who founded the Rotary movement in 1905. Frontiero was selected by a club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Kelly was chosen by members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club. Frontiero and Kelly will be honored at a special dinner on Wednesday, May 23, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets to the Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award Dinner are $47 per person and may be reserved by contacting event Chair Steve Kaity at 978-879-1051. The Dinner is open to the general public, and friends and colleagues of Frontiero and Kelly are encouraged to attend.
Eamon Wheeler, a 17 year-old junior at Rockport High School, was inducted into the Rotary Club of Rockport on February 1, 2018. Eamon is the youngest member of Rockport Rotary, District 7930, Zone 32, and perhaps Rotary International. He is a 4th generation Rotarian, following his great grandfather, Marshall Swan; his grandmother, Past District Governor Ingrid Brown; and his mother, Laurel Wheeler, into the Rockport Rotary Club.
Eamon was a charter member of the Rockport Elementary School EarlyAct Club, and finding it difficult to launch an Interact Club at Rockport High, he joined Rockport Rotary as a Service Member. Eamon has participated in club meetings, projects and fundraisers, the Polar Plunge and District Conferences, and plans to carry his love of Service Above Self forward to college after high school graduation in 2019. He is a dedicated and committed young man who is working to get others to follow his lead and join a Rotary club, to impact membership by bringing in new ideas and vitality and Making a Difference in the World.
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club (BBRC) will host its second annual Champagne Art Auction on Friday, May 18th, from 6 to 9 pm. The event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Road, Burlington. Complimentary champagne and hors d'ouevres plus over 130 pieces of art across many styles and budgets.
All proceeds from the Champagne Art Auction will be divided equally among four (4) local charities. "Please come to enjoy the evening, no need to purchase a piece of art, the event is enjoyable in itself," stated Doug Place, BBRC President.
For tickets ($30 each) please contact Pooja at (248) 895-1591; Ray at (781) 221-0018; Mike at (781) 273-0885 or email Kevin at kbmAssociates13@gmail.com.
Eugene Horace Hastings, 88, of Marblehead and beloved husband of Clara Brichze Hastings passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 25, 2018 after suffering a massive stroke six weeks earlier. He was born on January 27, 1930 in Salem, MA to the late Abner and Florence Hastings. Gene graduated Swampscott High School followed by a degree from Boston University in Business Administration. In 1961 he married Clara Brichze and they settled in Marblehead.
Gene spent his entire career at the Lynn Daily Evening Item as a photographer and later in advertising. He was a lifelong storyteller and enjoyed meeting and interacting with people all over the world.
A long time amateur radio ham operator his call sign was W1VRK. Gene was very active in the ham radio community both locally and beyond, serving local and national organizations. He served on the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Foundation Board of directors from 1993 to 2014 and was honored as a Director Emeritus. For many years he led one of the largest ham radio conventions in the country, out of Swampscott and Boxboro MA. Active in the long distance, DX communications, Gene gathered 333 contacts in the ARRL DXCC listings including countries, principalities, and outposts world-wide; at one point talking with the space shuttle. Locally he was a member and director of the North Shore Radio Association.
Gene was a member of the Lynn Rotary Club for over 38 years, beginning in July 1975 representing the Lynn Item. Over the years he participated in Rotary at the local, district, and international levels, serving as the Lynn Club President in 1986 and the Rotary District 7930 Governor for the 1996-1997 program year. He was a Paul Harris Fellow multiple times and received the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. Gene served on the Camp Rotary Board of Directors for the Lynn Rotary Club and helped manage the day to day operation of Camp Rotary in Boxford, Massachusetts.
Gene is predeceased by his brother, Robert and survived by his brother Wilmot, his wife Clara of 56 years, their son Edwin and his wife Connie of Westborough MA, daughter Leslie and her husband Tom Miller of Hamilton NJ, and son Laurence Hastings of Haverhill MA, grandchildren Catherine and Zachary Roebuck of Arlington TX, Elizabeth Hastings, Nathaniel Hastings, and Daniel Hastings, all of Westborough MA.
His Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 11:00 am in the Chapel at Swampscott Cemetery, 400 Essex Street Swampscott.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm in the Solimine Funeral Home, 67 Ocean Street (Rte.1A) Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Lynn Rotary Charitable Corporation, P.O. Box 8100, Lynn, Massachusetts 01904.
Read a beautiful tribute to Gene from Donna D'Agostino.
The Newburyport Rotary Club held another successful Trivia Night on Thursday, April 12, at the Elks Hall in Newburyport. Fourteen teams participated and we raised $2985 from participants and sponsors which will go toward our three $3,000 scholarships. The winning team won$250 which they split five ways. Second prize was $25 gift certificates to Michael's Harborside for each team member and third price was an Untapped History Pub Tour of Newburyport for the team. Pizza and a cash bar were available and a fun time was had by all.
A festive time was had by all while raising funds for Marblehead Scholarship. Wick's Marblehead very generously donated 20% of the evenings receipts to the Scholarship’s permanent funds to provide 3 different scholarships to our community. An investment in education pays the best interest while we light the way to better futures.
The 2nd Chance Scholarship is still accepting applications! Please visit: www.marbleheadscholarship.org for more information.
Marblehead Scholarship Fundraising Dinner Raised over $7,000! Thank You!
Rockport Rotary Club Presents “SPEAKEASY” A Wine, Beer and Whiskey Tasting Celebrate the Roaring 20s/Prohibition Era
Rockport Rotary Club’s Wine, Beer and Whiskey Tasting Saturday, April 28, 2018, 6-8:30 pm Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport
Wines & Spirits provided by: Seabreeze Liquors in Gloucester Hors d'oeuvres catered by Chas E. Kreis will be served throughout the evening Silent Auction and Raffle Prizes for Best Costumes (costumes optional) $35 per person. Tickets available from any Rockport Rotarian or call 978-985-2869.
Proceeds benefit Rockport Rotary Club's community & International service projects. Come join the party! Support the Rockport Rotary Club, sample some wine, beer and whiskey, enjoy some great food, bid on a host of raffle and silent auction items, and have some fun!
"SPEAKEASY" Wine, Beer & Whiskey Tasting Event!
On April 18, 2017, the RMHS Interact Club took time from their April Vacation to prepare and serve lunch at Rosie's Place in Boston's South End.
Rosie's Place is a women's shelter which provides a safe and nurturing environment to help poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity and find security. Rosie's Place provides meals and shelter and helps 12,000 women a year with wide ranging support including housing, and education services. Rosie's Place was founded in 1974 as the first women's shelter in the United States. Rosie's Place has a volunteer program for community organization who donate the cost of the meal and also prepare, serve and clean up. This also offers the opportunity for our members to interact with the clients of Rosie's. Reading Rotary sponsored Interact's trip today. Reading Interactors served over 150 lunches.
Also, helping with the meal were chaperones, Reading Rotarian and Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Doherty and recently appointed Reading Schools Assistant Superintendent Christine Kelley. Reading Rotary thanks the Interact Club members for their service!
YOUTH EXCHANGE NEEDS a club to host a student for the 2018-19 school year!
District 7930 is being assigned 6 inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students for the coming school year, and we have only 5 clubs so far who are able to host. Would you like to join the team? How does the Rotary Youth Exchange long-term program work?
In the long-term exchange program, a student from another country is coming to the US for an entire school year – from September until June the following year. Similarly, we are sending a high-school student from one of our communities abroad for an entire school year.
This exchange year provides a wonderful cultural exchange and language learning opportunity for the student, and also exposes them to various service opportunities through the Rotary Club that is hosting the student. The student typically participates in the Interact Club meetings, and also comes to Rotary Club meetings at least once or twice per month, thereby also enriching the lives of club members, who get to meet a student from another country.
Deadline Extended for Applications. There is still time for your club to send students!
Your Rotary Club is invited to participate in the 2018 RYLA program. If you have already participated, you know that this is a fabulous program for high school students to develop leadership skills.
Don't miss this chance to provide the high school students in your community with this valuable experience!
Is your website accessible to people of all abilities?
Clubrunner websites are fairly accessible to individuals using a screen reader for the internet. However, in order to make your website more accessible, you need to include "Alternative Text" for all of your images.
In Clubrunner, when you place an image on the website or in an email, you will see a screen similar to the screenshot here. The Alternative Text field should have an entry that briefly describes the image being used. When a person uses a screen reader to access your webpage/email, the reader will include the Alternative Text to describe the image.
It's simple to do and makes your website more ADA friendly.
The Newburyport Rotary Club held its annual Chef's Table Dinner on Tuesday, March 20, where ten chefs cook tableside for ten diners. Local restaurants donate their chefs, food and time preparing a variety of cuisines, which are not typical everyday restaurant choices. The Chefs enjoyed being creative and diners were the recipients of something unusual. One of our chefs, Jen Normand from Sea Level, was a former contestant on the television program, Hell's Kitchen!
During the cocktail hour, guests were able to bid on silent auction items and our special wine raffle of 50 plus bottles of wine. We were able to raise almost $13,000 to go to local charities.
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, May 4, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
A Night at the Races promises to be a fun-filled evening for adults with all the suspense and excitement of being at the racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. At various points during the evening, betters will be able to use their winnings to bid on merchandise and services that have been donated for the event. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group. Tickets are $10 per person. Contact David Slade for more information.
At a recent meeting of the Lynn Rotary Club,, members heard a most impressive presentation from the SkillsUSA leadership team at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute. The students presented their year long, community service project, “The Welcome Home Project”. Erick Martinez, Erick Hernandez and Club President David Barrios each shared in detail, accompanied by a slide presentation, how the project came about and how club members rallied the entire LVTI student body of some 800 students to get behind the initiative. The aim of the project was to celebrate and aid in Lynn’s accomplishment of being the first Massachusetts city to effectively end veteran homelessness.
The Chelsea Rotary Club proudly announces, and invites you to join us, at our 2018 Fundraiser on April 26, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at the Homewood Suites by Hilton 145 Beech Street, Chelsea.
Bada Bingo: The Rotante Family Murder Mystery Dinner will be a wonderfully entertaining night of comedy, mystery, and live music bingo. Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 to support our Club’s college scholarships, Project Fire Recovery, and many other local projects for children, the elderly, veterans and homeless families. Last year, thanks to your support, in addition to awarding six $1,500.00 college scholarships to deserving high school seniors living in Chelsea, we started a Pantry of Necessities that provides toiletries and other essentials to homeless children attending Chelsea schools.
Please join us for an evening of good food, fun and surprises, all to support a wonderful cause.
On April 7, Reading Rotarian and Eagle Scout John Halsey presented certificates of congratulations to Troop 702's new Eagle Scouts, Ben House and Bryan Doucette at their Eagle Court of Honor. John has been working with District Governor David Gardner to strengthen the partnership between Rotary and Scouting. John is also on a Council Member for the Spirit of Adventure Council, which includes Reading. John has been busy attending Eagle Courts of Honor in Reading as Troop 702 (sponsored by Old South Church) and Troop 728 (sponsored by St. Agnes) have been producing a lot of Scouts reaching the Eagle rank. In his remarks during the Court of Honor, John said that Reading is known in the Spirit of Adventure Council as the Eagle's Nest because the town has produced more Eagle Scouts over the past 12 years than any other municipality in the Council, including Boston and much larger cities and towns.
Paul Harris Society Chair Bob Gravino recognized Wakefield Rotarians Jay Curley, Alicia Vargas Reddin, and Amy Luckiewicz as members of the Paul Harris Society and presented them with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at the April 3rd meeting of the Wakefield Rotary Club. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to sustain our impact around the world.
Wakefield Paul Harris Society Chevron Presentation
If winter never ends, how can we believe that it is spring. Well it is, and time is running out to apply for one of three types of mini-grants: membership, public image and addiction prevention. We have extended the deadline to file these applications until April 30, 2018.
Membership
Previous mini-grants were aimed at increasing membership but this series is intended to increase the engagement of new members and to help them pursue their Rotary dream. These matching fund grants will be the perfect follow up to our recent Welcome Party where more than 50 new and prospective members learned about Rotary in an exciting fashion. The requirements are that a new member (joined after 7/1/16) must be the chair of the project and they must recruit another new or existing member to implement the project. In-meeting projects are encouraged. Download the Membership Mini-Grant here!
Public Image
Consider applying for a Public Image Mini-Grant if you need updated brochures, flyers, banners or signs, a direct mail campaign, promotional products, social media campaign or advertising. Current Rotary branding guidelines must be used and you must track the impact when applicable. Be sure to have a call to action and try to expand the message to provide a secondary message. For example, if you are advertising an event, also extend an invitation to attend an upcoming meeting as a guest. Don't miss out on these matching funds to promote your critical spring and early summer events! Download the Public Image Mini-Grant here!
Addiction Prevention
Through the Lahey Health sponsorship of the World Peace and Understanding Showcase and Dinner, we have ten matching $250 mini-grants that clubs can use to provide addiction prevention education, a special speaker at a public event, Narcan training, and so many more options. It is critical that this is a public event as the goal is to decrease the stigma associated with addiction and to prepare the communities we serve for the global grant being planned for clubs in New England. Download the Addiction Prevention Mini-Grant here!
This spring, the Downtown Boston Rotary Club held their first Friendraiser at Sacco Bowling/Flat Bread.
Friendraisers give Rotarians the opportunity to network, visit and meet with the public to explain to interested and prospective members what they can achieve through Rotary membership. At this event, like all other events this year, Downtown Boston Rotary Club collected socks for Friends of Boston’s Homeless. The goal is to donate 10,000 socks by July 1. Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in this great event!
This Friendraiser was made possible by a generous mini-grant from District 7930.
Imagine you needing to rebuild the morale and image of the department you manage or the company you own all due to the negativity of one of your employees?
Join us for the next Rotary Means Business on May 9 from 6-8pm at McLean Middleton Law Conference Center in Woburn. Derek Howe, a local leader in workplace threat protection, will show us how to combat workplace bullies and enable us to have safer and more positive work environments.
The cost is only $10, a light dinner and refreshments will be provided. Open networking begins at 6 pm -- bring your business cards!
Join us for a great cause and help us light the way to brighter futures!
Make your reservations now! Call Wick's Marblehead at (781) 476-2076 or visit their website at: www.warwick-place.com/wicks to reserve online! Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor has been providing scholarships to local students who have demonstrated a passion and desire for a good education but may lack some of the funds. We are here to help!
20% of all proceeds from dinner receipts will be donated by Wick's Marblehead to our scholarship fund and donations to our fund will be matched up to $5,000! www.marbleheadscholarship.org
The Doyon Elementary School EarlyAct Club, sponsored by Ipswich Rotary, volunteered at the Ipswich Dinner Bell on March 26th. Over 35 4th and 5th graders served the multi-course dinner and mingled with those in attendance. Doyon teachers and EarlyAct Club leaders Andrea Welsh and Elyesse Brand, assisted by Ipswich Rotarian Steve Rogé, ensured that food delivery, after dinner clean-up, and socialization with the attendees went smoothly and successfully.
Don't Delay! Service Opportunities are Filling Up Fast! Book Your Club Today!
All listings in red that are crossed out are currently reserved for the following clubs: Billerica, Newton, North Reading, Reading, and Wellesley. There are still 7 time slots available and each one requires 10 volunteers to help serve meals and interact with the veterans who are supported by the New England Center and Home for Veterans.
If you or your club is interested in making the week before Memorial Day special for the special individuals who heroically exemplify Service Above Self, please click here. There will be some individual Rotarian slots available as well. Choose an available shift, or if you cannot commit to serving, NECHV welcomes donations to help cover these meals, please send these to:
Come to the Gloucester High School Interact Club's 11th annual Pizza Taste-Off on Wednesday, April 4, 5:30-7:30pm at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. Taste them all for yourself and vote on the best!
Tickets $10 (children 5 and under $5). Tickets are limited to 300 and will be available at the door.
All proceeds will be donated to American Cancer Society.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea hosted the Chelsea High School Interact Club members who participated in Student Government Day during a recent meeting. The students spent the morning at the Chelsea City hall obtaining an understanding of how the City of Chelsea functions. The students were greeted by City Manager Thomas G. Ambrosino. They were then shown a slide show presentation of the city department heads describing their roles in running the city. After the slide show the students were assigned to the various department heads to spend the rest of the morning observing how each department functioned.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is offering scholarships worth a total of $18,500! There are two types of scholarship available-- the Enhanced Scholarship for students seeking a two or four year degree from a College or University and is awarded on the basis of need. The 2nd Chance Scholarship for those seeking to improve their employment by enrolling in a certificate course or similar program.
Do you know someone who might benefit from a scholarship? Please feel free to share this information with them. We are accepting applications. www.marbleheadscholarship.org
Marblehead Harbor is Offering $18,500 in Scholarships
The Hamilton-Wenham Club recently took a "field trip" in lieu of their usual Friday morning breakfast meeting. On March 16, these early birds woke up a little earlier than usual and trekked to Gloucester for the annual SeniorCare Celebrate Spring Meals on Wheels Breakfast at the Gloucester House restaurant.
The SeniorCare Meals on Wheels program brings a daily meal right to the door of homebound elders. Menus are designed by nutrition experts to meet the needs of older adults and are prepared by a professional caterer. In addition, homebound elders have a daily interaction with the delivery team—sometimes their only human contact that day. SeniorCare currently delivers Meals on Wheels to more than 550 elders each day. Annually, this means 136,216 home-delivered meals and 39,250 meals served at dining sites in Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Rockport, Topsfield, and Wenham.
Hamilton Wenham Field Trip Supports Meals on Wheels
The Rotary Club of Burlington is very excited to announce that Bob Ward, Boston 25 News Reporter will be the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Burlington on Wednesday, March 28, at 6pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Road, Burlington . Bob has covered numerous breaking news stories and intriguing criminal cases as a veteran reporter for Boston 25 News. His series, "New England's Unsolved," profiles unsolved criminal cases in collaboration with local law enforcement. Ward’s reports have been instrumental in uncovering new information in these cases. Bob has been involved in many stories such as Molly Bish and he recently reported on the “cold case” in Burlington - George Aleskivitch. He will be a fascinating speaker!
A buffet dinner will be served at 6:00 pm and Bob will speak starting at 6:35 pm. Guests are welcome to attend this event. It is $20pp to cover the dinner. If you are interested, please contact Frank Vozzella at Northern Bank and Trust 781-272-2880.
Join the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor for a great cause and help light the way to brighter futures! Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor has been providing scholarships to local students who have demonstrated a passion and desire for a good education but may lack some of the funds. We are here to help!
The Rotary Club of Lynn will be celebrating 100 years of service on May 2nd. We hope you will join this great celebration which will include a cocktail hour, dinner, silent auctions and a presentation from our keynote speaker Ian Riseley, Rotary International President.
The District Public Image Committee has announced the availability of the Spring 2018 Club Public Image Mini-Grant. The purpose of this mini-grant is to improve the public image of the Rotary clubs of District 7930. Download the Mini-Grant overview and application for more information.
Rotary District 7930 is pursuing Rotary International President-elect Barry Rassin’s 2018 – 2019 theme of Be the Inspiration by partnering with the Rotary Club of Nkwazi in Zambia on an exciting global grant. Ipswich Rotarians Jim Stone and Bob Gravino traveled to Lusaka, Zambia, in May 2017 to see first-hand the success of this grant that trains classroom teachers as front-line health workers, with the help of District 7930 and 22 District clubs.
District 7930 Rotarians now have another good reason to go to the International Convention in Toronto in June, besides being able to view the Stanley Cup at the National Hockey League Museum. The District’s own Lonnie Hackett has been invited to speak at the Convention on this new model of school-based healthcare to address the challenges facing Zambian school children. He will discuss his healthcare model and the 2016 Global Grant for $123,000 sponsored by District 7930, resulting in better lives for more than 40,000 children.
Kristin Kelleher, the District 7930 and Ipswich Rotary Club sponsored Rotary Global Grant Scholar for 2016–17, recently returned from London, England, having received her Master’s Degree in Environment, Politics and Globalization from Kings College. Kristin sent the following and asked that it be shared with District 7930 Rotarians. “My graduate studies in London would not have been possible without your continued support. I enjoyed every minute of my London experience, both in the classroom and during my women’s empowerment service project. I will be eternally grateful, and I cannot wait to continue with Rotary and to stay involved with Rotary activities.”
Do You Know Someone Who Might Benefit From This Scholarship? Please Feel Free To Share This With Them!
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Scholarship Trust is accepting applications for the 2nd Chance Scholarship! The 2nd Chance Scholarship is for those whose education will benefit their employment. It can be used for certificate courses and programs to improve employment opportunities. Successful recipients will receive up to $2500 paid directly to the educational institution on their behalf. Courses may be taken at a college or university, but may not be a part of a degree program.
The Newburyport Rotary is hosting its annual Chef's Dinner. Please join us for a wonderful dinner prepared right at your table by local chefs who have donated their time and talents with ten of your closest friends. There will also be our fabulous wine raffle and silent auction.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 5:30pm - 8:00pm Newburyport Senior Center 331 High Street, Newburyport, MA Cash Bar | Dinner | Silent Auction | Wine Raffle $85 per person
Proceeds to benefit local non-profit and charitable organizations. Primary recipient for 2018, Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Merrimack Valley. RSVP to Dave Fowler at dfowler@ajh.org. Checks can be made out to Newburyport Rotary and mailed to Dave’s attention: Dave Fowler, Anna Jaques Hospital, 25 Highland Ave., Newburyport, MA 01950.
Wouldn't you like to learn from other Clubs what they are doing to grow and thrive? This is your chance! Hear from current Club Presidents; their strategies to attract, engage and retain members. Hear from Clubs about their Fundraisers, in-meeting service projects, grant projects and Global grants. Learn how to start a new Interact Club or re-energize an existing Interact. And finally, interested in travel, hear about "Rotaplast: The Mission". Click "Read More" to see a detailed schedule.
District 7930 held its World Peace and Understanding Dinner and Showcase at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Wednesday evening, February 28th. This event was organized to help educate Rotarians on the issues of addiction and to build a network of collaboration between Rotary, government and the service organizations who provide programs aimed at prevention, treatment and recovery.
This extraordinary event would not have been possible without the generous support of Lahey Health.
Over 200 attendees participated in the Showcase and Dinner, learning from the 32 Showcase exhibitors about the services they provide. The event speakers describe the opioid epidemic; addiction preventive education; and government actions to treat addiction as both a behavioral health issue as well as a criminal act. Dr. Barry Ginsberg, from Lahey Health Behavioral Services, Heidi Heilman, CEO of Edventi, and Marian Ryan, the Middlesex County District Attorney shared their experiences and recommendations to overcome the opioid crisis. District Governor Dave Gardner announced a program by Lahey Health to fund 10 matching mini-grants to Rotary Clubs in District 7930 to implement projects in the area of addiction. He also thanked Lahey for sponsoring the Showcase and for funding complimentary tickets to the exhibitors to thank them for the great work they are doing in our communities. The appeal was made for Rotarians to offer their vocational skills to these organizations to help them fulfill their mission and to provide opportunities for service as we continue this year’s theme, Rotary: Making a Difference.
The 2017-2018 Global Grant Scholars sponsored by District 7930 Rotary Clubs are available to speak to your club about their projects and their experiences as Global Scholars. Click here to download a contact list for this year's Scholars. (Please note: Due to personal contact information on this list, you need to be logged into your Clubrunner account in order to download the list.)
Global Grant Scholars Available to Speak at Your Club
RYLA is truly a life changing event for students – your club can be the agent of that change! Imagine providing that kind of opportunity for up to 5 students in your community!
RYLA is a weekend of leadership development for high school students who have begun to exhibit leadership skills and want to take them to the next level. While the overall program is run by Rotary District 7930, each activity is carefully planned and facilitated by returning Seniors from prior RYLA years.
The Burlington Club's annual major fundraiser “Friday Night at the Fights” is back. This year’s event will take place on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the Billerica Lodge of Elks. We look forward to another great night of boxing this year and greatly appreciate your support.
10 Amateur boxing matches
Catered Dinner
Doors open at 6PM
Fights begin at 8PM
The Rotary Club of Burlington relies on major fundraisers like this one to further our mission to serve the community and support the great charitable organizations that benefit Burlington and the region.For ticket and table reservations contact: John Tuccinardi at 781-820-9635
Branding and Social Media Workshop Monday, March 19, 6:00 - 7:00pm General Assembly (125 Summer Street, Boston) Register here
Interested in recruiting younger Rotarians to your club? Branding and social media are essential aspects of that initiative! Boston Rotaract is hosting a branding and social media workshop to benefit local Rotary Clubs and to fundraise for our clean water project.
The Peabody Rotary Club will be holding its signature event, the 14th Annual Taste of the North Shore, on Tuesday, March 20th from 6-9 PM. This popular event is now being held at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Danvers (formerly the Ferncroft), as additional space is needed to accommodate the growing list of restaurants taking part and the number of people attending.
Twenty-five of the area’s most popular restaurants will serve their tastiest dishes, from main courses to sides to desserts. In addition to the delicious food and great entertainment, a highlight of the evening will be the drawing of a $10,000 grand prize! Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two admissions to the Taste. Odds are in your favor as only 300 raffle tickets will be sold. The winner does not need to be present. Non-raffle admission is $40 per person.
Saugus Rotary Club will host it's first ever Pot Of Gold $10,000 Dinner/Raffle on 3/16/2018 at Rosaria Restaurant 190 Main St Saugus MA 01906.
This will be the clubs biggest fundraiser of the year. To buy tickets, contact a Saugus Rotary Club member by visiting our Facebook page or by visiting www.saugusrotaryclub.org.
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted a new member into the Ipswich Club on February 8th, when Deb Richards became the 70th member of Ipswich Rotary. Shown in the photo are Mary Foote-Hill, Club Secretary and member of the Membership Committee; Dottie Levesque, Deb's club sponsor; Deb and President Cushing. Ipswich recently began a Service Membership Program, and has implemented evening meetings on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the Thursday morning meetings. Two additional members are scheduled to be inducted in the month of March.
The Newburyport Rotary's annual Chef's Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at the Newburyport Senior Community Center starting at 5:30 p.m.. There will be 10 tables with dinner prepared by local chefs for 10 diners at each table. We will have our spectacular wine raffle and silent auction as well as a cash bar. The ticket price is $85 per person. For tickets, please email Dave Fowler at dfowler@ajh.org.
District 7930 Rotary Foundation Chair Liz Cullen joined Ipswich Rotary Foundation Chair Russ Cole in honoring Viliam Walla, the Ipswich Club’s Rotary Youth Exchange student from Germany, for his bravery and fortitude in participating in this year’s Polar Plunge in Gloucester. Viliam joined two other Ipswich Rotarians, Keith Harris and Dave LeBel, in the 8th Annual Plunge in Gloucester. Viliam, Keith and Dave were each awarded the Ipswich Rotary Club’s Golden Plunger Trophy for taking on the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. In addition, Viliam received a special Bear of the North Woods hat for his ferocious entry into the breaking waves on the day of the Plunge.
Please review and contact DG David Gardner ASAP to confirm your club's participation! Deadline: Thursday, March 22, 2018.
Do you want to work on a project that has little or no cost, provides a significant environmental impact and will be great for Rotary's public image?
Then consider having your club participate in the Arbor Day Project. Our RI President, Ian Riseley, has asked that every Rotarian plant one tree before Arbor Day which is on April 27th. The district will be purchasing enough trees for every member of every club. Click the "Read More" button below for details on club responsibilities.
Lonnie Hackett, the founder and president of Healthy Kids/Brighter Future, will speak at the Rotary Foundation Supporters Dinner as part of the Presidential Peace Building Conference in Coventry, England, February 23 and 24. Lonnie is attending Oxford University as a Rotary Global Scholar, where he is pursuing a degree in public health.
Lonnie, Bowdoin College Class of 2013, has visited many clubs in District 7930 to describe his non-profit, which helps the children in Lusaka, Zambia. Working in the poorest sections of Lusaka, the teachers learn to recognize and treat common childhood illnesses and educate children for better health. The Rotary Club of Brunswick successfully sponsored a Global Grant in 2014, to begin the training of classroom teachers as front-line health workers. A number of District 7930 clubs were partners in this Global Grant. In 2016, District 7930 clubs sponsored a larger Global Grant to continue the work in other schools and compounds in Lusaka.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester will host a Trivia Night on Friday, March 23, at the Gloucester House, located at 63 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the game will begin at 7 p.m. Teams of four will compete for the title of Cape Ann Trivia Champions.
All trivia fans are invited to this fun night of knowledge and laughter. The registration fee is $100 for a team of four players. Proceeds from this event will support programs of the Gloucester Rotary Club. The night will also feature a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and light snacks for purchase.
Please don't miss the opportunity to Make a Difference in the conversation about the opioid crisis, or more globally, addiction. Your participation should start with attending the Showcase that will present 15-20 organizations dedicated to reducing the impact that addiction is having on our friends and family, right here in our own backyard. Become familiar with the resources available, connect with parents who have suffered the tragedies of addiction, and even death, and discover ways in which your professional skills can contribute to their mission. There is no cost to attend the Showcase. We hope to see you there!
Immediately following the Showcase, there will be a reception with cash bar where you can develop deeper connections to the professionals who exhibited at the Showcase or with your fellow Rotarians. There will also be a brief presentation by Heidi Heilman about an upcoming Rotary International pilot grant focused on educating students and adults about addiction prevention. This was started by the Rotary Club of Billerica and once approved, will service Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Rotary Clubs will be able to help fund the grant as well as apply to deliver the program to their community.
During dinner, Keynote Speaker Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan will share her views on the entire conversation about diagnosis, addiction, recovery and what we need to do to prevent addiction from rearing its ugly head. Addiction, hunger, homelessness, health care, workforce development and education are all integral parts that need to be resolved if we want to minimize the perils that exist for those who struggle with basic life necessities. Dinner will cost $60. Register here!
Finally, with the funding from Lahey Health, there will be a total of $2,500 in matching funds for up to 10 Rotary Clubs who will be selected to develop, implement and report the impact of a local community service project in this area. This will provide an opportunity to truly Make a Difference in the lives of those who suffer from addiction or to help prevent others from ever experiencing it.
Want to know more about DA Marian Ryan or for the list of exhibitors. . .
Amesbury is currently in third place, but if Rotarians in District 7930 cast a vote for them, they might actually win this competition and wind a $500,000 makeover.Click here to vote!
You can vote once per day through Tuesday, February 20th.
Presidents-elect, Secretaries, Treasurers, Membership chairs/committees, Foundation Chairs/committees, and all service-minded individuals are welcome to this year's District 7930 "Be the Inspiration" District Assembly. Hear presentations from Clubs who have had successful service projects, membership drives, grant projects, global grants and more. Presidents-elect come for your final "business" meeting, goal setting session and qualify for a District Managed Grant. (This is required attendance for Presidents-elect.)
Interactive sessions will be followed by the 2nd Annual Non-Profit Showcase, focusing in the areas of Homelessness and Hunger. Come only with your skills and a smile and a willingness to offer vocational help to 30 or more Non-Profits throughout our District. While touring the booths enjoy heavy appetizers and an open bar.
Are you, or do you know someone who is involved with fighting the battle against addiction as a professional? If so, please recommend that they consider attending the Showcase being held prior to the World Peace and Understanding Dinner. Through the Lahey Health sponsorship, Rotary District 7930 is able to provide these exhibit tables free of charge. It is a tremendous opportunity to share their mission, their core programs and to find potential volunteers within our Rotary community.
Do you want to Make a Difference in the issues impacting every one of us in the conversation that is addiction? Well come to the Showcase and find resources that your community can use to battle this epidemic, how you can make a difference with advocacy, and/or find volunteer options based on your professional skills. The Showcase is free to all attendees, so please consider inviting your friends and family, it might save a life!
The dinner will feature Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and she will share her thoughts about the current status and what needs to be done to beat this epidemic. Consider joining us for dinner at what will be the culmination of a great day as Rotary enhances our ability to educate, advocate and collaborate in the field of addiction.
The Rotary Club of Reading will host its 7th Annual Taste of Metro North. This family friendly event will take place at Reading Memorial High School Field House on Thursday, March 15, 2018, 5:30 - 7:30. Restaurants from Saugus to Burlington to Andover and of course Reading will share favorite items from their menus. Attendees are guaranteed to leave with their appetites fully satisfied.
Guests can purchase their tickets online at tasteofmetronorth.com at the discounted price of $25 per person, or $50 for a family consisting of two adults and minor children. Tickets at the door are also available for the price of $30 pp/$60 family. In addition to a wide variety of restaurants, students from the Reading system will be providing an array of entertainment.
Don't miss this great annual event where you will see lots of old friends and maybe make some new ones.
Right on the heels of our tremendously successful Welcome Party for new Rotarians, it seems appropriate to continue to build on the excitement and vibrancy with all our members. This Thursday, February 15th, there will be an opportunity for you to network with other members and the district leadership and learn about some of the great ideas clubs are doing that is truly Making a Difference.
We have arranged the following short presentations:
Scott Lush of the Rotary Club of Downtown Boston will be sharing his approach to recruiting powerful speakers that attract members and non-members alike, how he markets these as events and the results that their club has achieved in membership development as a result. By the way, they are up 7 members!
Cushing Titcomb of the Rotary Club of Ipswich will share their success with their Satellite Club, how it has generated a deeper connection to current members that enjoy the evening format, attracted service members. He will also provide a glimpse into their 25 Days of Giving during the holidays and how that project engaged a high percentage of members. Would you believe that Ipswich is up 6 members so far this year!
Al Ruthazer of the Rotary Club of Andover will provide an overview of how their Andover Cares initiative has received tremendous response from their community in their effort to Make a Difference in the opioid crisis. The side benefits of tackling such a big issue is the public perception of their club, the ability to engage community leaders, and thus attract new members and allies in service. You guessed it, they have added 5 new members.
The Rotary Club of Manchester-Essex will display the visuals the club created through a district public image mini-grant based on the People of Action Campaign. These were used in a social media campaign and as posters around town promoting the great work that Rotary does locally and internationally. Can you believe that they have added a remarkable 14 new members already this year?
These are just a few of the presentations that will be made on Thursday and in the coming months. It would be fantastic if every club could send one representative to the meeting. I promise that it will be worth your time. One idea might build momentum that will add new members, new ideas, new challenges and increased impact.
Do you have an idea to share that is reinventing Rotary in your community? Call or email me and we will get you a time slot at an upcoming meeting.
We all have so much to share with each other that will help propel Rotary into the next century. How will you contribute?
We will be meeting at the McLane Middleton Law Center at 300 Tradecenter, 7th Floor in Woburn, MA, 6-8 pm. Register here!
Will you be among those who will be part of history as five districts around New England gather at the beautiful Mount Washington Hotel for the year end celebration for the 2017-2018 Rotary year?
There are already 425 registered and we have space for another 100-150, maybe more. Although there are only a few rooms left at the Mount Washington Lodge, there are many 2-5 bedroom townhouses that are part of the Mount Washington campus as well as many other properties in the area including hotels, ski lodges and private homes. Once registered, you can visit the website that manages the Mount Washington properties or check out Airbnb for a host of other options.
Imagine meeting Rotarians and friends from the states and provinces that these district serve, including Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec. The international flair will be similar to the International Convention but on a smaller scale. All of the benefits will be present and a wide array of programming to support you and your club in building the future of Rotary. Keynote speakers, including Ian Riseley, President of Rotary International, and other amazing people who exemplify the Power of One. Come hear and interact with our keynote speakers, participate in active discussion at the roundtable breakouts on Saturday afternoon, package meals in our service project led by youth from our YSE, Interact and Rotaract programs, enjoy the great lineup of entertainment throughout the weekend and mostly, share your passions with other Rotarians who are always Making a Difference.
How can we beautify our communities and have a positive environmental impact? President Ian Riseley's major environmental initiative is for every Rotarian to plant a tree during this Rotary year. If I were to tell you that the district would be funding this project by providing one 6-8" sapling for every member in every club, and that the club only needs to determine where they would plant the trees, would you be interested in supporting this initiative?
Our goal is to have each club recruit and support a Champion who will work with the local community, from public works to the cemetery department, the school department or any other organization that would love to add beauty, shade and a more healthy environment. There will be three options: Sugar Maples, White Dogwoods and Red Maples. The trees will arrive in early April and will need to be planted within 5-10 days of receipt. Although it will take some work to manage this project, it will enhance the community, all through the power of Rotary.
If you are interested in being a Champion at the club or district level, please email me as soon as possible at djg@boydsdirect.com. Thank you for all you do!
Elected to office in 2014, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan represents the Commonwealth’s largest county with 54 towns and cities and 26 colleges in urban, suburban, and rural areas, comprising over one quarter of the population of Massachusetts.
District Attorney Ryan is a career prosecutor with significant courtroom experience having prosecuted many of Middlesex County’s most complex and challenging cases. She is a talented appellate attorney and has briefed and argued more than 40 cases in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court. As District Attorney, she is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 cases a year.
From her experience she has learned that as important as prosecution is, prevention is equally as important and leads to a better outcome. She is a recognized expert on developing and creating innovative solutions that are defined by not simply getting involved after a criminal act has occurred but instead taking meaningful steps to stop crime before it happens.
It is with great excitement that I formally announce our Premiere Sponsor for the World Peace & Understanding Dinner with the Showcase focused on the Opioid Crisis. Lahey Health has agreed to invest $5,000 in this initiative which will include funding the Showcase, Two Complimentary Tickets for Dinner to Showcase Exhibitors, a Short Presentation at Dinner and the funding of Ten $250 Mini-Grants offered to Rotary Clubs willing to match for projects focused on the Opioid Crisis. The list of qualifying projects will be available in the next week or two and the application will be available prior to the event.
Our keynote speaker will be Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and she will share her view of this overwhelming threat, what is being done in the public and private spheres and what we, as Rotarians, can do to Make a Difference.
Prior to dinner there will be a Showcase with organizations that are dedicated to reducing and hopefully eliminating addiction and you will have an opportunity to volunteer your vocational talents to help them achieve success.
The time is now for all of us to step up and Make a Difference! How will you help bring about peace?
World Peace & Understanding Dinner Wednesday, February 28, 6-9pm Doubletree, Danvers, MA Register Here
Locally, there is so much that we need to address. The biggest issue that is threatening our society today is addiction. The opioid crisis has affected almost all of us in some way and it is time to take action. This year's World Peace and Understanding Dinner on February 28th will be focused on this issue.
Our keynote speaker will be District Attorney Marian Ryan and she will share her view of this overwhelming threat, what is being done in the public and private spheres and what we, as Rotarians, can do to Make a Difference.
Prior to dinner there will be a Showcase with organizations that are dedicated to reducing and hopefully eliminating addiction and you will have an opportunity to volunteer your vocational talents to help them achieve success.
The time is now for all of us to step up and Make a Difference! How will you help bring about peace?
Come join Boston Rotaract on Tuesday, Feb 20, for a benefit night at Flatbread Company in Davis Square! We will be there from 5pm-9pm, and Flatbread will donate a portion of their proceeds to Boston Rotaract’s Pure Home Water service project. Pure Home Water is a non-profit with a mission to provide clean water to people in Ghana, they do this by creating low cost water filtration devices for families who lack access to clean water.
Don’t miss out on a night of great food, great company and a chance to win some awesome prizes! We will have two lanes reserved for bowling and a strike out competition! The winner will get a prize donated by Flatbread! We will also be raffling off gift cards to local restaurant and other special prizes. There's no formal dress code, just bring yourself and friends. We hope to see you there!
Save 20% on Valentine's Day flowers and gifts with promo code ROTARY.
Special offers are available to you from the Rotary Global Rewards program, including discounts from 1-800-Flowers.com and other gift brands. You can save 20% on flowers, baskets, chocolate, cookies, and more. Plus, 1-800-Flowers.com will give 8% of your purchase back to Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea and employees at the Homewood Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels collected new and gently worn coats, jackets, sweaters and gloves to be distributed to local homeless children and families. The Rotary Club along with City leadership, local agencies and other volunteers participated in the “National Point in Time Count of People Experiencing Homelessness” on February 1. They went out in the pre-dawn hours to talk to and count homeless community members and bring them clothing, sandwiches, fruit and water. The Chelsea Rotary Club are “People of Action” and have served the community for over 90 years.
Ipswich Rotary donates truckloads of supplies to the Open Door Food Pantry.
At the club's meeting on January 18, Ipswich Rotarians loaded up two vans from their “25 Days of Giving” initiative in December. Using a reverse Advent Calendar method, club member families added one item daily according to a 25-day calendar leading up to the Holidays. Donations ranged from food to clothing to small kitchen appliances. Seen loading the Open Door van are Open Door Executive Director and Gloucester Rotary President Elect Julie LaFontaine, Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb, and Open Door Ipswich Manager Luke Kleindienst.
The Danvers Club is excited to have welcomed four new members into the club in the past two months-- Richard Keithahn, Chelsea Rosato, Annelie Sirois, and John Zannino. Shown here is the most recent inductee, John Zannino with Tom Standring and President Bill Nolan.
If you have not yet registered for the 2018 Rotary Summit at Mount Washington, you might want to do so very soon. We already have almost 400 people registered for this unique opportunity to attend a year-end conference with Rotarians and friends from around New England and Quebec. We have an amazing array of keynote speakers: RI President Ian Riseley, Shirley-Pat Chamberlain, Razia Jan, and Travis Roy. They will inspire and empower you to maximize your impact through Rotary service. Add compelling roundtable discussions on issues like the opioid crisis, human trafficking, building vibrant clubs and so much more and you have a recipe to engage members in service where they can find personal satisfaction. Our onsite project will demonstrate the abilities of our Rotary youth as they lead and manage Rotarians in packaging meals on Saturday afternoon. We will own the entire hotel property including all resort rooms, dining rooms, The Cave and all meeting space. If you have never been to the Mount Washington Hotel, there are dozens of nooks and crannies where you can meet other Rotarians who share your passion and can provide tips on how to enhance your success in club management, service projects or almost anything Rotary. Don't forget that there will be tons of fun with a myraid of entertainment throughout the weekend.
Join the party at the 8th Annual Rotary Polar Plunge! Please join Rotarians, Interactors, Rotaractors and friends of our 47 clubs who raise money and plunge in the waters off Long Beach, Gloucester on February 3rd, 2018. This event is one of the most personally fulfilling, fun and rewarding events of the year.
Rotary has lead the charge for the past 30 years to eradicate Polio worldwide! The number of new cases worldwide was 360,000 in the mid 1980’s. This number has dropped as of December 2017 to 20 cases worldwide. We need one last push to fully eradicate Polio.
Since the first Plunge in 2011-- the brainchild of Gloucester President Josh Arnold-- this event has raised roughly a half-million dollars towards polio eradication. Additionally, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has matched $2 for each $1 we raise in this effort which brings the total to $1.5 million!
As of Sunday, January 21, the District Top 5 fundraising teams so far are 1) Woburn $5336 2) Wakefield $3368 3) Stoneham $1781 4) Arlington $1347 5) Lexington $1240
Top five fundraising individuals:
1) Tyler Gates - Woburn 2) James Major - Woburn and AG 3) David Gardner - Stoneham and DG 4) Danny Walbourne - Woburn 5) Bill Hayner - Arlington
The Rotary Club of Lynn launched its Satellite Club over two years ago and the results have been impressive. Lynn’s membership has nearly doubled, the average age of its members has dropped significantly while the club’s diversity has increased to better reflect the urban community of Lynn. In addition, more members looking to volunteer has compelled leadership to greatly expand its menu of volunteer opportunities. One challenge that President Steve Upton, Vice-President Brenda Rondo-Ortiz and Satellite Chairman Dick Ruth faced was providing opportunities for the longtime luncheon members to socialize with the newer Satellite Rotarians at an evening event. That changed Tuesday when members from both clubs gathered at Old Tyme Italian Cuisine to hear fellow Rotarian and candidate for State Senate, Brendan Crighton, speak.
For approximately 13 years, District 7930 has been participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program sending students abroad and hosting students here in our District. These students are unofficial ambassadors for Rotary, their community and country helping to bring the world closer together while making lifetime friends.
This year we are happy to share with the newest group of amazing young adults who will be the Outbound Students next year: (left to right)Cameron Abell from Beverly to Belgium, Alessandra Brizuela from Hamilton-Wenham to Ecuador, Christian Pulido from Beverly to Taiwan, Lia Whitman from Hamilton-Wenham to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Henry Prentiss from Rockport to Italy, Erika Hostrop from Marblehead to Peru.
Over the course of the next 6 months these students and their parents will participate in Orientation with the Youth Exchange team as they prepare for their year abroad.
We welcome any Club in the District that would like more information in the Youth Exchange Program to contact Betsy Manzelli.
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted two new members into the Ipswich Club at the once-monthly Wednesday evening meeting on January 10th. Clint Dalton became the 68th member of Ipswich Rotary and Kathy Bento the 69th club member. Shown in the photo are President Cushing, Clint, Clint’s sponsor President-Elect Martha Mauser, Club Secretary and sponsor Mary Foote-Hill, and Kathy. Ipswich recently began a Service Membership Program and has implemented evening meetings on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the Thursday morning meetings. Two additional members are scheduled to be inducted at the Club’s evening meeting in February.
Our very own Robert "Bob" Wood is in San Diego, not escaping our weather, but rather collaborating with 540 incoming District Governors from around the world at the International Assembly. Hundreds of other Rotarians are supporting the final phase of training to prepare them to assume the role of leading and inspiring each one of us to Do Good in the World.
The 2018-19 Rotary theme is "Be The Inspiration". Bob, and his wife Susan, will be sharing what this means to them and how they will build their year to inspire us to be People of Action.
The graphic seems to indicate a wave of inspiration, and I believe that Bob will continue the momentum established in recent years and will bring his own passions to his role as District Governor for 2018-2019.
Congratulations Bob and Susan, and enjoy every minute of this wonderful experience.
Join the party at the 8th Annual Rotary Polar Plunge! Please join Rotarians, Interactors, Rotaractors and friends of our 47 clubs who raise money and plunge in the waters off Long Beach, Gloucester on February 3rd, 2018. This event is one of the most personally fulfilling, fun and rewarding events of the year.
Rotary has lead the charge for the past 30 years to eradicate Polio worldwide! The number of new cases worldwide was 360,000 in the mid 1980’s. This number has dropped as of December 2017 to 20 cases worldwide. We need one last push to fully eradicate Polio.
Since the first Plunge in 2011-- the brainchild of Gloucester President Josh Arnold-- this event has raised roughly a half-million dollars towards polio eradication. Additionally, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has matched $2 for each $1 we raise in this effort which brings the total to $1.5 million!
As of Saturday, January 13, the District Top 5 fundraising teams so far are
District 7930 held its first ever New Member Orientation Welcome Party at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Wakefield on January 11th. This interactive dinner event was organized to help Rotarians who joined since July 1, 2017 navigate the wide world of Rotary and learn more about the big picture of our organization.
Chelsea police officer Sammy Mojica was a recent guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Chelsea. Officer Mojica is the Community Relations Officer for the Chelsea Police Department. Officer Mojica spoke about several programs the Chelsea Police Department has in place to build positive community relations. The one event the Rotarians were most interested in hearing about was how the Chelsea Police Department responded to a request by a little boy with cancer to be visited by a police officer.
Ipswich Rotary Club President Cushing Titcomb presented Ipswich Dinner Bell Executive Director Dorothy Calandra with a Paul Harris Fellow at the Ipswich Rotary evening meeting on December 13th at the newly opened True North Brewery in Ipswich. Ipswich Dinner Bell is a town-wide non-profit collaboration among Ipswich churches, individuals, and groups that exists to serve hot and nutritious meals free to all who come, while creating a mealtime atmosphere of fellowship. Meals are served every Monday evening at the Masonic Hall in Ipswich.
Recently, John Williams and Becky Linhart, both RCoMH Rotarians, presented information on the Enhanced Scholarship Trust which was founded in 2006 by the RCoMH Board of Directors to provide a permanent funding source for scholarships. The mission of the Trust is to grow, manage and administer scholarships to help meet the needs of the community. The Enhanced Scholarship Trust is a 501(c)(3) and is managed by a professional capital management firm. The goal is to provide six 4-full year scholarships for high school students seeking degree courses and a "Second Chance Scholarship" for individuals who would like to take a course to enhance their career. Successful recipients for the Second Chance Scholarship will receive up to $2500 paid directly to the educational institution on their behalf. Courses may be taken at a college or university, but may not be a part of a degree program.
Reading Rotary helped coordinate the town Adopt-A-Family, a program which facilitates the giving of Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts and meals. Rotary worked with Reading Cares, another community service organization in town, along with the Town of Reading Elder Services and the Department of Public Works. Rotary has been partnering with these other organizations to see this community giving program through for the past several years.
How many Rotarians made resolutions for the New Year?
Did any include how you will make Rotary thrive during this year and well into this century?
If not, here is a list of ideas you can use, or create your own! Either way, creating a few action items that increase the impact we can have in the world will fulfill this year's theme - Rotary: Making a Difference!
Rotary may be the best kept secret and those that we care for the most are perfect choices to invite to experience Rotary. Our parents, children, siblings, school friends, colleagues, or anyone who has helped shape your life are perfect to share our work, either as a member or as a friend of Rotary. Give them the Gift of Rotary.
Rotary Leadership Institute is a leadership development program that combines facilitated learning, collaboration and ideas exchange to improve Rotary Clubs and strengthen lives. Primary topics include leadership, team building, planning, market-ing, communication and organization. The program is enriched through the sharing of experiences and ideas with Rotarians from our District and beyond.
Come join the party! Please join Rotarians, Interactors, Rotaractors and friends of our 47 clubs who raise money and plunge in the waters off of Long Beach, Gloucester on February 3rd, 2018. This event is one of the most personally fulfilling, fun and rewarding events of the year.
Rotary has lead the charge for the past 30 years to eradicate Polio worldwide! The number of new cases worldwide was 360,000 in the mid 1980’s. This number has dropped as of December 2017 to 20 cases worldwide. We need one last push to fully eradicate Polio.
Over the past 5 years, our clubs have raised close to $500K towards Polio eradication. Additionally, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have matched $2 for each $1 we raise in this effort which brings the total to $1.5 million!
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce Betsy Manzelli as the selection for the District Governor for the 2020-2021 Rotary year. Her passion and commitment to service, especially with her long-term focus on youth development will provide the foundation for her to be a very successful Governor, and one that will engage our future leaders.
Betsy has been an integral and dedicated member of the Hamilton-Wenham Rotary club, and has been instrumental in integrating young people with Rotary initiatives in the community. As a member, she has served as the club’s Youth Exchange Officer, Interact Advisor, Board Member, and President.
Betsy has always been highly involved in the local community and joined Rotary nearly ten years ago, after her eldest daughter participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.
Betsy has been a board member of the Hamilton Wenham Rotary Club since 2011 and in 2013, she served as president for the club. For the past 7 years, she has been an active participant in the Polar Plunge, involving both Interact and Youth Exchange Students in the club’s fundraising efforts for Polio Plus and braving the frigid waters of the Atlantic with her students at the plunge each year.
The Haverhill Rotary Club sponsors a Middle School EarlyAct Club at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School. Teacher advisors, Cheryl Cleary and Joann Healey, work weekly with fourteen students to develop and implement community service projects. Students sponsored a school-wide Food Drive for Thanksgiving which supported area food pantries; worked with DCF of Haverhill on a Mitten Tree to collect gifts for local children; worked with HeadStart; and made fleece blankets for DCF to hand out at Christmas.The Haverhill Rotary Club provided EarlyAct pins, certificates of membership and t-shirts for the students.
As 2017 comes to a close, the impact of the Rotary Global Grant submitted in 2016 by the Ipswich Rotary Club to improve children’s health in the capital city of Lusaka, Zambia, is more evident than ever.
Working with the Rotary Club of Nkwazi and the Zambian Ministries of Education and Healthy, Healthy Kids/Brighter Future (HK/BF), the implementing NGO, is delivering health care to children by educating elementary school administrators and teachers to recognize illness in their students and provide them access to government clinics in their communities.
The Peabody Rotary Club will host its signature event, the 13th Annual Taste of the North Shore, on Tuesday, March 20th from 6-9 PM. This popular event is now being held at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Danvers. The event has been so popular among North Shore residents and businesses that it was moved to this new venue last year to accommodate our growing attendance.
Twenty-five of the area’s most popular restaurants will serve their tastiest dishes, from main courses to sides to desserts. In addition to the delicious food and great entertainment, a highlight of the evening will be the drawing of a $10,000 grand prize! Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two admissions to the Taste. Odds are in your favor as only 300 raffle tickets will be sold. The winner does not need to be present. Non-raffle admission is $40 per person.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor (RCoMH) had the pleasure of hearing from Sherry Fein and Sue Abrams who provided an update on the children’s playground at the Yakini Primary School in Arusha, Tanzania. Ms. Fein and Ms. Abrams, with the help and support of the RCoMH, were able to secure $30,000 to construct the playground including $3,000 coming directly from RCoMH. The playground, which includes a trampoline and zip line, benefits 600 children including 80 orphans. Local residents learned new skills during construction of the playground - an added benefit which helped secure new employment opportunities.
The Saugus Rotary Club has once again sponsored a festive Christmas luncheon for 180 senior citizens at the Saugus Senior Center. This has always been a very popular event and for regulars at the Saugus Senior Center the Rotary Club’s annual December bash is a can’t miss event. The Rotary Club provides a meal, dessert and entertainment for the town’s seniors. Rotarian Past President, David J. Fama was once again dressed as Santa Claus and stopped by every table to greet those in attendance.
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted a new member into the Ipswich Club during the Ipswich Rotary evening meeting on December 13th at the newly opened True North Brewery in Ipswich. Brian Nelson became the 67th member of Ipswich Rotary. Shown in the photo are President Cushing and Brian. Brian is the spouse of Ipswich Rotarian Julie Nelson, and their community service interests include The Open Door Food Pantry, Ipswich Dinner Bell, and the Ipswich High School Interact Club’s annual “Jingle Bell Walk”. Ipswich recently began a Service Membership Program, and has implemented evening meetings on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the Thursday morning meetings. Three additional new members are scheduled to be inducted at the Club’s evening meeting in January.
The Newburyport Rotary Club welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, November 26. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived courtesy of the U. S. Coast Guard and greeted crowds gathered on the waterfront and in Market Square for their arrival and annual tree lighting. Newburyport Club President, Marion Spark, and her husband, Jeff Beeton, portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus. They were paraded around town by Rotary Elves pulling and pushing their carriage. Three lucky children were also on the carriage since their mother was the winner of a live auction item donated by the Newburyport Rotary at the annual Newburyport Education Foundation which netted $600 for the NEF. The Newburyport High School Interact Club members were dressed as cartoon characters to greet the children as well. The Newburyport High School and Triton High School bands marched and played holiday music to enhance the festivities before the much anticipated lighting of the tree in Market Square.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently recognized 14 of its members who have reached perfect attendance during the Rotary year 2016-17. Although the minimum attendance requirements by Rotary International have eased, many of the Wakefield Rotarians take pride in attaining or maintaining perfect attendance. This is achieved by attending regular weekly meetings, by visiting other clubs both locally and world-wide or by attending an e-meeting online. “This just demonstrates the commitment our members have to Rotary and the community,” commented long-time member Judy Gordon. Gordon along with fellow members Barbara Worley, Joe Buscaino, Jim Fitzgerald, Bruce Donovan, Tom Stapleton, Amy Luckiewicz, Lisa Roderick, Elaine Guaetta, Suzanne Bowering, Fred Singer, Jim Tarpey, Frank Fiorentino, and Jay Curley have accrued a cumulative number of 242 years of perfect attendance. Curley received special notice for his 46 years straight of perfect attendance.
Members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club, sponsored by the Gloucester Rotary Club, organized the annual Christmas Party for students and families at Pathways for Children, a Head Start agency serving Cape Ann and surrounding communities, in early December at Pathways' facility in Gloucester.
Interact students decorated the Pathways gymnasium with Christmas trees, snowflakes, ornaments and large polar bear figurines the night before. Children attending the party were able to make ornaments and other decorations, decorate their own holiday cookies baked during the week by Interact students, get their faces painted in festive holiday colors, have a special lunch served up by Interact members, meet the princesses from Frozen and Frosty the Snowman, and have a story read to them by Mrs. Santa Claus (A.K.A. Gloucester Rotary Club President Julie Geary). The highlight, of course, was a visit from Santa himself, as students lined up to sit on his lap and tell Santa their Christmas wishes.
The Pathways Christmas Party is one of Interact's major programs each year and annual provides holiday cheer to more than 100 children and their families.
How will you Make a Difference in the goal to eradicate polio? I have an idea for you! Register to plunge at our 8th Annual Polar Plunge for Polio on February 3, 2018 at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. Assemble at 10:30 am, say hi to friends and grab some hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate. We will be plunging at 11:00 am.
If you have plunged in prior years, you know the excitement and the joy that is at the center of this incredible experience. The few moments of discomfort provides a glimpse into the impact that polio has on the lives of the children that we have helped immunize and will continue to do so until we have reach our goal: a polio free world!
If you cannot plunge, please donate to a plunger in your club and help them raise money to make the biggest impact possible. The holiday season is an excellent time to share the story, ask for pledges and to build momentum until the day of the plunge.
Reach out to your friends, family, coworkers, and those who share in our work to provide better health to the world. Use each opportunity to demonstrate the great work that Rotary does locally and worldwide and maybe, just maybe, they will want to join our family and Do Good in the World.
Our district goal is to raise $125,000 at this year's plunge, and with your help, we will get there. If we meet our goal, we can ensure that another 500,000 or more immunizations will be provided and, through your efforts and generosity, children will be saved from this horrible disease. In fact, I am sure that your prior donations have already saved many lives of children around the world. For that, I thank you - and so does the rest of the world!
A special thank you to the Rotary Club of Gloucester for their vision to create this event eight years ago and for their steadfast support for each and every Polar Plunge. We could not pull this off without the guidance and help of the great Rotarians from Gloucester.
Are you ready to register to plunge or donate? Click here!
The Newburyport Rotary Club was the proud sponsor of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce Breakfast "Coffee & Commerce" featuring Rosalin Acosta, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, who spoke about "Attracting and Retaining a Skilled Workforce" on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at the Masonic Hall on Green Street, Newburyport. Pictured here with Secretary Acosta are many Rotarians who attended along with Mayor Donna Holaday and State Representative, James Kelcourse.
The Boston Evening Rotary Club is doing a “Warm the Footsies” Fundraiser and was wondering whether you might be able to help?
As the cold days and nights arrive, we are raising money to buy socks for homeless families in Massachusetts. For struggling families and the homeless, socks are one of the most needed personal items during the harsh winter months, but one of the least donated.
We've teamed up with Flutter to create a unique raffle. Flutter raises money for local charities by creating local experiences that people enter to win with a $10 donation. Just a $10 donation, and a willingness to share the campaign, is all we’re asking for you to do.
When you donate $10, you’ll automatically be entered to win a night out in Boston that includes these great prizes:
An overnight stay at the Westin Copley Place
Dinner for two at Joe's American Bar & Grill
Haircut and blow dry from Safar on Newbury
An 80-minute spa massage from Healthworks
You can earn more chances to win by sharing our Flutter campaign with your networks, and the unique URL you’ll get with your donation.
What is World Water Day? World Water is celebrated on March 22nd. It focuses on the approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide who must rely on water contaminated with feces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid, polio and other waterborne diseases. The UN's Sustainable Development Goals, launched in 2015, include a target to ensure everyone has access to safe water by 2030, making water a key issue in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty. In 1993, the UN General Assembly designated March 22nd as World Water Day. It is now a globally recognized event.
The District Membership Committee has announced the availability of the Winter 2017-18 Club Membership Mini-Grant. The purpose of this mini-grant is to increase membership and improve retention among the Rotary clubs of District 7930. Clubs may apply for funds to suppliment FRIENDraisers, improve its orientation process, or develop its mentor capabilities.
The Ipswich High School Interact Club held their annual Jingle Bell Walk on Saturday, December 2nd. Over 300 children, along with parents, older siblings and friends, greeted Santa at the Ipswich Town Wharf as Jolly Old Saint Nick arrived by the Ipswich Police Department Marine Patrol’s vessel, escorted by the Ipswich Fire Department’s fire boat spraying red and green water. Santa’s waterside arrival was followed by a short stroll to the Town Hall, where Interact Club members provided games and entertainment while the young passed their Christmas gift wishes to Santa.
On December 6th, 100 years ago, Halifax suffered a horrible explosion that devastated a large section of the city. Two ships, the Mont Blanc and the Imo collided in the narrows in Halifax Harbor. The Mont Blanc was a French ship carrying a full load of TNT and many other chemicals that provided the fuel to the sparks created when the ships continued to grind against each other. It went from bellowing smoke to smaller explosions that brought about the attention of many Haligonians. As they approached the harbor or viewed it from their homes, the explosions started to increase, until the fires swept into the cargo hold and reached the tons of TNT. The explosion was so immense that pieces of the ships were strewn miles from the harbor, including whole cannons. Buildings were leveled within a half mile radius, windows were shattered miles away all of which caused 2,000 deaths and 9,000 injuries, many of those were people blinded by the shattered glass.
Don Sword, DG of District 7820, and I were honored with placing a wreath at the Commemoration. In pouring rain, hundreds of Haligonians and visitors from around the world, came to reflect on the 100th anniversary of this tragic event. From residents, to families of survivors and many dignataries, there was not a dry eye in the house. The tragedies were offset by the outpouring of love and support that occurred from Boston and around the world.
In addition, the blast created a tsunami that produced 30-60' waves from the harbor which swept away all of the settlements along the shore. To add insult to injury, the next day delivered a snow storm producing 16 or more inches of snow. This covered the blackened city with a freezing coat of snow, hampering the ability to find both survivors and those who perished in the blast. It is hard to imagine that the city survived, and has prospered since that fateful day.
Boston was the first to arrive in Halifax to provide assistance. A medical team from Massachusetts General Hospital boarded a train within hours and was on the way in the blizzard that required them to exit the train and shovel the track throughout the mission. The medical expertise, supplies and unfailing service to the people of Halifax is something that is still remembered today. In fact, Halifax demonstrates their appreciation yearly when they donate and deliver a 50-100' Christmas tree to Boston. Now you know the rest of the story!
The District Public Image Committee has announced the availability of the Winter 2017-18 Club Public Image Mini-Grant. The purpose of this mini-grant is to improve the public image of the Rotary clubs of District 7930. Download the Mini-Grant overview and application for more information.
Ipswich Rotary Club President Elect Martha Mauser presented Ipswich Dinner Bell Chef and Mason Denny Drislane with a Paul Harris Fellow at the Ipswich Rotary sponsored meal on November 27th at the Masonic Lodge in Ipswich. Shown in the photo are President Elect Martha, Dinner Bell Chef Denny, Denny’s wife Elana, and Past District Governor Dave Drislane (1964 – 1965), Denny’s brother, member of the Lynnfield Rotary Club, and frequent volunteer when the Ipswich Club is hosting the Dinner Bell. Ipswich Dinner Bell is a town-wide collaboration among nine Ipswich churches, individuals, and groups including the Masons, Ipswich Rotary, and Ipswich Lions. Knowing that hunger presents itself both physically and relationally, the Ipswich Dinner Bell is a non-profit cooperative organization that exists with a shared love of God and neighbor to serve hot, nutritious meals, free to all who come, and create a mealtime atmosphere of fellowship with one another. Meals are served every Monday evening at the Masonic Hall in Ipswich, and Denny is the chef who prepares the meal most weeks. The Ipswich Rotary Club sponsors a Dinner Bell meal once each quarter, and the Ipswich High School Interact Club sponsors a Dinner Bell meal once each year.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has published its annual 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2018. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
The calendar features photos from local photographers of Cape Ann in all its glory throughout the year. In addition to the beautiful photography, calendar owners are entered into a weekly raffle drawing with the chance to win $50 each week or $250 in June or $500 in December.
Calendars are $25 each and are now available from any Gloucester Rotarian.
District Governor Dave Gardner recognized Lawrence Rotarians David Dreyfus and Diane Shikrallah as members of the Paul Harris Society with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at the November 30th joint meeting of the Haverhill and Lawrence Rotary Clubs. Shown in the photo are Lawrence Rotary Club President Rachel Concepcion, David Dreyfus, DG Dave Gardner, Diane Shikrallah, District Governor Elect Bob Wood, and Haverhill Rotary Club President Melissa Cerasuolo. Dave showed slide shows of each club's activities and fundraisers and spoke to the need of clubs and Rotarians to bring new members into Rotary and to retain them through community service projects. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to sustain our impact around the world.
Paul Harris Society Chevron Presentation to Lawrence Rotarians
Andrew Maddox, President of the Rockport Rotary Club announced that the Rockport Rotary donated $14,100 toward hurricane relief. With three major storms hitting in less than a month, Rockport Rotarians answered the call in a major way — raising a combined total of $14,100 from club member contributions and matching funds from the club's coffers. Checks have gone out, including $4,700 each to:
• Disaster Aid USA (a project of the Rotary Club of Historic Prince George’s Co, Maryland) for their on-the-ground relief efforts in the Greater Houston area after Hurricane Harvey • Rotary Foundation Donor-Advised Fund for Hurricane Maria • Rotary Foundation Donor-Advised Fund for Hurricane Irma
Rockport Rotary trusts in the Rotary Foundation and Disaster Aid USA, and know that these funds will be put to the best use. The membership is happy to help out with the recovery after these destructive storms.
The Wakefield Rotary Club was happy to use a portion of District Matching Grant funds to sponsor a full Thanksgiving dinner for members of the Wakefield Boys and Girls Club this year. Approximately 150 children and their families were served turkey, cranberries, stuffing and mashed potatoes. Wakefield Rotary President Mario Portillo commented, "We were so happy to sponsor this dinner. We know there are kids here, and everywhere, that may not have Thanksgiving dinner. We're very lucky to be able to provide that and are very grateful to the Boys and Girls Club staff for working so hard to cook the meal!"
This year’s Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Holiday Pops Concert, on Saturday, December 9, at Abbot Hall, is even more special than usual. The concert, a Marblehead holiday event enjoyed annually by friends and families, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This year’s event is being held in honor of Fraffie Welch, who was the originator of the concert, in partnership with Jodi Vigneron. But that’s not all! It is also the 20th anniversary of the Hillyer Festival Orchestra. Altogether this is a fabulous combination of the festive season, holiday music, and the celebration of a special Marblehead tradition.
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted two new members into the Ipswich Club at recent evening meetings of the Club. At the September evening meeting, Cori Trembowicz became the 65th member of Ipswich Rotary. Cori’s community service interests include The Open Door Food Pantry and the Ipswich Dinner Bell.
At the October evening meeting, Matt Bodwell became our 66th member. (Shown in the photo are Matt, President Cushing, Stacy Bodwell (Matt’s wife), and Paul Harris Society member and sponsor Jim Tedford.) Matt has been instrumental in assisting the Rotary sponsored Ipswich High School Interact Club during their annual “Jingle Bell Walk”, helping with arrangements for a costumed “Grinch” and the boat on which Santa arrives.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea honored local veterans at their annual Veteran’s Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Logan Airport Chelsea. Veterans from Chelsea, the Soldiers Home and members of the Chelsea Rotary Club enjoyed a specially prepared menu served in their honor, and they shared stories about where they or family members served, about service, gratitude and pride in country.
“Service Above Self” is the Rotary motto and the Club extended their gratitude to our veterans and active members of the US Military for their “Service Above Self” to protect our freedoms, liberty and way of life.
I would like to thank each and every Rotarian for the commitment you have in the service to others. It is inspiring to be part of such an incredible organization that is Making a Difference every day in local communities and around the world. Over the past 10 weeks, during the official visits, it has become clear how much better the world is with Rotary. The pride, joy and love that I feel is such a blessing to me and I want to let you know how humbling and fulfilling it is to be the governor of District 7930.
With your time, talent and treasure, we are approaching the end of polio on our planet. Although this is our signature project, daily you are providing food and shelter to the hungry and homeless, educating children, fighting disease and so much more. We need you and so many more people to join us in Doing Good in the World, especially today. Those who are less fortunate than us, need us, and I know that we will be there. Collectively, our clubs provide hundreds of Thanksgiving meals to families who would otherwise not have a one, and you have provided joy where there might have been sadness.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and may you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
In September 2017, Julia D. Phelps, Ed.D., was appointed as a Trustee of our Rotary Foundation and is currently serving on the Foundation’s Stewardship Committee.
Julia joined the Rotary Club of Amesbury, MA in 1997 and served as president of the club in 2001-2002. She was very active in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program and hosted several Ambassadorial Scholars. After serving as president, she was asked to train incoming presidents at NE Presidents-elect Training Seminar (PETS). Julia served as a host counselor for a Youth Exchange.
Julia has served in several positions at the district level. She worked on RYLA, served as Inbound Chair for Ambassadorial Scholars and was District Governor of District 7930 in 2007-2008. She was the District’s Annual Giving Chair and the Chair for NE PETS. Julia became District 7930’s Foundation Chair in July 2009 and led the district through the Future Vision Pilot. She shared Future Vision insights at the New Orleans, Louisiana and Lisbon, Portugal International Conventions.
Julia served as a Presidents Representative and the Rotary Foundation Alumni Chair (RFAC) for Zone 32. She prepared Governors-elect on the Foundation’s new grant model at the International Assembly in 2012 and 2013. She served as International Director from 2014 – 2016 and was until recently a member of the Operations Review Committee. In September 2017, Julia was appointed as a Trustee of our Rotary Foundation and is currently serving on the Foundation’s Stewardship Committee. She’s also on RI’s Membership Committee.
Members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club fanned out across the city on October 27 as they delivered more than 420 lobster rolls sold during the month of October. The annual fundraiser took in $6,400 and netted close to $4,000 for the Club. The students will be making a donation to the American Cancer Society from these proceeds.
The students spent the evening before cleaning the lobster meat and undertaking the monumental task of organizing the delivery routes for the following day. They gathered during the morning of the 27th in the Gloucester High School culinary kitchen to make the lobster rolls and assemble and pack the lunches for delivery for Friday lunchtime. Earlier in the week, students also worked with Club President Julie Geary of Classic Cooks to bake the more than 400 homemade cookies that were part of the lunches.
As part of its literacy mission, the Newburyport Rotary Club distributed 248 dictionaries to third grade elementary school students Newburyport and Salisbury on Tuesday, October 24. We visited each third grade classroom and explained the importance of being able to read and had students look up several words and read their meaning. Each student got to fill in their bookplate with their name so that it would be theirs forever.
District Governor Dave Gardner recognized Rockport Rotarian Susan King as a member of the Paul Harris Society with a PHS Chevron and District 7930 pin at the November 2nd Rockport Rotary Club evening meeting. Shown in the photo are Rockport PHS members Bob Gillis and Ingrid Brown, Rockport President-elect Susan King, Rockport President Andy Maddox, and DG Dave Gardner. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to sustain our impact around the world.
Paul Harris Society Chevron Presentation in Rockport
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club completed its first service project of the year with a focus on veterans who are recovering from injury. Students discussed the value of veterans in our community and their role in recognizing their service. The discussion was followed by a writing prompt asking students to each make a card for a veteran thanking them for their service and wishing he or she well. Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “The kids took a lot of time and effort into what they wrote. They wanted to make sure they gave thanks but also demonstrated concern for their well-being.” Students were also encouraged to ask questions, draw a picture, and share some interests. One student wrote, “Thank you veteran! I love my freedom!” Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the project was the sensitivity the students showed. The cards were delivered to Veteran Agent Susan Magner for delivery to hospital-bound veterans. The EarlyAct students would like to thank North Reading Rotarian Lisa Pappas from The Savings Bank and high school students Kylie Ford and Monika Stantcheva for their help with the project
North Reading EarlyAct Completes First Service Project
Hamilton Wenham Rotary held a successful sock drive for veterans. At our Veterans’ Day meeting on November 10th, Betsy Manzelli of Hamilton Wenham Rotary presents boxes filled with packages of socks to Jim Nentwig of Santa’s Magic Inc. to be given to hospitalized veterans on Christmas Day.
How can Rotary better serve you and your communities?
We are introducing a new concept in District 7930 and we hope that it will help the district leadership learn how we can better serve clubs and members in your commitment to Making a Difference!
On Wednesday, November 15, district leadership invites you to attend our first-ever Town Meeting. This will be an open forum for all members to express their ideas and concerns in an attempt to develop programs and tools to help you serve your communities more efficiently and effectively. Or, perhaps, it to share your ideas with others to enhance the impact we make.
The session will start as a open conversation and will transition to round-table discussions about how to answer questions, solve problems or deliver opportunities. Topics will include membership, public image, fundraising, foundation support and the opportunity to share your ideas.
Join us at the McLane Middleton Law Center at 300 Tradecenter in Woburn on the 7th floor in their conference room. Bring a friend from your club and have a great night helping us make Rotary better in our district.
Rotarian, Humanitarian and CNN Top Ten Hero, 2012 Razia Jan will be keynote speaker at our Foundation Celebration on November 14!
“I have only one school and I hope and pray that it lasts forever”. Razia Jan, March3, 2015
Razia Jan is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Duxbury, MA, District 7950 and founder of the Zabuli Education Center, a private K-12 girls’ school in rural, conservative Afghanistan. The school provides free education as well as meals, shoes, uniforms and coats to more than 430 girls in an area where 90% of the population is illiterate.
Rise Against Hunger Food Packing Evening Tuesday, November 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Night Shift Brewing 87 Santilli Hwy, Everett, MA Register Here
Grab a craft beer, enjoy some great food, and experience the happy energy of a team on a mission to end hunger in our lifetime! Rise Against Hunger is proud to partner with Night Shift, Boston Magazine's 2017 Best Brewery, to bring you an event that will touch your heart, please your palate and help fund our international disaster relief programs. You'll be able to bid on amazing raffle items, be inspired by our mission, and explore whether a local meal packaging event might be a fun way to connect your company, church, school or civic group to a great cause.
Multi-Club January Food Packaging Event
Hosted by Wakefield Rotary Club Tuesday, January 23, 2018 (snowdate Jan 30) Sheraton 4 Points
The Wakefield Club is seeking five or more clubs to join them to work together! Like last year's event, the day starts with a group lunch at $15 per person, followed by the mass packing event. Club buy-in minimum is $250 for 1,000 meals. These meals are brought back to your home food pantries THAT DAY and/or donated internationally (you can also send a portion internationally and keep some local).
Two Events Support District Homelessness & Hunger Initiative
In 2013, Peabody Rotary, with the help of a District Managed Grant, sponsored CPR training for teachers, administrators and staff at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School. The club also donated a defibrillator to Peabody’s food pantry, Haven From Hunger.
Last month, as school was releasing for the day, a 16 year-old student passed out. She was immediately given CPR by staff members and then Principal Eric Buckley used the High School’s defibrillator to revive the student. Because of their fast action and training, this young lady will be fine.
Although we are not sure if the staff members who performed the CPR were part of the original Rotary training, we do know that the Rotary grant provided the basis for the CPR and solidified the importance of staff being prepared for emergencies such as this one. And this proves the value of the District Managed Grant program.
Peabody's District Managed Grant May Have Saved a Life
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club recently installed thirty students into the service club for the 2017-18 academic year. The co-ed club is open to students in grades three through five. North Reading Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “This has been our highest enrollment we have ever had since beginning the program in 2014.” At its installation meeting, the students took the EarlyAct Oath: I promise to do my best to understand, accept and help people. I will keep leadership, commitment and gratitude in my mind as I work to do service above self. The community club represents all schools in North Reading. Based on a Rotary International model, the projects and meetings focus on the values of gratitude, community, leadership, commitment, and inclusion. The club meets twice per month to plan and implement a local or international humanitarian project. Initiated in 2014, the group was formed by 4 parent volunteers: Sandy Garniss, Samantha Miller, Karen Buscemi, and Leslie Schultz in partnership with North Reading Rotary Club’s Peter Majane.
The Lynnfield Rotary Club will host its ninth annual Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 19th at Market Street. The race will begin at 9:00am and is open to students age 18 and under and all adults. Race will feature give-aways for runners, age group runner awards, music and fun. Register for the race or come cheer on a friend! All proceeds will benefit the local scholarships, Healthy Lynnfield Coalition, and charitable projects of the Lynnfield Rotary Club. The club also has multiple sponsorship opportunities available. Lynnfield Rotary Club President Rob Schumacher commented, “We love hosting this event. It’s a great family event and Market Street offers a lot for non-runners. We hope to have a great turnout. Funds will continue to support community projects.”
The Newburyport Rotary Club along with the Salisbury Police Department served a continental breakfast on Monday, October 16, consisting of coffee, fruit, muffins and donuts. The Rotarians provided cider donuts from Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury. Rotarian and Police Chief Tom Fowler spoke about Halloween hours for the town of Salisbury as well as IRS and cyber scams. The seniors especially enjoyed the fresh cider donuts and were able to take some home for a snack later.
Newburyport Rotarians Serve Breakfast at Salisbury Senior Center
District Governor Dave Gardner recognized Malden Rotarians Dave Hart and Mark Golub as members of the Paul Harris Society with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at the October 11th Malden Rotary Club meeting. Shown in the photo are PHS Chair Bob Gravino, DG Dave, Dave Hart, Mark Golub, and Malden President Ronnie Puzon. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation and allows Rotary to sustain our impact around the world.
Bill Connors, member of the Rotary Club of Medford recently enjoyed a trip with his wife to Australia. He snapped this picture of a display of gnomes by the Rotary Club of Canberra East. There were hundreds of them! This was a community event and the Rotary Club of Canberra was a very visible part of it. Thanks Bill for sharing this with your fellow Rotarians.
District Governor Dave Gardner inducted two new members into the Malden Rotary Club during his District Governor official visit on October 11th. Shown in the photo are Malden Club President Ronnie Puzon, Dave Gardner, and new Rotarians Dave Camell and Guillermo Hamlin. The inductions of Dave and Guillermo bring to five the number of new members that Malden Rotary has brought into the club since July 1st, including one new service member who is attending Malden’s new evening meetings on the first Wednesday of every month.
The Wakefield Rotary Club will again be hosting a large food packaging project on January 23rd with a snow date of January 30th at Sheraton 4 Points.
The Club is seeking five or more clubs to join them to work together! Like last year's event, the day starts with a group lunch at $15 per person, followed by the mass packing event. Club buy-in minimum is $250 for 1,000 meals. These meals are brought back to your home food pantries THAT DAY and/or donated internationally (you can also send a portion internationally and keep some local).
Lonnie Hackett, last year’s recipient of a District 7930 Global Grant, has been awarded a $35,000 Rotary Global Grant Scholarship and is studying this year for a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration at Oxford University in the UK.
Lonnie is a 2014 Bowdoin College graduate and the Founder and President of Healthy Kids/Brighter Future (HK/BF), a non-profit organization working in Zambia to deliver health care to children by educating elementary school administrators and teachers to recognize illness in their students and provide them access to government clinics in their communities.
District Governor Dave Gardner recognized Peabody Rotarian Peggy Pedro as a member of the Paul Harris Society with a PHS Chevron and a District 7930 pin at a recent Peabody Rotary Club meeting. Dave was assisted by two Peabody Rotarians who were awarded PHS Chevrons at a Club meeting in July; Alyse Barbash and District Governor Elect Bob Wood. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to fulfill the promises we make to improve our communities and communities around the world. In his visit Dave addressed Rotary's challenge of retaining and gaining members and encouraged each club member to invite two people to a meeting or service project over the next few months to demonstrate the good that Rotary does.
Bill Hayner and David Wyman of the Arlington Rotary Club are presented with Paul Harris Society chevrons and District 7930 pins at the October 4th Arlington Club meeting by Bob Gravino, District Paul Harris Society Chair. Bill and David were recognized for their commitment as Paul Harris Society members to ensure that Rotary has the resources needed to carry out our missions of advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace.
The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor generous Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea in conjunction with the Winter Hill Yacht Club treated 100 veterans and their families from the Chelsea Soldiers Home and surrounding areas to a two hour cruise of the Boston Harbor.
The veterans were treated to a light breakfast prior to the cruise and lunch after the cruise. Eighteen members of the WHYC donated their boats and crew for the cruise. The Lowell High School Air Force ROTC program provided eight ROTC cadets to help with feeding the veterans. Speakers prior to the cruise included Lt. Dol. Mike Harmon, USMC retired, Lowell High School Aerospace Instructor and ROTC advisor Lt. Col. Eileen Ironfield, Air Force retired, Byron Bishop, Director of Somerville Veteran Services and New Hampshire State Rep. Sgt. Al Balbasara, USMC retired.
This annual event by the Rotary Club of Chelsea and the Winter Hill Yacht Club to honor our veterans had veterans from all branches of the service and all military conflicts since the Viet Nam War participate.
Network with friends and Rotarians and learn on how to improve your presentations – on-the-phone, one-on-one and one-to-group. Speaking before a group is the #1 fear in America. This workshop will help you to control nervousness and be more effective in all your presentations. This workshop will help you to assess your current level of skills and strategies and give you some best practices to raise your presentation fitness to new heights.
Not only is this a great skill to improve, we will all learn from a fellow Rotarian! Arlington Rotarian Kevin Greeley is the Founder and President of Greeley Communications Inc. He was a 10-year professor, debate and golf coach at Emerson College in Boston. He has trained business professionals across the US and he will be sharing his expertise at Rotary Means Business on November 1!
The Burlington Rotary would like to invite you to "Remembering 30 Years of the AIDS Quilt and Wine Tasting" on November 4 at Grandview Farms, located at Center Street in Burlington, MA. Viewing of the AIDS Quilt will take place on November 4 from noon to 7pm and will be free to all. The Wine Tasting Event will take place from 5pm to 7pm, with several wines from Wegmans and Food from local restaurants. Cost for the Wine Tasting is $25. Everyone is welcome!
District Governor, Dave Gardner, made a joint visit to Newburyport and Amesbury Rotary Clubs on Thursday, September 28. Dave's lovely wife, Joan, accompanied him.
We were also privileged to have Bob Wood, District Governor Elect, and Joan Arsenault, District Governor Nominee, attend. Shown in the picture are Joan Arsenault, Dianne Webster (Amesbury President), Marion Spark, Dave Gardner and Bob Wood (left to right).
The Rotary Club of Arlington is sponsoring a Flags for Heroes program. The Flags for Heroes is not limited to military and participants may want to honor someone special in their lives. A flag with the name of your hero will be flown for one week in front of the Arlington High School from November 3 – 13, 2017. A dedication will be on Sunday, November 5th at 1:00 pm in front of the High School. To participate in this program, contact Arlington President Bill Hayner before October 20.
Rotary Foundation Committee member Bob Gravino recognized Wilmington Rotarian John Doherty as a member of the Paul Harris Society with a PHS Chevron and a District 7930 pin at a recent Wilmington Rotary Club meeting. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor generous Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation. Contributions to The Rotary Foundation, whether given at the level of Every Rotarian Every Year (any amount), Sustaining Member ($100/year), or Paul Harris Society, ensures that Rotary will have the resources needed to carry out our mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is hosting its second Taste of Autumn on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 7:00pm until 10:00pm at the Crystal Community Club (77 Preston Street, Wakefield). Join us for a fun evening of wine and beer tasting with samplings from local restaurants, raffles and auction with proceeds to benefit the local charitable projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club.
Tickets $30 in advance or $35 at the door. 21+ only. Buy your tickets at Holiday Travel 402 Main Street in Wakefield or online at www.wakefieldrotaryclub.org!
On 24 October, we will mark World Polio Day. It is a day to celebrate how far we have come and an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness and funds to complete the work of eradication. I ask every Rotary club to participate in some way in World Polio Day activities" says Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley in his October presidential message.
I am so proud of the great response from our district Rotarians with donations to the relief efforts in Texas, Alabama, and Florida. Thank you for your generosity and for the positive impact your donations will make. The most recent devastation in Puerto and the Caribbean present another opportunity to assist our neighbors to the south.
Here is the update to the donor advised funds.
Rotary Hurricane Relief Funds and Efforts (Includes new information as of September 30, 2017)
Here is a summary of the three Rotary Foundation Donor-Advised Funds that will provide hurricane relief from the recent storms.
The three donor advised funds are listed below:
Hurricane Maria: Puerto Rico Account name: Puerto Rico Recovery Fund Account #614.
Hurricane Irma: Impact on Caribbean and Florida Hurricane Emergency Relief Fund Account #296.
Hurricane Harvey: Texas/Alabama region Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund Account #608
Here’s how to donate to any of these three funds, which will be distributed under the direction of the Rotary districts involved in each region,
You can contribute by check or wire transfer or online with a credit card at the following link. You'll need to provide the DAF account name and number listed above. If you would like a credit card receipt, please check the address box to share your address with Rotary.
In addition, our district clubs are working on new communication channels to funnel more specific support to clubs in Southwest Florida and Puerto Rico. We will be sharing more information on these specific efforts in the coming weeks. Thank you for caring, and for making a difference in lives of neighbors who have been badly disrupted by these three hurricanes.
An impact report detailing the contributions from our clubs will be presented. Early indicators are that we will collectively donate over $50,000 and it may even approach $100,000. You are truly Making a Difference!
Rotarians and friends with offices in the Cape Ann area are invited to support the GHS Interact Club by pre-ordering a lobster roll (including chips & a cookie) for $15. It will be delivered to your office for lunch on Friday, October 27.
All profits go to the GHS Interact Club, a service club that raises money to support both local and global causes.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester will host a Trivia Night on Friday, October 27, at the Gloucester House, located at 63 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the game will begin at 7 p.m. Teams of four will compete for the title of Cape Ann Trivia Champions.
All trivia fans are invited to this fun night of knowledge and laughter. The registration fee is $100 for a team of four players. Proceeds from this event will support programs of the Gloucester Rotary Club. The night will also feature a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and light snacks for purchase.
The Newburyport Rotary Club attended the annual Salvation Army's 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, September 27th. A Tennessee BBQ dinner was served by the Salvation Army Advisory Board with a Patriot's football them decor. Major Todd a Hughes (a Rotarian) gave the award for the "Service Club Most Money Raised." We raised $3,712 via bell ringing and donations. Many Rotarians are members of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. They are Kate Kelly, Nikki Meisenheimer, Peter Doyle and Lyndi Lanphear. Pictured are Kate Kelly, a Todd Hughes, Peter Doyle, Marion Spark, Kate Batchelder and Lyndi Lanphear who attended and helped serve the awards dinner.
Recently, over 20 Rotarians from RCoMH helped deliver ice cream sundaes to over 40 shut-ins in Marblehead. The effort was a collaboration between RCoMH and Marblehead's Council on Aging. The senior citizens who are homebound appreciated the visit from Rotarians and enjoyed an old favorite - the chocolate fudge sundae with whip cream and a cherry on top.
The Rotary Club of TBM will hold its 38th Annual "Topsfield Fall Foliage Classic" on Sunday, October 15, at 1:00 PM at the Proctor School, 60 Main Street in Topsfield. There are officially timed 5 mile, and 5K races as well as a 1.25 mile "Fun Run" and 3.0 mile "Family Walk". There are prizes, raffles and refreshments for all participants.
Contact Race Director Lisa Foley for more information at 978-989-2701.
Proceeds from this year's race will benefit the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition as well as current TBM Rotary initiatives including literacy in local schools, Tri-town food pantries and hurricane relief efforts.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea helped the Chelsea Public School System celebrate school opening for the 2017 – 2018 school year by distributing books to children attending the local school system. The Chelsea Rotary Club purchased over 500 used books for children in grades 1 through 12. They were then given to children who attended the Back to School Celebration at the Chelsea Middle School. Participating in the distribution was President David Mindlin, Past President Brian Hatleberg and two of his children.
On Sunday, September 10, an enormous crowd estimated over 15,000 attended the Reading Fall Street Faire organized by Reading Rotary. This was the first year for the Rotary club hosting the event, which had been run by the Town of Reading for 8 previous years. The Town had initiated the Faire as a community event for raising funds for downtown improvements. The Town of Reading approached Reading Rotary to take over running the event in large part due to stretching thin of Town resources due to budgetary issues.
The Peabody Rotary Club recently sponsored a Porta Potty for the Progeria Research Foundation Race. The Club chose to sponsor the porta potty in recognition of the first Rotary project-- public restrooms in Chicago. (Click the "Read More" link below for more information on Rotary's first project.)
On Thursday, August 31st, the Haverhill Rotary club had the pleasure of awarding Angela Walukevich with the 2017 Linda Sundell Scholarship. She was joined at the weekly lunch by her Mom Peggy and Linda's brother Paul Rheaume and sister Paula Churchill.
The Linda Sundell Scholarship is near and dear to the clubs’ heart as a past member and board member. Linda touched all who knew her with her positive compassion for people and her joy for life. She exemplified what it means to live a life of meaning that is greater than oneself, and she always encouraged the best in others.
The Newburyport Rotary Club held its annual Beer and Dogs fundraiser during the Yankee Homecoming Bed race down Federal Street. The event was held on the parking lot of the Tannery Marketplace owned by Rotarian David Hall, who banned parking in his lot and cordoned off the area for our fundraiser. The hot dogs were donated by Tendercrop Farm of Newbury. Tables and chairs were set up by Rotarian Kate Kelly of Kelly Taylor Rental. A total of $1,600 was raised as a result of the event. Lots of fun was had by all!
Our hearts go out to our friends, relatives and strangers who are suffering in Texas and Florida. As compassionate people, we want to reach out to help immediately. Knowing that, Rotary International has set up two donor designated funds; one for the victims of Harvey and the other for the victims of Irma. The link is below. This might be a good place to mention the Foundation’s role in disaster relief. The Rotary Foundation is not a first responder. We leave that to experts such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, as well as Shelter Box, a partner of Rotary. However, when their valiant work is finished and rescue and recovery have been completed, that is when Rotary’s work, rehabilitation, begins.
Our job is to help replace the service infrastructure through short and long term projects: to help restore libraries and classrooms, restock food pantries; reopen day care centers, restore parks and playgrounds. In short, to help rebuild communities. The money that you have contributed to The Annual Fund over the past three years and this year will be used for future Foundation-matched grants both large and small. Your donations will be used to rebuild the lives of the hurricane victims, adults and children alike.
How to contribute
Two Rotary Foundation donor advised funds have been set up to accept donations for disaster relief and recovery in response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma:
You can contribute by check or wire transfer or online with a credit card. You'll need to provide the DAF account name and number listed above. If you would like a credit card receipt, please check the address box to share your address with Rotary.
A perfect example of this is an emerging Marblehead Harbor Global Grant project in Nepal. Nepal suffered a devastating earthquake in April, 2015 in which 9,000 people were killed and 22,000 injured. Dozens of organizations and hundreds of rescue workers from all over the world rushed to Nepal’s aid. Their work has been done and they have gone home. However, hundreds, if not thousands of victims of the earthquake still suffer from injuries and, if they live outside the capital, Katmandu, have never had access to any kind of physical therapy. The “Rehab Nepal” project will establish physical therapy units within existing medical clinics and train local Nepalese in the science of physical therapy, providing care now and in the future. This is literally Rotary’s work of rehabilitation!
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club distributed the proceeds from its recent Champagne Art Auction to four charities-- Burlington Police Patrolman's Association, People Helping People, Burlington Relay for Life, and HelpIs-- at its August 24 meeting. This was the club's first Champagne Art Auction and sold 110 tickets. The next auction will be held in a larger venue in the spring.
Nominations for District Governor for the 2020 – 2021 are being requested from our membership. If you know of a past President from your club or a leader in District 7930, please consider nominating them to serve as Governor. Please contact David Gardner via email by clicking here!
To read more about this position and their roles and responsibilities, please visit the
This important individual leads and supports the clubs in the District 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, the candidate must have been a Past President of a club, completed seven years of membership in one or more clubs, and will attend the Governors-elect training seminar and International Assembly after they have been selected to serve.
If you feel that your club has such a leader among your members, one with proven leadership skills and decision making, please consider nominating them to help fulfill Rotary's ongoing mission. The nomination form can be downloaded here!
Applications must be submitted via US Mail or E-mail by October 15, 2017. Please note that the form requires your club secretary to attest that the club is aware of and endorses your application.
The Rotary Club Medford is proud to have inducted their newest member on September 8, Laura Hankard Vasquez, mother of Belle Isle Rotarian, Tom Hankard! “When Governor Dave made the call out for us to tell two people we know about Rotary and invite them to any Rotary Club meeting, not just your own club, I said to myself – my mom would be a perfect Rotarian,” said Tom.
Club President Richard Michienzi commented that he is, “more than pleased to have Laura become an active member of our club.” Laura is a life-long resident of Medford and worked for many years for the City of Medford and is excited to serve Medford and Rotary.
The Rotary Membership and Public Image Committee, along with District Governor Dave Gardner, are thrilled to announce 22 total mini grants have been approved for the Summer, 2017 term. Membership and Public Image Co-Chair Amy Luckiewicz noted, "We are really thrilled that we can award all of these grants. Clubs got pretty creative with their public image grants this year." Co-Chair Jim Major added, "We also saw a great commitment from the clubs to invest in membership. This is the most amount of membership mini grant applications we've ever had."
On August 24, the Newburyport Rotary Club prepared and served a cookout dinner to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army of Newburyport serves a free meal every Thursday to those in need. The Rotary Club serves prepares and dinner at least quarterly to the Salvation Army. Major Todd Hughes is a member of the Newburyport Rotary Club. Several members of the Newburyport Rotary Club are on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army.
The Rotary Foundation and clubs along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, USA, are collecting emergency relief funds to help flood victims of Hurricane Harvey, which slammed into southeast Texas last week.
With an estimated damage of $190 billion, Hurricane Harvey could be the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
“The power of Rotary is in the foundation's ability to pull help from around the world while local clubs provide immediate relief in their own communities,” says Don Mebus of the Rotary Club of Arlington, Texas.
“We know that a disaster of this magnitude will require our financial assistance for months into the future,” says District 5930 Governor Betty Ramirez-Lara. “Our disaster relief committee will provide support where we believe it can best be used.”
The Rotary Club of Chelsea installed its newest member, Janette McWilliams, at its August 22, 2017 luncheon meeting. Taking part in the installation was President David Mindlin, Membership Co-Chair Peter Zaksheski, Jeanette’s sponsor PP Bruce Mauch, Membership Co-Chair PP Allan Alpert and Immediate Past President Reverend Sandra Whitley. The installation ceremony included a welcome to Rotary, a brief history of Rotary, presentation of the Four way test, importance of the motto “Service Above Self”, Oath of Membership and presentation of her Rotary pin. Jeanette is the Director of MGH Chelsea.
Liz Cullen, District Rotary Foundation Chair, visited the Ipswich Rotary Club on August 31 to present multiple Paul Harris Fellows to two Ipswich Club members. Bob Wicks was awarded a PHF+6 and Ted Garside a PHF+2 for their continued support of The Rotary Foundation. Ipswich Club President Cushing Titcomb assisted in the presentation. District Clubs interested in learning more about The Foundation and its programs can contact Liz at lizgcullen@yahoo.com to arrange a visit and presentation by a member of the District Rotary Foundation Committee.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2018 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s efforts to raise money that supports the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
In Order to publish a beautiful calendar, the Club is requesting high quality digital photos that show the unique beauty of Cape Ann throughout the year-- landscapes, seascapes, harbor scenes, sunrises/sunsets, boats, wildlife, etc. As we will be featuring one photo per month, we need images from each season: winter, spring, summer and fall. Photographs from Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester will be accepted.
Full contest rules and requirements are available online at www.gloucesterotary.org. All entries must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017.
One of the most significant training programs in the Rotary world is Presidents-elect Training Seminar held annually over the second weekend in March. The Northeast PETS team is constantly improving the program to provide the best training possible to our Presidents and Assistant Governors.
The team consists of Immediate Past District Governors, Governors-elect, Governors-nominee and a host of support people who all contribute in meaningful ways.
We would like to invite you to consider serving in one of the open positions or to nominate a leader in the district who would be qualified to support our team. The attached page details the job openings and requirements and should help qualify interested applicants. If you have additional questions or would like to know more about NEPETS, please visit our website at www.rotarynepets.org or call or email the Event Chair, Louisa Tripp at 802- 371-9819 or louisatripp@yahoo.com. The deadline for nominations is September 15th and interviews will occur in October.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea is raising funds to drill water wells in indigenous areas of Colombia. The project is called Saving the WAYUU Children. Chelsea Rotary Past President Juan Gallego is hosting a fundraiser dinner at his home in Chelsea on Friday, September 8, 2017. The requested donation is $100 per person and there is a limit of 35 dinner guests. Click "read more" to see full menu.
Please contact Juan at juangallego5@icloud.com to RSVP for the dinner. Donations can also be sent to the Rotary Club of Chelsea Charitable Foundation Inc., PO Box 505647, Chelsea, MA 02150.
Rotary Foundation Committee member Bob Gravino recognized Peabody Rotarians Alyse Barbash and Bob Wood as members of the Paul Harris Society with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at a recent Peabody Rotary Club meeting. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor generous Rotarians who elect to contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation.
Contributions to The Rotary Foundation, whether given at the level of Every Rotarian Every Year (any amount), Sustaining Member ($100/year), or Paul Harris Society, ensures that Rotary will have the resources needed to carry out our mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace.
Peabody Rotarians Recognized as Paul Harris Society
David Deutsch was formally installed as the new President of the Marblehead Rotary Club. Deutsch accepted the presidency and was handed the gavel from Dr. Keith Taylor, Marblehead Rotary Club’s acting Sergeant-at-Arms. Deutsch follows the successful term of outgoing President Ron Amon.
In his acceptance speech, Deutsch stressed that “making a difference in people’s lives” was a major motivating factor for joining Rotary and for accepting a leadership role. He warmly reflected on his daughter, Sophie, who recently won two medals at the Maccabee games in Israel. Her trip to compete was supported by the club.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor recently completed a two-week food drive to benefit the Marblehead Food Pantry. With the help of local businesses including Crosby's Market, Shubie's, Marblehead Community Center, National Grand Bank and Marblehead Bank the club collected over 110 bags of food and over $400 in cash donations. The Marblehead Food Pantry is grateful for the club's efforts and results particularly because the need is greater during the summer months when students are not in session. The collection organized by the club received special assistance from the ElderAct of Marblehead and Swampscott. From left to right: Jessica Barnett, Rotarian and Food Drive Coordinator; Diane Barbour, Rotarian; Cynthia Kilbarger, Rotarian and Janet Fitch Parker, Director of the Marblehead Food Pantry.
The Parkway Rotary Club of West Roxbury and Roslindale held its first annual Marilyn LaRosa Memorial Scholarship luncheon at West on Centre in West Roxbury. From all of the applications received, two scholarships were awarded. The scholarship was renamed for long time Rotarian Chairperson Marilyn LaRosa who passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Marilyn LaRosa was a local Rotarian and humanitarian. She was also the owner of LaRosa Real Estate. In her memory, the Parkway Rotary Club of West Roxbury and Roslindale have renamed their education scholarship the Marilyn LaRosa Memorial Scholarship.
Medford Rotarians are excited about their 3rd Annual Charity Casino Night! Many of you have been in the past and had a great time. Awesome Prizes!! NEW this year a slots Tournament! 3 winners Come Join Us! Tickets are available at mefordrotarycasinonight.eventbrite.com or by contacting Anne Gelineau Powers at apowers@ebsb.com.
TBM Rotarians Bernie Creeden (Left) and Bob Murphy (Center) present a check to Frank Leary, Director of the Middleton Food Pantry to support the efforts of the Food Pantry during summer months. The Middleton Food Pantry is located in the Council on Aging facility on Maple Street. The Pantry is open on Fridays from 1-3 pm and 5-6 pm. Food and monetary donations are accepted during COA office hours each week. TBM Rotary members will be making similar contributions to the Boxford and Topsfield food Pantries during the month of August. The contributions are part of TBM's commitment to local service as part of Rotary International. TBM Rotary now meets weekly on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm at the Breakaway Restaurant on Route 1 in Danvers.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Methuen, we would like to invite you to attend our 5th Annual Bocce Tournament!! This year our tournament benefits the Methuen Senior Center's Adopt A Grandparent Program. Come enjoy a night with friends and play some Bocce, all in support of a wonderful cause.
The TBM Rotary awarded three scholarships to graduating high school seniors at Masconomet and Essex Tech. This years's recipient of the dr. Joseph Carroll Memorial Rotary Scholarship is Brittany Gotts of Masconomet High School . Brittany will be attending Simmons College. She is enrolling in a six year program leading to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Brittany will also be playing Volleyball at Simmons. Kyra Charie, also a Masconomet graduate, will be a first year student at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Kyra plans to study business marketing. Nicole Benoit, a graduate of Essex Tech, will enroll at Dean College in Franklin and plans to study Early Childhood Education. The TBM Club has presented scholarships annually for more than forty years .
The Chelsea Rotary Club softball team and their fans celebrated winning the 2017 Softball League championship at Castle Hill Park in Salem. The Chelsea team defeated the Salem/Marblehead team 5 – 2 in the championship game. The Chelsea team won the regular season with a 5 – 3 record. To win the championship Chelsea had to defeat the Beverly Rotary Club in the 1st round 2 games to none and then defeat the Salem/Marblehead team 2 games to none in the championship series. The Chelsea softball team was made up of Rotarians from the Chelsea, Everett and Salem, NH Rotary Clubs.
Past Public Image Mini-Grants have been very creative!
Medford, for example, used mini-grant funds to brand blue sunglasses to be distributed at a town event. Beverly Rotary created unique display boards that highlighted how the club gives back locally. In Danvers, the club decided to use their funds to hire a paid social media intern. Additional qualified items include new apparel for club members, branded name tags, pop-up banner, web advertising, social media paid ads, professional photography, and brochure development. How will you use your mini-grant?
President Dan Mackey welcomes new members Terry Sheppard, a realtor with LAER Realty Partners and Sean Mackey, a social-media marketeer with Workout Marketing to the TBM Club at its new meeting location, Breakaway on Route 1 North in Danvers. The Club now meets on Tuesday's at 6:00 PM.
The Saugus/Chelsea Rotary Bowling League is looking for new members for the 2017 season. The league bowls at the Townline Bowling Lanes on Rt. 99 in Malden. The League bowls a short season starting September 6, 2017 and ends in early December. The league bowls Wednesday evening starting at 5:15 PM and end by 6:30 PM. Most of the members than go out to eat afterward to socialize. Teams are made up of two members each and are randomly selected. This is an 80% handicap league and you do not need to be a Rotarian to join the league. If interested in joining the league please contact Bruce Mauch at brucem@chelseaclock.com.
What is a District Managed Grant? District Managed Grants (DMGs) support local and international humanitarian service projects. They are funded through a Rotary Foundation Grant awarded to District 7930. These grants are managed by the District 7930 Foundation Committee and the District Managed Grant Subcommittee. Any questions should be directed to the chairmen of these district committees.
Please take our 2018 Rotary Mount Washington Summit Survey
Our 2018 District Conference will be an amazing, five-district Rotary event at the Mount Washington Summit, May 4-6, 2018, featuring Rotarians from Quebec, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.
Planning is well underway. Rotary International President Ian Riseley has agreed to be our Friday night Keynote Speaker on May 4.
Our planning committees need your help: will you please take a brief, seven question survey to help us exceed YOUR expectations for this event?
Don't miss this incredible event at the Turner Hill Mansion, Ipswich, Friday October 27th, 7:30 to midnight. The theme this year is Mardi Gras!!! Time to PARTY!!!
Costumes Welcome/Black Tie Optional/Cocktail Attire. Tickets are $75 pp, 21+, and include buffet dinner, cash bar, silent auction and DANCING, DANCING, DANCING with live music provided by the band Boston Common. Advance sales only online at www.ipswichrotary.com, from any Ipswich Rotarian or at the Ipswich and Rowley branches of First Ipswich Bank and Institution for Savings. No tickets sold at the door. All proceeds benefit Ipswich Rotary Charitable Trust Projects
August is designated “Ice Bucket Challenge Month” until a cure for A.L.S. is found. Last year’s enormous success was terrific, but further monies are needed for continuing the research into curing this hideous disease. Towards that end, the Wilmington Rotary Club will be holding the third Community Wide Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 19 at 10:00 AM. The Challenge will be held, rain or shine, at Rotary Park and everyone is welcome to come and join with Rotarians for this Challenge.
A.L.S., commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the Brain and Spinal Cord, and is always fatal. Unfortunately too many of us have been visited by this disease, through family, neighbors or friends.
The Rotary Club of Rockport presents Lobsterfest 2017!
Saturday, August 12 from 3-7 PM (rain or shine)
American Legion Hall Bandstand at Scenic Back Beach-Rockport, MA
$25—includes Hot Boiled Lobster, Clam Chowder, Corn-on-the-Cob, Roll, Watermelon & Soda /Water. There will also be a cash menu of burgers, hot dogs, chips, beer & wine.
It had been several months since the Greater Boston Mobile Food Bank truck made a delivery in Lynn on the first Saturday of the month, but that streak ended last Saturday when Catholic Charities on North Common Street, opened its parking lot and a host of volunteers stepped up to help distribute food to some 300 Lynn citizens. The Rotary Club of Lynn, a faithful volunteer since the project began two years ago this September at St. Mary’s, was there to answer the call from volunteer coordinator Mary Magner.
The Elderact Club of Swampscott and Marblehead made a donation to the Fraffie Welch Scholarship Fund in the amount of $300. Accepting the donation was Rob Deiana, President of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor. Graduating seniors from Marblehead High School can apply for the Fraffie Welch Scholarship. Awards are based on the level of commitment and type of community involvement.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester MA will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 19, 2017, 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 19-20, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. A special FREE parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
Deb Andrews and Nikki Meisenheimer were awarded Paul Harris Fellow Plus-1 pins by Marion Spark, Newburport President, and Liz Cullen, District Foundation Chair.
In keeping with a tradition, set as a goal by Marine Veteran and Rotary District 7930 Past District Governor, Dave Manzi, the Rotary Club of Medford makes donations to two Veterans Causes.
Medford Rotarians voted to donate to the "Run to Home Base" This is the 8th annual run at Fenway to raise money in support of Veterans and their Families. Held Saturday, July 15th at Fenway Park in front of thousands of Vietnam Veterans at one of the first and largest ceremonies to honor returning Vietnam Veterans in the Boston Area. Our donation was made to support a participant in the run.
We're thrilled to announce that the Summer, 2017 Public Image Mini-Grant is now OPEN for application! This is a matching grant of up to $250 each. The purpose of this mini-grant is to improve the public image of the Rotary clubs of District 7930. Categories for mini-grant approval are listed in the grant application. We encourage you to use vendors that offer high quality and consider multiple bidders. Please carefully read the details, qualifications and responsibilities of the grant.
The Membership/Public Image Team is happy to share a fresh opportunity for clubs to host FRIENDraisers to attract new members and present alternative forms of membership. Clubs can apply for up to $250 reimbursement match. Partner with another club and we'll reimburse up to $300! Is your club offering an alternative form of membership like Service Members, Corporate, Non-Profit or Satellite Clubs? If so, your application will get priority! Please carefully read all of the qualifications, requirements and timelines.
Congratulations to Ron Amon, Don Morgan and Jason Fitzgibbons, each a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow honor. We are blessed to have these excellent people as either active members or working with the club thru community services involvements. Each exemplifies the guiding principle of Rotary --- “Service over Self” -- the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
The Medford Rotary Club is happy to present a donation to Pastor Ronald Pierre of the Evangelical Church of Holiness for their Food Pantry. Pastor Ronald Pierre joined the Rotarians for lunch and was presented the donation for the Food Pantry, which is in need of a new refrigerator. Pastor Pierre said "the generous gift certificate to Home Depot will help toward this purchase." He also thanked the Medford Club for donating holiday food baskets to his church for the past several years. The Church in turn distributes these food baskets so families in need can have a real holiday meal.
Anne Powers, Past President met Pastor Pierre at a Rotary District Assembly along with other Non-Profits who are in need of donations, or hands on service. She was happy to see that we could join with one of these non-profits right here in Medford. It was a win - win situation for both the Food Pantry and Medford Rotary.
For more information, for service opportunities or to join the Rotary Club of Medford, contact us at medfordrotaryclub@gmail.com or like our Facebook Page.
The Boston Rotary Club will host an evening with the "Hepatitis Zero" Expedition, a Hepatitis Eradication Rotary Action Group project on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Fisher College, 118 Beacon Street, room 53, in Boston.
This project involves the round the world trip of two brothers in a converted ex-military ambulance. Fred, the speaker, will talk about the aims of RAG and the Hepatitis Zero project, the origins of both the RAG and the project's, his experience so far on the trip, in South and Latin America and how Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians can help in eradicating hepatitis. The speaker will take place in 118 room 53 located on the fifth floor. Following the speaker we will have light refreshments including beer and wine on the beautiful roof deck.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert "Rob" Deiana as President 2017-2018. Rob follows in the footsteps of outgoing President William "Bill" Bartin. Rob has been a member of the RCoMH for the last four years volunteering for numerous service projects and activities. Rob's goals for the next year include preserving the traditions of the club; encouraging new membership; and embracing the mission of Rotary International. Rob stated that "thanks the the leadership of Bill Bartin the club is in wonderful shape. We are a vibrant and active group and I look forward to working with the board of directors and members to serve those in need in our local and international communities."
Rob lives in Marblehead with his wife Dawna and their daughters.
For membership and service projects information for Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor, please visit www.rotaryclubofmheadharbor.org.
The Boston Rotary Club will host an evening with the "Hepatitis Zero" Expedition, a Hepatitis Eradication Rotary Action Group project on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Fisher College , 118 Beacon Street (room 53) in Boston.
This project involves the round the world trip of two brothers in a converted ex-military ambulance. Fred, the speaker, will talk about the aims of RAG and the Hepatitis Zero project, the origins of both the RAG and the project's, his experience so far on the trip, in South and Latin America and how Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians can help in eradicating hepatitis. The speaker will take place in 118 room 53 located on the fifth floor. Following the speaker we will have light refreshments including beer and wine on the beautiful roof deck.
How would you like to join 200 Rotarians and friends from around New England to root for our hometown heroes – The Boston Red Sox vs. the Oakland A’s at the beloved Fenway Park? Hopefully, on September 13th, they will still be on top of the AL East, and will be on their way to the playoffs and maybe another World Series banner! Districts 7910, 7930, 7950 and 7780 are all part of this extravaganza, so you are sure to meet some new friends and get a few new ideas on how to make more impact.
On July 11, 2017, Marion Spark, President 2017-2018 of the Newburyport Rotary presided over her first official meeting. She presented Peter Doyle, Past President 2016-2017, with an honorary gavel. She also presented outgoing Secretary, Nikki Meisenheimer, with a Rotary polo shirt, thanking her for her years of service as club secretary.
To start off the new year for the Newburyport Rotary, Cindy Johnson (with the help of Deb Andrews) hosted a Social at her home for all members, spouses and significant others. Even though the evening did not cooperate to be in her beautiful garden, fun was had by all!
The Medford Rotary Club is proud to announce the installation of its new officers and directors on June 22, hosted by the Century Bank, Medford. The club met for an evening of awards and leadership recognition. Outgoing President Bob Kaminer passed the gavel to newly elect President, Attorney, Richard Michienzi. Richard is celebrating 28 years as a member of the Medford Club. Other officers elected include, President Elect, John Murphy, Vice President, Anne Powers, Attendance Secretary, Jack Hayes, Secretary, Cheryl Staude, and Treasurer, Allan Martorana.
Several years ago, Lynn Rotarian and local lawyer Harvey Rowe Jr., the President of Panakio Adjusters, was looking for a way to provide service to the less fortunate. For many years, Rowe, the longtime chairman of the Board for My Brother’s Table Soup Kitchen in Lynn, had traveled to places like Quito, Ecuador, and Juarez, Mexico, to work for Habitat for Humanity and once accompanied a youth group on a service trip to Pittsburg. He had read in his church bulletin about a mission trip to Appalachia to work with poor white Americans living in the hills of West Virginia and Kentucky. “I wanted to help these people,”said Rowe, “but I also wanted to understand what happens in the lives of the poor and the psychological impact that spiritual and material poverty has on their children.” So when Rowe returned from first journey to eastern Kentucky in 201, he was determined to actively recruit his fellow Rotarians and friends to join with him in this worthwhile mission. Rowe first approached his friend, Ray Bastarache, past President of the Lynn Rotary Club, to jump on board four years ago and since Rotary Satellite Club members, Bill Reilly and Mike Clancy, have eagerly joined the group. Sally Chapman of Lynn has also made the service trip to Appalachia.
District 7930 announces its third annual Rotaplast mission to Cebu City, Philippines. The mission will depart on October 8, 2017 from San Francisco International Airport. We are looking for five additional non-medical volunteers to staff the mission. Jiserel, pictured here, is one of the 114 patients from last year’s mission. You can see the transition happen this way, or before your very eyes. This is a chance to take action to change lives by helping to save smiles.
In keeping with this year’s Rotary International theme of “Rotary Serving Humanity,” the Gloucester Rotary Club is pleased to announce that our members raised over $100,000 during the 2016-2017 Rotary year. These funds were used to support local, regional and international non-profit organizations. Local groups were gifted $84,000, international causes received $12,000 and regional causes received $5,000.
Did you know that District 7930 has a robust social media presence?
Get your club stories heard by using our easy online submission tool. You can select if your story, event, or picture gets posted to our eBulletin, Website or social media! Just click here and fill out the online submission form. Be sure to include images and flyers to maximize your impact!
For more information about promoting your Club's image, contact District PI Committee Co-Chairs Amy Luckiewicz or Jim Major at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com.
What is a District Managed Grant? District Managed Grants (DMGs) support local and international humanitarian service projects. They are funded through a Rotary Foundation Grant awarded to District 7930. These grants are managed by the District 7930 Foundation Committee and the District Managed Grant Subcommittee. Any questions should be directed to the chairmen of these district committees.
Who can apply? Rotary clubs from District 7930 who have completed the 2017-2018 Grants Management Seminar and filed their signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the District Foundation Chairman may apply. The clubs must be in good standing with Rotary International. This includes payment of dues and being current on reporting for previous grants.
For more information, contact District Foundation Chair Liz Cullen or District Managed Grants Sub-Committee Chair Laureen Wessel.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor recently presented Patricia Sullivan and James Nye with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award. A Top Ten Charity, as ranked by CNBC, the Rotary Foundation seeks to “do good in the world,” through six areas of focus including peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy and economic and community development. The award was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships.
Effective July 11, 2017, the Rotary Club of Chelsea will hold its regular Tuesday luncheon meetings at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Logan Airport Chelsea, 145 Beech Street, Chelsea, MA 02150. Meetings will start at 12:15 PM. Telephone number for the Homewood Suites is (617) 660-9110.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will host its annual summer social on Tuesday, August 1, with a sunset cruise aboard the Privateer. All Rotarians and friends are welcome! Snacks, finger sandwiches, cash bar and music with DJ Scottie Mac. $25 per person.
Boarding begins at 6:30pm at the 7 Seas Wharf (63 Rogers Street, Rt. 127, Downtown Gloucester). Cruise departs at 7pm, returns to dock at 10pm.
For information & reservations, call 978-884-9999. The boat can handle 150 guests-- last minute walk-ons are welcome! (RSVP in advance if possible to help with headcount.)
The Danvers Rotary Club presented a check for $4,000 to the Great Oak School for construction of a new playground area. This playground will replace an older one used by Great Oak students, neighborhood residents, Town of Danvers Fun Club after school program, and players on the adjacent ball fields. Construction is scheduled for August, 2017. Shown (left to right) are Neal Waldman and Becky Kilborn, Rotary Trustees, Sharon Burrill, Principal of Great Oak School, and Mary Beth O'Connell, Rotary President.
For additional information contact Becky Kilborn at 508-641-7865.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor recently presented checks in the amount of $1,000 to Jen Wassan, Development Director of Windrush Farm and Donna Crotty, Executive Director of Girls Inc. in Lynn, MA. Both organizations are non-profit and provide valuable services to residents living in the North Shore.
Ms. Wassan, recently made a presentation to club members and described the unique programs offered through the farm which are designed to expand and enrich the lives of children and adults with physical or emotional disabilities through equine assisted activities and therapies. Windrush Farm, located in North Andover, MA was one of the first therapeutic riding centers in the US. To learn more about their programs, to volunteer or to donate, please visit www.windrushfarm.org.
District Rotary Softball Picnic Wednesday, July 12, 2017
5:30 p.m. to dusk
John George Park, off River Street in Danvers
We are looking to get retired softball players from as long as 40 years ago to come! We will supply food and soft drinks. The picnic starts at 5.30 and goes to dusk.
Over the years Medford, Saugus, Lynn, Burlington, Peabody, Hamilton, Ipswich, Melrose/Wakefield, Lawrence, along with the current teams from Danvers, Marblehead/Salem, Beverly, Woburn, and Chelsea have many people who have played in the league!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All Visitors and Town Folk of Rockport are called to Dock Square at TEN o'clock, the morning of July 4th to hear our Town Crier deliver the Declaration of Independence.
This event takes place promptly at 10 am at Dock Square. Rain or shine. Come out and join our costumed performers in this rousing recreation of history.
The recent Installation Dinner held by the Reading Rotary Club was more than a celebration of the past year and look towards the future. President Elect Brian Snell wanted the evening to send an important message.
As guests arrived at the hall, they were welcomed by a service project that created Summer Care Packages for 50 children in the Foster Care system. The care package consisted on items purchased by the club as well as donations from Rite Aid, Salem Five, Reading Cooperative Bank, Coventa, Dr. Leo Spyrou, and Samantha's Harvest/the Gibbs Family.
But more impactful than the service project were the presentations by Laurie Roscoe of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and Nicole McLaughlin of the Plummer Youth Promise. Roscoe began with an overview of the situation in the state, reporting that there are more than 6,000 children in the foster care system and more entering every day. She emphasized that no community is untouched by the need to help these children. Foster care parents are needed everywhere so that an affected child's life is disrupted as little as possible.
Hannah Trimarchi is the recipient of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor "Harbor Heroes Program". The program is designed to recognize a local student's involvement in a project or projects that improve the lives of others.
Hannah is involved with the Jefferson Forum Community Service Club. In this capacity Hannah is working to make public education the best that it can be to the largest amount of students. She has helped design surveys to assess school climate and she is a delegate to the New England Student Advisory Council. Hannah is also the first female in 15 years to be elected Chairwoman of the MA State Student Advisory Council. The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor gave a donation to My Brothers Table in Lynn, MA on behalf of Hannah. Hannah plans to study politics in college.
A District Grant Qualification Seminar will be held tonight-- June 26, 2017, at 6pm at the Stoneham Senior Center, 136 Elm Street, Stoneham, MA.
Is your club considering applying for a District Managed Grant or participating in a Global Grant this coming Rotary year? If so, your club must be qualified. This means that the president-elect and one other member of your club must attend the Qualification Seminar. The seminar will be held Monday, June 26, 2017 at 6:00 at the Stoneham Senior Center. You can register through the District 7930 website.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is proud to introduce its five 2017 scholarship recipients:
Mairead Anne Bresnehan is heading to University of Rochester where she will pursue her passion for science and biology. During her career at Marblehead High School, Bresnehan not only demonstrated strong academic credentials but showed commitment to her community and demonstrated leadership. She was the president of the Marblehead High School chapter to the National Honor Society. For the community, she volunteered for many years at My Brothers Table and cofounded a tutoring/mentor program to provide support for children in Salem and Lynn. During her career at Marblehead High School, Bresnehan was the recipient of the Harvard Book Award and the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award.
The 28th annual Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, July 1, rain or shine, at Tuck’s Point in Manchester by the Sea, MA. The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club needs volunteers to host this event. We have many returning workers, most notably Sen. Bruce Tarr and Rep. Brad Hill who return every year to flip pancakes. We welcome all volunteers, new faces and regulars. Please email RSVP@manchesteressexrotary.org to help us plan. Students in need of community service hours are welcome.
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Children 6 and under are free.
This breakfast is a true-blue slice of Americana and draws crowds of all ages, townies and newcomers alike. Start or continue a tradition with your family by volunteering to serve at this event. If you don’t have email, call Dot at 526-8040, and leave a message.
The Rockport Rotary Club and the Rockport Police Department held their 2nd Annual Bike Safety Ralley on Saturday, June 3 at the Rockport High School. There was an obstacle course around the High School track, helmet fitting and replacements, bike inspection and bike registration.
32 children of all ages registered their bikes and scooters and completed the course. They received a ribbon and certificate upon completion. 5 new helmets were given out and some repairs and adjustments on several bikes were made - air for the tires, straightening handle bars, etc.
Robert Erbetta, Retired Navy Captain and RCOMH spoke to fellow Rotarians about "Campaign Drug Free Navy/Marine Team" program at a recent meeting of the Marblehead Harbor Club. Retired Captain Erbetta is helping to fight drug addiction by delivering the Drug Free America program to school age children. Because Erbetta is so skilled in communications and delivering impactful presentations he is also training other naval officers so the message can be delivered to more students in more schools. To learn about the program please contact Erbetta at raerbetta@comcast.net.
The Gloucester Rotary Club honored Joseph Ciolino and Mara Destino as Paul Harris Fellows at the annual Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award Dinner earlier this month. Ciolino was selected by a club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Destino was chosen by members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club. In addition to recognition as Paul Harris Fellows, both Ciolino and Destino received citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, which were presented by Senator Bruce Tarr.
Join us for a Taste of MarketStreet on Sunday, June 25th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. 100% of your $10 Admission will be donated to The Haven From Hunger through the Lynnfield Rotary Club. Pre-Purchase your tickets through Eventbrite by clicking here! Eventbrite ticket holders enter through "Eventbrite Only Line" at each gate.
An overflow crowd of Lynn Rotarians, family members, friends and colleagues of local attorney T. Richard Cuffe attended Thursday’s meeting at the Porthole Restaurant to recognizes the many contributions Cuffe has made to the Lynn community.
This summer, the Chelsea Rotary Club is once again sponsoring 20 lucky Chelsea students between ages 7 and 15 to an all expense paid week of overnight camp at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. Since 1998, the Chelsea Rotary Club has sponsored over 270 children at the overnight camp with the help of many generous community partners. The Chelsea club provides transportation to and from camp, pays all tuition, field trip, cabin picture and camp store fees as well as gives each scholarship winner a backpack filled with toiletries, beach towels and all kinds of items they can use for their week at camp.
The Peabody Rotary Club recently completed its latest District Managed Grant project. New playground equipment was purchased and installed at Citizen’s Inn over two weekends in April and May. On the weekend of the District Conference in May, Peabody Rotarians, with the help of Rotarians from Ipswich, Amesbury, Reading and Hamilton-Wenham, landscaped the area, spreading woodchips and mulch and planting flowers. Peabody Rotary thanks Terri and Mike Doerfler (Amesbury), Bob Arsenault, Bob Gravino and John King (Ipswich), Ann O'Connor (Hamilton-Wenham) and Brian Snell (Reading) for their invaluable help. Citizen's Inn has been providing housing for homeless families for thirty four years. Executive Director Corey Jackson is a Peabody Rotarian.
Rita Orchanian, the incoming Burlington High School Interact Club President for the 2017-2018 school year was introduced to the members of the Burlington Rotary Club at its June 9th meeting. Rita has been in The Interact Club throughout her time at Burlington High School and will graduate at the end of the next school year.
Pictured above from left to right are our Club's President Brad Bond, the next Interact President Rita Orchanian, our Club's President-Elect John Tuccinardi and Rita's Parents Andrea and Zohrab Orchanian.
Ingrid Brown, Past District Governor was presented with the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service on Friday, May 19, at the Rotary District 7930 Conference at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. The Citation was presented to Ingrid by Sheryl Meehan, District Governor of District 7930. The Citation for Meritorious Service is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding active service to the Rotary Foundation.
Ingrid has been an active member of the Rockport Rotary since 1996. In addition to being a Past District Governor of District 7930 (2009-2010), she was also president of Rockport Rotary (2003-2004) and the District 7930 Rotary Foundation Chair (2013-2016). Ingrid has been involved with the Earlyact Club in the Rockport schools and now works with Rockport Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program. She has hosted Rotary Global Scholars and members of Group Study Exchange Teams.
The Town of Danvers has a large senior population who take advantage of the many programs provided at the Danvers Senior Center located on Stone Street. Danvers Rotary is pleased to support the seniors, and recently presented the Senior Center with a check for $10,000 for two new vans, which will provide transportation to seniors in Danvers. The vans transport senior citizens to medical appointments, adult day care, shopping, and educational trips.
The Chelsea Rotary Club honored Jaclyn Abes as the 2017 Chelsea Rotary Club Teacher of the Year at its weekly Rotary luncheon at the Marriott Residence Inn. Jaclyn is a fourth grade teacher at the Hooks Elementary School. The Club also recognized five students from the Chelsea High School and one Chelsea student from Pope John High School as Chelsea Rotary Club’s 2017 scholarship winners. Superintendent Mary Bourque of the Chelsea Public Schools introduced the award recipients. She also gave a brief explanation of why Jaclyn Abes was chosen as this year’s Teacher of the Year. The students all discussed the college plans.
The Melrose Rotary Club has continually focused on outreach projects to help fill the needs of our community. Past President ( 2014-15) Mary Beth Margolis knew that such a need existed through her involvement in the Community Coalition of Melrose. Melrose Rotary is a member of this umbrella organization which brings together non profit organizations to discuss projects and plan events. For quite sometime a group of Melrose gardeners had been hoping for a community garden spot but space in the 4 square mile city of Melrose was at a premium and finances were limited. Through her work on the Melrose Board of Alderman, Mary Beth helped identify an unused portion of parkland and began to reach out the the garden community. Thanks to a matching District grant which was noticed in the e bulletin, the Melrose Rotary Board of Directors approved an application and committed $3000 to the project. The City of Melrose matched the Rotary funds and the local Whole Foods and Whittemore Hardware store also contributed. Nineteen beds were carved out from the space allotted and included one for nearby residents of the Senior Housing, McCarthy House. Work began May 20th with several Rotarians helping to fill the beds. Despite the late Spring weather, most of the beds are now planted and there's a 50+ name waiting list for any additional beds!
The Grand Opening is scheduled for June 17th at 8 AM at the Franklin Field Community Gardens. We hope many of our Melrose Rotarians and District leaders will join us to celebrate this wonderful collaboration!
The Rotary Club of Medford continues its long-standing tradition of honoring graduating seniors with a scholarship. The scholarships are given in memory of Medford Rotarians who contributed to Rotary for many years and in many different ways. This year's recipients were honored at a dinner with the families, where the scholarships were presented. The recipients are Jeffrey Fernandes of Austin Prep receiving the Mark Egitto scholarship. The Joseph Carr scholarship was presented by his son, to Matthew Hirl who is graduating from Malden Catholic. Emiline Antunes of Medford High received the Charles Oxnard Scholarship award. The Joseph Mahoney Scholarship was presented to Mary Listro a graduate of Matignon High School. Lydia Ryan earned the Medford Leadership Scholarship as a graduating senior from Medford High School and Ryan Kreatz also a Matignon Grad received the Public Safety Scholarship in memory of retired Fire Chief, Leo McCabe. How appropriate that Ryan comes from a long line of Medford firefighters. On June 6th, our final recipient Ailish Fallon, will receive the M Club Scholarship in memory of Mrs. Ellard a former gym teacher at Medford High School.
President Bob Kaminer thanked the students for their hard work and dedication, and wished them well as they moved forward to college. Bob also introduced the Scholarship Committee members, John Hackett, Sr., Edward Hackett, Patrick Theberge and Anthony Giamberadino for their time & effort. Our annual scholarship program is funded by the proceeds from our many social events. All of our Rotarians should be applauded for their hard work throughout the year running our Comedy Night, Casino Night, Raffles and other fundraising events.
During the month of February, the District 'Service Above Self' Scholarship Committee reached out to the Guidance Departments at all the Technical High Schools in our District. The committee made available scholarships to graduating seniors to aid them in furthering their plans after high school.
As a result, we are pleased to announce that the committee has awarded $4,500.00 in scholarships to nine graduating seniors. We congratulate the recipients who have all incorporated 'Service Above Self' in their school, work, community, and personal activities.
We are confident that these scholarship recipients will continue to incorporate 'Service Above Self' in their future endeavors.
This past weekend (June 2-4, 2017), 52 sophomores and juniors from high schools throughout District 7930 joined with 8 high school facilitators and several young adult leaders and Rotarians at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA, for RYLA 2017-- an extraordinary weekend of fun, fellowship and leadership.
Many thanks to the following clubs for sponsoring these amazing young adults and giving them a weekend that none of them will ever forget--
Amesbury Arlington Beverly Burlington Bkft Cambridge Chelsea Everett Gloucester Gr Salem Hamilton-Wenham Ipswich Lawrence Lynnfield Marblehead Marblehead Harbor Medford Melrose North Reading Reading Salem Saugus TBM Wakefield Winchester
More information about this great weekend will follow-- once the Rotarians involved recuperate from the weekend.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has named Joseph Ciolino and Mara Destino as Paul Harris Fellows, and will honor both at the annual Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award Dinner on Wednesday, June 14, at Cruiseport Gloucester. Ciolino was selected by a club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Destino was chosen by members of the Interact Club, the very active group of Gloucester High School Junior Rotarians.
Joseph Ciolino was born in Gloucester and graduated from Gloucester High School before attending Wentworth Institute in Boston and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After college, Joe began his career in 1970 at the Building Center in Gloucester, where he spent 21 years, rising in the company to become Store Manager and Vice President. He later managed Three Lanterns Ship Supply for three years, but the highlight of his work’s life came in 1991 when he opened The Weathervane Gift Shop on Main Street in downtown Gloucester.
Think that you know the capital of Nebraska? Well on Friday, June 23rd you and three friends can show off your Knowledge of things Trivial. The Wilmington Rotary Club is hosting the 8th Annual Trivia Night on Friday, June 23rd at the Shriners Fez Room, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington. Doors will open at 6:00 PM. Comedian Steve Bjork will ask the first question will at 7:00 PM.
What is Tom Brady’s middle name? Other trivia experts think that they know! Do you? The cost for your team of four is $100. The winners will receive a handsome trophy along with priceless bragging rights for the year. The defending Champions are from the Wilmington Police Department, who have stated that despite being armed, they will surrender the trophy but only if you can better them at Trivia. There will be a cash bar.
The Peabody Rotary Club will once again join forces with the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce for their annual Torigian Golf Classic on Monday, June 12th. It will be best ball format with a 7:30AM shotgun start at the Ferncroft Country Club in Danvers. Registration, breakfast and driving range begin at 6:30. All proceeds will be dedicated to scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Hole-in-one prize is a Boston Whaler. For more information and to register and/or sponsor, go to www.peabodychamber.com.
On behalf of the Friends of Endicott Park, Bill and Lois McKenzie accepted a check for $3,500 from the Danvers Rotary Club. The funds were donated for interactive exhibits which will be part of the new nature center under construction at Endicott Park. Pictured (from right to left) are Mary Beth O'Connell, Danvers Rotary President, Bill McKenzie, Lois McKenzie, and Becky Kilborn, Chair of the Danvers Rotary Trust.
Please join with our Fellow Rotarians from across District 7930 as we kick off the new Rotary year. We will be installing all 49 Rotary Club Presidents along with the President of the Rotaract Club of Boston. Gather your club members to come and support your incoming President and register a table or two as we introduce the 2017-2018 Rotary Theme - Rotary: Making a Difference. What a perfect theme as it is really what we are all about. The work that members, under the leadership of their President, do year in and year out in service to others. Celebrate what we have done and become inspired about what we can do.
The Wilmington held their first Alumni Meeting on May 17th. Current members were asked to bring a former member to the meeting. More than 12 Alumni's attending the meeting and offered up some terrific stories for earlier Club activities and events. Pictures of past events were passed around to all. The meeting provided current members with a good sense of the clubs history and the Alum's were able to see what the current members have planned. President Jonathan Eaton issued an open invitation to all Alum's to feel free to attend future meetings. The success of this meeting was beneficial for both current members and offering the opportunity for former members to become re-involved in the Club's future activities.
The Gloucester Rotary Club held its Third Annual Interact Pinning Ceremony in early May at Gloucester High School. Rotary and Interact club members, local dignitaries, school officials and parents joined in to celebrate this amazing group of young people and their contributions to our community.
Interact Faculty Advisor Michael Perreault spoke about the club’s many accomplishments over the past year. The club planned, funded and managed every aspect of the annual Pathways Holiday Party for the children of Gloucester and their families. The club also engaged in many smaller community service opportunities such as Rotary District 7930’s annual Polar Plunge, Gloucester Education Foundation’s Power of Play, the Gloucester Pride Stride, the West Parish Fifth Grade Party and the Empty Bowl food pantry fundraiser. Finally, the club donated more than $4,500 to local, national and international organizations. Included in this giving was a $1,000 donation to the Rotary Foundation in honor of Mara Destino, founder of the Adaptive Lacrosse Program.
In order to fund these good works, the Interact Club held their annual Lobster Roll Sale and Pizza Taste Off fundraisers.
As part of the Pinning Ceremony, Interact members Karissa Murray and Jenna Taormina were honored for their exceptional leadership this year, and Rotarians Tina Raimo, Julie Geary and David Stotzer were recognized for their tireless support of the club.
The Gloucester Rotary Club is proud to sponsor the Gloucester High School Interact Club. These young adults are our future!
Posted by Excerpted from Rotary News on May 28, 2017
So why did he join Rotary? “This may sound frivolous, but because I was asked.”
He was invited to speak at a Rotary club, “they seemed like nice people”, and then when they approached him a couple of weeks later saying that a new club was being chartered, and would he like to join, “I asked Juliet for her opinion. She was happy with the concept that it broadens our acquaintance levels.” At the ‘interest meeting’, he found “all the business and community leaders of the suburb where we lived were present. We had fun, enjoyed ourselves and when the structure of what Rotary does was explained, I thought why would I not want to be involved in this group which had the crème de le crème of that area?”
On his priorities as RI President, Riseley says, “I’ll be very happy if at the end of my year of Rotary leadership, the world knows more about Rotary than it does now.” Ian is urging Rotarians to keep account of the hours of community work they complete. This, he says, comes also from “my professional curiosity” to keep an account of the number of hours Rotarians put in as volunteers. Till now, the Rotary world has no clue about this collective figure, which when available would give Rotary image coordinators something specific to talk about.
Riseley is also very passionate about the environment and asks all Rotary leaders to ensure that at least one tree per member is planted per club; this would make our planet greener by at least 1.2 million trees in the coming year.
Want to learn more about our incoming RI President? Click here!
Why did RI President-elect Ian Riseley join Rotary?
We are fortunate that we have two consecutive International Conventions that are close to New England - this year in Atlanta and next year in Toronto. With 54 Rotarians and guests attending the 100th Birthday Celebration of the Rotary Foundation in Atlanta this year, we hope to have even more people make the trip to Toronto!
Would you like to be part of the team to promote and plan events for an amazing experience. If we start now, we might be able to have over 100 people attend what will be an incredible event where Rotarians from around the world gather to celebrate past accomplishments and plan to continue to fulfill the theme for 2017-18 which is Rotary: Making a Difference.
Please email David Gardner if you would like to be part of an incredible team!
If you want to register and get the early bird price of $295, keep an eye out for the registration roll-out during the week of June 10-14 at the Atlanta Convention. Visit riconvention.org.
DG Sheryl Meehan and Conference Chair/DG 2019-2020 Joan Arsenault wish to thank the members of the conference committee for making the weekend a huge success. Over 209 Rotarians, guests and Rotaractors participated in this incredible event of Service, Fellowship and Fun! (click the "Read More" button to see a few pictures)
Thank you all for participating and hope to see you next year at DG Dave Gardner's Summit at Mt. Washington!
Rockport Rotarian Janelle Favaloro dropped off 100 “Personal Care Packets” to the Grace Center earlier this month. 70 of the packets were for people that use the Grace Center and 30 for the Family Promise program.
The “Personal Care Packets” initiative headed by Janelle started back in April. With the help of her fellow Rotarians, friends, family and generous community donations the club was able put together 100 packets. The packets contained water, granola bars, socks, women's personal products, soap, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, razors, tooth brushes, paste, floss, Kleenex, and hand sanitizer. Between donations of items, money, and a board budget of $250, the club was able to produce these packets for about $2.80 a piece.
The Grace Center is Gloucester’s safe, free day resource center for people who are homeless or in need of support. It offers breakfast, lunch, community and connection to resources.
Burlington Breakfast is sponsoring a great night supporting four local programs that do good in Burlington! Net proceeds from ticket sales and art auction to benefit People Helping People, HELPIS, Relay for Life, and Burlington Police Patrolman’s Association.
Join Burlington Breakfast Rotary at Busa Wine and Spirits at the Crossroads Plaza in Burlington for only $25.
Thank you to all of the clubs that are sending students to RYLA. We still have space for students. Deadline Extended for Applications. There is still time for your club to send students!
High School students from schools all over our district are invited to a weekend at Camp Rotary in Boxford. We can accept 80 students and the program traditionally is sold-out with a waiting list. This year, we were forced to hold RYLA during the weekend that many schools hold their graduations. This is making it difficult to find students. Please help us find students!!
Newburyport Rotary Trivia Night Fund Raiser for College Scholarships for Local Students Friday, June 9, 6-8:30pm Newburyport Senior Center
Are you the Cliff Clavin of Newburyport? Full of facts, statistics, and trivia? Are you smarter than a fifth-grader? If you’re ready to be crowned the Smartest Person in Newburyport, join us for a fun evening of trivia, food and drinks!
$25 per person entry fee Food & Drink Available for purchase
Bring a team of up to 5 players or we will create a team for you! For information and to submit Team Roster, contact: Peter, pwdoyle@gmail.com.
Healthy Kids/Brighter Future (HK/BF) is a mission based initiative founded by an amazing young leader, Lonnie Hackett. The goal of this Maine native and 2014 Bowdoin graduate is to improve the health and learning of at risk children in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Lusaka, Zambia. The program trains a teacher health corps and makes local schools a point of access to primary healthcare and health information.
In 2015, Ipswich Rotary began partnering with the Rotary Club of Brunswick, Maine to raise funds to support this important health and peace initiative. Under the leadership of Past President Bob Gravino, several clubs from our Rotary District joined Brunswick and Ipswich in raising over $37,000 in 2016 through a Global Matching Grant from Rotary International.
Medford Rotary President Bob Kaminer welcomed Lindsay Smythe, Executive Director Boys & Girls Club of Medford & Somerville. The Medford Boys & Girls Club services over 200 children between the ages of 6 to 18. They help them with homework, give the kids a snack, teach them life skills, have FUN and mentor the older kids on a path after high school. Lindsay felt, that the kids at their club could volunteer to help Rotary with a service project to give back to the Medford Community.
We found it very noteworthy that Lindsay was a former recipient of a Global Scholarship from Rotary District 7930, where she studied abroad in Milan, Italy. We also invited Lindsay to join our Rotary Club and we hope she will accept our invitation to do so.
Medford Rotary Hosts Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Medford/Somerville
The Rotary Club of Winchester celebrated its 90th Anniversary at a recent meeting. The club was Chartered on April 28, 1927. The membership commemorated the event at their regular weekly luncheon with Jack Kean presenting a retrospective of the club's first 90 years and its countless financial contributions and service projects in support of the Winchester Community and beyond.
Dave Landry, current club president is flanked on the right by Cheryl Meehan, District Governor and on the far right by District Governor Nominee Bob Wood. To the president's immediate left is District Governor Elect Dave Gardner and Rotary Club member and Club Historian, Jack Kean.
The Rotary Assembly of April 19, 2017, gathered 150+ Rotarians and non-profit Partners from District 7930 in a combined networking and educational forum. Our district leadership in collaboration with the district Homelessness and Hunger Initiative planned and organized educational sessions and a Showcase for non-profit shelters, food pantries and similar organizations to enlist Rotarians in service opportunities to support their missions with technical and professional skills. The goal was to match skills with needs in areas such as social media, accounting, marketing, and contracting services among so many other possibilities.
The Assembly also offered a program track for effective advocacy techniques and tips to staff executive boards.. Jonathan Tetrault, from the Boston Food Bank, shared an update of the hunger trends in our area: Bob O’Hara coached attendees on how to create more impact when advocating, and Abbie Von Schlegal provided her insight on how to build a successful non-profit board.
The Assembly track provided the traditional training for Rotary Club leadership including Presidents-elect, Secretaries and Treasurers. The third session in this track provided the background to the next step in Visioning: Vision to Action.
The Rotary Assembly of April 19, 2017, gathered 150+ Rotarians and non-profit Partners from District 7930 in a combined networking and educational forum. Our district leadership in collaboration with the district Homelessness and Hunger Initiative planned and organized educational sessions and a Showcase for non-profit shelters, food pantries and similar organizations to enlist Rotarians in service opportunities to support their missions with technical and professional skills. The goal was to match skills with needs in areas such as social media, accounting, marketing, and contracting services among so many other possibilities.
The Assembly also offered a program track for effective advocacy techniques and tips to staff executive boards.. Jonathan Tetrault, from the Boston Food Bank, shared an update of the hunger trends in our area: Bob O’Hara coached attendees on how to create more impact when advocating, and Abbie Von Schlegal provided her insight on how to build a successful non-profit board.
The Assembly track provided the traditional training for Rotary Club leadership including Presidents-elect, Secretaries and Treasurers. The third session in this track provided the background to the next step in Visioning: Vision to Action.
The third track provided an extension to the free workshops offered in January in the areas of social media, membership and creating more engaging websites.
There was something for everyone and this event provided a new perspective of Rotary, not only to the non-profits who attended but also, to Rotarians. If you did not attend but would like more information about these programs, please click on each name below to send an email:
100th Anniversary Rotary Foundation Celebration Golf Tournament
Monday, June 5, 2017, 11:00am
Wenham Country Club (Golf Course)
Wenham Tea House (Awards Dinner)
Come join Rotarians from our 47 Clubs in a day of fellowship, fun and support for the Rotary Foundation. There are special opportunities for members and Clubs to support the Rotary Foundation with sponsorships.
Winning Clubs in both flights will receive their own engraved Foundations 100th Anniversary Cup and bragging rights among our clubs.
The tournament will be made up of two flights: Best Ball of the foursome Fun Flight - Scramble
After months of discussion, Reading Rotary has taken on responsibility for running the Reading Fall Street Faire (RFSF). The RFSF is a popular community event held the second Sunday of September in Reading's downtown. Vendors and community groups can purchase a booth to sell food or other goods or, in the case of community groups, can use the opportunity to distribution information about themselves. The RFSF began nine years ago by the Town of Reading to raise funds for improvement of Reading's downtown. It has grown and had approximately 15,000 people attend in 2016.
The RFSF had been organized through the Town's Street Faire Committee and was comprised of volunteers. Due to budgetary and resource concerns, the Town wanted to cease its role as organizer.
At its monthly evening meeting in April, Ipswich Rotary inducted new members Sheryl Henderson, Ipswich Manager at TD Bank; John Muldoon, publisher of www.thelocalne.ws; and Cathy Sutherby, owner of The Village Pancake House in Rowley. Sheryl, John and Cathy join a dedicated team of over 60 caring professionals who are committed to making a difference through service in Ipswich, Rowley and the world. Also announced at the meeting was a schedule of community service projects planned for Ipswich and Rowley in the coming months.
Medford Rotarians join Interact Students at Café’ Electra for luncheon meeting and to present donations. First, a donation was made to the Interact Club that Medford Rotary sponsors. The donation was presented to Aimee Saulnier, MHS Faculty Advisor for the Interact Club by Rotary President, Bob Kaminer. Interact is a High School Club sponsored by the Medford Rotary Club. Just like the Rotary Club of Medford, they raise monies to help others in need. This year, they participated in various fundraisers and in a drive to collect gloves, hats and socks for MHS “Closet” where students and their siblings who are in need can take these items for free.
District 7930 Conference is honoring Club Presidents at the Saturday evening dinner gala at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem on May 20. Have you have signed up to support your club and President for this event?
There is dinner and dancing as well as a Parade/Grand Entrance with Each Club President carrying your club flag/banner. Club Awards will be announced as your President is called. Please be there to support the hard work and accomplishments of Your Club during the 2016-2017 year.
Full conference package pricing available as well as A La Carte Options for the entire conference.
Deadline Extended for Applications. There is still time for your club to send students!
I would like to invite your Rotary Club to participate in the 2017 RYLA program. If you have already participated, you know that this is a fabulous program for high school students to develop leadership skills. If you are not familiar with RYLA, please indulge me and let me tell you about RYLA.
High School students from schools all over our district are invited to a weekend at Camp Rotary in Boxford. We can accept 80 students and the program is almost always a sell-out with a waiting list.
The Rockport Rotary held their “Annual Wine Tasting Event” on April 22, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Approximately 225 guests attended the event and enjoyed an evening of fun. A collection of fine wines was provided by Seabreeze Liquors of Gloucester. Chas. E. Kreis from Rockport catered the event with an assortment of delicious cold and hot hors d’oeuvres. Fellow Rotarians dressed in formal attire elegantly served during the evening.
In addition to the wine testing and great food, an assortment of prizes were raffled during the event. Also, beautifully arranged wine baskets with a variety of themes were auctioned at the end of the evening.
The Rockport Rotary Club wants to extend a special thank you to everyone that attended the event, sponsors and all participants for their contribution: Seabreeze Liquors of Gloucester, The Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Chas Kreis, our sponsors (First Ipswich Bank, Bank Gloucester, and Cape Ann Savings Bank), fellow Rotarians, friends and our community for making our Wine Tasting a success. All proceeds will benefit the Rockport Rotary Club’s community & international service projects.
President Bob Kaminer welcomed & installed our 2 newest Rotarians at our luncheon meeting on Thursday, April 20, at Bertucci’s, Medford. Linda Cataldo and Angela Rais applied for membership a few weeks ago and have been joining us as our guest for lunch. We are happy to say that both of them were welcomed today as new members by more than 25 Rotarians at our regular luncheon.
Both women are from Medford and Linda even grew up with one of our current Rotarians, Roland Racicot from Roland’s Jewelers. They are excited to put their skills to work volunteering their time and raising funds for our many charity projects and having fun along the way.
President Bob said, “We are very happy to have such enthusiastic new members ready to serve Rotary and the Medford community”.
For further information about the Rotary Club of Medford, joining our club or service opportunities to volunteer, visit our Website www.medfordrotaryclub.org or like our Facebook page Rotary Club of Medford, Ma
There is a new Clubrunner app available for cellphones that takes about a minute to download and install. Once you login with your usual Clubrunner username/password, you can find all of your Club member information in an instant. If a new member joins, you can transfer that member's contact information to your cellphone's phonebook in a single push of a button. Need to lookup a club event? It's right there!
This app is going to quickly become one of my most-used apps on my phone.
Manchester-Essex Rotary Club's major fund raiser takes place Saturday, May 6, 5-8:30pm at the American Legion Hall, behind Manchester's Town Hall. We will air the Kentucky Derby live. There will be music, dinner, wine tasting, cash bar and a live auction hosted by Senator Bruce Tarr. Available items include, sports & event tickets,, “instant wine cellar,” amazing artwork by local Cape Ann artists, many gift baskets and bundles, gift certificates to North Shore restaurants, etc. It is a lot of fun and tickets are $25.00 each. All the proceeds go to the Rotary fund which supports local efforts including scholarships for deserving Manchester and Essex students (last year we gave away $10K, which was raised at this auction), programs at the local schools, Gloucester Open Door food pantry, local community service projects in Essex and Manchester. Put on your best derby hat, there will be a prize for best lady's hat and best gent's hat. Have a good time for a great cause.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce that Nick McPherson has been inducted as the newest member of the service club. McPherson is a realtor with REMAX Partners in Andover. A native of Danvers, he resides in North Reading with his fiancé Casey Reilly. “I wanted to get involved, help people, and meet Rotarians. I’ve loved working with this club and all of its hands-on community projects,” McPherson noted. McPherson’s sponsor Amy Luckiewicz added, "Already, Nick has volunteered for projects that involve hands-on work. He has a great energy and has been a natural fit to our friendly club.”
The Wakefield Rotary Club is one of the fastest growing Rotary clubs in the area with the addition of seven new members since July 1, 2016 (the start of the new Rotary year).
Wow! We are down to the Final Countdown to the District Conference. As we celebrate your club's year, DG Sheryl will be honoring the Rotary Presidents by asking them to bring their club flag or banner and themselves/guests/fellow Rotarians to the Saturday night Dinner Gala. The Presidents will be asked to come in together as a group, carrying their club's flag or banner. DG Sheryl will be announcing Club Awards as the Presidents parade into the room. Please support your President's year by attending this fun filled evening!!
District Conference Trivia-- First Three People to Get All Answers Correct Will Win a Red Polar Plunge T-shirt from 2016. Send answers to Joan at joan@massteximaging.com.
Who is the guest speaker at the Friday luncheon?
Which club has its President's band playing at the Saturday Night Dinner Gala?
Name one service project taking place Saturday morning.
What is the name of the boat we are taking on the Friday night cruise?
At what hotel is the conference being held?
In the words of Paul Harris-- Take Action!! Sign up Now!
Easter Sunday was a totally spectacular summer-like day --- perfect for egg hunting. The club members the milk-chocolate eggs on-ice until the last minute -perfect weather for the kids, but way to hot and a little risky for the chocolate.
Hundreds of kids showed up to hunt down 8,000 (88 pounds) of chocolate eggs as well as toothbrushes (strongly recommended by Dr Easter Bunny-Corine Barone). The entire haul was scooped up in about ten minutes leaving he Seaside Park landscape almost barren.
All-in-all, a wonderful, community-family experience. A big thanks to all the volunteers who set up and supervised
Taking inspiration from the success of Rotary Means Business, the Belle Isle (East Boston-Revere-Winthrop) and Chelsea clubs are having a Business Networking Night on May 3. The event will take place a the brand new Homewood Suites Hotel Event Center, at 145 Beech Street in Chelsea (behind Chelsea High School and the Speedway Gas Station).
Everyone is invited, Rotarians and Friends old and new! All Clubs are invited to participate especially the clubs local to the Chelsea area! The cost is only $15 to attend which features soft drinks, and heavy appetizers. A cash bar is also available.
Bring your business cards and be prepared to participate in a small service project benefiting those right here in our area!
A large group of Lynn Rotarians and family members, along with District Governor Sheryl Meehan, Asst. District Governor Joan Arsenault and past DG David Manzi, gathered at Temple Shirat Hayam in Swampscott on April 5th when the Lynn Club was recognized for outstanding volunteerism at My Brothers' Table’s 5th Annual Founders' Celebration. Lynn Rotarian and former President of My Brother’s Table Executive Board, Attorney Harvey Rowe, presented the award to Lynn President Ray Bastarache, who accepted on behalf of the members. “Our commitment to serve the poor and homeless in our city is firm,” declared Bastarache. “We are blessed to have so many members who want to help that occasionally we’ve sent Rotarians home because we had too many volunteers for the jobs that needed to be done.“
It had been many years since the Rotary Club of Lynn sponsored an Interact Club, even with five high schools in the city; three public, one charter and one private high school. Veteran Lynn Rotarians recall how Lynn English once had an Interact charter but, for whatever reason, the club dissolved.
Fortunately, a new day has arrived in the city, thanks in large measure to two longtime and now retired Lynn Public School employees, Club President Ray Bastarache and President Elect, Steve Upton. In the spring of 2016, Bastarache and Upton (a Classical graduate and member of its Hall of Fame), had several meetings with groups of Classical students, with the assistance of guidance counselor Chris Hayward, and determined that genuine interest and enthusiasm was present from among the students. A follow-up meeting with Classical Principal Gene Constantino, who was thrilled at the prospect of a new club focusing on community service would be on campus, he threw his complete support behind it. History teacher Dena Capano, at the urging of Constantino, stepped in to be the Club's faculty moderator and membership continues to grow.
Photo caption:Interact students volunteering to serve meals at My Brother’s Table Soup Kitchen in Lynn
If you are a President-elect, secretary or treasurer, there is position-specific training for you!
If you are a chair or a member of a public image, membership or communications committee, including webmasters, there are three different workshops that sill help you gain additional skills to support your club.Or if you would like to learn more about the homelessness and hunger issues in our area, how to successfully advocate for any cause, or learn more about how to staff effective boards, then the HHI track is for you. Find out if there is a non-profit who could utilize your professional skills to help them be more successful in their mission.
There is something for everyone! Come join over 120 Rotarians and non-profit leaders and help Rotary continue to Make a Difference!
In 2006 Bruce Whear a Salem Rotarian became increasingly involved in LifeBridge and its mission. LifeBridge is a facility with transitional beds and permanent housing as well as a full servicing soup kitchen in the heart of downtown Salem, MA. Bruce signed up to make one dinner a month in the soup kitchen. Over the past 10 years, Bruce along with his loving wife Heidi and varying groups of family, friends and volunteers have spent the first Wednesday of every month in the kitchen, cooking and serving about 80 - 100 dinners.
Bruce typically calls over or visits the kitchen to see if there are any existing donated vegetables, desserts or perishable items that the kitchen manager, Karen, would like us to cook before they become unusable. Many Civic minded local stores and farms donate excess produce and other food items throughout the year. Bruce then adjusts the menu and shops & donates whatever is needed to complete the meal that evening.There are typically a multitude of vegetables and salad fixings in the fridge in need of immediate use. A medley of sauteed veggies or an Asian flavored stir-fry are always well received by the hungry clients. Bruce loves to bring in fresh milk with some chocolate syrup as a special treat & receives great satisfaction that the clients know when he cooks there will be plenty of chocolate milk for all. (A tribute to his Dad.)
We are pleased to announce that Chrystal Kornegay, Undersecretary, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, will be our guest speaker at the District Conference Luncheon on May 19th at the Hawthorne Inn, Salem, MA. Given the Districts Homeless & Hunger Initiative, this is an event not to BE missed!!!
Chrystal Kornegay’s passion for creating projects and programs that result in stronger communities for modest income working families is evidenced throughout her 20+ years’ experience in community development. In January 2015, Ms. Kornegay became the Baker Polito Administration’s Undersecretary for Housing and Community Development. Prior to that, Chrystal was Urban Edge’s President and Chief Executive Officer. In that role she combined a laser focus on excellence with keen business management skills to result in a 20% growth in revenue, a 10% growth in the affordable housing portfolio and a 10% growth in the number of households served.
Rotary International District 7930 District Assembly – Non-profit Showcase April 19, 2017 Doubletree by Hilton, Danvers/Middleton
Registration begins – 1:00 pm Programs from 2:00 to 5:00 pm Non-Profit Showcase – 1:30 – 4:30 pm Cash Bar and Fellowship – 4:30 – 5:30 pm
This event has something for everyone. Whether you are a President-elect, Secretary, or Treasurer, there will be sessions for you. If your Club has been “Visioned” in the last two years, the third session of the Assembly is for you, taking your Club’s vision to action. For those responsible for building an effective environment for members and connecting with your community, the workshops are a perfect fit.
Time
Presidents-elects,
Membership, Public Image
Non-Profit Showcase
Secretaries & Treasurers
& Communications Workshops
& Seminar Series
2:00-
Annual Business Meeting
Membership: Finding New Members
Hunger & Homeless Trends
2:50 pm
DGE David Gardner
& Developing an Orientation Program
Jonathan Tetrault, Greater Boston Food Bank
3:00-
Secretary & Treasurer
Public Image: Using Social Media
Effective Advocacy Techniques
3:50 pm
Roundtables
to Attract and Engage Members
Robert O'Hara, No Labels
4:00-
Vision to Action
Communications & Technology
Staffing Effective Boards
4:50 pm
Introduction & Discussion
Creating an Engaging Home Page
Abbie von Schlegell, TFRE, a. von schlegell & co.
The Showcase will feature 20 – 25 local non-profits from Boston to Lawrence, Lexington to Rockport. Our partners in caring for the homeless and hungry will share their mission, their core programs and support they need in services that Rotarians can provide to help them fulfill their care for those who need us. Consider your professional skills or even your avocations and maybe you can provide meaningful assistance to help Rotary: Making a Difference!
Time is fast approaching for the event of the year--not to be missed!
We are excited to announce an addition to our service projects on Saturday, May 20, at the Hawthorne hotel. In addition to making party bags for food pantries we will be putting together items for the homeless. We plan on making 250 bags to be distributed to Family Promise, Citizens Inn Between and shelters in Lynn. Each bag to contain socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, combs, toilet paper, steno pads and pens, and arts and craft activity books for the children's bags . 125 bags will be for adults and 125 bags for children.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce that it will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 1:30 PM sharp, Sunday, April 16th at Seaside Park (behind the Our Lady Star of the Sea Community Center).
This event will be held “weather permitting” and is open to all Marblehead residents 10 years of age and under with a special area will be for children under 5. The Marblehead Rotary Club plans to donate 8,000 chocolate eggs for this event and requests that all participants bring their own baskets and be at the location at or before 1:30 p.m.!
Don’t be late! All 8,000 chocolate eggs will be hunted down and claimed within five to ten minutes from the start! Look for signs to be posted around town on Thursday, April 13th to confirm this event.
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites you to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, April 28 at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
A Night at the Races promises to be a fun-filled evening for adults with all the suspense and excitement of being at the racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. At various points during the evening, betters will be able to use their winnings to bid on merchandise and services that have been donated for the event. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group. Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased from any Gloucester Rotarian.
Rotarians, friends and family are welcome to join the Wakefield Rotary Club for our 5th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Boys & Girls Club and the local and international humanitarian projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club. Golfers will enjoy 18 holes on the beautiful Gannon Golf Course on Monday, May 15th. Sponsorship options are also available.
Interested in learning how to dance salsa and bachata? Interested in supporting a worthwhile cause? Want to meet Boston Rotaractors and Greater Boston professionals coming from diverse backgrounds with similar interests?
Join Boston Rotaract for our annual Salsa Night fundraiser on Wednesday, April 12 at Ryles Jazz Club! Boston Rotaract holds this event every year in support of our international service projects. This year, we will be supporting schoolchildren in Benin, Africa.
Anyone over 18 is welcome regardless of skill level. There will be a free lesson, followed by an open dance floor and a cash bar throughout. We have held this event for over 5 years , and it is always a great night!
"Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today.” – Thomas Jefferson
The District Conference is right around the corner. Register now to save your spot in this remarkable two day event.
Remembrance of Those Who Served: please send a list of any Rotarian who passed away during the timeframe of May 2016 to present. Include their time as a rotarian, any positions held and any other notable information and email to Laura Allain at: trotter33@aol.com
Foundation Auction Items: DG Sheryl Meehan is asking each club to donate at least one auction item for the District Conference Silent Auction. Please contact Lisa Shanko, President of the Rotary Club of Ipswich at lshanko@firstipswich.com, regarding the item you are donating. Suggested cost is $100.00.
Live Auction Items: If you have a great idea for a LIVE AUCTION item please contact Bill Beckman, President of the Rotary Club of Beverly at wbeckman@custommedicine.com
As Benjamin Franklin reminds us "You May Delay, But Time Will Not, And Lost Time is Never Found Again."
The ElderAct Club of Marblehead/Swampscott has been busy the past two years planting, growing and harvesting organic vegetables. The Marblehead Community garden is a project of the Elderact of M/S sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor and the Town of Marblehead Parks and Recreation Department. Volunteers provide the materials and labor throughout the growing season. Harvesting and delivery of vegetables happens twice a week through out the season. The club has provided over 100 pounds of various vegetables to each elderly housing project in Marblehead in the past year.
ElderAct Club Grows Organic Vegetables for Low Income Seniors
In a land of plenty you’d think, given the will, it would be easy to end hunger and homelessness. I have only one small vantage point on the issue and that is from the kitchen of the Crombie Street Mission, which became the Salem Mission, which became Lifebridge, in Salem, MA. For 33 years I have headed up the 4th Thursday night crew of cooks and servers, and from where I stand, it is complicated. Think of a funnel that draws folks with many kinds of challenges and pulls them all to the same place. When state mental hospitals and other state funded facilities closed, opting for ‘integration’ of their population, what actually happened was that most them were dumped on city streets. Helpless against their own demons or misfortunes, they become homeless and hungry. They are the mainstay of the shelter.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce the kickoff for the 2017 "Marblehead's Got Talent" competition. High School age performers will vie to win both prestige and scholarships at this year's benefit. The final competition and benefit evening will be held on Friday, May 12th at the Boston Yacht Club!
ANY high-school age student is qualified to participate in the event including those attending Marblehead High School currently OR (this is a change from prior years) are a Marblehead resident enrolled in a private high school.
Auditions will be held on two nights; Tuesday April 4th and Tuesday April 11th at 7 PM sharp.
Semi-Finals will be held on Tuesday, April 25th at 7 PM sharp.
All auditions will be held at Marblehead High School.
Rotary members on the organizing committee are Ron Amon (Chairman), Geoff Lloyd, Julie Livingston, Gene Arnould, David Deutsch and Greg Bates. To register for the event, please forward an email to Ron Amon at nyyronamon@gmail.com
Does your daily activity restrict your ability to be who you could be? If so, plan on attending the Rotary Means Business meeting on May 15th!
Our presenter, or coach will be Linda Stacy. Linda is a public speaker, a workshop facilitator, and a productivity coach. Linda is inspired to help her audiences and clients achieve their best lives – their Best Selves – by way of energy management and the *brass tacks* of healthy, efficient productivity.
Linda understands that as humans we are complex and to be our best at work, at home, in the community and at play, we must balance commitments, master time, listen to our bodies, respond to the world around us, and remain open to the possibilities!
Whew! Linda calls upon herself (1st and foremost!) and others to approach this abundance with child-like wonder – instead of the burden of overwhelm that often drains our energy.
Living and Working Deliberately to Reach Your Goals – manage your time and your environment to support your best work.
If you want to get a glimpse into how you can achieve the you that you want to be, join us at the McLane Middleton Law Center in Woburn at 6:00 pm on May 15th for some networking and an introduction to managing your time in a way that will bring about happiness and enhanced performance!
The full team of Rotarians and Students who will be facilitating the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) weekend in early June met this week for their first joint training session. The students have been meeting since January-- learning leadership techniques and getting to know each other. Rotarians have now joined the training sessions, which will continue through April and May in preparation for the actual RYLA weekend in early June.
All District 7930 Rotary Clubs are encouraged to send students to RYLA. Click here for more information about RYLA. Click here for a video about RYLA.
For more information about RYLA, please feel free to contact any of the following Rotarians-- all have several years of RYLA experience:
A nationwide “March for Meals” campaign to raise awareness of hunger issues among seniors in our nation is held each March. In the past two weeks, North Shore Rotarians Ken Riehl (Gloucester), Lisa Shanko (Ipswich) and Bob Gillis (Rockport) have volunteered their time in order to deliver Meals on Wheels lunches to elders in their communities. SeniorCare, the Aging Services Access Point, for Cape Ann and other North Shore communities, wishes to thank these Rotarians for their commitment to Service Above Self.
The Rotary International Convention is sure proving to be an exciting event. Held in affordable Atlanta, June 10-14th, over 50 Rotarians and family members from our District are already signed up. And did you hear that Bill Gates is scheduled to speak live? We cannot wait to hear an update on how close we are to eradicating polio!
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." --Mahatma Gandhi
Our district is committed to solving homelessness and hunger through our Hunger & Homelessness Initiative. Join your fellow Rotarians on Saturday May 20th from 8:00 to 11:30 am at the District Conference using your passion and energy to partner with non-profit organizations that support the homeless.
Family Promise in Beverly: Rotarians will be painting two bathrooms and putting in laminate floors Family Promise's mission is to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
Citizens In Between in Peabody: Rotarians will be working on a playground project Citizens In Between: For every family we serve, break the patterns of instability that lead to homelessness.
Homeless Shelter in Lynn: information coming soon
Hawthorne Hotel in Salem: Rotarians will be making party bags for food pantry clients led by Amy Luckiewitz.
REGISTER NOW for this incredible opportunity for fun, fellowship and service!!
Don't forget to get a room at the Hawthorne early as Salem State University graduation is that weekend and we have only blocked out ten rooms. Ask for the Rotary District Conference when you register for a room!!
Does your daily activity restrict your ability to be who you could be? If so, plan on attending the Rotary Means Business meeting on a date to be determined in May. If you would like to help determine the date complete the doodle poll here.
Our presenter, or coach will be Linda Stacy. Linda is a public speaker, a workshop facilitator, and a productivity coach. Linda is inspired to help her audiences and clients achieve their best lives – their Best Selves – by way of energy management and the *brass tacks* of healthy, efficient productivity.
Linda understands that as humans we are complex and to be our best at work, at home, and at play, we must balance commitments, master time, listen to our bodies, respond to the world around us, and remain open to the possibilities!
Whew! Linda calls upon herself (1st and foremost!) and others to approach this abundance with child-like wonder – instead of the burden of overwhelm that often drains our energy.
Living and Working Deliberately to Reach Your Goals – manage your time and your environment to support your best work.
If you want to get a glimpse into how you can achieve the you that you want to be, join us at the McLane Middleton Law Center in Woburn at 6:00 pm for some networking and an introduction to managing your time in a way that will bring about happiness and enhanced performance!
District 7930’s District Assembly and Hunger and Homelessness Showcase are a unique opportunity to learn and grow in Rotary. There are three tracks available to all attendees. Choose one or attend all three!
The Showcase will feature non-profit organizations in our District who are ready to let Rotarians know who they are and what the need, not in donations, but in donations of “in-kind” services and volunteering. Bring your expertise and volunteer at an organization near you to help bookkeep, design a web, or do some printing. Forge a relationship that will carry though to your life and your community.
We have sad news to share with you, our dear friend in Rotary and founder of our club, Fraffie Welch, passed away on March 13, 2017.
“Fraffie was a strong leader and pioneer in the Rotary movement. She was among the first group of women to become members. She cared deeply about our club and was always helpful with her advice about how we should respect its people and traditions. I will miss her strength, good humor and many kindnesses.”
Bill Bartin
President
Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor
Fraffie Welch, Founder of Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor passes on at 79
If you are not sure, register for the 2017 District Assembly! Not only will we be providing training for secretaries, treasurers, and presidents-elect, we have lots more in store for you. With the successful workshop held in January, it has been decided to run another series of workshops a the Assembly in the areas of membership, public image, and communications & technology. If you missed the first one, and you are interested in increasing your club's success, definitely plan time to attend one or all three of these workshops. Each of these three areas are truly the responsibility of every member, and if we join together and create a well-oiled machine, we will be able to accomplish so much. Learn more here!
In addition, there will be a special Non-profit showcase which will bring together a multitude of organizations focused on the homelessness and hunger issues in our backyards. We are encouraging them to identify professional skills that they need assistance and reach out to Rotarians to fill those roles as volunteers. Our members have a broad range of skills that non-profits often cannot afford and our commitment to service may be the perfect answer. The opportunities will provide a deeper purpose and will make a huge difference in how these organizations move forward. If you would be willing to volunteer, please complete this short survey.We will keep your information confidential and will only use it to let you know if there is a match with one of the non-profits. Of course, you can attend the Showcase and introduce yourself.
So, register and come to the Assembly and learn how you can make Rotary better, in your community and around the world.
After a weekend of inspiration and collaboration, Presidents-elect from District 7930 and seven other districts around New England, are now prepared to complete the plans for their year of leadership in their clubs. Northeast PETS was totally transformed this year in order to help all incoming presidents to Inspire to Lead, Empower to Achieve. That was our promise to them and we are asking them to pay it forward in their clubs.
Thursday afternoon provided icebreakers with a purpose. Andy Winig challenged everyone to share Rotary with passion that inspires others to become engaged with our mission. Imagine 250+ people pairing off and practicing and beginning to master an effective "Why Rotary" elevator speech. Then it was off to three business networking opportunities with 10 people each: exchanging business cards, sharing their professional story, and developing relationships with other Rotarians. The last session of the afternoon was a presentation by Mitty Chang on How to Reshape Your Digital Story and learn how to engage young professionals. Lots of ideas and excitement were the story of the afternoon.
Ian Riseley, RI President-elect was our keynote speaker for dinner. His charm and sense of humor were clearly visible as he shared his vision of the 2017-18 Rotary theme: Rotary: Making a Difference. It is what we do as Rotarians every day. His unique spin on this is how important it is for Rotary to begin to track volunteer hours and dollars donated in service to the world. Each club has been asked to make sure they document the impact we have in ClubCentral so that RI can aggregate the worldwide numbers and demonstrate how critical Rotary is to those who need us.
Rotary Leadership Institute is a leadership development program of discovery learning, collaboration and the exchange of ideas designed to improve Rotary Clubs and strengthen lives. The program is energized by facilitated learning in the areas of leadership, team building, planning, marketing, communication and organization. It is further enriched through the sharing of experiences and ideas with Rotarians from our District and beyond.
Each session is highly interactive, with a minimum of lecturing, providing lots of opportunity to share and experience ideas. Sessions are led by Rotary leaders who have been trained in facilitation techniques that maximize the discovery learning experience. Most workshops are limited to 10-15 participants who participate in interactive discussion, role playing and problem solving activities.
Course fees are per registrant per day, and cover the cost of breakfast and lunch, meeting space, and learning tools. It is recommended that clubs cover the workshop fee. The District will reimburse clubs for one participant taking a Part I workshop in Peabody.
The Rotary Clubs of Reading and North Reading will jointly present the Taste of Metro North on March 29, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Reading Memorial High School Fieldhouse. This will be the 6th annual hosting of this popular food tasting event.
To date, 27 of the finest area restaurants will be represented. The restaurants will serve samplings of their menus. Admission is $25 for individuals and $50 for families if purchased online at www.tasteofmetronorth.com. Buy your tickets online and save $5 to $10. 2017 Taste of Metro North is returning to Reading after being hosted successfully in 2016 at North Reading High School. Last year over 400 people attended.
The following restaurants are participating: Bertucci's; Bunratty's Tavern; Caffe Nero; Chocolate Truffle; Christopher's; Coldstone Creamery; Dunkin Donuts; Fuddrucker's; Fusillis; Harrow's; Horseshoe Grill; Joe Fish; Kelly's Roast Beef; Kitty's; Laurie's 9:09; Legal C Bar; Oye's; Piantedosi Bakery; Reading Public Schools; Red Heat Tavern; Residence at Pearl Street; Roxy's Grilled Cheese; Ryer's Store; Sakura Organic; Starbucks; Teresa's Prime; Temazcal; and Wahlburgers. The Premier Sponsor for the event is the Savings Bank.
Earning the Presidential Citation is an honor and one that RI President John F. Germ hopes all clubs strive to achieve. The time limit for achieving the citation goals for the 2016-17 Rotary year is approaching rapidly. To earn the citation, please complete all activities and enter your accomplishments in Rotary’s database by 30 June.
How can I see my club's progress? Any member who has a My Rotary account can view their club's citation dashboard by signing in to My Rotary. Then, under Manage, in Club & District Administration, go to Reports and look under the "Awards" section. If a club member who isn’t an officer wants to record citation progress in Rotary Club Central, you can delegate your level of access (PDF) temporarily to allow them to do that.
Are Club Central Goals different from Presidential Citation Goals? Some of the goals in the 2016-17 Presidential Citation are tracked in Rotary Club Central. These are clearly marked in the Presidential Citation brochure (PDF). It is your responsibility as a club leader to ensure that you record your club’s achievement of these goals in Rotary Club Central on time.
What about the citation for Rotaract and Interact Clubs? You can view these reports in the same location. Rotaract club presidents can view their dashboard report and make updates on Rotary.org. In order to be nominated for the Presidential Citation, Interact clubs must also have their achievements reported to RI. In May, sponsor Rotary clubs will receive instructions for reporting Interact clubs that qualify for the Presidential Citation. RI cannot accept nominations by email, mail, or phone.
District 7930 Rotary Clubs are invited to suggest eligible Rotarians for the District Representative to the Rotary International 2017, 2018 and 2019 Councils on Resolutions and the 2019 Council on Legislation (COL). The term begins July 1, 2017. The COL will convene for the purpose of amending the constitutional documents of Rotary International. The selection shall be made by Club Election at the District 7930 Business meeting procedure as per RI By-Laws.
Any club in the district may suggest a candidate for Representative, but if a club suggests a Rotarian who is a member of a different club, the Rotarian's club must agree in writing for the nomination to be accepted. Clubs must provide a brief (one page suggested) resume indicating their candidate’s background and reason he or she should be selected.
To be eligible, the candidate must be a current member of a club in the District and must have served a full term as District Governor as at July 1 , 2017.
The Reading Memorial High School Interact Club traveled to Philadelphia on the weekend of March 10 to 12 on a field trip chaperoned by Reading Rotary. As part of the trip 14 Interact Members served meals to approximately 200 people at the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, a soup kitchen and homeless shelter. The RMHS Interact planned the trip to include both sightseeing and service. Inspired by the hunger and homelessness initiative in District 7930, Interact Club President Allie Foley said: "We really wanted to find a community service project that helped the homeless." In addition to serving dinner on Saturday evening, the Interact Club made fleece blankets to donate to Sunday Breakfast. Interact Sponsor Reading Rotary Club donated $500 to the Rescue Mission.
In addition to the service, the group toured some historic sites in Philadelphia, saw the Liberty Bell, raced Superintendent and Interact Club Advisor John Doherty up the Museum of Art step a la Rocky Balboa.
Other highlights of the trip were visiting Reading Terminal Market and seeing Philadelphia's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The Rotary District 7930 Softball League is looking for teams and players to join the league for the 2017 season. The league is an ASA sanctioned slow pitch league. Games are played Monday to Wednesday evenings starting the first week of May. Each team plays one game per week. The regular season ends the middle of July followed by playoff games.
Each team is allowed four non-Rotarians on their team if they can not field a team of Rotarians only. Some teams consist of Rotarians from several Rotary clubs so if your club cannot sponsor a team but you would like to play we will find a team near you that you can join. The league is a great opportunity for Rotarians from different Rotary clubs to get to know each other.
For information about the league please contact league commissioner Bruce Mauch at brucem@chelseaclock.com.
District Softball League Looking for Teams and Players
I would like to invite your Rotary Club to participate in the 2017 RYLA program. If you have already participated, you know that this is a fabulous program for high school students to develop leadership skills. If you are not familiar with RYLA, please indulge me and let me tell you about RYLA.
High School students from schools all over our district are invited to a weekend at Camp Rotary in Boxford. We can accept 80 students and the program is almost always a sell-out with a waiting list.
From the well-established Century House, to the new Berry Tavern, to over 20 other fabulous restaurants, join host Peabody Rotary Club for it popular annual “Taste of the North Shore” on Tuesday, March 21, from 6-9pm at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Danvers – a new, bigger location due to the popularity of the event. With Title Sponsors Fosters Point Financial, GraVoc, Metro Credit Union, MRG Construction, Peabody Wealth Advisors, Salem Five Bank, TD Bank, and hundreds of North Shore residents, you can enjoy the Rotary’s 13th Annual celebration featuring a variety of delectable food, lots of fun, and great entertainment.
Twenty-five of the area’s most popular restaurants will serve their tastiest dishes, from main courses to sides to desserts. In addition, a highlight of the evening will be the drawing of a $10,000 grand prize! Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two admissions to the Taste. Odds are in your favor as only 300 raffle tickets will be sold. The winner does not need to be present. Non-raffle admission is $40 per person.
This will be an exciting week for all of our incoming Presidents. On Thursday, March 9th, the afternoon program has been designed to provide new ways to approach communicating about Rotary. The first session is about how to introduce others to Rotary in a way that creates excitement about what we do and why. Directly following, there will be a business networking session which will bring us back to the roots of Rotary and provide an opportunity to use the the newly acquired or enhanced elevator speech skills. Finally, in the third session, the presentation will provide ways to use technology to enhance awareness about Rotary locally and around the globe.
Ian Riseley, the 2017-18 RI President, will be delivering a keynote to 450 Rotarians from around New England on Thursday evening! Ian is one of the most engaging speakers and is committed to documenting and increasing the impact that Rotary produces. The 2017-18 theme: Rotary: Making a Difference will be presented and he will share his thoughts on what Rotary can do in the coming year to fulfill the theme.
PETS has been entirely revamped, starting with the PrePETS programs that our Presidents-elect participated in over the past few months. The eight District Governors created a common curriculum which shifted the knowledge and technical aspects of club management to be delivered before PETS, so that we can focus on our theme: Inspire to Lead, Empower to Achieve. All of the programming will be focused on how to use the tools and programs that RI has to build and effectively engage membership, demonstrate how participating in Foundation Grants will increase vibrancy and develop additional leadership skills that will assist in building a stronger Rotary.
Please wish your Presidents-elect well and share in their excitement when they return all fired-up next week. There is much to do and Rotary needs each and every one of us to succeed.
You are invited to the Gloucester High School Interact Club's 10th annual Pizza Taste-Off on Wednesday, March 29, 5:30-7:30pm at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in Gloucester, MA. Taste them all for yourself and vote on the best!
Tickets on $10 (children 5 and under $5). Tickets are limited to 300 and will be available at the door.
All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Harrison Fiscus is a Life Scout in Troop 702 in Reading working to complete the Eagle rank. Harrison's Eagle Project was to construct a sixty one foot long boardwalk on a trail in Town Forest. The trail was extremely muddy and a hazard for hikers. Harrison's project added to the network of boardwalks throughout the Town Forest. Harrison had to plan with and get the approval of the Town Forest Committee, the Trails Committee and Conservation in Town. A Boy Scout Eagle Project must help a non-profit or community entity for the improvement of the community. Troop 702 Boy Scouts have completed many Projects in the Town Forest.
Reading Rotary's donation is part of an initiative in Rotary to forge a partnership with Boy and Girl Scouts as there is a natural commonality of purpose in these organizations. Reading Rotary is happy to be able to help Harrison achieve his lifelong goal of obtaining the Eagle Scout Rank. Harrison's Project was completed this past fall.
Photo caption: Rotarian Tim Kelley presents Harrison Fiscus with a donation supporting his Eagle Scout Project. Also pictured is Troop 702 Scoutmaster John Meyers.
June is only a few months away and registration for the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta is still open. Curious what to expect at this year's Rotary International Convention? If Bill Gates as a speaker isn't enough, check out some of the great learning and fellowship opportunities offered this year including:
over 90 offerings for breakouts
multiple speakers including international change-makers
District dinner, trip to Atlanta Aquarium and Coke World
The Rotary Club of Rockport hosted its Annual Valentine's Day Luncheon for the Senior Citizens of Rockport on Valentine's Day, February 14, at The Fish Shack Restaurant in Rockport. Approximately 90 seniors attended the event.
A delicious baked haddock dinner and dessert were provided by restaurant owners Karen and Ken Porter, and family. Tuck's Candy Factory at Dock Square provided beautiful chocolate treats for each participant. Gretchen Anderson of the Rockport Garden Club assembled ribboned long-stemmed carnations which were given out to the guests. Valentine's Day cards, created by four of Rockport Elementary School Art Teacher Simon Paddock's classes, were given to each participant. Two Rockport High School instrumentalists, Clara Mazo on the violin, and Jace Mason on the cello, played to an appreciative audience.
Finding nice persons in this big and complicated world is truly a magical thing. But for me? Finding fellow Rotarians isn't only magical.... It's a Blessing!!!!
This year's district conference is focusing on Service and Fellowship, the foundations of Rotary. Join us Saturday night to give thanks to your Rotarian Friendships at a Party Not to Be Missed!!
We end the District Conference with an all out party at the Hawthorne Inn including the Parade of Presidents, dinner and, Yes, Dancing!!
Our own Bill Beckman, President of the Rotary Club of Beverly, will be performing with his band Horizon & The Horns, an award-winning Boston band that's played all over New England over the last 3 decades. They play music from all genres to keep you and your guests on the dance floor all night long!
Full conference package as well as a-la-carte available. Don't wait!! Save your spot for this magical Service and Fellowship Conference. Register here.
Title Quote from Paul Harris My Road to Rotary
“Friendship was the foundation rock on which Rotary was built and tolerance is the element which holds it together.”
The Rotary Club of Lynnfield, with support from Rotary International, District 7930, Wachusett area clubs and India clubs, completed a $42,160 Girls School project in rural central India. This Grant provided 480 desks for eight schools, which will provide seating for up to 1,500 girls a year-- 15,000 girls over the expected 10-year life of the desks. In addition to the desks, the project included rain water collection and purification by reverse osmosis filters to provide clean drinking water, and computers, projectors and screens. This impacts several areas of focus for RI-- Education & Literacy and Clean Water & Hygiene.
Based on the success of this project, RI has approved another Grant with a budget of $69,000 to complete another 13 girls schools in rural central India. The Rotary Club of Lynnfield is proud to participate in this venture too.
(please click the READ MORE link for a photo gallery)
"Magic is about creating a moment of awe and astonishment. And that can be a beautiful thing." -- David Blaine
Join your fellow Rotarians for a fun filled weekend to celebrate DG Sheryl Meehan's and Your Club President's Year!!!!
Don't miss this magical party!!!! Let the fun begin!!!!
Friday, May 19th: Pub Crawl Highlights following the Hannah Glover Cruise--
FIRST STOP 9-10 pm: SEA LEVEL AT PICKERING WHARF. Located on historic Pickering Wharf overlooking picturesque Salem Harbor, Sea Level Oyster Bar is big, fun, and delicious. It’s what summer in New England is all about.
SECOND STOP 10-11 pm: NATHANIEL'S at Hawthorne Inn. The Hawthorne Hotel has been a Salem landmark since 1925 and reflects on a rich heritage with famous guests such as U.S. presidents and Hollywood.
Want to continue the Party?? Join us in the Hospitality Suite at the Hawthorne Hotel.
Make Your Own Magic! Join Us at The District Conference. REGISTER NOW!
Title quote by Marcia Wieder
"Every Day Use Your Magic to Be of Service to Others"
Chelsea Rotary Fundraising Night is coming up soon: Thursday March 2, 2017.
This year’s fundraiser supports two of our projects-- Scholarships and a “Pantry of Necessities” for homeless schoolchildren. We award $7500 in scholarships to five deserving Chelsea students as they enter college and this year we are launching a “Pantry of Necessities” to provide toiletry items to homeless Chelsea schoolchildren.
There are five ways you can help.
1. TAKE A CHANCE “WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO” RAFFLE
Win $1000 in travel on Delta Airlines. There are 2 $500 vouchers for travel anywhere, anytime, any class. The world is waiting!
Posted by John F. Germ, 2016-17 RI President on Feb 14, 2017
I am thrilled to announce that Bill Gates will be speaking this June at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta. Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have been working together on polio eradication for a long time, and our strong partnership will continue through the final years of the effort.
Bill and his wife, Melinda, in their much-anticipated Annual Letter, released today, offer a glimpse of their appreciation for Rotary and the incredible progress we’ve made toward polio eradication through our joint effort with national governments, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
With the most effective resources in place, it’s possible that we have seen, or soon will see, the last case of polio in history. At the convention, Bill will say more about how we can — and will — end polio together.
I hope you will join me and Bill at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 10-14 June. This is one speaker you’re not going to want to miss. Register now.
I remember feeling so horribly hot, sweaty and the pains in my legs were horrendous! I felt so achy all over, my neck felt so stiff! That was the day I started a journey working through my fears and physical problems with the help of so many wonderful people. That day, my father carried me into Children’s Hospital and, after being evaluated; I was taken away from my parents to a ward for children with contagious cases of polio. Until then, I had never seen a child in crutches, paralyzed by the ravages of polio. However, that day I entered their world and was one of them. During the 1940’s and 1950’s, the annual number of polio cases in the United States peaked to approximately 58,000 cases a year. Many, showed no symptoms or minor symptoms and quickly recovered. Some of us weren’t as lucky.
As Rotarians, we understand what service is about. Service runs through our veins. It motivates us get up in the morning. It feeds our souls. One small gesture for another's well-being brings us joy beyond measure; often more joy than the person on the receiving end. Imagine taking that one more step. Imagine bringing Peace Through Service.
There is an extremely dedicated group of volunteers in Syria who risk their lives daily to pull fellow humans from bombed buildings. They are called the "White Helmets" and in the past 4 years they have rescued 74,000 men, women and children. The White Helmets are a non-governmental Syrian Defense group who have consciously decided not to take political sides. They just want to save the lives of their neighbors.
Join us for the World Peace and Understanding Dinner as we learn more about how they are creating Peace Through Service.
World Peace and Understanding Dinner
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 6:00 pm.
Cost $55/person.
Four Points By Sheraton, Wakefield, MA
Rotary Internatioal President-elect Ian Riseley announced the theme for the 2017-2018 Rotary year - Rotary: Making a Difference. How appropriate, as it is what we do every day.
Key elements to his plan for the year are protecting the environment and doing what we can do to curb climate change.
Ian challenged every Rotary club to make a difference by planting a tree for each of its members between the start of the Rotary year on 1 July and Earth Day on 22 April 2018. Trees remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which slows global warming.
Do you know about RYLA-- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards?
Check out this RYLA video from a few years ago (some of the dates and other details are out of date). This year's RYLA will be held on June 2-4, 2017.
If your club hasn't participated in the past, you should consider this amazing program for your high school students!
Have questions? Contact Rotarians Jim Babbin, Andy Maddox, David Gardner, Evan Diamond, Peter Majane, Tracy Arabian, Julie Geary, or Keith Harris-- they'll tell you more than you ever imagined possible.
2017 DISTRICT 7930 POLAR PLUNGE LEVERAGING YOUR MONEYS 2-FOR-1 GIVE YOUR ALL: END POLIO NOW
Did you know that whatever you donate, solicit in pledges, or contribute in sponsorships for this year’s Polar Plunge effort gets matched $2 for each dollar raised for polio by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in its partnership agreement with Rotary International?
Think about it! For every $100 raised by you, $200 is matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a total contribution of $300 to eradicate Polio in the world. This could be the year! Rotary International and its worldwide partners; the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; World Health Organization; Center for Disease Control and Prevention; and UNICEF are working together to maximize all resources to eradicate polio everywhere in the world. Please provide your generous support!
Rotarians are generous in giving their time, talent and treasure. It's key that we continue to give to our Rotary Foundation's programs, including the Annual Fund. So again, this year, we're committed to the Other People's Money, or OPM, Strategy. Instead of reaching into your own pocket, the Plunge Committee is asking you to ask a friend, neighbor, family or co-worker to sponsor your plunge or virtual plunge. This strategy has been proven to increase awareness of polio eradication and increase fundraising!
Want proof? The number one club for the past 2 years has hit the $20k mark in polio fundraising. How much of that was OPM? Last year it was 75% of their total donations!
Daily we hear disparaging news from Syria and we wrench our hands feeling so helpless in combating this atrocity. Families are trapped in their homes, then surrounded, tortured and killed by their own government, backed by Russian forces as they bomb residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools and drinking water aquifers.
On February 8 we are hosting Sam Khatib, a national leader in the Syrian American Council as he shares thoughts on a few life-saving efforts and what we can do to help.
Heros of Peace - "The White Helmets" are 3,000 heroic volunteers who selflessly rescue people from bombed buildings throughout Syria. They run to buildings after the bombs have fallen; and to date they have saved 74,000 people. The White Helmets are Nobel Peace Prize nominees and recipients of US assistance through the US Agency for International Development.
Local efforts to gather and send assistance to refugees in Syria and Turkey through NuDay Syria.
4.8 million refugees have fled Syria. 10,000 Syrians have come to the U.S. and a handful have found their way to New England.
As Rotarians we feel the call. It rattles us when we know we want to help but don't know how. Come. Learn. Act thoughtfully.
World Peace and Understanding Dinner
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 6:00 pm.
Cost $55/person.
Four Points By Sheraton, Wakefield, MA
Syria - Half a world away. Torn apart by civil war. Victimized by international forces beyond their control. Can we do more than watch helplessly from the sidelines? Yes - we can! We are Rotarians. We are driven to make a difference, to work for peace wherever it is absent.
Join us. Become informed. Leave Inspired. This is Rotary Serving Humanity.
World Peace and Understanding Dinner
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 6:00 pm.
Cost $55/person.
Four Points By Sheraton, Wakefield, MA
It's time! Our Polar Plunge will be held on Saturday, February 4th in Gloucester. Registration is now available! Please see the instructions page and flyer links for detailed. Please remember that friends, families, and Interactors are welcome to join us! "Virtual plunging" is always an option as well for those who want to support fundraising efforts, but not go into the water. Each dollar will be again matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation!
We're thrilled to offer three opportunities for furthering your education in the areas of Public Image, Membership and Technology and Communications. These Workshops will be offered completely FREE to all Rotarians.
Here's the schedule:
Monday, January 30th in Woburn. register here
Thursday, February 16th in East Boston register here
Wednesday, April 19th in Danvers (at the District Assembly)
Each session offers 3 great tracks. Sign up for 1 or attend all! Please see the workshop flyer for more information.
On Tuesday, November 8th, the Rotary Club of Chelsea hosted veterans from all five branches of the armed services to its Annual Veterans Luncheon “A Salute to Service.” There were over 50 veterans and Rotarians in attendance at the luncheon held in the Terranova Grille at the Wyndham Boston/Chelsea. Each veteran in attendance was invited to introduce themselves, the branch of the military they served in and tell a short story they may have from their time in the service. Each veteran was presented with a token of the club's appreciation for their attendance and their service. After the inspirational remarks from our greetings given by the Chelsea City Manager Thomas Ambrosino and the inspirational remarks by the Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services, Francisco Urena, each veteran was presented with a token of the club’s appreciation for their attendance and their service. The event was concluded with the singing of the Armed Forces Medley of Songs from Army, Navy, Marines, Coat Guard, and Air Force by the veterans present. Also among those present were Soldiers Home, Superintendent Cheryl Poppe and Veterans Services Officer, Francisco Toro. The Secretary of Veterans Services shared with the attendees about his story in military and that Massachusetts is leading the nation where in every town and city in the commonwealth there is a Director of Veteran Services there to provide for and care for our over 365,000 veterans in the state.
In addition to the Annual Veterans' Luncheon, the Chelsea Rotary Club hosts veterans in August to a cruise around Boston Harbor and a delicious cookout held in conjunction with the Winter Hill Yacht Club. The Chelsea Rotary Club thanks all veterans for their service to our country and hopes to see more of them at our annual events honoring them in 2017.
26 years ago, the Town of Reading created a program called Adopt-a-Family. The program would match Reading people in need with Reading residents or organizations. At Thanksgiving, a holiday meal is provided by the donor family, while at Christmas, the donation consists of a meal and gifts for children under 18 and adult children with disabilities. Ten years ago the club jumped in to help as budget cuts reduced staffing on the project. Soon after, the Rotary Club assumed responsibility with another smaller organization in town called ReadingCares. This year, more than 200 donor families and organizations stepped forward to make this Thanksgiving and Christmas a memorable one for nearly 50 families in Reading. The process is a team effort in getting the word out to the community. Then once the donors and recipients are registered, much of the work can take place online as a result of the clubs interest in streamlining. The fruits of the labor are seen on Distribution Day just prior to the holiday. Donors arrive at the DPW Garage early and drop their donation which is organized by the volunteers and a few hours later the recipient families arrive at the garage to pick up their donation. The entire process is kept anonymous to both the donors and the recipients.
Standing before the donations this past Distribution Day are: Betsy Schneider, ReadingCares, Julie Redard, Linda Ananian, Brian Snell, Reading Rotary President-Elect, John Doherty, Rotary Past President, Kerry Valle, Joanne Redard, Linda Lydecker, Brian Tobin, Joe Ferioli, Brian Crosby, Rotary Past President.Missing from picture: Linda Snell, Gregg Johnson, Rotary Past President, Richard Lombardo, Rotary Past President, John Douglas, Rotary Past President.
Another Successful Year for Adopt-a-Family and Reading Rotary
The Rotary International Convention in Atlanta is months away, but already the district has reached its goal of 50 registrants! But we're not full! The district is planning several fellowship events including a trip to the Georgia Aquarium and more. Friends and family are always welcome! 19 Clubs have committed to sending a representative. Can we make it 25? If you are interested in registering still, please contact Amy Luckiewicz at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com and she'll help you register online.
A big thanks to the following clubs who are sending representatives:
Amesbury (4)
Arlington (1)
Belle Isle (1)
Chelsea (1)
Danvers (1)
E-Club (2)
Hamilton-Wenham (3)
Ipswich (1)
Effective January 3, 2017 the Rotary Club of Chelsea will be holding its regular Tuesday luncheon meetings at the Dockside Restaurant, 170 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150.
Meetings will start at 12:15 pm.
Telephone number for the Dockside Restaurant is (617) 466-0031.
As a fundraiser to benefit the Polar Plunge, Peabody Rotary will hold a Trivia Night Fundraiser on Thursday, January 5th, 2017, at the AOH Hall, 58 Lowell Street in Peabody. The doors will open at 6:00PM and the games will begin at 7:00PM. There will be free hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle.
The registration fee is $150 per team of five. If a team is interested in playing, please call Karen Conard at 508-265-0229. Complete your registration form and bring it and your payment to the event. Download printable registration form here.
Peabody Rotary wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season and a HEALTHY 2017!
Peabody Rotary to Hold Trivia Night to Benefit Polar Plunge
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently recognized fourteen of its members who have reached perfect attendance during the Rotary year 2015-16. Although the minimum attendance requirements by Rotary International have eased, many of the Wakefield Rotarians take pride in attaining or maintaining perfect attendance. This is achieved by attending regular weekly meetings, by visiting other clubs both locally and world-wide or by attending an e-meeting online. “It really shows the commitment our members have to Rotary and the community,” commented immediate past Club President Bob Kimball, who presented the recognitions. Kimball along with fellow members Joe Buscaino, Jim Fitzgerald, Bruce Donovan, Tom Stapleton, Amy Luckiewicz, Lisa Roderick, Elaine Guaetta, Suzanne Bowering, Judy Gordon, Fred Singer, Jim Tarpey, Frank Fiorentino and Jay Curley have accrued a cumulative number of 229 years in perfect attendance. Curley received special notice for his 45 years straight of perfect attendance.
This is our chance to help the children of the world by helping to fund polio eradication efforts. In 1988 there were 350,000 new cases of Polio worldwide. Through October 2016 there have only been 27 new cases. The goal of Rotary and its partners is to completely eradicate the polio virus. Without the complete eradication the virus could infect 100,000 within 10 years.
The members of the 47 clubs in our District have come together over the last several years for our annual Polar Plunge event at Long Beach. These members and supporters have made a significant statement of caring for the children of the world.
Links to our fundraising page will shortly be forwarded to the President of your club and on the District 7930 website.
Charitable Gift Will Reduce Cost and Waste for Free Meals for Locals in Crisis.
Today members of the Rockport Rotary Club delivered a truckload of new 100 commercial-quality place settings to the Grace Center. The plates, bowls, mugs, cups, and silverware will be used for the Grace Center’s program of free breakfast and lunch for area residents in need, which currently feeds an average of 70 people a day.
Presenting the gift were Rockport Rotarians Mary Ciaraldi, Publicity Chair and realtor at J. Barrett & Company; Anne Lewis, retired, who heads the group’s grants committee; Rev. Derek van Gulden, pastor of the Rockport Congregational Church; Jack Reed, President of the Rockport Rotary Club; Bob Gillis, EVP of Cape Ann Savings Bank; and Elise Sinagra, Director of Sales, Marketing & Community Integration at Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (not pictured).
Accepting the gift were Grace Center Executive Director Rev. Thomas Bentley and co-founder Rev. Anne Deneen. “Since we started in 2011, the Grace Center has relied on expensive paper products, but this commercial-quality bamboo melamine set will dramatically reduce costs and trash,” explained Rev. Bentley. “We are so grateful to the Rockport Rotary and Rotary District 7930 for this generous gift and for making the Grace Center part of their homelessness and hunger initiative.”
“The Rockport Rotary raises money to support local initiatives that are sustainable, and this is something that meets a great need,” explained Anne Lewis, who oversees the groups charitable giving. “The Rockport Rotary raised $2,000 and our district matched our gift.”
Experience the Magic of Your Presidency and DG Sheryl Meehan's year by attending the District Conference May 19, 20 Salem Mass. The Presidents from Salem, Lynn, Beverly, Danvers, Peabody and Ipswich are spearheading this celebration. Here are some highlights:
Friday May 19th Noon: DG Sheryl Meehan is asking you to hold your meeting at the Hawthorne Inn in Salem for Remembrance of Fellow Rotarians who have passed, awards, fellowship and more!!
Friday Night Cruise on the Hannah Glover from 6-9 followed by a pub crawl through downtown Salem.
Saturday Morning: Join fellow Rotarians on service projects around the Salem area organized by our Presidents. The focus will be on homelessness. Family, friends, Interactors and Rotaractors are all welcome. Lunch will follow with highlights from the projects.
Saturday Afternoon: A scavenger hunt is planned around Salem and Rotaract will be providing training sessions.
Saturday Night: FUN! FUN! FUN! Dinner and dancing to Finish off our celebration!!We are pleased to announce our very own Bill Beckman will be performing with his band Horizon & the Horns! A night NOT to miss!!!
The committee is busy finalizing details. Registration will begin in January so be on the look out for further information and cost. Register early!! Expected to be a sell out!!!
If you wish to stay at the Hawthorne Inn I suggest you call soon as only 10 rooms were held and it is also the graduation weekend of Salem State University. Ask for the Rotary District Conference.
In December the Reading Rotary Club visited kindergarten classes to distribute reading books and book bags to every kindergarten student in the Reading Public Schools. Reading Rotary picked this project to advance one of Rotary six areas of focus: basic education and literacy. Reading Rotary looks for projects to help those who are in need, provide support to young people to reach new heights and support organizations who are also doing great work in supporting others.
The Rotary Reader Project was adapted from Mary Kate Kelley’s Girl Scout Gold Award literacy bag project; Mary Kate is a Past President of the Reading Memorial High School Interact Club and one of its Charter Members. This project involved the RMHS Interact as Interact Members helped assemble the bags for distribution. Each drawstring book bag contained two reading books and information about Rotary.
During each holiday season, SeniorCare’s Meals on Wheels program gives a small gift to each of our homebound elders who receive daily Meals on Wheels lunches. These gifts are delivered with their meal around the middle of December.
SeniorCare would like to thank the Ipswich Rotary Club and the Gloucester Rotary Club for assisting with the cost of these gifts in each of their communities. Rotary’s generosity is greatly appreciated!
Meals on Wheels is a nationwide program that provides a nutritious meal to homebound elders daily. SeniorCare provides these meals to more than 1,500 seniors throughout the North Shore area. Approximately 100 seniors in Ipswich receive a daily lunch. Many times, the delivery driver is the only contact during the day for these seniors.
About SeniorCare SeniorCare Inc. serves nine communities on Boston’s North Shore, serving more than 27,000 residents aged 60 and over. We provide services to adults with disabilities and elders in Beverly, Essex, Ipswich, Gloucester, Hamilton, Manchester by the Sea, Rockport, Topsfield and Wenham. Established in 1972, SeniorCare’s volunteers and staff work to fulfill its mission as a consumer-centered organization which provides and coordinates services to elders and others. This allows them to live independently at home or in a setting of their choice, while remaining part of their community.
Members of the Burlington Rotary's Interact Club gathered to present over 1800 pairs of white athletic socks to US military veterans.
The socks were collected by members of the Burlington High School Interact Club who placed collection boxes around town and Burlington Rotary Club members. Particular thanks go to to Burlington Rotary member Lisa Healey who collected an amazing 1549 pairs of socks through requests to friends, coworkers and acquaintances. Many of the students pictured above are holding pairs of socks to be turned over to veterans.
Three US military veterans attended the meeting. They accepted and took the socks to where they will be given to other veterans who need them.
The Gloucester High School Interact held their annual Holiday Party for the children of Gloucester this past weekend at Pathways for Children. Dozens of families with almost 200 children attended the party, where they made arts & crafts, played games, decorated cookies, listened to holiday story-telling, enjoyed a delicious lunch and met with Santa.
This annual event is planned and executed completely by the Gloucester High School Interact Club members.
In November, Ipswich Rotary completed a very successful “Sock Drive for the Homeless”, part of the club’s ongoing Homelessness and Hunger Initiative. Rev. Brian Gearin of Starlight Ministries in Boston joined the club at a breakfast meeting to describe the need and to help the Rotarians understand how good people can suddenly find themselves homeless.
Following the meeting, the club packed Rev. Gearin’s car chock full of socks collected during the drive. Yes, we left a bit of room in the car for Rev. Gearin.
Did you catch this in December’s Rotarian Magazine?
If you read the December edition of the Rotarian magazine, you may have found some worthwhile and thought provoking material.
The following snippets from articles show what Rotarians are doing or what others are saying about Rotary. They provide beneficial ideas as we work to grow membership and encourage and foster the ideal of service to others. Doing good in the world because of Rotary Serving Humanity.
It is my honor to announce the District 7930 Nominating Committee’s selection of the 2019 – 2020 District Governor of District 7930 – Joan Kelly Arsenault of the Ipswich Rotary Club.
Joan Arsenault has worked in the medical arena as a Speech-Language Pathologist since 1981 and has been the CEO/Managing Partner of MassTex Imaging, LLC since 2006. Joan is one of 20 Speech Pathologists in New England Board Certified in Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders. She sits on the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders and is a member of the Speech Pathology Associations in MA, ME, NH and the CT Medical Speech Pathology State Association Group. Joan is an Adjunct Professor at MGH Institute of Health Professions and Northeastern University supervising graduate students as well as guest lecturing. Joan received a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Memphis and Bachelors of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Stockton State College. Joan has continued to conduct research, presentations and written numerous articles on her chosen profession and medical expertise.
Read more about Joan and the bylaws as they pertain to approval or challenge to the nomination as recommended by the District Nominating Committee.
The Rotary clubs of Marblehead and Marblehead Harbor were delighted to host Friends Forever teens from Northern Ireland for a day of fun and sharing. Started in 1986 by Rotarian, Bob Raiche, Friends Forever (FF) has spanned three decades with one goal: to create trust, empathy and friendships between cultures in conflict - ONE YOUTH AT A TIME. Having its roots in the Northern Ireland Protestant/Catholic conflict, FF has opened the gates to Palestinian/Israeli and Uganda youths as well as expanding the nature of the Irish program to new groups entering the area bringing even more differences. The year long commitment to work together toward a more peaceful world spans far beyond with these teens and their uncanny ability to really change their family and friends and all of the people they meet here in the US. Ironically, coming to the States as the “Life Raft Formula” to show the new groups how people of different religions, origins and backgrounds get along with no problem, now works both ways. The teens meet up with a delegation from MHS Interact students for the day and the conversations are most revealing - on both sides! They spend a very joyful day of discovery!
Pictured here are Burlington Rotarians and helpers standing in front of boxes of frozen turkeys shortly before the turkeys and all the other foods for a lovely Thanksgiving Day meal were given to families in need of them. This is an ongoing annual activity of the Burlington Food Pantry and takes place at the UCC Church in Burlington. Our club
has been participating in the program for over ten years and this year our activities included transporting the frozen turkeys from the Boston Food Bank and storing them in a freezer courtesy of Shaws Supermarket. The day of the event Rotarians moved the turkeys from Shaws Supermarket to the UCC Church where they stayed to assist families in gathering their turkeys and groceries for Thanksgiving and helping move them to their vehicles.
On Friday night, November 18, the Reading Rotary held its annual fundraising Auction. This was the 17th year. The Fall Auction was held this year at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham. 200 guests packed the room and bid on silent and live auction items, raffles and lucky "leaves" containing gift cards. The event was Chaired by Tim Kelley, Lori Foley and Christine Kelley. Rotarians John Douglass and Steve Chuha reprised their roles as Auctioneers. John and Steve entertained the crowd as Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. From sponsorships, silent and live auction items and raffle items, Reading expects its final net will be over $25,000.00 for Reading Rotary's community commitments.
Posted by David Boudreau - Rotaplast Co-Ambassador on Nov 22, 2016
Members of the latest mission to Cebu, Philippines were honored by our District at a surprise dinner held November 14 at Stonewood Tavern in Peabody!
The team was just back serving as non-medical volunteers from District 7930, which generously sponsored the mission to Cebu from October 9-22, 2016. This is the 11th time our District has sponsored a lifesaving Rotaplast mission! The non-medical volunteers who assisted in providing 105 children with reconstructive surgery are:
Bob Arsenault (Ipswich Rotarian)
Ray Bastarache (Lynn Rotarian)
William Beckman (Beverly Rotarian)
Lisa Collin (Amesbury Rotarian and Rotaplast co-Ambassador)
The Salem Rotary Club was selected as the District Instagram Contest. 13 photos were submitted to be the first District Instagram featured on our page @Rotary7930. Salem will also receive a customized pop-up banner for them to use when out in the town and at events. All photos will be published over the next several weeks. Want to share a photo to our Instagram? Send them with caption to Amy at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com. To view the winning photo, visit our page https://www.instagram.com/rotary7930.
Help is needed at the District Level for the jobs that keep the District running. They are jobs of responsibility, but jobs that need a steady hand and a willing mind. These are the jobs of Assistant District Secretary and Assistant District Treasurer.
The Assistant Secretary reports to the District Secretary and assists in the performance of her/his duties. To quote the District by-laws: “The Assistant Secretary shall perform such duties as requested by the District Governor and in the absence or disability of the Secretary perform the duties of the Secretary and act in his/her stead.”
The duties of the District Secretary are delineated in the by-laws as :
A club visioning session provides a vision for the future of the Club, and a written plan that promotes consensus, consistency, and continuity. The statement of goals and initiatives developed during a vision session provides a road map that’s easy for leaders and club members to grasp, and implement. It serves as a foundational piece for any club that wants to grow and become more effective.
Club visioning defines and celebrates the unique culture of each club through a facilitated delivery of exercises. Visioning allows the club members to dream about what their club could become. From this dream comes a new sense of identity and a renewed commitment to make a club better.
District 7930 knows how to party! One hundred and sixty-five Rotarians from thirty-one clubs gathered last Friday evening at the Danversport Yacht Club to celebrate the 100th birthday of The Rotary Foundation. Balloons, crowns, party hats, horns and birthday cake were the order of the evening. The party was a celebration of all that we, as individual Rotarians and as clubs, do to save and change lives in our communities and in the international community of the world.
Eight clubs, Salem, Woburn, Peabody, Stoneham, Amesbury, Rockport, Arlington and Burlington Breakfast recognized new and multiple Paul Harris Fellows. District Foundation Chair, Liz Cullen, on behalf of The Rotary Foundation, recognized our newest Major Donor, Mark Golub, from the Rotary Club of Malden. The Foundation also recognized Alexander Falk, Rotary Club of Marblehead, and Julia Phelps and Steve Mackenzie, Rotary Club of Amesbury, for achievement of Level II Major Donor status and for their generous bequests to the Endowment Fund.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals has recognized The Rotary Foundation with its annual Award for Outstanding Foundation.
The award honors organizations that show philanthropic commitment and leadership through financial support, innovation, encouragement of others, and involvement in public affairs. Some of the boldest names in American giving — Kellogg, Komen, and MacArthur, among others —are past honorees.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the AFP, which gives us even more reason to celebrate during our Foundation’s centennial year,” says Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Kalyan Banerjee. “The continued strong support of Rotary members will help us keep our promise of a polio-free world for all children and enable the Foundation to carry out its mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace. We look forward to another 100 years of Rotary members taking action to make communities better around the world.”
The announcement came on 15 November, known to industry professionals since the 1980s as National Philanthropy Day. The award will be presented in early 2017 at the AFP’s annual conference in San Francisco.
On October 2nd, Peabody celebrated its 100th birthday as a city with one of the largest parades in recent memory. Peabody Rotarians entered a float featuring many of the projects the club and RI has worked on, including actual running water. The float was designed by and the work overseen by member Stephanie Johnson, who was also preparing to go to Cebu City the following week. Depicted on the float were our District Managed Grant project of cleaning Farnham Park and providing handicapped accessible playground equipment, clean water, scholarships, Polar Plunge, cleft palate missions, hunger and homelessness initiative, the Rotary wheel and the 4-Way Test. Most club members, too numerous to list here, worked on the float over a two week period.
Posted by David Gardner from Rotary Leader on Nov 11, 2016
When you hold a fundraiser like a barbecue, rubber duck race, or beer tasting event, in addition to raising money for your project or cause, you make people aware of your club, and you enable potential members to experience the fun and fellowship that Rotary offers.
Rotary Vice President Jennifer Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, in Ontario, Canada, has used her background in advertising and marketing to promote events for her club and Rotary. These have included a Rollin’ With Rotary road trip that made Rotary front-page news in communities from Windsor to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA.
“For me it’s all about creating ‘the hook’ — that special magic dust that makes people want to engage in what we’re doing,” says Jones. “One of my favorite tips when organizing an event is to ask a local, national, or international figure to become the event’s honorary chair.
Rows of American flags will by flying in front of Arlington High School from November 1st - 13th, to recognize the deceased and thank the living. For some visitors, it is a place of contemplation. For others, it is a place to run with their children through a sea of red, white and blue. For everyone, it becomes a place of reflection for the people who have been the heroes in our lives.
On Sunday, November 6th, the Arlington Rotary Club held a ceremony honoring Kenneth Simmons and the many people who were acknowledged through the presentation of a flag in their name. Over 120 flags are being flown in honor of members of our Armed Forces, Police and Fire Personnel, First Responders, Parents, Teachers, Coaches, Mentors, and Community Leaders. The display is absolutely magnificent and represents all that is good in the world. If you get a chance to visit the display, you can find it on the front lawn or the Arlington High School until November 13th.
Flags for Heroes is a fund raising activity sponsored by the Rotary Club of Arlington and will not only demonstrate appreciation for all those who serve our nation and our communities, it provides the funds to further impact Arlington in meaningful ways.
10 Rotary Clubs recently participated in a project with End Hunger New England to prepare, pack and fund for 16,000 meals. Members of the Rotary Club joined a team of over 100 Rotarians, friends and family at the Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield last Tuesday afternoon. The project started at 7:30 am when Rotarians brought the production line and raw materials from curb side on into the ballroom where the event was held. Matthew Martin, the area director for Outreach, Inc., parent company of End Hunger New England, provided a brief overview of their mission and instructions on how to maximize the process.
As part of the Rotary District 7930's Homelessness and Hunger Imitative, the project funded beans, rice and vegetables fortified with vitamins. Project Coordinator and Wakefield Rotarian Mario Portillo explained, "We selected that meal because it was both kosher and gluten-free. We wanted it to be appealing to both children and adults." The delivery process began immediately after the packaging event. Clubs took a portion of the meals and returned to their local communities to donate to those in need. Many thanks to Rotarians from Wakefield, Reading, Lynn, Lynnfield, Belle Isle, Stoneham, Saugus, Hamilton-Wenham, Peabody and Danvers for your hard work! Additional meals were donated to benefit Haiti and will be sent via Outreach, Inc.
Last Sunday, under an inky, grey sky and in the presence of the color guard from the U.S.S. Constitution and with bagpipes majestically playing the “Marines Hymn” -- over one hundred runners participated in the the third annual Don Humphreys Veterans Memorial road race. Prior to the race start, Congressman Seth Moulton, a retired U.S. Marine Corp veteran, delivered a moving talk about Don Humphreys and the impact Mr. Humphreys had on our community and on Mr. Moulton’s life.
Runners took a scenic pass through downtown Marblehead and were supported by dozens of Marblehead Rotary Club volunteers. When the race was completed, all the participants were invited to share snacks and stories at the Boston Yacht Club. Overlooking a stunning beautiful, but stark, Marblehead Harbor, the winners were given gift certificates and all the participates were grateful to have helped further an important cause.
All proceeds from this race will support the Marblehead Rotary Club’s scholarship program and will provide a funds to support a son or daughter of a veteran or a student entering a military academy.
Don Humphreys Veterans Memorial 5K Road Race – a third annual success
At first glance, we all seem to manage our time exactly the same. We all get 24 hours a day. It is what we do with it that can impact our lives in meaningful ways. If you are not achieving your personal and professional goals as you had planned, perhaps the process is what is broken, not your desire.
If you would like to begin to delve into how to make the changes to drive more impact, you might want to attend the next meeting of Rotary Means Business. Our featured speaker is Linda Stacy. Linda is a Boston-based Productivity Specialist and author of The Whole Package Professional: The Definitive Guide to Productivity, Success and Fulfillment in Business and Life. She created the LivingBluPrints System based on her experience as busy professional in the management consulting industry, an entrepreneur, and years of research, training, and living her best life.
We have not yet chosen a date for the event because we want to impact as many Rotarians and friends as possible. If you let us know the dates you are available in the doodle poll, http://doodle.com/poll/h2x9kpa5zxnwh7nr, we will be sure to choose the most popular date.
Keep an eye out for the date in the next few days, and yes, we will send an email reminder to everyone who sends an email to djg@boydsdirect.com. If you would like to be added to theRotary Means Business contact list, please let me know that as well. Otherwise, it will be listed in next weeks eBulletin.
On Friday night, November 18, 2016 we will be celebrating the 100th birthday of the Rotary Foundation, OUR Rotary Foundation. That evening clubs and individuals will be recognizing new Paul Harris Fellows. Have you ever wondered, who was our first Paul Harris Fellow and when did that recognition take place?
The idea of recognizing a Rotarian who has personally contributed $1,000 or has had a $1,000 contributed in their name occurred in 1957. That year two Rotarians were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. One of those gentlemen was Rufus, also known as “Rough-House,” Chapin, one of Paul Harris’ closest friends. Chapin joined the Rotary Club of Chicago in 1905 when the club was just a few months old. He was a banker, who had a great sense of humor. He gave of his time and talents for many years without hesitation. In fact, he served treasurer for 33 years. Some things never change in Rotary! He died in 1947, so his Paul Harris Fellow recognition was given to him posthumously.
On November 18th, you and members of your club will have the opportunity to name Rotarians, friends of Rotary, community members and/or family members as Paul Harris Fellows. They will join the ranks of over 3,300 men and women in District 7930 that have also received this recognition and millions who have received this recognition around the world.
That evening we will also hear from author, David C Forward, who wrote Doing Good in the World. David is currently the Governor of Rotary District 7500 in New Jersey. He’s been a Rotarian since 1978 and wrote A Century of Service: The Story of Rotary International, that chronicled our first 100 years as an organization. A very sought after speaker, he will share with us other memorable stories of Rotarians and our Foundation that evening.
Make sure you register today for a fun and informative evening when we celebrate 100 years of our Foundation making the world a better place.
I can’t believe that November is here! Where has the time flown? During the last few months, I have focused on club visits and have been amazed by what our members consistently do – day in and day out! Every club, no matter how large or small, has committed to projects benefiting their community and the world at large. I am so proud, yet humbled, by the dedication and commitment our members demonstrate every day to making our world a better place. I am enriched by how warmly I have been welcomed by members in each and every club and am constantly confirmed that every Rotarian is an exceptional human being making a difference in our world.
As all of you know, within Rotary, November is Rotary Foundation Month. Most of you know by now that I am passionate about our Foundation. Supported by generous contributions from our members, our Rotary Foundation transforms funds we contribute into projects that change lives within our communities and around the world. I am so thankful that, due to our Foundation, we are eradicating Polio, preventing disease, providing clean water, promoting and providing education, building peace and supporting local communities. November – is also the month we, in America, celebrate Thanksgiving. This year we have so very much to be thankful for due to OUR FOUNDATION.
This week The Burlington Rotary Club continued its annual Rick Karwan Memorial Dictionary Program, by giving every third grade student in Burlington's four elementary schools a new dictionary. Shown above are four Burlington Rotary club members at one of the schools and the stacks of dictionaries to be given out, and one of the school teachers preparing the students for a short program delivered by a Rotarian which includes an introduction to words in the dictionary related to the principles of Rotary and its unselfish helping of people in need around the world.
Bring the family to the 3rd Annual Chili Fest presented by Rotary Club of Winchester on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the Winchester Town Hall Auditorium from 4 to 8 PM. Come taste and vote for the best chili as area restaurants and professional chefs compete. Does a member in your Rotary club have a fabulous chili recipe to enter? Cook up a batch for the amateur contest and you could win $500 for the charity of your choice. A panel of celebrity judges will judge the amateur contest.
The event is a family friendly that will include music, food trucks, beer/wine and kids activities. Tickets can be purchased at the door: $5 for individuals, $15 for families and $15 for an alcohol wristband. Winchester Town Hall is located at 71 Mount Vernon Street in Winchester. Parking is conveniently located directly across from Town Hall.
The Gloucester Rotary Club was proud to partner with the Rotary District 7930 in providing a $500 mini grant ($250 District contribution, $250 Gloucester Rotary Club) to The Open Door Food Pantry, serving Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, and Ipswich, to purchase diapers for families in need.
The Open Door Executive Director Julie LaFontaine explains the importance of this grant.
“Since the completion of our 2,000 square foot warehouse expansion and capacity-building project in January 2016, The Open Door has partnered with local collaborators including North Shore Postpartum Depression Task Force, Ipswich Birth to Three, Action Inc., Pathways for Children (our local Head Start provider) and the Integrated Preschool in Gloucester, to set up the only Diaper Bank on the North Shore. Low income families spend between 6-10 percent of their income every month on diapers. 1-in-3 families experience diaper need, and not having enough diapers can impact the health and nutrition outcomes of children and their families.
The District Public Image Committee is thrilled to share with you our new Public Image Toolkit developed right here in D7930! Our #IAmRotary campaign is designed to help clubs increase their social media visibility while promoting membership. Tools include:
1) Instructions
2) Sample Prompts
3) Prop Photos
You may have already seen our #IAmRotary on our 7930 Facebook page and you'll see more. Now is the time to roll out your own campaign featuring your own members! Club Public Image Chairs will receive electronic toolkits in October and are welcome to start their campaigns anytime. Also, don't forget our Instagram contest to win a custom pop-up banner for your club is still going on! Thanks for your work and all you do to improve your club's Public Image!
The District 7930 Public Image Committee is happy to announce that 12 clubs were awarded the Autumn, 2016 Public Image Mini Grant. The committee unanimously voted, and was approved by District Governor Sheryl, to expand the budget for this round of applications. Reading, Lawrence, Wakefield, Wilmington, Melrose, Medford, Andover, Cambridge, Downtown Boston, Hamilton-Wenham, Burlington Breakfast and Peabody all were awarded funds. Public Image Chair Amy Luckiewicz explained, "The applications were really varied this year. We funded polo shirts for members, pop-up banners, brochure printing, business cards, promotional products, and all sorts of stuff. It really speaks to the clubs' leaders that they understand the importance of getting Rotary visible at the local level. I know the committee was thrilled at the response and we were so happy to invest some of our budget back into the clubs again this year. We're paying out just over $2,000!"
For more info on Public Image or to schedule a member of the Public Image as a speaker, email Amy at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com.
To make everyone aware that this disease is just an airplane ride away, Rotary started World Polio Day, held annually in October. Over the years, we have marked this occasion in various ways. Clubs have held fundraisers or held numerous events to bring awareness to the “End Polio Now” efforts. More recently, we created live-streamed events featuring prominent public health experts and journalists, along with some of our celebrity ambassadors. This year the Center for Disease Control and Prevention will partner with Rotary International to host a live-streamed event at its headquarters in Atlanta. Experts will discuss the milestones, promising developments, and remaining challenges in the fight to eradicate polio.
February 4, 2017 - District 7930 Polio Polar Plunge
Come join the District as a plunger, supporter at the event, or gather pledges to raise funds for this ever popular District event to achieve continuing success to raise funds to defeat Polio now. Clubs are encouraged to provide plungers, to start soliciting pledges from non-rotarians in the community, to hold fundraisers for the cause or just do whatever possible to raise awareness for the cause. We can also use help in finding sponsors for the event. It is a fun event with lots of laughs and brave souls plunging into frigid waters.
Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Foundation Dinner celebrated the Centennial of the Rotary International Foundation, the main charitable arm of Rotary International as well as honor people in the community for outstanding service with Paul Harris Fellowship awards.
Pictured l-r = Paul Harris Fellows (from left): Diane Barbour, Lenny Cameron, Dave Rodgers, Bob Erbetta.and Gabrielle Shannon Kenney and Liz Cullen, District Foundation Chair is 3rd from the left. Gabrielle at age 14 is one of the youngest individuals ever given a Paul Harris Fellow award.
Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Honors Paul Fellow Receipents
The Boston Rotaract Club will host the Women in Rotary: Not (Just) Your Grandfather’s Rotary Club forum this Wednesday, October 5 from 6:30 8:30 p.m. at the Back Bay Social Club in Boston. This event will focus on the experience and impact of women in Rotary who are leaders in Rotary International and in their professional and personal lives.
Founded in 1905, Rotary International is a global community of more than 1.2 million like-minded individuals in 35,000 clubs who have a passion for service. However, the Rotary International Constitution required membership to be limited to men until 1989 - two years after a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that mandated gender equality in Rotary in the United States. Today, there are more than 200,000 women in Rotary, comprising nearly 20 percent of Rotary’s membership.
What does a birthday party for something 100 years old look like?
How do you celebrate 100 years?
Rotary District 7930 is going to answer those questions and more at the 100th Birthday Party for our Rotary Foundation. The party will be on Friday, November 18, 2016, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Danversport Yacht Club, located at 161 Elliott Street in Danvers, MA.
Rotary founder, Paul Harris and Rotary Foundation founder, Arch Klumph, will be there and you and your club members will be able to have your pictures made with each of them. And a birthday party would not be complete without party favors, balloons, dinner, birthday cake and ice cream. Keynote speaker David Forward, author of 100 Years of Doing Good & A Century of Service, will share interesting stories about our Foundation. Club presidents will be able to recognize a new Paul Harris Fellow recipient from their community. New Major Donors, Bequest Society members & Paul Harris Society members will also be introduced.
You don't want to miss this party.
Tickets are $55 per person and may be reserved online hereafter October 5th. Major Donors, Bequest Society Members and Paul Harris Society Members should RSVP with Julia Phelps via email. For more information about this event, email Julia Phelps.
District Celebrates The Rotary Foundation's 100th Birthday
Join us for a scenic race through downtown Marblehead. The race course begins at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front Street, Marblehead overlooking Marblehead Harbor and will take you through old town Marblehead, back through the community, returning to the BYC.
The race is in memory of Don Humphreys. Don was a WWII Marine veteran of Guadalcanal, a dedicated pilot, a loving friend to young and old, and a Marblehead Rotarian who personified the Rotary ideal of “service above self”. He believed in the good work of Rotary and it's commitment to providing scholarships to deserving high school gradutates. By participating in this race, you are strengthening and continuing his legacy!
Nominations are being requested for District Governor for the 2019 – 2020 and we need club support to find the best candidates to lead our District. Please consider nominating an individual from your club for one of these positions. Please contact Sheryl Meehan via email by clicking here!
This important individual leads and supports the clubs in the District 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, the candidate must have been a past president of a club, completed seven years of membership in one or more clubs, and will attend the Governors-elect training seminar and International Assembly after they have been selected to serve.
If you feel that your club has such a leader among your members, one with proven strong leadership skills and decision making, please consider nominating them to help fulfill Rotary's ongoing missions. Nominations are due by October 15, 2016 and the nomination form can be downloaded here!
Applications must be submitted via US Mail or E-mail by October 15, 2016. Please note that the form requires your club secretary to attest that the club is aware of and endorses your application. Please also include a cover letter stating why you are interested in serving as District Governor.
Ipswich Rotary will host its annual masquerade ball, an evening of western themed fun for a good cause on Friday, October 21, 2016 at the Turner Hill Mansion in Ipswich. Proceeds will benefit the club’s Hunger Initiatives in Ipswich and Rowley. Suggested dress is a themed costume or black tie/cocktail attire. Features include live music by “Boston Common”, dinner, dancing, cash bar and silent auction.
Tickets are $75 person, available from any Rotarian, and at Ipswich or Rowley branches of First Ipswich Bank and Institution for Savings. Advance ticket sales only, must be 21 and over. For more Information, call 978-500-2648 or visit www.ipswichrotary.org.
The first meeting of the current Presidents and Presidents-Elect was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Sheraton, Boston-North. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by District Governor Sheryl Meehan following a meet and greet social hour powered by a game of Bingo. Those attending went about introducing themselves and asking for signatures in specific categories on their Bingo card. Those who completed the card with all squares signed received a scratch card. There were winners!
Governor Sheryl invited Bob Wood, District Governor-nominee, to lead the assembly in the The Pledge of Allegiance which he followed with a moment of silence for all those who have served and the reciting of the Four-Way Test.
After the opening ceremony everyone was invited to partake of the superb buffet dinner that was awaiting them in the anteroom.
The District Public Image Committee is seeking to create a list of Rotarians who can help out with the public image development of other clubs. These volunteers will be kept in a database and the Public Image Chair will make referrals. This is for CLUB assistance only, and not personal or business projects.
Specifically, we're looking for Rotarian:
Graphic Designers
Photographers
Social Media Specialists
Web Designers
If you'd like to be available to help other clubs, please email your name, preferred phone and email to Amy Luckiewicz at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com.
The District Public Image Committee is thrilled to announce that we're kicking off our District Instagram Page with an interactive contest!
Be the first club featured on our District’s Instagram page @rotary7930! Clubs may submit up to 5 photos with captions to rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com. All appropriate photos will be posted to the district account, but only 1 will be selected as our FIRST EVER POST!
Photos should show Rotarians in action, no head shots please! Please make sure you have permission to use images of anyone under 18. Winning image will be selected by the District Public Image Committee and winning club will receive a custom-made pop-up banner to highlight your club’s projects (worth over $250!).Deadline for photo submission is November 1, 2016 by email only.
Click here for a printable flyer to share with your Rotary Club. We're offering a great prize! Any club can enter, any club can win! This is a great way to highlight your club IN ACTION!
Lynnfield Rotary sponsored the very first, First Responders Day on Tuesday evening Sept. 13. The club honored the towns "heros" of police, fire and EMT departments. Led by past president Jason Kimball donations were made to the Police and Fire Depts. Guest speakers were local Selectmen Chris Barrett and Rotarian Dick Dalton.
The citizens of the town and surrounding communities were in attendance to honor our first responders. There were antique fire engines on display. A free BBQ was enjoyed by all catered by a local deli. A fabulous end of summer gathering of friends, neighbors and residents honoring our towns finest!
We are planning on making this an annual event. Many thanks to ALL first responders, the true unsung heros!
Perfect attendance in anything is rare. 45-years of perfect attendance is an achievement. Jay Curley joined the Wakefield Rotary Club in 1971 and it was clear to him, that he wanted to make a commitment. That commitment to service above self has led him to a 45-year record of perfect attendance with the club, an achievement that the club recently recognized by inviting Curley to talk about his experiences in family, career and Rotary.
Born with a passion for athletics, Curley played local hockey and baseball as a child and teen. A gifted athlete, he attended Arizona State on a baseball scholarship where he majored in chemistry, hoping to one day go into the medical field. Attending school during an active draft, Curley joined the Army ROTC in college. He was preparing to live his dream of professional baseball, having been drafted by Baltimore, when he got notification of his military activation. “Life is like a bumper car. You go in one direction, get hit, and go in another direction. That’s what happened to me with my baseball career,” Curley explained.
Join us for an evening of fun with wine and beer tastings along with samplings from local restaurants, raffles and auction. Proceeds to benefit the local charitable projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club.
$30 Tickets available online (with small transaction fee) at www.wakefieldrotaryclub.org or at Holiday Travel (no transaction fee), located at 402 Main Street in Wakefield, MA
I'm a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar alum in Boston the last 3 weeks of October as part of my world record road trip to all 413 U.S. National Park Service sites.
Having just visited Rotary HQ in Evanston and written a blog for their website (being published Sep. 16), they encouraged me to reach out to clubs along my path and offer myself as a speaker.
Since I'll be in the greater Boston area so long (there are 14 park units), I wanted to offer my availability to your district's clubs.
Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Landing Restaurant in Marblehead, present the Annual Fall Golf Tournament & Dinner on Tuesday Afternoon, October 4 at the Meadows in Peabody. (80 Granite St, Peabody, MA 01960, Phone: (978) 532-9390). The $100 entry fee includes an afternoon of golf, cart, and prime rib dinner to follow at the Marblehead Landing (81 Front Street, on Marblehead Harbor (781) 639-1266). There will be a 50/50 raffle and prizes. Proceeds benefit the M-E Scholarship Fund. Hole sponsorships are available for $50.
Contact David Ray at 978-857-1353 or Chris Shea at 508-843-4979 to register or for more information.
Manchester-Essex Rotary Club annual Golf Tournament
The District 7930 Homelessness and Hunger Initiative Committee has announced a District-wide Mini Grant for this fall. The grant is intended to provide diapers to our homeless and hungry throughout the District. While there are limited funds available, this will provide a desperately need item to our shelters and pantries at a time of the year when the average citizen is not thinking of helping out.
The way the grant will work is as follows:
Club contacts non-profit and discusses potential of the grant.
Club gets signed agreement from the non-profit that they will purchase diapers with the $500 grant and are able to do so at reduced prices.
Club sends copy of signed agreement to the District Treasurer at email address below.
District Treasurer/HHI Chair approves, writes check, sends check to Club made out to non-profit.
Club takes District check for $250 and matching Club check for $250 to non-profit as a grant.
Clubs interested in this mini-grant should work on this project now as the Grant opportunity will expire on October 28, 2016. There are 10 grants available at this time so it is first come, first served.
Morgan Goldstein, Marketing and & New Media Manager for the 2017 U.S. Senior Open at Salem Country Club is interested in speaking at clubs in District 7930.
Presentation Summary
The United States Senior Open is returning to historic Salem Country Club for the first time since the famous 2001 championship. The 2001 event made history for selling out their ticket allotment one year in advance as well as having a star filled field including Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
Even though this is the national championship in senior golf, it’s also a large scale community event. Throughout the course of June 26 – July 2, 2017, there will be 120,000 spectators and 3,000 volunteers. These thousands of people will be eating at local restaurants, renting cars, shopping, staying at local hotels and more. As a result, there’s over $25 million economic impact to the local economy. There’s lots of ways to become involved with the championship from volunteering to get a behind the scenes view, watching from one of the on course pavilions or public viewing structures and entering clients in Salem Country Club’s historic clubhouse.
If you are interested in having Morgan come to speak at your club, please contact her at 978-818-6006 or via email at mgoldstein@brunoeventteam.com.
The Chelsea Rotary softball team and their fans celebrate winning the 2016 District 7930 Rotary Softball League championship. Chelsea defeated the Salem/Marblehead team 17 to 13 in the championship deciding game held at Castle Hill in Salem. Chelsea defeated Danvers, the regular season champions, in the first round of the playoffs two games to none with both games decided by two runs. In the championship series Salem/Marblehead won the first game played at Castle Hill 8 to 7. Chelsea won the second game played at Carter Park in Chelsea 16 to 13. Chelsea than won the third game in the best two of three championship series. The Chelsea team consisted of Rotarians from the Chelsea, Everett and Salem, NH Rotary clubs
The Boston Rotaract Club is proud to host Women in Rotary: Not (Just) Your Grandfather’s Rotary Club on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Back Bay Social Club in Boston. This event will focus on the experience and impact of women in Rotary who are leaders in Rotary International and in their professional and personal lives.
Founded in 1905, Rotary International is a global community of over 1.2 million like-minded individuals who have a passion for service. However, the Rotary International Constitution required membership to be limited to men until 1989, two years following a landmark Supreme Court case which mandated gender equality in Rotary in the United States. Today, there are over 200,000 women in Rotary, comprising nearly 20% of Rotary’s membership.
Women in Rotary will feature Carol Agate, the lawyer who represented female Rotarians in the Supreme Court case. She will be joined by a panel of strong female leaders in Rotary - including Julia Phelps (2014-2016 Rotary International Director), Elise Cadigan (one of six Rotarians on The Rotary Foundation Programs Committee), and Sheryl Meehan (2016-2017 District Governor for D7930).
Keynote Speaker will be Past Rotary International Director Mike Colasurdo and will be joined by Carolyn Johnson, Assistant Rotary Coordinator, Zone 32.
Informative and interactive sessions will include:
Your Foundation Dollars: Changing the World See how cluibs are using grants to do their projects!
RI Policy Changes: Option to grow your club size through new options available. Learn how clubs are increasing membership!
If you are a President, Foundation Chair, Membership Chair, or want to help your club grow and perform more service, then you should attend the 2016 Membership and Foundation Forum.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2017 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s efforts to raise money that supports the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
In Order to publish a beautiful calendar, the Club is requesting high quality digital photos that show the unique beauty of Cape Ann throughout the year. Gloucester photos are preferred, but images from other Cape Ann towns will be considered. Water—either ocean or tidal river—must be visible somewhere in all entries. Images from each season: winter, spring, summer and fall are encouraged. A selection committee from the Rotary Club will make the choices.
Full contest rules and requirements are available online at www.gloucesterotary.us. All entries must be received by 12:00 p.m. on September 16, 2016.
Gloucester Rotary Club Announces Photography Contest
I can’t believe that we’re in the middle of August already! Where has the time flown? August is Membership and New Club Development month – strengthening and growing Rotary – by engagement and attraction. I hope you will read Rotary International President John Germ’s August message regarding Membership which is can be read here. Today we have so many options for more flexibility in meeting frequency, format and attendance. We no longer expect perfect attendance but ask our members to make a difference in our communities and throughout the world. People come into Rotary for all kinds of reasons, but they stay because it’s fun and it’s satisfying because at the end of the day, we can stand back and be proud of what we have accomplished in in our communities and throughout the world. Please share this great feeling with others! If you do, we’ll grow our membership by leaps and bounds!
Please join Danvers Rotary at our own Danvers Farmer's Market, every Wednesday from 4 pm to 7 pm. The Market has many vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, beverages, hand-crafts and more. Come support a Rotary fundraiser, while shopping for healthy, fresh and LOCAL products. Check out vendors and entertainment, get alerts and more with our Danvers Farmers Market app available at the app store.
Ever wonder what food pantry clients do if they have a special celebration coming up?
Help them out by doing this great, low-cost project with your club! It's easily completed during a meeting. Members package “party bags to-go” in assembly line, complete with party supplies. The bags are donated to a food pantry or program of your choice. They are then available for clients to take for special occasions. The District will provide you with party bags to fill, packages of generic candles, packages of generic party horns, and assorted invitations for the pantry to have available. Clubs just supply the following: Cake mix and frosting, table covers, any additional themed decorations, cups or plates, decorative napkins.
To order jump-start your project, contact Amy at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com to order your supplies and schedule your project day at your convenience! We'll also give you a press release template to use to announce your project!
We're thrilled to announce that the Autumn, 2016 Public Image Mini Grant is now OPEN for application! This is matching grant of up to $250 each. Please carefully read the details, qualifications and responsibilities of the grant. Got questions? Contact Amy at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com.
For more than 35 years, George Livingstone has been making Wakefield Rotarians fill with emotion. Each week, the 92-year-old delivers the club's invocation and you never know what he'll say. Sometimes, it's an original poem, sometimes it's a reflection on world happenings. And sometimes, it's just a really funny joke. "He's one of my favorite parts of our meetings," noted new member Anthony Guardia. "He really kicks off our meetings with something to think about," added Rotarian Judy Gordon.
So in late July, it was to everyone's thrill that George was the featured speaker, re-introducing Rotarians to his personal history and thoughts on serving others. Born in 1924, George skipped the 3rd grade and graduated high school at age 16, at the start of WWII. In 1941-42, making $60 a month, George began his professional training as an apprentice draftsman and volunteered for the Coast Guard, serving his country as a Carpenter's Mate 1st Class. Retiring after a 40-year career as an architect at then age 86, George enjoys his grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A proud Wakefield resident, he takes pride in the fact that he "can still cut my own grass." Reflecting on is time in Rotary, George commented, "Each week I look forward to seeing you all. It's really a joy to serve others through Rotary. It's my joy."
The Rotary Club of Gloucester MA will hold its annual Comedy Show Fundraiser on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester, MA. This year’s Comedy Night features comedians Tony V., Steve Calechman, Chris Dimitrakopoulos, and Dave Rattigan. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Don't miss this evening of fun and laughter! Tickets are $25 each, and are available from any Gloucester Rotarian or at Carroll K. Steele Insurance, 32 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA. This event always sells out! For more information, contact Ruth Pino (ruth@ruthpino.com).
Proceeds from the Comedy Show will benefit local and international service projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club. More information about this event and the Rotary Club of Gloucester is available online at www.gloucesterrotary.us and www.facebook.com/RotaryGloucesterMA.
Gloucester Rotary Presents its Annual Comedy Show on September 1
For the second straight year, the Wilmington Rotary Club is organizing the Ice Bucket Challenge. On Saturday, August 27, club members will be dumping water on their heads, filling buckets for other people to dump water on their heads, and raising money for ALS research.
All of the money raised will be given to the Angel Fund. Last year, the club was able to raise over $5,000.
Come on down to Rotary Park on Adelaide Street in Wilmington on Saturday, August 27, between 10 and 12.
Wilmington Rotary's Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS Research
Join with the Rotary Club of Andover in the fight against the opioid addiction crisis facing our communities. Find out more at rotaryandover.org.
THE ANDOVER CARES FESTIVAL
On Saturday, September 17, 2016, Andover Rotary will host its 2nd annual Andover Cares Music Festival to raise awareness about the impact addiction has on individuals, families, and our communities. The Festival also raises funds to support the Andover Cares Fund, which supports opioid addiction education efforts and services. In 2015, Andover Rotary and Andover Cares raised $60,000. The goal this year is to raise $75,000 to support opiate and addiction education and resources.
The Andover Cares Music Festival will feature live local musical talent, talks and discussion forums, and a resource area with experts in the addiction recovery field. Plus there will be lots of entertainment for the kids and plenty of food and beverages to make the festival a day for the entire family.
This Fall, the Wakefield Rotary Club hopes to team with 5-8 other clubs on a food packaging project. With a date to be decided, the club is inviting any D7930 Club to join them in working with End Hunger New England. Clubs opt in with a $500 pledge and volunteers. Your $500 purchases 2,000 meals to be donated to any food pantry of your choice! Clubs must notify Amy Luckiewicz by August 1st of their intent to join in on this project. Rotarians can opt in or out of a fellowship lunch during the project. Clubs must also identify 1 Champion to coordinate for their club.
This project also helps your club qualify for the Rotary International District Citation! Got questions? Contact Amy at 781-588-0257 or at wakefieldrotaryclub@yahoo.com.
Wakefield Invites Clubs to Join in On Hunger Project
Rotarians from Districts 7910 invited District 7930 Rotarians to join them for an evening at LaMorra Restaurant in Brookline at a wine tasting event. The 32 Rotarians and partners enjoyed wine pairings with the their salads, another with the main entree and finally with dessert. The opportunity to mingle with fellow Rotarians from Eastern and Central Massachusetts and share our thoughts about Rotary and life in general, was wonderful. We were graced with a number of incredible Boston and MIT Rotaract Clubs, and two special guest from the Netherlands and Cyprus. The dialog was mostly about how we as Rotarians need to alter our clubs to welcome the next generation of those who will carry the torch.
Rotary International President John Germ has stated that this year, Rotarians all over the world will be classified as the All Star Team. As District 7930, we are one big team (“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Helen Keller). As a team, we are making a difference – each and every day. As I conduct my District 7930 Club Visits, I see so many Rotarians within our District making that difference.
This month started with our Installation Dinner which was truly an amazing event celebrating last year’s accomplishments and installation of Club Presidents. During this glorious night, I think everyone in attendance experienced the Magic of Rotary – I know I did! Thank you to Christina Harris and each and every member of her team for an exceptional start for our 2016 – 2017 year.
It’s now July 25th and I wonder where the time has flown! July 7th I conducted my very first club visit with Rockport Rotary. On July 4th, Rockport Rotary conducts the Reading of the Declaration of Independence as an annual event which is so well received within not only the community but also by visitors to their beautiful town!
The Gloucester Rotary Club will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 20, 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.
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $7 per person and are available from any Gloucester Rotarian or at the Rose Baker Senior Center at 6 Manuel F Lewis Street in downtown Gloucester, Bank Gloucester, Cape Ann Savings Bank and at Institution for Savings; Gloucester branch locations only. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.
Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit the Rose Baker Senior Center, North Shore Health Project, and the Cape Ann YMCA Teen Leaders. More information about this event and the Rotary Club of Gloucester is available online at www.gloucesterotary.us and www.facebook.com/RotaryGloucesterMA.
On August 27th, as we close out the summer and get ready to go back to school and our fall calendar, plan on joining 100 or more Rotarians, family and friends for a day as we celebrate our Rotary family. Cedardale is located in Groveland and will host a day with so many options to enjoy yourself that there is something for everyone. From toddlers, to teens to adults, there will be the opportunity to meet and make friends with others from around the district. Everyone is invited, and we encourage Interactors, RYLArians, Rotaractors, Rotarian partners, children and grandchildren and any friends who you think would enjoy this great day!
Pricing is $35.00 for adults and young adults over the age of 15 and $20.00 for those 15 and under. The cost will include admission to Cedardale from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm with the use of all facilities including a barbecue lunch of salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, corn on the cob and watermelon. Drinks will be extra.
Come for a few hours or stay the whole day! Make the last weekend before Labor Day a memorable one!
To download a flyer about the Family Day at Cedardale, click here!
Challenge another Rotary Club
to a fun,or competitive, game of volleyball.
More fun than going to the gym!
Hang out in the pool or cool off
under the giant mushroom.
Fun for the youngsters and the young at heart!
Can Interactors or RYLArians beat
Rotarians in a game of cornhole?
Is youth more important than experience?
Grab a hamburg, hot dog, sausage and some salad,
along with corn on the cob and some watermelon!
We are all in the Rotary family. As are our families and we would like to increase the interaction between Rotarians and those who we call family! That includes our spouses and partners, the youth that participate in RYLA, Interact and all of our Rotaractors. Wouldn't it be nice to have an event where we can get to know each other a little better and share our passion for Rotary and the missions each of us serve.
To that end, Sheryl Meehan would like to have a couple of family oriented events throughout the year that serve the many generations we represent. If you have children or grandchildren or friends who would like to attend, please feel free to invite them. After much research, and with trying to maintain a reasonnable price point, we have selected Cedardale in Groveland. We would have one of the two sites to ourselves from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm with activities that would appeal to all age groups. From swimming, to beach volleyball, to corn hole, wiffleball, mini golf and so much more. It could be unstructured or we could create a Rotary Olympics. Your input will drive that conversation. We hope to have a large group of Rylarians and Interactors and I am sure they would love to challenge Rotarians in any one of the activities available.
The only date available at this time is August 27th, so we want to try to find out if there are enough people interested to plan this event for the summer. The pricing would be approximately $29.00 for youth under 12 and $35.00 for everyone over 12. The cost includes admission for the day, and a barbecue including salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, potato chips, corn on the cob and watermelon.
Last week Ipswich Rotary and the Ipswich East Rotary Club of Ipswich, UK celebrated a long tradition of biannual exchange visits and friendship. The week long visitation of the Ipswich, UK club to Massachusetts marked the 18th such visit spanning almost 40 years, every two years since 1988.
Among the traditions of Twinning is for the visiting club to make a significant donation to improve lives in the host community. This year, Ipswich East, UK donated a new custom crafted counter with a built-in electronic scale to the Ipswich Open Door food pantry. Active support of the new, expanded food pantry is a major commitment of Ipswich Rotary.
Twinning guests stay with host Rotary families during their visit. Over the years, many lasting friendships have been formed.
The 27th annual Red, White, and Blue Pancake Breakfast marks the start of the July Fourth 3-day-weekend celebration in Manchester-by-the-Sea. This breakfast is a true-blue slice of Americana and draws crowds of all ages, townies and newcomers alike. A hearty breakfast of pancakes with blueberries, strawberries, and whipped cream, scrambled eggs, bacon, and home-fries takes place in one of the most scenic settings on Cape Ann. The Manchester Lions Club started the tradition in 1989 and since 2009 the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club took on the event.
This community event partners the Rotary club with volunteer organizations and vendors throughout Cape Ann: HP Hood provides the dairy products, local restaurant 7 Central provides the kitchen, First Parish Chapel provides the utensils, Crosby's receives the goods. Over 30 citizens, including students, turn out to work. Sen. Bruce Tarr and Rep Brad Hill return every year to flip pancakes.
This Global Grant award is one to be proud of – and they are!
Victor Saldanha, PDG, expresses profound gratitude to: President Dick Simmons, the Board of the RC of Lynnfield and club Rotarians for their support and encouragement, specific mention to the Rotary 7930 Leadership team of Dave Manzi, Ingrid Brown and Grant Chair, Anne Lewis for their involvement.
Lynnfield Rotary Club and Global Grant partner with the Rotary Club of Cantonment, India. have recently been notified that they have received a Global Grant of $42,164 to enhance the Education and quality of life of girls in India. With this grant the girls attending 8 schools in the state of Telengana India will soon receive school furniture, e-learning equipment including hardware and software. The remainder of the funds will be used for clean water materials.
Posted by Excerpted from Rotary Leader on Jul 10, 2016
Sometimes, getting people to join your Rotary club is the easy part. It’s keeping them, long after the glow of the induction ceremony has worn off, that can prove challenging. The Rotary Club of Evanston, Illinois, USA, has used several strategies that help new members feel connected.
“You have to get them involved, give them a responsibility,” says club president Wally Bobkiewicz. “Every new member is asked to join at least one committee.” Bobkiewicz also gives new members a club meeting assignment, such as acting as greeter or sergeant-atarms, and makes certain they sign up for social events and service projects. “And it’s worked,” he says. Since December, the 98-year-old club has increased its membership 10 percent, to 48 members. One of the newcomers is Cindy Beebe, a retired federal agent who now operates her own security business. Within 24 hours of joining, Beebe had signed up for the garden committee. She’d also received the New Member Welcome Kit, along with a club roster and custom club brochure. Beebe says she found the roster, which includes each club member’s name, photo, and business affiliation, the most helpful. “I’m good at faces but not names,” she admits.
What could be better than a warm summer day, a beautiful green field, and the crack of a bat? How about the crack of a plastic bat, mixed with laughter and cheers, with friends and family on the field?
For the third year in a row, Danvers Rotary Club is bringing a Wiffle® ball tournament to Danvers. A miniature form of America’s pastime, Wiffle ball is designed for small spaces, making it far easier to play than baseball. The tournament is professionally run. There is no running of base paths. There are multiple fields. This is a great team building exercise for your business. It’s a perfect summer game for all ages and a great opportunity for your club to enjoy Rotary friendship and fellowship.
In his theme speech for the Rotary year, 2015-2016 Rotary International (RI) President K.R. Ravindran challenged all Rotarians to use the year to "bring the work of Rotary forward -- to make its mark on the world." Boston Rotaract truly took this challenge to heart in the last year. With the RI theme, Be a Gift to the World, in mind, we aimed our efforts on serving in three of six RI areas of focus: fighting disease, saving mothers and children, and supporting education. This allowed us to use our members’ unique talents and passions to maximize our club’s impact and ensure that we met the needs of the communities we served.
In a state with over 33,000 nonprofits and many other organizations committed to doing good, our club remains a go-to when someone needs a hand. We have spent the past year getting to know the Boston community better and serving where we were needed most. We served 355 hours with local organizations and also completed our international project in support of school children in Ganvie, Benin, Africa who will soon have a new boat to provide them safe and reliable transportation to and from school.
July is always an exciting time for Rotarians. In Rotary, a new year begins every July 1st and provides an occasion to reflect – to look at the Past, Present and Future. Our lives are filled with significant dates for celebrating – from birthdays to anniversaries, holidays and milestones. And so it is with July 1st – a time for Rotarians to look at our Clubs and District; to celebrate what we have accomplished and what we envision for our future.
What a year it has been! I want to thank PDG Dave Manzi who has capably lead our District over the past year and introduced many District initiatives that we will be continuing throughout 2016 – 2017. I also want to thank all the Assistant Governors, District Officers and Chairs and, most especially our Club Presidents, Officers and Members for a job well done in making a difference in our communities and internationally.
Paul Harris believed serving humanity was the most worthwhile thing a person could do. In honor of this belief, Rotary International President, John Germ, selected “Rotary Serving Humanity” as the Rotary International theme for 2016 – 2017. This theme will be a constant reminder that our commitment is to “to do good in the world”.
Rotary District 7930 has named Alexander Golding of Wakefield as the recipient of the 2016 Service Above Self Award, a $10,000. scholarship to help him pursue higher education. Committee Chair Peggy Pedro, explained "Each candidate was very highly qualified and all represented their communities with distinction. Alex's community involvement and commitment to others less fortunate than himself aligned him with the spirit of the scholarship. Alex has been involved in community service activities since his childhood. Alex traces his community involvement back to a day when his parents pushed him in a stroller as a one year old while they volunteered to clean up a bike path. We applaud Alex's family for instilling in him a lifelong commitment to Service Above Self in the communities in which he has lived."
Alex's personal motto is "Tikkun Olam" which means "Repair the World". For the past three years, Alex has volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity work site in Raleigh, North Carolina. Locally, Alex has served as a Teen Leader for three years improving different aspects of local communities. This past year, he worked at a homeless shelter in Lynn beautifying the area around the shelter. Alex has also volunteered at soup kitchens, played games with developmentally disabled adults, painted walls at a number of underprivileged schools, and read to children in an ESL program. All of these activities validate Alex's belief that "repairing the world by starting with the least fortunate around us makes the biggest difference and inspires others to go on and create a better global community for everyone".
On June 25th, members of the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club (BBRC) assisted other volunteers and Burlington Food Pantry staff in moving the contents of the pantry in preparation for a complete overhaul of the space. Food items were re-shelved in the church basement and non-perishable items stored in a pod.
A new linoleum floor will replace the worn carpeting, shelving donated by the BBRC will be erected, and the walls repainted. "We worked hard and had a great time helping these 'unsung heroes' who work behind the scenes helping people in need," Said Steve Shaw, BBRC president. "We will get together on July 1st to put it all back once the renovations have been completed."
The drawing for the Lobster Raffle will be on July 21rd!
This week, The Marblehead Rotary Club kicked off its 2016 annual "Lobsta Raffle" This year, forty kids are off to summer camp from last year’s raffle's proceeds.
Tickets cost is $3.00 each or three tickets for $5.00 or fifteen tickets for $20.00. Each ticket buys you a chance to win four prizes: each consisting of 20 lbs of fresh lobster from the Marblehead Lobster Company. The four winning tickets will be drawn at the Marblehead Rotary Club luncheon on Thursday, July 23, 2015.
Raffle tickets can be purchased on line at the Marblehead Rotary Club website. (http://www.marbleheadrotary.com). Raffle tickets will be available throughout town over the next few weeks. Ticket sale will end on JULY 18TH. Drawing will be held on July 21 during the weekly Marblehead Rotary Club luncheon at the Boston Yacht Club.
Posted by Excerpted from the June 2016 Rotary Service Newsletter on Jun 26, 2016
Friendship is one of the top reasons members join and stay in Rotary. To boost these ties, Rotary Fellowships offer members, spouses, and Rotaractors the chance to connect with one another while enjoying their favorite recreational or professional pursuits. Over 60 Rotary Fellowships cover interests from tennis to wine, marathon running to cooking, scuba diving to recreational vehicles, jazz to computers, and more.
Rotary Fellowships arrange regional and international events, contests, and meetings where members bond and build lasting friendships outside their clubs, districts, and even countries. June is Rotary Fellowships Month, so make sure to read our Rotary Service Connections blog to learn how several fellowships combine fun and friendship with service. By connecting Rotarians, family members, program participants and alumni with shared interests, the fellowships extend the Rotary experience beyond local communities.
The Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, started under DG Dave Manzi and continuing on for the next three years has become a popular theme for District 7930 Clubs. President-elects throughout the District have stated in their installation speeches that this will be their focus in the coming year.
The District, under Dave Manzi has accomplished a lot in a few short months. We’ve produced an amazing video, the link to which is in the left column of the District Website. We also packed 30,000 meals at the EndHungerNewEngland food packaging event at the Non-Profit Center in Boston during the District Conference. Simultaneously, food packaging was occurring in Lynn, a joint project with other civic organizations, and in Ipswich, where the Ipswich Interact Club worked with the Ipswich Lions Club to package meals as well. The total meals packaged for either local or international consumption on May 14 was around 60,000 meals.
Image at right is the ad that appeared in the Boston Globe North.
The Gloucester Rotary Club is pleased to sponsor the first in this year's Antonio Gentile Bandstand Concert at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA. The Continentals, a Pop-Rock show band, will perform during this free community concert on July 10, 2016, at 7:00 pm (Rain date: July 15). The concert is sponsored by the Gloucester Rotary Club in memory of long-time Rotarian Rudy Macchi.
“Right up until the night before I was to leave,” admitted Lynn English junior Evelyn DeLeon, “I was asking myself, what did I sign up for? I got a phone call from Jose (Jurado) who said to me, ‘you have to go because you talked me into going’. I figured- what the heck!”
Meaghan, a freshman at English, heard about RYLA from her guidance counselor and while she didn’t have a clue what it was all about, when she heard she might learn some leadership skills, she was all for it. Evelyn, the lone Classical student to attend RYLA thanks to the generous financial support she received from the Ipswich Rotary Club, found herself in a quandary.
The Rotary Club of Lynn recently hosted a group of 10 Lynn Classical High School student refugees, as well as the students’ teachers, at its evening Satellite Club meeting. The program’s title, Living in Two Worlds Film Festival, came about thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation, examines the challenges, hardships but also the rewards of life as teenagers now living in America and attending public schools. Each of the 10 students shared their stories in a three-minute video narrated by the individual student.
“I think I can speak for all our Rotarians when I say we were in awe as to how brave these students and their families were to make the decision they made to leave their homeland,” remarked President Ray Bastarache. “The horrors they have seen at such young ages…”
This week District Governor David Manzi presented the North Reading Rotary Club with recognition of being a 100% Paul Harris Club. All 16 members of the club have received the Rotary Foundation recognition. In large thanks to Club Foundation Chair Steve May, the awards were presented at a dinner earlier in June, making North Reading the sole 100% PHF Club in the District.
The club was also honored with the Governor's Citation this year as one of 15 clubs to qualify for the citation.
For more information on how to contribute to the Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund, please click here!
Over the past few weeks the District Public Image Committee has been hard at work trying to enhance the Rotary image in our communities. With funding approved by Governor Dave and a well thought out program pioneered by Amy Luckiewicz with an excellent design by Mark Flaherty advertisements were placed in many local newspapers and even in the Boston Globe. Here is a synopsis of the ads and the results that have been recorded so far:
24 custom ads in print newspapers directing people to join their local clubs including 1 in the Boston Saturday Globe
Color ad highlighting food insecurity in our communities and directing people to join Rotary and the Homelessness and Hunger Initiative in the Sunday Globe North
2 targeted campaigns on Facebook and Twitter highlighting women in Rotary , networking and young professionals
4 additional Facebook targeted campaigns highlighting the family of Rotary, membership opportunities, youth programs and the upcoming Red Sox event on July 8th
The Marblehead Rotary Club is proud to introduce its six 2016 scholarship recipients:
Justyn N. is heading to George Washington University where she will pursue her passion for political science. During her career at Marblehead High School, Justyn showed an early interest for politics by being both the class president and member of the student government for all of her four years. Overcoming some challenges with dyslexia, she excelled in English and won the Excellence in English award in 2016.
Posted by Kathi Spurr, Katherine Felpel and Brian Snell on Jun 20, 2016
The devastating events that took place on June 12th at the Orlando Night Club Pulse, have saddened a nation. Technology has brought the reality of the situation to our finger tips. Hearing voices of people that are no longer with us, seeing text to loved ones, hearing gun shots, it’s all beyond words The Reading Rotary wants to help.
We have reached out to the Orlando Rotary and done our own research. Equality Florida Action, Inc. has established a fund on the “GOFUNDME” site to help the victims and their families www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund. Reading Rotary and the Orlando Rotary have vetted the authenticity of this fund raising mission. In addition, the "Gofundme" company is donating $100,000 to the fund which essentially erases their normal 5% fee. The Red Cross has suggested that blood donations are needed over the next six weeks as supplies are at critical levels.
The Reading Rotary has donated $1,000 and hopes that other clubs will join us in this worthy cause in some way. What better way to show Rotary is part of the community and “Service above Self.”
District Governor Dave Manzi is happy to invest District 7930 funds back into developing club membership! This month you may notice Rotary in the news and social media...a lot! The Public Image and Membership committees joined up to publish two dozen custom color and black and white ads in local and regional newspapers, including a color ad in the Boston Globe North Saturday edition. Ads were custom designed to fit Rotary's Master Branding, and each ad directed readers to investigate their local club though our District website. The ads specified clubs in the newspapers' distribution areas. A color ad was also placed in the Boston Globe North Sunday edition highlighting our Homelessness and Hunger Initiative (HHI).
This weekend, a dozen Ipswich Rotarians pitched in to finish painting the new Open Door Food Pantry in Ipswich. Team leader Dave LeBel and Steve Rogé applied the prime coat on May 18, and a team of Rotarians joined forces to finish the job on June 5. Final trim work will be completed shortly. Participating in this community service project were Rotarians Gerry Beauchamp, Chris Doktor, Bob Gravino, George Gray, Dave LeBel, Julie Nelson, Brian Nelson, Nat Pulsifer, Steve Rogé, Lisa Shanko, Doug Shealy, and Bob Wicks.
With Rotary’s help, the shelves were stocked a few weeks ago and the new food pantry is open for business. The Open Door will serve Ipswich residents on Tuesdays, from 11 am – 5 pm and Thursdays from 11 am – 7 pm.
Only at Fenway on July 8, 2016, will you be able to enjoy the pleasure of HOME (Boston) with 279 fellow Rotarians and Family at the Red Sox - Tampa Bay game.
Our Fenway Family for the evening will be international with visitors from across the Pond. The Ipswich Rotary Club is hosting Rotarians and Family from Ipswich England
Take all your field, Fan and selfies from Section 90.
Posted by excerpted from RI's Club and District Support Newsletter on Jun 02, 2016
Rotary Fellowships are independent groups of Rotarians, family members, program participants and alumni who share a common passion. Members come together around hobbies or interests such as cricket or jazz, or vocations such as writing or medicine.
Some fellowships are social; some do service projects. Join a fellowship or start a new one. See the Rotary Fellowships Handbook for more details or visit the Rotary Fellowships page here!
Do You Know that June is Rotary Fellowship Month?
excerpted from RI's Club and District Support Newsletter
Rotary District Governor David Manzi is thrilled to announce that 13 clubs qualified for District Governor's Citations. This year's District Governor Citation is presented to a club for completing a minimum of eight out of twelve qualifying activities or projects, including activities such as supporting veterans, taking an active stand to reduce substance use in a community, supporting an international medical mission to benefit children, reducing hunger in their home community, and more. Rotary District Governor David Manzi commended the Rotarians for their effort,
The 2017 Rotary International Convention will be held from June 10-14, 2017.
Great rates will be available unitil June 6 and won't be any cheaper!
We hope to have a large delegation this year from Team 7930! Take advantage of an extra-special early registration rate of $265.00 for the 2017 Rotary Convention in honor of The Rotary Foundation visionary Arch Klumph and his birthday of 6 June, as well as the first contribution of $26.50.
At the 1917 Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Rotary president Arch Klumph shared his dream to create a Rotary endowment fund. In 2017, we will celebrate the centennial of The Rotary Foundation and the good works completed by Rotarians over the last 100 years — because one man dared to dream.
Join us in Atlanta! Register and pay today, as this special price is good for only a limited time until June 6 — at riconvention.org.
Looking to attend the 2017 RI Convention in Atlanta?
Join us on June 21, 7-9 pm as we celebrate our past and our future!
Break Away
221 Newbury Street
Danvers, Massachusetts 01923
The Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford, and Middleton will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its charter. There will be a cash bar, hors d'oeuveres, a bit of fun with Rotary and tri-town trivia, and some thank yous to neighbors who have helped the club in its work.
Celebrate the first year of the Belle Isle Rotary Club, a combination of East Boston-Revere and Winthrop with a Winthrop Rotary Club tradition -- the Chinese Auction!
Never been to a Chinese Auction? The concept is simple, a night of food, raffles, auctions, fun, and fellowship! A small entry fee of $15 enters you into a door prize of an iPad Mini and all-you-can-eat Chinese cuisine!
New auction and raffle items are being added daily! Red Sox tickets, bottles of wine, a boat owner's survival kit, a lemon lovers basket, as well as gift cards to numerous North Shore restaurants!
Peabody Rotarians recently gave Farnham Park in Peabody a much needed face-lift as the first phase of a Rotary District Matching Grant. The Rotarians raked, removed and discarded debris, and cleaned the exterior and front entrance to the park, adding new mulch and flowers. Phase Two will include the purchase and installation of an adaptive swing set for children with disabilities. Swings not only provide great memories, but can be absolutely therapeutic for children of all ages and abilities.
This project is the result of a Rotary District Matching Grant written and developed by members of the Peabody Rotary Club.
Dowling was inducted into the club at its luncheon on Thursday, May 19, 2016. He is the owner/manager of Marblehead Collision.
Dowling was born and raised in Saugus, Massachusetts and graduated from Saugus High School in 1998. Directly following high school years, Dowling joined his Dad in the auto body repair business. His father owned a local shop in Saugus and Dowling worked with his dad for nine years until his father retired and the business was ultimately sold. Dowling continued in the auto business and was hired to be an auto appraiser for variety of insurance firms as well as major dealerships.
As this Rotary year winds down, it is time to prepare for our annual club and district installations and start anew!
On June 30th, the gavel will officially be passed to our incoming Governor, Sheryl Meehan. As Sheryl assumes the leadership of Rotarians in District 7930, she will share her vision of this year's theme: Rotary Serving Humanity. Equally important is the installation of club presidents who will serve their members and their communities. This is a time for members from across the district to witness and celebrate the future of Rotary which will be achieved through the leadership of our new presidents.
As customary, the event will be held at the Danversport Yacht Club, with a reception starting at 6:00 pm followed by dinner and the installation. Please show your support of your incoming president and join with other members from your club to witness the kickoff of the 2016-17 Rotary year.
If you like offensive baseball, this may be the year to go to a Red Sox game. The team's batting average is just below .300 and they are tearing up their competition. Even the pitching is beginning to improve. Tied for first in the AL East, now is the time to register to go to the Rotary Night at Fenway on July 8th.
The district has reserved 280 seats in the right field grandstands hopefully to witness a win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Joining us will be 50 plus members of the Ipswich Rotary Club and their twin club from Ipswich, England. That leaves about 230 seats for Rotarians, family and friends. This will be a gorgeous night, not guaranteed, but being their with so many incredible people will certainly be amazing.
The Rotaplast team has been selected for the Cebu Mission leaving on October 9 and returning October 23, 2016. From a group of 12 volunteers, 7 were selected for the 7 slots available.
This is a strong team, with two team members returning for their second mission so that the new members will have support and a knowledge base the team last year also had with Lisa Collin, Barbara Hoelfich and Dave Boudreau helping us all along the way.
Those 7 are:
Bob Arsenault – Quarter Master - Ipswich
Ray Bastrache – Patient Transporter - Lynn
Bill Beckman – Ward Coordinator – Beverly
Juan Gallego – Sterilizer - Chelsea
Barbara Hoelfich – Recreation Therapist – Cambridge
Stephanie Johnson – Medical Records – Peabody
Jeffrey Newman – Photo Journalist – Melrose
Rotaplast assigned – Nancy Faletta – PACU assistant – San Francisco
Want to map out your future success? Then you should register for the next Rotary Means Business Meeting on June 14th. You will learn about SMART Goals and possibly, time permitting, about Key Performance Indicators (KPI).
Planning is always important, but understanding how to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely is the real key. Without building the culture to follow SMART goals, success with be harder to achieve. The ability to measure that success is important to build momentum and to alter the goal or process to achieve the intended success and that is where KPI comes into play.
Our facilitator for the evening is one of our own Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Andover, Al Ruthazer. He promises to provide a glimpse into the world of successful planning for your business and brings 30 years of experience in business consulting to the table to strengthen your understanding and ability to achieve your goals.
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club recently completed its final project of the year with a visit to seniors living in the town's public housing. Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “This year, more than ever, the kids seemed really concerned about the quality of life for seniors. We’ve did this project last year, but they quickly voted to continue this year again.” After a planning session, the children began planning their service project in partnership with Maureen Hickey from the Housing Authority. Forty flower pots were hand-painted by the students and brought over to the senior housing. With the help from RYLA alum and graduating NRHS senior volunteer Annie Nitzche, the children carefully planted the flowers and hand-delivered them to every resident of Peabody Court Housing.
Rotarians, family and friends have been invited to join District 7910's Wine Fellowship event on Tuesday, July 18 from 5:30-8:30 pm at LaMorra Bicari Ristorante located at 48 Boylston Street in Brookline Village. Enjoy a four-course meal with carefully chosen wine pairings. Can you think of a nicer way to enjoy fellowship with Rotarians and friends in Eastern and Central Massachusetts than over wine and dinner?
The cost will be $70.00 per person for those interested in sampling the wines and $50.00 per person for those interested in the meal only. Tax and tip are included in these prices. Participation is limited so don't delay. Register here!
This event will introduce the possibility of a Wine Tasting Fellowship for District 7930. So, if you are interested, please join us!
To kick off our Rotary Conference and Assembly weekend, over 50 Rotarians, friends and family signed up for our 2016 Mystery Dining! Not knowing where they were going to eat, what was going to be served, how they were getting there, or even who they were eating with, guests were told to meet on the roof of Fisher College. The evening kicked off with fellowship and a cocktail reception as the group was checked in and assigned to a "team." Slightly later than planned, the teams gathered and were loaded onto an Old Town trolley for their ride to their assigned restaurants. Terry Curran's team arrived at Scampo at the Liberty hotel and were surprised by a visit from celebrity chef Lydia Shire. Their 3-course meal included choices such as mozzarella salad, salmon and tiramisu. Janice Casoli led a team to the waterfront restaurant Chart House. This historical restaurant features John Hancock's original security safe! After a loud sing-a-long to Sweet Caroline, the final team led by Maria Bertolone, traveled to Red Lantern for a family-style Asian cuisine dinner. Everyone's favorite was the ending pu-pu platter desserts including s'more spring rolls, grilled pineapple, rhubarb rangoon and chocolate and sea salt truffles!
Chairs David Manzi and Amy Luckiewicz would like to thank our guests and table hosts Janice Casoli, Terry Curran, and Maria Bertolone as well as Shiela Lally and Fisher College for all of their help. We truly appreciated your support, patience, trust and fun spirit!
Among the highlights of this past weekend's Conference and Assembly was undoubtedly a visit from Boston Bruin legend, our #77, Ray Bourque. Ray was our featured speaker at Saturday night's dinner, attended by about 80 Rotarians and guests. Ray spent time chatting with Rotarians during the fellowship cocktail reception and took the podium to speak about some of his memories as a Bruin, his family, post-hockey life, and charitable organization, the Celebrities for Charity Foundation. Ray also took questions from guests including one from Brian Murphy of the Beverly Club about his time as an active player. Wakefield Rotarian Alicia Reddin, who has been a Rotarian for about 2 months, stepped up and invited Ray to join Rotary! Ray concluded by acknowledging the efforts of Rotarians to better the lives of people everywhere. After speaking, he spent time signing auction items, chatting with attendees and taking pictures. The entire Conference and Assembly planning team would like to thank Rotarians and their guests for joining us and for making this evening so memorable.
An annual tradition at our District Conference is the silent auction to benefit our Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund. This year, the items were available to bid on the entirety of Saturday including the lunch and dinner programs. Items included an original painting, margarita-themed basket, several golf items and dozens of bottles of wine! Without a doubt, the most hotly contested item was a signed banner from Ray Bourque. Won by Annual Giving Chair Bob Gravino, Bourque signed the banner to Bob's grandsons Finn and Liam!
The event netted $4,590 for the Annual Fund SHARE Program! Through the SHARE system, contributions to The Rotary Foundation are transformed into grants that fund local and international humanitarian projects, scholarships, and activities such as vocational training teams. At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund, or DDF. At the end of three years, our district can use the DDF to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects that our clubs in the district choose. Districts may use up to half of their DDF to fund district grants. The remaining DDF may be used for global grants or donated to PolioPlus, the Rotary Peace Centers, or another district.
We would like to thank all of our generous bidders and the following Rotary Club's for their thoughtful donations: Amesbury, Belle Isle, Burlington, Lexington, Lynnfield, Medford, Reading, Saugus, Swampscott, Wakefield and Winchester. Learn more about the Annual Fund!
Is this the new math? No, it is when you combine 58 committed humanitarians representing 22 Rotary Clubs, with $7,500 in funding, to package 4,800 pounds for food to serve 30,000 meals on a Saturday morning.
The EndHungerNE Service project started at 7:30 am when Rotarians brought the production line and enough raw materials from curbside on South Street up to the second floor where the event was held. As Rotarians, families and friends arrived by car or the shuttle buses, the excitement began to fill the room. Matthew Martin, the area director for Outreach, Inc., parent company of EndHungerNE, provided a brief overview of their mission and instructions on how to maximize the process, and then the real work began.
The district funded the first 10,000 mac and cheese meals and it was up to those in attendance to package those meals as well as fund the additional meals to hopefully get to our goal of 30,000 meals. So as the meals were being packaged and the results reported, the donations began. Peabody got the action started at $500 and Topsfield/Boxford/Middleton, Wakefield, Winchester and Stoneham followed suit with matching pledges. Another $1,750 was donated personally by individuals packaging the meals. There were several challenge pledges and those were met again and again. In the end, with the final pledge of $250 from the district we fully funded the 30,000 meals. Not bad for a day's work serving others.
There are 4 or 5 food pantries who have already agreed to accept meals but we are still reaching out to other organizations who are interested in receiving the meals.
But we were not alone, Ipswich Interact and Burlington Rotary were busy at work packaging meals for EndHungerNow. Details of their success in reducing the impact of hunger locally and globally will be reported in other articles that will also highlight Rotarians who assisted in distribution food collected through the USPS food collection drive - Stamp Out Hunger.
This Sunday, May 15th beginning at 4 pm, the Lynnfield Rotary Club has again partnered with the restaurants at MarketStreet Lynnfield for the 2nd Annual Taste of MarketStreet!
For a $10.00 entry fee, enjoy delicious foods and beverages under the tents at the green, "all you can eat"... This event run by Lynnfield Rotary will generate enough funds to feed guests at the Haven from Hunger in Peabody, MA. The Lynnfield Club pays for and serves dinner once a month at the Haven. Come enjoy a delicious evening outdoors while supporting the Haven from Hunger!
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those who are food insecure?
As part of Rotary District 7930's Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, Governor Dave has added a food packaging project to be held as part of our 2016 District Conference. You can join 70+ Rotarians and Friends as they package up to 30,000 meals for the area's food pantries which serve the hungry in all of our communities. The event will be held at the Nonprofit Center at 80 South Street in Boston from 9 - 11:30 am on Saturday. There will be up to six production lines creating a bevy of activity which will result in packaging over 2,000 meals per hour per line. The district has pre-funded 10,000 meals and additional donations can be made in cash or credit card at the event or online at the EndHungerNE website before or during the event by clicking on the blue Donate Now button and then scrolling down to to Event #51. Typically, the excitement of reaching 10,000 or more meals drives participants and cheerleaders to make donations which immediately increases the number of meals we can package during the event.
Breaking news! This past week ClubRunner added a useful, much delayed tool to both the club and district websites. At the top of the screen by the member login, you will find a magnifying glass. Three are two modes: public and private. If someone is not logged in, you will only be able to search public pages. Once logged in, all pages will be available to search. Just enter any word and watch how fast it finds stories and other items where that keyword is found. Certainly, you can search for stories about your club, or other clubs, in an effort to recall what was previously reported or to begin to research new ideas for service projects, fellowship events or fundraisers. Then once you have accessed the story, you might discover the secrets of how to maximize your success. But it doesn't stop there, let your imagination flow. Let us know if you hit the jackpot!
Have you registered for Conference yet? If not, why not? The schedule is set, transportation from Andover/Stoneham and Georgetown/North Shore Mall (see above) on Saturday is set, the menus are set, the speakers are set, are you set? Download the transportation schedule here!
Friday night we will be meeting at the Fisher College rooftop, 118 Beacon Street, for a brief wine and beer hour before heading off to who knows where on a mystery dining tour. We’re going to be split up so we meet new people and find out how truly phenomenal Rotarians and friends truly are. I can’t wait for what truly sounds like an awesome time!
Saturday transportation begins at 7:30 am, dropping you off at the service project by 9:00 am, packing meals provided by End Hunger New England, which will be distributed to four food pantries in our district. The goal is to pack 30,000 meals, so we truly need your help. The event is at the Non-Profit Center, 89 South Street, Boston. There will be changing rooms (without showers) provided at the Harvard Club (on the second floor) for those that are participating in the Service Project and going on to lunch. For more information on the service project, or to see a video of a meal packaging event, click here!
The District Conference Continues with the combined Conference/Assembly Luncheon at the Harvard Club, 374 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. The event will be in Harvard Hall and will feature Dan Clark, Dave Manzi, Sheryl Meehan and guest speaker, Josh Kraft. Following this amazing lunch will be the Annual District Business meeting, then the District Assembly with breakouts galore. Learn about Rotary, the District and more at your District Assembly.
Saturday night brings a wonderful banquet with no particular agenda. It will be an evening of enjoyment featuring Dan Clark and his wife Mary, Dave Manzi and Keynote speaker Ray Bourque. The four-course meal including wine will be the celebration everyone should have after this amazing year. It will be a review of everything you all have accomplished in all the various fields of veterans awareness, homelessness and hunger, opioid awareness and advocacy. You are all to be congratulated on jobs well done!
And finally, CALLING ALL VETERANS! Sunday morning will be a memorial service for those Rotarians that have passed since the last District Conference, followed by our Veterans’ Memorial Brunch. The brunch will feature guest speakers from the VA Secretary Franceso Urena, Jen DeLuca, ED of Fisher House, Boston, Andy McCawley, President New England Center and Home for Veterans, and Giselle Sterling, Commissioner, City of Boston Veteran’s Services Department. This is a not to be missed event.
The entire conference is a la carte, so you can pick and choose or sign up for all of the above. Wednesday is our cut-off at 3:00 pm, so do it now!
Please join the Wakefield Rotary Club on Wednesday, June 1st for our annual golf tournament at the beautiful Gannon Golf Club in Lynn, MA. Proceeds will benefit the programs to combat substance use and youth development including:
District 7930's annual RYLA weekend will be held on June 3-5, 2016, at Camp Rotary in Boxford. This is a spectacular weekend, where 80 high school sophomores and juniors from all over the District come together to learn leadership skills. Facilitating the weekend are a hand-picked group of students from last year's RYLA and a team of Rotarians.
District clubs may sponsor up to five students from their community. The cost to sponsor a student is $150. This covers the program, housing and food.
There are still spaces available for this year's RYLA. If your club hasn't submitted applications yet, please consider participating. This is an amazing program.
For information about RYLA, contact Rotarians Jim Babbin, Evan Diamond, Andy Maddox, Peter Majane, Tracy Arabian, Julie Geary, Mike McLaughlin, or Dave Gardner. All have several years of RYLA experience and can answer your questions.
Time is running out to register for what will prove to be a fun and exciting District Conference. From the Friday evening Mystery Dining to the EndHungerNE service project, the exciting Assembly agenda, Saturday nights dinner celebrating our successes with keynote Ray Bourque and a very special Memorial Service remembering our fellow Rotarians who have passed away this past year, with a special focus on our veterans. There is something for everyone, and since you can choose from the menu for the weekend, you should be able to find something that you can afford and enjoy the company of our fellow Rotarians, our families and our friends.
Here is the current Assembly and Conference Schedule:
If you ask anyone who traveled last October to Cebu, Philipines, they're going to share stories. Stories about commitment, affection, care, and compassion. Or perhaps you've already heard one of the team's presentations this year and were inspired to go? Now's your chance to apply! Next year's mission is currently being planned for October 9-23, 2016 back to Cebu!
Want a first-hand account of what it's like to travel on this important project? Can't go on the trip, but want to support the mission? Email David Boudreau to schedule a speaker, be connected to a past volunteer, or to donate. You won't regret it!
Please note, that you MUST apply through Rotaplast to be considered for this mission.
The Homelessness and Hunger Initiative Committee has been actively presenting our video. Filmed on the premise of educating Rotarians and then their communities, we are making it available to all who want it, spreading the word about what you can do to help. In this arena the video has proven a huge success.
The committee has presented to 14 Clubs throughout the District with 3 more scheduled presentations. It has presented to several non-profits and to a gathering of Foundation donors. The purpose of the presentations is to familiarize Rotarians about homelessness and the statistics of poverty and hunger in their communities. This is followed by the HHI video, seen here in this newsletter, and then there is a call to help, not for dollars, but for dialing and drafting digits, making a call or sending letters to your senators and representatives. If your club has not had this presentation, now is the time to contact Bob Wood to schedule a one and be prepared to see your club moved to action.
HHI lends itself perfectly to applying for District Foundation Grants, so if your club is not qualified, now is the time to do so. The next Qualification Seminar is on May 19th at a location to be decided soon. We are encouraging all Clubs in our District to seek out and partner with a local non-profit in the fields of Homelessness or Hunger to provide a grant for something that an agency might need in the upcoming Rotary year. Interestingly enough, the Clubs presented to only had to go out and ask the question "What can Rotary do to help?" Many have gotten the answer!
And where, you ask, does the District get the money for these grants? Well, every dollar contributed to the Rotary Foundation in any given year by Rotarians is invested for three years. The Foundation lives on the interest of those investments. After the third year, 50% of the monies contributed by any given District returns to that District in the form of Managed Grants (local community grants), Global Grants and District Designated Funds. So as the saying goes, if you don’t give, you probably won’t get. So now is the time to give to the Foundation so you Club can continue to do local District Managed Grants!
The committee will meet again in July to determine the next steps. The committee is to be commended for its insight and foresight in the production of this video.
Students and faculty from Austin Prep spoke to the Reading Rotary on May 2 about their service trip to rural Peru. AP students, Pedro, Kate and Crystal were our Speakers. They were among 18 total students on a trip this February who dedicated their off time to help those in need. They were accompanied by two AP faculty members, including Reading Rotarian Michael McLaughlin, Head of Austin Prep Middle School.
They traveled to the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco and Machu Picchu. They stayed with host families and preformed community service, including painting classrooms in the Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Urubamba. They mixed bricks the traditional way, with their feet, and repaired walls and improved paths leading to the school in the Andes. They also had the chance to visit the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and learn salsa dancing.
The student speakers were very impressive as they related how these families in this very remote area had so little, including limited access to sanitary facilities and clean water. The Austin students also interacted with homeless children putting together packs of items and food and distributing them. This was a first time Austin conducted this service trip to Peru, but there are hopes to be able to repeat this service project.
Pictured at right are the Austin Prep student in Peru.
Austin Students Tell Reading about Their Trip to Peru
After a weekend sweep of the Yankees, the Red Sox look like they are in high gear! The bats are blazing and pitching is starting to improve. Now that we are officially in first place, it is time to introduce our Rotary Day at Fenway.
On July 8th, we have reserved 280 seats in the right field grandstands to hopefully witness a win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Joining us will be 50 plus members of the Ipswich Rotary Club and their twin club from Ipswich, England. That leaves about 230 seats for Rotarians, family and friends. This will be a gorgeous night, not guaranteed, but being their with so many incredible people will certainly be amazing.
Ingrid Brown, the elected representative from D7930 recently attended the 2016 Council on Legislation in Chicago. She is proud to report that the 2016 Council on Legislation may well be remembered as one of the most progressive in Rotary history!
The Council is an essential element of Rotary’s governance. Every three years, members from all the 534 districts around the world gather in Chicago to consider and vote on proposed changes to policies that govern the organization and its member clubs. Measures that are adopted take effect July 1, 2016.
Not only did this Council grant clubs more freedom in determining their meeting schedule, allowing clubs to decide to vary their meeting times, whether to meet online or in person, and when to cancel a meeting, as long as they meet at least twice a month, but also allowing flexibility in choosing their membership rules and requirements.
The Council also approved an increase in per capita dues of $4 a year for three years. The increase will be used to enhance Rotary’s website, improve online tools, and add programs and services to help clubs increase membership. The dues increase was based on a five-year financial forecast that predicted that is Rotary didn’t either raise dues or make drastic cuts, its reserves would dip below mandated levels by 2020. As RI Vice-President Greg Podd put it, “We are at a moment in time when we must think beyond the status quo. We must think about our future.”
Also because of this Council’s decisions:
A Council on Resolutions will meet annually online to consider resolutions – recommendations to the RI Board. The Council on Resolutions will free the Council on Legislation to concentrate on enactments – changes to Rotary’s governing documents.
Rotaractors will be allowed to become members of Rotary Clubs while still in Rotaract. Too few Rotaractors join Rotary, and it’s hoped that giving them more options will boost the members of qualified young leaders in Rotary.
The distinction between e-clubs and traditional clubs will be eliminated, now that clubs have been given more flexibility.
The reference to “admission fees” will be removed from the bylaws, as the words do not advance a modern image of Rotary.
A Standing Committee on membership was established, in recognition that membership is a top priority of the organization, and polio was reaffirmed to be a goal of the highest order.
The global aspect of the Council is inspiring, you really have the opportunity to get out of your “district comfort zone thinking”, and broaden your appreciation of the rest of the Rotary world. Ingrid thanks you for the privilege of, once again, representing D7930.
Rotary International Council on Legislation Report
District Governor Dave has agreed to invest our remaining Membership and Public Image Budget back into the clubs! Over the next 1-2 months, we will be placing print and electronic ads to join YOUR Rotary club! The ads will be regional and name any club represented in the region, but it will direct readers back to the 7930 website to locate the club nearest them.
You don't have to do anything for this project, BUT it would be appreciated:
Check your current image archives. I'm looking for some ACTION pics of OUR Rotarians, and ones that show membership diversity. Please do not rely on the RI stock images.
If you have a specific contact or news outlet that you think works best for your community, please let us know.
Finally, we are happy to announce that the Membership committee has awarded 6 Mini Grants this year to: Peabody, Danvers, Manchester-Essex, Somerville, Belle Isle, and Swampscott. In addition, the Public Image Committee awarded 10 Mini Grants to: Saugus, Salem, Danvers, Ipswich, Swampscott, Reading, Belle Isle, Methuen, Peabody and Medford. We hope you were able to benefit from the investment! This number represented almost half the committees' budgets and we're thrilled to put it back into the clubs.
Hope to see you at the Assembly/Conference!
Want to advertise your company at the Conference/Assembly? Click here!
District is Sponsoring Membership and Public Image Campaigns
Time is running out to enhance your knowledge and improve your ability to lead your club to greatness. Tomorrow is the last day to register for RLI on Saturday, May 7th which will be held at the Holiday Inn in Peabody.
If your club cares about its future, it will want the best leadership possible. This is an outstanding opportunity for each club to improve the Rotary knowledge of its key people and to be exposed to new ideas of leadership. The exchange of ideas with other experienced Rotarians alone makes the courses worthwhile.
The district will reimburse the first member from each club who registers for RLI, so don't delay!
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce the finalists for the "Marblehead's Got Talent!" competition. These talented performers will vie to win both prestige and scholarships at this year's benefit finale. The benefit event will be held at the Boston Yacht Club, located at 1 Front Street on Friday, May 6th at 6:30 pm!
The proceeds from this benefit event will be used to fund local scholarships! At the end of the program, the top three winners of Marblehead's Got Talent finale competition will be awarded $1,000, $500 & $250 scholarships respectively for their talented efforts.
The public is invited for the fun and to be judges for the evenings’ performances. Tickets to the benefit are $35.00 ($40.00 at the door) and can be purchased at the Marblehead Bank (Atlantic Avenue branch), Arnolds Gallery, and from individual members of the Marblehead Rotary Club. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be served during the evening and are included in the price of admission and a live auction will be held during the cocktail party.
Whether you’re an aspiring or accomplished artist—or perhaps someone who appreciates art as a dynamic vehicle for visual expression—you won't want to miss Cambridge Rotary Club's annual Chalk on the Walk event, May 1st. on Church Street, that rivals an Italian street painting festival.
Artist Bridget Foster Reed first learned about Chalk on the Walk eight years ago when she happened to notice an advertisement for the event during an eventful subway ride. “My interest was immediately peaked. I was convinced that it sounded a bit ephemeral, but also lots of fun.” To prove her point, Bridget has participated in the annual Chalk on the Walk event almost every year since then.
“I’m always impressed that Chalk on the Walk uses art to bring people together to support important charitable causes. It also appeals to a wide demographic, bringing together so many different people and art styles in such a creative way. “The Rotary Club members running the event reach out to participating artists with so much warmth. I think of them as embodying the true spirit of volunteering.”
If you own or manage a business, wouldn't it be nice to grow your business within the Rotary community. Well, now you can through a district based advertising program. If you are looking for purchasing a product or service from a reputable company, wouldn't it make sense to find a Rotarian to do business with? Clearly, the Four Way Test provides the basis for a mutually beneficial relationship between two parties.
The district is introducing a multi-layered program where Rotarians can advertise in the district directory, on the district website and create a presence in an online business directory. You will have the option of advertising in any one or more, although at the pricing offered it just might make sense to participate completely. But, you will be the judge of that.
To help defray the cost of the district directory, we are introducing a yellow page section with multiple options that range from $25 (line listing with phone number) to a $200 full page ad.
Want more dynamic advertising, consider an entry into the NEW online directory, starting at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, plus a $49 setup fee to create your business card sized ad. From there you can add more information about your company, both text and graphics as well as special offers. Visitors will be able to connect with you through social media, follow a link to your website, call you or send you an email. If they truly appreciate you and your company, they can make a recommendation. Once set up, you will be able to update your information or special offers at your convenience.
Finally, we will be offering the ability to sponsor the website and eBulletins through advertising. With readership growing, we now feel that it would be advantageous for Rotarians to invest in this option. We are working out the details for this option and will be able to report to you shortly.
Six students from the North Reading Community EarlyAct Club visited the North Reading Rotary Club this week. Greeting the Rotarians, the students shook hands and introduced themselves. Rotarian Janice Wood commented, "They did a great job looking us in the eye!" The presentation was a year-in-review of the projects and highlights the students have completed so far including: making and delivering hot chocolate kits to the volunteers at the food pantry, making book marks for the local librarians, stuffing Easter eggs for food pantry clients, and more. The students also noted some guests speaker highlights including local Selectmen, volunteers, and even Lydia the therapy dog. The children also noted that they love getting correspondence in the mail. Rotarian Dave O'Neil also congratulated the students on practicing their public speaking skills and preparation, noting, "This will help you far into the future. Stick with it."
The club is designed for students grades 3-5, representing all schools in North Reading. Based on a Rotary International model, the projects and meetings focus on the values of gratitude, community, leadership, commitment, and inclusion. The club meets twice per month to plan and implement a local or international humanitarian project. North Reading also has an EarlyAct Club for Middle School and a high school Interact Club. The students joined in for a picture with President Eric Evans,
In the May issue of The Rotarian you will find a couple of references to District 7930. The first occurs in the Upfront calendar page, where the Rotary Club of Cambridge has their "Chalk in the Walk" event is listed. This May 1st event allows artists to create masterpieces on squares sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Donations provide funding for college scholarships and other club projects throughout the year. In one of the feature stories, our own Christa Papavasiliou was interviewed about what millennials love about Rotary. Her call-out quote stated "There's a real beauty to the underlying message of Service Above Self. I know there are going to be people in Rotary who are like-minded and like-hearted." The two other young Rotarians also had something important to hear. Jermaine EE exclaimed "The truth is, Rotary has everything millennials want." Finally, Yvonne Kwan confirmed why Rotarians are engaged in the service we provide in her quote - "Millennials are looking for a place to give back to their community, but they need to feel like they are getting value as well." The question is whether their concept of value returned is the same as our current members. Perhaps they are referring to the good feeling you receive from serving others, but maybe it is more. This important conversation can begin or be expanded by reading this article and discussing it at an upcoming club meeting.
District Memorial Service: Honoring Those Who Have Passed
DG Dave Manzi asks that you and family members of any deceased Rotarian join us on Sunday May 15th to honor those Rotarians who have passed away between May 2015 to present. This traditional event will be held Sunday, May 15th at the Harvard Club in Boston from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. The Memorial Service and Brunch are included in the full District Conference Registration, and you must be registered to attend. There is free parking on the street. Immediately following the Memorial Service is our Veterans Memorial Brunch which is included in the district conference fee or can be purchased al-a-carte for $45.00.
Remember to send the name of any Rotarian who departed since May 2015 by emailing Joan Aresenault for inclusion in the service. Please provide your club name and any additional information you wish us to know about this Rotarian. If you or any family members are attending the Memorial Service but are not attending the Conference please let Joan know so we have an accurate count for planning purposes.
District Conference Veterans Memorial Brunch: Honoring Those Who Have Served
Francisco Urena, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Services and Jen DeLuca from Fisher House will be our Guest Speakers at the District Conference Veterans Memorial Brunch.
Francisco Urena Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Services will open our Veterans Memorial Brunch on Sunday May 15th at the Harvard Club. Secretary Ureña’s commitment to government service began the day after graduating high school when he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps. In the span of eight years of honorable service, his duties included Diplomatic Security with the Department of State at two American Embassies: American Embassy Damascus, Syria and American Embassy Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He is a Purple Heart recipient from injuries sustained during Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign. In 2008, Ureña was honored with “Veterans’ Services Officer of the Year,” awarded by former Veterans’ Services Secretary, Thomas G. Kelley.
Secretary Ureña is committed to helping veterans live with dignity, honor, and independence; and ensures that the department and its initiatives focus on those goals.
Jen DeLuca from Fisher House will be our guest speaker. There are currently 65 Fisher Houses located around the country and in the United Kingdom. The mission of the Fisher House is to ease the burden of our Veterans and their families during difficult times; to serve those who have served. Fisher House Boston’s mission is to be responsive to the needs of their guests and go above and beyond what the Veterans Administration can provide. They strive to meet the basic comfort needs of their guests, during some of the most difficult times in their guest lives, as well as, enhance the healing and supportive environment of the house. Fisher House Boston was the 46th house to be built and dedicated. Boston is the 15th house to be on a VA Medical Center campus.
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, April 29, 2016 at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
A Night at the Races promises to be a fun-filled evening for adults with all the suspense and excitement of being at the racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group. Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased at Carroll K. Steele Insurance Agency, BankGloucester, The Weathervane or by contacting any Gloucester Rotarian.
The Gloucester Rotary Club was established in 1923, and has more than 60 members who are leaders in the community. Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self” is the basis of all their good work. With funds raised through events, the club has been a significant supporter of local community organizations and causes. For more information about the Gloucester Rotary Club and Rotary International, go to www.gloucesterotary.us.
FUNdraiser “A Night at the Races” on Fri, April 29
This past week the Lynnfield Rotary Club hosted the Wakefield Rotary Club at their home location at the Sheraton Wakefield. The two clubs were educated about Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer and Reid's Ride, a project supported by the Lynnfield Club for years. The lunch provided a passionate informational session but it also provided more. As Past District Governor David Drislane noted, "We should meet more often with our neighbors." It was a good reminder to both clubs about collaboration and fellowship. With almost 40 in attendance, it was one of the biggest meetings for either club, and will hopefully become a more regular tradition.
Has your club met with another club? It might be a great way to spark a new idea, plan a new event or partner in a district or global grant. The possibilities are endless!
Posted by Excerpted from North Shore Local News on Apr 13, 2016
People don’t stick with things very long nowadays. So it’s an unusual accomplishment when someone is a member of the same organization for 65 years.
And what better day to celebrate that than on his birthday!
Ipswich and Rowley Rotary held a party this morning to honor Ben Collins, former owner of Ipswich Ford and former president of the club.
Asked by Nat Pulsifer what birthday it was, Collins joked, “It’s the first one this year.” It’s actually his 96th birthday today as well.
The event saw Collins receive praise and congratulations from Ipswich selectmen, state Rep. Brad Hill, state Sen. Bruce Tarr and other Rotary clubs and officials.
As the certificates were presented, someone joked that he would need a truck to bring the pile home.
Collins thanked the group. Speaking of his years of service with Rotary, he added, “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Ben Collins Turns 96 Years Young - Rotarian for 65 Years
On May 14th, District 7930 is hosting a special service project as part of the 2016 District Conference. With Governor Dave's introduction to the Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, it seemed to be a natural extension to incorporate a food packaging event on Saturday morning from 9:00-11:00 am. Join Rotarians, Interactors, Rotaractors and friends at the Nonprofit Center at 89 South Street in Boston for an amazing experience. EndHungerNE will be leading this project where we will work to End Hunger and Enrich Lives for those less fortunate than ourselves. District 7930 will be providing the initial investment to package 10,000 meals, either mac and cheese or rice and beans, but we need to get volunteers to actually perform the actual packaging. This event will create goodwill, provide meaningful service and possibly even attract new members. But most of all, it will just feel good! All of these meals will be distributed locally within our district so we will be able to have a very local impact on our communities.
Want to see what this operation is actually like and why you want to be part of it? Check out the video.
Although there is no cost to participate, donations can be made to help us package more meals can be made by clicking the donation page - Support District 7930 Conference Service Project. There will be transportation from the Route 95 and Route 93 corridors into Boston and back, or you can go from the service project to the Harvard Club and then back home in the afternoon or after dinner. You can register for the service project, other conference events and transportation once you are on the registration site. Click here to register!
Outreach, Inc. is a nonprofit organization built through social entrepreneurship and the hard work of two Iowans, delivering food, water purification technology, medical care, and education to rural Tanzania. Outreach meals are provided to the hungry both internationally and in the United States.
You Can Walk. You Can Run. You Can Help End Hunger in Massachusetts.
On Sunday, May 1st 2016, more than 40,000 people will come together on the Boston Common to make a powerful statement about hunger in Massachusetts. Money raised from the Walk will be used to develop and fund hundreds of critical programs that provide hunger relief to families and individuals across the state.
In addition to the scenic 10-mile Walk course along the Charles River, this year the Walk for Hunger will kick off with a 5k starting on the Boston Common. Whether you jog the 5k, walk one mile, or all 10, please register and donate today and join the tradition.
In order to continue to accomplish the Object of Rotary and to support, advise and assist District 7930, District 7930 Bylaw's Committee met and proposed the revisions as identified in green.
The proposed bylaw change, upon the approval by 2/3 of the members at the District Conference on May 14, 2016 at the Business Meeting. The new bylaws will take effect on July 1, 2016.
Bylaws Will Be Voted On at the District Conference
We are working on an exciting program for your Assembly. Please join us for this amazing program on May 14th.
Adding Members: How We Did it! A panel of Rotarians who have added members to their clubs through traditional and non-traditional ways will present their successful strategies.
Working in Your Own Community Fighting Hunger and Homelessness. A presentation by members of the HHI committee with ideas for grants and how your club can participate.
Innovative “Fun”draising ideas: Join members from other Clubs to hear their innovative fundraising ideas and how you can shift your fundraising to be even more successful.
PE’s: You will have a session with DGE Sheryl Meehan to review/vote on the district budget as well as continuing to build relationships within your Presidential Class.
Treasurers and Secretaries: join us for a fabulous session for training in your roles.
The statistics on world hunger are staggering. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization recently estimated that from 2014-2016, about 795 million people of the 73 billion people in the world, or one in nine, suffer from chronic undernourishment. On Saturday morning, at Lynn's St. Mary’s High School cafeteria, a group of about 70 dedicated volunteers ranging in age from teenagers to a few octogenarians, combined forces to do their part to alleviate hunger in the world.
Stop Hunger Now is a meal-packaging event where volunteers set-up and take down packaging stations and equipment, fill bins with raw ingredients, scoop ingredients into meal bags, weigh and seal the bags, box and stack them on pallets and load the pallets and equipment onto a truck for distribution in developing countries.
The Rotary Club of Lynn was recognized as the Group of the Year by My Brother's Table at their Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Their service to help feed the hungry in and around Lynn has clearly been visible and has made a difference in the lives of many. Richard Ruth, Ray Bastarache, Harvey Rowe and Sean McCarthy pictured receiving their award. Congratulations on such a great honor.
The Beverly Rotary Club is presenting “The Beverly Rotary Family Feud” on Friday, April 15, from 6 pm to 10:30 pm, at Danversport Yacht Club. The evening will feature a silent auction, brief live auction, full course dinner, dessert, live music, and game show competition. Four Beverly-area VIP teams will be competing for special prizes. The teams are The Paul & Kristin Guanci family, The Tom & Mary Grant Family, Montserrat College of Art Team, and Endicott College Team in contest of town-vs-gown.
Proceeds from this fundraising event will support Beverly Bootstraps, Beverly Children’s Learning Center, and other local organizations and charities.
The Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford, and Middleton has supported the important work being done at Windrush Farm therapeutic riding center, but Rotarian Bob heard about Horsemanship for Heroes, he knew it was something that other Rotary clubs would want to support.
The H4H program at Windrush helps veterans with challenges, including head and spinal cord injuries, amputation, auditory and visual impairments, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Benefits to the veterans include normalized muscle tone, increased range of motion, greater confidence and self-esteem, increased strengthen and better coordination of fine and gross motor skills, improved patience and emotional control, and increased concentration and self-awareness.
In addition to therapeutic riding, there are un-mounted activities and volunteer opportunities working with horses that are also available to veterans.
If you would like to join the TBM club in supporting this important program, please email Dan Weir or call him at 978-766-7473.
District Governor Dave Manzi and the District Conference Committee are pleased to announce that the District Conference/Assembly package has been reduced from $350.00 to $235.00. We are also able to offer you a-la-carte options for the conference. Please visit our registration link for more information.
Mystery is in the air!! Hurry and register for the Friday Night Mystery Dinner, an event not to be missed, spots going fast!
Leaving from Fisher College you will be transported to an exquisite four-star restaurant with fellow Rotarians and guests. Register for this fun filled evening, meet new Rotarians, and enjoy a night out on the town.
Legend of hockey Ray Bourque to speak at the District Conference. This dinner event is now available a-la-carte! Ray Bourque and and his Boston Bruins teammate Cleon Daskalakis founded the Celebrities For Charity Foundation which has donated over $20 million to a variety of charities that support causes ranging from medical research and patient care, to education, assisting disadvantaged children, the arts, and the environment.
Saturday service project needs volunteers. Join us on Saturday morning as we package 10,000 meals with End Hunger New England! You don't need to attend the Conference to volunteer at this great event, but you do need to register.
Silent Auction items needed. Our Conference is also a way to increase our funding of the Rotary Foundation, bringing money back to the District for our local and international service projects and grants. Club Presidents, please send in your silent auction items as soon as possible.
Park and Ride: We're happy to offer free shuttle service on Saturday into Boston from points North along Routes 93, 95 and Route 1. You must indicate if you need a ride in your registration. Download the Transportation Schedule here!
Posted by Josh Arnold edited by David Olson on Mar 31, 2016
On Friday, April 1, 2016, the community of Gloucester celebrated the funeral mass of one of its “giant” civic leaders, Rudy Macchi. Rudy, a member of the Gloucester Rotary Club for 40 years, serving as past President, past Assistant Governor, and Paul Harris Fellow, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016.
His contributions as a civic leader were vast as was his kindness and generosity toward others. Gloucester Rotarian and past Executive Director of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Mike Costello offered words of remembrance at the funeral Mass celebrated at Holy Family Parish, where Rudy served as a member of the Finance Committee and had accompanied the church’s pastor on a pilgrimage to Italy this past Fall.
Costello remembered Rudy Macchi as a kind man who was known by many as a character and a jokester, yet was also quick to roll up his sleeves and climb into the trenches to get something done. He exhibited the mantle of leadership for many organizations, and was a giant among local leaders.
On April 8th Rotarians volunteered as teachers at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston through Junior Achievement. JA volunteers have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Boston’s youth by teaching essential life lessons about personal finance, civics and business that aren’t taught in school! If you’re worried that you don’t know how to teach, don’t be! Consider joining us next year and you’ll be paired with a partner and you’ll receive a powerful and easy-to-follow lesson that walks you through every step of the process. Volunteering for this event is a full day commitment, running from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
For more information please call Larry Wenglin at 617-593-7400.
Downtown Boston Rotary supports Junior Achievement
Join us on Tuesday, April 12th for our annual Salsa Night fundraiser hosted in support of the Rotaract Club of Boston's international service project that will provide children safe and secure transportation to and from their school in Ganvie, Benin, Africa.
The event starts at 7:30 pm with arrival and check-in, followed by a salsa lesson from 7:45-9:00 pm and then you will get your chance to show your moves on an open dance floor until 9:30 pm. All are invited, whether newcomers to salsa or those seasoned professionals who want to join a great group of people looking to Do Good in the World!
Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased here!Ryles Jazz Club is located at 212 Hampshire Street on the second floor in Cambridge.
Salsa Night at the Ryles - Steps for Charity with Boston Rotaract
Rotary District 7930 will have a Rotary softball league again this year. The first games of the season will start the week of May 2nd. The league currently has six teams; Beverly, Chelsea, Danvers, Marblehead/Salem, Salem, NH and Woburn. Teams play ten regular season games, one game per week starting at 6:00 pm. Every team than enters the play-offs for a chance to win the league championship. The league has an annual picnic which will be on Wednesday, July 13th at John George Park in Danvers.
All Rotarians and their family and friends are invited to the picnic. After games team members will usually get together for Rotary fellowship. We welcome other District 7930 Rotary clubs to join our league this year. We also welcome individual Rotarians to join other teams in the league if your club is not able to field a team. Several of the teams in the league have members from several Rotary clubs. The purpose of the league is to provide one more avenue for Rotarian camaraderie and some exercise. The skill and age level of members of the league truly represent the demographics of current Rotary clubs. All games are played in the spirit of Rotary with having a good time top priority.
Join the fun on April 7, to benefit the Ipswich Family YMCA and Ipswich Rotary. Enjoy good food, wine, music, and fellowship at the 2016 "Taste of Ipswich".
The event is sponsored by Marcorelle's Fine Wines and Liquors. 6:30 - 9:30 pm at the Mansion on Turner Hill, Ipswich. If available, tickets at the door will be $65 per person, $120 per couple.
Since December 2015, seven new community and service-minded individuals have stepped up to join the Rotary Club of Andover. Membership Chair Al Ruthazer attributes the growth to several things, including the fall 2015 Andover Cares movement. He feels that this introduced the potential of Rotary’s service opportunities to many people who want to make a difference in our community. Following the October 2015 Andover Cares Festival, many volunteers wanted to get more involved, but the traditional service club model of required weekly breakfast meetings made it impossible for them to join. Hearing this, Andover Rotary created a new flexible Service Membership, and also added an evening meeting option each month.
“We're a great club,” said Membership Chair Ruthazer, “and the option to attend Rotary meetings at night has made our club accessible to some people who wanted to be a part of the best service club in town, but were unable to attend Friday morning meetings. In addition, members have the option to be Service members. This Service membership option allows people unable to attend a meeting every week to still contribute to all of our service projects with gusto, as full Rotary members.”
Increasing the number of members in your Rotary Club should be a top priority for your Rotary Club. As we approach the beginning of the 2016 - 2017 Rotary year, every Club should have a Membership Development Plan in place to increase and retain membership. Does your club? If not, please consider attending the webinar
The webinar will include the process of creating a membership development plan and provides strategies and tools you can use to attract and engage new members.
Club Assessment tools will be shared that will enable you to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your club related to attracting and retaining members. There will be a review of best practices to be a Vibrant Club which is essential to attracting new members.
The webinar is intended for Club Officers, Club Membership Chairs, Membership Committee members, Assistant Governors and anyone interest in learning how to increase membership in your Club.
I personally want to say thank you to our incoming Presidents and Assistant Governors for giving their most precious resource, their time, to participate in last week’s Northeast PETS! I am excited and optimistic that Rotary Year 2016 -2017 will be an electrifying year for our District due to the energy, passion and dedication displayed by our incoming Presidents and Assistant Governors at Northeast President Elect Training on March 10th through March 12th! I know that all who attended acquired knowledge and insights that will enhance not only their Rotary endeavors, but also their personal and professional skills.
Northeast PETS is a joint effort of eight Rotary International districts and includes the states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, southern Maine and southern Quebec. Considered to be one of the very best of its kind in the USA, it is also very unique in that it’s multi-District participation of so many future Presidents and Assistant Governors creates so much energy and enthusiasm.
Did you know the first donation to our Foundation was $26.50 in 1917? From those humble beginnings, the Foundation of Rotary International has received contributions totaling over $1 billion to date! On April 2 our District Foundation Team will be presenting a two-part seminar consisting of the yearly Foundation Forum, followed by lunch, and a Grant Qualification Seminar.
The Grant Qualification Seminar is a requirement if your club wants to be qualified for grants in the 2016-2017 Rotary year! Grants are a fantastic avenue for Clubs to have a real impact in the world and the communities they serve!
Global grants truly put the “international” in Rotary International as they lend aid to needy people the world over. District grants benefit your club and your community by having a tangible impact on the quality of life of you and your neighbors! Local district grants also get your club’s name into the community and demonstrate what Rotary – and your club – can do!
This Spring, District 7930 will host an RLI session:
Satuday, May 7, 2016 from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Holiday Inn Boston-Peabody
1 Newbury Street (Route 1 North)
Peabody, MA
You accepted the invitation to become a Rotarian for a reason. You stay a Rotarian also for a reason. Spending a day at an RLI session will add many more reasons for you to be a Rotarian. Remember, “Those who serve the best profit the most.”
This year's District Conference and Assembly is coming along with new developments all the time. Friday night's Mystery Dining is half booked, so please don't wait. Register Here!This fellowship event is full of fun and surprises. We're thrilled to announce that our service project or Saturday morning will be packaging at least 10,000 meals for End Hunger New England. These packages will stay right here in our district, benefiting food relief organizations right in our neighborhoods. Dan Clark, the singing trooper will also be performing Saturday. You may have seen Dan perform at Fenway or at a Patriots game. Lastly, hockey legend Ray Bourque is set to be one of our featured speakers Saturday night. A not-to-miss for any sports fan, Ray's message will also speak to the volunteer in all of us. Don't miss out, register now. For the full schedule, click on Read More.
In honor of the Club’s 15th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Greater Salem, NH is throwing a party! It’s on Friday, April 1st at 6:00 pm at the Brookstone Park, 14 Route 111 in Derry, NH. The price is $50 per person and you have a choice of Baked Haddock or Herb-Roasted Chicken.
There will be comedic entertainment but the highlight of the evening will be the awarding $15,000 in grants (in honor of the 15th year) to local non-profits. The largest award will be to the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church Food Pantry who have just completed a rebuild of their facility. Other awards will be to other non-profits in the field of homelessness and hunger.
Please join us if you can. To register, please email Laura Allain or call her at 603.370.0806
Rotary Club of Greater Salem, NH celebrates 15 years
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce the kickoff for the 2016 "Marblehead's Got Talent" competition. High School age performers will vie to win both prestige and scholarships at this year's benefit. The final and benefit event will be held on Friday, May 6th at the Boston Yacht Club!
All high-school age students qualified to participate in the event include both those attending Marblehead High School currently AND (this is a change from prior years) Marblehead residents who attend a private high school.
Auditions for Freshman and Sophomores will be held on Tuesday April 4
Auditions for Juniors and Seniors will be held on Tuesday April 12.
Semi-Finals will be held on Tuesday April 26.
All auditions will start at 7 pm sharp and will be held at Marblehead High School.
Rotary members on the organizing committee are Ron Amon (Chairman), Geoff Lloyd, Gene Arnould, David Deutsch and Greg Bates. From the Marblehead High Jordan Mitchell is a committee member will also handle entries and registration. Please email Mitchellif you have questions or need additional information.
Marblehead Rotary Club announces the 2016 “Marblehead's Got Talent" competition
Rockport Rotary Club 2016 Wine Tasting Event a Success!!!
The Rockport Rotary held their “Annual Wine Tasting Event” on March 4, from 6-8:30. The event was held at the Shalin Liu Reception Hall in Rockport. Approximately 250 guests attended the event and enjoyed an evening of fun. A collection of fine wines was provided by Seabreeze Liquors of Gloucester. Charles E. Kreis from Rockport catered the event with an assortment of delicious cold and hot hors d’oeuvres. Fellow Rotarians dressed in formal attire elegantly served during the evening.
In addition to the wine testing and great food, an assortment of prizes were raffled during the event. Also, beautifully arranged wine baskets with a variety of themes were auctioned at the end of the evening.
The Rotary Foundation - Your Partner in Doing Good in the World!
1st Session: Global Grants How they can positively impact your club and the world?
2nd Session: District Grants How they can positively impact your community?
3rd Session: Polio Challenge and our Polar Plunge
Lunch: Annual Giving Has your club submitted members' donations yet?
1st Qualification Seminar: 1pm - 3pm (shorter format, but still a requirement for all presidents-elect and one other from each club in order to submit grants)
Come hear about the great things the clubs in District 7930 are doing in their communities and around the world. Be inspired or share your ideas with other equally committed Rotarians!
$35.00 for Foundation Forum, lunch, and Qualification Seminar
$20.00 for Foundation forum or Qualification Seminar -does not include lunch
Register Here! The Forum and Qualification Seminar will be held at The Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield on April 2, 2016. Check times for the Forum and the Qualification Semi
District Foundation Forum & Grants Qualification Seminar
Susan Hartmere, Past President and multiple Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Woburn recently travelled to Guyana on a humanitarian mission.
The following is brief account of her trip...
“Our group of 12 spent two weeks constructing a playground adjacent to a school for intellectually challenged children ranging in age from 6 - 20. The playground consisted of a basketball court, swings, seesaws and a jungle gym.
Posted by Heidi Whear and Joan McCormack on Mar 14, 2016
In September of 2014, the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor embarked on an exciting grant to install 40 lock boxes on the homes of seniors in the community to provide timely access to homes in the event of an emergency. The project was the brainchild of the newly formed ElderAct Club, a group of senior volunteers under the umbrella of the Rotary Clubs of Marblehead Harbor and Swampscott. The project sailed through the development and planning process with support of the Marblehead Council on Aging and the Marblehead Fire Department.
Unfortunately, after enthusiastic approval from the District, we encountered multiple obstacles to timely completion of this project:
boxes were back ordered on a slow boat from China, arriving in January!
Did you know this year we had only 9 months between Polar Plunge events?! In that time we set a record breaking average of just over $10k in pledges per MONTH! To date, the Distrct has in $92,458.39 in pledges! Many thanks to our participants, volunteers, committee and donors are surely in order. Please remember to submit your final donations to the Rotary Foundation by March 31st in order to ensure proper accounting. If you have any questions regarding online donations made to you or your club, please contact Amy Luckiewicz at polarplunge7930@gmail.com. Thanks again for all of your help and congratulations on an outstanding year in our efforts to #endpolio!
Posted by Joan Aresenault and Bob Wood on Feb 28, 2016
The Early Bird Registration has been extended until further notice at the District Governor’s request. This is the best price that will be offered for this conference.
Starting with the Conference Mystery Dine Around (a la carte) on Friday night, we’ll be having fun and friendship on the roof of Fisher College, followed by dinner at four star restaurants with folks you may not know but would love to meet! A separate package is available on the registration page to allow you to register for this only, if that is your wish. Transportation will be provided from Fisher College to the restaurants and back. Don’t want to mingle? Don’t go for this one!
On Saturday there will be a service project open to all District Rotarians. While the location is yet to be determined, the event is packing meals for End Hunger New England. We hope to pack 10,000 - 30,000 meals to be distributed here in our District by an organization that truly embodies “Service Above Self”, making every effort to End Hunger Now! The service project is followed by a joint luncheon in Harvard Hall at the Harvard Club uptown. Nestled on Massachusetts Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, this historic venue will be the site not only for the Conference but also for the District Assembly. Separate District Assembly registration opens on March 1st. It is its own event, so you can register for it alone, or include it in your District Conference Registration.
Featured at both the Joint Luncheon and dinner is Dan Clark: Experience the Dynamic Power and Passion of this Spectacular Entertainer". You can go to www.thesingingtrooper.com if you need more info. Register for the Conference here!
Did you miss the RYLA Kickoff for 2016?? Well... you didn't.
We didn't have one because we are trying a new way of doing things. All of the clubs in the district have been divided and assigned to a Rotarian contact person. This person will contact the president of the club and serve as the representative. They will provide information, forms, updates and communications to the club and its RYLA representative from the club. A list of clubs and Rotarian contacts will be available on the district website soon. Check in with your Club President to see if they have been contacted and who is the Rotarian RYLA contact.
RYLA 2016 is scheduled for June 3-5, 2016 at Camp Rotary in Boxford. The event starts on Friday at 3 pm and runs until Sunday at 4 pm. All meals, housing and events are covered by the $150 registration fee. Student applications are available on the district website along with the Rules of Conduct. Each club is allowed to sponsor up to 5 student(and we will cut off registrations after the first 80 completed student applications are received. (80 is the maximum for the facility) Applications are due to your club by April 15 and must be sent, along with the check and a complete application to Tracy Arabian (address on the application). Instructions are on the student application and assistance is available through the Rotarian contact assigned to your club.
RYLA is an excellent program for High School Sophomores and Juniors. Most past RYLArians will tell you that it is a life-changing event that helps them with High School, College and beyond. For further information, email Jim Babbin.
2016 RYLA Looking for Clubs to Recruit Participants
Registration for the May 7, 2016 RLI sessions at the Holiday Inn in Peabody is happening now! Sign up for Part I, II, III or Graduate now and reserve your seat!
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a day for Rotarians to learn how to develop leadership skills and to learn about the tools and resources which allow club members to build vibrant clubs. You accepted the invitation to become a Rotarian for a reason. You also continue your journey in Rotary for a reason. Spending a day at an RLI session will add many more reasons for you to be a Rotarian and enhance yourself and your club. Remember, “Those who serve the best profit the most.”
Attendees will learn how to
lead in a service organization
create effective committees
work with volunteers
They will come back to their clubs motivated, energized and inspired and share that enthusiasm with other members.
RLI - Peabody
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Holiday Inn Boston - Peabody
1 Newbury Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Governor Dave has often mentioned the importance of an extra day during this Rotary year to accomplish more of what we are called to do. Throughout the year, as we Do Good in the World, we impact our communities, near and far in ways that positively affect others. Having this extra day is a great Gift to the World. Whether you choose to reach out to someone in need, donate to The Rotary Foundation, plan your next service project or take a day off and recharge. Why would that be a positive decision? Perhaps, it will build your energy so you can tackle the next commitment or maybe discover something that needs to be addressed that can only be recognized when you stop and smell the flowers. So, decide for yourself, but make sure that the day is spent in a way that helps you move closer to your goals, personal, business or service to others.
"A great accomplishment shouldn't be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward."
District 7930 has awarded its 2016-2017 Global Grant Scholarship to Kristin Kelleher of Newburyport, MA. The scholarship is worth $30,000. Ms. Kelleher who is sponsored by the Ipswich Rotary Club will be attending Kings College London beginning in September 2016. Ms. Kelleher currently works as a Legislative Aid for Representative Jay Kaufman.
Ms. Kelleher will enroll in the Master's Program, Environment, Politics, and Globalization. This program fits very nicely with Rotary International’s area of focus; Economic and Community Development. While attending Kings College London, Ms. Kelleher will also design and implement a “Service Project” which will have a positive and sustainable effect on the local community. Ms. Kelleher’s service project will show the correlation between low-income individuals, health, environmental issues and success in obtaining a job that provides a sustainable wage.
This year we had five (including Ms. Kelleher) very strong candidates. All of which, we believe, will affect a positive change in our world. All candidates were required to complete the Global Grant application, provide a resume, provide two letters of reference, college transcripts, admission to a Masters or Doctorate program and a concept for a service project within the RI six areas of focus. Lastly, a candidate needs to have a strong knowledge of Rotary and how Rotary could assist them in their future endeavors.
An interview committee was formed which included the incoming District Governor (2016-2017) Sheryl Meehan, current Foundation Chair Ingrid Brown, current Outgoing Global Grant Scholarship Chair David Hart, District Governor-Nominee David Gardner, and Lexington Rotarian Doug Holmes.
All candidates were interviewed on Saturday, February 20, 2016 and the committee made its decision on the same day. District 7930 and the interview committee was proud of the caliber of candidates this year and wants to offer congratulations to our winner Kristen Kelleher. Ms. Kelleher is and will continue to be a champion of the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently donated several resource books to the Wakefield Veteran’s Services as part of a Rotary District Managed Grant focused on mental health and substance use. Additional resource books will be donated to the local library, middle school, high school, and youth substance use prevention coalition.
Photo left to right: Mario Portillo, George Livingstone, Wakefield Veteran’s Service Officer Alicia Reddin, and Joe Buscaino.
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club recently completed its learning module on civic engagement. The club, for grades 3-5, meets every other Thursday in Town Hall. Each time we start a new year, I take the kids on a tour of Town Hall after hours. Every year, they are fascinated by the Selectmen’s room. We talk a little about what that room is for and how citizens can petition to make community improvements or voice their opinion.
Club Visioning is an opportunity for your club to reach consensus on a focus and a vision for your future. It allows all participants everyone to have their an equal say. It values everyone’s input. It can be is intense – and it is fun! Club Visioning empowers Rotary clubs to determine their own vision and then to work towards it. Clubs taking part in visioning this program have achieved positive outcomes.
If your club wishes to participate – here are the steps:
Email Peter Majane, the District Visioning Chair or call him at 781-443-5148,
Ask club members to participate in a pre-event survey (provided by the District Visioning Team),
Choose one club member to act as visioning coordinator and contact (does not need to be the club president),
The Visioning session Workshop must be scheduled for 3.5 hours from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm on a weeknight (Monday through Thursday, please),
The club must secure a commitment from each participant (a minimum of 50% of active members) to be on time and to stay for the entire event.
Once these goals are met, more details will be provided such as best room set-up, meals, etc.
The District Visioning Team looks forward to helping you define and meet your vision!
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Doors open at 6 pm,
Show starts at 7 pm
Memorial Hall | 590 Main Street, Melrose
Tickets: $25 General Admission | $20 Students & Seniors
The Rotary Club of Melrose will brighten the year’s winter’s doldrums by staging a city-wide variety show, Stars over Melrose, featuring the very best local talent right here in Melrose!
The event is sure to provide an evening of great entertainment, excellent food and drink, and amazing surprises from your neighbors in Melrose. In addition, it will provide a chance to learn more about the workings of Rotary, the largest service organization in the world, and to benefit the club in its efforts to help both the local and international communities.
Posted by Joan Arsenault and Bob Wood on Feb 21, 2016
Did you know that the District Conference is in Boston this year? Not only in Boston, but an event that does not include any training, only celebration. Starting with the Conference Mystery Dine Around (a la carte) on Friday night, we’ll be having fun and friendship on the roof of Fisher College, followed by dinner at four star restaurants with folks you may not know but would love to meet! Transportation will be provided from Fisher College to the restaurants and back. Don’t want to mingle? Don’t go for this one!
On Saturday there will be a service project open to all District Rotarians. While the location is yet to be determined, the event is packing meals for End Hunger New England. We hope to pack 30,000 meals to be distributed here in our District by an organization that truly embodies “Service Above Self”, making every effort to End Hunger Now! The service project is followed by a joint luncheon in Harvard Hall at the Harvard Club uptown. Nestled on Massachusetts Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, this historic venue will be the site not only for the Conference but also for the District Assembly.
Whether you are attending the 2016 District Conference or not, consider an evening of fun, great food and fellowship at Friday evening's Mystery Dining!
You won’t know who you’re eating with, where you’re going, nor how you’ll get there, but we promise it’ll be fun!
Friday, May 13, 2016
$75 per person (not included in conference fees)
Includes: round-trip transportation from Fisher College,
3-course dinner at a four-star Boston restaurant,
gratuities and meals taxes.
6:30 pm Meet at Fisher College
5:30 pm Cocktail Reception & District Conference check-in
6:30 pm Depart Fisher College
7:00 pm Enjoy Your 3-Course Mystery Dining Adventure
On Tuesday, February 23, Sergeant Dic Donohue will be the featured speaker at the Rotary Club of Stoneham's lunch meeting beginning at 12:15PM at Montvale Plaza, 54 Montvale Ave in Stoneham. If you are interested in attending, send a message to the Stoneham Rotary on the Contact link on this page.
Sergeant Richard “Dic” Donohue is a native of Winchester, Massachusetts. He has worked in law enforcement as a member of the MBTA Transit Police Department since 2010. Donohue is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and holds master’s degrees from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and the University of Limerick, Ireland. Prior to a career in law enforcement, Sergeant Donohue worked in the hospitality industry and served as an officer in the United States Navy.
In the early morning of Friday, April 19th, 2013, Donohue, then a patrol officer, responded to back up local law enforcement officers in Watertown, Massachusetts. A gun battle ensued with two suspects who were later identified as the Boston Marathon bombers. A bullet severed Donohue’s femoral artery and he suffered severe blood loss on site. He was given immediate lifesaving care, prolonged CPR, and received multiple blood transfusions.
Want to have some fun and help raise some money while pitting your wits against other Rotarians and friends?
Come join us for our Trivia Night on February 25th at JJ Brannelly at 4432 Washington Street in Roslindale. Registration starts at 6:00-6:45 and the trivia begins at 7:00pm. Orgainzie your team up to six players, pay your $60.00 per team registration and be prepared to have some fun and compete for either the first or second place prizes.
Proceeds go to help the West Roxbury/Roslindale Rotary Club
Come out for a great cause to raise money for the local neighborhood. Plenty of free parking and there will be a cash bar!
As a topic of compelling interest for today’s highly competitive business environment, this presentation addresses how to Wow! Clients and employees for life because they are too expensive to keep replacing. You will learn the staying power of creating multiple extraordinary experiences for your Clients which create “Super Glued” relationships that generate long-term growth and profitability. We will discuss the key elements of “super glued” relationships.
Rockport’s Annual Valentine’s Luncheon Sponsored by the Fish Shack and the Rockport Rotary Club!
The Annual Valentine's Luncheon for Rockport’s seniors took space on Friday, February 12 at the Fish Shack at Dock Square in Rockport.
Karen Porter, owner of the Fish Shack opened her restaurant as she does every year, provided all the food for the event and her staff to prepare a delicious lunch. The members of the Rockport Rotary Club helped with setting up, sitting, serving and cleaning after the event. Rotarians welcomed each senior as they walked in to the restaurant by handing out red carnations for the occasion. They also provided transportation to and from the luncheon for those guests that were not able to drive and have no one to drive them.
The guest diners were served fresh baked haddock, mashed potatoes, vegetables, soft drinks, coffee and dessert. Surprise entertainment was also part of the event. The Barbershop Quartet from Beverly provided by the Rotary Club serenaded our seniors making their dining very enjoyable. This was a wonderful event, which allowed seniors (especially those who are house bound) to go out for the afternoon, socialize, enjoy a great lunch and have some fun. This was a great opportunity for the Karen and the Rotary Club to acknowledge the seniors in their community.
The Rotary Club of Ipswich is writing a Rotary Foundation Global Grant to bring medical care and health education to children in Zambia by introducing a new medical delivery model to reach the most vulnerable young people and raise a healthy generation. Ipswich Rotary was a partner in a 2014 Global Grant sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brunswick, Maine, that trained classroom teachers to recognize and treat common childhood illnesses. That 2014 Grant was completed in early February 2016, having helped over 11,000 poor children in the Ng’ombe section of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.
During the months of November and December, I visited 22 District 7930 and 7 District 7780 Clubs with Lonnie Hackett to talk about the Rotary sponsored Zambian healthcare project called Healthy Kids/Brighter Future (HK/BF) that was made possible by the 2014 Global Grant. Using Zambian schools serving the most vulnerable portion of the population, Lonnie and HK/BF are training teachers and administrators as a new health corps, capable of providing every-day first aid care; offering children basic education in health; providing preventative interventions; and screening children for illnesses and infections that require treatment at government-run free clinics.
As the International Club for a new Global Grant to carry on this work, Ipswich is submitting an application to bring this proven program to an additional 25,000 children in Lusaka.We invite you to join us. Our Global Grant has already received commitments and funds from Rotary clubs in four districts, but we welcome additional support to be successful. Join this important opportunity for global service.
On February 10th, District 7930 hosted the World Peace and Understanding Dinner. This year’s event was quite a departure from previous years. Instead of the traditional sit down meal followed by an inspirational speaker, every attendee was given an identity to assume for the evening. All present participated in a simulation game designed to challenge our perceptions (or misconceptions) of poverty, homelessness, and stereotypes. Every identity existed below the poverty line, and players had to survive for two days, securing a job, shelter and food along the way. No-one was able to stay inside their comfort zone for very long. At the end of the evening, attendees were presented with several volunteer opportunities to serve - all were filled. Additionally, $800 was collected that will be used to purchase socks that will be given to homeless men, women and children next week. Here are the words of several players:
As an interact volunteer and table captain I didn’t know what these Rotarians were going to expect. One woman said she was scared and and didn't know how this event would go. Wishing that I could blurt out the idea I kept the game a secret. One of the first things said at my table was " dinner is at 8:15?!" they were absolutely shocked. Completely baffled at this change of events, the Rotarians waited anxiously. The game was then explained and played, many fully getting into character. When we all joined back together at the table you could see that bonds between families were made. They were no longer confused or anxious but really glad. We discussed how the game went and people had very high remarks. This simulation opened their eyes up to poverty but also developed bonds between everyone, young and not as young. To see the shift in emotions from nervousness to happiness and understanding made me glad I held my tongue!
Malak Ray, Interact student and Table Captain
“I was a 72 year old man who had lost his wife, his home, his job and who could not speak English. I was forced to seek work, food and shelter from people who saw me as an old man who couldn’t even speak English. Over and over I was rejected because of my age and dismissed because no one wanted to deal with my hand gestures in my attempt to communicate and beg for help.
A glimmer of hope came from two compassionate individuals who allowed me to stay with them for the night only to be told the next day there would be no second. Sad and discouraged, I tried to ask, “what did I do wrong”?
I felt Desperation, frustration, loneliness, unclean, zero esteem, not knowing where to turn; abandoned.
Join us for a great, affordable night of candlepin bowling on Sunday, March 20th! $10 per person includes two hours of bowling and rental shoes.
We invite all clubs, EarlyAct members, Interact members, Rotaractors, ElderAct members, Assistant Governors, committee chairs and all members to consider making a team of 4 or 5 and join us at Metro Bowl in Peabody!
Friends, family, children and non-Rotarians are very welcome. This evening is not a competition but clubs are welcome to make friendly challenges to one another in the spirit of fellowship!
The Burlington Rotary Club has held a major fund raising event called “Friday Night at The Fights” for the past ten years. The event combines a catered dinner with ten three round matches between amateur boxers from the New England area. It is being held this year on April 1st at the Elks Lodge in Billerica.
Tickets for the event can be purchased for a donation price of $80.00 per person by phoning club member Jorge Andrade at 978-720-5161. Meal reservations must be made by March 18th.
Meal reservations must be made by March 18th. There are “standing room” tickets available at a lower price at the door for those who do not want to participate in the catered meal. Hot dogs, popcorn and fruit drinks will be available for purchase by those attendees.
Dr. Gani Abazi was born in Peje, Kosovo in 1979 and completed his primary and secondary education in his hometown. He enrolled in the Medical School of Prishtina University in 1998, where his studies were interrupted one year later by the war resulting from the rise to power of the Millosheviq Regime, which lead to the dissolution of Yugoslavia. During the war, Gani and his family were refugees in Montenegro and Albania. After Kosovo was liberated by NATO, he went back to his country to continue his medical education in the University of Prishtina, where he graduated as a medical doctor in 2005.
In 2005, he was awarded a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship (now Global Grant Scholar) and came to Harvard University to study in the Masters of Public Health Program, concentrating on Health Care Policy and Management. This scholarship was presented by our neighbors in District 7910. He completed his MPH degree on June 2007 and with the help of Rotary International received a research fellowship position in the Department of Neurosurgery of Children’s Hospital Boston where he conducted clinical research.
It's not too late to submit your final offline donations using our Offline Donation Form. In addition, your online donation pages are still active! Why not post a photo of you in the water and as for a final push. With your help, the district will pass the $90,000 mark!
If you've already recorded your offline gift, please submit them to your club's Foundation Chair by April 1st.
Thank you to all of the plungers, the thousand plus donors and all of the cheerleaders that made this annual event such a success!
Rotary is committed to attracting young professionals to Rotary and more importantly, striving to develop a meaningful relationship with the next generation of Rotarians to continue to Do Good in the World.
District 7930, in partnership with District 7910 (Central Massachusetts), is applying for a $15,000 grant from Rotary International which will fund a Young Professional Summit late this summer. The grant deadline is on Friday, February 12th, and with the help of our Assistant Rotary Zone Coordinator, Carolyn Johnson (PDG District 7780) will be the first step in this exciting program.
If we are awarded the grant, the first step is to hold a focus group and planning meeting in April to design a program that will attract over 200 participants aged 25-40, most of whom may not be currently connected to Rotary. Stay tuned for news and developments.
Every moment in London is an adventure. I am grateful for every step of the way. Ever since I stepped into the grounds of London I could not have been more grateful than I am of the hospitality of the Rotarians from Orpington Crofton Rotary, especially Brenda Parsons and Frances McGarry. They have helped me every step of the way. On my first day in London Brenda and Frances made a new world feel like home. They picked me up from the airport, brought me to my new stay and made sure everything was safe and provided me with all the assistance I needed. My favorite part was when we had a tour of my accommodation and they asked every question they could to make sure it was the right place for me. It was mind blowing to be in a new country and not knowing anyone and to have these two amazing people who I met briefly to take care of me in the way they did.
After being in London for a day, I packed my bags for weekend trip to Stafford for Rotary Link Weekend. I was welcomed to Stafford by an astonishing host family who are also Rotarians. They inform me about the rich history of Strafford and took me on a journey to Stafford Castle and the Museum of the Staffordshire Yeomanry. They were truly amazing. During this weekend I was also able to meet other Rotary scholars from all over the world. It was great to hear their stories and the amazing things that they have done. We Rotary Scholars also took a trip to Warwick Castle, which was beautiful. During this weekend, Rotarians spoke to us and it was uplifting to hear their stories and to hear all the amazing things Rotary is doing all over the world. One of the messages that the Rotarians reminded me and I will always remember is the saying of, “doing good in the world.” Every time I now do something good for the world, I will always think of Rotary!
Being a family of the Rotary has opened so many opportunities and has enabled me to know just remarkable people who are making amazing changes in the world.
Every once in a blue moon, a special person creates something out of almost nothing. This is the case with Liz Powers. She endeavors to bring the ultimate dignity to those who have had to deal with homelessness and disabled artists through displaying their art in galleries in one of eight cities throughout the country. By providing the platform for these gifted individuals an opportunity to display and sell their artwork, they are able to begin to rebuild their life in a way that will create hope out of despair.
But if you want to be really impressed, watch the video from the Today Show that featured a Sunday with Harry segment on Liz and ArtLifting. Even the hosts got choked up about Liz and her mission. Check out the video here!
Liz Powers and Artlifting featured on the Today Show
The Early Bird catches the worm – and Early Birds who register for this year’s District Conference in February save $45 and guarantee themselves a spot – and fun! And new this year, your club can pre-purchase a spot at the Conference and name the Rotarian attendee later, guaranteeing savings!
It is hard to believe that the end of our Rotary year is in sight! District Governor David and the committee have a very special Conference planned for everyone this year. As we strive to keep our Conference local and continuing on this year’s theme of “Being a Gift to the World,” we are “Gifting It Forward” at our Conference on May 13, 14, and 15 held at the Harvard Club in Boston. Along with fellowship and mystery dining on Friday evening, we will be performing a group service project in Boston Saturday morning, enjoying lunch, breakouts, dinner and awards, plus our memorial service and brunch on Sunday morning.
The Early Bird rate for all Conference events is $350. Friday Night Mystery Dining is a separate $75 cost (limited to the first 60 registrants).
On Saturday, January 23rd, several Rockport Rotarians braved the frigid ocean water and whipping winds to raise money to end Polio worldwide. Bob Gillis, Janelle Favaloro, Katie Favaloro, Andrew Maddox, Gus Campbell, and exchange student Luma Piantino from Brazil were our brave representatives.
Each year, Rotary District 7930 has a Polar Plunge to raise funds for the eradication of Polio. This year was the 6th annual plunge, which took place at 11:15 am with an air temperature of 29 degrees in 6-8 foot waves and winds of about 35 mph. The water temperature was rumored to be 42 degrees.
Over 200 participants plunged into the icy Atlantic to fulfill their “Service Above Self” commitment. The event was held at the Gloucester end of Long Beach. Due to the high winds and waves, plungers were cautioned to go in with a buddy, and no deeper than their knees. Participants came from Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Wakefield, and Stoneham just to name a few. Senator Bruce Tarr also attended the event and provided the all important count down to the plunge.
Rockport Rotary Participates in Polar Plunge! “Freezin’ for a Reason”
Have you ever been involved with Boy or Girl Scouting? I bet that the odds are 50% that either you, your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter have been at one time or another, part of the Scouting program. With such a similar code of conduct and mission, it would be no surprise for this to be true. Even at the Mid-Year Presidents Meeting, when the attendees were asked this specific question, about half of the most committed Rotarians raised their hands.
The Scouting and Rotary Initiative has been introduced, and the mission is to enhance the collaboration between our organizations through mutual support of our programs. The first step is to find a Scouting Champion in every club that chooses to participate in this initiative. Could this be you or someone you know? At the recent committee meeting, chaired by John Halsey, it was determined to focus on a few relatively easy ways in which to begin this journey. Here are the four goals for this year:
Invite a Boy Scout and a Girl Scout to give a State of Scouting address to your club
Recognize Eagle Scouts and Gold Scouts at their Courts of Honor and at Rotary meetings
Act as Merit Badge Counselors (Boy Scouts) and Badge Counselors (Girl Scouts)
Share in the delivery of service projects that support our communities
Why is this important? Scouts would make great Rotarians as they emerge to adulthood, but even more importantly their parents would be ideal members of our clubs today. Their similar commitment to service is what ties us together.
If you are interested in fulfilling the role of your clubs Scouting Champion, please email John Halsey and express your interest. In the near future we will be able to provide a toolkit to make this a very easy yet highly beneficial program that will enhance both Rotary and Scouting.
Did you know that your IRA can now be rolled over as a charitable gift? The law that allows you to make a tax-free gift from your individual retirement account directly to charity has been reinstated and made permanent! Known as the IRA charitable rollover, this law no longer has an expiration date so you are free to make annual gifts to The Rotary Foundation from your IRA this year and well into the future. The recently reinstated law allows individuals 701/2 and older the ability to transfer up to $100,000 from their IRAs directly to a qualified charitable organization without being subject to federal taxes on that distribution.
Are you eligible? You must be 70 1/2 or older at the time of the gift; You may transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA. This law applies only to IRAs; you may transfer outright to one or more qualified charities; and the legislation does no permit transfers to charitable trusts, donor advised funds, charitable gift annuities nor supporting organizations. An IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of your minimum distribution requirement, and is a great way to meet your Paul Harris Society goal through a gift to the annual fund.
We would like to take this opportunity as the new year starts, to remind you about Rotary Global Rewards, our member benefit program featuring special offers that allow you to do a lot more for a lot less—no matter what you’re doing.
Whether you’re working on your club’s community projects, enjoying a night out with friends or sharing your Rotary story with someone new, you can take advantage of discounts and special offers on airfare, hotels, vehicle rentals, and entertainment.
Would you like to offer discounts from your business to other Rotarians? Help build the program by adding special offers from your own company to the growing portfolio of Rotary Global Rewards. To learn more, visit the Global Rewards site.
Please share this exciting news with your members. You’ll find promotional tools on the Rotary Global Rewards website that will help you introduce your Rotarian friends to the program.
Peabody Rotary will host its 12th Annual Taste of the North Shore on Tuesday, March 22nd at the Danversport Yacht Club. There will be over twenty local restaurants serving a taste of their food, from main courses to sides to desserts.
In addition to the delicious food and great entertainment, the highlight of the evening will be the drawing of a $10,000 grand prize! Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two admissions to the Taste. Only 300 raffle tickets will be sold, so there are high odds of winning the grand prize! The winner of the $10,000 prize does not need to be present to win.
As always, there will be a raffles and auctions with many exciting prizes of all kinds including vacations, art, jewelry, sports memorabilia, gift certificates, and more. Also available will be the ever popular raffle to “stock your cellar” table of wine featuring dozens of bottles and accessories!
This is a great opportunity for your club to have the chance to make $10,000 for its charitable causes. All you have to do is donate $100 for a raffle ticket and you’re on your way! Plus, two of your members have the opportunity to attend. And you can recover some, or all, of your club’s cost by auctioning off the attendance tickets at a meeting. Please e-mail Herb Harris at for raffle ticket purchase information.
The PE's were enthusiastic and excited as their new theme was revealed, "Rotary Serving Humanity".
In the breakout session the Presidents-elect received information about Presidents-elect Training Seminar (PETS) that will be held in Framingham from March 10-12th. Randy Lindel coached our incoming presidents about how to successfully input their club's goals and Liz Cullen talked briefly about grants and how the money moves in and out of the foundation so that clubs can do all of their amazing projects. Roles of the District Support team including assistant governors and district committees were presented by Joan Arsenault and Christina Harris. Other discussions included Visioning, ClubRunner/websites and Rotoplast. The PE's had a facilitated discussion with much of the content revolving around different club models such as satellite clubs and service members.
District 7930's Presidents-elect
2016-17 Rotary Theme Announced at 2nd Pre-PETS Meeting
I would like to thank everyone for attending a fantastic Mid-Year Presidents meeting last Wednesday! It was great to look back on the previous 6 months and celebrate the amazing work we have accomplished thus far! We heard about great Membership and Public Image initiatives, an update on our district conference, our HHI imitative as well as an informative panel discussion ranging on topics - the benefits of club mergers, satellite and service clubs, and how we could make a long lasting legacy in our communities.
This is our year, our time and our opportunity to create positive influence in our communities! We are halfway through this year, but our work will continue to produce change!
Let us continue to Be a Gift to the World"!
See you at our World Peace and Understanding Dinner on February 10! Register here!
RYLA 2016 will take place at Camp Rotary, Boxford, MA on Friday June 3 through Sunday June 5, 2016. Eighty RYLArians will make up eight families and experience everything from ropes courses to group challenges. Ask any graduating RYLArian, it is a life changing weekend!
Again this year, both High School Juniors and Sophomores are invited as the program migrates from a Junior program to a Sophomore/Junior program. Each Rotary Club in our district is allowed to send up to 5 students at $150 each. Student applications for RYLA 2016 are available on the here or from your club president. The applications are being accepted for the 80 spaces and RYLA will be accepting places for alternates. Acceptance is on a first received - first accepted basis. No places will be held. Applications and payment must both be received to hold a position. Applications and payments should to be sent to Tracy Arabian of the Rotary Club of Gloucester:
Tracy Arabian
33 Maplewood Avenue, Unit 206
Gloucester, MA 01930
See your club RYLA representative for more information or contact Jim Babbin, Youth Services Chair or email Jim.
Yes, it is that time of the year again. District 7930 is accepting applications for Outgoing Global Grant Scholars for Rotary year 2016-2017. Over the last five years, since Rotary International revamped the Foundation rules, District 7930 has awarded several Global Grant Scholarships totaling over $100,000.00 with a RI match of over $100,000.00.
As of November 1, 2015 clubs in District 7930 can begin presenting Outgoing Global Grant Scholarship applicants to the Outgoing Global Grant Scholarship Chair, David Hart from the Malden Club. The application deadline is February 10, 2016. Interview of the applicants will begin March of 2016. Scholarship winners will be notified no later than the end of March 2016.
Requirements to apply can be downloaded here. For those clubs that have sponsored a scholar some of the requirements have been changed. The applicant must fill out the Global Grant Scholarship Application, provide two letter of recommendation, unofficial transcripts a headshot picture of themselves and a current resume. You can also download the Press Release for Global Grant Scholars and try to attract those interested in learning more or applying for the available scholarship(s).
Please remember that Rotary Clubs sponsoring a Scholarship Candidate must be an approved club by District 7930.
District 7930 is looking for a few Scholarship Committee members. If you are interested please contact David Hart at the information below.
A big shout out to the hundreds of amazing people who participated in the Polar Plunge on Saturday. Whether you plunged, donated or cheered us on, thank you! Just shy of $71,500 with a $10,000 surge over the weekend! Let's keep asking for pledges and get to $100,000 or more!
Thoughts from a Plunger
Well the Polar Plunge happened yesterday. It was surreal, really. Its one thing to go in the water - but the 25° temp and the 40 mph winds had whipped up the surf, which just happened to be at an astronomically high level. Even if any of us had still thought we could stay in for very long, the riptides put an end to that.
Still - load and loads of fun. I don't know if it was the weather or if the wind really saps the body heat that much more, but this is my 5th plunge, and I don't remember any of the others being so brutally cold as we got out of the water and headed back to change. Even the sand was more ice than sand.
Christina and I joined the Interactors at Village Pancake House to warm up. Best Hot Chocolate I've ever had!
The second Rotary Means Business (RMB) gathering, held at McLane Middleton at the 128 Trade Center in Woburn, was quite the success! Rotarians and non-Rotarians from all across our district took part in an engaging session that focused on what it takes to be a good mentor. The previous RMB meeting centered on another vital business proficiency – crafting a good elevator sales pitch.
Among many takeaways from the session, I learned that to be a good mentor, the mentor needs to teach ethical behavior to her or his mentee. Alan Wheelock from Jones River Consulting presented the basics of implementing a mentoring program. While RMB is a Rotary fellowship, Rotary was not the main topic of conversation at the meeting. However, what I have learned by being a Rotarian made it much easier for me to grasp the mentor-mentee relationship!
As we all know, the second Object of Rotary is to have morality in our business daily practices. When I look back on my career, I recently realized that all of my great mentors were Rotarians! One of the driving forces for me to become a Rotarian was to be an ethical businessperson and I learned that from those Rotarian mentors.
In addition to personal development, RMB gives all participants an opportunity to engage Rotarians in a business-centered conversation. Some clubs are stricter with talking about business at meetings than others, but at RMB the focus is business and who better to do business with, but another Rotarian?
The 3rd Annual Cornhole Bonanza is coming to Amesbury during the last weekend of January! This year's event comes with a twist, as it is an indoor tournament during the middle of winter. With no football on the schedule the last weekend of January, there's no better place to be than tossing a few bags, and trying to take down over $800 in prize money. Come on down to Seacoast United's Indoor Soccer venue to enjoy an evening of Cornhole, food, drink, and music.
There will be dozens of 2-person teams competing in group play format - guaranteeing each team at least 3 games - with the top teams advancing to a single elimination playoff. Registration begins at 4pm with a shotgun start at 5pm.
Teams consist of 2 players, and prize money will be awarded to the top three teams; 1st Place - $500, 2nd Place - $150, 3rd Place - $60. There will even be a consolation round for those not advancing to the playoffs which will be awarding another $100, and side games offering the possibility to reel in more cash.
Join Amesbury Rotarians, family and friends this great opportunity for fun and fellowship!
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Mitch Wondolowski into membership.
Wondolowski was inducted into the club at its weekly Thursday luncheon meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Rotarian and Sargent-at-Arms Tom McNulty, and Marblehead Rotary Club President, Zach Newell presided over the induction ceremony.Wondolowski and his wife, Laura Herhold, have been active in the Marblehead/ Swampscott communities since 1986; raising their two children, Sophie and Nicholas. In the winter you will find Wondolowski at the YMCA playing squash or, during the low tides, clamming on Devereaux Beach. In the summer months you will find him on the water pulling lobster pots and fishing.
Currently, Wondolowski is a real estate agent at William Raveis in Marblehead. Prior to his real estate involvement, Wondolowski specialized in marketing new technologies in the telecommunications and utility sectors. He has been involved in three start up companies and after twenty-five years Wondolowski is proud to have developed a penchant for listening to clients needs, goals, and objectives; as well as a sensibility for market analysis.
Over the years, Wondolowski and his wife purchased, revitalized, and resold four homes. His hands-on experience with architects, contractors, zoning boards, historical commissions, and building departments is invaluable when considering properties in need of restoration. He is pleased to bring all these real estate skills to his new role at Raveis.
Wondolowski loves Marblehead and its rich natural environment. Since 2004, he has been an active volunteer with the Juvenile Lobster Monitoring Program, which is a program designed and managed by Maine-based, The Lobster Conservancy. His research, conducted at Gerry Island, allows him to provide data about lobster health and populations and to provide education and insight to local schools and including the Veteran’s Middle School, the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, and at the local Farmer’s Market
Wondolowski Newell McNulty induction.jpg (960 kb)
Marblehead Rotary Club President Zach Newell, new inductee Mitch Wondolowski, Rotarian and Sargent-at-Arms Tom McNulty.
We need your participation! We are over $30,000 against our goal of $125,000. We do know that the last week or two ramp up and that money will continue to flow in even after the plunge, but we need plungers, virtual plungers and donors to achieve this ambitious goal. Don't forget that every dollar that is raised for the plunge gets tripled with the 2 to 1 match from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. That translates to 50 immunizations for every $10 donated. It is amazing to think that if we reach our goal, 625,000 children will be immunized with the polio vaccine and have a chance to have a polio-free life.
If you are brave enough to plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on January 23rd, come join us in the water! If this is a little too extreme for you, be a virtual plunger. In either case, try to raise money from family, friends, relatives and co-workers while advocating for a polio-free world. Your participation and the donors who support you will be part of history when the world has eradicated polio with Rotary at the forefront of this incredible project.
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions throughout the world. It was recommended by the R.I. Board of Directors and strongly endorsed by the Council on Legislation at three of their triennial meetings. RLI conducts a series of quality leadership development courses for potential club officers and other club members, including those who have recently joined a Rotary Club. The courses emphasize both leadership skills and knowledge of Rotary around the world. All course sessions are completely interactive. The 81 RLI Regional Divisions believe that leadership education has a positive impact on membership retention by creating enthusiasm and furthering engagement for Rotary.
District 7930 will be hosting RLI in Peabody, MA at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Boston in Peabody on May 07, 2016 from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm. All members in Districts 7910/7930/7950 are welcome to attend.
For more information click on Read More or register for RLI in Peabody here!
Mid-Year Presidents Meeting in conjunction with 2nd Pre-PETS for PE’s - January 20. 2016 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Presidents and Presidents-elect are cordially invited to the Mid-Year Presidents Meeting and the Second Pre-PETS meeting. There will be a joint program over dinner, then the two groups will break apart for discussions with District Governor Dave Manzi for the Presidents and District Governor-elect Sheryl Meehan's District Trainer, Terri Doerfler. This is a meeting where the PE's get to hob-nob with Presidents other than their own, AG's, and District volunteers. If the President or President-elect cannot attend, please consider sending your Vice President or another of your clubs Future Leaders.
This an information packed meeting that is important for all 47 of our District clubs. The fee is $50 per person, which includes the facility and dinner, there will be a brief fellowship opportunity with a cash bar.
The 2016 Service Above Self Scholarship Application is now available for Rotary District 7930 clubs. This $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior from our district. This competitive award is funded by our Annual Giving donations to The Rotary Foundation.
The purpose of the Service Above Self scholarship from Rotary D7930 is as follows:
Recognize an outstanding high school senior who has demonstrated his/hercommitment to Service Above Self in their community, a town or city within Rotary District 7930, and financially assist the recipient with his/her future studies with this $10,000 award.
Instill, in the recipient, the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self through active involvement in a variety of Rotary activities and projects.
Encourage the recipient to dedicate his/her personal and professional life to improving the quality of life of people in their local community and beyond.
Develop leadership skills of the recipient in order to address humanitarian needs in his/her community and the world.
Foster a lifelong association between Rotary International and the recipient.
Clubs are encouraged to copy and share the application and to utilize the additional press release template. Each club is empowered to decide how to select their ONE single applicant for district consideration. The SAS Committee will interview candidates in June and one winner will be announced.
Please read carefully the instructions on the application and direct any questions to Peggy Pedro, SAS Chair at via email or call 603-505-2133.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Linda Power into its ranks. Powers was inducted into the club on Thursday, January 7,2016. Linda is a native of Swampscott, where she grew up in a large family with 9 siblings. She lives in Marblehead with her two children, Nolan, who is 8 and Clara, 12.
She’s an active member at Star of the Sea Church, where she enjoys teaching religious education. She’s also a member of The Marblehead League of Women Voters. For 24 years, Linda has been a Realtor. She works for ReMax Advantage/Marblehead and prior to here current employer, started her career at Carlson Real Estate in Marblehead. She has been successful assisting her clients with their real estate needs and guiding them smoothly through the process.
Photo Legend: (from left to right) Marblehead Rotary Club Member and Membership Chair, Dr. Corine Barone, inductee, Linda Power, Former Rotary Club District Governor, Peter Simonsen, Marblehead Rotary Club President Elect, Ron Amon
Having a strong connection to your local community media is critical in having a strong Public Image campaign. Although many clubs do a great job in getting press releases or events covered in the news, some clubs shy away from engaging their local media. Here are just a few ways to strengthen your media relationships and get more attention:
Invite a local reporter or public access television rep to join the club
Submit well-written press releases
Meet twice a year one-on-one with your local media reps
Consider submitting to your online newspapers such as Patch or Wicked Local, and write to the editors to ask them to get your story featured
Invite a media rep to cover and/or photograph your event or a high-profile speaker at a meeting
Remember that media reps love it when you make it as easy as possible for them, so be sure to check all of your submissions to make sure they're fully inclusive. For help with writing a specific press release contact Amy Luckiewicz at rotary7930publicimage@gmail.com.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is thrilled to offer a second Mental Health First Aid Certification class. Thanks to a Rotary District 7930 Managed Grant, the initiative already provided one sold-out course this winter. The second course is open to any adult free of charge and is instructed by certified trainers. The first course was held for two evenings, November 30th and December 2nd at the Beebe Library and is aimed at those who work with youth. The second course, on March 23, 2016, is aimed at those who work in the human services field. Those who work with or live with veterans are especially encouraged. The grant also funds attendee’s lunch at the trainings and take-home manuals. In addition, 19 resource books and texts on mental health and addiction disorders will be donated to the Beebe Library, Wakefield Veteran’s Department and the WAKE UP Coalition. Wakefield Rotary President Bob Kimball noted, “We want to highlight the correlation between mental health issues and substance use. The courses and resource books will be easily accessible to the community and we encourage the community to register for the courses early.” Rotary member Mario Portillo continued, “This is a great investment for the club because these issues affect so many people. In all, Rotary is investing over $3k towards this project.”
The club would like to thank Rotary District 7930 for matching their funds and acknowledges the partnerships necessary for the success of the initiative. “We are so lucky to work with Wakefield Unified Prevention Coalition, Wakefield Police, and Alicia Reddin from the Wakefield Veteran’s Department,” noted Rotary Grant Chair Amy Luckiewicz. “When we asked if they’d partner with us to make the initiative happen, the support and teamwork came quickly from each of them and it helped us be able to move forward in offering these resources quickly.” Veteran agents, residents and professionals from all District club communities are welcome to attend! For more information on registering for the courses, please email the Rotary club at wakefieldrotaryclub@yahoo.com or visit www.wakefieldrotaryclub.org to register online for the March 23rd class. Professional development certificates are available upon request.
As District 7930's Polio Plus Chair, I'm writing to encourage all Rotarians in the District to make a sincere effort to help the district make this year's Polar Plunge on January 23rd an even bigger success than it was last year! I'm not asking for a donation, although this avenue is always welcome, but I'm asking you to support the Plunge effort in any way you can such as:
Sharing your club's plunge page on social media
Asking for a donation from a neighbor, friend or co-worker
Registering to plunge by using this registration link (it's not too late!)
Attend the event on January 23rd at the Cape Ann Motor Inn on Long Beach, Gloucester
Help us gain sponsorships for the event to cover the overhead expenses. Contact the team at polarplunge7930@gmail.com for more info
My favorite part of the Polar Plunge is that it brings the District together at a fun event to raise a substantial amount of funds for Rotary International's efforts to eradicate Polio worldwide! Did you know that most funds raised come from non-Rotarians? This happens because we share our story of leading this effort with our strong partners like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who are again offering a 2:1 match. Try reminding people that they're not just giving to polio eradication, they're strengthening our global response systems to communicable diseases like Ebola!
Rotary International has been battling polio since 1985 and we're so close to reaching complete eradication of polio this year (with certification of total eradication by 2018). It will take all our diligent efforts to achieve this accomplishment. A successful Polar Plunge effort will go a long way to keeping Rotary's promise to the children of the world. There is much information about the polio efforts on EndPolioNow's website and the District 7930's Polar Plunge website. But time is running out! Please consider your club's plan to #endpolionow this week and we'll see you on the beach!
Steve McKenzie
District 7930 Polio Plus Chair
A Message from the District Polio Plus Chair - Steve McKenzie
It is my pleasure and honor to present the Nominating Committee’s selection of the 2018-2019 District Governor of District 7930 – Robert C. Wood of the Rotary Club of Peabody .
District 7930 bylaws state “Any club may make further nominations at the District Conference provided it has informed the District Governor in writing not later than February 1st of its intention to do so”. The District Conference will be held May 13-16 at The Harvard Club of Boston. I will publicize any such intention of nomination in the first March E-bulletin.
Robert C. Wood, CCM, has been in the hospitality industry for over 40 years and in the club management field for over 30 years. He has been manager of Officers’ Clubs in the Navy, worked in various management positions with Holiday Inn, managed food service operations in student dining and The Faculty Club at Harvard University, and as General Manager of the Chilton Club, Boston, until his retirement in December of 2012.
Now that the New Year is upon us, many of us are either making resolutions in our personal or professional lives to help ensure that 2016 is a positive step. Whether it be weight loss, spending more time with family, focusing more on business opportunities, or any other item that you choose, they may or may not actually develop as intended.
But one thing is certain, as Rotarians, you will continue to Do Good in the World. Look at the image in this article and consider committing to one or more of the items listed, or come up with your own. Either way, any progress we make in spreading the word and reach of Rotary will make a difference in the lives of those around us, essentially guaranteeing a great year for ourselves as well.
One of the most important of these is to engage our friends, family and business colleagues in Rotary. The most exciting opportunity right now is to get involved with the Polar Plunge on January 23rd. How can you do this? You could:
Be a Plunger
Be a Virtual Plunger (Fundraiser)
Make a Pledge to a Plunger
Promote a Plunger in Social Media
Attend the Plunge and Cheer on those plunging
In any case, your effort will help in the fight to eradicate polio. For more information, please visit the Polar Plunge page.
Michael Scannell, a small-business consultant and past president of the Rotary Club of North Reading, Mass., is a lifelong wheelchair user, and he’s tired of hearing well-meaning people describe someone with a disability as “crippled,” “deformed,” or worse. A proud supporter of Rotary’s fight to end polio, Scannell, who has cerebral palsy, works to raise awareness around language that hurts instead of heals. Recently, Michael was interviewed and is featured in the latest edition of The Rotarian Magazine. Here is the interview for your convenience.
THE ROTARIAN: What was it like growing up using a wheelchair in the ’60s and ’70s?
MICHAEL SCANNELL: The word “cripple” came into my world as a derogatory slur very early. Kids can be so unfair. But they don’t pick up language out of the air. They had to have heard someone else describe me that way, probably their parents: “Oh, it’s that crippled kid from down the street.” Back then, if you saw someone in a wheelchair you were automatically supposed to pity them. Wheelchair equaled nursing home equaled dead.
Instead, my parents had exactly the same expectations for me that they had for my siblings. If you see a curb cut or an elevator in a school, it’s because of my parents and people like them. For example, I was not allowed to go to first grade because the school was not accessible, and there was no law yet that said it had to be. Instead, every day, a local teacher drove to my house and taught me. By second grade, my parents convinced the school that I belonged with the other kids.
My high school was not accessible in any way, either. A teacher had to carry me up two flights of stairs every day. So my father sued the school, and it had to make thousands of dollars’ worth of changes. By the time the renovations were made, I was a sophomore in college, so it wasn’t for me; it was for the next person coming down the line.
What role do you play in the leadership of your club? Whether you are a president, president-elect, secretary, treasurer, committee chair or someone interested in promoting the ideals of Rotary in your club, your community or around the world, you can accomplish more with using ClubRunner. With the new themes and layouts introduced in the past few months, you can create a much more compelling website that will attract interest in your club and might actually begin to draw people into becoming members. The technology, when combined with powerful content can help boost your club's image. Being able to add links, photos, banners, carousels, videos and more will tell a more compelling story and enhance engagement. Add to that the ability to send targetted eBulletins to club members, your community stakeholders, prospective members and even volunteers who support your projects and events will provide be sure to increase the impact your club can make locally and around the world.
One of the biggest benefits of ClubRunner is the ability to allow delegation of creating and posting content. Committee chairs who are most passionate about the functions that they are performing can access the story editor and share what is happening and why it matters with those who need, or should know. The ability to create custom pages that provide more specific information about a service project, event or committee provides the ability to maintain a constant page that can be used throughout the year, in fact, year after year, with updates as required. Photos can really tell the story, think a picture is worth a thousand words. Any story or page can link to another page, event with or without registration, an email to the contact person or to content elsewhere on the web. The new Event and Volunteer Management module is very powerful, you should check it out if you are ever responsible to recruit and inform volunteers for any project or event. The Photo Album function allows you to insert photos into any number of pages that provide a glimpse into the life of your club and if those are really action oriented can provide excitement within your community.
Members can and should try to keep their personal content updated in Edit My Profile. Making sure that your address and contact information is current helps the club and district leadership manage communications much more effectively. Adding your and your partner's birthday and anniversary and verifying the dates you joined Rotary or joined your club, provide the data necessary to maintain years of service reports. You can also add Member Designations such as Past President, Paul Harris Award information and other positions or awards you have received.
There is so much more available in the ClubRunner platform, and if you want to begin to investigate you can either visit the Help Desk page to poke around all of the support materials available or if you find something you really want to delve into, check out the ClubRunner Webinarspage and sign up for a webinar. You can also view a past webinar if you just can't wait!
Don't worry, you really can't break anything so talk to your president and ask if there is some role you can play in telling the Rotary story!
District 7930 is requesting bids for the 2016 Rotary District 7930 Conference Ad Book. If you would be interested in submitting a quote please do so on the downloadable spreadsheet prior to February 25, 2016.
As we are in the planning stages, we cannot provide an exact specification, so we are requesting pricing on a variety of page counts and configurations. Please remember that the final content for the ad book may not be available until 3-5 days prior to the event and that delivery would be required by May 12th.
According to the Rotarian Magazine, 2015 was a key year for the polio eradication movement. Check out some key achievements!
Nigeria was removed from the polio endemic list of countries on September 25th after no new cases of the wild virus were detected.
The Type 2 poliovirus is "gone for good" after an independent global health commission officially verified that the Type 2 strain had been eradicated worldwide.
2015 marked the almost 3-year milestone of no new cases of the Type 3 strain.
The Polio Oversight Board met to conclude that $1.5 billion in new funding is needed to wipe out polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan, "while continuing to shield millions of children in polio-free countries."
It's not too late to join the polio eradication efforts. Click to register for the 2016 Polar Plunge today or learn more on our District Polar Plunge page! And THANK YOU to the 32 Rotary Clubs who have committed to participate this year: Arlington, Belle Isle, Boston, Burlington Breakfast, Burlington, Danvers, Gloucester, Hamilton-Wenham, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lexington, Lynn, Malden, Marblehead, Marblehead Harbor, Medford, Melrose, Newburyport, North Reading, Parkway, Peabody, Reading, Rockport, Salem, Saugus, Somerville, Stoneham, Topsfield-Boxford-Middleton, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester, and Woburn.
Many of you have probably seen this story on Facebook and were touched by the story. If you have not yet experienced this heart-warming story, please click Read More for the full text.
Every day, Rotarians make a difference in their communities and around the world through acts of kindness, contributions to many charities and especially to a commitment to The Rotary Foundation. Of these, our Foundation is capable of multiplying our efforts through exceptional investments which allow 50% of a district's contributions to be returned in three years to fund district grants. These grants are matched equally by clubs who apply for any one of a myriad of possible service projects. Each of these positively impact individuals, sometimes for a day and other times for their lifetime. Now that Rotary is so focused on sustainable projects, the good that we do lives on for years into the future.
If that were not enough, Global Grants can affect people around the world and even in our own backyards. As we develop the Homelessness and Hunger Initiative (HHI), among others, we introduce the possibility of District 7930 being able to attract not only matching funds from Rotary International, but from other clubs and districts around the world. Our hope is to complete the video that is intended to clearly display the true face of homelessness and hunger in our own backyards. Then we will begin the educational phase of this project. Stay tuned for more information about this initiative.
There are hundreds of Global Grants in progress at any one point in time. For more information visit ideas.rotary.org and search for projects that align with your passion. Choose to get involved as a volunteer, contributor, providing materials or being a partner. Or, just use the site for inspiration.
Rotary provides so many possibilities to Do Good in the World and to support your personal missions in making a difference to the causes you are passionate about.
The leadership in District 7930 would like to thank you and the members of your club for all you have done for others during 2015. We hope that we can all support more projects in 2016 and beyond.
At the conclusion of its second annual warm winter coat drive for the homeless and those in need, the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor reported the donation of a record number of coats by generous members of the Marblehead, Swampscott and Salem communities.
Coat drive chair Margo Steiner reports that, “Close to 350 coats were donated at designated drop-off locations, including Atlantic Care Audiology in Swampscott, The Enterprise Center in Salem, and Edward Jones, Coldwell Banker and the National Grand Bank in Marblehead, and to them we wish to offer our thanks.
“We also want to extend our thanks to Timberland for donating 20 brand-new winter parkas, to the Salem State University Bookstore for a large donation of warm, pink insulated jackets certain to delight young girls and to all who searched their closets in an effort to warm those in need this winter,” she said.
Pictured at left: Marjorie St. Paul, executive director of the Lynn Shelter Association, sits delighted among some of the warm winter coats donated to the association by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor.
According to Steiner and Rosaleen Doherty, the club’s service committee chair, “The quality of this year’s coats were beyond anything we expected, with fully a third being brand new and with tags still attached.” The communities’ largesse was distributed two weeks before Christmas to the Salvation Army in Lynn, Citizens for Adequate Housing in Peabody for families in transition at Inn Between, the Lynn Shelter Association, and LifeBridge in Salem.
Marjorie St. Paul, executive director of the Lynn Shelter Association, likely summed it up best. “Yippee! Yahoo! Oh, wow!,” she exclaimed as staff members helped her empty what looked like a clown car filled to overflowing with bags and bags of men’s, women’s and children’s coats. “You have absolutely no idea what this means—and what it will do!”
Marblehead Harbor Rotary Club Collects and Donates Winter Coats
I have been involved in the Polar Plunge almost since the beginning. While I have never been able to actually plunge, I have raised money to help contribute to the Polio Plus campaign for the last three years as a “Virtual Plunger”. I’ve also been actively involved in the Plunge Committee, which is not only an amazing amount of fun but also affords one an amazing sense of accomplishment.
It was decided many moons ago that the Polio Challenge would be met with, hopefully, “Other People’s Money (OPM). I always thought that was an unusual request, but have since discovered this is the best, easiest way to pile up the donations while keeping your own checkbook at a reasonable level.
This year in particular it is very easy as you can work with your account either on your smart phone or on your desk top. Once you set up your account, all you have to do is create your fundraising email/posting, then cut and paste it to whatever media you choose to use. I use Facebook and Twitter, and have cut and pasted the message into group emails to folks I’m hoping will be major contributors.
So, while being at the event to me is essential because of the camaraderie and joy of watching others plunging into the Atlantic Ocean in January (just kidding), you don’t have to go in. You can become a VIRTUAL PLUNGER, help raise money to Eradicate Polio from the Earth and have every dollar contributed matched two to one by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Just follow the instructions elsewhere in this e-bulletin and you’ll be good to go!
MobileCause offers the easiest donation option with a credit card. However, you or your club may take in a cash or check donation. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you count your offline donations.
Make sure checks are made payable to The Rotary Foundation or convert a cash donation to a check.
During this season of giving and with the end of the year fast approaching, perhaps you are in the position to make a donation to The Rotary Foundation. There are so many opportunities to create impact including the Annual Fund and Polio Plus, and many ways to do so. Consider making a recurring gift of any amount through Rotary Direct and spread your contributions throughout the year. If you have extra 1,000 or more recognition points available, think about naming someone a Paul Harris Fellow as a thank you or as a holiday gift.
Posted by Rotary's Young Professionals Campaign Team on Dec 15, 2015
You know how important young professionals are to the future of Rotary. As Rotaractors and Rotarians, they are already leading your clubs and taking action in your communities. But you know there’s even more that your district can do. And we want to give you up to $15,000 to make it happen!
Rotary’s Young Professionals Campaign is excited to announce two grant funding opportunities to bridge the generation gap and engage young professionals in new ways:
Renew Rotary
Hold a young professionals summit in your town, across several communities, or district-wide for young leaders who already know Rotary.
Discover Rotary
Hold a young professionals summit in your town, across several communities, or district-wide for young leaders who aren’t familiar with Rotary.
To maximize impact, you can apply as a:
single Rotary club
collaboration of clubs (up to five Rotary clubs)
district (six or more Rotary clubs)
collaboration of districts
In early January, more information will be provided to help clubs and their members, as well as the district, locate and engage young professionals in a more direct Rotary experience.
The response to the first Rotary Means Business meeting on November 30th has indicated a strong interest in continuing the development of this new fellowship. The skill builder presented by Andy Winig on Effective Networking Tips and Elevator Speeches was extremely well received. The survey results indicated a strong desire to build a program around mentoring.
The next meeting will be on January 19th at the McLane Middleton Conference Center at 300 TradeCenter in Woburn. We will start again at 6:00 pm with a short social with the presentation beginning at 6:15 pm. The opportunity to network will occur between 7 and 7:30 pm.
Our 2016 Polar Plunge is right around the corner and as it's our 6th annual event, we've learned some lessons! For example, did you know the best way to increase donations is to grow your team? Here are the top 3 ways to make your team the largest yet!
Recruit a team of non-Rotarians
Have you considered asking a business to become plungers instead of donors? With each team comes more opportunity for growth. Some great non-Rotarian teams include health workers (chiropractors, physical therapy practices, etc), high school teams (consider ultimate frisbee or the swim team), or a Meet Up Group!
Recruit Interact youth! Does your club have an Interact Club? Consider asking them to form a team of just 5 or 6 and have the entire club sponsor their participation. Last year saw the largest participation of Interact Clubs and they raised just under $5k for the cause!
Recruit a team of friends and family? Your personal contacts make great teammates! Get together and make a fun shirt or costume to stand out at the plunge!
Whomever your plungers are, make sure they register here and be counted!
We all know that social media can be a powerful tool for recruiting members, announcing projects, recognizeing achievements and even fundraising. The Public Image Committee is here to help your club develop a strong social media presence! We can help you with:
Basic Facebook and Twitter set up
Planning powerful and timely posts
Developing your pages to maximize reach
Creating a fan recruitment plan
Learning how to read your stats and insights
And more!
Contact Amy Luckiewicz at 781.588.0257 or by email to schedule a coaching session with your club, board, committee, or public image chair soon!
One of our Global Scholars, here for 2 years studying at Harvard Business School is Akihiko Ito. The Rotary Club of Tokyo - Josai in District 2750 is his host.
He will be studying at Harvard Business School for 2 years, in connection with the medical field. He has been married for one year to his wife, Mina, and she will be joining him for his second year in Cambridge.
Akihiko hopes to learn how to create a service that provides medical information summaries to the general public in Asian countries that will lead to the alleviation of symptoms through improvements in lifestyle and treatment via over-the-counter medicines for those people who cannot rely on doctors. For many parts of society in Asian developing countries who have inadequate medical care, disease prevention and treatment methods can be provided via the internet through locally relevant medical information.
On December 3, he visited the Rockport Rotary Club for our evening meeting. Akihiko is available to speak to all the clubs in our district and you can contact Akihiko via email by clicking here!
I am very pleased to announce that Elizabeth (Liz) Cullen has accepted the position of District 7930 Foundation Chair 2016 – 2019.
Her commitment, dedication and expertise will be a true asset to our District. In District 7780, Liz was Past District Governor in 2007 – 2008 and also served as District 7780 Foundation Chair. She has been a member of the Rotary Club of Newburyport since 1997 and has served as secretary, treasurer, president, their Interact liaison and foundation chair. In 1993, she received the Newburyport Rotary Club’s President’s Citation for Service Above Self. She has served District 7780 as an Assistant Governor, chaired the District Membership Committee and was a member of District 7780 Conference and Program Chair. In February 2004, she was a member of an NID Team to India. She is a multiple PHF and Benefactor.
Within District 7930, Liz has proven that she is a true team player and will always go above and beyond. Liz has served as Fundraising Chair within the Foundation Committee plus a member of PDG John Hall and PDG Peter Simenon’s Conference Committees while continuing to support Newburyport Rotary Club. Liz was the Chair of 2015 Rotary Zone 24 & 32 Institute, “Getting Fired Up For Rotary” held in Providence, Rhode Island which was a tremendous success. She will bring her commitment, dedication and knowledge of Rotary, Rotary International and entrepreneurial spirit to her role as Foundation Chair. At our original interview, she came prepared with many ideas to move the Foundation Committee forward such as holding Foundation Roadshows as informative question and answer meetings in different area locations within our District plus many more ideas which were impressive to say the least. As a previous entrepreneur myself, I appreciate her understanding that we must serve our members as “customers” who deserve the best we can offer at all times. Her commitment to “help and make the Foundation process easier for our members” is in line with the District Governors Tract to be a support for our clubs in making a difference in our communities, our country and internationally. Please welcome Liz as District 7930’s Foundation Chair starting July 1st, 2016!
Keep smiling,
Sheryl Meehan
District Governor 2016 - 2017
The Burlington High School Interact Rotarians, sponsored by the Burlington Rotary Club, has become the largest club in the High School. They hold a "Sock Drive" each year for veterans at the Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital. Interact Club President Caroline Covino (2nd from left) and three members of her club came to Burlington Rotary's December 4th meeting and are shown holding some of the white athletic socks contributed by Burlington Rotarians at that meeting. Last year the Interact Club's Sock Drive collected over 500 pairs of socks for our veterans and they hope for even more this year.
Burlington Interact Gathers Donated Socks for Veterans
Last Thursday at Marblehead Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon held at the Boston Yacht Club, Jack Attridge (Marblehead Rotary Club) and Jim Nye (Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor) were honored with Paul Harris Fellows awards for their leadership and work with the Marblehead Interact Club.
Also on-hand to participate and witness the awards ceremony were Craig VanRemoorel, President of the Marblehead Interact Club and Joan Stomatuk, a former educator at Marblehead High School and long-time advisor to the group. The Marblehead Interact Club was founded by (past) Marblehead Rotary Club President Nancy Gwin.
The Interact Club offers Marblehead High School students the opportunity to develop leadership skills through community-based service projects. The club gives students the chance to make a real difference in their community while having fun. Every Interact club carries out two service projects a year: one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.
The Marblehead Rotary Club engages in numerous ways with Marblehead's youth including its scholarship and campership programs, the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Interact Club for high school students, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, The Rubber Duck Regatta, and Marblehead's Got Talent!
Pictured: Marblehead Rotary Club President Zach Newell, President of the Marblehead Interact Club, Craig VanRemoorel, Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow award recipient, Jack Attridge, Interact Club Advisor, Joan Stomatuk, Paul Harris Fellow award recipient, Jim Nye, Interact Club founder and former Marblehead Rotary Club President, Nancy Gwin.
Marblehead Rotary Club honors Jack Attridge and Jim Nye with Paul Harris Fellows Awards
Would you like to be or do you know someone that would like to be sponsor for the Polar Plunge on January 23rd? This is an awesome opportunity for exposure not only to the Plungers and their guests on Good Harbor Beach at Cape Ann Motor Inn, but also to approximately 2,000 Rotarians around the District as, for the proper sponsorship level, each sponsor will be on the District Website, in all Polar Plunge publications and at every District event.
Giving levels and recompenses are:
Life Saver - $1,000 and above
Table at event, banner hung at the event, advertising allowed at the event, positioning on the T-shirt on a par with equivalent sponsors, advertising on all subsequent District 7930 events and mention on the District website, www.rotary7930.0rg.
Freezin’ For a Reason - $250 - $500
Mention at the event and advertising at all subsequent District 7930 events and mention on the District website, www.rotary7930.org. $500 - $1,000 will get mention on the T-Shirt below the $1000 sponsors.
Polio Champion - $250
Advertising at all subsequent District 7930 events.
Gift of Life - $100
A sincere thank you from the children you are helping to save.
Sponsors in kind - $500 or more
Mention at the event and advertising on all subsequent District 7930 events
The Polar Plunge Committee hopes you will consider sponsoring the event, or find someone else who might be interested. Sponsorship dollars go toward the actual expenses of the event, which last year exceeded $10,000. Expenses include, but are not limited to tent rental, port-a-pottie rental, refreshment costs, and computer and merchant card fees. It all adds up, but it is the single most successful District event. Download the sponsorship form here!
Stoneham Rotarian and District Governor Nominee Dave Gardner introduced the "Route 93/128 Rotary Means Business" chapter for District 7930. The kickoff event was held on November 30 at McLane Middleton's conference center in Woburn. More than forty Rotarians attended the inaugural event and made professional contacts. After cocktails and appetizers, Dave explained the program to the attendees and then introduced Rotarian Andy Winig, who gave a presentation on maximizing results with an elevator speech. After the interactive presentation, the group had another chance to network and practice their elevator speeches before heading home for the night.
"What an amazing night," said Dave. "Forty business people gathered for the first Rotary Means Business meeting at the McLane Middleton Conference Center. There was time to network before and after an engaging presentation on elevator speeches that inspire dialog. Combining skill development and networking with wonderful people is a recipe for success. Thank you all who helped make it successful."
Twenty Rotarians and guests have already responded to the post event survey. The results indicate that most everyone was either very satisfied of extremely satisfied with the event. The guest speaker, Andy Winig was very well received and received a lot of positive comments about his presentation. Ninety-three percent would being someone to a similar event. The quality of the refreshments did not receive a high ranking but that didn't seem to impact the overall experience. The preference for future meetings were Tuesdays first and Mondays second, and six o'clock was by far the preferred starting time. Of all of the possible ideas for future programs, the topics of presentation skills, mentorship, both utilizing a mentor and being a mentor were the top choices. Following closely were collaboration skills, self-assessment, time management and setting goals. In fact, all of the topics showed considerable interest. Now we have to find solid presenters for each of these topics. If you, or someone you know is qualified, please forward me their information.
Last year was my first time fundraising and plunging with Rotary! When a Rotarian friend asked us to join her for the plunge, my husband (he was the guy dressed like Buddy the Elf) and I both quickly said yes. We have two daughters and we're grateful that they are both healthy! Not every parent is lucky to have access to healthcare and to preventative life-saving vaccines. We made sure we brought our daughters with us to the plunge because we wanted them to learn about community and coming together for a purpose. Yes, the water was cold. But looking back on it now, all I can remember is the laughter and excitement as the MC told the crowd how many vaccines we had raised!
Thanks to Rotary for making my family feel welcome and we can't wait to see you this January on the beach again!
On January 23, 2016 our district will make history again with our 6th Annual Polar Plunge off of Long Beach in Gloucester. Our goals are simple:
100% of clubs participate in fundraising or plunging
Raise $125k and earn $250k of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matched funds
We need your help. Please register today. You can register hereor text "joinplunge" to 51555. Be sure to click "join a team" and register under your club's team!
Want to participate but not ready to take the plunge? Simply register and become a "virtual plunger" by fundraising for your club! Want more info on the plunge? Visit our officialPolar Plunge web page.
2015 has been history-making year in Rotary's efforts to #endpolio. In July, we marked one year since the last case of wild poliovirus was found in Nigeria. According to endpolio.org, this achievement could signal that the world will soon see a polio-free Africa, a major milestone in global public health! In fact, Africa hasn’t seen a new case since August 11, 2014. When Nigeria and the entire African region go three years without a case of polio, World Health Organization will certify them as polio-free! But the good news didn't stop in July. Only 2 months ago, we made polio history with the eradication of the Type 2 strain, and Rotarians in District 7930 can count themselves as part of this achievement. In the past three years alone, members of this district raised a historic $291,960 to this global initiative, and we're not done! This monumental success has happened through a lot of effort and education. I hope you find this special polio edition of the e-newsletter informative and inspiring. Please consider registering today and meet me for the biggest beach party of the winter!
The Burlington Rotary Club participates annually in a Thanksgiving meal food distribution to over 150 needy Burlington families. The program is held at the Burlington UCC Church and combines services by the Burlington Food Pantry, UCC Church staff and Burlington Rotary Club members and families. The 15 pound frozen turkeys for this year's program were provided by the Boston Food Bank where club members picked them up, stored them in a freezer courtesy of Shaws market, and then brought them to the church for this Sunday event.
The young man in the second photo is the grandson of a club member. He pitched right in along with the rest of the crew throughout the afternoon and quickly learned the meaning of the Rotary motto "Service Above Self".
The event lasted from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on November 22nd. The women Rotarian members walked with the food recipients helping them pick out and bag the many different Thanksgiving dinner foods available. The Rotarian men performed their usual "bag boy" duties, helping meal food recipients carry their turkeys and bags of food to their cars.
Congratulations to our very own Past District Governor John Hall who heads up the SalemFive Commercial Banking division! He was honored by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, Inc. with the Distinguished Leader Award!
John was District Governor of District 7930 for 2012-13 and the Rotary theme for that year was Engage Rotary - Change Lives. He has had a lifetime of doing just that.
Congratulations John!
John Hall Honored by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce
Time is running out to guarantee your participation in the first Rotary Means Business meeting on November 30th. If you want to meet dozens of Rotarians and friends in an event which promises great business connections and interesting content, then register as soon as possible. The minimal cost of $10 per person may be one of the best bargains of the year. In addition to building relationships with business people in the greater Boston area, you will receive expert advice on elevator speeches from Andy Winig, once a District 7930 Rotarian, now a Needham Rotarian. His company, ImprovAndy specializes in coaching business executives in the art of networking. You can research more about Andy and his company by visiting his website here.
We will be meeting on November 30th from 6-8 pm at the McLane Middleton conference center located at 300 TradeCenter Ste 7000.
If you would like to attend with or without a guest, please register here. Hope to see you there!
Have You Registered for the 1st Rotary Means Business Meeting?
Can you believe we are already closing in on December? Where does the time go? Perhaps it is that we are very busy making a difference in the lives of so many people? Or is it that we are creating opportunities to improve our communities?
On October 29, President Ray Bastarache welcomed us to the Lynn Rotary Club. Not only did we have a great lunch, but we were impressed by the club’s commitment to membership growth and retention! If you have a chance to speak to Ray, please ask him how they have gained more than a dozen members since July! We had the pleasure of meeting some of the new members of the Lynn Satellite Club and hearing the positive impact the club is doing for the great city of Lynn.
Rotary does a great job with community projects both locally and internationally. Clubs also share this important relationship with their schools, whether elementary, middle or high school. Reading Rotary and President Bob Hayes’s dedication to their community and service to schools is outstanding! I was impressed when hearing Bob and the club discuss all of the upcoming projects they are committed to doing.
The Rotary Club of Wakefield recently welcomed Lieutenant Colonel Bob Driscoll of the Air National Guard at its lunch meeting. The 30-year military veteran leads the local area's emergency response which includes the medical unit of MEMA Region 1. His team is included among a larger unit charged with responding to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive events. Each year, his almost 50-member team serves at the Boston Marathon with roving response experts in an area that covers Hopkington to Brookline. His team can also be activated for natural events such as responding to roof collapses in a snow storm and serve as search and evacuation specialists. Although stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, his $1.2 million in equipment is securely stored at Camp Curtis Guild in Reading in order to, "be able to quickly respond to an event in the Greater Boston area in six hours or less."
Driscoll also serves as a firefighter in Melrose as well as serving as Chair of the Melrose Veterans Advisory Board. He noted, "The need to support veterans is constant and growing." He thanked the club for supporting local veteran initiatives in Wakefield noting, "The Rotary Club's 'service above self' motto closely matches the core values of the Air Force including integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do."
December 1, 2015 is this year's GIVING TUESDAY! According to givingtuesday.org, "We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give."
This year, we'll be providing Rotary Clubs with a toolkit on how to maximize #GivingTuesday to increase your Polar Plunge donations. Stay tuned an in the meantime, be ready to, "Join us and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity!"
Not registered for the Polar Plunge yet? Register here or text "joinplunge" to 51555 today!
Do you want to meet other Rotarians from around the district in a brand new fellowship - Rotary Means Business (RMB)?
Well the kickoff event is scheduled for Monday, November 30th at 6:00 pm. It will be held at 300 Trade Center, Suite 700 in Woburn within the Conference Center at McLane Middleton.
We will limit the number of guests to 80 so please register early. Although this group will most likely be made up primarily of Rotarians, we hope that those who attend will consider inviting other business people of similar ethics. It is our basic mission to help each other grow our businesses with the potential to introduce others to Rotary and the additional benefits of community service and fellowship, thereby positively affecting membership in our clubs.
On November 10th, the Gloucester Rotary Club under the direction of President Carole Lynn Sharoff hosted an evening meeting in honor of the Rotary Club Members who are Veterans. The celebration was held jointly with the annual Past President’s Dinner where as many as 35 past presidents may attend to share fellowship and offer advice and counsel to club President. The evening featured a speech by Gloucester Veteran’s Agent Adam Curcuru and a presentation from local photographer Jason Grow who spoke of the exhibit he is showcasing at Gloucester’s City Hall. The exhibit includes photos of more than 60 Veterans from the communities that comprise Cape Ann, namely Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester. The photographs shown via a slide presentation included Army Air Corp Sgt Robert McKechnie father of Gloucester past President David McKechnie and Mike Linquata a recipient of four bronze medals, and two purple hearts.
Members of the Gloucester Rotary Club brought in items which were delivered to the Veteran’s Office in Gloucester to be part of the holiday care packages sent to men and women in the armed services from Cape Ann and deployed around the world.
Gloucester Holds Combined Veteran’s Evening with Past President’s Dinner
Ipswich Rotary is supporting the Ipswich YMCA expansion with a donation of $25,000. The Ipswich Family Y serves residents of Ipswich and Rowley, towns also served by Ipswich Rotary, plus Essex, Hamilton and Wenham.
The Ipswich Rotary Club has a long history of partnership with the local YMCA. In addition to supporting the initial construction, the club built adjacent Rotary Park in 2004-05 as part of its celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rotary International. The park, which includes a baseball field, gazebo and open space, has become an important feature of the Y complex, especially during summer camp months. In recent years Rotarians have enhanced the park with new millstone signage and a bench dedicated to the memory of one of the park’s founders, Rotarian Bud Conley. In 2013, the Rotary sponsored Ipswich High School Interact club placed one of five international Peace Poles at the park entrance as part of their annual community service outreach.
In the photo, Gerry Beauchamp, Ipswich YMCA Executive Director and an Ipswich Rotary Director, is presented with a check from the club. Representing Ipswich Rotary are President Bob Gravino, Immediate Past President Rev. Brad Clark during whose term the grant was initiated, President Elect Lisa Shanko, and Vice President Cushing Titcomb.
Last Sunday, under a beautiful blue autumn sky and in the presence of the color guard from the U.S.S. Constitution - over one hundred runners participated in the the second annual Don Humphreys Veterans Memorial road race. Runners took a scenic pass through downtown Marblehead and were supported by dozens of volunteers as well as the staff from YMCA who transported and operated all the specialized electronic equipment needed to start/stop and time all the runners.
When the race was completed, all the participants were invited to share snacks and stories at the Boston Yacht Club. Overlooking a stunning beautiful Marblehead Harbor, the winners were given certificates and all the participates were grateful to have helped furtrher an important cause.
All proceeds from this race will support the Marblehead Rotary Club’s scholarship program and will provide a funds to support a son or daughter of a veteran or a student entering a military academy.
Don Humphreys Veterans Memorial 5K Road Race - a Big Success.
The District Public Image Committee wishes to congratulate the following clubs on their successful applications for the Public Image Mini-Grants:
Belle Isle
Medford
Methuen
Peabody
The grant was offered as a 1:1 match with club funds up to $250 to improve the public image of the Rotary Clubs of District 7930. As defined by Rotary International, public image can include advertising, apparel, brochures, business cards, signage, social media, promotional materials and more! The four recipients will be using their grants to fund items including name tags, banners, hats, brochure printing, and more. All designs had to meet the new Master Branding guidelines. For more information on Master Branding or how your club can update its look, contact us at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com or visit Brand Center on My Rotary. You will have to log in to access the Brand Center.
The Burlington Pride Special Olympics softball team has been sponsored and coached by members of the Burlington Rotary Club for many years. Our club organized and held an awards banquet at the Burlington Recreation Department on November 10th with most of the players attending.
Each player received a trophy from our club which they are proudly holding in this photo. This was the initial awarding of team trophies by the club.
Reading Rotary Fall Auction will be held on Nov. 20 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Hillview Country Club in North Reading. This is the 16th Annual and is Reading Rotary's largest fundraiser each year. The fun filled event will feature Live and Silent Auctions, Lucky Gifts and other prizes. For information or tickets visit: www.readingmarotary.org or contact Tim Kelley (781) 942-9838.
Announcing Reading Rotary's Fall Auction on November 20th
Please join me in thanking those who embody true "service above self". To our honored veterans, your sacrifice is appreciated beyond the 24-hours of November 11th. You have earned our unwavering gratitude and respect. I encourage you to invite veterans within your club to share their stories and be inspired by their examples of courage, service, and commitment.
Thanking and thinking of all of our veterans near and far,
David Manzi
District Governor, Rotary District 7930
Our Rotary Clubs are jumping at the chance to plunge with in our biggest winter beach party ever! This year is sure to be the biggest yet! Register your plungers and virtual plungers early by following these easy steps:
Register here or text the word “joinplunge” to 51555 to register on your mobile device and click on the link you receive back. Note: do not put a space in "joinplunge."
Click on “Become a Fundraiser.”
Compete ALL fields and click on “Become a Fundraiser.”
Click on “Join a Team” and select your Rotary team from the drop down menu. Non-Rotarians may select any team. There is a team for Rotaract.
Click on “I Am Done.”
6. You will get an email and text confirmation (if you gave a mobile number). Follow the link to complete your registration and set your password.
Upload your picture, set your goal, and customized message to supporters. Click “Save.”
Click “Share” to view your unique text-to-donate word and social media options!
Direct all questions to polarplunge7930@gmail.com. or visit the Polar Plunge Page!
On Saturday, December 12, the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor will present its annual Holiday Pops concert in the festive atmosphere of historic Abbot Hall. Tickets to the club's largest fundraiser go on sale November 12, and tickets sell out quickly, so reserve your table or balcony seat soon. Maestro Dirk Hillyer and the Hillyer Festival Orchestra will once again present beloved Christmas and Chanukkah songs—along with a special surprise theme this year. See you at the concert!
On October 29 the Rockport Rotary Club donated two MakerBot 3-D printers, purchased with a District 7930 local matching grant, to the Rockport Middle/High Schools. The Rockport school system matched the gift with two additional printers for a total of four. The students printed a sign to identify the newly designated “Rockport Rotary 3-D Printer Lab”.
Rockport Rotary President Maryanne Bland presented the gift to the school. The gift was envisioned as an important learning tool to prepare students for future careers in technology fields. Students will be encouraged to develop skills in engineering design, 3-D modeling of both mechanical and architectural designs and technical drawing/CAD under the guidance of David Young, technology and engineering teacher.
The Rockport Rotary Club Donates 3-D Printers to Rockport Junior High School
The District 7930 Rotaplast team recently returned from their sponsored Rotaplast medical mission to the Philippines. Club financial support allowed for 122 surgical procedures to be performed on patients in Cebu City, on a south central island in the Philippines. Medical treatments focused on surgically repairing cleft lips, cleft palates and dental work for patients aging three months to 35 years. Medical Director Evelyn Abad explained, "Often children and adults with these deformities are shunned by their community. We give them a second chance to smile."
The medical team consisted of eight non-medical volunteers including David Boudreau and Lisa Collin from the Amesbury Rotary Club, Alan Michel from the Andover Rotary Club, Bob Arsenault from the Ipswich Rotary Club, Bob Wood from the Peabody Rotary Club and Amy Luckiewicz from the Wakefield Rotary Club. Former Rotarian Barbara Hofelich and Amy's mother Susan Luckiewicz also joined the team. They were joined by a team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and Rotarians from California, Washington, Hawaii, and South Dakota.
With three operating tables in use, the team was able to complete 122 surgical procedures and over 300 dental procedures. All medical treatment was free of charge to patients and many traveled up to six hours to visit the hospital in the central part of Cebu City. The team was supported locally by Filipino volunteers from the Rotary Club of Cebu City Port Center. The team was also on hand to help the local Rotary Club celebrate it's 1,000th patient over 13 missions.
Clubs who gifted a financial contribution are encouraged to utilize their press release templates sent earlier last week.
For photos and videos of the medical mission, click here.
To the Rotarians and Clubs of District 7930 and beyond,
On behalf of myself and my family may I take this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation to the Rotarians and Clubs of District 7930 and beyond for your overwhelming support on the occasion of the death of my beloved wife Carol. Carol was a very special lady who helped so many people through the Church and several other organizations, to which she devoted many hours each week without any thought of recognition. In the receiving line at the wake there were several women who told me that she had saved their life. Still, none of these activities ever interfered with her being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother; she was the center of our loving family. The outpouring of love and support by so many of you during our time of great sadness, with your visits, letters and cards, flowers, spiritual bouquets, and so on will never be forgotten. Each of you hold a special place in my heart. I consider Rotary and each one of you to be part of my extended family and my affiliation with Rotary, for over half a century, has enriched my life more than any other organization with the exception of The Church. Once more, thank you and God bless you all.
This year has already marked a significant milestone in making polio history. After this year's outstanding announcement of no new cases of the wild polio virus in Nigeria, we are down to two endemic countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. If Nigeria can go 2 more years without a new case, we will have a polio-free Africa!
Dreaming the Dream
All efforts by our partners in this fight are surging forward to eliminate polio everywhere in the months ahead, but it’s not about just delivering the vaccine to the children. The logistical and political challenges are many and costly. Rotary and the World Health Organization, as well as funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other funding partners, are pushing hard to achieve this goal. It will require a huge effort and much more funding to beat out the last cases and to make sure that polio does not re-occur in those countries that have been and will be certified polio free. If this happens, the globe could be polio free by 2018!
Want to learn more? Download the following documents by clicking on the titles!
We need to stay diligent - Help make our District Polar Plunge a huge success!
Please start your club fund raising efforts by going out into your communities and telling the story and asking their support. Work at getting as many pledges (including Corporate sponsorships) as you can to help the District raise even more money this year for our POLAR PLUNGE effort. The more successful we are at this event, the less effort we need to ask Rotarians for funds that they can then give to the Rotary Foundation for doing even more good in the world. Our Plunge Committee will be reaching out to come speak at your club over the next several weeks.
Plunge Dates
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016 snow date
Registration announcement will be coming soon!
The artistic juices were flowing at the Stoneham Middle School on Wednesday, October 21 for the Rotary Club of Stoneham’s first Poster Day for Drug Awareness. Over 60 students, mainly from the middle school but also some younger and older drop-ins, attended and created posters using art supplies provided by the Rotary Club. The posters represented the students’ expression of the theme of this year’s Red Ribbon Week for drug awareness, “Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free!” After their posters were made, the starving artists were treated to pizza by the Rotary Club. The event was supported by a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation.
Red Ribbon Week is an annual event for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Started by the National Family Partnership, Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest public awareness drug prevention program in the nation.
As Veteran’s Day approaches Rotary Clubs across District 7930 may be seeking ways to show their support for those brave men and women who have served our country in the past as well as those who serve in the Armed Forces today. The Gloucester Rotary Club is taking the opportunity to recognize the men and women of the Armed Services past and present at their special evening meeting on Tuesday November 10, 2015 at Cruiesport the weekly meeting place.
The evening event is a celebration combining the annual “Past President’s Dinner” and a tribute to Veterans. The Past President’s Dinner draws as many as 35 past club presidents to an evening dinner to offer support and advice to club President Carole Lynn Sharoff. The Veterans portion of the evening will feature guest speaker and local photographer Jason Grow who has compiled a series of photographs of local veterans of Cape Ann which will be on display in Gloucester’s City Hall beginning on November 7th.
The Rotary Club of Ipswich is writing a Global Grant (GG) application for a follow-on GG to one submitted by District 7780 (coastal Maine and New Hampshire) in 2014, which Ipswich contributed $1,000 to as a sponsoring club. The initial grant funded the training of two teachers from each of 50 low-income community schools to recognize common illnesses for treatment and to administer vitamins, de-worming pills, and material and information regarding clean drinking water.
The training was conducted in the N'gombe District in the city of Lusaka, the poorest slum in Zambia. It is home to 50 community schools where 45% of the children suffer from treatable diseases. Working alongside a non-profit organization called Healthy Kids/Brighter Future (HK/BF) founded by 2014 Bowdoin College graduate Lonnie Hackett, the GG has benefited over 10,000 of Zambia's most vulnerable children using school-based health screenings, vaccinations, and treatment for common diseases as well as education to improve sanitation and hygiene and referrals to the N'gombe Medical Clinic.
Lonnie will be spending a third year in Zambia to expand the project into another community in the N'gombe District using the experience of this healthcare model to create an improved system, especially in the area of sustainability. The Zambian government has also granted approval to include additional schools into the effected population, with the intent of government adoption of this healthcare model in their education system.
Many clubs get inquiries about the Rotary Foundation and the role it plays when supporting a club. When your club members use their elevator speeches to talk about the club, do they include mention of the Foundation? Here are just a few tips to help your members talk about the good work the Foundation supports:
Suggest people check out Charity Navigator or Charity Watch to see how our Foundation is ranked. Hint: it's got top ratings with both organizations!
When writing press releases about your club's involvement in the polio eradication movement, consider including an "About the Rotary Foundation" at the end. For sample text, contact us at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com.
Note that the Rotary Foundation has focus and vision. Perhaps over the next month, highlight an Area of Focus per week with your community or do a review of all 6 Areas on your public access station.
Use social media to spread the word. Consider assigning a member to share posts from the Foundation on Facebook or commit to re-Tweeting messages related to Foundation-supported programs.
Consider taking this month's Public Image Challenge!
Public Image Challenge
Ask your members "Why do you give?" and record answers
Take photos of members who give answers
With their permission, share their responses and photos on your social media pages and website throughout November! Keep responses to 2 sentences!
Each year the Burlington Rotary Club gives every third grade student in the Burlington Public School system a Webster's dictionary.
On October 23rd, the first of Burlington's four grammar schools received their dictionaries. Shown here is club member Lisa Healey asking students in a school to find words she requests in their new dictionaries and respond with definitions.
Halloween Party
The Burlington Rotary Club held its second annual Halloween costume party the evening of October 23rd. It was well attended by club members and their families and friends. At the party's conclusion prizes were given for the best individual, couples and group costumes and the winners of this year's fund raising $10K raffle were drawn.
The Rotary Club of Salem Massachusetts enjoyed the opportunity to learn the personal background of new member Patrick Cornelissen during his certification speech at our recent meeting. Our new high profile member is the new General Manager of the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. Patrick is a native of Belgium. His discussion complete with a power point slide display revealed his early life in Belgium as well as time spent living across Europe before arriving in the USA.
Patrick's life in Massachusetts began at Endicott College in Beverly. First as a student and then with a position with the college for nearly twelve years. Patrick, with an interest in automobiles and antique models is the person responsible for the Concours d'Elegance at Misselwood at Endicott College. This event was held at the end of July. I had the first time opportunity to attend this event and was very impressed by the collection of high end automobiles and the impressive Atlantic Ocean views. I believe this event has become a top fundraiser for the college.
Patrick also holds the title of Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Belgium in New England. A recent title just awarded to a man of accomplishment and hard work. The Salem Club is honored to accept Patrick Cornelissen as our new member and one that has already contributed to the club and has had a positive impact.
GRANTS
“Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask!”
Panel discussion and information on Global Grants, District Grants, Global Scholars will be presented, giving you ideas on how to choose a project, how to partner with others to apply for the bigger grants, how to complete the DMG app, what is involved in your club hosting a scholar, etc.
ROTARY FUNDRAISING
“Ask not what you can do for Rotary International, ask what Rotary International can do for you!”
Panel discussion and information on Annual Giving, Paul Harris Society, Endowment Fund, Polio Challenge will be presented, giving you incite on how to access reports for your clubs, how to utilize TRF Direct, what it takes to become a Paul Harris Society member, Benefactor, and/or Bequest Society member, how to use the Endowment Fund for your own financial planning, get update on Polio world-wide and also about our annual Polar Plunge.
These two sessions will be given twice so you can attend both and gets lots of knowledge to bring back to your clubs.
Our Keynote Speaker
The evening will be topped off with a theme dinner to go along with our key speaker, Dr. Susan King who recently went on an NID to India – changed her life…could it change yours? Read more about Dr. King...
Join Rotary and UNICEF for a Livestream event at 6:30 EDT, October 23.
How close are we to a polio-free world? What’s needed to finish the job? Can we make history together?
Join us on 23 October for our third annual World Polio Day event. We’ll be streaming live from New York City, so tune in at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time to watch a global status update on the fight to end polio and take part in the conversation.
Time magazine Senior Editor Jeffrey Kluger is our moderator, and UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake is a keynote speaker. The webcast features appearances by Emmy Award-winner Archie Panjabi, Grammy Award-winner Angelique Kidjo, actress Kristen Bell, WWE Superstar John Cena, The Doctors co-host Dr. Jennifer Berman, CDC Polio Eradication Branch Chief John Vertefeuille, and other special guests.
If you can’t join us live, you can still be a part of this moment in history. Share your voice online, advocate with your government, or create your own World Polio Day event. Download the resources below to get started.
Visit the World Polio Day webpage for the link to the livestream and for other World Polio Day information!
Bring the family to the 2nd Annual Winchester Chili Fest presented by Rotary Club of Winchester on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Winchester Town Hall Auditorium from 4 pm to 8 pm. Come taste and vote for the best chili in Winchester as area restaurants and professional chefs compete. A panel of celebrity judges, including our own District Governor Dave Manzi, will judge the amateur contest. Does a member in your Rotary club have fabulous chili recipe to enter? Enter the amateur contest and you could win $500 for the charity of your choice.
The event is a family friendly event that will include music, food trucks, beer/wine and kids games. Tickets can be purchased at the door: $5 for individuals, $15 for families and $15 for an alcohol wristband. Winchester Town Hall is located at 71 Mount Vernon Street in Winchester. Parking is conveniently located directly across from Town Hall. For more information go to www.winchesterrotary.org.
The Wilmington Rotary Club's Annual Auction and Raffle will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the K of C Hall behind St Thomas's Church on Middlesex Avenue Wilmington, MA 01887.
There is a $10,000 Raffle with only 350 tickets sold. Tickets are $100 each and can list up to 10 names.
The prizes are Grand Prize $10,000, two Second Prizes of $1,000 each, two Third Prizes of $500 each and four Fourth Prizes of $250 each.
There is a free buffet and cash bar available.
For further information, lease contact John Doherty @978 658 3805.
Come and see how the Malden Rotary Club honors its Public Service Professionals. Malden Rotary will be hosting is 6th Annual Service Above Self Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Anthon’s of Malden. Program begins at 5:30pm.
For the past five years Malden Rotary has been honoring it public service professionals for their Service Above Self. Malden Rotary honors a Police Officer, Fireman, Emergency Management Services Team Member, an Officer from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and an EMT from Cataldo Ambulance. Malden Rotary has also presented Paul Harris Fellowships to members of the Malden Community for their service.
This year for the first time Malden Rotary will be including a Service Above Self Award to a Hallmark Health employee and to the Educator of the Year from the Malden School System. A Paul Harris Fellowship will also be presented to a well-known public figure in Malden but we cannot release their name prior to the Ceremony.
The recently integrated club of Belle Isle, which resulted from a merger in July of the Rotary Clubs of East Boston-Revere and Winthrop has wasted no time to integrate their past traditions into the new club!
For nearly ten years, the Rotary Club of East Boston-Revere venture onto the high seas once a month in lieu of our weekly lunch meeting during the summer months for food, fun, and fellowship. In early October, the Club had one last trip of the season and they we were joined by Governor David Manzi for a beautiful evening! The monthly boat trips started as a way to establish camaraderie between the Rotary Clubs of East Boston and Revere when they merged in 2006.
Another tradition is marching in the Revere Columbus Day parade! We picked up where we left off along with our community service vehicle and marched in the Revere Columbus Day Parade -- as for one day we were all Italian!
We have had a great time visiting clubs! To meet new Rotarians, new friends and to hear about all of the exciting things clubs have planned for events is really special.
We are winding down our “official visits” but for me – I am looking forward to attending more meetings throughout our great district.
I know how hard our Assistant Governors and Committee Chairs are working to make this year a success and I thank each and every Rotarian for their commitment, support and dedication for Rotary!
On September 22, President Deborah Andrews and the Newburyport Rotary Club welcomed us to a fantastic meeting. I would recommend that everyone should visit this beautiful town and enjoy lunch or dinner at Andiamo restaurant where Newburyport Rotary meets. The food is absolutely incredible! However, when you visit Newburyport, you will witness the impact of this club throughout the town. Newburyport Rotary IS Community service!
That was a short week for us to visit clubs. The Zone Institute, which was led by RI Director Julia Phelps and Newburyport Rotary’s own and PDG Liz Cullen was a great event. I am sure you read all about it in last week’s e-Bulletin.
Do you want to be part of the team that helps us exceed our 2016 Polar Plunge goal of $125,000?
If you want to help either as a plunger or as a fundraiser to support our ultimate goal of eradicating polio from the world, please click the link below. With the 2-1 matching grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation we could triple our goal and provide a total of 625,000 immunizations to children in endemic countries. Yes, that's right, over a half million children could be spared the misery of this horrible disease, and you could be part of history.
This years plunge will be on Saturday, January 23rd with a make-up date of Saturday, February 13th. You will have the pleasure of plunging with over 200 Rotarians and friends who will brave the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean for a few minutes to change the lives of those still threatened by polio.
The Burlington Rotary Club is hosting an Adult Halloween & Costume Party on Friday, October 23, 2015 from 7pm – 11pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Road in Burlington. There will be a DJ, appetizers, cash bar and prizes for Best Costumes. The cost is $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by contacting Lisa Healey at lhealey@paychex.com. Annual $10k fundraiser raffle drawing will take place at the event.
The Rotary Club of Burlington is also selling tickets for their annual 10K fundraiser through the next two weeks. This year the tickets are only $25 each and can be purchased from any members of the Rotary Club of Burlington. They can also be purchased at Burlington Florist, 55 Winn Street in Burlington or Northern Bank and Trust 13 Center Street in Burlington or from The Rotary Club of Burlington President Cheryl via email at Stanton17@comcast.net.
Our District Rotaplast team has been busy getting ready to change the lives of children and adults in Cebu City in the Philippines.
"Clinic day is to screen patients for eligibility of surgeries. Today we screened 176 patients in over 10 hours including dental screenings, vitals, and one on one's with the surgeons and anesthesiologists. The eldest was 52, the youngest we saw was 3 months old.
The patients are selected based on their specific medical problem and health. If they are sick they cannot receive surgery.
We expect to complete 150 surgeries on this mission."
The Rotaplast Team
Although the Rotaplast mission has effectively reached their monetary goal, donations are still being accepted. In addition, keep the team in your thoughts and your prayers as they accomplish incredible results during their mission.
Become a part of the second Don Humphreys Veterans Memorial 5K , Sunday November 8th at noon.
Become a part of the first Don Humphreys Veterans Memorial 5K hosted by the Marblehead Rotary Club. Join the Marblehead Rotary Club for a scenic race through downtown Marblehead at noon. Sunday, November 8th.
The race-course will begin at the Boston Yacht Club overlooking Marblehead Harbor and will take runners through Marblehead’s historic downtown, back through the community, returning to the BYC. After the race is over, runners and their supporters are invited to join the Marblehead Rotary Club at the BYC for a complimentary beer or wine (for runners) and snacks. A full cash bar will also be available.
A wonderful group of Rotarians and friends have embarked on a journey that will not only change the lives of many children in the Philippines but will impact each of them in ways that one can only imagine. After more than 29 hours of travel with 3 layovers already under their belt, the team made up of Lisa Collin, David Boudreau, Amy Luckiewicz, Sue Luckiewicz, Bob Wood, Alan Michel, Bob Arsenault and Barbara Meehan Hofelichhas arrived in Cebu City.
Conspicuous by their common Rotoplast t shirts, many have noticed and asked them about their journey. Upon sharing their stories with fellow travelers, they were inspired by the warm greetings and well wishes from all.
Rotary Means Business is a Fellowship of Rotary International focused on supporting businesses based on the ethical standards present in Rotary.
Mission Statement
Rotary Means Business encourages Rotarians to support the success of their fellow Rotarians by doing business with them, and by referring others to them.
Within a few weeks, Rotary District 7930 will launch the first Rotary Means Business Chapter within the district which will be centered near the intersections of Routes 93 and 128. Based upon interest from Rotary members in the Burlington, Burlington Breakfast, Lexington, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn clubs, or anyone else interested in participating throughout the district, we will determine the best day, time and location of the meetings.
During the week of September 21-28, Rotarians from around Zones 24 and 32 convened for a great week of training and inspirational stories about Rotary Doing Good in the World. Julia Phelps, RI Director and Past District Governor from District 7930, along with her team led by Liz Cullen, created a program that was nothing short of fabulous. The Zone theme was Get Fired Up for Rotary! The sessions and the dialog stirred the spirits of everyone and the Water Fire sculpture was the culmination of the week along the rivers that flow through Providence.
Over 400 leaders from the Northeast United States, Bermuda, Canada and Russia shared fun and fellowship wrapped around incredible keynote speakers, training for District Governors, District Governor-elects, District Governor-nominees, District Trainers, Membership Chairs, Foundation Chairs, Public Image Chairs and let's not forget Future Leaders.All of the sessions pushed the limits of how we perceive Rotary and how our organization will continue to evolve in the future.
Position specific training was more a facilitation of those who have stepped up to serve as key district leaders over the next few years. The Governor-elects' arrived on Monday to begin Governor-elects training (GETS) and our own Sheryl Meehan spent 2+ days diving into how to successfully lead our fellow Rotarians and help them continue to make a difference locally and around the world. On Tuesday, David Gardner arrived to begin a day and a half of dialog about how to transition from nominee to elect and how to plan to build a team to ensure a successful year. David Manzi's sessions started on Wednesday and his time was focused on completing his year as our District Governor with a bang!
On Friday, we were delighted to welcome our Future Leaders, Bob Wood, Joan Arsenault and Andy Maddox. They were treated to conversations about the broader Rotary world and were able to share what Rotary is for their counterparts from our combined zones.
Friday evening, there were special dinners for each year of governors at restaurants throughout Providence. What a great way to get to build the concept of a class of governors. Fun, fellowship and great food are clearly effective on building teams committed to serving others.
The central theme this year seemed to be innovation! Thinking outside the box when it comes to creating vibrant clubs, developing significant service projects and ways to engage outside partners to create more impact each and every day.
Earlier this month, Salem President Mark Leavitt, Past District Governor John Hall, District Governor David Manzi and Assistant Governor Amy Luckiewicz were all welcomed to the Phoenix School for it's EarlyAct installation of officers. The guests were educated about the club's long history of service and learned that the Phoenix School EarlyAct is the oldest EarlyAct in the district. President Mark was invited to announce the elected officers and each student was asked to give a consolation speech. District Governor Dave noted, "It was awesome to hear those speeches. The kids were so supportive of one another and it was obvious that their teachers are preparing them to be leaders." Also on hand was EarlyAct Club Adviser and Salem Rotarian Betsye Sargent, Leslie Levesque and Barbara McFall. Immediately following the installation, the club held its first meeting with every student in the school in attendance.
District representatives with the new Phoenix School EarlyAct officers.
Salem's Phoenix School EarlyAct Leaders Installed
North Reading Rotary officially dedicated the new community patio at the Peabody Court senior housing last Thursday. North Reading Rotary President Eric Evans and Past President Michael Scannell were on hand to welcome over 25 people to the dedication including Rotary District representatives, North Reading Rotarians, Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto, representatives from the Housing Authority and many residents of Peabody Court. Funded by a District Managed Grant, the project came to the attention of North Reading Rotary a year ago when the club sought to produce a project that could be enjoyed by the local seniors. Additional materials and labor were donated by the North Reading DPW, Bill Cotter Masonry, Reading Lumber, and the local Stop & Shopdonated a grill and patio furniture. The new patio provides residents with a place to meet and gather when family and friends visit. Previously, residents had to host gatherings in their small living units. The dedication event included a cookout for attendees and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
North Reading Rotarian Chuck Corucci manned the grill for attendees.
North Reading Rotarians at the dedication event
North Reading Shows Off District Managed Grant Project
This past Thursday evening, we had a very engaging and productive membership forum. Rotarians came together from 37 out of the 47 clubs in district 7930!
Our presenters were fabulous. Chris Baker, president of Downtown Boston, Christa Papavasiliou, district Rotaract chair from the E-Club of New England and Joe Fiorello, vice president of Belle Isle Rotary led a great discussion on: Young Professionals: how to attract, engage and retain young professionals into Rotary. Past presidents Anne Lewis of Rockport and Brad Clark of Ipswich along with district membership committee member, Lisa Healey from Burlington and district executive secretary, John Ferguson from Boston 7 discussed exciting initiatives to offer clubs looking to expand membership and opportunities for those in their community that are seeking ways to serve. Satellite and Service clubs provide that opportunity! Also, what was discussed was ways to get corporate businesses to join Rotary to strengthen their ideals and service to that of Rotary. Non- profit memberships for our community partners to be part of a symbiotic relationship, all in the name of service to our communities.
Boston Rotaract will host its 2015 Autumn Gala in support of ArtLifting, a social enterprise that dedicates itself to the empowerment of homeless and disabled individuals through the sale of their artwork. They act as a bridge, connecting artists with millions of potential customers and providing the opportunity to earn an income in this way.
The Autumn Gala is a semi-formal event, co-sponsored by Impact Hub Boston and featured as an event concurrent with Boston's City Awake Festival. It will take place on November 6th, from 7:00-11:00 pm. The event features an art display courtesy of ArtLifting, live musical performances, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a bar serving beer and wine. Remarks will be delivered by representatives of Art Lifting.
This event is a fantastic opportunity to engage with local entrepreneurs, supporters of the arts, and members of the local community. Tickets are available for $55 each, and donations are welcome for those who are unable to attend. The members of Boston Rotaract look forward to sharing a memorable evening with fellow Rotarians and others in support of the mission to empower and uplift individuals worldwide.
POLIO UPDATE
Here’s where we are. We are down to two endemic countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan). We have gone Polio free in Nigeria. WE ARE CLOSING IN! Up to date information is attached.
DREAMING THE DREAM
All efforts by all the Partners in this fight are surging forward to eliminate all cases of Polio by the next Rotary Convention. It will require a huge effort and much more funding. It will require the ongoing efforts of all the partners and significant funding outlays to beat out the last cases and to make sure that polio cases do not reoccur in those countries that have been and will be certified polio free. If this happens it will take until 2018 for the world to be certified POLIO FREE.
WE NEED TO STAY DILIGENT
Please continue your fund raising efforts by going out into your communities and telling the story and asking their support. Work at getting as many pledges as you can and do all you can to help the District raise even more money this year for our POLAR PLUNGE effort. The more successful we are at this event, the less effort we need to ask Rotarians for funds that they can then give to the Rotary Foundation for doing even more good in the world.
WORLD POLIO DAY - OCTOBER 24, 2015
Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation have declared October 24 World Polio Day. We ask all clubs in the District to please consider doing something that day or to honor that day in their local communities. It can be a fundraising activity or just a fun activity to raise awareness of Rotary’s commitment to eradicating Polio in the word. Rotary International is planning a live streaming event on October 23 and has some additional tools to use for planning. Information on these is available on the District website. The District will be using this day to kick off sign- ups for pledges for the Polar Plunge.
October is “Vocational Service Month” in Rotary. I would like to bring to your attention the second “Object of Rotary”:
“High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations;
and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society”
We, Rotarians are leaders in our communities, in society and in business. We are able to “encourage and foster” ethical standards in business, we use our leadership skills to serve, we hold integrity to be a valued intrinsic fabric of our way of life.
I would encourage all Rotarians to share your vocation in your clubs. Learn from your friends vocations. Mentor a young Rotarian in his or her business. And support professional development for yourself and others.
At this week’s Zone Institute, we learned a great deal from the “Rotary Means Business” breakout session. It was extremely encouraging to hear what other clubs and districts are doing to promote real business networking opportunities amongst their members. It gives another value to membership into Rotary. Who better than Rotarians to trust and conduct business with? By providing a structured environment in which Rotarians can learn and network with other Rotarians and even better, potential members!
Yes, we are the oldest and largest service organizations. That is what we do. We also must remember Paul Harris formed Rotary “where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships”.
Let us promote your club’s vocational service project on Rotary Showcase. Tell your story! Visit www.rotary.org/showcase.
Return to the 1960’s for an evening of period fun for a good cause. All proceeds from this celebration will benefit the community services of Ipswich Rotary and the Rotary Satellite Club of Ipswich. Our clubs serve Ipswich and Rowley.
Suggested dress is 1960’s costumes or black tie/cocktail attire. The event includes live music by “Boston Common”, dinner, dancing, cash bar and silent auction.
October 23
7:30 pm to Midnight
Turner Hill Mansion
3 Manor House Lane, Ipswich
Cost: $65 per person, advance sales only
On September 4, Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Rotarians Heidi Whear, Joan McCormack and Margo W. R. Steiner flew to Kathmandu, Nepal, to assist in earthquake recovery work under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity International. Rotarian Steiner, a longtime Habitat team leader, led a group of 14 from across the United States to the 400-person village of Pipaltar, where 89 of the village's 95 homes were destroyed and the rest needed to be torn down. Over the course of six days, the Rotarians and their teammates passed 400,000 pounds of rocks and boulders up a steep hill, where they were put in wire mesh gabions (also made by the team) to create a road that will let heavier equipment in to the village.
Joining the village women in passing boulders up a hill in Pipaltar
During their time in Nepal, the three attended meetings of the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel and the Rotary Club of Dillibazar in Kathmandu, where they learned of the many service projects being undertaken by their Rotarian counterparts and exchanged club flags.
From left, Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor members Heidi Whear, Joan McCormack
and Margo Steiner attend a meeting of the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel in Nepal.
Three Marblehead Harbor Rotarians provide earthquake assistance in Nepal
Over 100 District Rotarians, friends and family cheered the Red Sox to a win last month at the Rotary Red Sox Day for Rotaplast. The evening began with social time at Pizzaria Unos where attendees picked up their tickets, chat, and enjoyed the buffet. Around 6:30 the group headed over to Fenway Park and were presented with great posters to show our Rotary spirit: one side identified us as Rotarians, the other side promoting Rotaplast. Several new generations groups also attended including Lawrence Rotaract, Beantown Rotaract, Medford Interact and more! The district would like to thank the following clubs for their attendance at the event: Amesbury, Andover, Belle Isle, Beverly, Boston #7, Boston Downtown, Burlington, Chelsea, Gloucester, Greater Salem, Ipswich, Lexington, Malden, Medford, North Reading, Parkway, Peabody, Rockport, Stoneham, Topsfield-Boxford-Middleton , Wakefield, Winchester, and Woburn.
District Governor David commented, "I would like to thank the committee for arranging a great event! Our beloved Red Sox beat the AL leading KC Royals 4-1. A pre-game all-you-can-eat buffet at Uno's in Kenmore Square was enjoyed by many. The District was recognized by the Red Sox in a pre-game, on-field celebration! I would also like to thank those who purchased tickets to benefit our upcoming Rotaplast Mission to Cebu, Philippines and to the many Rotarians, friends, family and potential members who attend!"
The Stoneham Rotary Club and our Hole-in-One Title Sponsor StonehamBank are pleased to announce Swing for Scholarships, a mini-golf fundraiser at Stoneham's own Hago Harrington's. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26th from 6:00-10:00pm. This adult event will feature a mini-golf game, food, beer and wine, a hole-in-one contest, DJ Buono from Spinner Music, a 50/50 raffle, and lots of fun for everyone. Click here to register your team or sponsor the event.
We invite Rotarians from all clubs in the area to participate in this event, which will provide funds for our scholarship program for two Stoneham High School students. But, it's easy to participate in this fundraiser, because it promises to be a fun and exciting evening!
Fall is upon us. Football is back, beautiful warm days and cool nights, foliage season as well as my favorite fall pastime- apple picking with my kids! This year, I look forward to bringing Gemma, my 8-month old granddaughter.
Our club visits are going great! We learn so much from our members and clubs. It is an honor for me that you allow me to visit and make me feel so welcome. Thank you!
Last Thursday Alex Falk, Rotary Club Youth Exchange Officer, introduced incoming youth exchange student Wienona Setiawan to the Marblehead Rotary Club’s membership during its weekly Thursday luncheon. Setiawan will be a student at Marblehead High School for the 2015-1016 academic year. Setiawan thanked the membership for sponsoring her visit and exchanged Rotary Club flags from her home Rotary Club in Bandung, Indonesia to Zach Newell, Marblehead Rotary Club President.
Later in the luncheon Professor Pedro Mir, Rotarian and Faculty in the Department of Economics Universidad de Navarra, Spain and visiting professor at Boston College in marketing and communication, delivered a talk about using marketing techniques to enhancing the effectiveness of various Rotary Club programs. At the conclusion of Mir’s remarks, he delivered a Rotary Club flag from his home base club in Menorca, Spain to Zach Newell, Marblehead Rotary Club President.
The President’s asked and DG Dave responded. We’re bringing back the District Membership Forum as an event. This will allow Presidents, President-elects, membership chairs and others to focus on membership alone, with no distractions.
The event will feature two break-out sessions. Session # 1 is entitled “Young Professionals: How to attract, engage and retain them.” The panelists will be Christa Papavasiliou, Past President Boston Rotaract, Chris Baker, current President of the Evening Boston Downtown Club, and Joe Fiorello, Vice President of the Belle Isle Rotary Club. This panel is not only speaking on the subject, THEY LIVE IT!
Session # 2 is entitled “Membership Initiatives” , focusing on how to increase membership. Corporate Initiatives will be discussed by Lisa Healy of the Burlington Club, Satellite Club Initiatives will be discussed by Immediate Past President Brad Clark of the Ipswich Club, Service Club Initiatives will be discussed by Immediate Past President Anne Lewis of the Rockport Club, and Non-Profit Initiatives will be discussed by District Executive Secretary John Ferguson. These are the folks that not only took it upon themselves to work on these initiatives but have accomplished them in their own Clubs. Some might call them the experts!
It will be a motivating experience on October 1st at the Hilton, Boston North, 2 Forbes Road, Woburn. To reserve your spot, or spots, click Membership Forumhere and register. If you need help registering, just contact District Registrar Tom Hankard here!
Nominations are being requested for three very important positions for District 7930 and we need club support to find the best candidates to lead our District. Please consider nominating an individual from your club for one of these positions. Please contact David Manzi via email by clicking here!
To read more about these positions and their roles and responsibilities, please visit the District Position Description page.
I hope this email finds you well! I wanted to write to let you know that I am settled in Barcelona and that all is well here. It was a bit of a rough start to find an apartment and settle visa issues but at last all seems to be going smoothly!
I have attached a few pictures from my involvement with Rotary and Rotaract in Barcelona over the past two months. My host club is fantastic. I have become close to my two host advisors, Beatriz and Eileen, as well as the current president, Marc Molinero. I have also become involved with Rotaract and I am working on building one of the less developed clubs.
The first picture is of my host club, Rotary Barcelona Condal. This was their summer picnic at Beatriz's home in the countryside. I was joined with two fellow Rotaract members. The second picture was taken downtown, outside of a convent. Our group prepared dinner for a few hundred homeless people. This particular Rotaract Club works with other organizations in the area and volunteers making dinner twice per month. It was a huge success and a great experience. The last photo is from a Rotary meetings. I am between Beatriz and Marc.
That is all for now. I will write you in the next few weeks and share more. Please pass this along to the others. Have a great weekend.
Vanessa Silveira was honored at the dinner as Rotarian of the Year. Mel Babner was honored with a Light Up Rotary Plaque for all of his efforts on behalf of Rotary.
The following Paul Harris Fellowship awards were made: Bob Wood, PHF+10 and Member of the Paul Harris Society; Gary Epstein, Peggy Pedro and Brian McHugh, all PHF+5; Herb Harris, PHF+3; Martha Holden and Vanessa Silveira, PHF +2; Dan Vassallo and Kathryn Coggeshall, initial PHF.
Honored for their perfect attendance were Mel Babner, 46 years; Herb Harris, 16 years; Peggy Pedro, 13 years; Loring Merrow, 10 years; Cathy Gravel, 10 years; Bob Wood, 6 years; Martha Holden, 5 years; Brian McHugh, 2 years; Alyse Barbash, 1 year.
Hamilton-Wenham Rotary continued its support of the town's Council on Aging with a contribution this summer allowing the Council to purchase a new treadmill for their facility. Hamilton Council on Aging chair Mimi Fanning accepted a small token of Rotary generosity from Hamilton-Wenham President Rick Sweeney, for the purchase of their new treadmill.
Is your club planning a great community project this year? Consider applying for matching funds from D7930! So far. the District has approved funding to support projects that address literacy and technology in schools, ADA equipment in a local park, emergency preparedness kits for seniors and small economic development projects. These types of projects provide great benefit to our communities, enhance the visibility of Rotary on a local level and provide the opportunity for clubs to demonstrate Rotary "ideals in action" for the benefit of attracting valuable new club members.
Your District Public Image Committee is proud to announce its first Public Image Mini Grant! The purpose of the grant is to improve the visibility of your club and its public image. This is a matching grant of up to $250 and applications are due by November 1, 2015. Details of the grant and the easy 1-page application are attached. Please direct any questions to Amy at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com or 781-588-0257.
The District is happy to invest funds into clubs and we hope that your club considers submitting a grant application!
Click here to download the mini grant application.
The Greater Salem Rotary Club has had an exciting summer! This summer marked the first season that the Club formed a team for the Rotary District 7930 softball league. Home games were played at Palmer Field in Salem NH. The team managed to win the championship in their very first season! Congratulations to all who played. In addition, the Club welcomed Adam Cote to the Club. The Greater Salem Rotary Club meets Fridays at 7:30am at the Atkinson Country Club.
Jim D’Amico, Nick Czifrik, Chris Dillon, Adam Cote
Wanna golf with Greater Salem Rotarians and friends? Read more. . .
On Saturday, August 29th, the Wilmington Rotary Club hosted a Community Ice Bucket Challenge. As August has been designated National Ice Bucket Challenge Month, the club opened "the Challenge" to all residents. On a beautiful bright sunny Saturday morning almost 200 people came to Rotary Park to donate to ALS ongoing research and douse themselves with buckets of ice cold water. Among the participants were members of a local dance studio, groups honoring Wilmington residents who had ALS, the entire Billerica High School Varsity Soccer team and members of the Wilmington Rotary Club.
Rotarians Jeff Hull, Margaret Cavanaugh and Michael Champoiux at the Ice Bucket Challenge
If you are looking for the inside tips and tricks to make ClubRunner the powerful tool it can be, consider joining their team on an upcoming webinar that will help you be a pro! Click on the link for more information or for the entire upcoming schedule.
From learning how to use the copy already on your website in an eBulletin to using widgets, targeted email communications, create content that links stories to event management, adding speakers and photos to entice readers to learn more about your club and Rotary in general, you have all the tools you need to get the job done!
Do not forget about the online help, videos, knowledgebase and the ability to Submit a Ticket and ask for personal help. If you need information right away, call them at 877-469-2582 option 2 and talk to one of their competent technical staff members.
This week, Marblehead Rotary Club unveiled its newly planted islands at the corner of Maple Street and Lafayette. The club membership will like to thank Sue Wigglesworth for providing the landscape design and Rob Carr, Superior Landscaping, for all the planting and heavy lifting. Marblehead Rotary is pleased to be able to add more beauty to our community.
Pictured: Susan Wigglesworth—landscape designer, Marblehead Rotary Club president Zach Newell, Rotary Club members, Dr. Suzanne Maher, Gail Novak, Marsha Christiansen, Rob Carr, Superior Landscaping and Rotarian Dr. Corine Barone
Last Thursday at the Marblehead Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon, Andrea Zeren, professor of psychology at Salem State, challenged the membership over the mortal danger facing elephants and rhinos through out the world. Zeren, a member of the Global March for Elephants and Rhinos (GMFER), spoke to us about the risk to human life in the face of an elephant and rhino extinction.
Are you upset at what happened to Cecil the Lion, Zeren asked? African elephants are in mortal danger; 35,000 are killed for their ivory every year. That's one elephant slaughtered every 15 minutes - and there are no signs of the massacre slowing down.
And, Zeren questioned, they die for what so that their ivory tusks can be turned into useless trinkets and decorations? She added, did you know that Boston is the fourth largest ivory market in the US?
Hello All! We had our first 2015-16 “Rotary Day” on August 20 at Fenway Park. We were able to raise funds for our upcoming Rotaplast mission to Cebu, Philippines! Prior to the game, we enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet at Uno’s Pizza in Kenmore Square and great fellowship with Rotarians, families, friends, co-workers and potential members! It was a great time.
After Uno’s, we made our way to Fenway and District 7930 was honored on the scoreboard during an on-field salute!
The highlight (for me) was not that the Sox won 4-1 against the AL leading, Kansas City Royals, but after each home inning, all of us held up beautiful signs promoting Rotary District 7930 on one side and our Cebu Rotaplast mission on the other! I would like to thank Dave Gardner for donating the signs. I would also like to thank:Tom Hankard, Amy Luckiewicz, Donna-Lee Rubin, Paul Solano, Bob Wood and many others, who made this a special night for Rotary District 7930!
For a summary of Dave's visits to the great clubs in the district, read more!
The Membership Forum is an opportunity to learn tools for identifying new members and retaining members in our clubs. It provides a forum for networking with members from other clubs and sharing ideas. The emphasis is on creating ways to build membership and help members be engaged Rotarians.
To be effective, a Rotary club needs members. Your club’s ability to serve the community, support The Rotary Foundation, and develop leaders capable of serving Rotary beyond the club level is directly related to the size and strength of its membership base. Developing your club’s membership requires identifying and attracting potential members as well as retaining current members. New members bring fresh ideas and new energy to a club. Current members are crucial to continuing your club’s good works.
Attending the October 1st Membership Forum will provide the resources, new ideas and an opportunity to recharge your member recruitment and retention batteries!
Please register ASAP and tell all other active members of this fantastic fellowship event.
Attention Professional and Recreational Photographers
What?
The Rotary Club of Gloucester is holding a Photo Contest for its Annual Calendar. All profits from this calendar sales go to support the Club’s many community and international projects and activities. Winners will have their photos featured in the 2016 Calendar and will receive a $50 cash prize and photo credit in the calendar.
Requirements:
Photos that show the beauty of Cape Ann in all four seasons, Gloucester photos preferred, images from other Cape Ann towns considered. We are looking for very high quality fall, winter, spring and summer images. A selection committee from the Gloucester Rotary Club will make the choices.
Posted by David Gardner and Amy Luckiewicz on Aug 24, 2015
In an effort to streamline the number of communications that members receive via email, the Communications and Technology Committee and the Public Image Committee have developed a new communications policy that will set standards on how all district-wide messages will be delivered. This includes stories on the website, eBulletins, press releases, social media posts and emails.
This policy does not affect internal club communications to its members nor club-to-club communications, although the branding guideline portion is still highly recommended in all printed or digital communications. In addition, district committees are free to communicate to their committees but not with the general membership without prior approval from the District Governor or chairs of the Communications and Technology Committee or Public Image.
If there is content, including photos, event notices, invitations, etc., that should be forwarded to the entire membership, it should be submitted to the story submission link. This process will allow you to determine where and when you want the story published. The choices are: district website, eBulletin, social media or all. The story will be posted within 24 hours. A story that has been requested to be included in an eBulletin will be published in the next edition normally scheduled for Mondays. It may be delayed if there is already too much content if timing is not critical.
Click here to download the complete District Communications Policy.
Due in large part to generous donations from 18 of our District Rotary Clubs (and some private gifts), the District's Rotaplast mission to Cebu, Philippines just passed the halfway mark on it's way to raising $50k. The team departs in early October and hopes to collect more money from friends, family and Rotary clubs.
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club is raffling your choice of a 2016 Honda Accord Sport or up to $20,000 in cash! To raise money for our various charities, sponsorships, and general helping-hands, the club is selling ONLY 300 tickets at $100.00 apiece. You can buy the ticket yourself or chip in with friends and split the winnings accordingly. Please see all the details on our website. Credit card, cash, or check are accepted.
The drawing shall take place at Bickford’s Grille in Burlington, on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at approximately 8:00 am. The winner need not be present at the drawing to win.
On a perfect summer afternoon and on the vast green summer lawn running down towards the ocean edge, the Salem Club sponsored a successful event at the Plummers Home for boys. The event was for the children involved with the DCF. the Dept of children & families. The children in attendance are kids in foster homes. The foster boys and girls as well as the host families and any additional extended family members were invited. We had nearly 100 people attend the event.
The club's goal was to provide a fun and enjoyable experience for the kids and Rotary did just that. We had two air inflated recreational items, a bouncy house and an air slide. The club rented two ponies and offered rides to all!
Of course we also offered the standard barbeque items including hot dogs and hamburgers and chips and cookies, cotton candy as well as ice cream donated by Treadwell's ice cream.
Dr. Michael Cognata was inducted into the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor at a recent breakfast meeting. He and his wife, Dr. Corine Barone, who belongs to the Marblehead Rotary Club, have been Marblehead residents for more than 30 years. Together they maintain a practice of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics at Oliver’s Pond on Humphrey St. He has been a member of Glovers Marblehead Regiment for 25 years. From left are club president Connie Paullis, Dr. Cognata, membership chair Karyn Lang, and Secretary Lee Weed.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor meets every Tuesday at 7:15 am at the Masonic Hall.
August is designated “Ice Bucket Challenge Month” until a cure for A.L.S. is found. Last year’s enormous success was terrific, but further monies are needed for continuing the research into curing this hideous disease. Towards that end, the Wilmington Rotary Club will be holding a Community wide Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 29 at 10:00 am. The Challenge will be held, rain or shine, at Rotary Park and everyone is welcome to come and join with Rotarians with this Challenge.
At a recent Club meeting, Megan Donovan and Yaroslava Cassell were honored by the Rotary Club of Andover as their newest Paul Harris Fellows. Club President Don Gottfried presented them with their special pins, and framed proclamations.
Megan, the Club's Immediate Past President, is a native of Eagle, Idaho, and currently resides in Lowell, MA with her husband Duffy Donovan. Currently, she is Director of Business and Finance for the Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program, located in Lincoln, MA.
Yaroslava is co-Chair of Andover Rotary's Community Service Committee. A native of Russia, she emigrated to the U.S. in 2001 and considers West Springfield, MA as her "hometown." She currently lives in Salem, NH with her husband, Navy Lt. James Cassell. Yaroslava earned her BS in Chemical Engineering and a M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from RPI in Rochester, NY. She is a Process Integration Engineer for Raytheon at their Andover facility. Among her hobbies, she and her husband are competitive ballroom dancers, and she plans to run the 2016 Boston Marathon.
Shown here, holding their Paul Harris proclamations, are the Rotary Club of Andover's newest Paul Harris Fellows Megan Donovan (l.) and Yaroslava Cassell (r.)
Join AG Peter Majane and the District 7930 Membership Committee at the 2015 Rotary District 7930 Membership Forum. The Forum will be held At the Hilton Boston North/Woburn at 2 Forbes Road in Woburn on October 1, 2015 at 4:00 pm.
Registration begins at 4:00 pm, the opening plenary will be at 4:30 pm with a presentation from DG David Manzi and others with a focus on member recruitment and member retention. The plenary will be followed by two breakout sessions.
Breakout session # 1 will be entitled “Young Professionals: how to attract, engage and retain.” Breakout session # 2 will be entitled “Membership Initiatives”. The breakout sessions will be followed by a cocktail reception and dinner in the Garden Atrium of the hotel.
This event is for all Rotarians, but particularly for Presidents, Presidents-elect and membership chairs. Remember, membership is ALL of our responsibility!
Click here to register! The cost is $48.50 per person.
It's not too late to donate to the District's Rotaplast mission in October! A special thanks to the Rotary Clubs of Rockport, Beverly, Salem, Winchester, Peabody, Cambridge, Arlington, Burlington, Medford, Ipswich, North Reading, Amesbury, Andover, Marblehead, and Gloucester for their generous gifts! Additional thanks to personal donors as well as Michelle Ault and the Stone Ridge Properties Fdoundation. The team has received total pledges of $22,905!
To make a donation, please contact David Boudreau via email here. Checks can be made out to Rotaplast International, a 501(c)(3) organization and mailed to:
Bob Wood
District Treasurer
11 Rainbow Ridge Way
Georgetown, MA 01833
Also, it's not too late to attend the Red Sox game on Thursday, August 20th to benefit Rotaplast. Register here!
Nominations are being requested for three very important positions for District 7930 and we need club support to find the best candidates to lead our District. Please consider nominating an individual from your club for one of these positions. Please contact David Manzi via email by clicking here!
District Governor for 2018-2019 (DGND)
The first will be for the District Governor for the 2018-2019 Rotary year. This important individual leads and supports the clubs in the District 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, must have been a past president of a club, completed seven years of membership in one or more clubs, and will attend the Governors-elect training seminar and International Assembly after they have been selected to serve. If you feel that your club has such a leader among your members, please consider nominating them to help fulfill Rotary's ongoing missions. Nominations are due by October 15, 2015.
District Rotary Foundation Chair for 2016-2019
The Rotary District Foundation Chair (RDFC) provides leadership and continuity to the District Rotary Foundation Committee for a three-year term, working with the Governor track to ensure enduring performance for the committee. Under the Governor’s leadership, the chair will work with the committee to plan, coordinate, and evaluate Foundation activities and serving from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019. The District will be accepting nominations to serve the three year term up to September 30, 2015.
District Assistant Secretary for 2015-2017
The District Assistant Secretary shall be an active and responsible Rotarian in District 7930 who has access to the tools for taking and distributing minutes of District meetings when the District Secretary is absent, to district and committee members. Also, work with District Secretary and District Governor to provide sessions for Club Secretaries at District events. Act as recording secretary for the AG meetings, and appropriate meetings requested by the District Secretary and District Governor. Attend district events, when able to, District Cabinet meetings (twice a year), District Council (twice a year) and District Assembly/Conference. Take, prepare and distribute to District leadership minutes of District events if District Secretary is absent.
In less than a week, we will be holding our first 2015-16 "Rotary Day" by cheering on the Red Sox as they take on the KC Royals! If you haven’t purchased your ticket, you still have time! Please let me know.
On August 3rd, we met up at Danversport Yacht Club for a great meeting with President Dan Doherty and the home Club of DGE Sheryl Meehan the great Danvers Rotary Club! President Dan is excited to lead his Club this year and continuing the great work that Danvers Rotary does for the community! Fun and Fellowship is strong in Danvers and their commitment to public service to the community exemplifies “Service Above Self”!
August 6, Medford Rotary welcomed us to a fantastic meeting led by President Anne Powers! There was a lot of discussion on their upcoming "Casino Night", Medford Rotary’s main annual fundraiser. I am looking forward to going and hope you will join me? Discussion also included the importance of providing community support and revisiting ideas and methods used so successfully in the past and how they may be valuable again for Medford and to promote the Object of Rotary!
The following morning (bright and early!) we visited Greater Salem, NH Rotary Club at the beautiful Atkinson Country Club! President Chris Dillon, a great young leader, led a great meeting with a full house! I am looking forward to attending their September 11 annual memorial! I am proud to say that District 7930 encompasses Southern New Hampshire and we need to showcase this more! Stay tuned for future events up this way and I know that you will get a very warm welcome as we did!
After a great breakfast, we had lunch with the Methuen Rotary Club. Plus the best baklava I have ever eaten! Great discussion led by President Frank Brucato and positive interaction between the members. Methuen Rotary has tremendous plans for the city! Personally, I am excited as my Olivia lives in Methuen (couldn’t see her this day as she was at camp) and she and her classmates and friends will experience the benefits of having a strong and active Rotary in their city!
On August 11, rain was pouring today! However, that did not stop the great Gloucester Rotary Club from shining on! President Carole Sharoff, a good friend and fantastic leader led a great meeting. I am always grateful for what this Club does for its community! A Club that is very strong and active and it shows in their city. It was Gloucester Rotary who started the Polar Plunge in our district. And they continue to help with logistics and fundraising and we couldn’t do it without them! Each year it grows and raises a ton of money to help in the eradication of Polio. #endpolio
The following day, I felt like I was in my home Club! We visited the newly formed Belle Isle Rotary Club! Hard work and determination, by so many people from East Boston/Revere and Winthrop collaborated to form Belle Isle! President Stephen Miliotis is a natural leader. I enjoyed sitting together family style enjoying one of the best meals in Rotary and had a chance to speak to the members and discuss making positive impact in their three communities. This collaboration will be the “Beacon” in Suffolk County!
As Rotarians we give up a lot of personal time to provide service to others. Often times, this takes away from us spending time with family and friends. However, I was lucky enough to meet at the Haverhill Rotary Club on the 13th. I had a chance to visit with my Taylor and her baby, my beautiful granddaughter, Gemma as they live less than a mile from the Haverhill Country Club. President Michel Van Ravestyn led that meeting with news about their biggest fundraiser - Rubber Duck Regatta! It's a signature annual fundraiser that enables the Rotary Club of Haverhill to help over 40 organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Council on Aging, the Haverhill Historical Society, Public Library, the Salvation Army and the YMCA. If you want to participate, please visit Haverhillrotary.org. This Club is the second oldest Rotary Club in our district!
That was the last two weeks. This doesn’t include the many Club board meetings, district meetings and events these past two weeks! Not just for me, but for all Rotarians. It is that commitment that I speak about that we have stepped up to help make a difference in our communities for the nameless and faceless people’s lives we will touch along the way. We do it because we care.
I want to thank each of you for your personal sacrifice and your willingness to make the difference and to “Be a Gift to the World”!
Members from the Winchester Rotary Club have enjoyed participating in two different service initiatives this month to focus on the goal of helping youth in need. Partnering with the Winchester Got Lunch (WGL) program, Rotary members helped transport cases of food supplied by Whole Foods Markets to WGL's storage pantry. More members helped unload, restock the pantry, and prepare the items to be organized into distribution bags for delivery to local families. The mission of Winchester Got Lunch is to provide healthy lunches during the summer to Winchester students who rely on subsidized lunches during the school year. Winchester Got Lunch is a collaborative effort of Winchester faith-based organizations, schools, civic organizations, and businesses. Thanks to Winchester Rotarians Caren Connelly, Brian LaPointe, Laurie Russell, Tom Sevigny, and Steve Mix for helping to make this project successful. Another team of Rotarians will be helping WGL later in the month as well.
Pictured at right: Winchester Rotary Members working with Winchester Got Lunch
Winchester Rotarians also reached out to help Youth Villages stuff backpacks filled with back to school supplies. Youth Villages Massachusetts headquarters is based in Woburn and has various residential treatment programs that serve boys and girls with serious to severe emotional and behavioral problems combined with other needs. One of their residential facilities is the Germaine Lawrence School in Arlington. Winchester Rotary has had an affiliation with Germaine Lawrence for many years, thanks to the efforts of Past President Sydelle Pittas who established the connection during her presidential year. Rotarian Caren Connelly chairs Winchester's service efforts with Germaine Lawrence and helped organized club members Donna Denio, Paul Gleason, Mary Lou Hardy, Judy Katz, Laurie Russell, and Marnee Walsh to help with this service project. The club also provided Rotary imprinted "Service Above Self" pencils to include with the back to school supplies in every pack. Winchester Rotary will be participating in a variety of different service projects throughout the Rotary year to help support Germaine Lawrence through the Youth Villages organization.
Pictured at left: Backpacks ready to distribute to Youth Villages students thanks to the Winchester Rotary Club
Winchester Kicks Off Rotary Year with Two Service projects
District 7930 is looking for Rotarians who want to help the District Communications and Membership Committee continue to provide support to the clubs we serve. Whether you have specific skills in one of the areas, or a passion to learn new skill sets, we need you to build the best team we can and help Rotary Do Good in the World!
We have openings for many great teams and committees! If you have interest in learning more, please let contact DGN David Gardner by August 31, 2015.
Communications & Technology Committee, David Gardner, Chair
ClubRunner Technical Support for Clubs
ClubCentral Technical Support for Clubs
Content Creators and Copywriters
Story Editors for District Website
Website Administrators
Graphic Designers
Trainers and Facilitators for District Training
Please consider joining the Communications and Technology Committee in our effort to increase awareness of club activities and service while also providing increased awareness of resources available from District 7930 and Rotary International. Please email Dave Gardner by clicking here!
Join Most Distinguished Past District Governor Donna-Lee Young Rubin, Executive Director of Rotaplast International, District Governor Dave Manzi and his son Christian, District Governor-elect Sheryl Meehan and John, District Governor-nominee Dave Gardner and his wife Joni, and sixty-four other folks from around the District at the District Red Sox Game for Rotaplast on August 20 at 5:00 pm. The evening starts with "all you can eat" pizza at Uno’s in Kenmore Square. You will receive the tickets you reserved at Uno’s. Uno’s has generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds of the evening to Rotaplast, so the more folks attend will mean the larger the donation!
We will move from Uno’s to Fenway Park and all sit together in the right field grandstand. One group has reserved an entire row! We have a full block of 150 seats, so there is still room to bring your kids, grandkids, club members or friends to attend a wonderful opportunity for comradery and to cheer on the Red Sox in their time of need. The total cost of the evening is $50, all inclusive. It’s a deal and a steal.
Take the T or find a parking spot somewhere in the area, but join us at Uno’s at 5 pm! Click here to register!
August is designated “Ice Bucket Challenge Month” until a cure for A.L.S. is found. Last year’s enormous success was terrific, but further monies are needed for continuing the research into curing this hideous disease. Towards that end, the Wilmington Rotary Club will be holding a Community wide Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 29 at 10:00 AM. The Challenge will be held, rain or shine, at Rotary Park and everyone is welcome to come and join with Rotarians with this Challenge.
Perhaps you did the Challenge last year or perhaps this would be your first time. Please plan on joining us either as a participant, or spectator. People of all ages will be able to join in the fun. We will have plenty of buckets, ice and water. If you have a favorite bucket, please bring it. As this is a fund raising event for A.L.S. research, we ask that you bring a donation of any amount with you on August 29th.
The Wilmington Rotary Club is hereby challenging all other Rotary Clubs to either join us on August 29th or organize your own community challenge! Click here to download the flyer.
All of us know that the Red Sox aren’t doing the best this year. Our home town team’s sub-par record does not mean we can’t have fun at Fenway Park!
Rotary at the Red Sox for Rotaplast is on for August 20th. Our evening will start at 5pm with an all-we-can-eat buffet at Uno’s Bar and Grill right in the heart of Kenmore Square. Once we are done eating, we will make the short walk to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox take on Kansas City. Kansas City is at the top of the AL Central and is on pace to be in the World Series!
Work in Boston? Bring some clients or friends with you and treat them to dinner and a game! Tickets are $50 which includes the meal and Red Sox Ticket. Tickets are still available and all proceeds are going towards our District Rotapalast Trip to Cebu, Philippines to heal children who suffer every day with cleft palates.
Do some good and have fun while doing it! Register here!
As long time sponsors of the Friends Forever group, the Salem Rotary Club invited the participants to a club meeting for a meet and greet and a buffet lunch at the Hawthorne Hotel. The ten teens consisted of five young people of Arab origin from the Ein Mahel Village in Israel and five Jewish teens from The Arava Israel. The goal of the trip is to promote friendship and peace between the groups of future leaders in a country of ethnic conflict.
The visit was a success and the teens had the opportunity to introduce themselves as well as to share their common goals and hopes for a better future for all the Arabs and Jews of Israel. As perhaps we all know, hate and negative ill will towards an ethic group can often be changed by personal interaction between such groups. This would of course be one of the many good deeds that Rotary fosters in hope of making our world a better place.
The Mission statement of Friends Forever is...
To promote trust, empathy, and friendships among cultures in conflict. We do this by recruiting and selecting highly motivated youth from these areas to participate in a year long program that includes a two week "Life Raft" in select U.S. Host Communities.
One month into the new Rotary year and I am pleased to report how exciting and energized our fellow Rotarians are! Everywhere we travel, we are fortunate to see the wonderful things our clubs do in support of our organization.
On Wednesday, July 22, we enjoyed a beautiful summer morning at Manchester-Essex Rotary. When you think of a picturesque New England bay with rustic buildings and boats floating motionless on the water in summer’s early morning light – well, I suggest you do a make-up at Manchester-Essex Rotary! President Bridget Murray made us feel welcome and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast that included Eggs Benedict and fresh fruit. We could have spent hours sharing ideas during our exciting engaging Q & A session with these fine Rotarians!
The following day, we kept the ocean theme going and met at a very familiar location to us in District 7930 (Danversport Yacht Club) and attendED the Beverly Rotary Club meeting. I thought that I would make a fool of myself (ok, many of you reading this just said to yourselves, “He always makes a fool of himself!") by laughing the entire time! “Happy dollars and fines” are something NOT to be missed each week at Beverly Rotary. President Sarah MacBurnie and her club certainly know the importance of fun and fellowship in Rotary! An added treat was to hear Cecelia Buffenoir, former Group Study Exchange student from France. She was wonderful and made me proud to know we, as Rotarians, assist in the development of our youth not just in America, but all-around the world! To top off that meeting, we presented Heidi Ushakoff, wife of Beverly Rotarian Alex Ushakoff, with a Paul Harris Fellow. A long-time supporter of Rotary, Heidi exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of The Rotary Foundation. Congrats once again Heidi!
On Monday, July 27 we enjoyed a great visit at one of the most historic towns in the country – Lexington. As a former Marine and history buff, I visit Lexington a few times each year. It was here in this quaint town the first military engagement of The American Revolution occurred. We all know about “the shot heard round the world”on April 19, 1775. Fast-forward 240 years the Lexington Rotary Club is leading their town with an incredible service-oriented, community-centered Rotary Club! I am very happy to know that President Domenic Sicari and the Lexington Rotary Club have, and will, continue to support our veteran community among the other several dozen additional projects they do each year!
As I write this message, I am looking at something beautiful in my office. No, it is not a mirror! It is a special Chelsea Clock that was given to me by a dear friend and mentor, Mayor Tom Menino 6 years ago. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of his service to others and the commitment he had to make lives better for people. This is what the Rotary Club of Chelsea has been doing in their community since 1928! President Mark White is leading a very dynamic and engaged club of Rotarians. I have many friends in Chelsea Rotary and I am pleased to know that they continue to make a difference in the lives of many people!
On Thursday, July 30, we had a very nice breakfast at the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club! President Steve Shaw is a natural leader and ran an efficient meeting. What this club does for the community was extremely impressive including their commitments to veteran’s outreach, community involvement with other organizations, and support of the residents of Burlington! What I also found very interesting was that they make it a point to reach out to members they haven’t seen at recent meetings to check on them to see if they are ok, if they need assistance, etc. This is what family does!
Speaking of family – this is exactly what I felt like I was experiencing at Marblehead Rotary later on that afternoon. Everyone was just so friendly and engaging! You truly get a sense of the love and respect Marblehead Rotarians have for each other. President Zach Newell looks like and sounds like he has been doing this job for years, not 30 days! I was overwhelmed with emotion as I listened to the club speak about their continued support of veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project. They truly respect our brave American heroes! Again, it was a beautiful setting at the yacht club with a gorgeous view. I did not want to leave to go back to the city office!
I am so fortunate to serve our great District 7930 and Rotary International as District Governor for 2015-2016. Not because I can influence change, because I will eat well, nor because I want this “title”. I am fortunate because I get to meet so many outstanding Rotarians WHO are the reason WE “Do Good in This World”!
Let us remember that it is our time to “Be a Gift to the World”!
My best,
D
Danvers Town Manager Steve Bartha was the guest speaker at a recent Danvers Rotary Club meeting and provided the club with an update on Danvers. Dan Doherty (right), Danvers Rotary President, welcomed Steve and presented him with an honorary membership in Danvers Rotary.
Interested in more information about Honorary membership? RI policy provides this basic criteria:
Persons who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals and those persons considered friends of Rotary for their permanent support of Rotary’s cause may be elected to honorary membership in more than one club. The term of such membership shall be as determined by the board of the club in which they hold membership.
Rockport Rotary's 19th Annual Lobsterfest will be held on Saturday, August 8, from 3 to 7pm, rain or shine, at the American Legion Hall Bandstand on scenic Back Beach in Rockport, MA. Enjoy a complete meal of hot boiled lobster, corn-on-the-cob, clam chowder, roll and butter, watermelon and a soft drink in this festive and picturesque setting. A cash menu of hot dogs, burgers, chips, beer and wine is also available. Each year close to 700 people enjoy this event, and this year we'll feature live bluegrass by "Stillhouse Down."
For information or tickets pleas call 603-721-1038 or visit our website!Download the pdf flyer here!
The Lobsterfest will be followed by the Town of Rockport's third annual fireworks show, and the town will be illuminated for the occasion. Come for the day and have some fun!
WOULD YOUR ROTARY CLUB LIKE TO SPONSOR AN INBOUND SCHOLAR?
If your club has completed the foundation grants qualification seminar and there members in your club who would like to be the contact people for an Inbound Global Scholar, then let us know!
What is involved? The actual duties include inviting them to your club meetings, engaging them in club activities & fundraisers, and help introduce them to other clubs and assist with transportation for presentations. RI requires them to do about 15 visits/projects while studying during their exchange. They arrange their own housing, etc, but it is always nice to have someone include them in a Thanksgiving meal or Holiday dinner, if they are alone and on break. That being said, a lot of them travel when not in school, but just keeping tabs on them is nice, and will make their time in the United States more memorable. They all have to do a 1/2 year report in order to get their 2nd scholarship payment.
There may be one more student who needs a sonsorship this year, but if you want to be considered next year, please make sure that your club gis qualified and let Ingrid Brown or Doug Holmes know you are interested in being involved with this incredible program!
Peabody Rotary recently awarded $10,000 in scholarships to local High School graduates. The following awards were made: Peter Kilcommons, who graduated from St. John’s Prep and will be attending Georgetown University, received the $2,000 Sam Berns Scholarship. Receiving $1,000 scholarships were Peabody Veterans Memorial High School graduates Sarah Godschall, who will attend Villanova University, Lauren Sliva, who will attend UMass Lowell, Eleni Petromelis, who will attend St. Anselm’s College, Samantha Kinnaly, Mia Lomasney and Devon Forsythe; Bishop Fenwick High School graduate Jessica Fama, who will attend Worcester State University; and Essex Agricultural High School graduate Beth Arnold, who will attend the Paul Smith’s College. Also recognized was Peabody Rotary Club’s nominee for the District Service Above Self Scholarship, Peabody Veterans Memorial High School graduate Brittany York, who will attend Salem State University.
The scholarships were awarded based on a combination of academic accomplishments as well as on community service, as Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self. Proceeds from the Taste of The North Shore, the Torgian golf Tournament and other events funded these scholarships, as well as the other giving the Peabody Rotary Club does in the community.
Pictured in the back row are Peabody Rotarians Maria Ferri, President Brian McHugh, Scholarship Committee Chair Cathy Gravel, and Beth Arnold.
The conflicts were a half a world away but not far from the minds of Israeli and Palestinian youths from a region near Nazareth who visited Marblehead recently as guests of the town’s three Rotary clubs. The teens are taking part in a 16-day tour of the Northeast as part of the Friends Forever program, which is supported by Rotary International.
They feasted on American cuisine prepared by club members, listened to music performed by two members of the Marblehead High School Interact club, were treated to a surprise visit by Terry’s ice cream truck, and went home with Penny Bears courtesy of the Penny Bear Company. The cookout was hosted by Rotarians Andy and Jessica Barnett, and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor, Marblehead Rotary Club and the MHS Interact club.
Founded by a Rotarian, Friends Forever brings young people from areas of conflict to the United States. During their visit the teenagers, who would likely never forge such friendships in their own country, learn to work together and often find they are more alike than different.
For many years the Rotary clubs of Marblehead have hosted Catholic and Protestant youngsters from Northern Ireland. This marked the first visit by Palestinians and Israelis.
“This hug is for you”is printed on the side of the paper bags carrying Penny Bears for our newly-made friends. Penny Wigglesworth donated the bears.
What's the Connection Between Scouting and Rotary?
Since their inception, Rotary International (1905) and the Boy Scouts of America (1910) have been partners in serving young people. The principles and goals of both organizations are closely allied. Character-building; service to country, to others, and to self; teaching leadership skills; and becoming aware of the world around us - these are all incorporated into the programs and activities of each organization.
The values expressed in Rotary International’s Motto and the Four Way Test greatly parallel those articulated in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. Rotarians have long served as role models, demonstrating leadership, character, and the value of selfless service to the community. Rotary clubs in the United States charter nearly 1,400 Scouting units (Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews) serving more than 50,000 youth members.
District 7930 is looking to expand our relationship with Scouting: the youth, the leadership and the families involved with Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing. We believe that the connection within our district is strong as can be evidenced by the support Rotarians like yourself provide in one or more ways throughout the year. Whether you were a Scout as a youth, have a child or grandchild enrolled in a program currently, serve as an adult leader or support their service projects in your community, Rotary is there, often behind the scenes. If you are one of these individuals and would like to be part of a new initiative to further develop options for shared mission and service, please send an email to Dave Gardner by clicking here!
For more information, please continue reading the story!
Watch the video released on July 23, 2015 with RI President Ravi announcing another milestone for the eradication of Polio in the world. If Nigeria has no Polio cases reported for two more years it will officially be Polio free. The work of Rotarians around the world are accomplishing something so special and meaningful to our generation and for generations to come. Click on photo, video or text at bottom of story to view President Ravi's special message.
I cannot believe it is already the middle of July! Why can’t January, February or March go by this quickly? It has been a GREAT start of this Rotary year! We started our “Official Visits” right out of the gate and visited my home club Boston #7. It was nice to start our visits with them. We had a great time at our new meeting location at Fisher College in the Back Bay. President Shiela Lally is leading our club with some aggressive changes that will surely pay dividends within our community!
On July 2, we traveled up to Rockport and met with President Maryanne Bland and her team. It was Rockport's Service Club monthly meeting and this model is very interesting! In attendance that evening were several potential members! What a great concept to attract new members into our organization!
We know summer is a slow time. After all, don’t we deserve a laid-back and relaxed environment after this past winter? Well, someone should tell this to the Wakefield Club! It is no surprise this club continues to support Rotary and promote the Objective of Rotary! Recently, the Wakefield PD lost their police dog Leo, a tremendous loss to Wakefield. The club is determined and focused to raise money to purchase and train a new police dog to support the K9 unit.
Our new District Governor Nominee Dave Gardner’s home club of Stoneham is such an inspiration for our youth program. President Amy Palmerino, now in her second consecutive term as President, is once again committed to showcase youth development in Stoneham! Recently, the club formed a new Interact Club and this community will see, in the very near future, what strength it is has in the young leaders!
President Chris Baker is one amazing young leader himself. Chris led an inspirational and motivated round table this past Tuesday evening at the Downtown Boston Evening Club. In a beautiful area of Boston, in the shadow of the Golden Dome of the State House, the Downtown Boston Rotary Club has created a model to attract the younger population of their community and to put service at the forefront of Boston.
I also want to thank President Mike Burns for asking me to introduce two members of the great Wilmington Rotary this past Wednesday. I quickly agreed, figuring it would be two NEW members and say a few words. Well, I was extremely honored to introduce two not-so-new members that are celebrating 63 and 64 years of perfect attendance! Congrats to Ray Fitch and Fred Cain for their commitment to service in Wilmington Rotary! Such an inspiration!
I remember as a kid, driving out to Prince Pizza on Rte 1 in Saugus many times. I also remember telling my grandmother we were going to the “Leaning Tower of Pizza”! Great memories. They all came back this past Thursday as President Casey Lyons welcomed us to this really fun and engaged club! There is something special about friends sitting around eating really good food and discussing the needs of their community. Saugus Rotary will surely continue on improving their community needs and look into some larger district-funded grants.
Casey pictured above with Governor Dave Manzi
Not only did we have great club visits, we also attended a few District meetings. I am so excited to be part of a wonderful team. We all should! The Homelessness & Hunger initiative steering committee met recently at the great facility, The Greater Boston Food Bank, to focus on what we can do as Rotarians to improve our communities. Stay tuned for more updates. The District Membership Committee met this past week and they have great plans to increase our membership. We are focused on some new directives including retention, recruiting and collaboration to strengthen membership in D7930. This is very exciting! Lastly, the newly formed Suffolk County Rotary Task Force met in Roslindale this week to begin our aggressive campaign to focus Rotary awareness, collaboration, and public image in Suffolk County. Many great ideas came out of this initial meeting and we are ready to begin, “telling our Rotary story” in Suffolk County!
It is an incredible honor for me to stand alongside each of you as we continue to serve Rotary and to continue to make a difference in our communities. Let us remember that it is our time to “Be a Gift to the World”!
Please visit Camp Rotary onSaturday, August 1st from 1-4 pm and see the camp all set up. Tours will begin at 1:00 pm and continue till 2:00 pm. Barbecue will start at 2:00 pm for all Rotary members attending from the District 7930.
Swim, Boat or Canoe on Stiles Pond. See what all the fuss is about camp and why kids love it!!
Our boards priority is to foster closer relationships with Rotary Clubs in the district and introduce them to how the Spirit of Rotary has impacted more than 100,000 youth since 1921...... Come and see the magic of Camp Rotary!
Camp Rotary hosts our district's annual Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) youth development weekend every year. Hosting RYLA at this beautiful camp allows us to help keep the costs as low as possible which makes this incredible program available to more students who otherwise would not be able to attend.
Please rsvp to Gladdy58@gmail.com by July 22, so we can plan for our cookout and tours. A lifeguard will be available for your swimming and small craft pleasures!!!!!
Camp Rotary is located at 372 Ipswich Road in Boxford, Massachuestts. The camp's phone number is 978-352-9952.
David Gladstone
617-835-8372
On Tuesday, July 7th, the Homelessness and Hunger Steering Committee held its first meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the committee’s ideas on the focus of the District 7930 Homelessness and Hunger Initiative.
The District Governor track, District Governor Dave Manzi, District Governor-Elect Sheryl Meehan and District Governor Nominee Dave Gardner have made a minimum of a three year commitment to the initiative. Having this commitment from the three of them allows the committee to actually accomplish something meaningful, sustaining, and impactful and something that could be an example to Rotary Districts throughout the United States, and perhaps the world.
After an amazing tour of the Greater Boston Food Bank, led by Kendra Bird, RD, LDN, Director of Distribution, Services and Nutrition and her staff, the committee joined together to develop a consensus of what it is that Rotary can do to assist in the alleviation of homelessness and hunger in District 7930. The Committee consists of the Governor track, Committee Chair Bob Wood, Joan Arsenault from Ipswich, Malden’s Dave Hart, Sr. Leonore Coan of Ipswich, Corey Jackson and Alyse Barbash from Peabody, Julie LaFontaine from Gloucester, Andy Maddox of Rockport, Greater Boston Food Bank Representative Kendra Bird, and Daniel Weir from Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton. “Why them?” you ask. Because the majority of the participants are either experts in the fields, or have experienced either homelessness or hunger at some stage of their lives. Also on the committee, but not present are Elizabeth Keely from Boston # 7 and Sue Gabriel of Beverly.
It was determined at the April 1st Homelessness and Hunger Initiative Summit, as well as at this meeting, that, at first, the focus of the Initiative should be the education of the Rotarians in our District. Out of the discussion of this came the following mission statement:
Join fellow Rotarians and bring your friends, family or potential members to a fun-filled night at Fenway Park! $50 includes pre-game food at Uno's Bar and Grill in Kenmore Square and a ticket to watch our Sox battle the Royals! A portion of the sales that evening will benefit our upcoming District Rotaplast trip to the Phillippines in October! Use this event as your club's Summer fellowship event, recruiting for new members or just as a fun family night. To purchase tickets, click here!
A special thank you to all the clubs and our District Governor David Manzi for supporting our district's 10th Rotaplast Mission to Cebu City, Philippines from October 4th to the 18th.
Our current mission is in memory of Dr. Vince Rubin, a gifted surgeon, Rotarian past president, member of the North Andover and Chelsea Rotary Clubs, Paul Harris Fellow. Vince was a humanitarian and went on 9 Rotaplast Missions.
Rotaplast International is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1992 which provides free reconstructive surgeries and treatments to underprivileged children with cleft lip and palate deformities and, in some locations, burn treatments and other birth defects that can be corrected with plastic surgery.
A Rotaplast team consists of plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, pediatricians as well as nonmedical volunteers. All medical equipment supplies are shipped with the team, along with a handmade quilt for each patient.
Our goal is to perform 150 surgical procedures bringing the total surgeries sponsored by District 7930 to 1000. We have made a real difference in the lives of so many children by restoring their dignity, the ability to breathe, swallow, eat, speak normally and smile usually for the first time in their lives. This will allow them to be educated and be part of their communities without being shunned.
The Marblehead Rotary Club's Annual "Lobsta Raffle" ticket sale is underway!
Providing funds for scholarships and for camperships is one of the most visible and important community projects for The Marblehead Rotary Club. This week, The Marblehead Rotary Club kicked off its 2015 annual "Lobsta Raffle" This year, forty kids are off to summer camp from last year’s raffle's proceeds along with joint financial support from another local chartable group, Making Ends Meet.
Tickets cost is $3.00 each or three tickets for $5.00 or fifteen tickets for $20.00. Each ticket buys you a chance to win four prizes: each consisting of 20 lbs of fresh lobster from the Marblehead Lobster Company. The four winning tickets will be drawn at the Marblehead Rotary Club luncheon on Thursday, July 23, 2015. Raffle tickets can be purchased on line at the Marblehead Rotary Club website.
For more information about the "Lobsta Raffle", please contact the "Lobsta Raffle" Chairman, Gail Novak by email.
CHELSEA ROTARY SPONSORS 20 STUDENTS AT CAMP ROTARY
This summer, the Chelsea Rotary Club is sponsoring 20 lucky Chelsea students between ages 7 and 15 to an all expense paid week of overnight camp at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. Since 1998, the Chelsea Rotary Club has sponsored over 250 children at the overnight camp with the help of many generous community partners. The camp, run by the Lynn Rotary Club, provides all types of positive recreational and other activities for children from different communities. Chelsea children are selected through an essay contest open to all Chelsea children between the ages of 7 and 15.
A committee of Chelsea Rotary Club members reviews all letters and makes the selection of campers. Pictured with Camp Rotary Executive Director Dr. Richard Cowdell and Chelsea Rotary Club Camp Rotary Committee Chairperson Sue Gallant are some of this year’s lucky campers including Younes Maizut, Manny Andrade, Dimpal Biswa, Luis Rivera, Katherine Acevedo, Katherine Palacios, Paola Gonzalez, Alexander Gutierrez, Henry Martinez, Jullian and Tatiana Hernandez, Misael Goday-Nunex, Rigoberto Murillo, Heidy Jimenez Prado, Emily Espina Miranda and Yelena Hernandez Bonilla. The Chelsea Rotary Club congratulates all the winners of this year’s camp essay contest!
Chelsea Rotary sponsors 20 students at Camp Rotary
Come join us on Saturday, September 19, 2015. beginning at 6:30pm at Melrose Memorial Hall. Tickets are $45 PP. Each ticket includes $500.00 in gambling chips that can be used at any of the professional gaming tables, run by professional dealers. Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, all the usual venues. We promise you there will be all kinds of food, drinks, dancing, music, a top notch DJ spinning all the hits, raffle prizes, talented models selling chip re-buy's, and spectacular prizes for the winners with the most chips at the end of the night.
You may contact any Medford Rotarian for tickets or you can purchase online HERE!
Over 350 Rotarians, friends and family packed the Danversport Yacht Club on June 29th for the Installation Celebration. Right from the beginning, the evening had a great buzz with lots of fellowship and activity. Attendees were encouraged to stop by the Veteran's Support table and help write over 100 thank you notes to active duty military. Rotaplast Chairs Lisa Collin and David Boudreau also hosted an active presentation on the mission to the Philippines scheduled for this October. Clubs members were invited to become a "gift" and take a photo inside a life-sized Rotary themed gift box. Each club was presented a copy of the classic Make Way for Ducklings, a gift from the district for clubs to "gift forward" to a local child care, library, shelter, or early learning center. Roaming storytellers, led by Rotarian Bruce Whear entertained the crowd while attendees chatted about service projects.
Among the biggest surprises was a stirring rendition of our National Anthem performed by Bruins legend Rene Rancourt. District Governor Dave commented, "We wanted him to be a surprise. It was tough to not let that one slip early!" After his performance, Rancourt posed for photos with the incoming Presidents and allowed guests to wear his $16k Stanley Cup Championship ring.
In preparation for the evening, from the start, District Governor Dave Manzi emphasized that the focus was on the incoming Presidents. In fact, over 40 Club Presidents were in attendance to administer the Oath of Office to the District Governor. DG Dave noted, "I was very overwhelmed by the support of our presidents! For them to be the ones to administer the oath of office was extremely emotional for me!" In addition to Dave's installation, the crowd was gifted by words of wisdom from Past District Governor John Hall on the history of the Four Way Test. District Governor Peter Simonsen's recapped some highlights and gave thanks for his 2014-15 year. Dave Manzi also took a moment to thank Peter for being, "a great mentor but even greater friend," and presented him and Dianne Simonsen with gifts from the district.
After a New England buffet dinner, District Governor David greeted the audience with some insights on his plans for committees this year including the Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, support for veterans, Rotary Foundation, member retention, public image and more. He also thanked his friends and family for their support of his involvement in Rotary and reminded us that the, "need for service in our communities is constant." DG Dave followed his presentation by welcoming the new District leaders including District Governor-nominee David Gardner and over a dozen Assistant Governors. Unfortunately, DGE Sheryl Meehan was unable to be there as she was under the weather. We know that she will be at 100% soon and will officially installed at an upcoming Cabinet meeting!
Clearly the highlight of the event was the installation of Club Presidents. "It was a joy for me to administer the oath to the incoming club leaders. They're the foundation of Rotary and their leadership is critical this year," noted DG Dave. With each President's name, the crowd erupted in applause, shouts of support and a virtual paparazzi of photographs. One President noted, "The support was tangible. I haven't been to a District Installation quite like this!"
As one of the highest attended District events in the past several years, the Installation Celebration committee wishes to thank and congratulate the following volunteers for their support, work, and effort: Joan Arsenault, David Boudreau, Lisa Collin, John Ferguson, Tom Hankard, Christina Harris, Amy Luckiewicz, Ed Luckiewicz, Susan Luckiewicz, Adria Duijvesteijn, Olle Duijvesteijn, Jen Sanders, Dennis Sweeney, Bob Wood, and Susan Wood.
The next District event will be on Thursday, August 20th with the Red Sox for Rotaplast event. More information is available HERE!
Some of these resolutions are more difficult than others but none of them are impossible to achieve. As so many Rotarians are involved with other community organizations, we have the opportunity to engage with others, demonstrate Service Above Self and increase awareness about Rotary and the good things we do every day, locally and internationally.
Invite some of your friends, co-workers, family members, relatives, and others you share the desire to Do Good in the World to a meeting, a social event, a service project and demonstrate Rotary in action.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will host its annual summer social on Tuesday, July 28, with a sunset cruise around Cape Ann aboard the Privateer. All Rotarians and friends are welcome!
Snacks, finger sandwiches, cash bar and on-board DJ.
$25 per person.
Boarding begins at 6:30 pm at the 7 Seas Wharf
63 Rogers Street, Rt. 127, Downtown Gloucester
Cruise departs at 7 pm, returns to dock at 10 pm
For information & reservations, call 978-884-9999. The boat can handle 150 guests-- last minute walk-ons are welcome! RSVP in advance if possible to help with headcount.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester MA will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 15, 2015, 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 15-16, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days.
Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $7 per person and are now available from any Gloucester Rotarian, Bank Gloucester, Cape Ann Savings Bank and at Institution for Savings; Gloucester branch locations only. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the breakfast.
Proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast will benefit the Rose Baker Senior Center, Cape Ann YMCA Teen Leaders and North Shore Health Project. More information about this event and the Rotary Club of Gloucester is available online at www.gloucesterrotary.us/.
The members of the Winchester Rotary Club honored their Past Presidents last week as 25 of them returned for special recognition and local Pass The Gavel ceremonies organized by President Elect Laurie Russell and Past President Jack Kean.
Seated at the head table in accordance with their year of service (from 1974 to 2014!), the returning Past Presidents enjoyed reminiscing with each other followed by a special lunch. After lunch, President Paul Gleason bestowed four Paul Harris Fellowships and conveyed three special recognition awards to retiring committee chairs.
The Past Presidents then stood and literally passed the gavel hand over hand to President Elect Russell. Gavel firmly in hand, she then delivered an inspiring summary of her plans for 2015 – 2016 and, with her characteristic smile, rang the bell to conclude a most enjoyable meeting.
The final issue of the District Newsletter provided by Carole Elliott was emailed on Thursday, June 25th. Rotarians from around the district have received this monthly tribute to Rotary and everything our clubs and members do to make the world a better place for all. Carole’s efforts, over many years, assembling and editing the newsletter demonstrates true Service Above Self. This can be a tedious process and often takes 10-15 hours to complete. So, the district leadership, past and present, would like to thank Carole for her years of service as the District Newsletter Editor. Your work will continue to live on within the archives on the district website.
Communications, whether email, text, social media or verbal has evolved to be almost immediate and therefore the way in which the district disseminates news and promotion of events must as well. Starting on July 1, the monthly district newsletter will be replaced by weekly eBulletins just like the ones that you have been receiving in the weeks between newsletter publications. This will allow for more immediate delivery of information on a weekly basis.
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE RECOGNITION DINNER
On June 18, 2015 The Rotary Club of West Roxbury and Roslindale, celebrated excellence in community service with a gala to highlight the values of Paul Harris and two local patriarchs. Local business leaders and humanitarians Martin Bligh of the Corrib Pub and the Corrib Foundation and Richard Gormley of Gormley Funeral Home were thanked by bestowing a Paul Harris public service acknowledgment. The dinner was held at the Elks Lodge at 1 Morrell Street this past Thursday evening.
Pictured from L-R:
Martin Bligh, Richard Gormley, Madam President Terry Rezendes Curran & District Governor Elect David Manzi.
Excellence in Community Service Recognition and Dinner
IMPORTANT NOTICE - ROSTERS & RI SEMI-ANNUAL INVOICES
CLUB INVOICE
Rotary members have been asking for a simpler dues process that will eliminate uncertainty about reporting and outstanding balances. We've heard you and are rolling out improvements in 2015.
To pay your current dues or update your membership information, go to the Club Administration page, sign-in, and scroll down the page to the Club Invoice section.
More about membership dues or login to ClubRunner, either club or district, and edit your roster. If you need some guidance, please visit the knowledge base area in ClubRunner.
NEW PROCESS EASIER FOR CLUBS
Beginning 1 January 2015, clubs will receive a one-page invoice that clearly states the amount owed for subscription fees (only those collected by Rotary), membership dues, and outstanding balances. Club officers will no longer need to recalculate bills, make adjustments, or fill out the eight-part semiannual report (SAR).
Like many organizations Rotary uses acronyms. Rotary is not unique in using acronyms. It is common in all organizations, big and small. A sports report on the news would take twice as long without the use of acronyms.
There is a time and place for everything and using acronyms is no exception. The whole point of using these abbreviation in your Rotary presentations and writing is to clearly communicate. However, if you misuse or abuse acronyms, you’ll accomplish just the opposite, turning your communications into a baffling cocktail of gobbledygook.
Can you understand these two sentences?
The RRFC suggested the DG ask the DRFC to promote PHFS and EREY to increase DDF to fund a VTT.
The RPIC and RC talked to PEs at PETS about benefits of RLI to understand TRF.
Here is an updated list of Rotary acronyms. GSE and DSG have been retired and we introduced VTT, RPIC and EMGA.
For a copy of a cheat sheet on Rotary acronyms click here!
*Reposted from an article by Chris Offer on Zone 24/32's webiste greatideastoshare.com.
Club Visioning is a process designed to help Rotary Clubs create their own unique vision and to outline the steps necessary to achieve that vision. The result is a vision designed and endorsed by the club's own members. District 7930 is committed to providing clubs with trained facilitators to help a club process this vision during a visioning event.
The evening consists of a club discussion about how members want their club to develop over the next three to five years in a fun and informative session in a format designed to draw out each members interests and passions. This straightforward process provides the ability to build consensus in each of the key topics in club operations, including membership, service, youth services, fellowship and foundation support among others.
Some of the dialog includes:
What the club stands for in the community
The club's target membership size and demographics in three years
Identification of the club's attributes, challenges and opportunities
Top objectives for each avenue of service, and
Ways to improve the club's leadership development.
Ten district clubs have completed a visioning and the members were excited, engaged and told the visioning team how it will improve their clubs.
If you would like a representative from the Visioning Team to visit your club or Board meeting, please contact Peter Majane at peter.majane@gmail.com or 781.443.5148.
Ok, that along with Obrigado (thank you) and Batata Frita (French fries) this is my extent of my Portuguese that I picked up in Sao Paulo!
It was an incredible experience to attend and participate at our 2015 Rotary International Convention June 6-9. It was great to see thousands of Rotarians from all over the world come celebrate this past year. There were outstanding plenary sessions including remarks from Gov. Geraldo Alckmin and Fernando Haddad, Mayor of Sao Paulo to RI President Gary Huang and President-elect K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran. Even Dr. Oscar Arias, Former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Laureate.
An overwhelming display of projects displayed at the House of Friendship! As many of you know, I do not dance. I have no rhythm at all, but the music, atmosphere and excitement of Carnival was rocking! The glamor and energy of the Samba parade was very high!
The Rotary District 7930 has named Shannon Manuel of Andover as the recipient of the 2015 Service Above Self Award, a $10k scholarship to help her pursue higher education. Committee Chair Amy Luckiewicz explained, “We had 17 applicants for this award this year. As President of Andover High School’s Interact Club, Shannon led her classmates in a variety of service projects this year. Her application was compelling but her spirit of volunteerism was tangible when we met her. We congratulate Shannon’s family for instilling such a spirit of giving at a young age.”
Manuel credits her well-rounded interests as contributing to her ability to lead. She served as Andover High’s Track and Field Captain and competed in pole vaulting. An avid musician, she was selected to play in the Massachusetts All State Band at Symphony Hall in Boston. She has also served as a basketball and soccer referee, taught swim lessons, and worked at sporting events for the Town of Andover for the past four years. Her future plans include participating in the Wild Dog Triathlon in Bristol, Rhode Island in August.
While I was at the Rotary International Convention in Sao Paulo, Brazil, I extended my visit and traveled north to Bel Horizonte, Minas Gerais, to have a reunion with our 2008-2009 GSE Team. Three of them are still in touch, but Rita unfortunately couldn't get time off to come the extra 200k+ down to meet us. Marcello's car broke down the morning of our meeting, but I talked with him by phone, and he is planning a trip to see us in July 2016, bringing along his "hot wife" Ana Paula, and his 4 year old son, Pedro. I was able to meet with Roberto Mendonca, and we exchanged lots of hugs and stories. He has so many good memories of their visit, and asked to be remembered to all who know him!
Depending on available resources, the Marblehead Rotary Club gives out four to five one-year, scholarships and one four-year Barbara and Randy Goodwin Memorial Scholarship each spring. Recipients are selected based on their financial need, academic achievements, demonstrated community service and excellence in sports or the arts.
All recipients are either Marblehead residents or are in the Marblehead school system.
Marblehead Rotary Club President-Elect, Zach Newell, Jacob Sundlie, Benjamin Thorne, Maisie Miller, Kelsey Maguire (Barbara and Randy Goodwin Memorial Scholarship), Rachael Slepian and Scholarship Committee Chair, Gene Arnould . Missing-Robert Hill (Don Humphreys Memorial Rotary Scholarship).
The presidents of four (4) Rotary clubs have been on the road to their colleagues’ meetings to share experiences, ideas, events, and general good spirits!
Three local Rotary Club presidents got together at the Burlington Breakfast Club’s Thursday morning meeting on June 11th; from left to right; Diane Bedard, Burlington Breakfast, Cheryl Stanton PE Burlington (lunch), Paul Gleason, Winchester, and Amy Brough Palmerino of Stoneham Club, and their Assistant Governor Peter Majane.
Imagine going to school with no books! There are no story books in your home. And no school books in your backpack. When you get to school, the books aren’t there either. You have to find a buddy who has a textbook. Then you and two or three of your friends can share the book together.
That was how things used to be at the Ebussamba Primary School in Amesbury’s sister village of Esabalu, Kenya. But now, thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Amesbury and the Rotary Club of Maseno, Kenya, the village school has a reading room/library to provide access to schoolbooks for all 900 students in grades 1 to 8.
There are already 220 Rotarians and friends, and over twenty clubs registered for the District Installation Dinner. With only seven days until the big day for the incoming presidents, their leadership teams and those who will serve the district, now is the time to register. Dave Manzi, the incoming Governor, would love to have every president for the 2015-2016 Rotary year attend and be part of a great evening of fun and fellowship. We as members of our individual clubs have an opportunity to show our support for those who have stepped forward to take on these important roles in providing service to our communities. The committee highly encourages clubs to reserve a table early to insure that your members can sit together.
What do you get when you put together 90 people - high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, college students and Rotarians - Camp Rotary and a whole weekend of fun? RYLA 2015!
When PDG Gene Hastings brought RYLA to District 7930 many years ago, he couldn't have imagined how the program would take off and grow into what it is today. For one exciting weekend from Friday May 29 through Sunday May 31, 90 students and adults had a learning experience to remember for a long time.
Sixty new RYLArians learned leadership and life skills including goal setting, cultural understanding, problem solving, communication, public speaking, networking, community building, low and high ropes challenges, team building, acting and new this year - Rotary's Six Areas of Focus and how a student can change the world.
There are already 100 Rotarians and friends, and twenty clubs registered for the District Installation Dinner. With only two weeks until the big day for the incoming presidents, their leadership teams and those who will serve the district, now is the time to register. Dave Manzi, the incoming Governor, would love to have every president for the 2015-2016 Rotary year attend and be part of a great evening of fun and fellowship. We as members of our individual clubs have an opportunity to show our support for those who have stepped forward to take on these important roles in providing service to our communities. The committee highly encourages clubs to reserve a table early to insure that your members can sit together.
The Rotary Club of Stoneham held its 7th Annual Stoneham Star Talent Competition on Tuesday, June 9 at Stoneham Theatre. Twelve acts competed for the title, and ultimately Stoneham resident Alexandra Flammia was named the 2015 Stoneham Star for her performance of Don’t Rain on My Parade that had the whole audience on their feet. Randy Perillo once again hosted the show.
Judges Susan Larson, Mark Linehan and Dr. Joe Pizzarello also chose Isabella Moore for second place and the local band Houses, with members Bobby Borenstein, Jake Michaels, Eddie Pizzano and Jon Schores for third place. Keira Haughey and Amelia Borto won the distinction of “Fan Favorite” for receiving the most votes from the audience.
Stoneham Star is a fundraiser for charities that are near and dear to the hearts of Stoneham Rotarians. This year, a portion of the proceeds raised will benefit their new Interact Club at Stoneham High School.
The Rockport Rotary Club is delighted to welcome Wendy Rose Kotob, Carol Pallazola, Lisa Maddox and Karen Bogosian as new members of the Rockport Rotary Club. Our new members decided to join the Rotary under our new category of membership (The Service Membership) . The purpose of our new membership is to accommodate those who cannot attend meetings during the day but have a passion for service.
A Service Member agrees to attend at least one meeting each month and to commit to 26 hours of service per year. The club has changed one of its weekly luncheon meetings to an evening meeting the first week of each month to accommodate those who cannot attend a luncheon meeting.
The Rockport Rotary Club is very excited about the new Service Membership and is looking forward to welcoming many new members in the coming year. If you have interest in joining the Rockport Rotary please contact Ann Lewis, current president at 603-721-1038 or any Rotarian member. You may also visit Rockport Rotary for more information.
On June 6, Ipswich Rotary officially inaugurated the first Rotary Satellite Club in our area, and one of the first in Rotary International worldwide. Members of the new satellite club are members of Ipswich Rotary who will meet separately as an evening club that will focus primarily on community service.
Following a short fellowship brunch, Ipswich Rotary President Rev. Brad Clark opened the proceedings by describing how the satellite club was envisioned. Ipswich Rotary was looking to engage great people who want to serve their communities but cannot meet weekly in the traditional way. The satellite club offers a more flexible and customized approach that should appeal to today’s busy professional and community leaders.
Brad then introduced District Governor Peter Simonsen. Peter emphasized the historic importance of the event. He said that this landmark initiative will make Rotary more accessible and effective, and that it was symbolic for the change to begin in Ipswich with its tradition of service and innovation, both locally and internationally. He added that Ipswich Rotary is a like a family, a club that knows how to have fun while doing good things in the world.
Our District encompasses dozens of towns, cities and communities. Covering a distance of over 50 miles north to south, sometimes makes it a challenge for our Rotarians to visit other clubs and learn about other towns. At the 2015 District Installation Dinner on June 29th, we're bringing the District 7930 towns and cities to you with fun trivia covering all of our communities! President-Elects are encouraged to send in a fun photo, trivia about themselves and a piece of trivia about the towns they serve to Amy Luckiewicz at amy_lynn37@yahoo.com to be included in the presentations. Want to join in on the fun?
Many of you will remember the 4th grade students who signed to the song 'Truly Brave' during February's World Peace and Understanding Event. Christina and I had a follow up visit to the Marblehead Community Charter Public School this past Friday. Gov. Peter had given us a check for $100 to give the students as a thank you, and we have been trying to find a day that we could deliver it to them in person.
D7930's Famous ASL Signers of MCCPS
We visited during their morning assembly on May 29. The whole school gathered, and the students who participated in the evening event came up front. They were very excited to be recognized in front of their peers! And they will use the funds to go towards their fund-raiser ‘Rock for Meg’ which they held this last weekend. Megan was the student at the school who died from Osteosarcoma last August, and it was to her that the kids signed their song. That was touching enough.
Did you know that only around 10% of Rotarians have ever invited someone to join Rotary? Are you among one who has not ever invited anyone? Do you feel uncomfortable asking? Why?
Think about your life with Rotary in it. Is it better because of Rotary? Are some of the people with whom you associate within Rotary, in your club and beyond, people who you admire, trust and share passions with? If so, why not share that benefit with others who would receive the same benefit of being connected to Rotary.
How can your club help build a list of potential members or friends of Rotary? Well, here is a really simple idea.
I would like to take this opportunity to report the success of our District 7930 Conference this year. Our goal this year was to develop a conference program that would increase participation from across the District. I am pleased to report that over 315 Rotarians and guests participated in at least one event over the weekend of May 1 to May 3. The opening Luncheon attracted 230 Rotarians. Our RI President's representative, RI Director Nominee Joseph Mulkerrin, presented a motivational speech of what we do as Rotarians and how our clubs help to make our world a better place. The afternoon programs included a presentation from the Rotary Alumni Association, Rotary Clubs doing Good in the World and a highly competitive round of Rotary Jeopardy. The Friday evening event was held in Boston at the Downtown Harvard Club. Those who attended enjoyed an evening of good fellowship with a wonderful view. Saturday was dedicated to our Youth Programs which included discussions of several of our programs and several interactive programs developed by our RYLA alumni. I would like to report on one interactive program where Bob Dumais, President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton Wenham and Diane Simonsen defeated DGE Dave Manzi and AG Steve McKenzie in a giant Jenga game. The shorter team won. Saturday night was held at Sea Glass in Salisbury. The venue had a spectacular view of the coast, food was great and the message from our RI President's Rep was thoughtful and well presented. In addition, over the weekend our Silent Auction, Foundation Balloons and live auction raised close to $14,000 for the Rotary Foundation. The conference closed with an interfaith service and necrology led by Reverend Dean Petersen and Laura Allain which was an inspirational tribute to the Rotarians who had passed. RI Director Julia Phelps presented an uplifting and inspirational talk on the successes of District 7930 to close the Conference.
Tuesday, May 18th was a special day! Over 50 Rotarians and friends gathered for the Annual Major Donor Reception and Dinner at the Salem Country Club. Not only was our own Julia Phelps, RI Board of Director, present but we also had Bryn Styles, Rotary Foundation Trustee 2015-2017 but many Past District Governors and District Leadership.
There was a special presentation honoring Keith and Christina Harris for their support of The Rotary Foundation. Trustee Bryn Styles and Julia Phelps presented them with their certificate, pins and crystal that serve to remind them of the gratitude of all who are served by their generosity.
In addition there were four members who have become Paul Harris Society members during the past year. They were Dan Weir of the Topsfield-Boxford-Middleton club. Joining Dan were our three members who will be serving as District Governors for the next three years. First of all, our DGE David Manzi from the Boston Club, Sheryl Meehan from the Haverhill Club and finally David Gardner from the Stoneham Club. That may be a first in our district and perhaps is one of the first times all three future District Governors were awarded this recognition at the same time.
Dinner was absolutely amazing in terms of the food and the fellowship that ensued throughout the evening. Bob Wood planned an incredible night and served as Emcee and Ingrid Brown and Diane Shikrallah assisted in the presentations for the Paul Harris Society recognition.
The stellar keynote was provided by Bryn and his comments were focused on membership, grants and Polio eradication. He us that when new members are asked why they joined Rotary, the number one reason is to do community service and a close second is for networking and fellowship. Later in their Rotary life, when the same questions is asked the reasons, although not changed, are much closer in percentages. Which means that fellowship becomes increasingly more important in retaining and engaging members and service opportunities continue to be critical to the health of a club. Through grants from The Rotary Foundation, especially with the new grants model derived from Future Vision, clubs are able to fund projects that are more sustainable, especially when they meet the needs of the community.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about the variety of recognition possibilities please contact:
There is now a way to expand our reach in terms of communications. ClubRunner just released a new function which is in beta testing in District 7930. This is a remarkably powerful system that will allow the creation and management of contacts that are not Rotarians. This could be used for spouses/partners, club speakers, community members, RYLA participants, Interact members, ElderAct members, Rotarians outside of our district and almost any group of individuals who should know what Rotary is doing in the world.
The first function that has been deployed is the ability for visitors to our website or from a link in any other electronic communication, to subscribe to our eBulletin. They can enter their name and preferred email and will be able to add additional data in the future. Obviously, they will be able to opt out at any time.
This will allow for very targeted communications to groups and individuals. For example, all those who participated in the Polar Plunge, either as a plunger or a donor/sponsor, could receive emails or eBulletins that are focused on the Polar Plunge or Polio eradication or general district news. It is a very powerful new tool that needs to be utilized with caution if we hope to expand our sphere of influence in service to others.
If someone you know would like to receive our eBulletins, please forward to them and ask them to click on the link Bulletin Subscibe to enter their information.
This year's District Installation Celebration isn't your ordinary dinner! Join us on Monday, June 29, 2015 at the Danversport Yacht Club as we install our 2015-16 Club Presidents, Governor, Officers and Assistant Governors! We encourage you to reserve a table for your club, invite your friends and family for this fun evening starting at at 5:30pm with fun, fellowship, cash bar and some surprises. The buffet dinner and program begin at 7:00pm. Yacht Club casual attire encouraged.
Dust off your instruments, shine your dancing shoes, and get ready to sing your favorite tune, because the Rotary Club of Stoneham is hosting the seventh annual talent competition Stoneham Star and invites you to showcase your special act! Singers, dancers, jugglers, musicians, and anyone with an interesting talent are invited to audition to become the 2015 Stoneham Star. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in the competition; first place also receives the distinction of “Stoneham Star."
Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 20 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM and Sunday, May 17 from Noon until 5:00PM. at Stoneham TV, 53 Central Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts. Your 15-minute audition time slot must be scheduled in advance; the audition fee is $10.00 per act. Proceeds from the competition will benefit Stoneham’s new Interact Club and the charitable efforts of the Rotary Club of Stoneham.
The finalists will perform on the main stage of the Stoneham Theatre on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 PM in front of local judges and a live audience. The show will be recorded for cablecast and online streaming by Stoneham TV. Audience Tickets for the performance will be $10.00 for children, students, and seniors; and $15.00 for adults.
It is time to plan your District Managed Grants projects for 2015-16! Effective grant projects address an identified need in the community and involve the active participation of club members. Projects must address one of the 6 Areas of Rotary Focus. All projects should actively benefit the target community for a sustained period. The District will match $1/$1 club, up to $3,000 for local projects and up to $5,000 for international projects. Travel grants are also available for individual Rotarians who travel to other countries for humanitarian causes. Please check the District Website for applications and guidelines.
To download a District Managed Grant Application click here! Applications will be accepted from July 1 to August 31, 2015.
To be eligible, your club is required to send the President-elect or proxy and one other member to a District Grants Qualification Session. This is a great opportunity to ask questions of the District Foundation Committee reps and to speak with fellow Rotarians about their experiences with successful projects. If you weren’t able to fulfill this obligation on May 2, please check the District Website for another opportunity on May 21. This will be the final opportunity this year.
If you need assistance in planning your grant, please contact Martha Holden at holden@noblenet.org.
"However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there's life, there is hope."
-Stephen Hawking
I watched the Stephen Hawking movie Theory of Everything a few weeks ago. At the end of the film, Stephen says to a lecture audience, "While there's life, there is hope." Hope is something I think of all the time.
It was something I thought about when I was working with victims of domestic violence and running art groups in shelters. Women would ask me what to paint. Over and over, I said paint hope.
I was continually impressed by what they created -- abstract colors, landscapes with the sun rising, self-portraits. Every creation was a statement.
Hope is what I dedicate my life to. I give homeless and disabled artists an avenue to sell their work and share their stories: to share their hope.
People think that my goal is to give hope to homeless and disabled individuals. In reality, I simply am a middleman as they share their hope with the world. These artists inspire others by starting a movement of celebrating strengths. These artists show the general public that despite what you are facing, you have something to contribute.
Does your club plan to apply for a District or Global Grant in 2015-2016 Rotary year? Are you hoping to host a Global Scholar or submit a name for a Service Above Self Scholarship? If so, then ALL PRESIDENTS-ELECT MUST ATTEND A QUALIFICATION SEMINAR or send a proxy, per Rotary International and District Governor-Elect David, in order for your club to be qualified. Our District 7930 also suggests that 1 other member of the club also attends.
The final Qualifications Seminar this year will be Thursday, May 21st
at the Salem Five Bank in Salem, MA 6pm-9pm.
To register for the Qualifications Seminar, please either: Register here for the Grants Qualifications Seminar!
or email David Manzior Ingrid Brownwith the names of attendees and club.
All attendees must be registered by Tuesday, May 19th.
If you have already qualified but not yet submitted your Memorandum of Understanding, please do so before June 1, 2015 to Ingrid Brown at icybee@verizon.net or fax to (888)858-8015.
Let’s all work to Do Good In The World through The Rotary Foundation!
Rotary International has created an online tool to help clubs create new club logos that are guaranteed to match the new brand guidelines. This is a very quick and easy way to update your logo for use on your website, in your email signatures, in your social media posts and in all printed materials including apparel.
Go to rotary.org and click on MyRotary in the top banner. Then click on Manage in the white ribbon, then select Logos in the blue box under Brand Center. You will need to either create a user login or if you have already done so, login to the portal. Once you have reached this point you will be able to access all of the Rotary logos including The Rotary Foundation, Youth Programs and also the tool to create your clubs logo. Please click on the button Club Logo Template which will bring you to the tool. You have several choices on formatting but the primary one will be presented initially. If the name of your club would be awkward, you can choose one of the other options. You can save it as a pdf or as a jpg or both.
Can't join us at our annual Golf Tournament fundraiser on May 18? You still have an opportunity to bid on this exclusive silent auction item, "The Complete Island Retreat," and enjoy a 3 night stay for up to 8 guests in West Chop, Martha's Vineyard. View the complete description HERE.
Details:
4 BEDROOM - 4 BATH
Value: $2500.00 - $4,000.00 (depending on dates)
Value based on per night + applicable Fees
Available Dates: Sept-Oct. 2015 or May 15-June 14, 2016 (some dates excepted)
Minimum Opening Bid: $1,500.00
If you would like to place a bid send email with contact info to: jackkean@comcast.net
Deadline for online bidding is Sunday, May 17, 2015.
Posted by Julia Phelps, RI Director on May 04, 2015
SUNDAY BRUNCH CONFERENCE KEYNOTE
District 7930 Rotarians commitment to community is clear. Here’s what the 1,965 members of 48 Rotary Clubs have accomplished in the first 46 weeks, 307 days, 442,080 minutes and over 2,000 Rotary Club meetings this year. Oh, did I mention eight Early Act clubs, 40 Interact club, five Rotaract clubs, one Elder Act club, and six Youth Exchange students that are with us this year. Yes, we did it all this year.
Let’s start with our youngest – some-day-to-be Rotarians – Earlyacters:
North Reading: put together care packages for members of the DPW to just say “thanks” for making sure their streets and sidewalks were clean this winter and that they were safe.
Interacters:
Gloucester: held a Pizza taste-off; wouldn’t we all like to be part of that competition.
And then there are the grown-ups in District 7930 and boy do we like to eat and drink!
Andover, Amesbury, Melrose hosted beer and wine tasting events
Peabody: sponsored the Taste of the North Shore for the 11th year in a row
And we can’t forget Rockport’s Lobster-fest and Gloucester’s pancake breakfast and Lynnfield’s Chicken Bar-B-Que.
Two days have passed since the end of the 2015 District Conference concluded and it is time to find out what you missed since Friday afternoon. The afternoon program consisted of several sessions from a presentation by the Rotary Alumni Association of New England, a roundtable discussion about what makes your club fun, speed dating format that allowed clubs to share how they Do Good in the World and finally Rotary Jeopardy - a little wild but definitely a lot of fun. Then it was off to the Harvard Club for an evening of fellowship, great food and an amazing view of Boston with a time-lapsed type sunset. The bus ride added to the fun and provided a chance to chill and not deal with the hassle of driving into Boston on a Friday night.
Saturday kicked off with a Grants Qualification Seminar for both Assembly/Conference attendees and Rotarians who came just to learn about all of the possibilities available to clubs and assistance on how to apply for and receive district managed grants and more. The Youth Services Committee created a diverse program covering RYLA, Interact and Youth Exchange. From projects to fund raisers, Interactors demonstrated how they implement service projects, and one club hosted a photo booth and Team RYLA hosted a huge Jenga game. They provided coaching to adult teams in how to communicate and make good decisions while having an amazing experience. The youth, and some brave adults, then headed off to CoCo Keys for some fun in the water park.
Then it was off to the Seaglass Restaurant for an amazing evening amidst the ocean waves that all but surrounded all of us while we gathered for the cocktail hour and then dinner. An entirely different view than Friday night, one devoid of buildings and traffic, and replaced by the amazing beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Another evening of great food and fellowship, an extremely successful live auction which produced some spirited bidding and allowed the Conference to amass $14,000 when added to the silent auction from Friday at lunch. This is just one more benefit when committed Rotarians gather to celebrate the great work we do, especially with a Rotary auctioneer, Don Kelly, a man who knows how to get the most out of a crowd.
At the Rotary District 7930 business meeting held May 1, the club delegates voted unanimously to accept the selection of David Gardner as District Governor 2017 - 2018. Dave has previously served as president of the Rotary Club of Stoneham in 2012-13, as Governor's Aide to Immediate Past District Governor John Hall, and will continue to serve as Assistant Governor of the eClub of New England, Chair of the Communications and Technology Committee and the Co-cordinator of the District Vision Facilitation Team. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a sustaining member and a member of the Paul Harris Society. In addition, he has been recognized with the Cliff Dochterman Award for Community Service which is awarded to a Rotarian who is also involved with Scouting and has provided exemplary service to both organizations.
Be on the lookout for a postcard reminder from the United States Postal Service regarding their annual Stamp Out Hunger Letter Carrier Food Drive. This year, Rotary Districts 7910 and 7930, along with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Boyds Direct, the National Association of Letter Carriers and some incredibly generous individuals, 475,000 postcards will be distributed to households in the Greater Eastern Massachusetts area.
Please consider putting a bag or two of non-perishable food out on Saturday, May 9th. If possible, please make sure the items are not beyond the sell by date. The food collected in your city or town will be delivered to your community food pantries or to surrounding areas.
Rotary District 7930 recently awarded two Global Grant Scholarships for FY 2015-2016.
The first recipient is Kaitlyn Winegardner. Kaitlyn is a Rhode Island native who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American History from Suffolk University. She has been a member of the Boston Rotaract Club for 8 years where she has served on the board as the International Service Chair and has played an active role in supporting the club’s service and professional events. Through her time with Rotaract she has led numerous fundraising and cultural events for the club, including 3 international exchange programs and an international service project that received the 2014 Rotary International Outstanding Project Award.
Kaitlyn will be pursuing a Master’s Degree in Immigration Management from the University of Pompeu Fabra located in Barcelona, Spain. Her goal is to work with the international community to create sustainable solutions and policies so that migrants can thrive and live to their full potential, all while promoting Rotary’s goals of peace and conflict resolution and prevention.
While pursuing her degree, Kaitlyn plans to work on a service project with the Rotary community to address the issue of childhood malnutrition in Barcelona. Due to the severe economic problems that the country is facing, many areas are experiencing increasing levels of poverty. Her hope is to connect multiple Rotary and Rotaract clubs in Barcelona to collaborate on monthly service days at soup kitchens throughout the city. She would also like to extend their efforts to involve supporting local community centers and after school programs for children.
The second recipient is Gilda Rodrigues a native of East Boston, MA and graduate of Wheaton College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Pre-Health. Gilda’s vision is to work in developing countries and provide better access to health care, and develop approaches to prevent endemic diseases in vulnerable locales. The Scholarship will give Gilda the chance to study at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for a Masters in Control of Infectious Diseases. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Master’s program will prepare her with invaluable multidisciplinary, practical methods in selecting and designing appropriate systems to control diseases. While studying Control of Infectious Disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Gilda plans to extend her knowledge of disease prevention to underserved communities. Gilda’s service project will utilize current LSHTM students and develop preventive education seminars to inform the public, particularly in underserved communities, about HIV/AIDS and prevention measures.
District 7930 is very proud to have awarded these Global grant Scholarships to two motivated women. They represent Rotary’s motto of service Above Self.
This year District 7930 decided to combine the Assembly and Conference and hold the series of weekend events entirely in the district. The Assembly kicked off early this morning, May 1st to an opening Plenary by our incoming District Governor David Manzi. That was followed by a several breakout covering information relevant for club presidents-elect, secretaries and treasurers as well as other leaders for our clubs.From great ideas about Public Image and effective use of Social Media, to Networking to How to Make an Ask to Calendar Planning and information about how the Foundation works with our clubs to fund our projects. Then there was the introduction of our District Hunger and Homelessness Initiative (HHI) which will provide numerous opportunities for Rotarians to help existing organizations in their mission to resolve these two social issues. DG Dave also introduced Rotary Days, a new initiative of RI. Keep on the lookout on how these will impact our district and our communities in the coming months. There was something for almost everyone.
Then it was time for a combined Luncheon. Whether you came to the Assembly, just for lunch or for the afternoon program for the conference, or a combination of two or more, you were treated to an incredible presentation of a Service Above Self Award. The recipient, who was nominated by both RI Director Julia Phelps and DG Peter, was Ipswich Rotarian Keith Harris. His long journey in Rotary has spanned service to his club, the Ipswich Interact club, The Rotary Foundation, District Youth Services and of course his commitment to raise money for the Foundation through Pedaling for a Purpose. Please extend congratulations to Keith on receiving this tremendous recognition. The we all learned about how Rotary HUGS the world everyday. Maybe not in person but certainly in spirit. This image was brought to life by our Rotary International Representative and Director Nominee Joe Mulkerrin. He created spontaneous hugging from everyone in the room. Incredible way to kickoff the Conference.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (RLI)
Would you like to become a better leader, learn more about Rotary or exchange ideas with other committed Rotarians from within our the district and other districts in New England, then RLI is for you!
The Rotary Leadership Institute seeks to have Rotary Clubs, in its member districts, identify those Rotarians who appear to have the potential for future club leadership (not necessarily as club presidents) and provide those so identified with a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills so important in voluntary organizations.
For more information visit the RLINEAwebsite (www.rlinea.org) or click on Read More! To register for the Peabody RLI please click here!
LAST CALL - IT'S NOT TOO LATE - YOU CAN STILL REGISTER
THIS IS THE LAST SESSION "ANYWHERE" UNTIL NOVEMBER
The Peabody session is the last session and the only one locally, of the Spring Semester, so don't forget that your Governor, Peter Simonsen, has agreed to reimburse, during his year, any club, the site cost for one member to attend Part 1 or Part 2.
As of April 29, 2015, there are only 11 days until the event date and only 1
days until the registration deadline of April 29, 2015.
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY - Register, on line, today, before it's too late!
So...You've been thinking, I should probably register for District Assembly or District Conference! If you are thinking that, do so today. Registration ends on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 5:00 pm to allow your District Registrar the opportunity to put the actual registration sheets together. So if you are done procrastinating, please click here to register for District Assembly, and here to Register for District Conference. Why don't you do it now while you're thinking about it? It will only take a few minutes to insure a weekend of fun and fellowship!
Can you believe that it is almost May 1st, and I'll bet you haven't registered for either District Assembly or District Conference? Register now for the portion of the program that excites you!
If not, why not? It's happening in Danvers on May 1 in the morning (the Assembly) and May 1, 2 & 3 (the Conference).
Has your Club decided to hold its weekly meeting at the Joint Luncheon? Have you sent Bob Wood (bobcwood@verizon.net) the list you would like to register?
For the Assembly, are you a President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer, new Rotarian wanting to learn more about what happens in Rotary and the District or a more senior Rotarian that wants to learn more about what happens in Rotary and the District? Please go to www.rotary7930.org to register or click here for theAssembly!
Here is what is being offered:
May 1, 2015
Registration Opens and Continental Breakfast - 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Main Ballroom Foyer
Opening Plenary - 8:35 AM - 8:45 AM - Welcome, Pledge of Allegiance and Review of Program
Breakout Sessions # 1 - 8:50 am - 9:35 am
Annual Business Meeting - All PE's, District Governor Tract, PDG's and District Officers
Club Central For Secretaries
Club Treasurers 101
Public Image - Social Media
Breakout Sessions # 2 - 9:40 am - 10:25 am
Network and Exchange Ideas - PE's and AG's
How To Make An Ask - Hey, ever hear of Rotary? Treat you to lunch?
Breakout Sessions # 3 - 10:30 am - 11:15 am
Hunger & Homelessness Initiative (HHI) - Recap of April 1 Event and Where do we go next?
Foundation - Did you know YOUR Foundation does.....? and Polio's End Game..
Public Image - The New Face of District 7930 and Rotary Days
Club Boards and Calendar Planning - This is FUN! Be Prepared, Be Confident and Be Done!
This year the Conference is offering Breakouts in Danvers on Friday, Dinner in Boston at the Harvard Club on Friday, Youth Programs, Foundation Qualification and Complimentary Water Park Passes on Saturday in Danvers, Dinner on the Beach in Salisbury on Saturday and a Sunday memorial service followed by brunch and Keynote Speaker Julia Phelps, PhD, RID, PDG in Danvers.
For a complete schedule for the conference please clickhere!
Please go to www.rotary 7930.org to register or click here for the Conference!
To raise awareness and critically-needed funds to fight the crippling disease polio, over 200 people plunged into the icy waters off of Gloucester last Saturday as part of the Rotary District 7930’s 5th Annual Polar Plunge. The effort benefitted The Global Polio Eradication Initiative - a public-private partnership that also includes the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This year’s effort raised over $104,000 and will be matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. At just 60 cents per vaccine, the effort will pay for over a half million polio vaccines.
The Polar Plunge comes at an important time in the fight to eradicate polio, which would be only the second human disease to be eradicated. Case numbers of the disease have never been lower, and only three countries (Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan) have never stopped transmission of the wild poliovirus. However, a funding gap means immunization campaigns are being cut in high-risk countries, leaving children more vulnerable to polio. If polio isn’t stopped now, the disease could stage a comeback, affecting an estimated 200,000 children every year.
Rotary has contributed US$1.2 billion, and its members have logged countless volunteer hours to help immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries. Overall, remarkable progress has been achieved in the fight against polio. Since 1988, the number of polio cases has been reduced from 350,000 a year to fewer than 700 cases in 2011. The Americas were declared free from polio in 1994, the Western Pacific region in 2000, and Europe in 2002. A highly infectious disease, polio still strikes children mainly under the age of five in parts of Africa and South Asia. Polio can cause paralysis and sometimes death. One Rotarian noted, “This event was completely fitting. This week we celebrate the 60th anniversary Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine. We’re going to fight this crippling disease until the end because Rotary keeps promises.”
The North Andover Interact club will be collecting shoes in any condition at the District Conference on May 2nd as part of their service project for the people of Guatemala. Practical shoes (not high heels) to be used for digging in trash piles; technological trash from countries like ours.
The collection will be part of the Youth and Family program at the conference. Interactive events like Giant Jenga, human knot, photo booth, Tanzanian bracelet instruction and other surprises will be happening along with breakouts on Camp Rotary, A Library project in Kenya, and the Boston Rotaract discussing their new service initiative to help with substance abuse in young people. Be a part of an instructive and fun day!
In an effort to maximize the speed both the submission and posting of stories to the district website, eBulletin, social media or for use in public image stories, the Technology and Communications Committee is announcing a new web tool. It is available at hereor by clicking on the graphic on the left. You will be able to either type into the title and story fields or copy and paste from virtually any other program. Although this will not allow for any special formatting, we will try to emphasize the key points and ensure that we meet Rotary branding guidelines. You can also attach up to 2 photos and captions for those photos. Please crop the photos as you would like them to appear prior to uploading or provide special instructions in the area provided so that we can make the appropriate adjustments for you.
You can choose the month that you would like your story to appear and where you want your story to be published within the body of the form. Don't forget to provide your name and email so we can contact you with questions and also advise you when the story is published.
New Submission Page for District Website Announced
The Winchester Rotary Club hosted an amazing meeting on April 2nd with Club Presidents Sarah Boulos from Burlington, Diane Bedard from Burlington Breakfast and Amy Palmerino from Stoneham visiting as guest speakers. Sarah, Diane and Amy spoke of exciting developments and events at their clubs, how they became Rotarians and the joy of fellowship in visiting clubs.
Paul Gleason, as President of the host Winchester Club, welcomed his fellow presidents. He joined Assistant Governor Peter Majane in contributing Happy Dollars to commemorate the fellowship of the meeting and went on to express his personal pleasure at being a part of an effort that contributes so much to the welfare of each of the towns that were represented. It was definitely an event to be repeated!
Five District 7930 Interact Clubs have qualified for the 2014-15 Presidential Citation for Interact Clubs. This award recognizes active Interact Clubs who demonstrate participation in a combination of the following areas:
Partnering with another Rotary club on a project or event
Participating in an event that promotes international understanding
Introducing members to other Rotary opportunities for young leaders
Participating in a fundraiser to support polio eradication
Submitting a video for the Interact Video Contest
Participating in a project to support one of Rotary's areas of focus
Collaborating with a Rotary service partner
Participating in a career day or mentoring activity
Recommending an outbound Interactor who then joins a Rotaract Club
Congratulations to Gloucester High School Interact, Marblehead High School Interact, Reading Interact, Revere High School Interact and Wakefield Interact for successfully qualifying for this recognition!
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club recently completed another service project to thank local heroes. During a preparation meeting for the theme, the students identified plow crews as local heroes. EarlyAct Advisor Amy Luckiewicz explained, “The meeting was right after our fifth or sixth snow storm. The kids started talking about how hard this winter was and they all agreed that the local DPW and plow crews deserved a thank you for helping them get to school safely.” The students created a list of supplies the crews could use and hand-packed over 20 “care packages” to gift to the workers. The packages included candy, lip balm, tissues, and more. After packaging the gifts, the students left them in the offices of the DPW as a surprise with a note explaining the gifts. “The kids loved the surprise element,” Amy noted. “They knew it wasn’t expected and we had a great talk about going good things randomly in the community.” At the following meeting, the students, in turn, had a surprise for them. The DPW and plow workers had written a note of thanks to the students in return. “When I read the note aloud, every one of the students was smiling. They knew they had done something small to show appreciation.”
District Governor Peter Simonsen is congratulating the following clubs for net membership gains this Rotary year as of March 30, 2015: Marblehead (10); Greater Salem (6); Wilmington (6); Peabody (4) and Wakefield (4.) Other clubs with net membership gains are: Beverly; East Boston-Revere; Gloucester; Hamilton-Wenham, Saugus, Topsfield-Boxford-Middleton, West Roxbury, Andover, Burlington Breakfast, Haverhill, Ipswich, Marblehead Harbor, Reading, Salem, and Winchester. Congratulations to all the members who ASKED, INVITED, INDUCTED and ENGAGED friends, co-workers and associates in their communities.
Please continue to spread the Rotary message throughout your communities.
Saturday is designed to be an event for the entire family. Starting at 10 am and running until lunch at noon, two events will occur simultaneously.
In one section of the ballroom, breakout sessions will include the presentation of a service project, where Rotarians have purchased library books for the new library at Ebussamba Primary School in Kenya, and a presentation by Camp Rotary in Boxford, illustrating the great things they do and explaining how your Rotary Club can help.
At the same time, an interactive youth expo will take place, showcasing the young people of District 7930. RYLA leaders will have three separate stations where they will teach leadership through activities designed for all ages. Youth exchange inbound students will be doing interactive activities where Rotarians and their families can experience
the student's home cultures. Interact clubs will be asking attendees to be a part of their service projects by donating their expertise, time and efforts to help the cause. Rotaract students are planning a special activity that will involve attending Rotarians and their families in one of their projects.
You will be able to see what we do for young people throughout the world, help our young people with the good work they do here and abroad, learn about other cultures, become a better leader, meet and interact with our vibrant, talented young people; all the while having a GREAT time! Register now and come prepared to work and play. Register the whole family!!
An Expanded Family Experience at the 2015 Conference
A LA CARTE MENU FOR THE 2015 DISTRICT ASSEMBLY & CONFERENCE
This year's District Assembly and Conference are back to back on the same day and everything happening is within the boundaries of District 7930. We're traveling from Danvers to Boston to Danvers to Salisbury, something for everyone. If you want to attend the entire weekend, the total cost will be $315.00 which includes Friday Lunch, Breakouts, Friday Dinner, Saturday Youth Programs, Saturday Dinner, Sunday Memorial Service and Brunch. Interested in staying at the Doubletree by Hilton in Danvers? Please reserve your rooms as soon as possible using the group rate code of ROt by April 10nth. Staying at the hotel will assure that you can enjoy all of the fellowship that this weekend will provide.
A la Carte Pricing for individual meals, breakouts and activities:
Friday
District Assembly only - $25.00
District Assembly with lunch - $50.00
Assembly/Conference Lunch only - $25.00
Conference Lunch with Breakouts - $50.00
Friday Dinner – Harvard Club Downtown - $120.00 all inclusive
Saturday
Saturday Interactive Youth Program – Over 18 - $40.00
Under 18 - $10.00
Saturday President’s Dinner - $75.00
Sunday Memorial Service and Brunch - $35.00
Buses from Danvers to Boston are free. There will be a shuttle for Hotel residents to Salisbury on Saturday.
Discount Water Park passes are available on Saturday for those that want them.
For more information about the conference or to review the schedule click here!
As we enter the final stretch leading up to the Polar Plunge on April 11th, the Polar Plunge Committee would like to recognize some of our District's major achievements:
100% of clubs are contributing SOME amount to polio eradication
We have in $90, 315 in pledges, on our way to our goal of $125,000 this Rotary year
We have participation from our district's Rotaract, Interact, AND EarlyAct this year
59% of our clubs have already PASSED their polio giving compared to last year
240 individual people have registered to plunge
59 individuals have raised at leased $500 or more
Finally, we'd like to thank you four your patience as we continually battle this winter! Your encouragement and words of kindness have kept the committee enthusiastic and motivated and we look forward to meeting all of you at Long Beach in Gloucester on April 11th!
Alzheimer’s affects more than five million people in the United States. Now there is new hope to stop this withering disease.
Sunbeams through the bars of a crib. Rolling cookie dough with Grandmother. A flash of lightning, the smell of ozone. Waves lapping the shore. That library smell. Snow blowing sideways. Glasses of wine, peals of laughter. Onions caramelizing. Baseball games with Dad. Airplane wing over clouds. “I now pronounce you …” Ornaments on the tree. Hospital corridor. Planting flowers.
Who are you? How do you define yourself? Is it the places you’ve been, the things you’ve accomplished, the way you look? Is it your relationships, your creativity, your faith? And what if it were all taken away?
“Your sense of self requires memory,” says Rudolph E. Tanzi, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the 2012 book Super Brain, with Deepak Chopra. “And when you have Alzheimer’s disease, you lose your sense of self.”
The Rotary Club of Winchester is pleased to announce its 27th annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 18, 2015. The tournament will again be held at the Winchester Country Club, a Donald Ross designed, prestigious, private course. The tournament benefits the Winchester Rotary Charitable Foundation, Inc. a registered 501(c)(3) organization which supports numerous local charitable organizations as well as the national and international works of Rotary International.
Winchester Rotary members expect another sold out event again this year. Since this popular tournament tends to sell out quickly, anyone interested in playing in the tournament is encouraged to register early and to tell their friends, family, business and professional associates, neighbors, partners and others who want to participate in this exciting event. In addition to greens fees & cart, your registration fee includes a BBQ luncheon, gourmet dinner buffet, golfer gift bags, and a silent auction with terrific items for golfers and non-golfers. Please visit the Club’s event website for additional information here!
The Winchester Rotary Charity Golf Tournament Committee would like to thank all of the past supporters in making this signature event a success, year after year. The club is very pleased to have tremendous corporate support in the form of sponsorships. Additional corporate sponsorship is always welcome, the highlight is the Eagle and Birdie level sponsorships, which include golf foursomes. Download the Golf Poster and/or the Flyer/Registration form.
District Assembly this year will be held just prior to the District Conference on May 1, 2015. It will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Danvers, MA, 50 Ferncroft Road. Registration and Continental Breakfast open at 7:30 AM. Details are below!
The Rotary Club of Stoneham is pleased to announce that the charter has been sent to Rotary International establishing an Interact Club at Stoneham High School. There are 34 charter members and the club has already met three times, elected their leadership team, two additional board members and five committee chairs. At the most recent meeting they discussed their thoughts about their first service project that they hope to plan and complete before the end of this school year. In line with DGE David Manzi's new Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, they are considering collecting food or organizing an End Hunger New England program. Either way, they are very excited to deliver service locally and begin to plan their inaugural celebration.
This has been a multi-year effort led by the club and it just goes to show that perseverance does pay off and often multiplies.
It is always an inspirational time for Rotarians to meet at the annual President Elect Training Seminar (PETS). This year president-elects, and assistant governors from eight Districts from all six New England States and parts of Canada embarked to Framingham, MA for three days of training, inspiration and fellowship. We were fortunate to hear from Rotary International President-Elect K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran on his 2015-16 Theme "Be a Gift to the World", RI Trustee Mike McGovern and District 7930's own RI Director, Julia Phelps! Each gave powerful speeches that motivated and inspired all of us. Our PE's also heard from many other great speakers and had top-notch training sessions. Many of which were facilitated by D7930 Rotarians. Our Leaders were chosen to help facilitate and train over 500 Rotarians!
I was incredibly proud to hear back from many PE's and AG's about their experience and wanted to share with you what my friend, PE Mike Burns from The Wilmington Rotary Club had to say about his experiences:
"Just a quick note regarding this weekend's PETS conference. I found it to be an extremely positive educational experience. The information which I received during both the organized meetings and involvement with other incoming presidents from other states provided me with a lot of new ideas for the upcoming year...given me a much better understanding as to many aspects of Rotary International which I didn't know. Overall I found it to be a terrific and valuable session to which I will strongly recommend to others in the future."
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Charles Milner into its group. Milner was inducted into the club on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at its weekly meeting held at the it winter hide-away, The Landing Restaurant. Rotarian and Sargent-at-Arms Tom McNulty and Marblehead Rotary Club President Tanya DeGenova presided over the induction ceremony.
Charles Milner was raised on Long Island, New York. He graduated from the University of Virginia and earned an MBA at Cornell University. He is a U.S. Army veteran and served one year in Vietnam as a company commander. His professional career was entirely at various units of Citigroup, including Citibank and Travelers. He retired from Citigroup in 2005 as senior vice president and head of the real estate investment group. He currently is a director of a private real estate investment trust.
Photo Legend from left to right: Tom McNulty, Charles Milner and Tanya DeGenova.
Growing with Rotary - District 7930 welcomes the Rotary Alumni Association of New England. The program involves Rotarians, Alumni, Rotaractors and Ambassadorial Scholars. Explore the value of Rotary’s Educational Programs for our young people, to our Clubs. Panel discussion.
Friends, Fellowship and Fun - What makes your Club special? Share the activities, traditions and atmosphere that give your club its unique culture. Round table discussion.
Breakout Session # 2:
Rotary Means Business – Rotary Means Business encourages Rotarians to support the success of their fellow Rotarians by doing business with them. Discussion session.
Rotary Clubs: Doing Good in the World – What is your Club doing in your community and in the community of the World. Speed dating format.
Rotary Jeopardy Game – How much do YOU know about Rotary. Plenary format.
Saturday Session 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Saturday is designed to be an event for the entire family. Starting at 10 AM and running until lunch at noon, two events will occur simultaneously. In one section of the ballroom, breakout sessions will include the presentation of a service project, where Rotarians have purchased library books for the new library at Ebussamba Primary School in Kenya, and a presentation by Camp Rotary in Boxford, illustrating the great things they do and explaining how your Rotary Club can help.
At the same time, an interactive youth expo will take place, showcasing the young people of District 7930. RYLA leaders will have three separate stations where they will teach leadership through activities designed for all ages. Youth exchange inbound students will be doing interactive activities where Rotarians and their families can experience the student's home cultures. Interact clubs will be asking attendees to be a part of their service projects by donating their expertise, time and efforts to help the cause. Rotaract students are planning a special activity that will involve attending Rotarians and their families in one of their projects.
You will be able to see what we do for young people throughout the world, help our young people with the good work they do here and abroad, learn about other cultures, become a better leader, meet and interact with our vibrant, talented young people; all the while having a GREAT time! Register here and come prepared to work and play. Register the whole family!!
Sunday Interfaith & Memorial Service with brunch & keynote address
Do you want to enhance your club experience? Then consider applying for a District Managed Grant or Global Grant. Planning and completing a service project always seems to unite a club and provide a deep level of purpose for your members.
Now is the time for your club to get qualified to apply for grants! In order to receive grants the club president for 2015-2016 and one other member are required to attend either session. If you want to send additional members to really build knowledge of the Rotary Foundation, consider sending more than the required two members.
During this 3 hour seminar, those attending will learn about updates in the application process and the steps necessary to submit and hopefully be awarded a grant from District 7930.
The seminar originally scheduled for April 15th at Salem Five Bank has been rescheduled. The second opportunity will be during our District Conference on May 2, 2015 at DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore at 50 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, MA 01923.
Register Online by clicking on the date that you want to register.for May 2nd or May 21 here.
You can also download and return the Grants Qualification Application prior to April 15, 2015 to DRFC Ingrid Brown at 11 Granite Street in Rockport, MA 01966, email to icybee@verizon.net or by fax to 978-546-9058. Space is limited on both sessions, so please register early.
For a list of grants awarded in the 2013-2014 calendar year, please read the articlehere!
COMBINED 2015 DISTRICT CONFERENCE & DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
This special event will be held on May 1-3, 2015 at the Doubletree by Hilton at Ferncroft in Danvers!
This extraordinary experience has been made possible by the exceptional commitment between our current DG Peter Simonsen, DGE Dave Manzi and DGN Sheryl Meehan. This is the very first time that our district has combined the Conference and the Assembly into a single event.
The District Assembly prepares incoming club leaders for their year in office, exposes new Rotarians to core Rotary knowledge and lets them hear about great ideas for the coming year. The District Conference celebrates Club Presidents and their incredible year. It is a time to Socialize, Participate, Interact and Have Fun!
Assembly starts at 9 am and concludes at 11:45 am and then Conference starts at 11:30 am and builds throughout the weekend. A joint luncheon is planned for those who attend the Assembly and those who attend the Conference and those who will participate in both. DG Peter Simonsen has requested that all clubs attend the luncheon on Friday, May 1 in lieu of their club meeting for that week, allowing as many District Rotarians to participate as possible.
Attendees of this conference have the option of registering for the full conference (Friday – Sunday) without a hotel room for $315 per person. Or one can register a la carte if unable to attend the entire event.
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) will take place at Camp Rotary, Boxford, MA on Friday May 29 through Sunday May 31, 2015. Eighty RYLA students will make up eight families and experience everything from ropes courses to group challenges. Ask any graduating RYLArian, it is a life-changing weekend!
This year, both High School Juniors and Sophomores are invited. Each Rotary Club in our district is allowed to send up to 5 students at $150 each. Applications (now downloadable from this site) and payments made out to “Rotary District 7930” should to be sent to Tracy Arabian, 33 Maplewood Ave #206, Gloucester, MA 01930. Check out the RYLA video (from this website) to see RYLA in action!
See your club’s RYLA representative for more information or contact Jim Babbin, Youth Services Chair at jimb13@verizon.net
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, April 10, 2015 at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
A Night at the Races promises to be a fun-filled evening for adults with all the suspense and excitement of being at the racetrack. High quality, video-taped horse races are narrated from start to finish by lively announcers. During the evening there will be complimentary hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and variety of raffles. At various points during the evening, betters will be able to use their winnings to bid on merchandise and services that have been donated for the event. For the most fun, reserve a table – bring a group. Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased at Carroll K. Steele Insurance Agency, BankGloucester, The Weathervane or by contacting any Gloucester Rotarian.
The Gloucester Rotary Club was established in 1923, and has more than 60 members who are leaders in the community. Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self” is the basis of all their good work. With funds raised through events, the club has been a significant supporter of local community organizations and causes.
If you would like a copy of the flyer, please click here!
Rotary District’s Fifth Annual Polar Plunge to eradicate Polio has been postponed again this time until April 11th and it will still be at Long Beach. The District Polar Plunge Committee noted, “ This winter has truly tested all of us. We are hopeful that the logistical challenges of the past will clear up by April 11th and we will plunge in Gloucester." The plunge will occur at Long Beach in Gloucester as originally planned and the district is approaching the $90k mark! Please continue to pledge and enter offline donations. Please visit the website, watch out for emails, or monitorPolar Plunge Facebook event to keep abreast of all details plunge related. For a quick list of the clubs that you can donate to clickhereand choose from the listing of clubs participating.
District 7930 had its annual World Peace and Understanding dinner on February 11, 2015 at the Sheraton Colonial Hotel in Wakefield. With more than 200 people in attendance, it was quite the event!
International Youth Represent Their Countries
The evening started with a Parade of Flags presented by 6 of our Youth Exchange students. They come from France, Germany, Denmark, Brazil, Hungary and Zanzibar. Each of the students gave a little information about themselves in their native language and then were good enough to translate what they had said.
Local Youth Sing and Sign into Our Hearts
Students from the Marblehead Community Charter Public School performed a song,
"Truly Brave", in sign language. What a wonderful skill to have!
An International Dinner and an Inspiring Keynote
The meal was certainly not your usual "Rotary Chicken". A dish representing each of the Youth Exchange's native country was served. We dined on beer glazed brats and saurkraut from Germany; black bean soup from Brazil; frikadeller (meatballs) from Denmark; chicken paprikash with egg noodles from Hungary and sweet potatoes futari (a very tasty sauce) from Zanzibar, and of course some wonderful french pastries for dessert!
The speaker for the night was Dr. Chi Huang. He gave a very thought provoking talk about his work with the street children of La Paz, Bolivia. It was amazing to hear of the conditions that the children have to endure. His work is truly awe inspiring!
In reading the "welcome" from the event committee, they hoped that people would leave the evening "with a gift that we hope will help to nourish your understanding of peace as it continues to deepen". In my opinion, that was more than accomplished. A special thanks goes out to Keith and Christina Harris and Sr. Leonore Coan for putting together a wonderful and memorable event.
To learn more about Kaya International Children visit their website or click on Read More.
Today we celebrate the love we have, not only for our spouse or partner, but for our family, friends and even for all mankind. So, as we prepare for yet another snow storm, please remember to watch out and pray for those we love and serve, locally and around the world. Whether it be the children of the world that we are trying to save from Polio, or for anyone who we try to assist with a district or global grant, we work as a Rotary family to ease the burdens of the world through love, peace and fellowship.
Know that Doing Good in the World is a noble task and that we make a difference every day. But today and tomorrow, as mother nature drops another foot or more, help out those who need your assistance, whether shoveling or picking up some groceries at the store. Express your love in everything you do and share Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Burlington is once again turning to old friends and supporters, as well as to new friends, to help us raise money to support some great charitable events that the Club sponsors all year round.
You can purchase individual tickets or tables of ten for our annual Fight Night. The event will take place on Friday, March 27, 2015, at the Billerica Lodge of Elks. Doors open at 6:00 pm.
The World Peace and Understanding Dinner is fast approaching. On February 11, 2015 Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors will unite with friends and family for an evening sure to be inspired by the presentations, including guest appearances from D7930 Youth Exchange students and the 4th grade students from the Marblehead Community Charter Public School.
Keynote appearance by Dr. Chi Huang, MD, author of “When Invisible Children Sing.” Dr. Chi has been working since 1999 with homeless street children in Bolivia. In 2007, the Reading Rotary Club partnered with Dr. Chi in a matching grant project. Many of your Foundation donations became part of that grant. In order to achieve peace and understanding, we must first fight poverty and ignorance. Join us for an inspirational evening. Hear what happens when one man decides it is time to make a difference.
Wednesday, February 11 6:00–9:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Colonial Hotel at 1 Audubon Road in Wakefield, MA. Cost is $55 per person.
Rotary Club of Boston announces first Humanitarian of the Year Award. On Saturday, May 9th, 2015, Rotary Club of Boston #7 invites Greater Boston to join them at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter in South Boston for an evening of food, music and fun as we celebrate and award the 2015 Humanitarian of the Year. This event is expected to be a key fundraiser for Boston #7, and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will be awarded to the charity with which the Humanitarian of the Year award winner is affiliated.
And who will be the lucky winner? That’s up to you. If you are – or know of – someone who is an amazing activist or a tireless crusader for a local charity, send in a nomination today. Nominees from all charitable organizations with ties to the Greater Boston area will be considered and forms are available on the website at www.bostonrotary.org on the Rotary Boston Facebook page. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2015.
We are also looking for corporate and other sponsors who would like to participate in making this event a successful and memorable one. There are six levels of sponsorship available. To determine the right fit for your organization, contact Glenn Quirion at gq0511@yahoo.com or Lilia Wood at lilia@ballroominboston.com.
For complete details of the event, and to stay updated as we release additional details, visit our website, www.bostonrotary.org, find us on Facebook or follow @bostonrotary7 on Twitter for more details.
This past year, District 7930 awarded 14 district managed grants to 14 clubs totaling $35,054. Two of these grants were international and the remaining were all local grants. The ability for clubs to receive grants for projects that they create and implement is a clear demonstration of how the donations that are made to The Rotary Foundation provide funding for service projects three years later.
It is essential that all projects meet one of the Six Areas of Focus:
Peace and Conflict Resolution
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Water and Sanitation
Maternal and Child Health
Basic Education and Literacy
Economic and Community Development
Congratulations to the clubs who applied and received grants and good luck in successfully completing your projects. For clubs who have not applied for a grant recently, consider the following list for ideas or contact Martha Holden at holden@noble.net.
In an effort to assist clubs in recruiting new members, the membership initiative postcard project will be offered once again this year. The scope of businesses has been expanded to include not only the home based businesses from last year, but also traditional bricks and mortar business and even online businesses. If you have other names that you would like to add to your campaign, you will be able to furnish that list as well. Consider including past speakers, community members who might not normally be included in the lists reference above. Remember the goal is to find service minded individuals who would be great partners in our mission to do good in the world. This year the program will provide several options to include a standard design, or for a small additional fee, a custom design that best represents your club and how you want to message your invitation to the recipient. The district will once again subsidize a portion of the cost for participating clubs. Keep an eye out for more details.
Pictured at right is the newest membership flyer that the district has created to assist clubs with providing content for potential members. This will be available as a pdf for you to use, in a printed version as is or customized to your club's specifications. The standard flyer focuses on the external theme: "Join Leaders, Exchange Ideas, Take Action". This tagline should be used on all externally facing media, including your website, signs and banners and in promotional material focused on the public. The QR code that is included will bring the prospective member to the district club listing page where they can click on any club link to go to their website or retrieve contact information. By expanding the possible clubs that someone can join, we can attract a Rotarian and add to our ranks. If you would prefer to have the QR code and any other content be more specific to your club, you can either modify the files that are available or we can do that for you. Keep an eye out for details about this program.
Donations reached the $77,500 as of this morning and the 2015 Polar Plunge has been rescheduled for March 7th. With all the snow and frigid temperatures, it seemed prudent to focus on the health and safety of all involved. Fortunately, we now have the opportunity to continue to raise money for Polio and enhance our ability to reach the $125,000 goal before the big day. Use the weather conditions in your pleas for pledges and donations as it is likely to make your commitment to the 2015 Polar Plunge much more incredible.
Below you will find links to all of the participating teams involved with the plunge. Click on any of the links and you will be immediately whisked away to the Fundraise website where you can choose the plunger or plungers who you would like to donate to this year.
Due to the blizzard and forecast for more snow on Friday, we have received the recommendation to postpone our Polar Plunge until next Saturday, February 7th on the same time schedule:
Arrival by 10:30am
Plunge at 11:15am
Any clubs who have reserved rooms will be moved forward to next Saturday.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Please share this news with anyone who may have planned on attending the event as a spectator. This delay does, however, open up another week for plungers to register onrotary.fundraise.com so please recruit friends and family!
Freezin' for a Reason (a week later),
Polar Plunge Committee
The 2015 Service Above Self Scholarship Application is now available for Rotary District 7930 clubs. This $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior from our district. This competitive award is funded by our Annual Giving donations to The Rotary Foundation.
The purpose of the Service Above Self scholarship from Rotary D7930 is as follows:
Recognize an outstanding high school senior who has demonstrated his/hercommitment to Service Above Self in their community, a town or city within Rotary District 7930, and financially assist the recipient with his/her future studies with this $10,000 award.
Instill, in the recipient, the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self through active involvement in a variety of Rotary activities and projects.
Encourage the recipient to dedicate his/her personal and professional life to improving the quality of life of people in their local community and beyond.
Develop leadership skills of the recipient in order to address humanitarian needs in his/her community and the world.
Foster a lifelong association between Rotary International and the recipient.
Clubs are encouraged to copy and share the application and to utilize the additional press release template. Each club is empowered to decide how to select their ONE single applicant for district consideration. The SAS Committee will interview candidates in June and one winner will be announced.
Please read carefully the instructions on the application and direct any questions to Amy Luckiewicz, SAS Chair at rotary7930scholarships@yahoo.com or call 781.588.0257.
The Rotary Club of Stoneham was excited to present the first in a series of oral health programs to Stoneham High School students on Tuesday, January 20.
Speaking to four of Mr. Pat Healey’s sophomore health classes, Rotarian Dr. Diane Bonanni stressed to the students the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health. Using videos and images on a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Bonanni educated the students on the parts of the mouth, how to maintain a healthy mouth, and how to identify, prevent, and treat threats to mouth well-being.
“Dr. Bonanni has developed an informative, revealing, and age-appropriate presentation on proper dental care that engaged the students and got them thinking about how their mouth, teeth, tongue, gums, and oral cavity play a significant role in their overall health,” said Dennis O’Hara, Stoneham Rotary spokesman. “Students were surprised to learn that the mouth is the most bacteria ridden part of the body, and how important it is to constantly focus on oral hygiene and disease prevention.”
It is only 10 days until the plunge and we are more than half way to our goal of $125,000. By the time you receive this email, we should have passed the $65,000 level in recorded donations through Fundraise.com. Typically, during this period we average over $3,000 per day being posted and a huge surge of donations posted to fundraise.com after the event. If you have not yet entered your offline donations, please do so as soon as possible to help boost the reported total to help inspire others to get to our goal before the event.
It is time to really ramp up your social media presence. Appeal to your friends and ask them to make a pledge to a plunger in your Rotary, Rotaract or Interact club, or even to a virtual plunger. Ask your family and friends to not only like your posts but to also share them with a comment about how important this event is in terms of doing our share to eradicate Polio from the world.
Visit the district website Polar Plunge page to get more information and tools to help you enhance your fundraising efforts. Tomorrow is 9 days out, and there are countdown graphics for each day from here on out. Consider downloading them and using on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Remind people of the 2-1 matching grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and how every dollar provides 5 Polio vaccinations.
So what is the International Assembly all about? Well, it is a gathering of District Governors-elect from around the world. Our Governor for the 2015-2016 Rotary year, David Manzi, will spend a week in San Diego learning about his upcoming role in great detail while being inspired to lead all of the Rotarians in District 7930.
RI President-elect K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran chose "Be a Gift to the World" as his theme for 2015-16. Ravindran urges Rotary members to give the gifts of time, talent, and knowledge to improve lives in communities across the globe. "Through Rotary, we can take these gifts and make a genuine difference in the lives of others and in our world."
This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to continue to do good in the world, and maybe even take it up a notch or two. When DGE Dave returns, he will begin to share his vision with his presidents at the third and final Pre-Pets Meeting on February 5th. Then in March, Northeast PETS will occur, where the presidents will receive similar training to GETS but aimed at the information about leading a great Rotary club.
David has met incoming governors from around the world as well as Rotary International's President-elect, K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran, and the rest of the RI leadership. I am sure Dave will have many stories to tell us about this incredible experience. During his official visits to the clubs, Dave will not only update you on RI news but also inspire each of us to "Be a Gift to the World".
Did you know that 48% of every dollar raised for the Annual/Polio Funds at the Rotary Foundation in District 7930 comes back to District 7930 in the form of Grants for local projects? This is probably the most important aspect of Rotary that few Rotarians know about. When you are complaining that “all of the Foundation money raised goes abroad”, that in fact is not true.
There are two needs in the Foundation and two ways of giving. The first supports the needs of today, the Annual Programs Fund. This form of giving seeks unrestricted gifts to support the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian, educational and cultural programs each year. Giving $1 per year makes you one of Every Rotarian Every Year. Giving $100 per year makes you a Foundation Sustaining Member. Giving $1,000 per year, or $2.73 per day/$19.11 per week, makes you a member of the Paul Harris Society. This Fund has been in existence since 1957.
The second is the Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund is Rotary’s response to the growing numbers of worthy projects in the United States and around the World. The Endowment Fund is invested permanently to build long term stability for the Foundation’s future. This Fund can supplement the Annual Programs Fund in the years necessary, such as in 2002-03 when the Fund provided over $6 million for program support.
The Endowment Fund includes the Benefactors and Bequest Societies. Gifts to the Endowment Fund are typically made from capital assets and bequests to create a legacy. The Fund has been in existence since 1982 and is the key to the Foundation’s security and the Foundation’s role in the future. If you, like me, are a member of the Paul Harris Society and wish to address larger giving, or have any interest in the Endowment Fund and the opportunities to ensure the Foundation’s future, please contact either Liz Cullen, Foundation Fundraising Chair, Rotary Club of Newburyport at lizgcullen@yahoo.com or Bob Wood, Foundation Permanent Fund Chair, Rotary Club of Peabody at bobcwood@verizon.net.
Did you know that 48% of every dollar raised for the Annual/Polio Funds at the Rotary Foundation in District 7930 comes back to District 7930 in the form of Grants for local projects? This is probably the most important aspect of Rotary that few Rotarians know about. When you are complaining that “all of the Foundation money raised goes abroad”, that in fact is not true.
There are two needs in the Foundation and two ways of giving. The first supports the needs of today, the Annual Programs Fund. This form of giving seeks unrestricted gifts to support the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian, educational and cultural programs each year. Giving $1 per year makes you one of Every Rotarian Every Year. Giving $100 per year makes you a Foundation Sustaining Member. Giving $1,000 per year, or $2.73 per day/$19.11 per week, makes you a member of the Paul Harris Society. This Fund has been in existence since 1957.
The second is the Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund is Rotary’s response to the growing numbers of worthy projects in the United States and around the World. The Endowment Fund is invested permanently to build long term stability for the Foundation’s future. This Fund can supplement the Annual Programs Fund in the years necessary, such as in 2002-03 when the Fund provided over $6 million for program support.
The Endowment Fund includes the Benefactors and Bequest Societies. Gifts to the Endowment Fund are typically made from capital assets and bequests to create a legacy. The Fund has been in existence since 1982 and is the key to the Foundation’s security and the Foundation’s role in the future. If you, like me, are a member of the Paul Harris Society and wish to address larger giving, or have any interest in the Endowment Fund and the opportunities to ensure the Foundation’s future, please contact either Liz Cullen, Foundation Fundraising Chair, Rotary Club of Newburyport at lizgcullen@yahoo.com or Bob Wood, Foundation Permanent Fund Chari at bobcwood@verizon.net.
Which new member of your club would benefit from experiency a "Rotary Moment" through a dynamic and exciting district program? Which long-standting member would be re-energized by helping guide a dynamic and exciting program in your community?
Imagine the great boost it will be your club and your community when the experience of a RYLA Weekend is experienced by anyone participating.
What is RYLA? The Rotary Youth Leadership Award is an opportunity for your club to nominate and send one or more high school sophmores or juniors to a weekend filled with fun and fellowship, problem solving opportunities, time to reflect on how to enhance relationships with others all leading to building the leaders of tomorrow.
If you would be interested in being involved, ask your club president if you could be one of two representatives to attend the RYLA kickoff on Saturday, Janurary 21, 2015, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. We will serve a complimentary lunch at the Wenham Museum at 132 Main Street in Wenham. Come and find out what your club has been missing!
If your club already supports RYLA, thank you. Please come and share the best practices, program changes and exciting new volunteer opportunities.
Please ask your president to forward your interest via email to ryla7930@yahoo.com and supply your contact information.
For more information about RYLA please visit the RYLA page here!
The Hill View Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill is very proud of the newly formed EarlyAct Club, affiliated with the Haverhill Rotary Club. In partnership with the Haverhill office of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF), EarlyAct Club students sponsored a holiday mitten tree. It was a wonderful opportunity to help a child in need during the holiday. Students decorated a tree with mittens bearing the name and age of 58 children in Haverhill. Students from K-8 sponsored the 58 children. Toys and gifts were delivered to DCF on December 15th by EarlyAct Club sponsor, Laura Murphy, a middle school teacher.
The Early Act Club is part of our middle school “Project Group” curriculum, held each Friday for two hours. This is an opportunity for students to step outside the daily lessons to engage in critical thinking, problem solving, creative and imaginative activities. The groups include: Model United Nations; Investigations in Science , EarlyAct Rotary Club, Be Imagine Guitar, Community Canvas (art) and Arts of Expression. Each group will provide service to our community, such as the “Mitten Tree” with DCF or the Be Imagine Guitar students performing at the December All-School assembly.
Contact: Jeanne Schultz, Executive Director 978-973-3356
We wanted to take a moment to recognize the collective efforts of the Rotary clubs that have put us on track for a record year in the Global Polio Eradication movement. Our campaign to raise awareness and funds is ahead of last year and we are very graciously saying thank you for all of your efforts. Whether it's posting your page on Facebook, emailing a relative for a donation request, or even welcoming a team member to your club to speak about polio, we are moving forward and it's all thanks to individual Rotarians, club leaders, and our collective fellowship.
Clubs are reporting amazing press coverage and we are hearing stories of people donating because they, "remember when pools were closed because of polio." We were lucky to be noted recently by the Rotarian Magazine for the polar plunge, but unfortunately, some of the facts were not correct. Our team is working to correct that now. As we move towards our biggest beach party on January 31st, we are thoughtful to note how to quantify the amount of awareness that has been raised because of your efforts. It is truly immeasurable.
One of the multi-year dreams of the Rotary Club of Stoneham has been to start an Interact Club at Stoneham High School. That goal is now one step further to being realized. Current President Amy Palmerino began the presentation, framing the evening and providing a little history of Rotary, Interact and what Service Above Self means to those committed to our mission. Dave Gardner, Youth Services Chair, then spoke about the path that has been traveled to get to the informational session and what he envisions in a successful club. There were over 20 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors who were there to find opportunities to provide community service and learn about the opportunities that Rotary's Youth Programs can provide.
Keith Harris, an Ipswich Rotarian, shared his experiences about his summer event, "Pedaling for a Purpose". The students listened intently as Keith told a few stories of his many incredible interactions with people he met along the way. He wove how his life-long dream into one which raised $42,000 for the Rotary Foundation and the many ways in which the Foundation funds both local and international projects.
EAST BOSTON-REVERE JOIN COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS!
The Rotary Club of East Boston-Revere decided to forgo its member holiday party and take part in an evening to benefit the non-profit Cradles To Crayons sponsored by the Revere Chamber of Commerce.
Admission to the event was a piece of new children’s clothing or a toiletry item. There were many raffles won including an evening at the Nutcracker in Boston with lodging at the Lenox Hotel. The Nutcracker tickets were donated by Rotarians VP Stephanie Scopa, PE Stephen Miliotis, and IPP Tom Hankard.
The Revere Chamber of Commerce also saluted the Revere High School Interact Club at the event as they helped the City of Revere win the nationwide “Get Your Business Online” Award from Google. Interactors, during workshops, helped local Revere business owners set up their own websites. Earlier this year all Interactors were presented with a Google Chromebook!
The function facilities were donated by long-time Rotarians and community supporters the Revere Comfort Inn and Suites.
Pictured are IPP Tom Hankard, VP Stephanie Scopa, PE Stephen Miliotis, Revere HS Interactors, Interact Advisor Toni Fierro-Tucker, PP Janis Woodman, Sterling Sobey, Joe Fiorello, PP Joe Steffano, President Ashley Melnik, Jorge Andrade, and Juan Lopez.
East Boston-Revere Rotarians Celebrate the Holidays!
District Governor Peter Simonsen, along with the entire District 7930 Leadership Team wishes all Rotarians, their families and friends a Happy and Healthy New Year!
We accomplished a lot in 2014, yet we continually strive to continue to serve others in the spirit of Rotary. How will you and your club move Rotary forward in 2015? A great New Year's resolution for all of us might be to spread the word of Rotary on a daily basis. Consider wearing your Rotary pin as frequently as possible, tell you neighbors, friends and co-workers about Rotary and our mission, participate in the Polar Plunge by either plunging or by making a pledge to a plunger in your club. Look through your address book, paper or digital, and think about who you think would be a great Rotarian. Invite them to a meeting, fellowship event or a service project. Maybe they join Rotary, maybe not, but they would begin to understand how incredible Rotary is in our world. If we all were able to introduce two more people to the wonderful world of Rotary, we might engage more than 4,000 new friends of Rotary. If we invited 10 people, the buzz about Rotary would be amazing.
Enjoy your New Year with friends and family and know that the district appreciates everything you do in the name of Rotary, in your community and around the world!
Utilizing social media is a proven strategy to increase awareness of polio and your fundraising efforts. Did you know it's easy to share your personal plunge page on your Facebook or Twitter? Simply open up your personal page, copy the web address below and substitute your name.
Then post it as a STATUS or TWEET! If you're not plunging but would like to support your club's representative, simply follow the same instructions but for your favorite plunger! Either way, it's always a good idea to share or post WITH COMMENTS and a call to action like, "Please consider our Polar Plunge for Polio when making your year-end contributions."
Another fun way to promote your page is with pictures. Use pictures from past plunges, polar bear photos, or pose some new ones and keep it interesting. Included in the photo should be a link to your personal page. Photos drive comments and sharability! Click here to see all the graphics available.
The best thing you can do, however, is post it to Facebook, then SHARE to an individual with a comment asking for a donation. This method of sharing WITH COMMENT is what drives a post to go viral and show up closer to the top of a page. Check out the LINK for more suggestions on how to maximize Facebook to increase awareness and donations. Want more ideas, click on 10 Tips for Facebook and start your campaign now!
If you have more questions on how to use Facebook for promoting your page, email the team at polarplunge7930@gmail.com!
At what has become an annual event the Burlington High School Rotary Interact Club presented veterans from the Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital with over 450 pairs of white athletic socks and also gave them a financial donation along with hand made holiday cards. Three veterans attended who spoke about their experiences at war. One of them was 20 years old during the Vietnam war and had lost 3 limbs. The socks were all contributed by Rotarians and local residents and businesses.
December is Family Month for Rotary International. Our family is made up of the people in our lives who have a common background and to whom we feel connected in some way. December is a time when we look at the people in our lives, appreciate the love that we have, and often express that love in the act of giving. It’s a time when we can acknowledge how far reaching our family really is.
When I think of families, I also think of cycles of life and the roots of a tree that spread out and connect us. Considering our Rotary family in this way, there is no limit to how far our family can reach. The expression “think globally, act locally” can take on a richer meaning, allowing our local acts to have a global impact. The reach of Rotary’s family and its ties to different generations became even more apparent to the Rotary Club of Medford this year. We had the experience of witnessing the growth of our family and the strengthening of our global connections.
Some of the seeds of this growth were planted several years ago. In the late 1990s, Judy Lonergan, a member of the Everett Rotary and Medford’s Thursday Fortnightly club heard about a man from Canada working in Medford. His family came to visit him for Christmas; and there was a fire in which one of his family members died. Wanting to do something to help this family and others, Lonergan proposed creating a charitable fund to benefit people in the community. “I saw the tree festival in Methuen and thought, ‘We can do that with house tours,’” said Lonergan. That thought sparked the creation of Medford’s Jingle Bell Festival, which first took place in 1999. As a result, the Jingle Bell Festival has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars benefiting Community Family’s Buddy Coholan Memory Loss Center as well as other charities in the Medford community.
Pictured at left:
Jingle Bell Committee member (and wife of Medford Rotarian Pat Theberge) Elaine Roccia Theberge, Medford Rotarian Jen Sanders and Jingle Bell Chair & Everett Rotarian Judy Lonergan at the 2014 Jingle Bell Walk/Run.
Our Polar Plunge is about 8 weeks away and we've seen a great increase in youth who are going to be "freezin' for a reason"! Thus far the Interact Clubs of Hamilton-Wenham and Wakefield have signed up with several others pledging to plunge or serve as virtual plungers! The Gloucester Interact will also be represented as they are volunteering to serve hot beverages and snacks at the event on January 31st. We are still encouraging Interact, Youth Exchange, Rotoract and alumni to register at rotary.fundraise.com along with Rotarians, friends and family! Finally, youth under 18 will require a YOUTH WAIVER (attached)
Ramping Up the Fun
This year we are expecting a great vibe with the increase in youth participants. We are encouraging everyone to take a peek at some contests we have going on including fun costume contests! We'll also be encouraging all clubs to bring your banner to hang at the back of the Cape Ann Motor Inn as well as use our sponsored photo booth!
Notes to Consider
It's not too late to register at rotary.fundraise.com!
The district is inching its way along with just over $13k in in donations to polio.
The Cape Ann Motor Inn is SOLD OUT of rooms. We encourage room sharing among clubs.
There is no parking at the beach. Free shuttles are available from our free satellite parking lot.
Please plan to arrive by 10:30a, plunge time is 11:15a sharp.
Please Join a 7930 Global Grant Effort to Provide Safe Drinking Water in Northern Ghana.
Imagine that you just woke up and are dying for a cup of coffee. Or imagine that your 4 yr. old with diarrhea wants a drink of water. If you lived in Northern Ghana, you don’t have any running water so you may have to walk 2 mi. to the closest dugout for water. (A dugout is not a pond or a lake. It is a depression where ground water collects when it rains.) The dugout is shared with everyone in your village and all the animals. Now you have water, but it is not safe to drink. You have no other option.
The Cambridge Rotary Club and the Tamale Rotary Club in Tamale, Ghana want to give 2750 households in Northern Ghana the option of drinking safe water. These two Rotary Clubs are applying for a Global Grant that will provide 1250 household water filters, dig wells in 3 villages and sponsor a safe water safe program in the target village schools. Pure Home Water, an NGO in Tamale, Ghana founded by an internationally known water expert at MIT will manufacture, distribute and monitor the water filters. This Global Grant will build on Global Grant 25252 that provided 1430 ceramic water filters in Northern Ghana with the help of the Malden RC, the Cambridge RC, the Melrose RC, the Everett RC, the N. Reading RC, the Dunwoody GA RC and the Sunyani Central RC in Ghana.
The preliminary budget for the grant is $78,250 with a projected start date of March 1, 2015. The Cambridge Rotary Club has to raise $42,875 to achieve the project goals. So far, they have raised $16,300. They would like this Global Grant to be a multi-club effort as in the past. Every Rotary Club that supports the grant will receive Paul Harris recognition for their donation. If your club would like more information on this project, please contact Joanne Cohn at joanne.cohn@comcast.net or David Gibbs at dgibbs@cambridgerotary.org.
Check out this incredible video from the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor. Listen to Rotarians and those they impact share their thoughts about Rotary in a an extremely eloquent fashion with a professionally produced video. Congratulations to everyone involved with this production and to the entire Marblehead Harbor Club.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, members of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor gathered at the home of service committee chairman Rosaleen Doherty to count, sort and package for distribution the results of the club's 2014 winter coat drive.
In just under a month, 253 men's, women's and children's warm winter coats were collected for the area's homeless and transitional individuals and for families in need. “We were not only astonished by the sheer number of coats collected, but by the quality of the donations,” club President Margo W.R. Steiner said. “These included a number of brand new, high-quality winter coats with the tags still on them, which were donated by Timberland."
Educating Rotarians about the work of The Rotary Foundation is one of the most effective tools for gaining and broadening support of our Annual Fund and the Every Rotarian, Every Year effort. The Weekly Thoughts on The Rotary Foundation is designed to inform our members of the many ways in which we impact the world — there’s always something new and exciting going on in Rotary.
The club president can begin the tradition by opening each meeting with a brief moment on The Rotary Foundation, but consider rotating ownership of the weekly reading among club members. In fact, didn’t Paul Harris have a similar idea about rotating?
This week’s Rotary Foundation Thought can be drawn from any of the topics in the pdf TRF Weekly Thoughts by clicking on the link.
The month of November is Foundation month. Our past Foundation giving is funding one global scholar from our district this year. She will be attending Universidad Torcuato di Tella in Argentina and her focus will be centered in building a micro credit system to fund sustainable women owned businesses. We are also supporting a global grant that will build 275 toilets for a girls school in India. Our Foundation Committee has also awarded 14 District grants to clubs in our District. Additionally two of our clubs in 7930 have partnered with clubs in District 7780 (Southern Maine and Seacoast New Hampshire) to help fund two global grants. We are also committing Foundation funds to help end polio. These are the examples of what part of our funds are used for and why we should support our Foundation. The projects and scholars from our District are a part of the worldwide network of international partnerships to do good in the world in our six areas of focus:
• Promoting Peace
• Fighting Disease
• Providing Clean Water
• Saving Mothers and Children
• Supporting Education
• Growing Local Economies
As you know, our largest beach party is set to kick off right in the middle of winter! On January 31st over 200 District 7930 Rotarians are participating in the Polar Plunge for Polio. It's also our biggest fundraiser for Rotary's biggest international eradication effort! We're asking each club to register a plunge participant OR a virtual plunger (fundraiser only)! You set your financial goals and we will help supply you with strategies and graphics to help your club reach them!
Has your club considered OPM: Other People's Money? We're not asking you to ask your fellow Rotarians for another donation to the Foundation. We know you'll keep supporting Annual Giving. We're asking that as a Rotarian, you ask a friend, colleague, relative, or other non-Rotarian for the donation! Each time you ask, it supports spreading the word that countries are still battling this crippling disease. This strategy of seeking OPM is a proven method of increasing donations. You can even recognize businesses and organizations that support this with a Certificate of Appreciation and make them feel great about their donation!
We've attached some materials to help you with this strategy. If you have any ideas on how to maximize OPM, please share them with us at polarplunge7930@gmail.com.
Thanks for helping us keep Rotary's promise to the children of the world!
Join the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor in celebrating the holidays at their 17th annual Holiday Pops Concert. Amid a festive air of song and music (including Christmas and Hanukkah classics), pastries and champagne and conversations with neighbors and friends, you’ll get right in the spirit of the holidays!
Tickets are available online at rcomh.org.
Presented by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor
Saturday December 13, 2014
7 pm Dessert Reception
8 pm Holiday Pops Concert
Abbot Hall/Washington Street
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Tickets: $60 Floor, $35 Balcony
The Polar Plunge Committee has been hard at work to make the 2015 Plunge the best ever! We hope to not only increase the number of participants, but also to raise over $125,000 to help eradicate Polio. With the help of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and their 2 to 1 match, we can provide over 625,000 vaccinations. All in a day's work. We are just shy of 3 months till the plunge!
First of all, we would like to find a club champion who will create some buzz around this event and the impact that we can have as Rotarians. One of our goals this year is to have 100% of the clubs have at least one plunger and provide a $100 sponsorship for the event. Obviously, we welcome and encourage as many to plunge as possible and to have them actively raise money, especially from their friends and family, so that we can be part of history in eradicating Polio from the earth! If we succeed in getting all clubs to commit to $100 sponsorship, we can guarantee that all money raised will go to Polio Plus.
Please plunge, donate to a plunger or be your club's champion at this week's meeting, and ask your board to sponsor the 2015 Polar Plunge. With your help we can make this a spectacular event!
Registration is open and a district wide email will be going out in the next few days to every Rotarian encouraging them to participate in some way this year, but we wanted to inform you in advance.
Registration is open at https://rotary.fundraise.com/. Please register and begin your fundraising efforts as soon as possible.
For more information or to access all of the support materials to help you be as effective as possible, please visit the 2015 Polar Plunge Page.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Benjamin Day and Michele Martin into its organization. The two members were inducted into the club on Thursday, October 30th at its weekly meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Rotarian and Sargent-at-Arms Tom McNulty and Marblehead Rotary Club President, Tanya DeGenova presided over the induction ceremony with District Governor, Peter E. Simonsen adding supportive and encouraging remarks.
Benjamin Day is the Executive Director of the Marblehead Counseling Center. Mr. Day comes to the Counseling Center after seven years of mental health leadership in various centers and public schools in Boston and New York City. Most recently he ran The McMurray Clinic in midtown Manhattan that provided services to clients from all five boroughs of the city and surrounding counties of New York and New Jersey.
Michele Martin is an eleven year resident of Marblehead. She currently works for New York Life Insurance. She enjoys working with pre-retirees helping them create a financial roadmap for their retirement years. Business owners appreciate Michele’s ability to assist in risk management and retirement solutions.
Photo Legend:
#1 (from left to right) New Inductees, Benjamin Day and Michele Martin, Rotary District 7930 Governor, Peter E. Simonsen, Rotary Club President Tania DeGenova, Rotarian and Sargent-at-Arms Tom McNulty.
The North Reading Club welcomed special guests, Valentine (Val) Callahan the District Governor of D7910, to visit and speak and D7930 District Governor (Peter Simonsen) District Governor Elect (David Manzi), District Governor Nominee (Sheryl Meehan) and Past President of the Wakefield Club (Amy Luckiewicz).
Val spoke of her Rotary moments and how to enhance the Rotary experience. The attendees enjoyed Val's inspirational speech.
Back row L-R: Peter Majane, AG D7930, Peter Simonsen, DG D7930, David Manzi, DGE D7930,
Front row, L_R: Val Callahan, DG D7910, Sheryl Meehan, DGN D7930, Michael Scannell NR Club President
North Reading Welcomes Val Callahan - DG of District 7910
On Tuesday, October 21st, Rotarians gathered at the Sheraton Colonial Boston North Hotel and Conference Center to attend informative breakouts; Engage New Members: Extraordinary Member Growth and Attracting the Next Generation of Rotarians; enjoy fellowship and listen to a visionary guest speaker.
I thank the breakout facilitators: Past Presidents Vanessa Silveira, Peabody Club; Christa Papavasiliou, Boston Rotaract Club; Don Doliber, Marblehead Harbor Club; Christopher Neville, Wilmington Club and Membership Chair Don Kelley Beverly Club.
Please read comments from the facilitators:
“Judging by the packed room in the Membership and Retention breakout, it is clear that many clubs are still looking for the right formula to increase and retain membership. I hope the presentation gave other clubs encouragement that it CAN be done, but that you have to work at finding a niche or a cause for everyone and that having some enjoyment is critical in the success of the Club”.
Chris Neville, Past President Rotary Club of Wilmington
“The turnout and participation at the recent District Membership Forum proves that D7930 is ready to take membership to the next level. The amount of interaction and commitment, coupled with passion and fellowship, shows that our District leaders are a force to be reckoned with. I am honored to be part of this exciting development and growth as we move forward”.
Christa Papavasiliou, Past President Boston Rotaract, District Rotaract Representative – 7930
Letter from Jasmine Bhatia, Recent Global Grant Scholar
Dear Amy,
I hope you are well. It has been some time since I've been in touch, but I wanted to write to you and update you on my activities since I graduated from my MA at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, which was funded in part through Rotary's generous Global Grant Scholarship Program.
While at Fletcher, I specialized in Comparative Politics and International Development and wrote my MA thesis on political conflict in Palestine. My professors and classmates were amazing, and I had a great experience. It was also great to meet other Rotarians while in Boston, and have since come across other Rotary alumni working around the world on Polio eradication and other development programs.
Since I graduated, I have been working abroad as a consultant for Adam Smith International, a UK-based organization that does international development work across the world. Over the past year, I've worked in the Congo, the Middle East, and Afghanistan on projects supporting pro-poor market development, entrepreneurship, and aid effectiveness. At the same time, I have just started a PhD program at Oxford University in the Politics Department, where I hope to conduct research on building political institutions in countries emerging from conflict.
Needless to say, none of these experiences would have been possible without support from Rotary, which allowed me to pursue a career in international development and further studies without worrying about financial debt. I also wanted you to know that I really appreciated your efforts to help me feel welcome when I arrived and I very much enjoyed the Rotary events I attended while living in Boston--it was lovely to meet so many kind and interesting people! I am truly grateful for all of the support I received from Rotary while at Fletcher.
Unfortunately, I am not in Massachusetts much these days, but I am receiving the alumni emails and have been to a couple of Rotary events since I've left--even one in Afghanistan! It is wonderful to be part of such a great network, and I would like to stay connected as much as possible.
Once again, thank you so much for your support, and I hope Rotary will continue the scholarship program for other students--believe me, it makes a world of difference.
All the Best,
Jasmine Bhatia
Letter from Jasmine Bhatia, Recent Global Grant Scholar
Volunteer and Donation Opportunity with Cradles to Crayons
Join Downtown Boston Rotary Club in helping Boston kids in need. On October 28, we are making a volunteer visit to Cradles to Crayons’ Giving Factory Warehouse. We will help out at the site and also bring our own donations. Please bring warm winter clothing, boots, hats and gloves, coats, etc. to donate.
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth to age 12, living in low- income and homeless situations, with the essential items they need to thrive - at home, at school and at play. They supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.
Event Details
What: Donate clothing for needing kids and help out at the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory warehouse. Bring warm winter clothing, boots, hats and gloves, coats, etc. to donate. See donation guidelines below.
How: If you want to participate, let Christian Sandberg, Community Service Director of Downtown Boston Rotary Club, know by October 21st by sending an e-mail to Sandberg.c@gmail.com or calling 617-459-1177.
When: 10/28/2014 6:15 PM for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Where: 155 North Beacon St, Brighton, MA 02135
Parking: There is currently construction around the facility so you are encouraged to carpool when possible and park on the streets surrounding the building---parking is available on North Beacon Street and Etna Street.
you are invited to the World Polio Day Viewing Party
Join the District Polio Team for a Viewing Party on Wednesday, October 29th at 6:30pm at Webster First Federal Credit Union (509 Main Street, Saugus). Come watch the World Polio Day broadcast and enjoy some complementary refreshments!
The Marblehead Rotary Club was pleased to host Gem Munro, co-founder of the Amarok Society as a guest speaker at its weekly luncheon, this past Thursday, October 23, 2014.
Gem Munro shared with the Rotarians, the work his organization does in Bangladeshi slums in educating and empowering women to become neighborhood teachers.
In addition to being Co-Executive Director of the Amarok Society, Gem is also a bestselling author and visual artist, who most recently has directed a documentary film, ‘Heart to Head: the story of Amarok Society Women and how they are being trained to teach the World’s Poorest Children”. Bangladesh is a modern Muslim nation, where literacy is their strongest defense against a growing threat of Muslim extremism.
Gem is a powerful speaker on peace building, human rights, education, and international development. For more information about the “Amarok Society” and its partnership with Rotary International, please visit: www.AmarokSociety.org
The Marblehead Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursdays for lunch at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front Street, Marblehead, MA at 12:15p.m. If you would like to attend a luncheon or join the organization, please visit www.marbleheadrotary.com or contact the club’s secretary, Julie Livingston at: jlivingston@marblebank.com
Photo legend: (from Left to Right)
Gem Munro with Marblehead Rotary Club President, Tanya DeGenova
Marblehead hosts Gem Munro from the Amarok Society
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club completed its first service project of the year this week with a focus on local service. The theme kicked off with a conversation among the 3rd and 5th graders about fostering local change. The kids were given a tour of Town Hall and a lesson on how to propose a change in the community. Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz explained, “The kids were invited to suggest ways on how to make North Reading better. We sat in the Selectmen’s Room and talked about their ideas like better sidewalks for safety. They were really thoughtful about making sure their ideas benefited the most people.” The lesson was concluded with a visit by School Resource Officer Scott Tilton who spoke to the kids about local service. Two weeks later, the students gathered again to decorate cookies as part of their hands-on project to recognize local service. “The kids planned to hand-decorate cookies and deliver them to the police and fire stations,” commented Parent Advisor Leslie Schultz. “They were so excited to decorate, that they finished decorating three dozen cookies in no time!” Once completed, the children walked escorted to the stations and gave the cookies to the on-duty officers along with thank you cards. “It was great that they were able to see the smiles on the officers’ faces and deliver them in person,” Schultz noted.
Photo: EarlyAct students delivered cookies to North Reading Fire and Police
JOIN ROTARIANS FROM SOMERVILLE FOR A NIGHT OF LAUGHS
The Somerville Rotary Club will be holding its annual fund raiser event at the Giggles Comedy Club at 517 Broadway (Route 1) in Saugus on November 6th. Tickets may be purchased through any member of the Somerville Rotary Club. Tickets are $25.00 per person and includes unlimited pizza. Proceeds to benefit local Somerville charities.
AMY'S 10 TIPS ON USING FACEBOOK TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN MEMBERS
Change your banner photo monthly or seasonal to show a variety of members in action,supporting a team, or in season‐themed clothes (think Halloween costumes). This will show that you pay attention to your page and update it regularly… and you’re a fun club.
After posting your new member press release (with photo) on Patch or Wicked Local, use the URL to post to Facebook. This will show the new member that you are recognizing them and it’s big news that they joined your club! You can also scan in a photo from the newspaper clipping of a new member instead of just the photo itself. Posting the clipping shows you made it a big announcement.
Encourage members to “check in” at your club and tag other members with comment such as, “We just heard from and an inspiring speaker, (insert name w/tag), and we are inspired now to……” Checking in is only available if you list your club as a business/organization. If not, you can easily change it but list your address as the location of your meetings vs. your PO box number.
Post quotes from members of all backgrounds once a month with photos about why they joined Rotary and why they STAY in Rotary.
Mention that Rotary is an opportunity to become a humanitarian. Include one example of how your club covers that mission with photo.
Talk about any personal stories from club members regarding their memories of an impactful project or connection with members. Better yet, make it a post on your website then link the URL to your Facebook page. This creates “unique content” for your website and helps grow that following as well.
Use Throwback Thursday as an opportunity to post an old photo and thank the members for their service.
Offer “teasers” such as “Want to know why our club was recognized for…” or post a curious photo from an event or project with the caption, “Come to a meeting and learn how this project impacted an entire community.”
Invite viewers to suggest captions to photos from an event or project and watch the social media engagement jump.
Finally, put out the ASK! Every other week, put out the open invite to visit your club WITH NO COMMITMENT! Be sure to add a club member’s name and contact info with which to RSVP. That person should sit with them at their first meeting. Remember, the best thing you can do is: SHARE WITH A COMMENT!
Additional Tips:
The more people you tag the better
Is your Rotary’s Facebook page listed on your stationary and business cards?
Thank sponsors for events on your page, they are likely to start following you
Some website editors allow you to live stream your Facebook page onto your front page!
Use the “insights” to help guide posts for example, post when your fans are most likely on line. Insights can tell you when that is!
WINCHESTER CHILI FEST 2014 Presented by Winchester Rotary
Saturday November 1, 2014
4:00 PM to 8 PM
Winchester Town Hall Auditorium
Winchester Massachusetts
Tickets: $5 Individuals, $15 Families, $15 Alcohol
Taste and vote for the best chili in Winchester as area restaurants and amateurs compete for best chili. The event is a family friendly event that will include music, food trucks, beer/wine and kids games. Sponsorship and entry opportunities are still available.
I'd like to ask you a personal favor. As I'm sure you're aware, Friday 24 October is World Polio Day. As chair of the District's Polio Plus initiative it is my goal, and certainly the goal of both Rotary International and District 7930, to keep the world wide eradication of polio at the forefront of our clubs' agendas. Your outstanding support at our annual Polar Plunge event is great appreciated and we hope to break every record that was set last year again this year. What better way to begin the drive to set new heights in our 2015 Plunge than dedicate your upcoming meeting the week of 20-24 October to World Polio Day? We're not asking for big donations, save those for the Plunge. Instead, talk up the drive to end this terrible disease, pass the End Polio Now cup, and begin the process early in ramping up enthusiasm for the Big Event in Gloucester in January! We'd like to ask that the Clubs just send in one check for this one time effort and not individuals....leave those recognitions for the Plunge.
You are also invited to the Viewing Party to be held at Webster First Federal Credit Union located at 509 Main Street in Saugus on October 29th at 6:30 pm. The Polar Plunge Committee will be hosting the event which will show the recording of the October 24th live streaming of the event. If you cannot make it to the viewing party, catch it live on October 24th at endpolio.org or set up a viewing party for your club. Please RSVP to polarplunge7930@gmail.com.
Posted by Julia Phelps, Director, Rotary International
TALKING ABOUT MARRIAGE ON THE 1ST DATE ...
That’s what stuck with me from the article I read on membership in the October 2013, Rotarian magazine – we talk about marriage, i.e. joining Rotary, on the first date, instead of getting to know the person we’ve invited to join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In fact, for the next few weeks I found myself talking to Rotarians everywhere I traveled about the ideas shared in that article. Little did I know that three months later I would meet the self-proclaimed Membership Nerd, Kristi Govertsen, who was featured in that article.
We met briefly in the gift shop of the hotel where Pacific Northwest PETS was being held. She had just come in from a run and was soaking wet (it was raining outside) and I had just bought a tube of superglue. Don’t ask me what was said, I can’t remember, but in a matter of minutes we were joking and laughing. I quickly realized that she was indeed an explosion of energy as stated in the article. I wondered however, what on Earth Kristi would have to say at lunch to all of the presidents-elect about membership that would be so motivating. I didn’t have to wait long to see everyone in the room nervously laughing when she described membership conversations that weren’t successful …because we had all had those conversations; to see a room full of Rotarians making a personal commitment to invite a guest to Rotary; and to see a room of future leaders rethinking their plans to grow their clubs.
Now I tell you about this encounter, because I’m very excited that Kristi has agreed to be one of our plenary speakers at the 2014 Zone Institute. Our colleagues out west have had the pleasure to hear her speak and I thought it was time to let Kristi “Reflect on Rotary Membership” and “Light Up” our Institute. I want to encourage all of you to find that October 2013 issue of The Rotarian and read the article about Kristi and membership entitled, Be Nice. Smile. Don’t Make Fun of Your Spouse and check out this story on My Rotary at https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/membership-her-message.
This article originally from the Zone 24/32 newsletter.
The Stone Zoo needs you! We are building a new playground at the zoo in Stoneham and we need volunteers to help. Volunteers will be helping with participant registration, general playground construction, and other day of event tasks like food service and youth activities. There will be food, music, and over 200 wonderful community members having fun building a state-of-the-art playground.
Don’t miss out! Here are the details:
Volunteers are needed from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on October 29th and 30th
Volunteers are needed from 7:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on October 31st (This is the actual build day!)
All volunteers must be 16+. Anyone under age 16 can hang out in our Youth Activities area for the day with our Zoo Educators. All youth must be age 4+ and potty trained! When signing up to volunteer, please notify the Zoo if you will be bringing anyone under age 16.
Volunteers must sign a release form beforehand and cannot wear clothing with visible logos.
November 8th we will have a grand playground opening with signage thanking all of our wonderful volunteers and community partners.
If you have interest in participating please contact Megan McCallister, Stone Zoo Outreach Manager, at mmccallister@zoonewengland.com or 781-438-9503. Also, please share this opportunity with anyone else who might have interest in volunteering!
Would You Like to Help BUild a Playground for Stone Zoo
Yes, it is that time of the year again. District 7930 is accepting applications for Outgoing Global Grant Scholars for Rotary year 2015-2016. As you know, since Rotary International changed the Foundation rules and District 7930 was one of one hundred Pilot Districts around the world, District 7930 has awarded five Global Grant Scholarships totaling $75,000.00 with a RI match of $75,000.00.
We would also like to announce that all information a club or applicant may need is located on the new Global Grant webpage on the District 7930 website.
As of now clubs in District 7930 can begin presenting Outgoing Global Grant Scholarship applicants to the Outgoing Global Grant Scholarship Chair, David Hart from the Malden Club. The application deadline is December 31, 2014. Interview of the applicants will begin in the end of January to the middle part of February.
Rotary District 7930’s first Global Grant Scholar, Liz Powers (pictured at right), received $30,000 in a global grant to study and execute a detailed service project in Ireland.
The Rotary Foundation makes it possible for Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by supporting projects that improve health, support education, and alleviate poverty.
The Annuall Fund is the primary source of funding for Foundation activities. Your contributions help Rotarians carry out a broad range of local and international projects
Every Rotraian is encouraged to participate in a a Foundation project and contribute to the Annual fund every year.
Comedy returns in grand style to the Wyndham Hotel Andover for the Rotary Club of Andover's Annual Comedy Night on October 17, 2014. Once again comic/MC Dave Rattigan brings a cavalcade of comedians with TV, radio, comedy club and casino credentials. The evening is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Andover.
“We love bringing this event to the community,” said Rotary Club president Megan Donovan. “We have worked with Dave Rattigan for several years now and each show gets better and better.
Money raised from the event are used in the good works Rotary does locally, nationally and internationally.
“Rotary is helps support local charities like Lazarus House and the needs of our schools. But we also are helping to eradicate Polio and provide clean drinking water at an international level,” said Donovan.
The annual October event brings seasoned Boston area comics to the Wyndham Hotel. In addition to Rattigan, the evening features three comedians.
An amazing meeting occurred Friday the 12thas Amy Palmerino and Paul Gleason visited the Burlington Club as guest speakers. Amy (left in picture) and Paul are respectively Presidents of the Stoneham and Winchester Clubs and were greeted by the Burlington Club President Sarah Boulos (center in picture).
Amy and Paul spoke of exciting developments and events in Stoneham and Winchester and Rotary moments and that they enjoyed their visit to Burlington.
Sarah presented books to Amy and Paul who signed book plates. The Burlington Club donates books to the Burlington Public Schools.
On Tuesday, October 21, Rotarians will gather at the Sheraton Colonial Boston North Hotel and Conference Center at 1 Audubon Road in Wakefield, MA for exciting programs and new information about the Rotary Foundation and Membership.
Registration begins at 3:15 pm in the Conference Center lobby on the lower level. There will be a plenary in the main Ballroom at 4:00 pm followed by breakout sessions from 4:35 to 6:15 pm.
Ingrid Brown, PDG, Foundation Chair and her committee, and Peter Majane, Membership Chair and his committee will provide training and information on the following topics:
First Session
Freezin’ for a Reason – How to engage your club in the international polio campaign
District, Global Grants and Inbound Scholars – Ideas for projects and how to be a host Club
Club Runner and access to Rotary International for Foundation Chairs – How to access Club reports
Engage New Members: Extraordinary member growth
Second Session
The Rotary Foundation: What’s New and What Does It Mean To You?
Annual Giving Reports – How to Use Them Effectively In Your Club
Membership – Attracting the Next Generation of Rotarians”-Panel Discussion
Fellowship and Dinner with keynote speaker will follow the sessions at approximately 6:15 pm.
Presidents, President-Elects, Foundation and Membership Chairs should not miss this fun and informative forum. This is your chance to get and give ideas to and from other Clubs around the District.
The Sheraton Colonial is right off Rte. 95/128 in Wakefield, approximately 2 miles from the Route 93-Route 95/128 intersection.
District 7930 Youth Exchange Committee hosted Districts 7910, 7950, 7850 and 7870 for a multi-district Inbound Student Orientation at Camp Rotary. The 26 Inbound Students represent 17 different countries. Although it was extremely hot and we had a rockin’ storm Saturday evening, all of the students enjoyed each other and were able to share their concerns, worries and accomplishments since arriving to the US a few short weeks ago. We look forward to seeing other again during the course of the year.
District 7930 welcomes Inbound Youth Exchange Students for 2014-2015: (right to left) Svenja from Germany, Severine from France, Barbara from Hungary, Rayyan from Zanzibar, Pedro from Brazil and Simon from Denmark.
For more information about the Rotary Youth Exchange program, please contact Betsy Manzelli by clicking here!
Will your club implement a new humanitarian project either locally or internationally this Rotary year? If so, please take note that the deadline for submitting a District 7930 Grant application has been extended from August 31, to September 26, 2014. As always first come/first served for qualified applicants who submit applications for projects that meet all guidelines. Please review guidelines below to determine whether your club has a project that is eligible for District funding support.
Is my club eligible?
Rotary clubs from District 7930 who have successfully filed their signed Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the District Foundation Chairman may apply. The clubs must be in
good standing with Rotary International.
How do I link to the DMG application?
Please click on 2014 DMG Application and all applications must be submitted electronically, preferably via the Fillable PDF form.
The 2015 Polar Plunge Committee met on Wednesday, September 10th to begin planning and has some exciting new ideas for this years event. Watch the first video in a series planned for the next 5 months to get you involved and committed to the best Plunge ever. More details to come soon!
On Thursday, Sept. 4, Rachel, a Marblehead High School senior who spent last year as an outbound Rotary International Eastern States Student Exchange Program student in Prague, shared her experience abroad and how it changed her life. She said that she immediately embraced Prague but never forgot where she came from.
This year, her family is now hosting Pedro, an inbound Rotary Exchange Student from Brazil.
Rotary International's Eastern States Student Exchange Program, ESSEX for short, organizes all Rotary high school student youth exchanges for 31 Rotary International districts, which span 16 states in the eastern United States, Bermuda and some parts of eastern Canada. Exchange students study in a foreign school, experience a foreign culture, live with one or more host families, learn a new language and enjoy the opportunity to travel.
For the past several years, the Marblehead Rotary Club, under the leadership of its high school students youth exchange officer Alexander Falk, has enjoyed a vibrant Youth Exchange Program in both short-term and one-year-long student exchanges, both inbound and outbound.
For additional information regarding opportunities to send your teen abroad through one of the Rotary Student Youth Exchange programs or if you would like to host a foreign student in Marblehead, contact Falk at al@falk.us.
The Marblehead Rotary Club meets on Thursday’s at 12:15p.m. for lunch at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front St., Marblehead. For more information about the club or to join, contact the club’s secretary, Julie Livingston, at jlivingston@marblebank.com.
RI President Gary C.K. Huang is urging all Rotary members to Light Up Rotary by organizing a Rotary Day in 2014-15. The concept is simple: hold a fun, informal event in your community to introduce the public to your club and Rotary. You’ll not only improve Rotary’s image in your community, you’ll also boost interest in joining your club.
HOST A ROTARY DAY
Any club, big or small, can host a Rotary Day. Neighboring clubs can pool their resources and co-host an event -- even entire districts can come together for a large-scale Rotary Day. Here are some ideas for your Rotary Day:
An outdoor picnic or barbecue
A sporting event or concert
An event associated with a public parade or festival
An event at a museum, art gallery, or cultural center
A reception or buffet dinner
Find more tips for planning a Rotary Day visit Rotary Days!
The Wakefield, Saugus and Reading Clubs to Support Friends Forever
The Rotary Clubs of Wakefield, Saugus, and Reading teamed up again this year to sponsor a team of teens from Israel and Palestine through the Friends Forever, USA organization. Started by a Danvers Rotarian Robert Raiche, Friends Forever seeks to build long-lasting peace in war-torn countries by providing young people with personal experiences in peace. Based on the life-raft model, 5 Muslim teens and 5 Jewish teens visit the US and complete a service-based program. Their goal: to get to know each other, their differences and common interests, with the aim of gaining a life-long connection. When the teens return home, they will be challenged to keep their lessons learned here, alive in their home communities.
Photo: Saugus President Doug Currier and Wakefield President Bob Mailhoit pose with Israeli teens from Friends Forever
On September 6th , the Rotary Club of Haverhill will once again hold their annual fundraising event known as the Rubber Duck Regatta. 10,000 rubber ducks will plunge into the Merrimack River off the Comeau Bridge and spectators will cheer as the ducks race down the river towards the finish line. The proceeds that come from adoption of the rubber ducks will be donated to over 40 Merrimack Valley charities including the Haverhill Boys and Girls Club, Council on Aging, the Haverhill Historical Society, Haverhill Public Library, the Salvation Army, the YMCA, and others.
The person adopting the duck that reaches the finish line first will win $10,000 donated by Rockingham Toyota Honda of Salem, NH. The second place winners will win a weekend getaway in the White Mountains. Those wishing to donate and earn a chance to win the grand prize should log on towww.adoptaducktoday.com.
Jimmy Tingle will be performing at the Manninen Center for Arts at Endicott College on Sunday, October 5th, 2014 at 4:00 pm. Regular ticket price is $25.00 per person. You can be assured that this performance will end with enough time to get home to watch the 8:30 pm Patriots game. There are also a limited number of reserved seats and an opportunity to "Mingle with Tingle" following the performance for $45.00. If you are interested in meeting Jimmy, please make sure that you order your tickets early and they are only available from the The Rotary Club of Beverly.
You can reseerve you tickets as follows:
Mail: The Rotary Club of Beverly, PO Box 201, Beverly, MA 01915 (Please write "Tingle" on the check)
Support Global Grant Alum in Quest to Empower the Homeless
Liz Powers was the first Rotary Global Grant Scholar in Rotary District 7930. Liz is a social entrepreneur who has received multiple grants and awards for her work. As a Global Grant Scholar from 2011-2012 she founded an art show for homeless artists and earned a MSc from the University of Edinburgh.
Liz's Global Grant Scholarship was revolutionary for her growth as a social entrepreneur. After 8 years of working with homeless individuals, she is continuing on her path to empower individuals who could use a helping hand.
In December of 2013, Liz and her brother Spencer Powers founded ArtLifting, an art gallery that features the work of homeless and disabled artists. The artists receive the majority of the profit of each sale. This young company achieved early success. Liz and the ArtLifting team were selected as residents in the Harvard Innovation Lab. After competing against 1700 teams, ArtLifting was selected as one of the 128 finalists for MassChallenge, the largest startup accelerator in the world.
Donate to help Liz empower more homeless and disabled artists.
Sydelle Pittas has moved from New England and is now a full-time, year-round resident of Longboat Key, Florida (Sarasota County). In the short time there, she has founded the Rotary Club of Longboat Key. Now at 26 members, they expect their Charter in the fall of 2014 from District 6960. Sydelle is a past president of the Rotary Club of Winchester, MA and the winner of the Governor's Cup in 2003. She and club members are pictured in the photo painting a room their club adopted, as part of the for restoration for the new home of Selah Freedom, where former sex trafficking victims will reside for rest and rehabilitation.
It is amazing, our past members are helping to grow Rotary beyond our district.
Former District 7930 Rotarian Charters New Rotary Club in Longboat Key
Having a dynamic and inspiring speaker at your club's meeting can be a powerful way to retain and attract members.
The task of finding quality speakers can be daunting! District 7930 has created a speaker bureau database to help clubs share and find speakers who have presented for clubs and been well received. Please check it out by going to the District website and clicking on "Speaker Database" on the left side of the home page. We have a list of specific names as well as a list of Rotary programs available to your club. This list is growing so be sure to check back in often! Right now there are enough suggested programs to fill in most of the Rotary year! Click here to view the Speaker Database.
If your club has had a great speaker please send in their name and contact information to PDG Terri Kidder at terrikidder@yahoo.com.
Keith Harris, after 187 miles of pedaling, arrived in Pittsfield, MA on August 10, 2014 at midnight. He rode by the light of the moon, pedaling down old Route 20, heading home. And home he will be on August 16, 2015. He’ll be dipping his wheel in the Atlantic around 1:00 PM, and then pedaling to the Newburyport Brewing Company at 4 New Pasture Road, Newburyport, MA. There will be a reception there from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm, with munchies, a cash bar and cash soft drinks, and District 7930 comradery. There will be a band starting at 5:00 pm for those that would like to hang out following the reception.
1st Vision Facilitation at the Rotary Club of Stoneham
On August 5 2014, the District 7930 Visioning Training Team held the first Club Visioning session with The Rotary Club of Stoneham with 14 great Rotarians, including President Amy Palmerino. I was very excited and motivated to see the Stoneham Rotarians engage, discuss and articulate where the Club is, where it wants to go and how they need to achieve maximum success.
The training team did an outstanding job in creating an environment that supported the Club members to really identify and target goals and to assist them in what will work best for the The Rotary Club of Stoneham!
Without a doubt, the Stoneham Rotarians will continue to make a difference in their community.
I would strongly suggest that every Club in our District take advantage of yet another resource in which our District has to offer to our Clubs – Club Visioning! If you are interested, please contact Peter Majane at peter.majane@gmail.com.
David Manzi, DGE
1st Vision Facilitation at the Rotary Club of Stoneham
On August 14th, the Saugus, Reading and Wakefield Rotary Clubs will be holding a joint meeting for a presentation by Friends Forever. Saugus, Reading and Wakefield sponsored the Friends Forever Program this summer, with a teen team from Israel.
The cost of the event is $15, and will be held at Prince Pizza on Route 1 in Saugus at 12:00 noon. If you are interested in attending, please contact me by e-mail (rcgravino@aol.com) by next Monday, and I will pass the number of reservations on to the Saugus Club for meal preparation purposes.
Friends Forever Mission Statement
Friends Forever is a 501c3 non profit organization with a mission to promote trust, empathy, and friendships among cultures in conflict. WE do this by recruiting and selecting highly motivated youth from these areas to participate in a year long program that begins with a two week "Life Raft" in select US Host Communities. Visit their website to learn more!
Saugus and Wakefield Clubs Friends Forever Fundraiser
The North Andover Rotary Club sponsors their Interact students working at International Medical Equipment Collaborative in North Andover on each first Saturday of the month from 10am - 1pm. They load pallets of re-purposed medical supplies and equipment for shipment to countries in need of medical suites as identified by various non-governmental organizations around the world.
Every pallet is said to touch 2,000 lives. This is a service day where concrete proof trumps tragedy. Any and all Rotarians or Interact students are welcome to join. Contact President Chris Carroll at 978 729 4821.
District Governor Peter Simonsen's Message for July 2014
Welcome to our new Rotary Year 2014 – 2015 our theme for this year is “Light up Rotary". I would first like to look back and thank PDG John Hall, his leadership team and his first class Presidents for a great year. There was strong growth in membership and record breaking fundraising for the Polar Plunge. Throughout the district there is new energy and momentum in building stronger clubs. There is a strong base of dedicated Rotarians ready to help support and strengthen the clubs of our District 7930. The challenge for our District Leadership and “Best Class Presidents” is to maintain the positive momentum, and continue to build membership growth and the Rotary International Foundation support.
Rotary International President Gary CK Huang has selected “Light up Rotary” for our theme this year. He has asked each of our clubs to highlight their activities in their communities. Please forward to your Assistant Governors activities we can highlight at the District level and International level. One activity we are exploring is having a Rotary Day at a Revolution soccer match in Foxboro. This would be centered as a family event and include two or three district from the area.
RI President Gary is committed to build membership in Rotary worldwide to 1,300,000. Rotary International has had a three year plan 2012 – 2015 to build membership to that level. The membership of Rotary at the beginning of the 2013-2014 year was approximately 1,215,000. Last year District 7930 had net growth of 68 members, which was the best membership growth in over a decade. Over one half of our clubs had net growth. Three Rotary clubs in our District led the growth: Beverly 19, Lynnfield 9, Marblehead Harbor 9. This year we will continue to focus on membership retention and growth. The Board of Directors of Rotary International has authorized a “New Member Sponsor Recognition Program" where sponsors of new members will be recognized with colored disks to be worn with their Rotary Pin. Rotary is an organization that attracts like minded people who truly want to make a positive difference in their community and the world. We need to work towards making sure that every new and existing member of every club has an opportunity to make a difference. As we look for new members, I ask that you first consider diversity. We need to seek more diverse members and I believe we should have an overarching goal of having membership evenly split between women and men.
We will continue to focus our training to make the administration of our clubs easier. Last year we focused on how to use Club Runner and Club Central. The club reporting and administration to Rotary International has become more sophisticated. We have taken on the job of better communication and breaking down the barriers to operate our clubs.
Our first District event is Monday October 21, 2014 Membership and Foundation Forum that will be held at the Sheraton in Lynnfield. Please keep check our web site for details and I ask that you register early.
Thank you for your support of Rotary International and I look forward to meeting each of you in the year ahead.
The Swampscott Rotary Club will sponsor its annual golf tournament on Monday, July 28, 2014 at Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead. If any Rotarians/friends of Rotarians are interested in golfing in the tournament or sponsoring the event please download the flyer. The funds raised will be used for scholarships for high school seniors entering college, and any funds raised in excess of those needed to fund the scholarships will be used for Swampscott Rotary Club’s selected charities.
The Northeast Arc Picnic – August 9th
Each summer for the past 30+ years, the Swampscott Rotary Club has invited local disabled adults to enjoy a picnic on the grounds of Marian Court College, a beautiful spot overlooking the Swampscott coastline. The Club generally hosts 150-175 guests for food, dancing, and fun. This year’s picnic will be held on Saturday, August 9th at noon. Any Rotarians who would like to help out at this unique event are invited to stop by to flip some burgers or to have some fun with the attendees!
Duct Tape Regatta
The Swampscott Rotary Club hosted the annual Duct Tape Regatta at Fisherman’s Beach on June 21st. It was a great event to raise money for clean water initiatives that are near and dear to the Club’s heart. Homemade boats participated in the race, and the Interact Club from Marblehead High School won the race and claimed the prestigious trophy for 2014. The weather was beautiful, the water was cold, and all participants and cheerleaders had a blast and raised money for a great cause.
The 2014-15 District Directories have been printed and distributed to the Assistant Governors who will in turn provide each club 10 copies.
There are some new features in the directory which you might find interesting and useful:
The book has been converted to a perfect-bound book which allows is to lay flat when closed and is now a cream color to differentiate from prior years. In addition, the text Rotary International District 7930 Directory is printed on the spine.
On the inside front cover there is a fold out leaf with QR Codes for each of the major website pages for the district. If you do not have a QR Reader on your phone or tablet, you can add one by visiting your online store and download any one of several free readers. By scanning the specific QR Code, you will be brought directly to the website page where you can access the information contained on the page. You might want to check out the NEW Speaker Database for suggestions for future meeting presentations or the District Facebook page to see what is happening real time around the district,
When you fold out the cover, you will find the district map along with a listing by day of when the clubs meet and their web address. Optionally you can scan that QR Code to be brought to the complete club directory which will provide live links to each clubs website, an email link to the current president and the ability to link to a map of their meeting location.
In addition to the full calendar on pages 20 and 21, you will find a condensed calendar on the leaf on inside back cover.
When you fold out the back cover, you will find the 2014-15 District Leadership Team complete with phone and email addresses.
Both the front sleeve and the back sleeve can actually be used as bookmarks to provide quick referencing of pages you use most.
If you happen to find any errors, omissions or updates that you would like to report, please send them directly to David Gardner at djg@boydsdirect.com at your earliest convenience. It is also important for you to update your personal or club records in ClubRunner as soon as possible. That way, when members search for information on ClubRunner it will be current as well.
The most recent, updated version of the directory will be available online, but only if you log in as we are striving to protect the information that is contained in the book from anyone not a member of a club in our district. If you need help signing in, please click herefor a video to help in retrieving you login information.
Hope you enjoy your Rotary year and continue to make a difference in your commuity and around the world!
The Gloucester Rotary celebrated its 92nd birthday at a special meeting held at the YMCA’s Camp Spindrift on June 17. As part of the celebration, the club honored long time member Howard Frisch for his commitment to Rotary and the community of Gloucester. Specifically, Howard chaired the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast for 25 years, along with co-Chair Charlie Foster. The club presented Howard with a Paul Harris award as a special thank you for his many years of “Service Above Self.”
For more information about the Gloucester Club’s activities, please visit our new website at www.gloucesterrotary.us.
Tickets are now available to the annual Gloucester Rotary Comedy Night, featuring Jim Lauletta, Stephen Bjork, Abhishek Shah, and Boston’s Dave Rattigan on Thursday, August 28, at Cruiseport Gloucester. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. This event always sells out!!
Don’t miss this evening of fun and laughter! Tickets are $25 each, and are available from any Gloucester Rotarian or at Carroll K. Steele Insurance, 32 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA.For more information, contact Ruth Pino (ruth@ruthpino.com).
For more information about the Gloucester Club’s activities, please visit our new website at www.gloucesterrotary.us.
BOSTON ROTARACT EXTRAVAGANZA We have a lot to be Thankful For!
Come celebrate an amazing year and decade of our club. Tickets are on sale online at here, or RSVP to Christa at president@bostonrotaract.org. Looking forward to seeing you Friday, August 1st!
PEDALING FOR A PURPOSE - OLYMPIC PENINSULA TO PLUM ISLAND
On June 15th District 7930 and Ipswich Rotarian Keith Harris dipped the rear wheel of his bicycle into the Pacific Ocean to begin an epic solo ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic, a distance of over 4,400 miles. Keith began his journey on the Olympic Peninsula, near Seattle, Washington, and will end at the beach on Plum Island, Newburyport, Massachusetts on or about August 9th. As he nears the halfway point of his journey, he already has crossed the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Idaho, and the Rocky Mountains in Montana and Wyoming. After recently crossing the Badlands of South Dakota, he entered Iowa on July 20th.
Along the way, Keith has posted a public journal on his Facebook page. From his journal, we can feel the life changing effects this trip is having on Keith. The stories run the full gamut, from dramatic to heart-warming. For example, the story of his ride down the 10,900 foot high Beartooth Highway in Montana is a white knuckle thriller. After rising 3,000 feet from Yellowstone Park, the beautiful but treacherous road descends a heart pounding 4,500 feet in the next 30 miles. Even more impressive are the many stories of unexpected kindness and generosity from a host of strangers Keith has met along the way. Some of these people, especially the Native Americans, have little to give but freely share what they have. At its core, this is what this trip is about, improving lives any way we can.
To read more of Keith’s online journal, and to follow his progress during the second half, go to www.pedalingforapurpose.com or log on to Keith’s Facebook page,“Pedaling for a Purpose”. It’s an amazing saga, and it may change your life. If you take the time to read several entries, you may get hooked and read for more than an hour or so. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the ride! You can help make Keith’s ride even more meaningful by donating to The Rotary Foundation. To do so, just click the link to his website. If you are a Rotarian, please be sure you note that so that your contribution will receive credit in your personal account.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will host its annual summer social on Tuesday, July 22, with a sunset cruise around Cape Ann aboard the Privateer.
All Rotarians and friends are welcome!
Snacks, finger sandwiches, cash bar and on-board DJ. Boarding begins at 6:30 pm at the 7 Seas Wharf (63 Rogers Street, Rte 127, Downtown Gloucester). Cruise departs at 7 pm, returns to dock at 10 pm.
$25 per person.
For information & reservations, call Brad Pierce at 978-884-9999. The boat can handle 150 guests-- last minute walk-ons are welcome! RSVP in advance if possible to help with headcount.
RYLA PARTICIPANTS ENJOY WEEKEND OF FELLOWSHIP AND LEARNING
RYLA 2014 was a huge success. Combining great weather, super excited participants, well-trained seniors, committed Rotarians and program specific staff with an incredibly rich program designed to challenge leadership principles led to a weekend of personal development for 76 sophomores and juniors from schools around the district. Participants are organized by families of 9 or 10, with 1 or 2 senior staff and a Rotarian who acts as an advisor to the seniors and the family as requested. After a few ice-breaking games, the program began with creating a family banner designed to capture the personalities of the family and its members. Then it was time for a unique experience. Setting the tone for the weekend, Act – Lead – Inspire, was a challenge to break a pine board with your hand. During this two hour presentation, the facilitator prepared everyone, youth and adult alike, to understand the physical and mental aspects of accomplishing such a feat! Believe it or not, all 120 people in attendance achieved the goal. The excitement was amazing.
The Rotary year ends in one short month but I have to say that it has been a truly satisfying personal experience. My joy comes from the fact that our District 7930 team had done a truly great job in taking on Rotary International’s primary goals. Specifically, the top goal is to eradicate polio from the world. And, our district responded by raising what should end up being $100,000 for Polio Plus. It is truly a magical number when matched against all measures in Rotary. The second key goal was to reverse the district’s steadily declining membership total. Well, it is clear that our steadfast focus on growth and with a strong dose of truly great leadership at the club level we have far exceeded our goal, which was to expand by 48 members (one per club).
The actual growth number is being reconciled by Membership Chair, Peter Majane and my Aide, Dave Gardner. At this writing we have a handful of clubs that are completing the updates needed to have our membership data accurate. Based on the work to date, we have a solid 70 member growth number for the year, which is 146% of goal. However, there are 15 to 20 new members that have not been accounted for as yet. Therefore, I am optimistic that we will have additional growth before the end of June. Congratulations to all for this incredible achievement.
I also want to direct your attention to an article about The District Conference that was written by Governor’s Aide, Dave Gardner. I am clearly biased but I must say that it was the very best conference that I have attended. The theme was Fun, Fun and More Fun, and that was achieved. There was positive energy throughout the conference and, based on the feedback I received, Rotarians and guests had a genuinely great time.
The City of Portland, ME certainly contributed as it has undergone significant development and it is alive with opportunities for fun and excitement. But, my favorite part of the weekend was Saturday evening’s “March of Presidents”. This was my way of recognizing every club President for their significant contributions and leadership. Each came forward with their respective club banner and received various citations and awards that were earned by their clubs. The District team exists to support the clubs and their leadership. Accordingly, this was an appropriate and just form of recognition. Notably, DGE Peter Simonsen will have another March of Presidents next year and we both hope that every club President will be present at the conference.
Thanks to each or you for your dedicated commitment to Rotary and for helping District 7930 achieve its goals, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all of you as we “Engaged Rotary and Changed Lives”.
All my best to the best,
John S. Hall
District Governor, District 7930
This year's District Conference might have been as exciting and as fun as any other of recent memory. The entire weekend was filled with great fellowship, enjoyable programs, great food and a tremendous venue. Portland, Maine is a great friendly city, accessible by foot with great history, restaurants and night life. Over 120 Rotarians, family and friends gathered to celebrate an extraordinary Rotary year and all left believing in our mission and excited to continue to do the great work of Rotary with our fellow members throughout the District.
The balance of the article is written from the notes of our extremely engaged Rotary International Representative, PDG Bernie Riedel. Bernie and his wife Nancy are from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and commented throughout the weekend how much fun they had and how lucky we are to be in such a great district. So, from his notes to you!
Bernie said that the conference was "interesting" and provided so much great fellowship and camaraderie. In fact, he said "wish we could put your enthusiasm in a can and share it with other districts".
He thanked Conference Co-chairs Joan Arsenault and DGN David Manzi for a well planned and executed conference
Bernie was amazed with the success of the 2014 Polar Plunge which is likely to raise $100,000 locally, and when matched with the 2-1 matching grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will result in a total contribution of $300,000 to help eradicate Polio. Special congratulations to Fred deNapoli and Bob Gravino for organizing such a great event.
In an era of shrinking membership, our district's commitment to recruit and retain members is encouraging, especially as we approach 90-100 new members in the 2013-2014 Rotary year. Bernie congratulated Peter Majane and DG John Hall for their leadership in building the Rotary family.
Boston Rotaract's very own Christa Papavasiliou brought great excitement to the weekend, from the breakout about engaging new Rotarians to her effervescent personality. Bernie was so impressed and believed that she was already a Rotarian, only to find out that she currently was a member of Rotaract. He knows that she will migrate to Rotary and "she will be an invaluable member for many, many years".
Another initiative that Bernie learned about was our new ElderAct program. He had not previously heard about ElderAct but will be sure to bring this idea back to his district for consideration.
Bernie and Nancy were treated with Terri Kidder and Mike as their aides for the weekend. Bernie was so thankful and said "They knew when to be there and when we needed a little space". Furthermore, he regretted not being able to join them for the Pub Crawl.
Finally, Bernie said "DG John Hall takes something difficult and makes it look easy". He hopes that he continues to build momentum, fellowship and great camaraderie. "Congratulations on a Great Rotary year and Conference."
So there you have it, the story behind the story. For those of you who attended, we hope that you return year after year and bring along some more Rotarians with you next year. If you missed it, you need to make it a priority to attend the 2015 Conference which will celebrate the Rotary year under the leadership of Peter Simonsen.
Fore a more detailed description of the weekend, please click on Read more...
North Reading EarlyActors Active During School Vacation
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club completed its latest project last week during April vacation week. Earlier this month, Elder Services Director Mary Prenney visited the children and spoke about how often times, seniors are in need of some cheer. “Sometimes, when you get older,” Prenney explained, “it brings a lot of joy to chat with younger people. Often times, a senior is home alone for many hours and it can get lonely. ”Quickly after her presentation, the children began planning their service project in partnership with Maureen Hickey from the Housing Authority. Forty flower pots were hand-painted by the students and set with sealer. Last week, the children met at Peabody Court with
forty bright flowers donated by Boston Flower Market. With the help of some adult volunteers, the children carefully planted the flowers and hand-delivered them to every resident of Peabody Court. EarlyAct parent volunteer Samantha Miller explained, “The kids were so happy to see the smiles on the faces of the seniors
when we surprised them with flowers. They even got some ideas on how they can help out again in the Fall."
EarlyAct students delivered 40 flowers to the residents of Peabody Court last week.
EarlyAct student Hayley helped to hand pot the 40 plants.
EarlyAct Club students Brett, Jacob, Eddie, Hayley and Trevor were among the 11 students who participated in the project.
14 US Open Golf Trophy Club Tickets
and Hotel Package at the Pinehurst Resort
Through a generous donor we have an exciting item released for immediate auction. We are pleased to offer a 2014 US Open Golf Trophy Club Tickets and Hotel Package at the Pinehurst Resort for auction with check-in on Friday June 13th through check-out on Monday June 16th.
Due to the time frame of the item, it is listed in advance of the Winchester Rotary Golf Tournament on May 19th. This item is currently listed on eBay with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the Winchester Rotary Club Charitable Fund.
Please take a look and bid as desired and forward to anyone who might be interested. Auction closes May 5th.
Join us for an outstanding youth leadership and learning event!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Ipswich River Park Pavilion, North Reading
Please register by June 2, 2014
Each Interact Club is invited to send up to 5 students. Please complete the attached registration form. Download the form for registration here!
Financial aid may be available. This Summit is first-come-first serve and has a maximum capacity.
Schedule and additional information can be obtained from by clicking on Read more!
Spring signals the beginning of what will I hope will be warmer weather and an end to the dreadful winter that we experienced this year. However, New Englanders are a hearty bunch and we always find a way to make the best of every season. In District 7930, the winter months proved to be very successful, as we continued to grow membership in our clubs at a record pace and we set a new record for funds raised by the District Polar Plunge in February.
To be more specific, my goal for membership growth for the year was + 48, or the equivalent of one per club. Today we are +71 and there are 12 candidates for membership in process. District 7930 has rebounded from many years of steadily declining membership and in my opinion it is due to inspirational leadership at the club level. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our great group of club presidents.
Mediterranean Night at Ithaki, April 29, featuring the spectacular Melina
On April 29, the Ipswich Rotary Club will present the 4th annual Mediterranean Night at Ithaki. The proceeds from this event will benefit Rotary’s community projects and youth programs in Ipswich and Rowley.
This year’s featured performer will be Melina of “Daughters of Rhea”, a second-generation belly dance artist who grew up dancing professionally in Greece with her mother Rhea and her sister Piper. Melina is a world-class entertainer who has appeared at prestigious venues all over the world. The Four Season Hotel described Melina's dancing as "elegant and entertaining. Outrageously so.” Her stunning performance will include her world-famous, one of a kind, sword-on-dagger balancing act. This truly is an evening you do not want to miss.
D7930 Conference Service Project - Collecting Children’s Books
The Burlington Breakfast and Lunch Rotary Clubs will be collecting new children’s books to be donated to a local Elementary School in the District Governor’s home City of Salem, MA. New Children’s books should be accumulated by individual clubs, then brought to the District Conference at the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel Portland on May 2, 2014 for distribution. If you need somebody to pick up books from your club, please contact your Assistant Governor.
There will be a special recognition for the club which donates the most new children’s books. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jim Babbin at jimb13@verizon or your Assistant Governor.
District 7930 has approved the establishment of the new ElderAct Club, a service Club for senior citizens, run by senior citizens and sponsored by a local Rotary Club. ElderActors are committed, willing and capable of making major contributions to improve the quality of life through effective leadership, by addressing specific physical and social needs and promoting goodwill, understanding and peace in their communities and the world.
Please consider sponsoring an ElderAct Club. Information is available at the District 7930 ElderAct page by clicking here!
Can the District reach 2,000 Rotarians by June 30th?
District Governor John Hall and Peter Majane would like to thank the Club Presidents, Membership Chairs and all members in the District for attracting and inducting new Rotarians. This is a winning combination and the evidence is in! Membership is 1,984, well over the goal +48 during this Rotary year. In fact, we are now plus 71, with many scheduled to induct prior to June 30, 2014.
Let’s continue the great membership growth and surpass 2,000 before June 30th.
This year's District Assemby focused on how the District can help clubs succeed. From the Grant Qualifications Seminar, to the breakout sessions to our keynote speaker, Liz Cullen, everything was tailored to help club leadership succeed in their responsibilities and goals.
Over 150 Rotarians from nearly every club in the district was represented and was treated to a great afternoon and evening of training, fellowship and a great meal. This is a winning combination and the evidence is in! As of last evening, membership is now at 1986, fourteen shy of the attainable level of 2,000, well over the goal of DG John Hall of +48. In fact, we are now plus 71, with 12 or so in the queque.
Liz Cullen, PDG from District 7980 and now a member of District 7930, was our keynote speaker and delivered a meaningful message about clubs being the most important part of the Rotary world. Clubs deliver service while it is the responsibility of the district to support the clubs in their mission. That is what this year's Assembly was all about.
Video Tour of Portland Maine - Site of the 2014 District Conference
"Finally, spring has arrived and starting the District Conference with an old-fashioned lobster clambake sounds like the right way to celebrate our great year. Please reconsider your schedule and please come and enjoy the fun!"
John Hall, District Governor 2013-2014
If your browser does not support or display this video,click here!
Hope to see all of you there to celebrate a great year of Rotary in District 7930. Share your club's success stories with other clubs and help us expand the service we offer to our communities and the world. This year promises something exciting for everyone, and DG John guarantees that you will have fun. We are only three weeks away from the weekend, so if you have not registered, please do so soon.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will host “A Night at the Races” on Friday, May 16, at 6:30 pm at Cruiseport Gloucester at 6 Rowe Square in Gloucester. The evening will feature videotaped horse races, raffles, a cash bar, food and lots of fun!
Admission is $20 per person. Tickets are available at BankGloucester, Rockport National Bank, and from Gloucester Rotarians. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund repairs to the Antonio Gentile Bandstand at Stage Fort Park.
Volunteering is a way of life in Andover and annually recognizing extraordinary volunteers who contribute beyond their normal job description is what the Rotary Club of Andover has been doing for 17 years with Citizens Who Care and the last 6 years with Educator of the Year. “Our Club believes in ‘service above self’ as a way of life, yet it can be under the radar for recognition, so this event is one way for the community at large to say thank you to deserving citizens,” commented Bob Lavoie. President, Rotary Club of Andover.
The May 8th recognition event starts at 6pm at the Wyndham Andover Hotel. Recipients were selected from a larger pool of nominees by a Rotarian committee and the Educator of the Year was selected from a pool of nominees by a committee of 3 Andover educators. The spirit of volunteerism is embodied in gallery portraits of each recipient for display throughout the year in Andover Town Hall, several banks, commercial buildings and eventually archived at the Andover Historical Society.
Tickets are $50 per person including a gourmet dinner and can be purchased at www.rotaryandover.org.
Danvers Rotary Announces their Annual Kentucky Derby Day
Danvers Rotary is holding a Kentucky Derby Day party and fundraiser on the day of the annual horse race. It will be held at the former offices of the United States Olympic level training grounds in Hamilton MA. on Saturday May 3, from 4-8 pm.
Henry's dining will cater and there will be games, a ladies hat contest, raffles and live viewing of the Derby race. A free welcome Mint Julep is included with every ticket. The beautiful equestrian estate setting will be the perfect backdrop for a grand afternoon of tradition and elegance. Tickets in advance are $50 and are available online at www.danversrotary.org
North Reading Community EarlyAct Thinks About Military Overseas
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club is happy to announce the completion its first project earlier this month. “Being our first project, we wanted the kids to participate in something tangible,” explained Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz. “Everyone on the team quickly decided we should do something for active duty military overseas.” The group of 15 students, grades 3-5 met and hand-made over 25 thank you cards for troops. Kids were encouraged to include messages of hope, thanks, and what life is like here in North Reading.
Recently, almost 30 volunteers from District 7930 received training in a very successful program, Club Visioning.
The Visioning process is designed to help Rotary Clubs create their own vision and to discover the steps necessary to achieve that shared vision. The result is unique to each Club because this is not a vision decided by District 7930 or by Rotary International. The result is a vision designed and endorsed by the Club’s own members.
This new initiative will be formally introduced during a session at the District Assembly which a few members of your Club's leadership team should attend!
If you want to learn more, continue reading the article or go to the Vision Facilitation Page that provides much more information.
How Can Rotarians Help Recruit and Retain Engaged Members?
First of all, begin to ask yourself not only why you joined Rotary, but why you have continued to remain active. Perhaps it was fellowship, community service, networking or some other reason. If any of these items attracted you, then they will probably create interest in Rotary from others as well.
Have you recently hosted an event or project or are planning something in the near future that you would like to share with your fellow Rotarians from around District 7930? The new weekly eBulletin will depend on the content provided by clubs so please be sure to submit your stories and we will publish them on the district website and in the next eBulletin. Please submit the text for the article and the graphics that you would like to use as separate files and send to djg@boydsdirect.com.
If you are a webmaster, a story editor, a public relations chair or any other committee chair you should consider submitting stories that showcase your club or event and possibly interest Rotarians from around the district to get involved. You can submit stories via the new portal here!
If you want some guidelines on creating stories, please read more!
Do You Want to Learn to Post Stories and Create eBulletins?
Have you recently hosted an event or project or are planning something in the near future that you would like to share with your fellow Rotarians from around District 7930? The new weekly eBulletin will depend on the content provided by clubs so please be sure to submit your stories and we will publish them on the district website and in the next eBulletin. Please submit the text for the article and the graphics that you would like to use as separate files and send to djg@boydsdirect.com.
If you are a webmaster, a story editor, a public relations chair or any other committee chair you should submit a story that showcases your club and attract other Rotarians from around the District to participate. Click here to go to the story submission portal!
If you want some guidelines on creating stories, please read more!
RYLA 2014 will take place at Camp Rotary, Boxford, MA on Friday May 30 through Sunday June 1, 2014. Eighty RYLAians will make up eight families and experience everything from ropes courses to group challenges. Ask any graduating RYLArian, it is a life changing weekend!
This year, both High School Juniors and Sophomores are invited as the program migrates from a Junior program to a Sophomore program. Each Rotary Club in our district is allowed to send up to 5 students at $150 each. Applications are due to your club RYLA representative very soon then send the selections and payments to:
Tracy Arabian Rotary Club of Gloucester 109 Main Street
Rockport MA 01966.
Participants are accepted based on date received, and once 80 applications are received, all remaining applications will be placed on the wait list. Don't let your youth miss out! Submit the applications as soon as possible. Eighty RYLAians will make up eight families and experience everything from ropes courses to group challenges. Ask any graduating RYLArian, it is a life changing weekend!
See your club RYLA representative for more information or contact Jim Babbin, Youth Services Chair at jimb13@verizon.net or ryla7930@yahoo.com or visit the RYLA page for applications and additional details.
For more information on Advanced RYLA, click on read more!
An Exciting Program for the 2014 District Assembly
Don't miss the last chance to register!
Deadline is Tuesday, April 15th at noon!
Under the leadership of DGE Peter Simonsen, the District Assembly on April 16, 2014 promises something for everyone. Learn about Rotary International's Vision for 2014-2015 - Let's Light Up Rotary!
The Grants Qualification Seminar begins at noon, and every incoming President and at least one other club member are required to participate in this training in order to apply for a District Managed Grant. For clubs who have not received a grant recently, remember this is the process that returns Rotary International Foundation dollars to clubs in our district for local service projects. There is too much to gain for Rotary doing good in the world not to take the training, develop a meaningful project in one of the Six Areas of Focus, and then to deliver that project to your community.
Registration opens at 3:00 pm with the Plenary beginning at 4:00 pm. See the agenda for more details!
Bid on an Atlantis Bahamas Timeshare to Benefit the Rotary Foundation
The District has been given a gift to auction off for the benefit of the Rotary Foundation. The gift is a deeded time-share for a week of your choosing between June through September at the incredible resort ATLANTIS, on Paradise Island, Bahamas. The donor, who shall remain anonymous, would like to ensure that all proceeds got to OUR Foundation.
The time-share will be auctioned off now, with the final bidding occurring at the dinner at District Conference.
Sealed bids will be accepted by your District Treasurer, Bob Wood at 11 Rainbow Ridge Way, Georgetown, MA 01833 from April 1 until April 30th. No sealed bids will be accepted after April 30th. Bidding will start at $5,000. The highest sealed bid will be the starting bid at dinner at District Conference. Governor John will be the auctioneer.
Join fellow Rotarians and friends for an April Fools Comedy Night hosted by the North Shore's premier Improv troupe "Accidentally On Purpose” at Finz Restaurant in Salem form 7-10 pm. The comedians will be performing their comical Improv insanity in the style of the TV show " Whose Line is it Anyway". This evening of hilarity is an “R” rated event and you must be at least 21 to attend. The festivities will start off with a joke contest featuring prizes & specialty drinks. Then AOP will regale the audience with it's own captivating silliness. There will be a cash bar & a full appetizer menu available. Admission will be $20 with 25% of the ticket price being donated to the Rotary Club Polio Plus. AOP shows have sold out in the past so come early as tickets are only available at the door. Only a Fool would miss it.
The Japanese Consulate visits the Rotary Club of Medford
On Thursday, February 27, 2014, Medford Rotary members David Keane, President Jen Sanders and Pat Theberge had the opportunity to attend a reception and dinner hosted by The Consul General of Japan, Akira Muto. They were joined by other guests from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine, all presenting and discussing their various Sister City/State relationships with Japan. "It was a great experience. Pat, David and I were very glad to be a part of this event. We were able to hear what has worked well for these other programs and bring back some ideas to help our own program." said President Jen Sanders
Rotarian David Keane, Consul General Akira Muto, Medford Rotary President Jen Sanders and Rotarian Pat Theberge.
Congratulations to our wonderful team of Club Presidents! After many years of steady decline in district membership, the district has grown by 59 members vs. a goal of 48. This is concrete evidence that our district has positive energy and is engaging Rotarians. But, we still have 3 ½ months left in our Rotary year and I know that many clubs are just starting to pursue home-based business owners in their area. Let’s all finish strong and position our clubs and the district for even greater growth in the year ahead.
Speaking of next year, our Presidents-elect and Assistant Governors have now completed the Northeast President-elect Training Seminar (PETS). And after being with the new leadership team for 3 days, I am truly confident that they are well-trained and excited to assume their leadership roles on July 1st. DGE Peter Simonsen clearly has a great team and the district will be in good hands.
2014's Polar Plunge Makes "This Close" Much More Likely
Rotary District 7930 is the place where a monumnetal event took place on February 1, 2014. Hundreds of committed Rotarians, Interactors, Rotarators and friends braved the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean in Gloucester, Massachusetts to raise awareness and money to help End Polio Now!Many more, in the thousands, made personal contributions to those plungers to raise almost $80,000 to eradicate Polio from our planet. These donations, when combined with the 2 to 1 match from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, represents a total of almost a quarter million dollars. Since the cost of a single immunization is 60 cents, the 2014 Polar Plunge, along with all those who participated in any way, will provide 400,000 vaccines to children in the hope that they can be free from this disease during their lifetime. We owe a special thanks to the Rotary Club of Gloucester and the Polar Plunge Committee for all their hard work ensuring the success of this event.
In the "This Close" video, picture yourself and our entire team at the end of the video, as a testament to all of us helping Rotary change the world. You should be very proud of your commitment to this great cause. Hopefully, in 2 or 3 years, we can proudly say that we al lcontributed in a big way to eradicating Poliio from our planet.
Exciting News! Find Out What Clubs Are Doing for Special Events
Looking for something to do with fellow Rotarians. Click on this link and check out what is going on in terms of special club events in District 7930. Join in the fellowship, fun and be part of helping your fellow Rotarians raise money to support their community and to change the world! Click here!
On February 23rd Rotary International celebrated its’ 108th anniversary and used it as an opportunity to step-up our commitment to eradicate Polio in the world. Notably, when Rotary launched the Polio Plus initiative in 1988 there were 350,000 people in the world infected by the dreaded virus every year. In 2012 the number of reported cases had dropped to 222 worldwide. Rotarians have donated over $1.2 Billion to the effort and countless volunteer hours to immunize children around the world, village by village and country by country.
How appropriate that District 7930 started out the month of February with “Polar Plunge IV”. It was my first and I have to say it was extraordinary. There were over 300 people on the beach and the spirit was infectiously positive. I especially liked the fact that we had folks from Rotary clubs and Interact and Rotaract clubs all over the district. We are truly an amazing team and when we work together toward a common humanitarian goal — we change lives. My thanks to all the organizers and plungers, especially to the many members of the Rotary Club of Gloucester that hosted the event once again. I was truly touched to join the entire crowd in singing “God Bless America” while we all focused on the giant American flag that was hanging from the balconies of the Cape Ann Motor Inn.
In the end, we raised over $80,000 for Polio Plus and since the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match $2 for $1, it will result in a total contribution of $240,000 and 400,000 polio vaccines. Great work District 7930! And a special thank you to the TOP Three Clubs: Wakefield - $18,877, Hamilton/Wenham - $8,907 and Stoneham - $4,001.
Thank you to the many Rotarians who have entered the Zone 24-32 Avenues of Service - Zone Photo Contest. These photos demonstrate the wonderful work that Rotarians do.
Don't worry if you have not entered your photos - there is still time. The deadline to enter is March 31 2014.
This is an opportunity for Rotarians to share photos about the service projects and fellowship events your club has held or will hold this Rotary year. The prizes are simple, boasting rights as the best Rotary photographer, a certificate and the winning photos in each of the Avenues of Service posted on this website and hopefully district websites. Winners will be announced in mid- April. So get out your SLR, point and shoot or phone camera and click away.
We were Freezin for a Reason! Actually 350,000+ Polio immunizations!
Total Pledged through February 5th: $75,963 We are still accepting pledges!
On February 1st, 200+ crazy Rotarians and friends jumped into the Atlantic at District 7930's 4th Annual Polar Plunge for Polio, we have received pledges for $75,963. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to eradicate Polio. With a 2-1 matching grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we will be able to inoculate over 500,000 children from this dreaded disease. Please consider making a donation of any amount even though the Plunge has already occurred. Click on the Donate Now button to donate to Polar Plunge for Polio Plus without donating to a specific plunger or team.
If you want to search for a specific plunger or Rotary club and pledge in their name, please enter the city or town where the Rotary club is located and record your pledge. In any case, please be as generous as you possibly can.
It seems that bitter cold permeates our lives on a daily basis, but our District is filled with energetic Rotarians with warm hearts! Having completed my 48 club visits this month, I still reflect on all the wonderful people that I have met along the journey. Rotarians are just great people who genuinely care about helping others in need of support. You are humanitarians and I am proud to be on your team!
One of the greatest challenges that we have is to attract more people to join Rotary and experience what it is like to be an engaged Rotarian. As I have shared with each club, I am convinced that there are thousands of people that share our desire to serve people in need in the communities that we serve and in the world. In my opinion, humans are joy seeking people and what we do in Rotary is very satisfying when we truly reach out and get engaged with the people we serve in a “hands-on” basis. Take a moment and reflect on your favorite “Rotary Moments” and I would bet that most of them involve events where you were face-to-face with people that needed your assistance and you were able to witness their appreciation.
Does Your Club Have a Service Project You Would Like to Promote?
District 7930 has introduced a new site page to do just that. Whether you are looking to recruit volunteers or financial contributions from Rotarians, there will now be a place on the district website to have your project details represented. It will be organized by project and the article can contain both text and a graphic along with contact information.
Remember to provide the who, what, when, why, where and how in your article.
Please send your information to David Gardner at djg@boydsdirect.com and provide the text in a word document and the image(s) either as jpg or png files.
We are Freezin for a Reason!
Actually 320,000+ Polio immunizations!
Total Pledged to Date: $64,078 14 More Hours
With just 14 hours to go until 200+ crazy Rotarians and friends jump into the Atlantic on February 1st at District 7930's 4th Annual Polar Plunge for Polio, we have pledges entered for $64,078. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to eradicate Polio. With a 2-1 matching grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we will be able to inoculate over 160,000 children from this dreaded disease. Please consider making a donation of any amount. Click on the Donate Now button to donate to Polar Plunge for Polio Plus without donating to a specific plunger or team.
You can register or you can search for a specific plunger or Rotary club and pledge in their name. You will be able to search for the team by clicking in the Fina a Team and entering the city or town where the Rotary club is located. In any case, please be as generous as you possibly can. We want to eradicate Polio in the next 2 years! Click on the Register Now button for this option!
2014 World Peace and Understanding Dinner:
Voices of a New Generation
UPDATED DATE IS FEBRUARY 12TH
On the night of the World Peace and Understanding Dinner, let’s change lives. Join us to inspire and be inspired by a new generation: all of us working together in the world.
Let’s fill the evening with young activists and visionaries. We’re asking District 7930’s clubs to:
Attend the event; we are seeking full participation across the district
Invite local InterAct, RotarAct and/or student leaders to come as your guests to this eye-opening dinner
Bring 1-2 guest(s) from local or international humanitarian organization(s) that have worked as project partners or grant recipients with your club Clubs and with whom you have relationships of "peace and understanding"
Let’s share Liz’s story which began when she was a high school student and introduce each other to the inspiring people and causes our clubs support. These new generations are inspired by Rotary; in turn, they challenge us toward paths of humanitarian service. Together, let’s explore how Rotary continues to change lives both at home and abroad, at every age. Click on more for the evening's highlights and Liz's full biography.
It is that time of year, brutally cold and snowy and the perfect time to plunge into the Atlantic to raise money to eradicate polio. At least that is what we hope over 200 Rotarians, Interactors and Rotaractors will be doing on February 1st. To date, we have almost $12,000 recorded in pledges for this year against a goal of $100,000.
If you are already registered to plunge, thank you! If you have not, please do so right away and everyone needs to focus on reaching their personal goals and for the district to reach the $100,000. Please create Facebook posts as often as possible and share with all your family and friends and encourage them to share with their family and friends . This activity is sure to increase donations and enhance the visibility of Rotary in our communities. You can also submit an individual or club press release to your local newspapers and the local patch to increase awareness of Polio and the Polar Plunge. Please visit the district website and click on the 2014 Polar Plunge to Eradicate Polio link under the Site Pages section of the website for assistance with maximizing the results of your personal commitment. If you have received cash or check donations, please enter them into Fundraise.com so they will appear in the total pledges to date. You can use the attached spreadsheet to help you track your pledges and indicate when they should be recorded in a member's name for the foundation.
If you are not plunging, please donate to one of the plungers in your club or a special Rotarian from any club participating.
With a 2-1 matching grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we will be able to inoculate over 160,000 children from this dreaded disease. Please consider making a donation of any amount. Click on the Donate Now button to donate to Polar Plunge for Polio Plus without donating to a specific plunger or team.
You can register or you can search for a specific plunger or Rotary club and pledge in their name. You will be able to search for the team by clicking in the Fina a Team and entering the city or town where the Rotary club is located. In any case, please be as generous as you possibly can. We want to eradicate Polio in the next 2 years! Click on the Register Now button for this option!
David J. Gardner 2013-2014 Governor's Aide
781-438-4003 Office
617-504-3695 Cell djg@boydsdirect.com
There will be over 200 crazy Rotarians and friends jumping into the Atlantic on February 1st at District 7930's 4th Annual Polar Plunge for Polio. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to eradicate Polio. With a 2-1 matching grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we will be able to inoculate over 160,000 children from this dreaded disease. Please consider making a donation of
any amount. Click on the Donate Now button to donate to Polar Plunge for Polio Plus without donating to a specific plunger or team.
You can register or you can search for a specific plunger or Rotary club and pledge in their name. You will be able to search for the team by clicking in the Fina a Team and entering the city or town where the Rotary club is located. In any case, please be as generous as you possibly can. We want to eradicate Polio in the next 2 years! Click on the Register Now button for this option!
District 7930 is asking every club in the District to send 1 or 2 representatives to the RYLA kickoff meeting on January 11 from 10:00-1:00 (lunch served at 12:00) at a NEWlocation, Kitty’s Restaurant & Lounge, 123 Main Street in North Reading. A fee of $15 per person will be collected upon arrival. Please RSVP ASAP to ryla7930@yahoo.com with names and email addresses of everyone who will attend.
RYLA is Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and is a District Program about which we are extremely proud. Working to develop youth leaders offers a perfect opportunity to engage new club members in an extremely rewarding and fun activity. Come learn about RYLA and speak with other Rotarians about all the exciting Youth Programs taking place in our district.
Please join RYLA co-chairs Jim Babbin and Evan Diamond to learn about this year’s RYLA schedule and exciting new developments.
For more information on RYLA please visit the RYLA Page.
Help us eradicate Polio by joining with the 200 or so Rotarians, Interactors, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary to reach this year's goal of $100,000.
Registration will be open by the end of the day on December 2nd and we will be using Fundraise.com again this year to asssist plungers with manage their donors and donations.
How Can Rotarians in District 7930 Help Those Impacted By Typhoon Haiyan
We are all saddened by yet another natural disaster in our world – this time Super Typhoon Haiyan, in The Philippines. Thankfully, we have heard that our Vocational Training Team partners seem to have escaped the worst of it.
As Rotarians, our first reaction is to want to do something immediately to help. But, as we have learned in past years, our role should be on the “Recovery” stage, not the “Relief” stage. The Red Cross, ShelterBox and other organizations are better suited for the relief effort. Our help is most needed in the months and years ahead, as the country works to regain stability. Be assured that we will make a donation from our District Designated Funds, on behalf of all our clubs in D7930, much as was done for Japan after the tsunami.
Further, we strongly encourage all individuals and clubs in D7930 to donate to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund, which will boost our Grant-giving power three years from now, when our “Recovery” help will really be needed. That is how we can really make a difference, by Engaging Rotarians to Change Lives.
November 4th was a night to remember! Rotary International President-elect visited District 7930 as one stop on his worldwide tour to all of the districts of his RI Board of Directors. Our own Julia Phelps, a RI Director-elect, will be the very first district member to ever have been installed on the RI Board. In fact, she is only the seventh woman ever to have achieved this honor.
The room was extremely electric all evening, with Rotarians enjoying fellowship prior to dinner at the reception, and continuing throughout a sensational meal complete with an amzing dessert. RIPE Gary, and his lovely wife Corinna, were so gracious. Our guests of honor visited every table and posed for pictures that will be forwarded to all clubs in attendance or made available on the website.
Come to Portland and add to the FUN! Share the FUN you and your Club is having this year! Tell everyone about your favorite project, your favorite FUNraiser or your favorite part of Rotary. The conference is designed to be about YOU and YOUR CLUB! How much FUN can you have?
We look forward to seeing all of you in Portland over the weekend of May 2-4, 2014. Don't forget to book your hotel before April 1, as prices will be going up then.
October 2013 Message from our District Governor John Hall
The next few weeks will be an exciting and historic time for our district. On November 4th, Rotary International President-elect Gary C. K. Huang from Taiwan will be our keynote speaker at a dinner event that will be held at the Café Escadrille in Burlington. Notably, he is visiting our district to recognize Rotary International Director-elect, Julia Phelps. Julia is a Past District Governor for our district and she will be the first Rotarian from District 7930 in history to serve on the RI Board of Directors. Moreover, she will be only the seventh woman to serve on that board. Hearty congratulations to Julia! We are all very proud of you and pledge our support in the years ahead.
November will also be the month when we roll out our major new “Membership Development Initiative”. Specifically, we have identified that over 17,000 “Home-based” businesses that are located within the cities and towns included in our district. Currently, there are a large number of Rotarians in our district that own home-based businesses. In fact, Brian Murphy, the Past President of the Beverly Rotary Club, our largest club, with over 100 members, owns and operates a graphic design and advertising firm from his home. Like many home based business owners, Brian joined Rotary to get out of the house and socialize with other professionals and to help make his community better.
The Membership Committee has developed the Home Based Business Initiative, a campaign that provides leads to help attract future Rotarians. It is geared to home-based businesses. The image above is the postcard front and is designed to provide a glimpse of what Rotary is and to develop interest in learning more about Rotary. This program is optional for each club and the cost will be shared by each club and the district based on the number of home-based business in each city or town. Last week every president should have received a mailing with a cover letter describing the program, two sample postcards that demonstrate the personalization that is going to be utilized and a contract form that provides the commitment and the details that clubs would like to include in the promotion. Please review these documents carefully and respond as soon as possible so that you can capitalize on late fall and holiday events that could add further interest. Click on more for additional details.
Write up the story in a common text editor such as Microsoft Word and make sure you answer the following questions:
Who - Who attended, who helped, who is invited
What - What is the event, is it a service project, fund raising project or fellowship event
When - What was the date or when will the event occur, include starting and ending time as appropriate
Where - Where was or is the event, provide a map if possible or at least a very specific address so a link can be created to a map complete with directions
How - How do you register, include a digital form in word or pdf or an online registration option
Why - Most importantly, why was or is the event being held, this is why someone would want to participate, be as engaging as possible
Send photos or images as separate files from the actual event if it has occurred, or from a prior year, complete with captions describing who is in the photo (optional) and the story behind the picture.
Are you interested in more details? Click on "Read more . .
As autumn approaches, I look back on a summer that was filled with visits to the great Rotary clubs in District 7930. While each club has its’ own culture and personality, all have wonderful, caring and committed Rotarians. Each and every club has genuinely embraced “Membership Retention and Development” as it’s most important goal. We have grown by 8 members within the district and I remain optimistic that we will achieve the district goal of 48 net new members. Leading the way was the Stoneham club which asked me to induct 4 new members on my recent visit. My thanks to the four Rotarians that sponsored each of the new members. That reflects a great team effort that shows a commitment to insuring that your club remains strong and supportive of Stoneham and the world.
Come join your fellow Rotarians in District 7930 as we welcome Gary Huang, the 2014-2015 President-elect of Rotary International. He will be speaking on his theme "This is Our Rotary". RIPE Huang is visiting all of the districts of his new elected board members. Our own RI Director-elect Julia Phelps, PDG will be one of only seven women who have served on the board of directors and the first from District 7930.
The 2013-2014 Rotary year is off to a great start and there has been a lot of activity in terms of membership development and The Rotary Foundation. Make time and participate in the upcoming Membership and Foundation Forum that is aimed at helping you Engage Rotary - Change Lives!
Our District Governor, John Hall has been communicaing the RI theme focusing on attracting and engaging both new and current members in the work of Rotary, which is demonstrated through local and international service. At this forum you will learn some tips and tricks in membership development and how the Foundation can support projects in your community and around the world. The ways in which we communicate to the new generation is changing almost daily, but there are opportunities to engage young people in Rotary and that knowledge exists with your fellow Rotarians.
If your club has been successful in recruiting new members, building better commitment in service or has participated in a successful project funded by a grant, please come and share your experience with your fellow Rotarians.
Our keynote speaker is Brad Howard, PDG of District 5170, who is currently serving as the Polio Challenge Coordinator for Zone 26 and is Rotary International's North American Membership Chair. His experience in both membership and service aligns perfectly with the intent of this forum. Come hear his story and see how it can inspire you to Engage Rotary - Change Lives.
Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers
September 4, 2013
Sold Out - Registration Closed
or
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
September 17, 2013
Registration Now Open
Join Rotarians from around New England for a fall night of baseball at Fenway Park. Get a great seat at a group discounted price and watch as two division leaders battle their way to the World Series. Tickets are on a first come first served basis. Don't miss out on what promises to be a preview of this year's playoffs.
Ticket Prices - $49.00 Third Base Infield Grandstand #29
Keep your club active and thriving. Check out the Membership and Extension Month activities we’ve planned to help you get your club involved and share your passion for Rotary.
The Marblehead Rotary Club recognized Past President
Chuck Bachner with a Paul Harris Fellow!
Club Sargent in Arms, Tom McNulty and President Geoff Loynd present Chuck Bachner w/ a Paul Harris Fellow.
On Thursday, July 11, 2013, during its regular luncheon, the Marblehead Rotary Club recognized Immediate Past President Chuck Bachner, with a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest award given to a Rotarian, for his outstanding and sustained service to Rotary and to the Marblehead Community!
Chuck Bachner grew up in Ohio and attended Vanderbilt University before moving to Marblehead in 1976, where he rose to become the Vice President of Charles Slee Insurance Agency. Prior to serving as President of the Marblehead Rotary Club, Chuck served as President of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce and as the Corporater of the Marblehead Bank.
During his tenure as President of the Marblehead Rotary Club, Chuck led the club in raising substantial funds for Rotary District 7930's and Rotary International's efforts to eradicate polio worldwide, by personally "taking the plunge" in last year's Polar Plunge Fundraiser and successfully led the approval process for the Clean Water Project in Burkina Faso, W. Africa, among some of his accomplishments.
Chuck has been a longterm community driven, active resident of Marblehead with his wife Paula and their three kids.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead meets Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Boston Yacht Club. For more information about the Club, or membership, e-mail the Club’s secretary Julie Livingston at: Jlivingston@marblebank.com, or visit their web site at www.marbleheadrotary.com.
Marblehead Rotary Awards Paul Harris to Chuck Bachner
I’m looking forward to the 2013-14 Rotary year and the immense and humbling privilege of serving as your Rotary International president. During my presidential year, I’ll let you know on the Rotary International president’s Facebook page and in blog posts about some of my travels. I hope this will help you experience some of the magic of Rotary.
I have to admit, during my first year as a Rotarian, I almost missed the magic of Rotary. I didn’t always care for the food and programs at the weekly club meetings, and I thought I had better ways to spend my time. But then my club president asked me to chair the Rotary Foundation committee. Rotary started changing for me after that. I found that the more engaged I became in Rotary and the work of The Rotary Foundation, the more I saw the magic of Rotary and how it changed lives.
That magic may be a little bit different for each one of us, but it’s there for all of us when we really put our hearts into some aspect of Rotary service. For me, my heart is in the Foundation. I feel that every time you donate to the Foundation you’re saying, “It’s my resource, as a Rotarian; and it’s my responsibility.”
Your new governors already have joined me in this and led by example, with 100 percent of them donating to the Foundation. I thank them for their commitment to Rotary, which they’ve shown through their donations as well as facing the challenge of inspiring new members to get more involved and learn about the true meaning of Rotary.
When we really engage Rotary, that’s when lives change. And, at the end of the day, no matter how many lives you reach out to change, the life that will change the most will be your own.
That’s what our theme for 2013-2014 is all about.
Engage Rotary, Change Lives.
RI President Ron Burton: Engage Rotary, Change Lives
Posted by District Governor John Hall on Jul 21, 2013
I have had the pleasure of meeting with 21 clubs since July 1st and I must say that it has been a true joy to get to know so many Rotarians in the district. As I reflect on the visits, the common denominator that’s ranks at the top of my list is that Rotarians are truly caring humanitarians that are dedicated to serving others.
John Hall, District Governor
In that it is Membership Month, I have explained to each club the fact that Rotary International membership has been stagnant at 1.2 million members for over 20 years. Moreover, during the last five years an average of 115,000 new members have joined Rotary each year. However, the same amount of people has left Rotary each year.
Within District 7930, membership has declined from 2,400 members to 1,950 in the last seven years. Accordingly, I set a net growth goal to grow the district by 48 members by year end. This is a challenging goal but is one that we can achieve with a collective focus on the part of all clubs in the district. In my personal opinion, the key is to show prospective members that we are a humanitarian organization that genuinely cares about serving people in need in our local communities and the world. Each club has a litany of examples that show how engaged Rotarians have been and are changing lives through their service. And, it is easy to talk about the fact that Rotarians world-wide have donated $1.2 billion to Polio Plus and voluntarily traveled around the world country by country, village by village and immunized children from this dreadful disease.
The work of Rotary around the world is something we should all look to with great pride. Let’s show that pride and our commitment to Rotary International by asking a friend, neighbor, relative or business acquaintance to consider joining Rotary. Bring them as your guest and show them how they can be a humanitarian and help people in need. Once someone decides to join a club, we need to insure that every member of the Rotary club views the new member as an opportunity to welcome, embrace and engage the individual.
It all starts with an invitation and I am confident that there are many people from diverse backgrounds that genuinely care about their fellow man. Let’s make membership growth our top priority for the entire year.
John S. Hall
District Governor
District Governor John Hall's Message for July 2013
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The Rotary year is ending and what a year it was! As I look at all that we accomplished, I am so proud to have had the opportunity to lead this amazing district!
We really launched the New Generations Avenue of Service this year under the leadership of Keith Harris. We chartered at least 4 new Interact clubs and 1 Earlyact club. The members of the youth programs participated in most of the district events including the World Peace Dinner and the District Conference. This year we started a full district membership committee, a group of dedicated and hardworking Rotarians who met and brain-stormed all year for ideas to help clubs increase membership. We held a district outreach event to educate business people about Rotary and to find potential new members. The PR chairs connected the clubs and net-worked ideas and ways to publicize what the clubs are doing as well as launching the first Rotary radio show for our district. The Polar Plunge was a huge success, raising awareness and over $80,000 for polio eradication efforts. We had our first Vocational Training Team, an exchange with the Philippines for elementary science education training. The connections between our districts will last long after the Rotary year is over.
Members of the district contributed $20,000 to aid the victims of super storm Sandy. Donations have come in for victims of the marathon bombing. Clubs continue to support our Rotary foundation and many will be considered EREY clubs and some will be 100% sustaining member clubs this year. The generosity of our members continues to inspire and amaze me.
Along with all of these "firsts", the district continues to have thriving programs with Youth Exchange, RYLA, scholars and successful events such as the Foundation and Membership forum, the World Peace and Understanding dinner and the District Conference. I encourage every member of our district to come to the district events, and to consider working on a district committee. You will be surprised at how much you will gain and the new friendships you will make.
As I add the "P" to my title, I will forever be grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve District 7930 this Rotary year and thank each and every one of you for all that you do to make this world a more peaceful place through your service.
Wow! June is approaching and that means that the Rotary year is nearing the finish line! It is hard to believe! There have been so many accomplishments in the clubs and the district this year, and they will be celebrated at the district conference in Portsmouth. I hope that all clubs will be represented and will be taking part in the fellowship for that weekend, not to mention competing for the $1000 prize!
The Vocational Training Team from the Philippines had a wonderful month in our district. They were hosted in 4 different areas of the district and visited numerous schools, museums, and venues to work on their elementary education science teaching skills. They were enthusiastic and eager to absorb all of the information that they were able, so that they could take it all back home with them and improve the lives of their students. They arrived home safely and will be keeping in touch with all of their new friends from 7930!
June is fellowship month in Rotary, let's kick it off in a big way in Portsmouth!
The outbound Vocational Training Team have arrived back home and the inbound team from the Philippines will be arriving this week. It is an exciting time in District 7930! Many clubs throughout the district are hosting the inbound team for presentations during the 4 weeks they are here. The scheduled presentations will be available on the website and by contacting me directly.
Plans are under way for the District Conference to be held 5/31-6/2 in Portsmouth, NH. Registration forms are available on the website or you can register electronically and even pay via a credit card. Some of the events are limited so be sure to sign up soon. Don’t forget: your club can win $1000 by participating in the conference, find out how!
Many clubs have been submitting their forms for awards to be presented at the spring conference. There have been so many accomplishments by all of the clubs throughout the district, and I am looking forward to acknowledging all of the hard work.
The district Assembly was a huge success! Clubs heard a touching and motivating presentation by the key note speaker, Elias Thomas, as well as learning so much about membership, public image, foundation, the new District website ClubRunner, and so much more!
Thank you to all of the members of the district, you inspire and motivate me every day!
The purpose of the Service Above Self scholarship from Rotary D7930 is as follows:
Recognize an outstanding high school senior who has demonstrated his/hercommitment to Service Above Self in their community, a town or city within Rotary
District 7930, and financially assist the recipient with his/her future studies with this $10,000 award.
Instill, in the recipient, the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self through active involvement in a variety of Rotary activities and projects.
Encourage the recipient to dedicate his/her personal and professional life to improving the quality of life of people in their local community and beyond.
Develop leadership skills of the recipient in order to address humanitarian needs in his/her community and the world.
Foster a lifelong association between Rotary International and the recipient.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA participants can be ages 14-30, but most clubs and districts choose to focus on a narrower age range, such as 14-18 or 19-30.
RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to
Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth
Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders
Encourage leadership of youth by youth
Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities
If you are interested in participating in District 7930's RYLA Program as a participant, senior facilitator, Family Advisor or staffing in any other way, please contact:
Join Rotarians from around District 7930 in Portsmouth, NH for a weekend of fun and fellowship with a little educational programming as well. There will be time to explore Portsmouth and the surrounding area and a great opportunity to network with other Rotarian leaders from successful clubs sharing many great ideas to enhance the Rotary experience in our communities and throughout the world.
January and February have been busy months in District 7930! The Presidents had their midyear meeting and were joined for the first time with the President Elects for their Pre-Pets meeting. There was an emphasis on teamwork and transitioning which was met with enthusiasm and excitement. The World Peace and Understanding dinner was held and we had an extraordinary number of our youth present. There were Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange and Scholars all present to take part in this event during the year when we are looking to obtain Peace through Service! The blizzard resulted in the postponement of the Polar Plunge, but Rotarians looked on the occurrence as a positive and have used the time to raise more money for the Polio Eradication efforts. Clubs have been working hard on projects and fundraisers and also having new and fun fellowship events. The District is eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first ever VTT team, a group of educators from the Philippines coming to our district to study and learn about teaching methods for science education at the elementary level. The outgoing team has been selected and they are meeting and planning their trip to the Philippines. We will look forward to hearing their presentation when they return. I hope everyone is staying warm and safe during this harsh winter, and looking forward to spring!
Quote of the night by Bob Gravino, District Polio Challenge Chair: “Anyone hearing the comments of Khamis Suleiman, a RYE student from Tanzania and sponsored by the Melrose Rotary Club, could only feel great pride in what the Rotary Youth Exchange program does and how it affects the students involved. The enjoyable musical presentation on the harp given by Cecilia Buffenoir, a RYE student from France and sponsored by the Beverly Rotary Club, can be interpreted as a connection between two nations and their citizens, as Cecilia shared her talents with Rotarians with whom she has developed a special and unique bond. The presentations of Khamis and Cecilia and the involvement of our RYE, Interact, Rotaract and Early Act youth are a strong indication of District 7930's efforts and success to work with young people to help them become the next generation of leaders, visionaries and peacemakers.”
Pictured above -left: Mary Beth Margolis incoming Chair RYE, Guest Speaker Khamis Suleiman from Tanzania, RYE at Melrose, PDG Victor Saldanha.
Pictured above -right: PDG Victor Saldanha, RAS from Canada Alicia Rule, RAS from Austria Christopher Uschnig, RAS Kaoru Yano from Japan, District Permanent Fund Chair Anne Lewis.
Pictured left: Cecilia Buffenoir, harpist, RYE from France, hosted by Beverly RC. Submitted by PDG Victor Saldanha.
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.
We are all excited to see how ClubRunner will revolutionize the way we manage our day to day club activities, as well as communicate more effectively. ClubRunner is an all-in-one membership and communication software package designed for Rotary. More than just an easy-to-use website, it is a complete online package comprised of several modules, all designed to maintain your members' data, facilitate interactive communication, organize events and volunteers, distribute email newsletters and broadcast communications, improve public relations, and help run a club more efficiently.Accessible by all club members through a password protected member area, it allows every member to access key information to communicate much more effectively, as well as share information and collaborate better, as well as automate administrative functions such as attendance tracking and billing. Membership changes to the database are automatically communicated to Rotary International, therefore also saving the Club Secretary from performing double data entry.Online registrationsfor events and volunteer activities,automatic emailservices, and an integratede-Bulletin, among other features, makes it easy to promote your club's activities.
The website features easy to usecontent management tools, where you don't need to have a technical background to maintain the site, and with the new Website Designer 2.0 interface, you can customize your site to reflect your club's identity and style.
For more information on ClubRunner, visitClubRunner's Websiteand discover how to take full advantage of the features of ClubRunner.
The Rotary Club of Andover extends a big thank you to the Rotarians and friends of Rotary who spent their Saturday morning volunteering at the Andover Farmers’ Market!
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to welcome three new members, all Assistant Vice President/Branch Managers with The Savings Bank: Bina Siddiqui of the Main Branch, Julie MacArthur of the Lakeside location, and Marc Skorupski of the Greenwood Branch.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club is hosting our annual golf tournament on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Windham Country Club, and we’d love to have you join us. If you are interested in participating,
Growing Rotary membership is essential to the long-term health and vitality of our organization.
Please join the next District Environmental Committee meeting via Zoom on August 27th at 7pm. We will discuss current and future project ideas for your club and the district. All ideas and projects are welcome.
Join the Membership Committee on Zoom, September 9 from 5-6 pm for our September Membership Meeting. The topic is: Club Newsletters Made Easy.
Ipswich-Rotary Rotarians volunteer weekly at the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry, delivering food to both Rowley and Ipswich residents. Pictured is Rotarian John Witzig, assisted by fellow Rotarians Ann Witzig, John and Diane Herth, and Gina and Joe Healy.
Being a District Governor is the most rewarding position I have ever held, so much that I stepped up to serve the district a second time. Although the commitment might appear to be daunting, the opportunity to serve Rotarians in District 7930 is filled with so many opportunities. 
Burlington Breakfast Rotary Co-President, Gloria Birungi, was taken in by ICE earlier this month while at Logan Airport traveling for a work conference. She has been held in ICE detention without release.
Join the D7930 E-Club on Wednesday, August 5, 12:30 pm via Zoom for a special presentation by Steve Fine (Rotary Club of Peabody, MA): "Early Self-Detection and Prevention of Melanoma."
Last month, at our Installation Dinner at the Swampscott Yacht Club, Swampscott Rotary recognized and thanked our outgoing president, Diane O'Brien, and installed president David Legere. David and our new officers and board were installed by District 7930 representative David Deutsch.
August is Membership Month!
On July 21, Reading Rotary held its Club Installation of Officers and Directors. The Club will be helmed by Co-Presidents Lisa Simmons and Amy Walsh. Amy is coming off a year of being solo President. Pictured here are John Douglass, Phil Stewart, Lisa Simmons, Lisa Gibbs, John Feudo, Peter Majane, Margaret O'Sullivan, Tim Kelley, Amy Walsh and Sheila Clarke. Not pictured is Elena Turco.
We are incredibly fortunate to live and work in a town with such a beautiful waterfront, and it’s a true joy that our weekly lunches get to take place right on the harbor at the Boston Yacht Club. Every Thursday, it serves as a wonderful, welcoming space where local business owners, neighbors, and the next generation of professionals can easily pull up a chair, talk shop, and collaborate on ways to support Marblehead.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians and volunteers removed “Flags for Heroes” from the Ipswich South Green and the Rowley Common today. But the message of this non-partisan tribute to honor and valor, especially during our nation’s 250th Anniversary year, will remain in our hearts and minds every day.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary club annually awards academic scholarships to a student from each of the two communities we serve. These recipients are exceptional leaders and scholars who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service.
The Gloucester Rotary will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2027 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead officially installed its officers and board members.
Has your club recently hosted an event or project or are you planning something in the near future? Please share your story with us and with your local news and social media networks.
Past District Governor, Joan Arsenault has received one of Rotary International’s highest recognitions, the Service Above Self Award. This distinction is reserved for those who exemplify the very heart of Rotary: a selfless commitment to helping others, not for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club awarded several scholarships to students pursuing higher education,
Rotary Club of Stoneham installed its Officers for the 2026-27 Rotary Year at a recent Lunch meeting at Stoneham TV Studios with District Governor Elect Terry Curran.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary members gathered last week at the Rowley Country Club to welcome their new leadership team for 2026-27 and celebrate some community heroes.
Don't miss the opportunity to make your final Annual Fund contribution this year before FY year end. Every Rotarian, please make your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's 
It's time to celebrate new Club and District leadership. Please join us on June 25, from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at Danversport, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers MA 01923.
We could not have asked for better weather for our second meeting at The Deck! Full meeting, happy dollars galore and one of our best meetings of the year as we gave out $15,000 in high school scholarships!
The District Leadership Team invites all District 7930 Rotarians to participate in a special Zoom meeting on Wednesday, June 17th at 6:00 pm to review proposed updates to the District Bylaws.
Join Newburyport Rotary and the Salvation Army on the 3rd Annual Sailabration. Kick off Yankee Homecomiing with a Cruise for a Cause with the Salvation Army and Newburyport Rotary. 
Please share with us and with your local news and social media networks the exciting news of your Club installation celebrations and your new leadership. Almost as important as the Service we do in the community is getting the word out about Rotary.
What better reason to visit beautiful Rockport, Massachusetts than to pick up the 20 pounds of lobster you just won in our raffle?
When the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor heard about the biodiversity, community, and earth health benefits of switching from curated lawns to different models, they took action.
Danvers is hosting a fun Bocce fundraiser at Endicott Park Thursday, July 23 from 3pm to dusk.
Learn the essential tools every Public Image champion needs to confidently manage Rotary branding and social media. This practical session walks you through creating district and club logos in the Brand Center, downloading brand‑approved content (including video), uploading videos to Facebook, and scheduling posts across Facebook and Instagram using Meta’s Business Suite. You’ll leave with simple, repeatable workflows you can use right away.
Please welcome the District 7930 E-Club, which was officially chartered as part of our District by Rotary International on April 24, 2026.
The number of households that are food insecure has doubled since the pandemic according to a report released in April 2026 by Mass General Brigham and the Greater Boston Food Bank. That is 40% of all Massachusetts households (over 1 million!) with 25% regularly missing meals or going hungry.
The Gloucester Rotary has named Dr. Michael Sarraf and Serena Lowe as Paul Harris Fellows, the prestigious award named after the Chicago lawyer who founded the Rotary movement in 1905. Sarraf was selected by a Club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Lowe was chosen by members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club, the very active group of Junior Rotarians. Sarraf and Lowe will be honored at the Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award Dinner on June 10, 2026, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The event will begin with a social hour at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm.
District 7930 is proud to announce a new Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation, Gail Ralston from the Andover club. Gail’s own acknowledgement of the award says it best. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me! In a relatively short period of time, Rotary has become a second family. I value the way it has supported me through service, camaraderie and - in a very real way – THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE TO THE WORLD. 
94 students and more than 25 adults came together for a weekend filled with growth, connection, leadership, and unforgettable experiences. The impact was real, and the feedback from our 2026 survey says it all:
The District Learning Assembly has been rescheduled to June 3, 2026 at Four Points Sheraton from 5-9 pm.
The District Learning Assembly has been rescheduled to June 3, 2026 at Four Points Sheraton from 5-9 pm.
Love Artificial Intelligence? Learn how it works and how Data Centers are involved. Our presenter is Sam Lambert from the Sierra Club Massachusetts.
This week, the Wakefield Rotary Club completed its project to honor Mother’s Day. Immediately following one of its regular luncheons, the club compiled 33 “treat kits” for mothers living at Centerboard’s Melrose, Lynn and Chelsea locations. The kits included necessities, candy and pampering supplies. Wakefield Rotarian Jill McWilliam explained, “It was important to us that each kit also had a personal note of inspiration. These women have had a difficult time, and we wanted to cheer them on.”
As many organizations have, the Wakefield Rotary Club is chock-full of sports fans of all kinds. Last week, in honor of the Red Sox Opening Day, Wakefield Rotarians dressed in their favorite Red Sox gear to listen to members Jay Curley and Frank Fiorentino provide the club with their “expert analysis” of the upcoming Red Sox team. Both life-long baseball fans, each brought his unique perspective to the presentation.
Register for District Learning Assembly, on April 22, from 5 to 9:00 pm at Four Points Sheraton, 1 Audubon Road in Wakefield. Cost $45. 
The Chelsea Rotary Club recently demonstrated its continued commitment to community service with a $10,000 donation to the Chelsea Fire Department, supporting the purchase of a state-of-the-art drone to enhance emergency response efforts across the city.
The Danvers Rotary Club is excited to announce our 6th Annual Calendar Fundraiser. With over $3500 in prizes, each day is valued at $100 or more! Tickets are $10 each and the more you buy the more chances you have to win.
Rotary Club of Woburn has launched it's second year of honoring community members with Flags for Heroes. The fundraiser will not only benefit Woburn Rotary but Woburn Scout Troop 502 as well. The scouts play a major role in installing the flags and and flag maintenance.
The Rotary Club of Burlington is holding a NuBingo fundraiser on Friday, April 10th at the Billerica Elks Club at 7pm. Proceeds will support the Burlington High School Scholarship fund. It is a great night out with your family and friends.
Cambridge Rotary is excited to collaborate with the Brookline Rotary Club and invite you to the Metropolitan Boston Rotary Peace Academy Series.
The Environmental Committee is inviting you to a special meeting where we will learn about Lithium Batteries - what they are, where they are found, what their environmental impact is, and how we can host Lithium Battery Collections.
Save the Date for our District Learning Assembly.
Huge shout out to all our Presidents-Elect (PEs) who spent this weekend at NEPELS (President Elect Learning Seminar) in Framingham learning, sharing and getting pumped up for the coming Rotary year under the leadership of District Governor Elect Terry Curran. Rotary is a membership organization that provides community service and we are indebted to our Club leaders for set the course. 
At a recent meeting, our guest speaker was Sharon Marrama from Connor's Kindness Project. The project was founded by her 12-year-old grandson during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time for a lot of children and Connor wanted some way to give back. Kindness Kits consist of hand-delivered boxes of carefully thought-out items, meant to be entertaining and comforting for children in challenging situations. The project reminds us that there is good in the world even at times when we are faced with conflicts and challenges. The ongoing goal is to help others while also spreading positivity, one act of kindness at a time. Over 16,000 kits have been delivered to date.
The Newburyport Rotary club is excited to host a NuBingo Music Bingo bash!
This past weekend, members of the Winchester Rotary volunteered at the Greater Boston Food Bank, sorting and packing food for families across Eastern Massachusetts facing food insecurity.
Gloucester Rotary Golf & Social Night
In the past few months, the Melrose Rotary Club has welcomed six new members! “Each one of our new members bring something special to our club,” noted Club President Julie Nolan. “We have local bankers, an oncology nurse, an educational storyteller, a retired global change scientist, and an owner of a construction company. The skills each new member brings to our club are extraordinary!” Even though they have only recently joined the Melrose club, not all our new members are new to Rotary. Allen Solomon was a long-time member of a Rotary club in Oregon prior to moving to Melrose. Sara Doktor comes from a family of Rotarians, and was active in Rotaract and Interact, as well as RYLA and Youth Exchange.
Mark your calendar for May 2, 2026, as we come together to celebrate Governor Pooja's year at the District Conference.
The Marblehead Interact Club began the year with over 100 members, all motivated to continue the service culture of the club. Off to a strong start, they have been fundraising and helping other local non-profits, including the Marblehead Rotary Club 5K, which raised over $50,000.
Donate to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund and we will match your Foundation Points.
Inspired by the hopeful words of primary speaker and End Polio Now leader Mike McGovern at the World Peace and Understanding Dinner on February 12, Marblehead Harbor Rotarians Francie King and Lesley Tracy were among the newest members to join the Polio Plus Society. Pledging at least $100 per year to Rotary’s efforts to end polio, Francie and Lesley will bring their enthusiasm and the latest statistics on polio eradication back to their club members to encourage and further motivate the club’s support of Rotary’s efforts to permanently eradicate polio from the two remaining countries where it is endemic. Congratulations, Francie and Lesley!
The Rotary Club of Peabody will host its 22nd Annual Taste of the North Shore fundraiser at a new location in Peabody in March 2026. The annual event that typically draws over 300 guests, will feature menu selections from a variety of the North Shore’s most popular restaurants! The event, featuring tasting stations, entertainment, raffles and more, culminates with a special $10,000 Grand Prize Raffle!! 
TIME TO ADVOCATE FOR THE POLIO VACCINE!
Thirty years ago, Lynn Rotarian Joe Coombs shared a deeply personal idea with his fellow members—one shaped by his own middle school experience and the life-changing impact of a teacher who believed in him. He proposed recognizing eighth-grade students who face physical, emotional, or psychological challenges and still show up every day determined to succeed.
Wilmington Rotary and Rotary Interact will be holding their third annual Polar Plunge to support "End Polio Now" on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00AM at the Silver Lake Town Beach. All proceeds will be sent directly to Rotary International through the District to support the continuing efforts to eradicate the polio disease from the World.
Andover Rotary is pleased to share that it has once again earned the distinction of being the highest single-day fundraising non-profit organization for the Lawrence Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.
Danvers Rotary Club presented gift cards to local grocery stores for the Danvers People to People Food Pantry. The Pantry distributed the gift cards to families and individuals struggling during the holidays. Total number of Grocery Gift Cards 72, equaling $1800. A great project with great success, feeding our neighbors. Thank you to our Rotarians, Philip and Jane Wilson, for organizing the drive.
Polio Eradication is Rotary's Signature Cause. Come to the WORLD PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING EVENT: Navigating the Polio Vaccine During Turbulent Times!
On January 7th, 38 members (52%) of the Lynn Rotary club took the time to volunteer to participate in our 18th annual "Dictionary Distribution project "sponsored by Reading Cooperative Bank and McGrath Enterprises.
Save The Date & Join Us
Belle Isle Rotary is at it again with our BE BOLD - GET COLD Ocean Jump on Saturday Feb. 7, 2026, at the East Boston Yacht Club, 1 Rice St, East Boston, MA 02128 (plenty of parking). Doors open 10am, plunge at 12pm.
The District Environmental Committee has not met since October due to the holidays but has some exciting updates to share, more details after our next meeting on Jan 29th at 7 pm.
In November, Arlington Catholic High School Interact completed their annual Blessing Bags Event. Arlington Rotary, Arlington K of C Council 109, and the Arlington Police Department assisted Interact in supporting the Salvation Army and local individuals and families in need. Interact was able to assemble 36 kids' bags for children at the Salvation Army's daycare center. In addition, they filled over 200 bags with toiletries, warm gloves, hats, and socks, providing comfort to many in need during the cold winter months.
The Manchester-Essex Interact Club had a fun plunge for Polio welcoming in the new year for the second year in a row as a foundational initiative toward re-establishing their Club at the Manchester-Essex Regional High School. About 25 Rotarians and Interacters participated.
Calling all aspiring poets and wordsmiths! Rotary Poetry Awards 2026.
Rotary Club of Woburn recently welcomed new member transfer from Pottstown, PA Michael McCarthy.
The Wakefield Rotary Club completed delivery of its donations to Ruth’s Way for Women and 121 North Common in Lynn. Ruth’s Way provides services that support “whole health and wellness,” and supports sober housing for women. Similarly, 121 North Common provides sober living for men.
RYLA, May 15-17, 2026, at Camp Rotary, Boxford, MA.
Calling all Rotary members looking to add to your PI skills. Come to this PI webinar on Websites and Newsletters, January 6, 2026, 7:30 pm EST.
Last week Swanpscott Rotary members delivered 100 Holiday fruit baskets to elderly, infirm, widowed and needy residents of Swampscott and Nahant.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently announced the election of its new officers and directors at its Annual Meeting. The club elects new leadership each year in accordance with its by-laws. The 2026-2027 Board of Directors include Euwan Godfrey, Margie Daniels, Mike Sullivan, Amy Luckiewicz, and Immediate Past President Kathy Boyle. Suzanne Bowering will serve as Club Secretary, Barbara Worley as Club Treasurer and Frank Fiorentino as Sergeant-at-Arms. Wendy Maguire was elected Vice President/President-Elect and Paul Adams will serve as President for the 2026-2027 term.
Last week we had our annual Rotary lunch with the senior athletes of Woburn Memorial High School. Our guest speaker was Mike Parziale. Mike was a long-time wrestling coach and mentor of many Woburn wrestlers. He spoke of his wrestling career at Woburn High which was an arc that started with meager beginnings and self-doubt to becoming a very successful wrestler and one of the state's best. In 2005 Mike finished fifth at 157 lbs. at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championships at the United States Naval Academy.
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Rotary Club of Burlington partnered with the UCC Church in Burlington to provide turkey dinners to local families in need. The club helped to transport the turkeys from Wegman's to the church and carry out and load the turkeys/dinners to the recipients' cars. This is a yearly event for our club and coordinated by Rotarian Anna Karwan. We continue to strive to make a difference in our community.
The Greater Salem Rotary club held its annual holiday lunch, welcoming members, guests, and a newborn Bennet to our Rotary family.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea had the pleasure of welcoming the Honorable Amy L. Nechtem as our guest speaker. Judge Nechtem served as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Juvenile Court from 2014 – 2024 and was appointed to the bench in 2001. As Chief Justice she led the administration and advancement of policies and practices impacting juvenile justice and child welfare throughout the Commonwealth. Guests of the Club included Jay Ash, CEO Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and a PHF and Chelsea City Councilor Leo Robinson, also a PHF. Also in the picture is Aaron Jennings, President of the Rotary Club of Chelsea.
The Lawrence Rotary Club celebrated this holiday season with the Leahy School administrators and its grade1 to 5 students.
The Greater Salem Rotary Club has been committed in distributing scholastic dictionaries to 3rd graders for the past 20+ years. This week the club distributed 250 dictionaries to the Golden Brook School in Windham NH one of the communities we support.
The deadline to apply for mini grants has been extended until December 15. 
WORLD PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING!
Each year, Reading Rotary works with community partners, ReadingCares, the Town of Reading and many community donors coordinate the Adopt-a-Family project for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Thanksgiving distribution day was November 24. Receiving families are matched anonymously with donor families or groups to provide meal and gifts at Christmas and meals at Thanksgiving. Donors drop off at the Town DPW garage in the first shift, then recipient families pick up their food and gifts during a later shift. 
On November 20th the Lawrence Rotary Cub enjoyed hosting District Governor Pooja Singla (far right) and District International Service Chair Maria Bertolone (2nd from left). It was an interesting and informative meeting which included both Rotary fellowship and instruction! Also pictured from left to right are Janis Hill, Shirley Fitzpatrick, Attorney Ramsey Bahrawy, Attorney Richard Rodriguez and Ron Hill.
The Rotary Club of Burlington participated in the "Name a Puppy Plus" program with 
Each year as the weather gets colder, the Lawrence Rotary Club purchases and delivers 100 coats, 100 mittens and 100 hats to young Lawrence Grammar School students. Two weeks ago, the Lawrence Rotary Club delivered 100 coats, 100 mittens and 100 hats to Hennessey Grammar School students.
Happy Thanksgiving to all our Rotarians, families and friends from District 7930 Leadership Team.
Do you remember the first ever district-wide Clothes Swap held this past September? It's a THING. National Clothes Swap Day is December 6.
Last week Woburn Rotary and Winchester Rotary joined together to have their annual combined meeting celebrating the Thanksgiving High School football rivalry at the Woburn/Stoneham Lodge of Elks #908. 
Marblehead Harbor Rotary has officially changed our meeting day from TUESDAY to THURSDAY mornings, from 7:15 to 8:30 am 
On November 12, 2025, Rotarians from across District 7930 gather to honor military veterans at the PDG Bob Wood Memorial Heroes Celebration, held at the Andover Country Club. The event recognized and celebrated veterans from throughout the district for their service and dedication to their country. Each Hero designated was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition in appreciation for their service to our country.
More than a dozen districts have joined together during the 2025-26 Rotary year to increase membership in the PolioPlus Society (PPS), and ultimately eradicate Polio, once and for all!
What a wonderful week of celebrations as the Wakefield Rotary Club attended multiple celebrations of our nation's heroes. On Veterans Day, Rotarians Jay Curley (US Army, ret.), Barbara Worley, Joie Gerrish and Jim Fitzgerald attended the town's Veterans Day event and gave tribute to local heroes.
The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2026, 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. Calendars may be 
Here's a reminder that your club as a nonprofit or tax-exempt organization is required to file its annual return (Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or 990-BL) by November 15. (This year since November 15 falls on a Saturday, the deadline is extended to November 17.) Make sure you file your return or duly file for an extension.
Our annual Halloween lunch meeting was a spirited success! More than half of our members joined in the fun by coming in costume, adding plenty of laughter and color to the day. We were delighted to welcome District Governor Pooja Singla, who arrived as Super Rotarian—cape and all!—along with our Assistant Governor Ron Block.
The Wakefield Rotary Club hosted its Halloween party at a meeting this week. Co-hosts Jay Curley and Amy Luckiewicz led several haunted games and invited members to dress up in costumes.
It was a privilege to welcome our Rotary District Governor, Pooja Singla, to the Rotary Club of Peabody. Her visit brought great energy and a clear vision for the year ahead.
In lieu of regular meeting last week, Beverly Rotary made 100 take home dinners for home bound Beverly folk. With the guidance of Brenda Mattos of Ellis Square Friends, a nutritious and delicious meal was prepared.
Last week Woburn Rotary invited Assistant Scout Master Brian Grace and Scout Unit Commissioner Dave Frizzell of Woburn Scouts Pack 502 to speak about the work that the scouts do in the community and the leadership skills that are learned in the scouts. We were especially grateful for the work the scouts did for our Flags for Heroes program lead by past Rotary Club of Woburn President Bill Sullivan. The scouts helped to install the base mounts into the ground so the flags could fly in Ferullo Park in North Woburn. Rotary Club of Woburn President Danny Walbourne presented the scouts with a donation.
The District Environmental Committee is working on some exciting projects and would love to have your participation. Join us once a month for a 1-hr or less call to discuss what the committee is up to and how you can be a part of it.
oin the Gloucester Rotary at Magnolia 525 Tavern (12 Lexington Ave, Gloucester) tonight, October 20, 2025, 5-9pm.
Why is Rotary Public Image and consistent Branding important? Public Image is the opinion that people have of an organization based on its actions.
Nominations for District Governor for 2028-29 are being accepted starting September 1, 2025. Deadline to submit nominations: Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club successfully completed its annual golf tournament at the Windham Country Club. This event attracted a significant number of enthusiastic golfers, all of whom enjoyed ideal weather conditions throughout the day, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians continued a tradition with the Open Door of bringing cheer and laughter in a full bag of everything needed for a joyful birthday party of eight children. Birthday-in-a-Bag!
Big shout out to the Environmental Committee for hosting a very fun and successful 1st Annual Clothes and Book/Puzzle Swap. What a great way to part with clothes and books you no longer want, keep them out of the landfill, and have the opportunity to shop for new to you items for one small price. The venue was fantastic, in a great location in Danvers just off Route 95 making it easy for most of the district to get there.
Winchester Rotarians, Interactors, Lion’s Heart youth, families and friends gathered to construct fifteen beds for youngsters through the Mass. Coalition for the Homeless and funded by a District Grant. Young and old gathered to champion Service in Action on a perfect Fall day. 
Lexington Rotary continued ours annual tradition and served up BBQs to seniors in September. We lucked out with three beautiful September afternoons for our annual BBQ’s at Lexington’s senior housing communities.
Newburyport Rotary is partnering with the Rotary Club of Saco Bay in Maine and the non-profit, Crutches4Africa.
The Rotary Club of Andover is proud to commemorate 30 years of service, fellowship, and impactful community initiatives. To mark this milestone, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and high-energy fun at the NuBingo Music Extravaganza, a fundraising event celebrating three decades of making a difference in Andover and beyond.
Last week, the Wakefield Rotary Club participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge to fundraise in support of the Angel Fund. The Angel Fund aims at supporting research of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Fifteen participants represented Holiday Travel, WCAT, HD Physical Therapy, The Savings Bank, and First Financial Trust. Ten of the participants are also Wakefield Rotarians.
Whether you’re already using Rotary’s Service Project Center or are hearing about it for the first time, this dynamic resource hub supports you at every stage of your service project journey.
The Clothes and Book / Puzzle Swap are just around the corner on September 28 from 11 am to 3 pm at Danvers Art Association. We have an amazing food vendor and some great raffle prizes, so I hope you come, swap and shop and enjoy the day.
The Belle Isle Rotary Club Fundraiser - Limoncello Making Nite! Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at the East Boston Yacht Club 1 Rice St, East Boston (plenty of parking). Doors open at 5pm for happy hour/complimentary nibbles. Limoncello making begins at 6pm. Donation is $100 and for that you get all the ingredients, equipment and instruction from Belle Isle President Peter Scolaro a 40-year Cello-tarian! So you can make your very own 4 liter batch of limoncello. This is fun to do solo, couple or as a group - you can split batches. Spectators welcome as there will be plenty of fun, food and libations.
Did you know that we have a new club in our District? We’d like to introduce you to the District 7930 E-Club. The club became an official Satellite Club in August 2025. We are sponsored by Belle Isle who has generously taken us in and given us a space to get started until we move to our own chartered club. We appreciate their help and support very much!
We are delighted to have received an overwhelming number of requests for District Managed Grants. Some funds for the Global Grants are still available.
The Wilmington Rotary Club held their annual Community Ice Bucket Challenge at Wilmington's Rotary Park on Saturday, August 24. Many brave participants, including 8 Rotarians, had the pleasure of dumping ice water over their heads to raise funds for the Angel Fund of Wakefield. The Angel Fund is an organization committed to finding a cure for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Through the work of Dr. Robert Brown at the UMass Medical Center, progress has been made but the cure hasn’t yet been achieved, and additional funds are still needed.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of our District 7930's new District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair!
This year Rotaplast has asked DG Pooja to support their Vocational Training Team (VTT) Mission in Faridabad, India from Oct 25-Nov 9, 2025. VTTs are groups of professionals who travel abroad to teach local specialists their skills in their own field. This VTT will teach the local MDs how to perform Cleft Palate Surgeries in Faridabad, India. 
Last week, the Wakefield Rotary Club hosted a FUN co-meeting with Lynnfield Rotary. Attendees were mixed into teams to play an interactive trivia featuring some Rotary questions, music, and other topics. The book "Kindness is My Superpower" will be donated to both the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library and Lynnfield Public Library on behalf of both clubs. The winning team got to sign the book plates!
Save the date for Salem Rotary's Mad Hatter's Tea Party Auction and Gala!
Long time member of Wilmington Rotary, Ernie Pearlstein, has passed away. For those of you fortunate to know Ernie, you knew that he was a great guy with an easy-going personality. He was also a clown with the Shriners in Wilmington.
All Assistant Governors are respectfully requested to attend the quarterly virtual Assistant Governor Forums on August 27, October 22, 2025; January 28, and April 29, 2026. Please mark your calendars. 
Tickets Are Going Fast—Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Night to Honor Rich Cowdell!
Amesbury Rotary celebrated its 100th Anniversary at the Amesbury Historical Museum on May 29th. President Cathy Toomey cut the cake to commemorate the last 100 years of service and to welcome in the next Rotary Century. 
The District Environmental Committee is excited to announce a District-wide Fundraiser, a Clothes and Book/Puzzle Swap. Clean out your closets and your bookcases and bring your gently used but no longer wanted items to the event (adult clothes only please). Leave empty handed, or feel free to "shop". $10 admission, food, drinks and raffle tickets available for purchase. September 28, 11 - 3pm at the Danvers Art Association - 105 Elliot Street in Danvers. This event is open to all so please invite your friends and family.
Calling Rotarian Golfers!
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, 2025, 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 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and is held in Stage Fort Park on Saturday-Sunday, August 16-17. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
August is Membership Month! Join the monthly Membership webinar on Zoom. It's the first Monday of the month at 7:30 pm. 
June was a special month for Burlington Rotary Club as we gathered for one of our most meaningful events of the year — our annual Scholarship Dinner. Held in celebration of local achievement and service, the evening recognized outstanding high school seniors, welcomed new Interact leadership, and honored two of our own for their extraordinary dedication.
Four times each year, Ipswich-Rowley Rotary volunteers gather at the Masonic Lodge in Ipswich to serve nutritious meals to senior citizens and other residents. This month, a dozen Rotarians and local volunteers served over 70 “Ipswich Dinner Bell’ guests and prepared another 75 meals for delivery to those unable to attend.
The Reading Rotary proudly recognized eleven outstanding local students with the prestigious Service Above Self Scholarship at its annual Installation and Scholarship Night, held on July 21 at Café Escadrille in Burlington, MA. The evening celebrated youth who exemplify Rotary’s core value of service above self through their volunteerism, leadership, and commitment to their communities. Reading Rotary awarded a total of $11,000.00 in scholarships at this event.
The next meeting of the Environmental Committee is Thursday, July 31 at 7pm. Please email Andrea at 
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in and supported our annual Corn Hole Tournament at Tuscan Village. The success of this event is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. From the spirited teams who filled the tournament with laughter and friendly competition, to the dedicated sponsors who made the day possible, your contributions truly make a difference.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is delighted to welcome Beth Chase to the Rotary family, where we achieve more together than we can alone.
The Rotary Club of Andover (Andover Rotary) is proud to announce the awarding of three $3,000 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors residing in Andover. These one-time scholarships support students pursuing higher education in the upcoming academic semester and reflect the club’s ongoing commitment to service and community investment.
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 7:30 am to 11:00 am 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 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and is held in Stage Fort Park on Saturday-Sunday, August 16-17. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
In honor of plastic free July, I would like to share a story about a fellow Rotarian who attended one of my plastics presentations at a Rotary meeting and how it's affected her:
The following is information from District Governor Todd Smith of District 5870 where the flooding tragedy occurred. To help the victims, see the message following:
Every year the Rotary Club of Rockport gathers in the square downtown at 10:00 am and performs the reading of the Declaration of Independence in costume. It has been a tradition now for 14 years, and each year the club expands its costume closet to accommodate the growing group of participants.
The Swampscott Rotary Club has awarded over $23000 in scholarships during this past Rotary fiscal year.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea participated in the District 7930 2025 RYLA program by sending four students from the Chelsea High School.
Twenty-three teachers at Pine Grove Elementary School, Rowley, were provided workshops in grade specific environmental education curricula through an Ipswich-Rowley Rotary District grant. Each classroom, for a total of 430 students, joined their teachers for a demo outdoor lesson along the new nature trail, Trackers Trail. It elevated the entire schools awareness of the local surroundings and built sustainalbe support for environmental education in the future.
From June 21–25, 2025, Calgary, Canada, transformed into a global hub of service, innovation, and connection as it hosted the Rotary International Convention. With over 15,000 Rotary memberss from more than 120 countries, the event marked Rotary’s largest in-person gathering since the pandemic—bringing together changemakers to celebrate humanitarian achievements and chart a course for future impact.
The gardening shed is to support the elderly residents at Chebacco Terrace, a 40 unit elderly housing development owned by the Essex Housing Authority. Residents had expressed interest in gardening, but the housing authority has no budget for this enrichment activity.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently installed its new officers and directors during a luncheon at Brightview Wakefield. In accordance with its by-laws, the service club elects new leadership annually.
The Salem Rotary Club has been making Salem a better place for local residents and has contributed to communities around the globe for over 100 years. The largest impact they make each year, however, is to local Salem high school-aged students. This spring, the Salem Rotary Club was pleased to present $55,000 in Scholarship and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Awards to senior students from Salem.
Congratulations to Somerville for cracking the top 3 in per capita donations to the Annual Fund! Please make your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's 
Share stories of your Club changeover festivities!
The Rotary Club of Chelsea annually sends twenty children from Chelsea to Camp Rotary for one week. Prior to attending camp the children attend an orientation meeting in Chelsea conducted by PP Susan Gallant who runs the project for the Rotary club. At the orientation Camp Rotary Director Dr. Richard Cowdell explains what to expect at the camp. Sue and other Rotarians then help the children and their parents with filling out the required paperwork and medical questionnaires. Prior to leaving the orientation each child is presented a backpack with personal essentials they can use at camp. The Rotary Club of Chelsea has been running this project for over 15 years. 
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently donated $2,600 to the Wakefield Food Pantry. Funds were raised via the club’s Dine Anywhere chance. Wakefield Rotary Club President Wendy Maguire said, “We’ve supported this resource in our community for years and its as important as ever to continue that support.” Nancy and Lauren from the Wakefield Food Pantry visited the club Tuesday to receive the gift. 
Near the end of each month the Swampscott Rotary Club meets at the Swampscott VFW and VFW and Rotary members join to make and package peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. These and packed with fruit, a dessert and a drink in "take home" packages delivered to My Brother's Table in Lynn for their clients.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea hosted their 2025 scholarship recipients and the recipients’ advisors at a recent Rotary luncheon. Ten scholarships were given out consisting of eight from the Rotary Club of Chelsea, one from East Cambridge Savings Bank in honor of Joseph Vinard and one from Juan Gallego.
Reading Rotary presented longtime Reading Rotary member Dick Haggerty with a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition at its May 12 meeting held at Austin Prep. 
The Wakefield Rotary Club offers a unique opportunity to its new members through the “Rookie Year Challenge”: each receives $100 of club funds to pursue a charitable project of their choice. The only requirement? The funds must be used in a way that allows the member—and other Rotarians—to actively serve, not simply donate.
This Memorial Day we honor and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Again we are asking for players and/or attendees to cheer us on as we play our annual game against Kiwanis in support of Jason Roberts, a baseball league for kids with learning and physical disabilities. The festivities starts at 6 PM on Wednesday, June 11th (rain date Thursday, June 12th) cheering on the young players along with a cookout and then our game starts at 7.
At our meeting last Thursday morning, Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians and guests were treated to an unusual double speaker program. Both sessions were fun and enlightening.
Our District Committees need volunteers. Please consider participating in one of these Committees. Many hands make light work. These Committees usually meet once a month over Zoom. It is a great way to learn more about Rotary beyond your club. You can enhance your skills and learn best practices. Use your Rotary experience and enthusiasm to help other Rotarians.
The Arlington Police Department is thrilled to introduce the latest member of their team.
Flags for Heroes is a program designed to honor individuals who have made significant contributions as heroes. These heroes may include military personnel, first responders, parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, community leaders, or others who have shown dedication and service.
In honor of Earth Day and our love of community, a small but intrepid group of Ipswich-Rowley Rotary volunteers braved the elements to complete our semi-annual cleanup of the two-mile segment of Route 133 between the Route 1 intersection and the Essex town line. President Tom Murphy, the club’s ‘Adopt a Highway’ Chair, was joined by President Elect Doug Shealy and Vice President Susanne Petersen.
Leo Bergeron will be presented with the Gloucester Rotary’s Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award at a special dinner on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Gloucester Rotary and recognizes Leo as a long-time local banker and community activist.
As a past District Governor of District 7930 and a strong advocate of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, David Gardner has experienced firsthand the transformative impact the RYLA experience can have on a young person's life.
Camp Rotary, the renowned service project of the Lynn Rotary Club, has been offering life-changing experiences for children for over 100 years at its beautiful Boxford property on the shores of Stiles Pond. There are several weeks this summer where we have beds for older campers that we believe may go unused. In an effort to get these beds filled with deserving campers, for a limited time we are offering clubs the opportunity to send campers to camp at a discount. The regular cost of camp is $35 registration fee and $1025 for the week of camp. For the following select weeks, we can offer Rotary clubs the ability to send TWO campers for this cost instead of one!
Greater Salem Rotary's Public Image Chair Ashley Haseltine is officially a Boston Marathon runner. Her inspiring dedication and tireless efforts have truly made a significant impact. Her journey to becoming a Boston Marathon runner is a testament to her strength and determination. We are immensely proud of her achievements and the incredible support she has shown for thyroid cancer research with Team Mass Eye & Ear.
Incoming Club Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries, please enroll and complete your role-based learning plans before the start of the next Rotary year. 
The Rotary Club of Winchester's 36th annual Charity Golf Tournament is on Monday, May 19, 2025, and we expect another great event again this year at the Winchester Country Club. We expect to sell out again this year.
The Rotary Club of Greater Newburyport inducted 3 new members on April 8, 2025. They have gained 10 new members since July! The club credits their success to member outreach efforts, inviting prospective members to weekly meetings and events and showing them how much fun it can be in helping others.
Attention Professional and Recreational Photographers
The Rotary Club of Rockport is proud to support financially the Rockport Farmer’s Market in their initiative to combat food insecurity. The Rockport Farmers Market has made significant strides in supporting low-income families through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 
Calling all Presidents-Elect, Club Treasurers, Club Secretaries, Public Image, Membership, Foundation Chairs, new Rotarians -- and all Rotarians!
Wilmington Rotary and Wilmington High Interact Club held their Polar Plunge for PolioPlus on March 22 at Silver Lake in Wilmington. For the first time in three years, the weather cooperated, the speeches were kept to a minimum, and all participants and attendees were invited back to Rocco's Restaurant for Pizza following the Plunge. 
Last week we welcomed Leanne Carbone, the chairperson of Woburn Memorial High School Tanner Closet. WMHS Tanner Closet is a free resource to help any WMHS students in need!
Support the Rotary Club of Lexington raise funds to support our annual scholarships given out to high school students.
Wakefield Rotary's new Pollinator Garden took its next steps this week. President Wendy Maguire, Past President Barbara Worley and Past President Judy Gordon scouted two potential locations for the garden.
As part of their weekly meeting the Manchester-Essex Club gathered on an early Spring morning with distinguished guest incoming District Governor Pooja Singla at the Historic Essex Shipbuilding Museum Schoolhouse to paint bowls in support of the Open Door Food Pantry's major fundraiser, the Empty Bowl.
The Rotary Club of Peabody received a District Grant from D7930 and partnered with Peabody Club funds and a Peabody Education Foundation grant to create a project called My First Book Club. The goal of the program was to provide every student in Grades K-2 with a book that they could own.
Woburn Interact Club President Adrian Caruso presents a check for $2000 to Woburn Dollars for Scholars liaison Catarina DeLemos Loureiro. The money was raised during a recent "Dating Game" event at the school auditorium. They are joined by the Interact Club members and Interact Club advisor Bill Sullivan. The funds raised will go to scholarship for Woburn Memorial High School.
Foundation recognition points are awarded to donors who contribute to The Rotary Foundation through the Annual Fund or PolioPlus, or who contribute to sponsorship of a Foundation grant. Donors receive one recognition point for every U.S. dollar contributed to these funds. (Contributions to the Endowment Fund are not eligible.) Donors can transfer Foundation recognition points to others to help them qualify as a Paul Harris Fellow or Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Foundation recognition points belong to the original donor until the donor’s death, unless the points are transferred, or until the donor uses them (the surviving spouse of a Major Donor may also use the points).
The Rotary Club of Woburn recently donated a defibrillator to St. Barbara's Church in Woburn. On hand for the presentation from left to right: Past Rotary President Mike Martini, Farther Edmund Ugwoegbu and Past Rotary President Bill Sullivan. 
As its major fundraiser, the Beverly Rotary Club is having BARRY GOUDREAU'S ENGINE ROOM perform at the North Shore Music Theatre on March 29th. Former "Boston" guitarist and his group the Engine Room will be providing music from the group Boston, popular rock covers and some of the group's new music. Once you hear them you will connect and feel the music! They have a following of fans all over New England.
Join Us for Pints for Preemies!
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Community Service Co-Chair Chris Davis has announced the results of their 2025 February ‘Share the Love’ collection for The Open Door Food Pantry.
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 member of the military, first responders, parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, community leaders, or other heroes.
The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to any combination of the following: Annual Fund-SHARE, individual Areas of Focus, PolioPlus Fund, as well as Disaster Response Funds and approved global grants.
Join Us for the Salem Rotary Club's Annual Auction
The invoices for District Dues were emailed out through Quickbooks to club officials! If you did not receive them or have questions, please reach out to District Treasurer, Rebecca Harris 
After contracting polio in 1952 at age 8, Philip Wilson was left with no use of his arms or left hand. Since then Philip has lived a vibrant and productive life, but without any functioning in his upper body limbs and left hand. He has an inspiring and remarkable story including joining Rotary in 1984, one year prior to Rotary announcing the formation of Polio Plus. Having recently moved into Brooksby Village, Philip and his wife, Jane, are new members of Danvers Rotary. Formerly, Phil had been District 7490 Chair for Polio Plus and has done extensive speaking at Rotary clubs and events. He reminds us of the devastation polio brought to America every summer prior to Jonas Salk developing the vaccine in 1955.
Have you made your contribution to The Rotary Foundation's 
Our World Peace and Understanding Event on February 26 featured an incredibly inspirational talk by John Nanni. John is a Rotarian from Middletown-Odessa, Delaware and is one of 20 million polio survivors. John contracted polio at 10 months just before the Salk vaccine became available. He was paralyzed from the neck down for six months.
Last week, Rotary Club of Woburn presented the Woburn Fire Dept. with Smoke/CO detectors. Fire Prevention Lt. Mark Smith and Rosa Lococo Head Clerk of the Fire Dept. were on hand to accept the donation by Rotary President Bill Balboni, along with Marie Lingblom COA Director of the Woburn Senior Center.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently hosted its second Rotary’s So Sweet Swap in honor of Valentine's Day. Members and guests were invited to bring a wrapped "sweet" treat. Club Members Jay Curley and Amy Luckiewicz led an interactive, and unpredictable, “sweet swap”. Some directions included to "Swap with a club Past President," "Swap with someone who can recite the 4-Way Test," and other Rotary-related instructions.
A major initiative for our Club this year has been to re-establish an Interact Club at the Manchester-Essex Regional High School (MERHS). After a couple meetings with a supportive school administration, we had a terrific introductory discussion with upwards of 25 students at a local pizza place that was informed and made more relevant with neighboring Interact student leaders from Gloucester and Ipswich - special thanks to Serena and Keith.
The Rotary Club of Rockport served its annual Valentine's lunch of baked haddock to over 70 local senior citizens at the Fish Shack Restaurant last Friday. Diners were serenaded by the high school chorus, and given carnations as they exited. Many seniors expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to get together and socialize during an especially tough winter. 
We are extremely proud to welcome one of the United States' newest citizens, Jose David Cermeño Perez. Jose came to our club back in 2012-13 as an exchange student from Venezuela, all wide eyed about Rotary. He was involved with the music and theatre department at high school, with a high point starring as Bernardo in West Side Story.
Our 
Hi, My name is Becca Harris and I am a member of the Arlington Rotary Club and serving as the District Treasurer. In my "real job" I am the Executive Director of 2nd Act which is a nonprofit that is a collective of artists and drama therapists in recovery which uses theatre, film, and drama therapy to address and educate about the impact of substance use. Our programs, including workshops, plays, drama therapy and professional trainings, are impacting the district in many ways and I would love to come to your club meeting to share more about the work we do.
The Wakefield Rotary Club visited Northeast Metro Tech (Voke) this week. The club re-located its meeting to the James Wallace Breakheart Inn at the school, a fully functioning training bakery, café and restaurant located within the Voke for the first out of four Rotary lunch meetings that will be hosted at the school in 2025.
Marblehead Harbor Rotarians recently hosted a second Breakfast of Champions. On the left, incoming club president Amy Hart offers words of welcome to representatives of the various sponsors of the club’s major fundraiser, the widely anticipated holiday opening gala, “Holiday Pops” which was held December 14.
How do you rate your club's Public Image? Is your Rotary club the best kept secret in your community? Do you have questions about ClubRunner, social media, press releases, how to get the word out about the great things Rotary does? 
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently contributed $500 to the Scholarship Fund of Wakefield, kicking off its annual Youth Support Campaign. This donation is one of many that the club intends to make to support scholarship, youth development and vocational training this year. Club President Wendy Maguire explained, “Each month, our Board reviews a comprehensive list of programs we hope to support this year that benefit Wakefield youth. We’re very happy to continue to support Wakefield students.”
Governor Tom Hankard introduced this year's One by One Membership Initiative at the District Installation celebration. He challenged all Rotarians to invite one person to a Rotary meeting, event, or service project during this Rotary year.
The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area have moved so many people to want to help. Two Rotary Districts serving the Southern California affected by the fires have established relief funds to help support those in need. 
Every Rotarian has a personal reason for joining. The thing we have in common is our strong commitment to making a difference. We are generous with our ideas, our energy, and our contributions to community causes. Whether large or small, every donation to the Annual Fund-SHARE is meaningful and important.
Here is an update from one of our Outbound Global Scholars, Acadia Thielking. Acadia is pursuing a Masters in Epidemiology at the Imperial College in London. She is a 2024 Global Scholar in the Rotary Foundation’s Area of Focus of Disease Prevention and Treatment
On Friday, December 20th, not even the snow could stop about 30 Andover Rotarians, family and friends from ringing the bell in front of Andover Old Town Hall for the Salvation Army of Lawrence.
Calling all Presidents Elect, Assistant Governors, Facilitators and all others participating in NEPELS. NEPELS is Northeast President Elect Learning Seminar (formerly called PETS). 
You are invited to join us at the White Mountain Hotel & Resort in No. Conway, NH from Friday, Feb. 28th to Sunday, Mar. 2nd for our Winter Getaway. Rotarians, their families and friends are all invited.
Thank you and congratulations to the Gloucester High School Interact Club for bringing back their annual Pathways Children's Holiday Party! The party provided fun, games, goodies, lunch, and a visit from Santa to the children served by Pathways for Children. An annual tradition for many years, the children's party was cancelled for several years due to the pandemic. 
The Rotary Club of Chelsea had as a recent guest speaker Laura Cardona, Executive Producer at NBC10BOSTON and TelemundoNI.
In November, the nomination committee selected Tim Kelley, from the Reading Rotary Club as the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND). An email announcement went out to the entire District in November indicating his selection and asking for any challenges. No challenges were submitted by any club in our District by the December 31st deadline.
At a recent “Breakfast of Champions,” hosted by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor, representatives of the extensive Marblehead sailing community and leaders in the effort to improve the environment were honored. Featured speaker was Maureen McKinnon, the Paralympic sailor who won gold in the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing. (The actual medal is an exquisite circle of jade.) 
All Rotary members should make promoting Rotary's Public Image a priority. Promoting PI is a proven strategy to increase your club's impact and add members.
At Beverly Rotary's last meeting in December, we had a wonderful atmosphere when the Beverly High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Adam Costa, came to add joy to our meeting. They played so many wonderful songs. We even got to sing-along! This is an annual tradition at our Club. We presented Adam with a $500 check towards expenses of the Jazz Club.
The Salem Rotary Club hosted its annual Department of Children and Families (DCF) Holiday party at Kernwood Country Club, bringing joy to foster families across the North Shore. The event featured entertainment including a visit from Santa Claus himself.
The Zone Membership Webinar Series continues January 6, 2025, at 7:30 pm. 
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 19. 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.
Last week the Swampscott Rotary Club delivered over 85 Holiday fruit baskets to elderly, widowed and ill residents of Swampscott and Nahant.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently announced the election of its new officers and directors at its Annual Meeting. The club elects new leadership each year in accordance with its by-laws. The 2025-2026 Board of Directors include Margie Daniels, Joie Gerrish, Mike Sullivan, Jill McWilliam, Craig Calabrese, Wendy Maguire (Immediate Past President) and Amy Luckiewicz (Past Presidents’ Representative). Suzanne Bowering will serve as Club Secretary, Barbara Worley as Club Treasurer and Frank Fiorentino as Sergeant-at-Arms. Paul Adams was elected Vice President/President-Elect and Kathy Boyle will serve as President for the 2024-2025 term.
This holiday season, the Winchester Rotary Club and Winchester High School’s Interact Club joined forces to deliver joy and warmth to our community. Together, they provided over 100 holiday meals to senior citizens residing at the Winchester Housing Authority.
Dear Rotarians:
The Rotary Club of Chelsea had as their guest speaker at a recent meeting, WBZ Meteorologist Jacob Wykoff. Mr. Wykoff gave a background on how he got into the weather forecasting profession, how weather is forecast, the expected accuracy rate and why the weather varies within the eastern Massachusetts region. He took questions for 15 minutes and answered most. Also hosted as guest of the Club were the 2024 -2025 officers of the Chelsea High School Interact Club. 
Twice a year the Rotary Club of Woburn takes over the kitchen at the Woburn Senior Center and cooks a hot breakfast for about 65 senior citizens. Lead by Rotarian and chef Jim Major, the Rotarians make scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes and strawberries while the seniors are entertained by the Irish/American musician Mossie Caughlan. Dunkin' helps to sponsor the event by providing coffee. It's always a fun time and the seniors appreciate and enjoy the morning with breakfast and sing-along favorite tunes by Mossie. 
The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2025, 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.
A major initiative of Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is helping The Open Door food pantry bring joy to area families in need of assistance.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary recently honored long time member Nat Pulsifer for his immense contributions to our club and community. His imagination, kindness, and devotion to community made Ipswich a better place for us all. Those of us in Rotary were honored to serve with him!
Winchester Rotary Club came together for a meaningful service project: packing Thanksgiving baskets for the Council for Social Concern.
The ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to view your member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to your website, learn more about your upcoming events and speakers, view your club meeting details and track your attendance statistics, right from your smartphone or tablet.
Boston Rotary Club is collecting Winter Essentials to benefit 
The annual joint lunch hosted by the Woburn and Winchester clubs brought the clubs together in anticipation of the 133rd Thanksgiving High School Football game. With the historic rivalry tied, excitement is at an all-time high. This cherished tradition featured captains, cheerleaders, and coaches from both schools. They joined us for a festive Thanksgiving feast to honor their teams and celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie. 
Buy Tickets for 21st Taste of the North Shore Gala
Amesbury Rotary’s Title Town Sports Raffle is coming up on December 17th. Get a start on your holiday shopping, and help support the work Amesbury Rotary does in our community; awarding college scholarships to Amesbury High School students, Bike Safety Day, supporting the Council on Aging and several Amesbury community based non profit organizations, Veteran’s Day lunch, and much more.
On October 20, Burlington Breakfast Rotary participated in the Miles for Mental Health Walk at Marshall Simons Middle School track.
Members of the Rotary Club of Salem recently volunteered their time at the Salem Pantry, helping out in the organization's warehouse. The Rotarians assisted with a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the Pantry's food distribution efforts.
This Thursday, November 14th will be our upcoming ROBERT C. WOOD MEMORIAL HEROES foundation dinner event, named in honor and memory of our friend, the late Past District Governor Bob Wood (2018-19). Tickets are still available! The evening will include a social hour, silent auction, dinner, and Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) presentations.
Mark your calendars! We are excited to share RYLA 2025 will be taking place May 16th-18th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. This year’s group of students will experience a full weekend of learning, discovering, and connecting with each other. With how busy the end of year can be, make sure to save the date for RYLA 2025 before everyone's schedules fill up!
The Succession Planning Summit on November 2 will be rescheduled in 2025. Information on a new date will be coming out later.
The Marblehead High School Interact Club started the year strong with 100 members and counting. The dynamic leadership is planning a full year of service and fundraising projects both locally and internationally.
In commemoration of World Polio Day, October 24th, Marblehead Rotarians organized fun and exciting activities for the whole month of October, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and global efforts to eradicate Polio. An essential part is to raise funds to continue the work that Rotarians have been dedicated to since 1985.
Marblehead Rotary's annual 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, November 3 at 11 am. Please bear in mind, daylight savings time ends, don't forget to change your clocks!
Rotary is hosting a 60-minute webinar called Ethical Storytelling on Wednesday, 9 October.
Are you passionate about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging?
The Rotary Club of Burlington is hosting "Build a Bed" with the non-profit, A Bed For Every Child non-profit.
Calling all Heroes! Save the date of Thursday, November 14, 2024, for the return of our Heroes Celebration.
5th Annual Belle Isle Rotary's Fall Fair put on for the children and families of East Boston, Revere & Winthrop. There will be lots of food, prizes & fun for all ages, face painting, pumpkin decorating, games/prizes and yummy fall foods all for free.
For the past several years Lynn Rotary and the Salvation Army (SA) joined forces to assist with the annual backpack distribution to Lynn School children. Prior to the actual distribution, Lynn Rotarians were on duty at the local Walmart, donating and collecting school supplies from entering customers. Walmart and Fox 25 TV in Boston made significant donations of the supplies.
Public Image is important to get Rotary's message out. Here are some resources to enhance your PI and expand your club's reach.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently completed its multi-year project to collect and donate school supplies to benefit a Caribbean school. This year, the club selected the Sandy Point Primary School on St. Kitts.
The three bedrocks of Rotary are our members, our Foundation that benefits the World, and spreading the word of all the good things we do to positively impact our communities.
It is with great sadness to announce the untimely passing of Rotarian Andrew P. Maddox.
In Rotary year 2013-2014 then District Governor John Hall brought Visioning to District 7930. For the next several years over half the clubs in the District went through the Visioning Process. You may ask, “What’s the Visioning Process?” Clubs that want to redefine their goals and vision for the future can, with the Districts’ help, have an evening where they explore where they want to see their club in the future. Interest has again risen within the District to do Club Visioning. 
The Rotary Club of Salem, MA partnered again this year with the Salem Council on Aging to host a fabulous Hawaiian Luau this year. Filled with music and dancing, good food and laughter, there were more than 125 people in attendance. It was a huge success!
On Saturday, August 24, outside the Swampscott Senior Center, the Swampscott Rotary Club held our 42nd annual cookout for people with limited abilities from the North Shore.
The Belle Isle Club, home of DG Tom Hankard, was so impressed with the vision and details of the upcoming Rotaplast Mission presented by DG Tom and Past DG Terry Rezendes Curran that they easily proposed and passed a motion to donate $2000 towards this most noble endeavor.
Burlington Breakfast Rotary proudly reports that Past President and current Co-President Rita Shah has been recognized by President Biden with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. 
For over a quarter of a century, Brian Magrane served as President of Youth Services Managers Inc., the operating arm of Camp Rotary in Boxford, Massachusetts. Among his many accomplishments, he guided the camp through the building of its new state of the art dining hall and modern kitchen. On Monday, July 22, 2024, Board members, campers, family, and friends, joined together for the dedication of “Magrane Overlook” to honor his unwavering passion and commitment to Camp Rotary.
Danvers Rotary is stepping forward again for the greater good as they have spent weeks with much-needed trimming and cleanup of the traffic island at the corner of Poplar and Maple in Danvers.
The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club held their annual Red White & Blue Breakfast on June 29th 2024, at Tucks Point stating at 7:30 am to 11:30 am. In addition to the pancakes there were, pony rides and face painting for the kids, musical entertainment by the Old Salts Jazz Band, and the very popular water taxi to shuttle guests from the Manchester town center to Tucks Point.
Nominations for District Governor for 2027-2028 are being accepted starting August 12, 2024. Deadline to submit nominations: Monday, October 14, 2024.
The Zone Membership Webinar Series continues August 12. It's the second Monday of August (because the first Monday was a holiday in many places). "Open Mikes" - Mike Gibson and Mike Huie will share some of the magic that allows them to attract ~20 members in a year! You will learn about a 5 step plan to grow your club and about how follow-up tools in ClubRunner have been used effectively. Share, share, share!
This first-hand account of the wildfires in Jasper, Alberta, Canada comes from District 5370 Governor Brian Edwards.
World Polio Day is just twelve weeks from now - 24 October 2024 ...what is your club doing to END POLIO NOW? Whether you're planning a plunge, pizza for polio or another fun activity to raise awareness of eradicating polio, let's get the word out! Perhaps you might want to share your creative ideas with our District Newsletter so that others may benefit and help make this the year that we eradicate Polio.
Rotarians from around the district, along with their friends and family, are invited to Melrose Rotary Club's new Second Monday Social. Each "Second Monday" club members, along with their guests, meet at JJ Grimsby's restaurant at 301 W. Wyoming Ave, Stoneham, MA from 5:30-7:00 for a social get together. The next Second Monday Social is August 12.
Earlier this spring, the Rotary Club of Andover in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Cherkasy, the Rotary Club of Kyiv-City, Ukraine, and the Cambridge-Isanti Rotary club coordinated and donated an Olympus endoscopic surgical system at a cost of $16,900 to Yemilchnye Hospital in Ukraine.
Rotary is a membership organization. That means that the unique skills and contributions of our members are the driving force behind everything we do. To accomplish everything we want to do, we need our club, district, and zone leaders to commit to growing Rotary and Rotaract. That’s why growing our membership is one of our top priorities.
District Governor Tom is pleased to announce that we have secured the sponsorship for the next Rotaplast Mission to Cebu in the Philippines. 
As a part of this year's One by One Membership Initiative, introduced at our District Installation, all Rotarians have pledged, during the next Rotary year, to invite one person to a Rotary meeting, event, or service project.
Now is the perfect time to brush up on your Rotary knowledge base at the Learning Center. The Learning Center has seen a lot of activity in the last two months of the year. Members from 49% of clubs visit the Learning Center! That's a 9% increase compared to what was shared in May. Is your club in the 51% that have not visited The Learning Center?
The Rotary Club of Rockport celebrated the 4th of July in style! The day always begins with the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Dock Square at 10:00am. The crowd is instructed to respond with a “Huzzah” when something good is read, or a “Fi” when something reprehensible occurs! Rotarians are dressed in period costumes and encourages audience participation.
At a recent meeting, the Rotary Club of Woburn presented a Paul Harris Fellow to David Frizzell. David is a retired Fire Chief from the town of Belmont. Dave received this awarded for his dedication to the youth in Boy Scout Troup 502 currently sponsored by the George A. Campbell Post 101 in Woburn. He has mentored over 15 boys in their attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. The prestigious Eagle Scout rank is highest rank that a young man or woman can a attain in Scouting. In addition, he has assisted in many of the administrative functions and training of adult leaders. Also in attendance at the Rotary Luncheon meeting were 4 Eagle Scouts. Presenting the Paul Harris Award to David Frizzell was Rotary Club of Woburn Past President and Paul Harris Fellow, Bill Sullivan. 
Winchester Rotary continued its annual scholarship awards and celebrated five graduating seniors' academic and service achievements by awarding $22,000 for their college education.
The Gloucester Rotary will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2025 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary’s many community and international activities.
Danvers Rotary Club purchased a new double door commercial freezer for the Danvers Food Pantry. The $6,800 donation provides additional freezer storage for food donations which arrive weekly from various sources including the Greater Boston Food Bank and Stop & Shop. The Danvers Food Pantry serves on average 240 families each month with 344 families actively receiving services this year. By year end a 25% increase is anticipated over last year. Through May 2024 the Pantry distributed 72,000 pounds of food.
Tickets are now available to the annual Gloucester Rotary Comedy Night, featuring Brad Mastrangelo, Jody Sloane, Jeff Koen, and Boston's Dave Rattigan on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square on Gloucester's harborfront. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 8 pm.
Happy Rotary New Year! We had a fantastic District celebration, ushering in the Magic of Rotary. In the words of new RI President Stephanie Urchick, "You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member."
The Rotary Club of Lynn awarded six scholarships to outstanding high school seniors on June 20, 2024 at Old Tyme Italian Cuisine. There were over 35 very qualified applicants, and those were narrowed down to these 6. It is a difficult task to eliminate applicants, and this year was made more difficult due to the lack of FAFSA information. The lack of FAFSA was due to a change by the Federal Government concerning the process. The Scholarship Committee had to make decisions without reviewing the financial ability of the family to pay the tuition.
Question of the month: Why should I update my club's Rotary logo? I like the old one better.
The Danvers Club scratch ticket raffle offers a 1/100 chance to win $1000 worth of lottery tickets for just $50.
Beverly Rotary Club members took on the task of cleaning out and planting colorful flowers and plants on the rotary near the Montserrat Station in Beverly. The Club sponsors that location each year to keep Beverly beautiful . It ends up being a fun event, with cars going by happily honking at the Rotarians as they take care of the garden. Following the afternoon planting, a social is held at a Rotarian's house around the pool. The saying, "Good deeds get rewarded" is surely true in this case! 
The Wakefield Rotary Club hosted its annual Father’s Day Fishing Tournament at Lake Quannapowitt on Sunday, June 16th. The free event, open to all ages, welcomed about a dozen families fishing for various top spots. Wakefield Rotary Event Coordinator Gene Mullen explained, “The weather this year held up great.” He added, “This family event is really a highlight for our club each year.” Loaner rods were made available thanks to Mass Wildlife and bait was donated by Boats & Motors on North Avenue in Wakefield.
Rotary International Director and Treasurer Drew Kessler will join us and install our incoming Club Presidents at our District Installation on June 27! The opportunity to meet a sitting Rotary International Director does not happen often. 
When you help new members feel valued and connected to a club from the beginning, they’re more likely to stay and be part of the club’s growth. Here are four ways you can keep new members engaged: 
Burlington Breakfast Rotary collaborated with Sunrise Senior Living in Burlington to create a vegetable garden for seniors. Sunrise Senior Living is an assisted living community that offers a range of living options with services. 
Danvers Rotary Club purchased a new double door commercial freezer for the Danvers Food Pantry. The $6,800 donation provides additional freezer storage for food donations which arrive weekly from various sources including the Greater Boston Food Bank and Stop & Shop. The Danvers Food Pantry serves on average 240 families each month with 344 families actively receiving services this year. By year end a 25% increase is anticipated over last year. Through May 2024 the Pantry distributed 72,000 pounds of food.
This past year, the Rockport Rotary Club built a classroom for Ugandan children with the support of a district grant. This comes as a result of the club's strong partnership with an organization called Village2Village Project, which focuses on serving vulnerable children in an impoverished area in rural northeastern Uganda, East Africa. The mission of Village2Village Project is to provide comprehensive, empowering, respectful, and compassionate care for vulnerable children and their families, one life at a time. The project provides basic needs support and education to over 225 children, most of whom have lost one more parent due to HIV/AIDs or violence.
On May 25, Burlington Breakfast Rotary participated in the Stoneham Memorial Day Parade. Our late Rotarian, Don Tocci, was the Posthumous Grand Marshall of the Parade. He was honored for his "Service Above Self" activities to his community, the Rotary community, to Veterans, and everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. Our founder, Kevin McKelvey, gave a moving speech about Don. We are honored to have been part of this parade.
To celebrate their 100th Anniversary in 2023, the Gloucester Rotary chose to install new playground equipment at Stage Fort Park as their centennial gift to the City of Gloucester. This was an expansion of their playground project, which recognized Rotary International's centennial celebration in 2005.
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 16th. Wakefield Rotary Past President Gene Mullen announced, “Anglers, mark your calendars and prepare your tackle boxes! The much-anticipated Fathers Day Friends and Family Fishing Derby is back, promising a morning filled with fun, excitement and of course, plenty of fish tales.”
On May 30, 2024, the Rotary Club of Lynn continued with its 30+ year 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. This recognition meeting, at the Old Tyme Italian restaurant was the third and last such meeting for the current academic year.
Yearly, Marblehead Rotary awards four to six students a one-time scholarship and one a four-year scholarship for excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. This year, we are proud to announce five outstanding awardees.
Parkway Rotary is having its annual softball game against Kiwanis to raise funds for the Jason Roberts Challenger League (baseball league for kids with various disabilities) on Wednesday, September 11th (rain date Thursday, September 12th) at their field at the Orenberger School in West Roxbury. Time TBD. There will be food and drinks at the game. More information to follow.
Identifying potential club leaders and re-energizing long-time members are important aspects of a club President’s responsibilities. Many incoming 2024-2025 club Presidents are now setting their budgets for the coming year. Please consider a budget line item of $80-$100 to either partially or wholly subsidize at least one of your club leader’s participation at Rotary Leadership Institute, April 26, 2025, location to be determined, but within District 7930 commute.
You don't want to miss the chance to win the Amazing Raffle Prizes at the negligible cost. Grand Prize is '2 Tickets for a Red Sox Game' and 10 more equally attractive prizes
Mary Gallivan was recently inducted into Ipswich-Rowley Rotary. Mary currently serves Ipswich as Assistant Town Manager and Human Resource Director. A dynamic and innovative human resources leader, her strong community service commitment extends well beyond her official duties and includes, among others, volunteering at the Ipswich Council on Aging, Ipswich Illumination, and the Ipswich Food Pantry (The Open Door). Throughout her life, Mary has sought opportunities to assist those who are suffering, in need or in crisis; as a town leader, she encourages other employees to help.
As we take time this weekend to remember all of the brave men and women who have served our country, it is a good time for Rotary to look ahead for opportunities in your club to engage and support the individuals and families of anyone who has served or is still serving our great nation. 
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary's Scholarships Chair Kathy Frederick presents a check for two Ipswich YMCA youth camp scholarships to Ipswich Y Executive Director and fellow Rotarian Chris Bevilacqua. Looking on are President Ann Witzig and Director Dr. Doug Shealy.
I realize we're halfway through the month already, but I want to address No Mow May as it seems like such a good idea. Just one bullet point from many I've been reading says:
On May 2nd, 2024, the Lynn Rotary and the Reading Cooperative Bank hosted 468 Special Needs students for the 54th annual Special Games. Virtually all the Lynn students in Special Needs classrooms, if they are able, participate in this activity.
Lynnfield Rotary is ready to build more beds on Saturday. Join us on May 11, 2024, at 9:00 AM in Market Street, Lynnfield, in the plaza by Starbucks, Panera and Otto Pizza. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the cafeteria of Lynnfield High School. 
Hello District 7930 community! On Saturday, April 27th from 10-12 the District Interact Council of 7930 held their very first service project; The Green Hunt! The event was a fun and unique competition between neighboring Interact clubs to accomplish the goal of reducing litter within a community. It was held in Stoneham, on a warm sunny day and we were excited to see Stoneham Interact and Rotary along with Lynn Interact, as well as members from the North Reading and Wilmington clubs there! We accomplished our goal of reducing litter with a friendly competition and were excited to see how enthusiastic our fellow Interactors were!
Last week Rotary Club of Woburn completed a service project by presenting the Woburn Senior Center with a donation for Smoke/CO Detectors for Woburn residents that either don't have them or need replacements. Members of Rotary Club of Woburn join the Woburn Fire Department to help install the detectors. Amy O'Brien from the Woburn Senior Center accepts the check from Rotary Club of Woburn President Brian Ouellette. Thanks to Cummings Foundation for a grant that makes this possible. 
Host an Inbound Global Scholar? What does that mean?
Carole Sharoff will be presented with the Gloucester Rotary’s Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award at a special dinner on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Gloucester Rotary and recognizes Ms. Sharoff’s many contributions to the community at large as well as to Rotary as a former club board member, secretary, and President.
Grab a ticket, or buy a table and join Rotary Club of Burlington for an awesome FUNdraising event! It's a combo of bingo + DJ + prizes + dancing + raffles.
Please join us for fun night as Rotary Club of Woburn celebrates 100 years of "Service Above Self". There will be a live cover band, catered dinner, raffles, fun and fellowship! 
Winchester Rotary and WFEE (Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence) donated Wonderbooks to Winchester Public Schools's five elementary libraries. A Wonderbook is a book with audio built in, which allows readers to read along while listening to a professional narrator. This models fluency for all students, including striving readers, language learners and vision impared students. The libraries are excited that these books will make them more inclusive for all students and will build their love of learning.
Attention, Golfers! Winchester Rotary looks forward to our 35th annual golf tournament on Monday, May 20, 2024, and expect another great event again this year at the Winchester Country Club. We expect to sell out again this year. Registration is now open!
Boston Rotaract recently sponsored a bonding event. Rotaractors gathered to ice skate at the Rink at 401 Park. It was a great success as the club is building up its membership.
The Stage Fort Park Playground Improvement Project-- Gloucester Rotary's 100th Anniversary Gift to Our Community-- has moved forward another step!
The Environmental Committee wants you! Please join us on April 24th at 6pm to share what your club is doing, especially as we celebrate Earth Month.
The Rockport Rotary Club hosted an International Potluck for Polio and we encouraged people to come in the costume of the country they were representing. The variety of foods and drinks that the Rotarians prepared was awesome, some did come dressed, and we raised over $800 for the children of the world! 
Parkway Rotary is looking for 2 or 3 volunteers to assist us in serving meals to homeless veterans at 
Our District 7930 Rotary Foundation Committee is looking for additional new volunteers for the coming Rotary year 2024-25. If you are passionate about doing good in the world through the many projects supported by our Rotary Foundation, please consider joining this important district committee. We have several different working groups on the committee, focused on areas such as global grants, district grants, polio eradication, annual fund, Paul Harris Society, global scholarships, endowment, and major donors. If you are potentially interested in joining the committee and would like to learn more, please reach out to incoming District Rotary Foundation Chair 2024-27 Alexander Falk via email at 
Come to an evening of song, dance and fun!!! The event is on April 12th at Danversport Waterfront, 6:00 pm-10:30 pm. Proceeds will benefit the charitable causes of Beverly Rotary Club Foundation, including local scholarships. When you come to a Beverly Rotary event, it's always lively. We have music by the famous "Spike the Punch" band. It's casual dress because we want you to let your hair down to dance, eat, drink and have fun!
SAVE THE DATE! Rotary Club of Woburn will be celebrating 100 years of service to the community on the evening of June 6th, 2024. The celebration will feature a live cover band, raffles, a catered buffet meal, cash bar, dancing and special announcements. Registration will be opening soon. Come celebrate with us! It will be a fun night! 
Twice a year for the past eight years Rotary Club of Woburn has provided Birthday Party Bag Kits to the local food pantry at the Council of Social Concern. Last week about 30 kits were assembled with $20 worth of goodies each. The bags contain cake mix, icing, candles, party plates, napkins and flatware for struggling local families. 
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary successfully completed its annual food drive to benefit The Open Door’s Ipswich Food Pantry and is pleased to announce that 1230 pounds of food was collected in February at seven locations in Ipswich and Rowley. The Open Door staff said they appreciated both the quantity and the quality of the food donated.
Hundreds of Rotary leaders assembled in at the Marriott in Newton March 7 through 9 to take part in President Elect Training Seminar or PETS. Our District joined with six other Rotary Districts for Northeast PETS (NEPETS). These Districts cover Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of Maine and Quebec.
Tomorrow (March 19) is the day! Rotarians, their friends and families are all invited to the area's culinary spotlight: Peabody's Taste of the North Shore. The event will begin at Danversport at 6 pm. Join us for a celebration worthy of our 20th anniversary! We have a record number of restaurants (30!), a growing list of sponsors, and fantastic activities (grab bags, raffles, silent auctions) throughout the night working together to make this best Taste yet.
With pride and excitement, on behalf of myself DGE Tom Hankard, along with DGN Pooja Singla and DGND Terry Rezendes Curran, Immediate Past District Governor Alexander Falk has been appointed District 7930 Rotary Foundation Chair starting 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027.
On March 12 the Somerville Club welcomed Eileen Ryan, Founder of Beyond Plastics Greater Boston. Eileen gave an excellent and animated presentation on current and future environmental issues with plastics. She updated the Club on proposed bills in the Massachusetts Legislature and provided materials for members to become active in the process. The Club looks forward to following up with Eileen and Andrea Lacroix, the District Environmental Chair. 
Through a Rotary connection, I have heard that an Interactor from Brazil, District 4540, is honored to be taking a course at Harvard mid-April and is unable to afford housing. She and her Rotary network are asking if anyone is generous enough to host her for one week: April 17-22.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently had as their guest speakers the project managers from the Northeast Metro Tech DECA Chapter. DECA is a non-profit student-run organization that prepares high school students in business, marketing, finance and hospitality. The student members participate in various business events and competitions to advance their knowledge and leadership skills. 
The Rockport Rotary Club is hosting an International Potluck For Polio on Thursday, April 4th, starting at 5:30. Entrance cost is $25 per person and it will all go to Polio! If you would like to join us please 
Salem Rotary presents A Night at the Speakeasy Annual Auction, March 20, 6 pm at Historic Hawthorne Hotel. Please save the date and get your tickets today!
Somerville Rotary announces its 100th Anniversary Celebration. Save the date, May 14, 2024, 6 pm.
Medford Rotarians are sponsoring our First MEAT Raffle!
The Medford Rotary Club gathered at the Medford Public Library to celebrate our 100th anniversary. Many memories, photos and laughs were shared with long-time members 50 years+ and former members. A great time was had by all! We are honored to be in service to the Medford community and we will continue to cultivate, collaborate and support the needs of others in the spirit of Rotary's motto - Service Above Self. 
At a recent lunch meeting Reading Rotary hosted members from their affiliated Interact Clubs. Reading sponsors one Interact at Reading Memorial High School, another at Austin Preparatory School in Reading and also one at North Reading High School. All three clubs sent students to RYLA last year and are working on building up their membership post pandemic.
The Woburn Memorial High School Interact Club recently held their annual fundraiser: "The Dating Game." The fundraiser was a success and the funds raised will help support the Council of Social Concern's food pantry and Woburn Dollars for Scholars. Over $1,000 was raised. Adrian Caruso, Emily Kline, Caden Fleming and Dawson LeBlanc of the Interact Club attended a recent Rotary Club of Woburn lunch meeting to talk about the fundraiser. 
Have you ever wanted to try making your own charcuterie board? Bring a friend and learn how to create a beautiful and delicious appetizer display. Our talented chef Cara, of Cara's Creative Charcuterie, will walk your through step-by-step and you will build your charcuterie on a custom board that you get to keep.
At a recent lunch meeting, Reading Rotary welcomed two new members, Margaret O'Sullivan and Tom Seyffret. President Sheila Clarke did the honors of installing them. Margaret is a realtor with William Raveis in Reading Square. Tom is a manager with North Shore Bank's Reading location also in Reading Square. Both Margaret and Tom have long time ties to the Reading community.
I am back from Sarasota where I attended the very first 
Rockport Rotary Club hosted its annual Valentine’s Luncheon for the seniors in town at the Fish Shack. They received a haddock dinner, chocolates, red carnations, a Valentine made by the elementary school kids, and were entertained by the High School Chorus. Such a fun and appreciated time! 
Friends of Rotary Club of Amesbury, Massachusetts, we're kicking off our biggest fundraiser in a number of years. One lucky winner will win $5,000.00. We're only selling 100 tickets so your chances are good. Raffle ticket only is $100. Admission to event only is $25 per person. Drawing event is March 11 at Ristorante Molise in Amesbury.
This week, Woburn Rotary's annual defibrillator donation was presented to the Woburn Public Library. Library Director and Honorary Rotary member Hermayne Gordon was there to accept the donation.
I am Sophie Saquet, a current senior at North Reading High School, and 2024 Miss North Reading. I am a finalist competing for the Miss Massachusetts USA title this March and I wanted to invite you to take part in this journey! Outside of my passion for pageants, I am member of the North Reading Interact Club, as well as serve as Vice Governor for the District 7930 Interact Council. I love to support the community I represent and to bring to life great opportunities for growth. For this reason, I established a GoFundMe that will not only support the finances required for me to compete in Miss Massachusetts, but half of the amount donated will go directly to suicide prevention. I hope you consider donating to this fund, as this cause is very important to me. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Download a 
At their weekly breakfast meeting, Marblehead Harbor Rotary members assembled Valentine’s Day cheer packs for 47 clients of a local rehabilitation and skilled nursing home. The tiny arrangements contained faux rosebuds and were designed to give lasting happiness in smaller spaces like a bed table or bureau top. A card of good wishes accompanied each bud vase.
Roll on over to Methuen Rotary's 9th Annual Bocce Tournament. Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Past District Governor Ingrid Brown celebrated Rockport’s inbound 
The Winchester Rotary volunteered at the 
DEI DISCUSSION SERIES #4, February 21, 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea welcomed its newest member, Allison Gamble. Allison works for North Suffolk Community Services in Advancement and Grants. She was sworn in by Past President Allan I. Alpert and welcomed by President Almi Abeyta. 
In our latest fundraiser, the Beverly Rotary Club conducted an online auction, raffling off only one item: a trip to LA to see the Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre, with a 2-night hotel stay. The winner at two minutes before the closing time was Jen Lapan. She bid on it for her daughter and roommate, who are studying in the theatre department in college. The two girls took off on their adventure and stayed in the hotel right near the Peacock Theatre. Reports from mom to us are that they had a blast. They hobnobbed with the stars on the Red Carpet. They did some sightseeing and visited Hollywood emmy museums. The city life at night was great too. Our club obtained the tickets from a member's son who works in Los Angeles. Thanks to him, we were thrilled to bring happiness to these young ladies, and simultaneously we raised money toward our projects this year. You can tell from the photo below that it was a trip to remember! And the winner is.......everyone!!! 
They say, "One person's trash, is another's treasure." Recently, the Wakefield Rotary Club put that idiom to the test during the club's Second Chances Auction. The internal fundraiser invited members to bring gently used or unwanted items in for donation. Other members can then bid on them, generally starting with a bid of just five dollars. 
The main event at the recent Rotary International's International Assembly attended by District Governor-Elect Tom Hankard in Orlando, Florida, is the unveiling of Rotary's annual theme.
Here's your a reminder to get your donations and get fit for 2024! It’s up to you to make the difference for the children of the world, so let’s do this together! 
It’s that time of year again! We are excited to share RYLA 2024 will be taking place May 17th-19th at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. We are ready for this year’s group of students to experience a full weekend of learning, discovering, and connecting with each other. With how busy the end of year can be, make sure to save the date for RYLA 2024 before your schedule fills up!
The District Environmental Committee is up and running and wants your suggestions! If your club has an environmental committee, let's talk and discuss what you are doing and how we can work together to take your projects further.
Ingrid Brown from Rockport Rotary celebrated an International Holiday Lunch at a Turkish restaurant with her former Global Scholar, Makiko Ueda, from Japan and current French Youth Exchange student, Lila Michaux.
Members of the Chelsea Rotary Club helped the Chelsea Salvation Army raise funds for the holiday season by ringing the kettle bells at the Chelsea Market Basket. The Rotarians rang the bells at both entrances from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Rotary Club has been supporting the Salvation Army by ringing the kettle bells for over 20 years. 
Many members of the Rotary Club of Woburn recently participated in an event to cook and serve breakfast at the Senior Center on School St. in Woburn. The senior guests were served scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage patties and strawberries along with orange juice and coffee that was donated by a local Dunkin' franchise. The senior guests were also entertained by a local Irish American entertainer, Mossie Coughlan. Mossie had the guests singing classics such as "Oh Danny Boy" and even got some of them up to dance. 
The Wakefield Rotary Club completed its annual Autumn donation of dictionaries to every third grader in Wakefield. 314 copies were hand-delivered to all Wakefield public schools as well as Odyssey and St. Joseph’s School. Diligent Rotarians Suzanne Bowering, Barbara Worley, Tom Stapleton, Joie Gerrish, Paul Adams, Wendy Maguire, Lisa Roderick, and Jill McWilliam visited each school and walked students through some of the resource’s highlights including how to look up the word “volunteer,” the American Sign Language alphabet, and historical information all included in the book.
You’ve seen the show on TV. Did you ever imagine being there? Well, here’s your chance to be among the stars at the 75th 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California on January 15th, 2024! What a great event sponsored by the Beverly Rotary Club to support our students so they can become STARS!! TICKETS ARE NOT SOLD FOR THIS EVENT. They are PRICELESS! You get a souvenir book with all the categories and photos in it. You see your favorites walking down the Red Carpet that YOU just walked down. They even stop to take photos and some with just you! You are there as they show it live on television. This is an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime event! This package includes a two-night stay at the Wayfarer Hotel by Hilton, which is minutes from where the Emmys Awards will be held. What an incredible memory you’ll be making!
As the District representative on the Council of Legislation (COL) I wanted to let you know the results of the recent meeting. Twenty six resolutions were transmitted to the Council and 7 resolutions were adopted, all of which were recommendations to the RI Board. TheRI Board will consider these items at its upcoming meetings. The Report of Actions 
On Wednesday, November 22, the Austin Prep Interact Club served pre-Thanksgiving meals at the Salvation Army Cambridge Corps Community Center.
The impact donors have on The Rotary Foundation is vital. Learn how your contributions can support different Foundation funds and programs.
1. Giving Tuesday
Tracey Scherrer Friedman, Executive Director of The Haven Project, along with her colleagues Jamie Ayer and Angelica Perez Baez, presented on November 16 to Lynn Rotary information concerning their nonprofit and what they do to help homeless young people in Lynn.
Past RI President Jennifer Jones informed Past District Governor Alexander Falk today that our District 7930 was one of only 53 districts in the world to receive the District Citation for the previous 2022-23 Rotary year.
The Gloucester Rotary has published a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2024, 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 Rotary Club of Chelsea was recently honored to host two Rotary roamers from India. They were Surendra Manjrekar from the Rotary Club of Mumbai Sion and Aniruddha Nakhawa from the Rotary Club of Thane Angels. Rotary banners were exchanged. 
We are happy to announce that Katherine Platt has joined Ipswich-Rowley Rotary.
Last Saturday morning a group of Rotarians descended on our ‘adopted highway,’ removing unsightly debris from the roadside along Route 133 between County Road and the Essex town line. Over the course of about 2 hours, the team collected 8 large bags of trash, helping to maintain the beauty of this picturesque motorway.
The Wakefield Rotary Club has an honored tradition of recognizing the service of veterans year-round through various service projects, donations, and partnerships. This year, however, the club members wish to highlight the service of veterans within its ranks; the club is home to four military veterans and a Peace Corps volunteer.
Marblehead Rotary and the Marblehead community again came together to raise funding for "Inner Explorer," a mindfulness platform designed to support mental health and well-being in schools and centers across Marblehead schools. The annual 5K run attracted 90+ runners on a sunny, mild November morning. Winding through the town's historic alleys and finishing for a relaxed celebration at the Boston Yacht Club over foot-long hot dogs and delicious New England Clam Chowder, it was a smashing gathering of families and friends. Congratulations to Adam Kingsbury of Rose Valley, PA, Ist Male Overall, and Kylynn McKinley of Marblehead Ist Female Overall winners. Cheers to the participants, families, friends, volunteers, sponsors, and contributors, and a big shout-out to our chair, Nancy Gwin, for spearheading this successful event! For a complete list of winners, see 
We are pleased to announce the recent dedication of the Community Center Billiard Room in remembrance John "Jack" Maloney. Jack made many significant contributions to the community throughout his lifetime and the Rotary Club of Lexington wanted to honor his legacy. Jack was very active in Rotary International, as President of the Lexington Rotary Club 1975-1976, and as District Governor (1980-1981) of district 7930. Jack was also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He belonged to the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. He was a Town Meeting member for many years and was appointed to many committees in Lexington. Jack was the former President and Chairman on the board of Depositors Trust Company in Medford and Lexington. Jack was also the recipient of the Lexington Lion's Club White Tricorne Hat in 2003 for his outstanding contributions to the Town of Lexington. He also served on the Boards of North Cambridge Catholic in North Cambridge as well as Cristo Rey High School. For many years he served on the board of the Josiah Hayden Recreation Center in Lexington, serving as Treasurer for 10 plus years.
The Swampscott Rotary Club and President Philipp Zeissig welcomed District Governor Lori Karas, AG Martha Mauser, and PDG Alex Falk. It was our honor host them and have Lori update us on district activities and plans and programs.
Wilmington Rotary will host their annual auction and raffle at Knights of Columbus Hall, on November 17, 2023 at 7:00 PM. Doors open 6:00 PM.
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is partnering with the Ipswich Council on Aging to bring conversation and companionship to senior members of our community isolated or lonely in their homes. We will first receive training from both the COA and professionals in this field before meeting our senior companions.
On Saturday Oct 28 the Melrose Rotary Club hosted their third game night fundraiser. The Spooky Halloween themed event was a replay of our popular LEFT RIGHT CENTER game with winners taking home over $800 in prizes! Melrose Rotarians and their businesses stepped up to sponsor the prizes.
The Wakefield Rotary Club brought some in-meeting fun to its Halloween meeting on October 31st. Long-time Rotarians Jay Curley and Amy Luckiewicz hosted a three-part trivia game centered on the holiday. “We love our meetings, but having a theme really brings a change of pace,” Luckiewicz said.
The Peabody Club had lots to celebrate last week. They received a citation for 20 years of being Chamber of Commerce members during a Chamber event. Then Past DG Alexander Falk visited to present the Club with 2 awards:
The Rotary Club of Peabody will hold a Walk For Veterans immediately following the Veterans Day ceremonies at City Hall on Saturday, November 11. At the end of the short walk, Rotarians will spend the afternoon cleaning the area around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the monument itself, at Courthouse Plaza. In the spirit of Rotary's motto “Service Above Self,” we are indebted to those who served for us. Rotarians will assist those veterans who are in wheelchairs.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently had a special dinner to celebrate the offficers and directors for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year. At the dinner the Rotary Club presented PHF certificates and pins to seven new PHFs. The new PHFs are Joan Cromwell, Stacey Gurska, Amanda Alpert, Gail Mauch, June Vinard, Kathy Webber and Marilyn Garcia. A PHF pin and certificate will be presented to Helen Zucco at a future Rotary meeting as she was not able to attend the dinner. 
We need your blood! Well actually only a pint of it. As everyone knows their is a blood donation shortage in the Boston area so we are sponsoring a blood drive in conjunction with the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Hospital) on November 28th from 11 AM to 5:30 PM at the Edelweiss Village on 2220 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132. Appointments can be done by 
October 24th marked World Polio Day, a day to recognize the 35-year fight to end polio world-wide. This year, the Wakefield Rotary Club re-committed to helping eradicate the disease after raising thousands of dollars over the past ten years by raising awareness and education through a press and social media campaign.
Recently, six Wakefield Rotarians, one Lynnfield Rotarian and a prospective member met up for the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Luncheon at the Quannapowitt Yacht Club. October's guest speakers were three of the Wakefield Police Department's female officers: Officer Kelly Tobyne, Officer Meaghan Roberto, and Officer Micayla Botelho. The women spoke about their different roles in the department and what it is like being a police officer.
Rotary Club members participated in an annual tradition, holding BBQs at the three senior living communities in Lexington. 
President Matt Wigton got Club members to stand at Five Corners in the early morning and promote joining the Rotary Club of Rockport! 
Stoneham Rotary 50/50 Raffle Golf Ball Drop on October 24 at 1 pm. 
Shower us purple, aubergine, lavender, mauve, violet! October 24 is World Polio Day, Marblehead Rotary kickstarted their fundraising event last week with inspired purple everything: pinkie stamps, piggy banks, petals, crocuses, boas, and M&Ms!
Rockport Rotarians dressed for the season at our lunch meeting on October 19. A more motley crew, you will not find. 
In his World Polio Day message, Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInnaly explains why we still need your support for our efforts to eradicate polio.
The District Interact Council is pleased to invite you to join us for one of our exciting InteractCafes this fall. Student run, these great events are designed to support our Interact clubs and educate Rotarians about their critical support role.
The Rotary Club of TBM’s 42nd Annual Road Race will be held on Sunday, October 15th. The Race starts at 11:00 am . There are certified 5k and 5 mile courses through the beautiful foliage of the quintessential New England Topsfield course. The races begin and end at the Proctor School, 60 Main Street, Topsfield. Registration is open online and in person the day of the race. Proceeds will benefit local food pantries and other TBM projects. 
Happy Halloween from Rotary Youth Exchange student Lila and her counselor PDG Ingrid Brown! Lila is visiting from France and is off to a great year in Rockport. 
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce its newest member, Joie Gerrish. Gerrish was recently installed into the club earlier this season by her sponsor, Past President Barbara Worley.
While at the Zone Learning to Lead Conference in Toronto, I met a District Governor from D6380 who told me about a mental health toolkit developed by Rotary Action Group (RAG) on Mental Health Initiatives for school or youth group leaders. This toolkit is a train-the-trainer resource for ages 12 and older plus a framework for referrals and increasing providers. The primary resource is the Boston's Children's Hospital 'Break Free From Depression' (BFFD). 
Creating successful and sustainable eco-tourism and micro enterprise among extremely poor mountain villages. Build on proven initiatives started in eastern and other parts of Nepal over the past 20+ years, harnesses a proven Appreciative Planning and Action (APA) development methodology along Nepal’s 1000 mile Great Himalaya Trail (GHT)—spanning East to West Nepal.
The Winchester High School Interact club has started the school year by recruiting over 60 new members. The leadership team has a full year of activities planned. Including the upcoming Interact Cafe and volunteering at the Rotary Club's Rise Against Hunger meal packing on September 28th, where the club and community will pack over 10,000 meals. 
Please join us on Saturday, October 21st for this fun night of Irish American music, dinner, raffles and silent auction items. This Fundraiser will help Woburn Rotary fund service projects throughout the year including CSC Food Pantry, Woburn Veterans, Fire Safety House, Smoke/CO Detectors for seniors and more. 
The weather was a fitting compliment to 48 enthusiastic registrants who teed it up for the Annual Lynnfield Rotary Golf Tournament at Reedy Meadow Golf Course on Friday September 22. The Golf Committee lead by Committee Chairman, Tom Adamczyk, exceeded all expectations to make this a memorable event.
Hello, my name is Becca Harris and I am a proud member of Arlington Rotary, District Registrar, and a member of the recovery community. I am grateful for the support of family, friends, and especially my rotary family. September is National Recovery Month and I think it is very important to raise awareness surrounding mental health, addiction education and recovery. 
The rain gods held off on September 23, enabling members of the Marblehead Harbor Rotary to volunteer with 
ill be assessed via a survey and those ideas or concerns will be the agenda for the next meeting scheduled for December.
Rotarians are people of ACTION!
The Rotary Club of Woburn recently celebrated Susan Hartmere's 30 years of Rotary service. Susan joined Rotary in 1992 and became the first woman to be president of the Woburn Club in 1996. She was also president again in 2018. Susan, a Paul Harris Fellow, was presented with a commemorative clock by current president Brian Ouellette with a plaque that reads, "Susan Hartmere: Thank you for 30 years of Rotary Club of Woburn service. You represent a true example of "Service Above Self."
On Friday, September 29th at the Zone Learning to Lead training in Toronto, Lori Karas, our District Governor, will Bounce for the Foundation!
The 34th Annual Winchester Rotary Golf Tournament is October 16th at the Winchester Country Club. This tournament is held to benefit the Winchester Rotary Charitable Foundation. The fund supports numerous local charitable organizations and the national and international works of Rotary International.
Join us for a World Mental Health Day Live Webinar hosted by Zones 28 & 32,
Experience the beauty of Southeast Asia along with connecting with Rotarians the world over at RI's 2024 International Convention in Singapore!
The Wakefield Rotary Club has made a $1,000 contribution to the Wakefield Youth Action Team’s Amigos program. Amigos, due to launch this semester, is a mentoring program between English Language Learners (ELL) at the Galvin Middle School and older students at Wakefield Memorial High School. The program seeks to help facilitate connections between ELL students and the broader Wakefield community through forging connections, field trips, and social events.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently completed its One-and-One School Supply Drive to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham and Wakefield and a school in the Dominican Republic.
Meet Don Dowling, the newly installed president of Marblehead Rotary. A fun-loving, hardworking, no-nonsense father of two, he brings fresh vitality to our club as one of our youngest members, spicing up our meetups and events with his infectious positive energy and winning attitude. He has led our club to competitive sports events to raise funds for our signature projects. A natural athlete, he was captain for many years of our yearly Polar Plunge to End Polio campaign. He was the perennial crew leader in the duck-tape regatta race to benefit the clean water project in Burkina Faso and co-captain for our Marblehead team in the district softball championships. Described as the point man and the "glue" in handling the complex logistics of our yearly scholarship fundraising project, the Lobstah Raffle, Don could be seen shuffling around town in his big truck, working tirelessly during the Fourth of July celebration.
RI President Gordon McInally has stated that mental health projects are deeply personal to him and has asked all to prioritize mental health projects in their district this year. Given this directive, DG Lori is launching a "Buddy Bench/Happy to Chat Bench" District wide grant opportunity that will help decrease loneliness and supports well-being in children and adults.
JOIN US AT THE TABLE!
The Winchester Rotary is a proud sponsor and volunteer at Mission of Deeds in Reading. One of our members was a founder of the organization which gives beds, furniture, and household items, free of charge, to people in need. They help people throughout Middlesex and Essex Counties.
On August 17, 2023, Eric Daniels spoke at a Lynn Rotary meeting about a book he and his daughter Jessica wrote about his longtime friend and mentor, Two Star General Bernard Loeffke (Ret.) The book, published in 2018, is: Our General Our Friend, Lessons in Leadership, Friendship, and Service from a Master: Major General Bernard Loeffke (ret). In addition to being an author, Eric became a Funeral Director upon leaving the military.
Several City dignitaries including Mayor Briana Longo, Fire Chief John Freedman, and Acting Police Chief Covino attended a dinner and presentation by Medford Rotary of scholarship awards to high school seniors from Medford. The students and their parents attending included Alyssa Cassarino, Nailah Chowhury, Brendan Chrowley, Emma Gibbons, Zoe Kalaw and Grace Kallberg. The presenters included Past Presidents, Eric Ghewalla, Tony Giamberadino, and John Hackett, and current President Paul Bardaro. A great evening was had by all.
On July 26th from 6 -8pm, Wildfire served up a smorgasbord of tunes ranging from ABBA's Dancing Queen to Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA for an enthusiastic crowd on the final night of the Lynnfield Rotary Concert series. The talented vocalists of the group led the way with a wide-ranging repertoire of songs including Simply the Best by Tina Turner, Gloria by Laura Brannigan, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, Giver Me Some Lovin’ by Richie Valens, Old Time Rock ‘n Roll by Bob Seger and many more, to the delight of the largest audience of the year.
To celebrate its Centennial Anniversary, the Gloucester Rotary will host a free Community Concert with musical guests Captain Jack & The Strangers (The Northshore's Premier Billy Joel Tribute Band) and opener Brandon Blatchford & the Wannabe Teenagerson on Friday, August 11, 2023, 6-10 pm at the Antonio F. Gentile Bandstand in Stage Fort Park.
On Thursday July 27, 2023, 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.
Save our Waters: State of the Rivers in District 7930. Supported by Ipswich-Rowley Rotary’s Global Grant, “Save the Ipswich River & Watersheds: The Lifeblood of Our Communities.” Join the webinar on August 24 from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm.
Beer and Bites returns to the Tannery during the bed race on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 5:30 to 7:30! Come on down to the Rotary Club of Newburyport’s annual Yankee Homecoming event. Enjoy new food options from Rosita’s Cocina and Kona Ice. You will also find fan favorite Riverwalk Brewing, including their pizza. We are featuring a return of the band Unnamed Colors, that is carving a new niche in rock with fiery progressive songwriting, engaging performances, and a powerful sound all their own. Band members include Sierra Partlan - vocals & piano, Andrew Aghababian – guitar, Jay Partlan – drums and Michael Martel – bass.
The Ipswich-Rowley club on Saturday, July 22 had a table at Northern Lights Farm Stand, 243 High St, Ipswich 10 am - 12 pm to advocate and educate on the need for conservation of water in our lawns and gardens.
Winchester Rotary awarded seven Winchester High School graduates over $25,000 in scholarships for the upcoming college year. The winning students were Claire Lupien, Dorothy McCarthy, Claire Kutylo, Lucy Patalano, Kaitlyn Donato (all pictured above), Ayesha Ghosh, and Inaam Bhanji (not pictured). Rotarians Kurt Heisler and Brian LaPointe, Co-Presidents (Pictured).
The Wakefield Rotary Club is collecting new school supplies for students in Wakefield and the Dominican Republic. The public is invited to donate two new school supply items. One item will stay local and given to the Wakefield Boys and Girls Club. The second item will be donated to a school/orphanage in the Dominican Republic.
Burlington Breakfast Rotary is holding its Semi-Annual Raffle. 
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently installed its new officers and directors during a luncheon event earlier this week at Brightview. In accordance with its by-laws, the service club elects new leadership annually. Club President Glen Duffy was sworn in as President for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year and Wendy Maguire will serve as Vice President/President-Elect. “This club has been so welcoming since I joined a few years ago. I’m thrilled to serve in this position as we begin our one hundred and first year of service.”
The Gloucester Rotary will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 19, 2023, 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 Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and is held in Stage Fort Park on Saturday-Sunday, August 19-20, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. A special free parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
Having forty-seven guests at the 2023 Installation and Awards Dinner for Stoneham Rotary was exciting. It was a great year: back to in-person meetings with speakers, two new members and an incredibly active youth program. Oh, and it was also our club's 100th Anniversary of Service Above Self.
Dear Rotarians: 
Last week, Rotary Club of Woburn's treasurer Bill Balboni presented Woburn Veterans Agent Bob Davis with $1,000 worth of gift cards for Woburn veterans. The donation was made possible by a grant from Cummings Foundation.
On Saturday, June 24th, Town of Ipswich staff and Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians joined Ipwich River Watershed Association (IRWA) at Wolf Hill Garden Center to spread the word about how to conserve water in lawns and gardens. This is part of ongoing work funded by the global grant Save the Ipswich River: The Lifeblood of Our Communities to create an advocacy toolkit to save our river. You can access the toolkit at 
Yearly, the Marblehead Rotary Club awards four to six students a one-time scholarship and one student with a four-year scholarship for excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. Congratulations to the six outstanding awardees: Stella Monico, Cait Mullins, Teaghan Kay, Yasen Colon, Clair Davis, and Matthew Schricker. 
Rockport Rotary will celebrate the Fourth of July with our annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. Our role players will be out in full force and in full costume to hear our Town Crier present the newly ratified Declaration, fresh from Congress. Meet us on July 4th at 10AM in Dock Square—right in the heart of downtown Rockport—to cheer on our new nation. 
The Peabody Club took steps towards their DEI goals this year using their District Grant funds to diversify classroom libraries in Peabody's public elementary schools. The Club feels strongly about representation being an important part of a child's education, and offered to supplement classroom libraries in grades 2 and 3. Through a collaborative effort with the teachers and Club members, we presented each classroom with 2 boxes filled with books representing children of all races, backgrounds, religions, abilities, etc. We were thrilled to present these books to each classroom and read selections from the books to the class. The enthusiastic teachers have assured the Club that the books will be well utilized. 
District Governor Alexander Falk was honored with the Barry Weed Award for Service on June 13 at the Marblehead Harbor Rotary’s installation breakfast. Given in memory of the late Barry Weed, a charter member of the Harbor Rotary who also served as the District’s assistant treasurer, the award represents the caring, dedicated, community-oriented service for which Barry was known during his tenure as president of Marblehead’s National Grand Bank. With his solid grasp of Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” and a stellar year leading District 7930’s 40+ Rotaries, Alexander was the Harbor Rotary’s clear choice for the special recognition.
It's been a true privilege, honor, and great pleasure to be the District Governor 2022-23 for Rotary District 7930 and to serve our 44 Rotary Clubs, 2 Rotaract Clubs, and 1,550 Rotarians in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.
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:
The Winchester Rotary celebrated Town Day on June 3rd by hosting our Pancake Breakfast. We served over 350 people with the support of over 35 sponsors. It was a huge success.
Here are my first quick impressions of the 2023 RI Convention in Melbourne:
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. 
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):
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. 
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.
Congratulations to the Marblehead Rotary Club for achieving 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club status on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary!
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.
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.
Rotary Club of Medford, MA is hosting a Comedy Night FUN raiser for the benefit of our Medford Rotary charity endeavors.
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.
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). 
Wilmington Rotary is holding a Fun Filled, Fundraiser Event:
Even if you don't have a lawn, you can help District 7930 and our Environmental Committee spread the word about No Mow May!
“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
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!" 
Speaker Opportunity: Advocacy Toolkit for Water Conservation. Funded by RI Global Grant Saving the Ipswich River & Watersheds: The Lifeblood of Our Communities. 
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 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!
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:
Recent Rotary research confirms that the single most important factor in membership satisfaction is the club experience.
"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
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!
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 
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. 
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." 
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!
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.
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 (
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.
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. 
Join us at the Boston Marriott, Newton, MA on Friday, March 10, 2023! Hear first-hand from Rotary International President Elect, R. Gordon McInally. 
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.” 
In the wake of 
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 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!
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."
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. 
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 (
District Governor Alexander Falk visited the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club today, February 1st, and presented President Jack Costello and Membership Chair (and President-Elect) Tim Collins with the District Membership Committee Citation Certificate for 
Rotary Club of Stoneham’s members and their guests met at Stoneham Community Television studios for their bi-weekly luncheon meeting.
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.
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 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!
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). 
Winchester High School Interact club kicked off January with a Belts and Bags drive to benefit Quincy C.O.P.E.
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.
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.
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.
Are you looking for an interesting speaker? Reach out to one of 7930’s Inbound Global Scholars today! 
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 31st deadline.
February is World Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month. The annual 
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'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. 
Housing is sought for a Ukrainian refugee family. They are currently staying temporarily with a Brookline Rotarian and seek permanent housing.
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. 
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.
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. 
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. 
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. 
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.
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! 
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 
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. 
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! 
DG Alexander Falk in conjunction with the District Managed Grant (DMG) Foundation Committee have approved the start of 
We are happy to report that our 
We need your help, as a Rotarian, to raise funds and awareness for The Rotary Foundation this 
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.
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. 
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.
The Belle Isle Rotary Club had their 3rd Annual Fall Fair and Goat Pebble Bingo event on Saturday Oct 1, 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.
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.
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.
Burlington Rotary Club is putting on a Comedy Night October 28th from 7-10 PM at the Woburn Elks. Some really great comedians are lined up: Tony V, Lamont Price, Kathe Farris and Scott Oddo.
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.
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.
This important individual leads and supports the clubs in D7930 by inspiring and motivating them to Do Good in the World! 
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! 
Last Chance to register is Monday, Nov 7!
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. 
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deadline extended to Monday, September 19, 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:
Today, September 1st, we will start accepting applications for 
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!
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.
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! 
Greater Salem NH Rotary
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.
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 
Stephanie A. Urchick, a Rotarian since 1991, representing the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania has been selected as Rotary Internation President-Nominee.
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!!! 
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.’ 
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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. 
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.
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. 
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.
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. 
Peabody Rotary is thrilled to partner with many other District Clubs in support of the Ipswich River Watershed Association (
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. 
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.
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.
Looking for Rotarians interested in the Environment
Fashion Show Fundraiser to benefit Newburyport Rotary. 
Monday June 13. The Meadow at Peabody. 
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!
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 
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!! 
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.
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.
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. 
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. 
Chelsea Rotary presents Stand With Ukraine Telethon on April 29 from 4-7 pm.
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! 
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.
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.
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 the club is thrilled to give back to their immediate community in such a tangible way. 
Reading Rotary just completed its Rotary Readers project. Rotary Readers is an annual literacy project where reading books and a backpack are given to each Reading Public Schools student in kindergarten. This year approximately 300 literacy bags will be delivered by Rotarians to the five Reading elementary schools. In addition, Rotarians read to each Kindergarten class as part of Read Across America. It was exciting and fun to be able to read in person this year after doing virtual reading in 2021.
After a recent fundraiser, the Interact Club at Woburn Memorial High School donated proceeds to the Woburn Dollars for Scholars program. Here, Interact Club President Emily Sullivan presents a check to WDFS Committee President Rosemary Donovan. 
The Downtown Boston Rotary is proud to host the Ukrainian Cultural Center of New England at their next speaker meeting on April 5th.
Danvers Rotary is excited to announce our 2nd Spring Raffle is off to a great start as we approach the first draw date on April 1.
The top ten clubs in giving this week are:
Last week Woburn Rotary donated a defibrillator to Nexus, Inc. Nexus provides residential alternatives for developmentally challenged individuals that promote the highest quality of life possible and opportunities for full integration into the mainstream of life in their home. 
Winchester Rotary club has been blessed with a wonderful core group of members who have help me as President over the past two years to maintain and grow our Club. We are adding four new Service members along with two new Corporate members will be joining us shortly. Thank you, Kurt Heisler, Co-President Elect. What a great way to start off 2022! Keep all members moving forward and engaged!
The top ten clubs in giving this week are:
Belle Isle Rotary Club is set to have our Trivia Nite on Friday April 1, 2022, to be held at the Salesians Boys & Girls Club. We are gearing up to have a night full of fun competition with prizes and of course, bragging rights and awards for the winning team. 
As our year-long celebration comes to a end, we reminisce on the past and look forward to the future. We are having our culminating event on the very date that the Beverly Rotary Club was started 101 years prior!
A Ukrainian 12-yr old boy with electrical burns over 90% of his body was recently airlifted from Ukraine and brought to Shriners Hospital (Mass General) in Boston. This was done with assistance from Ukraine Rotary Club Kyiv-Sophia and Rotary Clubs in our neighboring District 7910. Dr. Gennadiy Fuzaylov, who is treating the boy advised that his mother Oksana is staying in Mass General Hospital "parent apartment" available to her only while her son is in the hospital for treatment. However sometime in the next 3-weeks Taras will be released and both mother/Oksana & Son/Taras, who do not speak English, will need a place to stay near Massachusetts General Hospital as Taras needs to receive follow up treatments for up to 6 Weeks then needs to return to Ukraine.
The Rotary Club of Lynn held its Eighth Grade Recognition Program Thursday, February 10th, at Old Tyme Family Cuisine. This signature program, a staple on Rotary’s annual calendar, seeks to recognize young middle school students from Lynn who, each in their own way, has overcome an obstacle in their lives to achieve success both inside and out of the classroom. This is the first recognition since the start of the pandemic. The Club will have two more before the end of the school year. The program's longtime sponsor is RiverWorks Credit Union.
The Rotary Club of Peabody is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year "Taste of the North Shore" in person again this year! This popular fundraiser promised an evening of fun, prizes and, of course, delicious food from some of the best restaurants to be found on the North Shore. All proceeds benefit scholarships for Peabody High School children and our other community projects throughout the year.
With a total of $27,091.01 raised towards our $100,000 goal this week's new listing of the top ten clubs in the district for donations are as follows:
The Annual World Peace and Understanding Event on February 3 featured two movies this year. The evening started with the Premiere of a documentary, by Sarah Furie, a member of Boston Rotaract, titled “The Talk With My Black Sons.” This was followed by a lively question-and-answer session with the director. If you missed the event, you can watch the documentary here on YouTube: 
The Salem Rotary Club is thrilled to present our first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training at our Rotary meeting on January 25th. Our training will be conducted by Human in Common. Human in Common is an innovative team of experienced diversity consultants who specialize in providing professional diversity and ethical upstander training for nonprofits, municipalities, businesses and schools.
Winchester Rotary Club combined with our Interact Club to deliver 85 meals to our Local Housing Authority residents. Then we all gathered for some Christmas Cheer at Sons of Italy for some food and drink and wonderful song from our very talented INTERACT members!
Rockport Rotary President Rob Audano and Rotarian Anne Lewis present a check for $50 to Lynne Anderson, the winner of the raffle drawing on January 6. Rockport Rotary’s 2022 Calendar features 13 photographs of the Rockport area selected from over 200 submitted to their photo contest. Every calendar has a raffle ticket that will be entered into a drawing each week of 2022 with winners in the first week of July and the first week of December receiving $250 and all other winners receiving $50. Winning tickets will be reentered for future drawings.
Seven Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor rang in 2022 by cooking and serving a New Year’s Eve dinner to over sixty clients and staff members at Lifebridge, a shelter in the center of Salem, MA. The menu included baked glazed ham, sweet potato, roasted vegetables, and rolls...But the best was left for last...brownie sundaes with homemade chocolate sauce.
Because the Coronavirus and its variants have again become more active, I have moved the next two district events back to Zoom. 
The Belle Isle Rotary typically donates Market Basket gift cards during the Christmas season. Working collaboratively within our community, this year, we decided instead to give five (5) $100 Target gift cards to the Revere High School guidance department and five (5) $100 Target gift cards to the Revere Seacoast Alternative High School guidance departments to be disbursed based upon the needs of their students/families.
Each year Reading Rotary partners with the community for the Adopt-a-Family project for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Christmas distribution day was December 22. Rotary works with the local organization ReadingCares and the Town to 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. Donors drop off in the first shift, then recipient families pick up their food and gifts during a later shift. 
Despite the gray weather, everyone had a festive time on Saturday as the Ipswich community celebrated the annual arrival of Santa Claus. The Jolly Elf arrived at town wharf at 11 am and was escorted by children of all ages, and by the host Ipswich High School Interact elves, along Water Street to Santa’s Village at Town Hall.
Beverly's beloved Rotarian Jack Good passed away last year. The project of bell ringing for the Salvation Army was his baby. The tradition carries on and we know that Jack is with us. Rotarians were stationed at two Stop ’n Shops and a Walgreen’s in Beverly. There were shifts throughout the day, organized by Alan Temkin, who has assumed Jack’s job for this project. Some Rotarians wore costumes and were chatting with all the customers going in and out of these businesses. Needless to say, we are a merry group! The question now remains: which location collected the most money......? Time will tell. Thanks to all of our Beverly Rotarians who were part of this project!!!! Happy Holidays! 
District Governor Terry Curran showered our club with recognition in many areas of contributions to Rotary Foundation 2020-2021. Among them: Marblehead Rotary is one of the handfuls of clubs to achieve the district's top three highest per capita on annual giving and for individual member participation. In addition, the Marblehead Rotary was recognized as one of the top contributors to the district’s campaign for the Rotary Foundation’s “End Polio Now” fund-raising campaign.
After a recent fundraiser, the Woburn Memorial High School Interact Club presented Woburn Veterans Agent Larry Guiseppe with gift cards for Woburn Veterans.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor purchased materials for, and is distributing, buckets of sand and pet-friendly ice melt and scoops to local senior citizens. Prevention of falls and serious injuries is a serious issue for the senior population. The Club partnered with the Marblehead Council on Aging, which is delivering buckets via its bus to those seniors who cannot pick them up at the Community Center.
The Rotary Club of Lynn welcomed seven new members into its ranks at Thursday’s monthly meeting Old Tyme Family Cuisine.
The District Governor would like to support the revitalization of our Interact Clubs this fall. To that end we have put together a $100 mini grant for clubs to use to assist their Interact Club in doing a service project. 
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed and educated on ways to support The Rotary Foundation, we are pleased to share information on a new initiative that is launching in Rotary District 7930. The 70+ initiative is a district-wide effort to encourage Rotarians to consider the benefits and opportunities of a charitable gift via their IRA.
Wishing you all the joys of the Holiday Season.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently installed Dr. Aaron Jennings as its newest member. Aaron is the Equity, Diversity and Excellence Officer for the Chelsea Public Schools. Pictured with Aaron is Dr. Almudena Abeyta, Superintendent of the Chelsea Public Schools and Aaron’s sponsor, Allan I. Alpert, the Installing Officer and Richard Gopen, President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Chelsea. 
The Gloucester Rotary has produced a beautiful 2022 calendar, featuring scenic photography from local artists. In addition to the calendar, each purchase enters the buyer into a weekly raffle. $50 prizes will be drawn each week with two bonus prizes-- a $250 prize in June and a $500 prize in December. Calendars are $25 each, and proceeds from the sale of calendars will be used to support the many projects of the Gloucester Rotary.
This week, Woburn Rotary celebrated Harris "Harry" Cohen who has been a Rotarian for 50 years! Harry joined Rotary Club of Woburn in 1971 and is a Paul Harris Fellow +3. He also served on the Board of Directors for a number of years and has volunteered many hours of service to Woburn, included organizing the annual pancake breakfast. Harry continues to be an active member of Rotary Club of Woburn and comes to almost every weekly lunch meeting. Harry was presented with a proclamation from State Representative Richard Haggerty and a proclamation from Woburn Mayor Scott D. Galvin. 
The Wakefield Rotary Club hosted it’s Purple Pinkey event at the Fall In Love With Wakefield event last month. Club Secretary Suzanne Bowering explained, “Our Purple Pinkey event is designed to raise awareness of Rotary’s efforts world-wide to eradicate polio.” She continued, “In countries that experience technology challenges and in some rural areas, children have their pinkey fingers dyed purple to indicate they received a polio vaccine on their immunization day.” Rotary has been a global leader in the eradication of polio worldwide since 1985. Today, 99.9% of the world is polio-free. To learn more, visit 
Gobble… Gobble… Gobble…A 40 pound turkey??!!
Do you have dinner plans for Tuesday, November 9th? No? Great! Grab a flatbread and enjoy some bowling from 4-10 p.m. at American Flatbread in Somerville.
Service during COVID is alive and well! Greeted by CEO Janet Nittmann of Windrush Farm, North Andover, members and friends of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor were joined by Marblehead High School Interactors in spending a day of fellowship and service spreading cushioning mulch on bridle trails, performing light carpentry work, and cleaning out and hosing down the barn.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently completed its annual donation of dictionaries to every third grader in Wakefield. 253 copies were hand-delivered to all Wakefield public schools as well as Odyssey and St. Joseph’s School.
Beautiful, crisp, sunny weather was the setting for the PUMPKIN PAINTING IN THE PARK in Beverly Common. The event was hosted by the Beverly Rotary Club in partnership with Beverly Main Streets. 100 children registered to paint their pumpkins at the Gazebo. All of the pumpkins were donated thanks to the State Sheriff’s Department, Smolak Farms and Dr, Bill Beckman. Tables were set up with paint and decorations. After the children finished painting, their pumpkins were photographed for a montage of pumpkins. 
Rotarians from Ipswich, Rowley and Wakefield, together with 12 high school students from St. Johns Prep, Danvers, joined Rachel Schneider, Ipswich River Watershed Association, Sat. Oct 23, for an outstanding hands-on training for Keeping Water Clean Day, a Greenscapes program.
Methuen Rotary Club held its 4th Annual June Jubilee. We choose non-profits that we feel their values align with the mission of Rotary and give away $1,000.00 per week every Friday in June.
Are you a business owner? Do you want to show your creativity and Holiday Spirit? Methuen Rotary Club is holding the 2nd Annual LIGHT UP METHUEN this Holiday Season. December 4th - January 1, 2022 trees will be lit up all over the City.
The Belle Isle Rotary Club will hold their Annual Comedy Nite on
On Thursday, September 30th, members of the Lynn Rotary Club gathered at the Old Tyme restaurant for one of its regular meetings. The Club choose to do a service project prior to conducting a regular club meeting. The project was to put together 50 brown bag lunches for My Brother’s Table. The lunches consist of 2 PB&J sandwiches, a drink box, and a nourishing snack. This is an ongoing need at My Brother’s Table. Especially since they are restricted in how they can feed those in need.
The Belle Isle Rotary had a Fall Fair event for the children and families of East Boston Revere and Winthrop. We aimed to bring some of the highlights of the Topsfield Fair to our neighbors that may not be able to go to Topsfield for a variety of reasons, we helped subsidize this event by selling squares for Goat Pebble Bingo and the lucky winner was John Francis. 
The Belle Isle Rotary Club is gearing up for their annual Goat Pebble Bingo Bash on Saturday Oct 2, 2021 to be held at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club, 150 Byron St East Boston, MA.
The Belle Isle Rotary had a wonderful night Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at the Marina Wharf Restaurant in Revere presenting member and Past President Ashley Melnik with a Paul Harris Fellow. Many Rotarians including DG Terry Rezendes Curran were in attendance as well as many of Ashley's friends and family. In addition, Ashley Melnik was recognized as an Unsung Heroine Award in June 2021 presented at the State House for her community of Revere where she works as City Clerk and does a lot of good deeds for local Veterans. 
Here is an update of current ShelterBox response work. Except for Haiti, all our current response work is due to people displaced by conflict. Our work in areas of conflict displacement has twice earned the Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Shelter is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for peace. At ShelterBox, we work tirelessly each day to provide displaced families with shelter and basic household items. We have also implemented COVID-19 mitigation items in our aid packages. Items such as soap, wash basins and face coverings are helping to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Our water sources, the Ipswich River and adjacent watersheds, the Parker and the Essex, are threatened and may disappear if conservation action is not taken.
Ipswich Rotarian Keith Harris will soon hop up on his bicycle and tow his faithful dog around 70 scenic miles west of Boston.
Support Rotary’s Foundation year-round by making an automatic recurring gift with Rotary Direct. You choose how much and how often to give. It’s a simple and secure way to make a big impact!
The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants. The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
Medford Rotary members are very generous when it comes to helping those with food insecurity. Every year for more than 40 years they give away 200+ food baskets to families in Medford with all the fixings for a Holiday dinner; including the turkey. Even last year, the committee decided the pandemic wasn't going to stope their efforts. So $50 gift cards were given to 226 local families in lieu of the actual basket.
Attention Professional and Recreational Photographers Gloucester Rotary 2022 Raffle Calendar Submissions
During Beverly Rotary's 100th anniversary celebration year, we are doing activities each month especially connected to our community. August is absolutely no exception.
Several Lynn Rotarians, as well as Assistant Governor Peter Majane, supported Lynn’s Salvation Army Captain Kevin Johnson with its drive for school supplies for students returning to school in the fall. The annual campaign is known as Stuff the Bus! The drive was conducted August 6th thru the 8th. This is the third year that the Lynn Club assisted in this project.
Join us on September 17th, (7-11pm) at Woburn/Stoneham Elks #908, 295 Washington St. Woburn for a fundraiser featuring Irish/American Entertainer Mossie Coughlan. Tickets are only $40 per person and includes dinner: Garden Salad, Pasta and Meatballs w/house made sauce, Chicken stir fry w/white rice, cookies/brownies, Coffee from Dunkin', Cash Bar and dance floor. There will also be silent auction items to bid on and a 50/50 raffle. Fun for the whole family! Contact Bill Sullivan for tickets: Email: 
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce that it completed 421 hours of community service, 9 service projects and donated over $16k last Rotary year, which ended on June 30, 2021. Immediate Past President John Tramontozzi commented, “During the pandemic, we’re especially thrilled that we were able to remain active and impactful as a club.”
District 7930's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) program is a two-year program. High school students attend the RYLA weekend as first-time attendees--participating in several leadership development activities and discussions. The following year, selected participants are invited to spend 20+ hours over five months training to be Youth Facilitators at the next RYLA weekend. Young adults who participate in both years come away with an amazing skill set and great friends from among their peers and from the Rotarians who help guide the program! 
On August 5th we will be having a District Business Meeting, on Zoom, to take care of administrative tasks. All club Presidents and Secretaries have been emailed the credentials for electors for their clubs and asked to return them to Tom Hankard, Chair of the Credentials Committee at 
Reading Rotary’s Reading Fall Street Faire will return on Sunday, September 12 from noon to 5 pm in Downtown Reading.
New Manchester-Essex Rotary President Jennifer Doane comes from a Rotary family. Her parents, Tom and Barb Guebert are lifelong Rotarians and both are past Presidents of the Carlyle, IL Rotary club. Tom is a past District Governor (2015-2016) of Southern IL, District 6510. They reside in Griffin, GA. Jennifer was a Rotary International Exchange Student in 1988-89, and spent her junior year of high school studying in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Jennifer in married to Michael Doane and has two children, Finn and Ava and is a resident of Manchester. 
On June 29th the District 7930 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee hosted our final event for the 20-21 Rotary year: a panel discussion about how your Club and/or District can start or enhance DEI initiatives. 
The Wakefield Rotary Club will be hosting a Red Sox ticket raffle at the WCAT Movies by the Lake. Thanks to a generous donation from Rotarian Frank Fiorentino and Mahoney, Fiorentino, and Co., PC, raffle participants can win a pair of tickets for the Red Sox versus Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Club President Bruce Donovan explained, “These tickets are a great way to support our local projects and enjoy our first place Sox. Your twenty dollar donation can win you great seats between the visitor on-deck circle and home plate and all proceeds will benefit our humanitarian projects.”
On June 14, 2021, the Town of Ipswich dedicated a field of 100 flags to honor heroes. A stunning display of large flags on ten foot poles will grace one of the main gateways of our town, the beautiful and historic South Green, until July 10.
Rotary Club of Newburyport presents Beer and Hotdogs Fundraiser.
The Rotary Foundation’s year-end is 30 June. Click below for important year-end deadlines and information on ways to give. Make sure to share these resources with your club and encourage them to use the addresses shown on the Year-end deadlines document to prevent delays in giving. 
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club has been doing "Hybrid" meetings since August 7th. Crazy to think that was 10 months ago. Certainly there was a lot of guidance and guidelines to adhere to, as well as some trial and error. Rather than backtrack and talk about what was, I feel it more pertinent to offer considerations for groups now as they are working their way back.
Since the Governor’s announcement that “business is back to normal,” the Danversport Event Center has relaxed their COVID requirements and reopened to full capacity. What that means for us is that those incoming Presidents can invite their family, friends and fellow Rotarians to come and celebrate the upcoming Rotary year. Consider skipping your Club meeting that week and instead join us for the installation on June 24. We also want to thank those Presidents who have guided our Clubs through the pandemic this past year. Since the International Convention next year is in Houston Texas our theme will be country, so feel free to come in your jeans, cowboy boots, bolo ties and/or cowboy hats. The cost is $50.00 per person and can be paid during your on-line registration. Please don’t wait until the last minute as walk-ins will not be allowed. We need to give the facility firm numbers several days before.
In 2019, the Amesbury Rotary Club and Police Department rebooted Bike Safety Day (BSD) thanks to a District Granted supported by contributions from the Rotary Foundation. And then in 2020 the pandemic hit, and we were in lockdown. But the good news is that on a sunny Saturday in May 2021 we were able to be outside and reinstate BSD once again.
For the first time in 14 months, the Rotary Club of Lynn met in person Thursday night, May 20, 2021, for the purpose of awarding scholarships to five students. 
Thank you to everyone in D7930 who attended The Rotary Foundation Virtual Gala! The event as a whole raised $183,680 for TRF with over 1,500+ viewers. For Zone 32, our District raised the highest amount of money ($12,680) and were the second largest ticket sellers. Our pre-party was a huge success and we were able to meet new Rotary friends from D7790! Thank you again for your generous support of Our Rotary Foundation!!! 
Have you chosen a President for the next Rotary year yet? If not, the clock is ticking! Have you run through the possibilities? Will a Past President step back up? Will a few members split the year up and tackle a few months at a time? 
The Rotary Club of Chelsea is running a raffle to raise funds for scholarships, sending children to Camp Rotary and other community projects. Go to the Rotary Club of Chelsea website 
"Our Foundation is the Grease on the Axle to Make the Wheels of Rotary Turn Round" 
Ipswich Rotary welcomes Heather McMann, Executive Director, Groundwork Lawrence,
Rotary District 7930 Event at Granite Coast Brewing Company
District Assembly is coming up on April 20 on Zoom.
Rotarians bringing skills to aid Texas Disaster Plumbing Project.
DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP COMMITTE SPRING WEBINAR
As some of you may know, our district 7930 is one of the founding districts of the new Inter-Country-Committee (ICC) Austria/Germany/USA that was established at the RI Convention in Hamburg, with PDG Joan Arsenault being one of the initial signatories on the ICC's founding documents representing the USA. As part of our membership in this ICC we recently heard from our friends in Germany that the newly formed 
Manchester-Essex Rotarians volunteered their services to pack and distribute food to 160 households as part of a District Grant. Families received produce, dry goods, fish, meat, specialty items like olive oil, coffee and baking mixes. It was a fabulous spring day to be outside. Manchester-Essex Rotary Club received a matching grant from Rotary District 7930. Our $2,000 investment became $4,000 for the Open Door. 
After learning that the traditional district-wide Polar Plunge event to raise money for the End Polio Now campaign was canceled for 2021 because of COVID-19, the Rotary Club of Arlington decided to organize its own event. The result is the Polar Dunk, which will take place on Saturday, March 13th. Volunteers from the club will be plunged, one by one, into a carefully-scrubbed carnival-grade dunk tank filled with chilly water. The Arlington Media Center will be on hand to record the event for posterity -- which is particularly important this year, because COVID-19 restrictions do not permit the usual crowd of spectators!
2021 Getaway Raffle: Two Nights with Dinner at the beautiful Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, MA!
When it comes to parties, the Beverly Rotary Club sure knows how to throw them, whether it’s in person or remotely. February 24, 2021 was the 100th Birthday of our club. We had a kickoff celebration at our meeting on the night of the 25th. Every member, past and present, had a delivery of a special cupcake with our Birthday logo, a party blower and a copy of our goals this year. A wonderful video recalling the past 100 years was played at our party meeting. State Representative Jerry Parisella and Mayor Michael Cahill both had proclamations for our Club. We were honored with special guests: Betsy Manzelli, Alex Falk, Lori Karas, David Deutsch and Joan Arsenault. We had a champagne toast given by our longest serving member, John Glovsky. Lastly, we had a “workshop" about bubbly drinks at the end of the celebration. One ongoing activity for the club is to have each member perform at least 100 hours of community service this upcoming year.
On February 17th The Rotary Club of Malden, donated $600.00 to the Malden Warming Center. The Malden Warming Center is located in the Church of The Nazarene in Malden headed by Pastor Gerry Whetstone. The Warming Center provides the homeless community in and around Malden a place to get in out of the cold overnight, dinner, and breakfast (provided by local partners). 
International Women’s Day is held every year on March 8th, a day to celebrate the social, political, economic, and cultural achievements of women around the world. The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 world. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted women and girls in significant ways, amplifying the inequalities they face every day. It is fundamental that women’s voices and experiences are central to national and global recovery plans. A key contributor to a more equal COVID-19 world is increasing women’s access to leadership roles. There is much to be done, in addition, we recognize the women around the world who are challenging gender bias and inequality and are changing the world as we know it. Even year on this day, we come together to celebrate achievements and to promote awareness about the importance of an inclusive world by making strides in women’s rights.
LIVE!!!!! From Lusaka, Zambia!
Join us for our virtual World Peace and Understanding event on March 3, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Our speaker for the evening will be 2018-2019 Global Scholar recipient Seamus Matlack. Seamus, a native of Boston, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2018 and went on to pursue a Master’s of Science Degree in Defense, Diplomacy and Development at Durham University in England. Rotary Foundation’s Area of Focus of Peace and Conflict Resolution. The Durham University Master’s Program provides specific expertise in conflict prevention and sustainable peace, conflict intervention, and post conflict reconstruction as well as diplomacy and peace building. The thrust of the Master’s program is how to include and incorporate diverse members of local communities into peacekeeping operations.
Did you know that our Annual Fund giving supports many local and international projects? Your member benefit is truly at work in D7930!!
Looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon? Looking to connect with fellow Rotarians and non-Rotarians from our district, Maine, Quebec, Louisiana, the Cape and Florida? Like or Love Wine? Then D7930/D7790 Corks & Caps Wine Fellowship is for you!!
District 7930 is pleased to offer all clubs a one-time mini grant starting now!!!
Each year Reading Rotary partners with the community for the Adopt-a-Family project for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Rotary works with the local organization ReadingCares and the Town to coordinate this long-standing community giving program. Receiving families are matched anonymously with donor families and/or groups to provide meals for Thanksgiving and meals and gifts at Christmas. Donor drop off in the first shift, then recipient families pick up their food and gifts during a later shift. 
Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Presents a Free Concert For All!
ClubRunner has done a pretty amazing job improving their mobile app this year. We highly recommend that you install the new ClubRunner mobile app on your phone so that you can interact better with your own Rotary Club as well as with District 7930.
Join the Peabody Rotary Club on Monday, November 23, 2020 for our 2nd Virtual Trivia Night! Kick back with a beverage or two and help the Peabody Rotary Club in supporting service projects throughout the City.
The Bishop Fenwick Interact Club, along with the assistance of members of the Peabody Rotary Club, provided leaf cleanup services to four homes needing assistance, where the homeowners are currently going through Cancer treatments. The Interact Club was able to assist, following all Covid-19 safe measures. Nice work BFIC!
TBM Rotary is conducting a fundraising raffle to benefit the Tri-Town Food Pantries and other community programs sponsored by the Club. The prize is a 2.1cubic foot freezer (Valued at $250) plus $250 in food gift cards. You can order your entries by email by sending a message to 
The Rotary International Guide to achieving the 
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently hosted its second hybrid meeting since COVID-19 restrictions began. Meeting both in-person, with socially distanced protocol, and offering a simultaneous meeting online, the group gathered to greet one another and complete a double service project. Wakefield Rotary President John Tramontozzi explained, “During these difficult times, Wakefield Rotarians recognize the need and desire to connect with our members regularly. About once a month, when we perform a service project, those who are able to participate in person are welcome to do so with proposer CDC guidelines including face coverings and social distancing.”
Danvers Rotary Club recently held a ceremony at Endicott Park to donate a covered picnic pavilion to the Town of Danvers. The dedication was attended by the Town Manager, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, town employees, and Rotarians. The $78,000 project was started in the spring of 2019 and required approval from numerous town boards. Coordinated by Danvers Rotarians, the 24’ x 44’ structure was ordered from Engineered Wood Structures in Holland, Michigan and assembled by a local contractor. Park staff will rent the pavilion for family reunions, birthday parties, and other events.
Holiday Pops Reimagined 2020
The D7930 PI & Technology Committee, in cooperation with our District Membership Committee, has published a 
Show Me the Money” 
Corks & Caps Local Chapter
The Marblehead Rotary Club and Lynch van Otterlook YMCA will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday, October 25, 2020, 10am-3pm.
Ipswich High School Interact is a Rotary sponsored service club sanctioned by the Ipswich Public Schools and advised by Ipswich Rotary. Last week, the club leaders presented their plans for two new service projects at the weekly meeting of the Rotary club, currently held on Zoom.
Just in time for the holidays, the Ipswich Rotary Club has announced its new “IpswichRowley-opoly” game for $30 per game. All proceeds from the sales of the game will benefit the on-going work of the club during the pandemic.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead has been hard at work reimagining its traditional Holiday Pops Concert, to continue its long-standing tradition of community celebration at holiday time. Despite the challenges of these times. Rotary Club President Patricia Sullivan and Concert chairs Judith Black, Betty Lautner and Jessica Barnett have created a new virtual format that will be full of music, local talent, sing- a-longs and holiday memories from Marbleheaders.
The Wakefield Rotary Club never stopped meeting during the COVID-19 crisis. Like many, it just moved online, and members have been meeting weekly each Tuesday. Club President John Tramontozzi commented, “I looked forward to these meetings every week. Being disconnected from people, this was a welcome interaction.” But recently the club decided to try to host a hybrid meeting, an effort to ensure safety while giving an opportunity to do a service project. Members were offered a socially-distanced in-person meeting as well as an opportunity to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom.
Moving from Diversity to Inclusive Opportunities for All!
The Cambridge Rotary Club invites you to support local charities and showcase your artwork by participating in the virtual "Chalk on Your Walk" event. Due to COVID, the annual "Chalk on the Walk" fundraiser in Harvard Square was cancelled. However, the groups served by the Cambridge Rotary need help more than ever!
With the assistance of a special District grant for First Responders, the Rotary Club of Cambridge donated much needed disposable gloves and face masks to Cambridge's Finest.
Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club 
This year's Flags for Heroes Dedication Ceremony will be held on November 8 at 1pm. Arlington Rotary has dedicated this year's installment to the Corona Virus Heroes and in memory of Corona Virus Victims.
Members of Arlington Rotary Club answered the call for donations from the Bedford VA Hospital. The club and the Arlington community came together to donate over 400 books, 400 DVDs, 100 pairs of sweatpants and 100 CDs.Thank you for club member, Paul Buckley, for spearheading this effort. The Bedford VA has provided Paul with a list of other items the hospital is in need of, if you are interested in joining the cause please contact him at 
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary, a small but mighty Club, once again is shining brighter. BBRC is expanding and thriving. Its "People of Action" honor Rotary’s motto of "Service Above Self." As Rotarians, in our quest to make a difference in society, Rotary indeed opened opportunities by installing its first International Satellite member in India. This showcase project may present a template/model for other clubs as well in Rotary District 7930 and beyond.
The Newburyport Club has a great service project coming up Saturday, September 26, 2020. The club will be helping Operation Warming Hearts and the Salvation Army preparing, assembling and delivering 300 meals to the greater Newburyport area as well as notes and cards with positive messages, words of encouragement or even a homemade greeting card. Volunteers are needed to pick up food, prep and package food and deliver meals. Could you or your family write notes or cards? What a fun family project it could be! For information or to volunteer, 
Trivia for a Cause
22 clubs responded to participate in the 25K Disaster Grant awarded to D7930 from RI. Each club will be reimbursed $426 for the purchase of PPE for Police/Fire Departments and First Responders. Congratulations to the following Rotary Clubs:Amesbury, Belle Isle, Burlington Breakfast, Burlington, Cambridge, Chelsea, Gloucester, Gr. Salem, Hamilton-Wenham, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lynn, Manchester-Essex, Marblehead, Marblehead Harbor, Methuen, Peabody, Reading, Boston Rotaract, Salem, TBM and Winchester.
Deadline to submit photos extended to Sunday, September 27, 2020.
The Boston 7 Rotary Club is excited to welcome Rotary International Vice President, Johrita Solari as a special speaker to their October 7 zoom meeting at 6:30pm. Visitors are encouraged and may 
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club in an effort to assist seniors and others having difficulty with technology and how to use a variety of electronic devices, is introducing a “Technology Assistance Program” This novel community service initiative is designed to connect seniors and computer challenged individuals with others via technology. This service is especially timely during this unprecedented period of the coronavirus in place of traditional, person to person meetings and get-togethers.
22nd Annual
BBQ Wine Fellowship Tasting
The Marblehead Rotary Club hosted a special webinar for it's weekly Zoom meeting on August 11th, with guest speaker Pulitzer-Prize winner and White House Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, Mr. Phil Rucker. Mr. Rucker previously has covered Congress, the Obama White House, and the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns. Rucker also is co-author of "A Very Stable Genius". He joined The Post in 2005 as a local news reporter.
Moving from Diversity to Inclusive Opportunities
Virtual Jazz/Funk Concert
First Woman
The Newburyport Rotary Club is grateful to the Newburyport High School Interact Club for their hard work cleaning up the Spifford Street rotary.
Calling all Wine Lovers! Join us on Sunday, August 30, at 5 pm for the next Corks & Caps D7790-7930 Wine Appreciation Local Chapter of RWAF. Our Wine Leader will be PDG Conrad Heede, current President of RI's RWAF. All Rotarians and non-Rotarians are welcome to attend so please invite others. If planning on joining us, email Joan at 
Cathy Gravel received Rotarian of the Year for the Rotary Club of Peabody 2019-2020 Centennial Year at a social distanced celebration on June 25th.Cathy is the kind of Rotarian you want in any club. The kind that always says yes. The kind that volunteers proactively to fill the gaps.
Five years ago, a few dedicated Rotarians got together to form the first community-based ElderAct Club in the world-- the 
Lights, Smartphone Action:
Wine Fellowship
Newburyport Rotary, in partnership with Dietz and Lynch, beautify the Spofford Street rotary.
Download project summary
The last few months have been unlike anything we have ever seen, and as a Rotarian I am proud of our ability to adapt and respond in our communities and around the world. I have presented ShelterBox to clubs in “virtual” meetings across the country and have witnessed how Rotary efforts are making a difference. It is inspirational.
On my last day as District Governor, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your time, talent and commitment to your club and our district over the past year.
If you missed the event last Thursday, the D7930 2020-2021 Installation celebration can now be viewed online at 
The Newburyport Rotary Club is proud to announce their 2020 scholarship recipients.
Maine native, Bowdoin College graduate and founder of the Healthy Learner project in Zambia Lonnie Hackett has been named the winner of the 2020 Rotary Zone 32 Donald MacRae Peace Award. Healthy Learners is a non-profit organization working in Zambia to deliver health care to vulnerable children by educating elementary school administrators and teachers to recognize illness in their students and provide them access to government clinics in their communities.
Greater Salem Rotary Club, in connection with the owner of the Common Man Restaurant (whose owner is a Rotarian), organized MaskUpNH.com-- delivering masks over the weekend at the Salem NH High School.
It is with great sadness that I inform you that Past District Governor Steve May, from District 7930, has passed away. He was formerly a member of the Rotary Club of Reading. Steve was District Governor from 2010 to 2011, and also served as a Club president, District Foundation Chair, and Assistant Governor. He was a Paul Harris Major Donor. Steve relocated to Florida, and is being laid to rest there.
Online Auction to Battle COVID-19
In February, D7930 Rotarians were given the challenge to perform 10,000 Acts of Peace before the end of the fiscal year-- June 30, 2020. The amazing Rotarians in our district blew that goal out of the water so quickly that the goal was reset to 20,000 Acts of Peace. As of June 3, we are at 18,259-- only 1,741 away from our doubled goal!
D7930 & D7790 launch our Rotary Wine Appreciation Chapter (RWAF)!
Dear Rotarians,
Take Out Polio Lunch Event
The Public Image / Technology Committee is currently looking for volunteers to join our committee for the 2020-21 Rotary Year.
An Amazing Evening for D7930 & D7790
Fellow Rotarians, I received the following email from PDG Donna Lee Rubin recently on the status of our international service mission to Cebu in the Philippines.
The Inter Country Committee (ICC) Austria-Germany-USA was formed a year ago at the Rotary International Convention 2019 in Hamburg, Germany, and had an online meeting conducted via Zoom on May 18, 2020. Participants from Rotary districts in the three countries collaborate to help define future projects that will be conducted in a cooperative effort between those countries. Participating from Rotary District 7930 were DG Joan Arsenault, DGND Alexander Falk, and Martha Mauser, past and future president of the Ipswich Rotary Club as well as Inbound Coordinator for District 7930 in the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
On Saturday morning, May 16, Reading Memorial High School Senior Class Advisors and Parents along with Rotarians planted an array of lawn signs with each graduating Senior’s picture and the message “We Love Our Seniors Reading Memorial High School Class of 2020.” The signs are arranged in front of the Reading Town Hall facing the Reading Common. The display was set up as a surprise to students and their families and was spearheaded by Senior parent Mrs. Kathy Kinney and sponsored by Reading Rotary. The signs were printed by Art Hayden of Hayden Specialties in Wilmington
The Rotary Club of Burlington purchased and donated 7 Bleeding Control Kits to the Burlington Public School System late last year. Bleeding Control Kits are designed to provide essential equipment that empowers the general public to take action as immediate responders in stopping life-threatening bleeding caused by traumatic injuries. Pictured left to right – Rotary Club of Burlington President Roger Bell, Burlington Fire Fighter Lt. Mark Saia, Burlington Police Lt. Glen Mills, Burlington Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Conti and Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent.
From the Department of Many Hands Make Light Work……
We did it! 
You are invited to an incredible evening with First Lady of Massachusetts Lauren Baker on Tuesday, May 19, at 7pm via Zoom. This amazing evening will be a fireside chat format with First Lady Lauren Baker. Hear about the Mass Coronavirus Relief Fund and its impact on our communities. There will be an opportunity for Q&A during the meeting.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is giving $250 gift certificates to qualified applicants who lost their jobs due to Covid-19. The certificates are meant to help Marblehead residents purchase food and other basic necessities from town grocers. “Our goal is help individuals who have been laid off from ‘non-essential’ positions who may have been receiving an hourly wage and/or surviving on tips,” said club President Kathleen Murphy. “They are financially the most at risk group, struggling to pay for food and essentials.”
Reading Rotary is delighted to announce that it recently received a donation of $1,000 from Cummings Properties. Cummings Community Giving seeks to recognize and support communities of its staff, clients, volunteers and associates. The gift was made in honor of and at the recommendation of John Bogosian of Reading. John is a much-appreciated volunteer of the Cummings Foundation.
The Rotary Club of Burlington located,obtained and distributed 2 cases of sterile gloves to the town's Public Safety front line departments today. Club President Roger Bell is pictured here with Burlington Fire Chief Michael Patterson.
Rotary District 7930 "Roared into the Twenties" last Thursday night (April 30) at our first virtual District event, as we celebrated the 100 year anniversaries of the Lawrence, Malden, and Peabody Clubs!
During this unprecedented time in history, we are reminded of the tremendous importance of essential workers in our community. This realization has sparked discussions among Rotary Clubs on ways in which they can assist and support their communities during this time of crisis. Many of these discussions have been interesting and productive.
The Andover Rotary, Andover Cares, The Knights of Columbus, and other local civic organizations are partnering to help Fuel The Fight-The Andovers, Inc.75% of all (tax deductible) donations for Fuel The Fight made through Andover Cares will support feeding health care workers providing front-line support for citizens in our region. Any remaining donations will support this, or other local causes related to health and wellness in our community, which Andover Cares sponsors.
Reading Rotary has begun placing signs around Reading to encourage those on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19 pandemic. President Mike Collins said, "It's important to recognize the service of those the health care workers, first responders and essential personnel who are doing so much for the community. We are also reaching out to the town, schools and clergy to see how our Rotary volunteers can be of service now."
Capt. Kevin Johnson, who runs the Salvation Army in Lynn, is really something special. He only has 3 full time employees the rest are volunteers. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Lynn.
Medford Rotary donated meals to Medford Fire, Medford Police, Armstrong Ambulance, Lahey Winchester ER, Bread of Life, and Lahey Burlington ER on two dates in April. More than 250 “plated” hot meals with salad & garlic bread were donated! This also helped Avelinnos in Medford. This restaurant is very supportive of Rotary’s many fundraisers and it is our way to give back to them as well.
The Rotary Club of East Nassau in the Bahamas has arranged a fabulous online speaker series. Each Friday in May, there will be a Rotary leader speaking at 1pm. 
D7930 committed to performing 10,000 Acts of Peace between February 12 (the date of the World Peace & Understanding Dinner) and June 1, 2020. 
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom - it was great seeing our friends from their living rooms! Boston Rotaract kicked off the its virtual April with a member meeting on Monday, sharing progress from the last quarter and hearing what members have been doing to take care of themselves during this time. A few special Rotarians joined the call and the club welcomes other district Rotarians to join their meetings and events. The group welcomed a Rotary superhero, Evan Burrell from Sydney, to speak about his Rotaract and Rotary journeys, as well as about the importance of personal branding and telling your digital story.
Like all of you, I've been home for over a month watching the COVID-19 pandemic unfold and feeling like I should be doing more! I'm healthy, I have food on the table, and I'm able to stay home. Not everyone can say that! And then our district had this awful virus hit us personally with the death of Beverly Rotarian, Don Kelly. Don was club president when I served as governor (2007-08). He was a great club president, and even better Rotarian, a better yet community supporter. What a loss …. Just like all the others who’ve died because of this virus..png)
Have You Logged in Your Club's Acts of Peace?
How has your Club adapted to today's new reality of online meetings? What innovative ways are you continuing to support your members, your community and the world?
Last Saturday's Polar Plunge was a huge success! Almost 200 Rotarians and friends plunged into the frosty waters at Long Beach in Gloucester-- raising more than $91,000 to End Polio Now! We are currently $99,000 away from raising ONE MILLION Dollars since the first Polar Plunge 10 years ago.
It's time to register for this year's Winchester Rotary Club's Rise Against Hunger meal packing event on Thursday, March 19, 4pm at Hadley Hall! This is an event we encourage members to bring colleagues, family, kids and friends to help us pack over 14,000 meals in less than 2 hours! There will be a pizza party after the work is done.
Please join the Methuen Rotary Club at our 10th Annual Celebration Of Achievement, where we honor students, teachers and the "Service Above Self" recipient. On April 14, 2020 at 6pm at the Merrimack Golf Course, 210 Howe Street, Methuen, MA. Our special Guest Speaker will be Donna-Lee Young Rubin, the Chief Executive Officer of 
Chris Daly, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar alumna and Associate Director at the New York Peace Institute, has been named as one of the “5 Best Mediators in New York” in 
The Chelsea Black Community celebrates Black History Month with a month long series of events promoting black history in Chelsea. As part of the celebration the CBC recognizes several local residents and business persons as Chelsea Trailblazers. In recognizing this year’s Trailblazers the CBC took into consideration ethical behavior grounded on compassion, nurture and social bonds. Ideals and convictions that pertain to human beings’ behavior toward each other and to the preferred organizations of their communities such as – historical experience, empathy and the need for integrity and harmony. This year’s honorees include Chelsea Rotarian PP Susan Gallant. Susan was recognized for commitments to the Chelsea Rotary Club and the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. Susan organizes and coordinates the Chelsea Rotary’s project of sending 20 Chelsea children to Camp Rotary every year. She also runs the Chelsea Chamber’s annual Pot-O-Gold and Brighter Holidays Breakfast with Santa. The Chelsea City Council honored the 2019 CBC Trailblazers with resolutions at their February 10, 2020 meeting.
Although India is certified Polio free since year 2011, still there is a fear of its coming back. Hence, every year as a precautionary measure India organizes a National Immunization Day (NID) to deliver Oral Poliovirus Vaccine drops to every child under 5 years of age. This year the NID was on January 19th. 2020 in India. Invitations were sent to many Rotary Clubs in the world to come to India and have Rotarians from allover the world volunteer and participate in immunizing children by dropping those two precious drops of polio vaccines. It is a tremendously rewarding feeling to realize that you administered those two drops of vaccine and saved a child from being a victim of polio! The joy of that experience can only be felt as there is no proper words to describe that heartfelt feeling!
Roar into the Twenties & Celebrate 100 years of Rotary with the Lawrence, Malden and Peabody Clubs and Meet RI President Mark Maloney!
Last week's D7930 World Peace & Understanding Dinner was host to inspiring table discussions between RYLArians, Interactors, Youth Exchange students and Rotarians as they defined local community peace projects. These projects will be implemented between now and June 1st, 2020 as part of the District's commitment to create 10,000 acts of peace. These acts will also count towards PeaceJam's Billion Acts of Peace!
This year's Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students were introduced at the Rotary District 7930 World Peace & Understanding dinner last week and participated in the PeaceJam activities of the evening.
Woburn students Adam Ghili and Lauren Tramonte spoke at a recent Rotary Club of Woburn meeting and told of their experiences at last year's RYLA weekend. Both were empowered by the challenges of those few days at RYLA and came through as more confident individuals and leaders. Both will be returning in May to be leaders to the new RYLA students and families. Congratulations to both!
The Gloucester Rotary Club will hold their annual “A Night at the Races” on Friday, March 20, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
The Hamilton-Wenham Club typically meets on Friday mornings at 7:30am at the Wenham Tea House. However, this Friday, February 14, 2020, 7:30-9:30am, the Club will meet at the Gloucester House, located at 63 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester, during the 
The Rotary Club of Winchester's 32nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 18, 2020, at the Winchester Country Club. Our tournament is held to benefit the Winchester Rotary Charitable Foundation, Inc. The fund supports numerous local charitable organizations as well the national and international works of Rotary International. We rely solely on our valued sponsors, donors, and auctions to raise the funds to support our annual charities fund.
"How can I help eradicate polio from the world?"
District 7930 Conference
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s biggest priority is to eradicate polio from the country, adding that the government will utilise every measure in its fight against the disease.
The District has again made mini grants available to clubs to help with their Membership and Public Image goals. The deadline to apply for both types of grant is March 31, 2020. 
The Rotary Club of Chelsea installed four new members in January. New members standing next to President Peter Zaksheski are Rabbi Mark Golub, Chaplain at the Hingham Harbor Senior Center, Robert Repucci, Executive Director of Winnisimett Real Estate Inc., Cheryl Poppe, Superintendent of the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea and Mary-Lou Ireland, Director of Assessing for the City of Chelsea.
The Rotary Club of Ipswich will host the 4th Annual Empty Bowl Dinner on Thursday, February 20, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Hellenic Center, 117 County Road, Ipswich. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Open Door Ipswich Food Pantry, which serves Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton and Wenham. Empty Bowl events are held nationally to generate awareness concerning hunger and to raise money for local hunger-relief programs. The meal is simple; soup, bread and a cookie. Guests select and keep a one of a kind handcrafted bowl of their choice. The bowl goes home as an unspoken reminder that “Somewhere – someone’s bowl is empty.”
D7930 World Peace & Understanding Dinner
One of the main initiatives of Rotary is clean water, sanitation and hygiene education. These are the basic necessities for a healthy environment and productive life. The Rotary Club of Amesbury is focusing on this initiative locally by addressing the Combined Sewage Overflows (CSO’s) into the Merrimack River.
The D7930 Membership Committee is happy to share a fresh opportunity for clubs to host FRIENDraisers to attract new members and present alternative forms of membership. Clubs can apply for up to $200 reimbursement match. Partner with another club and we'll reimburse up to $300!
Reading Rotary held a New Member Open House on January 15 and inducted three new members: Jeanne Borawski, Andrea Evans Zoia and Gabe Moraga.
Please join the Marblehead Rotary Club for one of our most important fundraising events of the year: The Finale of Marblehead's Got Talent on February 7, 6-10 PM, at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. This event will include live performances by our seven finalists, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and live and silent auctions - you just have to come to see the amazing talent that is competing this year!
RI Theme 2020-21:
Please join the Wood family, the Rotary Club of Peabody, The Sheraton & D7930 for the Dedication of the Robert Wood Executive Boardroom on Thursday, January 30, 2020, 5-6 pm, at the Sheraton Wakefield Four Points. Light refreshments will be served at 5pm in the hotel lobby, and the meeting room Dedication will begin at 5:30pm. Tamara Husband, Director of Catering will deliver opening remarks followed by the blessing of the room by Sister Lenore Coan from the Rotary Club of Ipswich.
D7930 is currently accepting applications for the 2020 Rotaplast Mission to Cebu City, Philippines October 11-25, 2020. If you are interested in going on the Mission as a Non-Medical Team Volunteer, please contact DGN Terry Curran at 
RYLA is:
Watch our brand new RYLA video!
On December 17, 2019, the Newburyport Rotary Club held their holiday evening meeting at the Custom House Maritime Museum to donate $5,000 to local charities. The recipients were the Salvation Army, Pettengill House, Anchor Diaper Bank, Community Service and the Boys and Girls Club. Each received $1,000.
D7930 Polar Plunge
As we approach the end of 2019 and start a new year and a new decade, it’s a great time to reflect on your commitment to OUR Rotary Foundation and create your Rotary legacy. In March of 2019, DG Joan & DGE Betsy, with the blessing of then DG Bob, announced our district’s Million Dollar Journey to support the Rotary Foundation.
The Gloucester Rotary Club supported the Northeastern Conference Freshman-Sophomore Meet at Beverly High’s Henry Cabot Lodge Fieldhouse on Saturday, December 21, 2019. Students from several north shore high schools participated in this annual event.
Join us in welcoming back the D7930 Rotaplast Team after their successful mission to Cebu and learn more about opportunities for next year’s mission.
Congratulations to Megan Battinelli, Swampscott Cheer Team & Céire Rocco, Marblehead Cheer Team recipients of scholarships by the Marblehead and Swampscott Rotary Clubs. The recognition of these student athletes took place at the Rotary's annual luncheon held at the Tedesco Country Club.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary participated in the Festival of Trees in Pelham, NH. This year our “International Tree” was dedicated to World Peace. The ornaments on this tree signify a handful of the many countries Rotary reaches out to every day and is a hopeful reminder of Rotary and your connection throughout the world.
The Peabody Rotary Club is reeling from the unexpected loss of Cara Murtagh, who died unexpectedly on Thanksgiving. Peabody TV has released a video highlighting the life of Peabody Superintendent of Schools Cara Murtagh. The nine-minute video features clips from her funeral service as well as clips from Peabody TV's archive of Murtagh speaking at various school functions and meetings. View the video 
D7930 World Peace & Understanding Dinner
The Medford Rotarians are collecting new hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for the clients of Bread of Life, Malden. The clients that come to the kitchen for meals come are out in the cold until they open with no hats and gloves. Our members are asking their friends, co-workers and clients to help in this effort. Our many bank members are placing baskets in their lobby for their customers to donate items to this worthy cause.
As you know, 2020 is a LEAP YEAR and the Polar Plunge Team has just the idea of how you can spend your extra day for good! 
The Beverly Rotary Club and the Learning Express Toy Store are pleased to announce their co-sponsorship of a seasonal toy drive for the benefit of Kennedy Kares. The drive was held at the Learning Express Toy Store in North Beverly Plaza on Dodge Street on Saturday November 16, 2019.
Boston Rotaract is excited to announce that it surpassed its fundraising goal of $2,000, successfully raising $2,314 via two community fundraisers and donations. The money will go to Found in Translation (FiT) to support scholarships for two Language Access Fellows.
The D7930 Nominating Committee met on November 5th. 2019. After interviewing candidates. the decision was made to nominate Alexander Falk, past president of The Rotary Club of Marblehead, as the District Governor for Rotary Year 2022-2023.
The Foundation Dinner at Andover Country Club was an amazing event.
It is with great sadness to inform you that Past District Governor Bud Curtis of the Rotary Club of Rockport passed away on November 4th. 
The Gloucester Rotary Club has produced a beautiful 2020 calendar, featuring scenic photography from local artists. In addition to the calendar, each purchase enters the buyer into a weekly raffle. $50 prizes will be drawn each week with two bonus prizes of $500-- one in June and one in December. Calendars are $25 each, and proceeds from the sale of calendars will be used to support the many projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
The district membership forum was well received and attended, including members from D7930 New England E Club and D7910.Keynote speaker PDG Kate Sims provided an informative, interactive and inspired presentation on membership ideas.
The first InteractCafe in Winchester was a big hit! The idea was simple: take motivated teens and Rotarians, bring them together, allow them to mingle and exchange ideas, and send them home with everything they need to make their clubs even stronger! It was so much fun to watch everyone meet and share with their counterparts from other clubs - everyone was so energized! 
On the evening of May 1, 2019, Rotary of Andover Citizens Who Care recognized Steven Crowley as Student of the Year for his volunteer work in the community and with middle school kids at the Andover Youth Center – in front of about 250 Andoverites who boisterously supported him for his good work.
Interact taps into the best that can come from a partnership between Rotarians and young people. In 7930, we want to help your club embrace that potential. We are committed to a more robust Interact experience for everyone involved. This is why we designed the InteractCafe.
District 7930 is hosting its first ever Interact Cafe--a casual evening designed to help strengthen our Interact clubs and the program as a whole--on Wednesday October 23, 2019, 6-7:30 pm at Winchester High School. This casual cafe style evening will be hosted by Rotarians and Interactors with a world of experience, there to help you connect, network and learn.
Please join the Everett, MA club on Thursday October 24, 2019 for our annual "Comics for College" Comedy Night Fundraiser at Giggles Comedy Club, located inside of Prince House of Pizza, 571 Broadway, Saugus.
The deadline to submit your PI Mini Grant application is this Friday, November 15, 2019.
World Polio Day Dining Fundraiser
Newburyport Trivia Night
Bowling Over Barriers with Boston Rotaract
Boston Rotaract is excited to announce the results of our Karaoke 4 Charity fundraiser!
The Peabody Rotary Club has partnered with Newhall Fields Community Farm in Peabody and the City of Peabody by writing a grant which will supply an irrigation system on 2 acres of land. This irrigation system will allow the farm to grow nutritious food and supply food for Peabody and surrounding communities that is accessible, affordable and nutritious.
District Governor Joan Arsenault welcomed 14 Rotarians to Part 1 of the Rotary Leadership Institute on October 5 at the Sheraton Four Points conference facility in Wakefield. In the day-long sessions, participants shared comments and experience on topics ranging from Rotary membership growth and retention, qualities of strong leaders, ethics, the Foundation, and creative fundraising.
I hope you will join the District and be a part of the District Grant to award a Service Dog through the Service Dog Project, Inc to our recipient Micaila Britto.
Cambridge Rotary will be raising our glasses in a wine tasting event at the classy and magical Phillips Auditorium at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA, on October 23, 2019, 6:30-9:30pm.
The Second Annual Family Feud! will be hosted by Melrose Rotary Club on Friday, November 8, 2019, 7-10pm, at Melrose Memorial Hall, 590 Main St, Melrose, MA. Teams of 5 adults will face-off in a fun evening of survey questions, hilarious answers, and audience participation. Silent auction and cash bar. Proceeds benefit the Melrose Rotary Club Charitable Fund. Free to Watch - no ticket needed. Team entry fee is $250.
Six inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students in District 7930, hosted by the Rotary Clubs in Marblehead, Hamilton/Wenham, Rockport, Ipswich, North Andover, and Salem, NH, and one student from District 7910 hosted by Bedford had their orientation at Bretton Woods, NH, in September.
There is still space available for this Friday's Trivia Night!
The Membership Committee is happy to share a fresh opportunity for clubs to host FRIENDraisers to attract new members and present alternative forms of membership. Clubs can apply for up to $200 reimbursement match. Partner with another club and we'll reimburse up to $300!
ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION
The Haverhill Rotary Club is pleased to host speaker Charlie Ruth Castro on Thursday, October 3, at its noon meeting at the Haverhill Country Club.
Members of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor spent a recent Saturday morning at the local farmers' market to tell visitors what we do and how much fun we have doing it. The club hopes that spreading the word about 'service above self' will help attract new members. Members engaged with people who approached the Rotary table and invited them to come to a meeting for a free breakfast and a bit of fellowship.
Methuen Rotary Club is holding its 7th Annual Bocce Tournament to benefit the Methuen YMCA Summer Camp program on November 2, 2019, 5:00-11:00pm. Two levels of competition, food and raffles always make this a fun time.
The Greater Salem Rotary Club is hosting its 5th Annual Golf Tournament October 4th at Windham Country Club. The tournament is "real golf" for the serious golfer, but yet lots of fun, raffles, prizes for all! This is one of Greater Salem's biggest fundraisers of the year.
The Upward Bound Second Chance scholarship is awarded annually by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor to persons seeking certificate courses and programs likely to improve employment opportunities.
The Greater Salem NH Club wrapped up the 2018-2019 year, proudly with having made a difference for a number of organizations in the 5 towns we served! Food pantries were a big focus, with sizeable donations or services delivered to St. Anne's, Pleasant St., St Patrick's, & Shepherd's Pantries with cash donations or preparation of meals on an ongoing basis . The pasta lunches have been a great hit! We also gave considerable donations to Hampstead and Atkinson Libraries for furniture, childrens chromebooks, etc, Salem Children's Dental Network, Field of Dreams, 5 High School Academic Scholarships (increased from 3) and a Robotics Club sponsorship too!. Honoring the memory of those lost in battle or other events also was very special with support for the Vietnam Moving Wall, 911 Monument Project, Homeland Heroes Foundation. And so much more! We hope to make it even bigger in 2020!
Congratulations to Christine Sloss recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Christine was recognized during the Rotary Installation luncheon held on July 25th at the Eastern Yacht Club
In the past two weeks, the Rotary Club of Lynn recognized the outstanding contributions of three longtime and faithful Rotarians with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow pin. District Governor Joan Arsenault was on hand Thursday to present pins to past President Stephen Upton and Club Treasurer Arthur Horgan while President William Reilly presented Dave Richardson with his pin at the August 29th meeting.
The Rotary Club of North Reading is pleased to announce that it will now serve as District 7930's first cause-specific Rotary Club. Rotary world-wide is known for tackling humanitarian issues including the global eradication of polio, water and sanitation issues, woman’s health, literacy and more. These issues are addressed locally and globally at the discretion of the independent clubs. Recently, Rotary International voted to allow local clubs to focus on individual causes as they deem appropriate. Current North Reading Rotary President Dave O’Neill explained, “Every year our club takes a hard look at how we can help North Reading residents. It led to a lengthy discussion, bringing in experts in different fields, and completing an assessment over the summer. It was unanimous. Our members want to tackle addiction prevention.” He continued, “When you think about how many families, generations even, are affected by addiction, it’s heart breaking. We want to help.”
Karaoke 4 Charity
On Monday morning, I texted with Past RI President Barry Rassin. While Nassau was spared the full force of Dorian, and he and Esther are fine, other parts of his country are devastated having been dealt a blow with Dorian’s full fury. Dorian is now headed toward the US and other parts of our neighboring Zones 33 & 34.
Peter Majane from the North Reading Club would love to visit your club to speak about exciting memberships opportunities:
You can take it to the bank that on the last Saturday of each month, a group of Lynn Rotarians will gather at Salvation Army Headquarters on Franklin Street to distribute food to over 400 Lynn family members. “This is a project we took on back in 2015 when the last food pantry in the city closed,” recalled Lynn President Bill Reilly. "We started distributing food in September, 2015, in the St. Mary’s Church parking lot and did that right through the winter months. It was tough work, not just unloading the huge truck from the Greater Boston Mobile Food Bank, but also carrying out there long rectangular tables from the St. Mary’s High School cafeteria. After a couple of years we moved to Catholic Charities on North Common Street and now we’re at Salvation Army. Some of our members arrive around 6am to help unload but most are here by seven.” Front row l to R: Mackie Bastarache, Diane Reilly, Lorry Willis, Paula Clancy and Claire Price. back row: Bill Reilly, Ray Bastarache, Paul Price, Dan Cahill (Swampscott Rotary) and Steve Upton.
Two more new members from the Beverly Rotary Club took advantage of the grant offered by our club to do a project in the community on August 17. Matthew Blanchard and Connor Mooney organized an event to clean up trash floating in our ocean and washed up on surrounding beaches.The event took place at Obear Park in Beverly. About twenty people attended and had fun while cleaning up our community waters! Paddleboards and trash bags were provided, but some people brought their own paddleboards. They collected much more trash than they were anticipating. A few things they found in the ocean/surrounding beaches were a lamp, plastic chair, and sink. Great camaraderie with a great goal to help our community!
Members of Boston Rotaract volunteered at and ran in the annual ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) Race 4 Research on Sunday, August 18, in Cambridge, MA.
The Medford Rotary Club recently installed its new officers and directors at its annual Charter Night held at Century Bank in Medford. The bank offers a beautiful view overlooking the Boston Skyline and they graciously hosted us again for this event. Annually, the service club elects new leadership. Anne Gelineau Powers, Financial Advisor at Baystate Financial was sworn in as President. Anne is serving her second term as President, she also served in 2015-16. Other officers include Chuck Mahoney, President-Elect, Cheryl Staude, Secretary, Alan Martorana, Treasurer and long time Rotarian, Bob Bates, Sargent-at-Arms.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2020 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s many community and international activities.
4oth Annual Fall Foliage Classic in Topsfield
Bowlio for Polio
Boston Rotaractors raised nearly $10,000 during the 2018-2019 Rotary Year with the goal of providing sustainable clean water solutions to communities in Ghana. August 12, 2019 marked the successful completion of their long-term international service project.
District 7930 is working with the 
The Beverly Rotary Club is giving all new Rotarians $250 in seed money for a service project of their own devising. The only rules are that it has to be a service project -- they can't simply turn around and donate the money somewhere else -- and that the project has to involve the help of other Rotarians. The idea is to help get new members into the swing of things quickly, and pair them with veteran members it might otherwise take them months to get to know.
Camp Rotary is hosting a last meal in the original dining hall on September 7, 4 - 8 PM. It is a fund raiser to help defray the cost of the new dining hall that will be built during the off season. The original dining hall was built in 1921 when the camp was founded. Camp Rotary is located at 372 Ipswich Road in Boxford, MA.
Save the Date: November 7, 2019
Rotary International President Mark Daniel Maloney's 2019-20 presidential theme, Rotary Connects the World, is a powerful statement. In theme with President Mark's vision, District 7930 has established a new membership initiative: Rotary Connects. “The first emphasis is to grow Rotary — to grow our service, to grow the impact of our projects, but most importantly, to grow our membership so that we can achieve more,” Maloney said, and he believes that connection is at the heart of the Rotary experience. District 7930 also thinks so.
Rotarians please share link below with all Family, Friends and Fellow Rotarians within and outside of our District.
Join the Burlington, Medford, Malden and North Reading Rotary Clubs at the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Congratulations to Christine Sloss recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Christine was recognized during the Rotary Installation luncheon held on July 25th at the Eastern Yacht Club.
The Newburyport Rotary will be selling beer and dogs at the annual Lion's Club Bed Race on August 1, 2019, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in The Tannery Marketplace parking lot located at 75 Water Street, Newburyport..jpg)
Donna Lee Rubin, PDG 7930 & CEO of Rotaplast International, Inc informed the District that this year's Rotaplast Mission in Cebu City, Phillipines is named in Memory of PDG Bob Wood.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester MA will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 17, 2019, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 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 17-18.
The Rockport Rotary Club’s annual Lobsterfest is a unique outdoor dining and fundraising event at the Legion Bandstand, serving boiled lobster, clam chowder and more.
The Methuen Club kicked off the 2019-2020 Year right. At the annual Installation Dinner that took place on June 25th at Mexico Lindo , six (6) Members were given Paul Harris Fellows. Also, Connie Doto was awarded Rotarian of the Year.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently honored their past presidents at a luncheon meeting. Eighteen past presidents attended the luncheon hosted at the Homewood Suites Boston in Chelsea. Past President Allan I. Alpert was the most senior past president having held the office in the 1977 – 1978 Rotary year.
We have received questions about how individuals and clubs can make memorial gifts in honor of PDG Bob Wood.
For nearly 40 years, Mark Daniel Maloney and his family have demonstrated that Rotary connects the world. Now the self-described 'cheerful traveler' embarks on the next phase of his life's journey: serving as Rotary International's new president.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea honored their 2019 scholarship winners and the 2019 Chelsea Public School’s Educator of the Year at a recent luncheon meeting. The Club awarded scholarships to five graduating seniors from Chelsea High School; Jocelyn Poste, Alny Herrera, Deedee Hernandez, Ivan Romero and Nildaliz Enamorado-Rodriguez. The Club also awarded a 6th special scholarship to Lizet Vasquez in memory of Rotarian Joanne Tarason who passed away recently. 
The Rotary Club of Lynn’s Scholarship Committee reviewed a record number of application packets this spring from graduating seniors before awarding four Thomas P. Maloney & Robert A. Hastings Memorial Scholarships at its luncheon meeting Thursday at Old Tyme Family Cuisine.
The Methuen Rotary Club celebrated it’s 2nd Annual June Jubilee by giving away money to deserving non –profits in Methuen. Each organization was invited to lunch and to speak about how the donation will help the people that are served in the community. President Julie Brady had the honor of presenting $1000.00 checks to each of the following organizations. Commander Curt Williams Accepted on behalf of the Methuen V.F.W. Post 8349. Larry & Eileen Giordano accepted on behalf of Merrimack Valley Foster Kids, City Councilor Jessica Finocchario and Cole Welch , President, accepted on behalf of the Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project and Julia Pesek , Community Relations Director accepted of behalf of the MSPCA Nevins Farm.
Christine Sloss will be heading to Suffolk University in the fall. A class leader at Marblehead High, Sloss embraced her commitment to community service. She is the President of the Marblehead High School Interact Club (Rotary Club at the High School level) and is working as a coordinator for all the North America Interact Clubs in a new, joint Rotary and UNICEF program, called the Initiative Interchange, to raise money for universal education. This summer, Sloss organized a Rotary service trip to Nepal to help deliver physical therapy to injured survivors of the earthquake that devastated the country in 2015. Sloss plans to continue her education in public administration, urban planning, and environmental sustainability.
A matching grant from the Rockport Rotary Club and Rotary District 7930, along with in kind donations from Emerson Swan, Inc and Breen and Sullivan Mechanical Services, has provided the Action Emergency Shelter at 370 Main Street in Gloucester with a new energy efficient air conditioning system. This system will help to keep shelter guests and staff cool all summer long and save thousands of dollars in energy costs over the long term.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea annually sponsors twenty Chelsea children to one week at Camp Rotary. The Club pays all expenses for the camp week including tuition, field trips, cabin pictures and canteen funds. 
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Blair Lord into the club at its weekly Thursday luncheon meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Marblehead Rotary Club President, Alexander Falk, presided over the induction ceremony.
Like every Rotary club we needed to increase our membership. It’s quite simple – without a sizable group, running projects becomes difficult. The same people can’t be asked to step up for each project again and again without risking burn out. Even with the best of attitudes (which all Rotarians have, right?) it gets difficult to keep diving into the pool on a regular basis.
State Senator Brendan Creighton of Lynn presented an Official Citation to outgoing Lynn Rotary President Brenda Peral at a recent meeting. During Peral’s tenure as president, the Lynn club grew its membership significantly, held two successful fundraisers and increased its menu of volunteer opportunities. William Reilly is the new Rotary President.
Dear Rotarians,
The Gloucester Rotary Club will host a Sunset Cruise aboard the Privateer, docked at 63 Rogers St in downtown Gloucester, on Thursday, July 11, 2019. Boarding begins at 6:00pm, and we leave the dock at 6:30pm, returning at 9:30pm. 
As Rotarians are enjoying the RI Convention happening now in Hamburg, Germany, the rest of us at home can still lock in the special rate being offered for next year's convention in Honolulu, Hawaii! Register now to only pay $395 per person. Rates are also lower for Rotaractors and other guests under 30 years of age!
Julia Phelps, Rotary Club of Amesbury and Trustee, Rotary International (2017-2020), was the speaker at a combined dinner meeting of Marblehead and Marblehead Harbor Rotary Clubs. She updated the memberships on the status of Rotary's Polio Plus program and the challenges the world faces on eliminating polio from the earth.
We had a fantastic RYLA weekend May 10 - 12 with 70 kids (50 RYLArians and 20 student leaders) at Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, NH! We had the kids going from morning until late at night. They were exhausted, but by all accounts, it was a very impactful weekend!
Manchester-Essex Club hosted visiting Rotarians from Australia this spring, Peter Sutherland and his wife Sally. Peter is the president-elect of his club. They are now home again. Peter sent this message to our President, Mike Storella.
The Rotary Club of Lynn held its final Grade Eight Recognition Program Thursday at Old Tyme Family Cuisine. The program has been a staple on Rotary’s event calendar for over a decade thanks to the generosity of its longtime sponsor, RiverWorks Credit Union.
Consider our Contacts module to be your clubs' online address book, integrated with your eBulletin and email. Besides basic information such as name, phone number and primary email address, you can also store details such as birthday, anniversary and nickname, in addition to contact information such as home and work address, secondary phone numbers and email addresses, etc.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has named Patrick Thorpe and Danny Williamson as Paul Harris Fellows, the prestigious award named after the Chicago lawyer who founded the Rotary movement in 1905. Thorpe was selected by a club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Williamson was chosen by members of the Interact Club, the very active group of Gloucester High School junior Rotarians. Thorpe and Williamson were honored at a special dinner in May. 
Please join us in inducting our Club Presidents, District Team and Interact Presidents on June 27th at the Danversport Yacht Club 6 to 9 pm with registration beginning at 5:30 pm.
This past weekend our District hosted a 5 District conference at the Doubletree Hotel in Danvers. It was due to our own DG Bob Wood who had the vision for this stellar weekend of fellowship & a youth focused session called "Game of Throneless" organized by Keith and Christina Harris. DG Bob Wood was present for lunch and the annual business meeting and led our District throughout the day.
For the past 49 years, the Lynn Rotary Club has served as the major sponsor of the Lynn Special Games. “I know this is our 49th year,” said Associate DPW Commissioner Lisa Nerich, the coordinator of the Special Games, “and I can’t recall any organization other than Rotary sponsoring this event. I doubt we could stage this without Rotary’s help.”
The Rotary Club of Gloucester recently collaborated with several local agencies to present a substance misuse prevention and self-care forum to every student at the Gloucester High School. Over the course of two days, the forum brought together three local organizations, the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI), Gloucester’s Health Department, and Children’s Friend and Family Services, to provide students with real stories of addiction and recovery, as well as the importance of self-care. 
The District Conference is right around the corner with opportunities for all to attend! Mark your calendars and sign up now: May 3 and 4 at the Doubletree Hotel in Danvers. 
Have you been hearing the term Diversity & Inclusion and wondering how it applies to you and your club? You are invited to attend Rotary District 7930's first Diversity & Inclusion Workshop, with guest James Lopata. Learn more about this topic and how to make an impact on your dynamic club by gaining tools that will help you foster an inclusive community for every current or potential Rotarian!
The Rotary Club of Chelsea hosted the Chelsea High School Interact students for lunch after the students held their 2019 Government Day. The Interact students took over the Chelsea city government for the morning. The students assumed management and governance positions and experienced how city government works. Included in the picture are the Chelsea High School Interact students who participated and the Chelsea Rotarians who hosted them for lunch.
Registration is now open for District 7930 
As planning began for the 2019 Polar Plunge, DG Bob Wood agreed to "take a dive" for the effort, allowing a caricature to be used to follow the progress of the District's fundraising this year. As of April 4, we have raised $99,432 of the $125,000 goal set last fall. It's not too late to donate to the plunge. Contact your Club's Foundation or Polio Plus Chair for information on how you can donate to Rotary's signature program.
Doug Place, Past President of the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club, has been nominated to receive a Community Champion award for his efforts on behalf of his community. Anyone who knows Doug and would like to vote for him, please go to 
Camila Nagashirom, Rotary Youth Exchange student from Bolivia, swapping Rotary Club Flags with Alexander Falk.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester will host a Trivia Night on Friday, April 26, at the Gloucester House, located at 63 Rogers Street in downtown Gloucester. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the game will begin at 7 p.m. Teams of four will compete for the title of Cape Ann Trivia Champions.
On April 9, 2019, we will be holding our 9th Annual Celebration of Achievement Banquet at Merrimack Golf Course 210 Howe St. Methuen MA We will be honoring both a Teacher of the Year and a Student of the Year from the Methuen Public School System and Presentation of Mary Academy, as well as award college scholarships to high school seniors who reside in Methuen and attend Methuen High School, Presentation of Mary Academy or Central Catholic High School. In addition, the Club will present its “Service Above Self” Award, honoring an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution in the Methuen Community and most exemplifies the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self. Our Special guest speaker is Larry Giordano founder of Merrimack Valley Foster Kids.
Registration is now open for District 7930 
The Chelsea Black Community celebrates Black History Month with a month long series of events promoting black history in Chelsea. As part of the celebration the CBC recognizes several local residents and business persons as Chelsea Trailblazers. In recognizing this year’s Trailblazers the CBC took into consideration ethical behavior grounded on compassion, nurture and social bonds. Ideals and convictions that pertain to human beings’ behavior toward each other and to the preferred organizations of their communities such as – historical experience, empathy and the need for integrity and harmony. This year’s honorees include Chelsea Rotarians Saritin Rizzuto and Bruce Mauch. The Chelsea City Council honored the 2019 CBC Trailblazers with resolutions at their March 4, 2019 meeting.
We are pleased to report that our District 7930 Rotary Youth Exchange Program has been recognized by NAYEN (the North American Youth Exchange Network) with a Bronze Achievement Award.
Motivated by the huge numbers of people who need wheelchairs in the world, Cambridge members wanted to join forces with other clubs who have helped the disabled become abled. ALEM, in Mexico has a proven program to go a step further by training and employing disabled persons to repair wheelchairs in Mexico.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club is getting out into the towns we support with 4 separate events to share "everything Rotary and how we can support your community". The first event was March 26th in Pelham, NH and we had a terrific turnout! Upcoming events are April 16-Atkinson, May 21-Windham, and June 11-Hampstead.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is Awarding Scholarships Worth $18,500!
Last Month, the Methuen Rotary got together and prepared 150 "Party Bags" that were donated to the Methuen food pantries of Neighbor’s In Need. Decorated boxes were placed throughout Methuen and we collected all kinds of party supplies with the help of the Methuen community. The bags were decorated by the kids at Methuen YMCA and each bag contained cake mix, frosting, candles, plates, napkins, balloons, tablecloth and a variety party themed items. The reason behind this was to ensure that since people were already struggling to provide a meal to their family…they should also be able to celebrate and not worry about the expense of a party.
The District Membership Team is proud to announce the next New Member Orientation Event!
Join us at the District Assembly this Wednesday, April 10, at the Sheraton Wakefield and hear this incredible speaker: LaShonda Delivuk! LaShonda is a 28 year old Rotarian and current Club President who spoke recently at RI's International Assembly in San Diego. Her talk at our Assembly will be focused on teaching us practical strategies to manage our time, recruit and retain members and restore the joy of service.
Family Feud Style Trivia Night
Mike Martini was recently recognized and was presented with a commemorative clock by Rotary Club of Woburn President Susan Hartmere. Mike has been an active Rotarian for over 40 years, is a Paul Harris Fellow and also a past president. Mike has remained active in the Woburn community volunteering his time to Woburn athletics and serves on many community boards.
The Ipswich Rotary Club invites the public to attend the Taste of Ipswich and Beyond Wine and Food Gala on Thursday, March 14th, at The Mansion on Turner Hill in Ipswich. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Registration is now open for District 7930 
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, March 29, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
Things you should know… The mission departs from San Francisco on September 22 and returns to San Francisco on October 5th. You must travel with the group on this portion of the trip so that the equipment boxes can be counted as your second piece of luggage. This is done as a group booking through Rotaplast and will cost you approximately $1,000. You are responsible for your flights to and from San Francisco, you can use airline or credit card points if you have them, the cost is anywhere from $400 to $900 depending on when you book. You are welcome to add time before or after the trip. The hotel is included for double occupancy. Single rooms run about $650 for the 10 days. A breakfast buffet is included at the hotel daily, and lunch and snacks are provided at the hospital daily. There is a hospitality room at the hotel, a contribution of approximately $50 is suggested to provide evening snacks.
The Polar Plunge was a huge anti-polio fundraising success, but the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is taking it one... toe further with the Big Toe Plunge.
An overflow crowd of students, teachers, family members and Lynn Rotarians gathered at Old Tyme Family Cuisine recently to celebrate one of the club’s most popular events: 
Belle Isle Rotary Club March Madness Trivia Night
RIPE Mark Maloney will speak at the Thursday evening dinner at NEPETS on March 7. Because of this special speaker, the dinner has been opened to all Rotarians interested in hearing Mark speak. If you are not attending NEPETS as a President-elect or member of the presentation team, this invitation is for the meal only. $45 per meal, must be paid in advance by credit card no later than 5PM Wednesday, March 6> No walkins and no checks will be accepted at the door. First-reserve-first-serve with 75 seats available. Again, no walkins will be accepted for the Thursday dinner and all reservations must be completed no later than 5PM Wednesday, March 6.
On Thursday, February 14th, Saugus Rotary held their joint meeting with the Lynnfield Rotary Club and it was a huge success!!! We’d like to thank American security analyst, author and media personality Robert Siciliano for delivering an incredible presentation on identity theft and personal security. Opened our eyes to just how prevalent and important it is to protect yourself from fraudsters, hackers and criminals.
The Burlington Rotary annual major fundraiser “Friday Night at the Fights” is back. This year’s event will take place on Friday, April 5, 2019, at the Billerica Lodge of Elks. We look forward to another great night of boxing this year and greatly appreciate your support.
Our District is once again offering ten $500.00 scholarships to graduating seniors that attend a Technical High School. The scholarships will be awarded to seniors that plan to pursue a trade after graduation. The funds can be used to obtain a certificate or license as well as to purchase tools for their trade (electrician, plumber, automotive mechanic, carpenter, beautician etc.) 
World Peace & Understanding Dinner
"As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said thousands of years ago, “When the best leader's work is done, the people say, 'We did it ourselves’”. My time spent as not only a participant, but also as a facilitator within RYLA has equipped me with leadership tools that I can take with me wherever I go. One of the most incredible lessons that I learned as a leader is the importance of listening. I’ve seen that great leaders do not take over; rather, great leaders listen and allow team players to have a voice. The best leaders make people feel heard. Without the exposure to this lesson, and many other life-changing experiences within RYLA, I don’t think I would be as successful of a leader as I am today. RYLA has taught me how to be more fearless, more resilient, has connected me with incredible like-minded individuals, and has helped me to become the best version of myself." --Marissa, RYLA participant & student facilitator
Members of Rotary Club of Woburn recently completed a service project to help families celebrate children's' birthdays. Spearheaded by Jim Major, the club organized supplies and ingredients needed for a family birthday celebration. The bags were donated to Woburn's food pantry located at The Council of Social Concern on Merrimack Street. Most club members were on hand to organize and distribute the supplies to make each bag, including president Susan Hartmere and recent past president William Sullivan.
SAVE THE DATE!.png)
We've seen a huge jump in registrations and donations over the past 10 days and we want to say thank you! We have well over 110 participants and look forward to meeting their friends, families, and towel holding supporters. And with just over 2 weeks to go to our most famous event of the year, the Polar Plunge Committee wanted to share some important updates.
Marblehead Rotary club is pleased to welcome Jason Silva as its newest member. Silva, recently appointed Marblehead Town Administrator, transferred his affiliation with the Salem Rotary Club to the Marblehead Rotary Club. Silva is a firm believer in the mission of Rotary— providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently hosted a Patriots Appreciation Day by giving back to the community. Members and guests were invited to wear their favorite Patriots gear to a regular Tuesday meeting and bring in an item for the food pantry to donate to the Interfaith Food Pantry. Wakefield Rotary Past President Judy Gordon explained, "The food pantry was low on a bunch of items because of an increase in need from the community. Our club decided to donate needed items and celebrate the Pats going to the Super Bowl all in one day." Gordon explained that donations to the food pantry are common among Rotarians. "Although we were celebrating the Patriots, it's not unusual for Rotarians to step up when supplies are needed. But it was a fun way to celebrate our favorite football team and give back all in one!" To make a financial or item donation to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry, please visit 
The American Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts, along with members of the community, will come together to honor local heroes who have exemplified the mission of the Red Cross over the past year on March 28, 2019.
The Rotary Club of Ipswich is hosting the 1st Annual Empty Bowl Dinner for The Open Door Ipswich Food Pantry on Wednesday, February 13th at the Hellenic Center, 117 County Road, Ipswich. Empty Bowl events are held nationally to generate awareness concerning hunger and to raise money for local hunger-relief programs.
This past Thursday was our first 8th Grade Recognition Program of the year. Each year the Rotary Club of Lynn recognizes one 8th grade student from every middle school in Lynn each month between January and May. The students are awarded with a certificate, a $25 credit to open a savings account at Riverworks Credit Union and a Barnes & Nobles gift card.
We've seen a huge jump in registrations and donations over the past week and we first wanted to say thank you! We have well over 110 participants and look forward to meeting their friends, families, and towel holding supporters. And with just over 2 weeks to go to our most famous event of the year, the Polar Plunge Committee wanted to share some important updates.
2019-2020 Rotary International President Mark Daniel Maloney announced the upcoming theme at the Rotary International Assembly.
Peabody Rotary is hosting its 15th annual Taste of the North Shore on Tuesday, March 19th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Danvers. There will be 25 restaurants serving their tastiest dishes, from main courses to sides to desserts. There also will be a silent auction of many coveted items—vacations, sports memorabilia, gift cards, lottery tickets, collections of wine and craft beer and more.
Marblehead's Got Talent Final Competition
Are You Ready to Plunge?
The Rotary Club of Rockport Presents!
Although I had considered myself to be a very open-minded individual before attending RYLA, I can say with absolute certainty that taking part in such an amazing camp has given me an entirely new appreciation for the unique experiences, struggles, and viewpoints of others. During the span of just a few days, the many team-building activities we had done allowed me to reflect on how similar my fellow campers and I were in our personal goals for RYLA, and how the attributes that did differentiate us helped us to compensate for each other's weaknesses and achieve tremendous success through working collaboratively..jpg)
The Saugus Rotary Club held its annual holiday party at the Saugus Senior Center in December. 
When the clock struck nine on Tuesday morning, January 8, approximately 22 Lynn Rotarians and a few friends entered the third grade classrooms of Lynn Public School students armed with gifts - new student dictionaries. This is the 11th year that the Lynn Club has participated in the highly successful “Dictionary Project”, due in large measure to the financial support of the project’s sponsor, Equitable Bank, and the leadership of Lynn Rotarian Jim Harris, who has spearheaded this initiative since its inception back in 2008. The logistics of providing every public school third grader with a dictionary is daunting to say the least when one considers there are 19 elementary schools in Lynn, the eighth largest school district in Massachusetts. In addition, Lynn's third grade enrollment fluctuates daily, due in large part to the high mobility of its population. For example, the third grade enrollment moved up and down 50 students since September from 1200-1250. “Truth be told, I don’t know what we would do if we didn’t have Jim (Harris) taking the ball on this massive project,” admitted President Brenda Peral. “The Club is so lucky to have him. Our members know that to succeed in school and in life in America, you must be able to use the English language effectively.”
"RYLA was one of the most unforgettable weekends of the year. I learned so many new things about myself and how to be a leader during that weekend. I made new friends and made memories to last a lifetime. We worked on problem solving and team building with through obstacle courses and games. These are skills that can help us greatly in the real world. 
At its annual holiday party, Marblehead Rotary Club members were generous in their support of the Marblehead Fire Department’s annual toy drive. Armed with packages both large and small, Rotarians continued to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to better our extended community. Marblehead Rotary Club President, Alexander Falk and Marblehead Rotary Club Past-President, David Deutsch delivered this truckload of gifts to the Chief of the Marblehead Fire Department, Jason R. Gilliland. Gilliland expressed appreciation for the Clubs’ support of the department’s efforts.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently donated $400 to support California fire relief efforts. The funds were collected during their holiday meeting in December from members, guests, friends and family in attendance. Funds were sent to the Rotary District 5130 (California) Fire Relief Fund. The mission of the Rotary 5130 Fire Relief Fund is to provide help in the most efficient and effective way to those devastated by the wildfires in Lake County and neighboring Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino Counties.
The Peabody Rotary Club surprised our club Vice President Chief Tom Griffin with a much deserved Unsung Hero Award in December. This "surprise" took 3 months to pull together and was no easy task as "The Chief" was a Private Investigator. The date was chosen so that his wife Patty, a School Teacher, and family would be able to attend as well.
I had the pleasure of attending the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena this past New Year’s Day. Seeing these floats up close was on my bucket list. I was enthralled with all of the floats....but then came the “crocodile”! Rotary International created a float “Service Rocks” paying homage to Sir Elton John with his legendary hit "Crocodile Rock!!!” A total of 24,400 flowers covered the float. The Crocodile was 21 ft. tall, playing a rock-and-roll beat as his number one fan, a swamp snake, slithered and danced to the music. The crocodile even had heart-shaped glasses made from cranberries like Elton John’s signature glasses. The singer also inspired the classic keyboard top hat with stylish feathers. This was Rotary’s 40th consecutive float n the Rose Parade. The commentators talked about how Rotary “is known for service, literacy and peace.” “Service Rocks” encompassed Rotary’s love for community service and celebrated the Rose Parade theme: “The Melody of Life.” What a great experience I had! I’m so glad to be a Rotarian!
Christmas Bells are ringing.
The Gloucester Rotary Club collected over sixty toys in early December that were donated to Action, Inc.'s Project Uplift to support North Shore families.
Medford Rotarians gathered together with their friends, neighbors and co-works to donate to the Mission of Deeds, 2nd annual coat drive. Mission of Deeds serves thousands of families and individuals throughout Middlesex and Essex counties. Our clients include the veterans, previously homeless, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, the elderly, victims of fire or other tragedies, and those with disabilities. They strive to provide them with New beds, coaches (gently used) and household items such as pots & pans, blankets and sheets.
John Somes (left) CEO of the Danvers YMCA accepts a check for $3,000 from Matt Schroeder of the Danvers Rotary Club.
We had a great turn out and prepared over 60 Holiday Food Baskets for the communities of Salem & Hampstead NH on December 15th. We're especially grateful to the Salem NH Fire Dept for housing this project AND delivering them to the lucky homes!
Members of the Rotary Club of Chelsea rang the bells for the Chelsea Salvation Army at the Chelsea Market Basket. The Chelsea Rotarians volunteer their services every year to cover both doors of the Market Basket for one full day.
The Rotary Club of North Reading recently hosted a holiday party at Peabody Court. The event welcomed seniors and residents to enjoy lunch and caroling. This year, attendees were treated to singing by the Interact Club, Peabody Court staff, Rotarians and volunteers. North Reading Rotary would like to thank Elder Services Director Mary Prenney and Maureen Hickey for their assistance with the event.
For over a decade, the Rotary Club of Lynn has engaged the services of the Lynn Public Schools’ Fine Arts Department to entertain its members at the Club’s final meeting before Christmas. In past years, the LPS has sent its jazz band or concert singers but Thursday’s concert at the Ole Tyme Italian Cuisine was extra special as Dr. Sabrina Quintana, Assistant Director of Curriculum & Instruction for Music, sent four members of Lynn’s string ensemble. Lynn Rotarian and Past President Steve Upton, longtime public school administrator, coordinated the event.
The Manchester-Essex Club awarded two past presidents with Paul Harris pins. At our annual holiday meeting Chris Shea and Dave Ray received the coveted pins. For Chris Shea, an active member since 1980, this was his third Paul Harris pin. Wives, Katy Shea and Debbie Ray were in attendance to share the honor.
The Marblehead Rotary Club collected and donated over 50 toys for the annual Christmas Firefighter Toy Drive this year. On Thursday, December 20th, President Alexander Falk and Past-President David Deutsch met with Chief Jason Gilliland to drop off an entire pickup truck full of toys at the Marblehead Fire Department.
Rotary of Somerville inducts a new member, Jen Atwood, the new director at East Somerville Main Streets whose mission is to improve the life of our community by building investment, connection and pride in the community of East Somerville. East Somerville Main Streets does this by strengthening the role of the East Broadway Business District as a commercial center and by promoting the East Broadway Business District as a remarkable and unique cultural destination, known for celebrating its traditions and heritage and maintaining the community’s diversity. In her prior role, Jen served the state as manager of the Local Cultural Council program at Mass Cultural Council. She is looking forward to focusing her efforts in supporting the local community in her new role. Joining Rotary is important to her both professionally and personally - to continue that ideal of service to one's community through multiple avenues.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Linda Sullivan inducted into the club at a recent Thursday luncheon meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Marblehead Rotary Club President, Alexander Falk, presided over the induction ceremony.
New artwork from Brian Murphy, portraying fellow Rotary members, is made of found objects and discarded wood. Mark your calendar for Tuesday 12/18 from 5-7:30pm at Sterling Gallery 306 Cabot Street, Beverly. We will have a “Meet the Portraits” reception. Get to meet the people, in person, who inspired this art. Cards will be available for a small donation to the Beverly Rotary Scholarship Fund, to be signed by Jim Davies, Andrew DeFranza, Lee Yaffa and Rick Mooney.
The Woburn Rotary Club recently honored two special Woburn residents with Paul Harris Awards. Retiring State Representative James J. Dwyer for over 10 years of service at the Mass State House and Kathy Flaherty for her philanthropic contributions to the Woburn community. Mayor Scott Galvin was on hand and presented each with a proclamation from the City of Woburn.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has produced a beautiful 2019 calendar, featuring scenic photography from local artists. In addition to the calendar, each purchase enters the buyer into a weekly raffle. $50 prizes will be drawn each week with two bonus prizes of $500-- one in June and one in December. Calendars are $25 each, and proceeds from the sale of calendars will be used to support the many projects of the Gloucester Rotary Club.
Fifteen extraordinary teenagers who attended last year's RYLA weekend have signed on to be Senior Facilitators at the 2019 RYLA in May. Their commitment to sharing this amazing program began this weekend with their first training session. Over the next four and a half months, these young adults will work with each other and Rotarians to strengthen their leadership skills. In May, the Senior Facilitators will lead eight teams of Junior Rylarians through a weekend of discovery and fun.
Rotary of Somerville inducts and welcomes 2 new members; Chris Rodrigues from East Cambridge Savings Bank and Vincent Maganzini from Rockland Trust to their club.
Congratulations to Charlie Milner who was honored today with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. For twenty years, Milner and his wife Toby have worked tirelessly on projects supporting literacy. Milner is a true custodian for the guiding principle of Rotary --- “Service over Self” -- the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
Through a mix of media and structured discussion, community stakeholders will review the brain science of addiction, and the increased risk to the teen brain. As participants learn about the driving forces of addiction and local activity working to address it, the program enhances supportive and collaborative relationships among stakeholders as they engage in shared action steps to address the issue upstream at the local level.
There will be a special event at the historic Cabot Theater on Tuesday, December 4, featuring local artist Paula Cole and special guests as they perform the music of blues legend Bessie Smith..png)
During October and from around the globe, alumni from the Rotary Youth Exchange program visited clubs to reflect on their experiences as student. Called Reconnect Week, Dr. Binish Desai visited Marblehead Rotary Club to discuss his company, Eco Eclectic Technology, which conducts research and invents products in pursuit of a clean India.
At a recent Rotary meeting, Woburn Police Chief Robert Ferullo announced his retirement after serving as Chief for seven years and as a police officer for almost forty years. Past Rotary president William Sullivan presented Chief Ferullo with a Paul Harris Fellow and stated "Chief, you have set an example for many by your contributions to your community. Your personal involvement makes Woburn a better place in which to live." The Chief's father, Robert Ferullo Sr. did the pinning. An emotional Chief Ferullo spoke of his love for the job and service to the Woburn community. He plans to stay active in the city after retirement.
The Danvers Rotary Club and President Jacki Shambaugh (third from right) recently hosted a group of students from Northern Ireland. The Catholic and Protestant group are in the U.S. for 2 weeks funded by Friends Forever, a non-profit organization.
Using photography to tell a story can become complex and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. By following a few guidelines, having a focused mindset, and applying a bit of confidence, you can take great pictures with less intimidation.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently recognized 13 of its members who have reached perfect attendance during the Rotary year 2017-18. Although the minimum attendance requirements by Rotary International have eased, many of the Wakefield Rotarians take pride in attaining or maintaining perfect attendance. This is achieved by attending regular weekly meetings, by visiting other clubs both locally and world-wide or by attending an e-meeting online.
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At a recent luncheon meeting, the Gloucester Rotary Club honored community member Mike Mullen, who has supported the annual Polar Plunge for the past several years, receiving Rotary International's Major Donor award in 2018. The club also recognized Rotarian Michael Sarraf, who received his Paul Harris award this year. Also honored at the meeting were several Rotarians who have received their "plus-1" or more Paul Harris awards. The Gloucester Club is proud of this ongoing commitment to serving our community and our world through support of the Rotary International Foundation.
The Greater Salem NH Rotary Club was excited to kick off their joint venture with the Red Cross on the Home Fire Campaign on Saturday Oct 20th and 27th. The 20th they worked together with the Red Cross at the Salem NH Fire Dept Open House to sign up residents that needed smoke detectors installed. On the 27th, three of our newest Rotarians helped install 25 smoke detectors and 6 carbon monoxide detectors at 6 homes in Salem. Moving forward we will be working in all five of our communities: Atkinson, Hampstead, Pelham, Salem and Windham. targeting the senior centers and using social media as well to get our word out! 
Registration is now open for the 2019 RYLA- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards- weekend on Friday-Sunday, May 10-12, 2019, at Camp Glen Brook in Marlborough, NH.
The Newburyport Rotary Club will host the 3rd edition of its popular Trivia Night on Thursday, November 15th. Hosted by local Jeopardy! Champion Jill Santopietro Panall, the event will feature 10 rounds of challenging and diverse trivia questions, as we seek to crown the smartest team on the North Shore. The top team will win a cash prize of $250!
Unsung Heroes Dinner
Top 10 Reasons Why You Want to Participate in The District 7930 RYE Program
We Are This Close To Ending Polio!!
The Peabody Rotary Club is the host club of Rotary Global Grant Recipient, Kazuki Motohashi. Kazuki received his $30,000 grant from District 2750 and the Tokyo Akebono Rotary club. He is studying at Tufts University for a PhD in Economics and Public Policy. He is passionate about environment and development, clean water and sanitation around the world, particularly in Southeast Asia. He received a Bachelor of Laws degree from University of Tokyo in 2012 and a Master’s degree in Public Policy in 2014. He subsequently worked on environmental policy at the Mitsubishi Research Institute. Representing Peabody Rotary as host members to assist Kazuki while he’s in the area are President Stephanie Johnson and members Martha Holden and Peggy Pedro.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is offering an amazing opportunity to dine ANYWHERE in the World! Want to have dinner in Italy? Lunch in Paris? Now is your chance!
The Gloucester Rotary Club held a Polio Awareness/Education meeting on October 23 in preparation for World Polio Day. A special slide show was playing as members arrived and members were given purple beads, EndPolioNow stickers, and the opportunity to paint their pinky nail purple. If a member didn't want to paint a nail, purple bands were available to wear on their pinky. A rousing and competitive game of "End Polio Now Jeopardy" followed. The meeting wrapped up with 
View 2018 Council on Resolutions: 15-Oct to 15-Nov
The Rotary Club of Lynn hosted its first “What is Rotary” informational meeting Tuesday at the Old Tyme Italian Cuisine on Boston Street. A large crowd of “prospective" Rotarians socialized with Lynn members and learned about the many volunteer initiatives the Lynn Club currently engages in.
The North Andover Rotary Club will host a special open forum and discussion on Thursday, October 25, at 6pm at Brightview (1275 Turnpike, Rt 114, North Andover) to discuss short and long-term solutions for business, homes, residents, renters and homeowners as regards the recent Merrimack Valley Gas Fires. Town Manager Andrew Maylor and MA Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Jay Ash will be on hand for this important discussion.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Jeff Tucker inducted into the club at its weekly Thursday luncheon meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Marblehead Rotary Club President, Alexander Falk, presided over the induction ceremony.
At a recent lunch meeting, the Rotary club of Woburn hosted District Gov. Bob Wood and past DG David Gardner. David presented the club and past President William Sullivan with many awards and citations including: Rotary International Presidential Citation 2017-18, Certificate of Appreciation for support of End Polio Now, Membership Certificate (net +3 in membership gain), Rotary Foundation $100 per capita 100% member participation, Rotary Foundation Average Giving 100% member participation and Rotary Foundation #1 club in District Annual Fund per capita (over $1000 per capita per member.
The Chelsea Rotary Club is running a raffle for a trip for two to the Patriots/Miami football game on December 9, 2018. Tickets are $25 each and only 250 tickets will be sold. Details of what is included or shown below. If interested in purchasing a ticket please contact Bruce Mauch, Secretary of the Chelsea Rotary Club, at 
Time to get your teams ready!!!! The Methuen Rotary Club is holding it's 6th Annual Bocce Tournament. This year our tournament benefits the Methuen Girls Softball League Scholarship Fund and The Methuen MSPCA. there will be food, raffles, and tons of laughs . Never played before....No worries we are all amateurs and it's all about having fun and raining money for a great cause. Sponsorships are available.
Andy and Jessica Barnett members of the Rotary Club or Marblehead Harbor and - as importantly, members of Marblehead Little Theatre ("MLT"), presented one of its first-even "Ginny Awards" to Alexander Falk, President, Marblehead Rotary Club.
TBM Rotary is planning to partner with Breakaway Restaurant in Danvers, where the Club meets on Tuesday’s at 6:00 pm on a Service Project. We are accepting donations to go directly to local homeless veterans through the Danvers Veteran’s Council. Items needed include socks, gloves, sleeping bags, blankets, canned goods, and toiletries among other things.
Following the lead of Paul Harris and his Chicago #1 club, the Peabody Rotary Club was the sponsor of a public comfort station (aka a porta-a-potty) for the annual Progeria Research Foundation 5K Road Race. The very first Rotary project in 1905 was a public comfort station in Chicago. (Click the "Read More" link below to see a picture of the 1905 project.)
The Wenham Country Club came alive with excited and energized sports enthusiasts on a recent warm and sunny Sunday afternoon when the Rotary Club of Hamilton-Wenham held its first ever 0.5K Mini-Marathon to benefit youth and senior services in Hamilton and Wenham. Rotarians, family members and friends, of all sizes, shapes, ages and physical conditions, competed in a hotly contested romp around the golf links. Hydration (refreshment) stations were strategically located to keep the contestants in fine form for the event, and VIP entrants received the use of a gold cart if the course proved too difficult. Competitors and spectators alike cheered when event coordinator Anne O’Connor announced at the conclusion of the competition that the 0.5K Mini-Marathon would most likely become an annual fundraiser for Hamilton-Wenham Rotary. Ipswich Rotary President Martha Mauser was heard issuing a challenge to Marblehead Rotary President Alex Falk to see which club could outperform the other in next year’s Mini-Marathon.
The Parkway Rotary Club is happy to announce this year’s recipients of the Marilyn Larosa Education Scholarship. The scholarship goes to students headed to college from the Parkway neighborhoods of West Roxbury and Roslindale. Criteria for the award include public service, merit, need, and academics.
Register this week to be guaranteed a shirt for the @TBMRotary 39th Annual Fall Foliage Classic on October 14th at Proctor School in Topsfield. Do a good thing for you and a GREAT thing for our communities.
Linda Doliber and Michael Elkin of the Marblehead Harbor Rotary Club were honored at a recent club meeting for their on-going commitment and dedication to The Rotary Foundation. Club President Mike Cognata presented Linda with a Paul Harris Fellow +3 pin for her noteworthy achievement, and long-time Rotarian Michael was acknowledged with a Paul Harris Society Chevron for his many years of support for The Rotary Foundation. District Paul Harris Society Chair Bob Gravino thanked Linda and Michael on behalf of the District and Rotary International, and spoke of the value of The Foundation to both Rotarians and those from around the world who benefit from its work. Be The Inspiration through your support of The Rotary Foundation and all the good it does in the world.
On Sunday, September 16, TJ Kelley, a Reading Memorial High School senior and President of the RMHS Interact Club, was honored with his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at the Old South Church in Reading. Reading Rotary President Tim Kelley (and TJ's dad) presented him with a congratulatory certificate on behalf of Rotary. The Certificate was part on an initiative started by PDG David Gardner to forge a partnership between Scouting and Rotary.
The inaugural meeting of the ElderAct Club of Lynnfield was held on September 12, 2018 at the Lynnfield Senior Center. More than 50 people participated in this event which featured speeches from District Governor Bob Wood, District ElderAct Chair Mirjana Maksimovic, Lynnfield Rotary President Ron Block, and several members of the Marblehead Harbor Rotary and the ElderAct of Marblehead Harbor/Swampscott Club (ElderAct MS). Lunch was served compliments of the Lynnfield Rotary.
The Peabody Rotary Club was recognized with the Peter Torigian Memorial International Festival Spirit Award in September! Mayor Bettencourt praised the Rotary Club of Peabody for being involved in every aspect of the City, including the International Festival, the schools, the Library, Haven from Hunger and Citizens Inn, all the things that raise the quality of life in our City.
On Sunday, September 9, the Reading Rotary put on the 2018 Reading Fall Street Faire. This year's Faire was a resounding success. Approximately 170 vendors and community groups set up booths along the Faire route on Haven, Main, High, Chute, Linden and Sanborn Streets in Downtown Reading. There was entertainment all day on two stages, one or Main Street and one on High Street. Other features were many blow up apparatuses for the children set up around the route. Other featured areas were: the Children's Area at the Reading Coop parking lot, a Car Show, NFL Tailgate, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Cornhole Tournament, flash mobs, food and drinks and much more. The day was kicked off with a 5K Road Race starting at Washington Park.
Early in September, our district hosted its third New Member Orientation Party in partnership with District 7910 in Newton, and we welcomed over 50 attendees. The event introduced new members to the overall big-picture of Rotary International, allowing clubs to focus more on club-level culture, policies, and information when they on-board new members. The vibe is fun, casual, and run like a party complete with snacks, dinner, dessert and decorations! The dress-code is “come-as-you-are.” Each session, we invite members who have joined within the past 2 years. If you are a veteran Rotarian, please encourage your new members to attend. If you're a new member, please watch this 
Rotary Exchange Student, Maggie Larkin, reported on her Rotary Youth Exchange experience in Torrevieja, Spain. For the year, Larkin attended school at Colegio la Purisima. She was surprised to learn that most of her classmates had shared a classroom since they were three years of age.
The Rotary Club of Burlington is excited is excited to announce a Dynamic group of speakers coming to our club in September
Our exchange student Aku Kavka arrived from Finland. He attended his first Rotary meeting with us last week. He was very well-spoken and is excited to get started in school, which starts this week. Welcome Aku!!! He is an ice hockey player who loves to ski. Aku will be studying here for his junior year at Beverly High School. We hope you have a wonderful experience! Glad you are our guest!!!
The Rotary Club of Winchester had a busy and productive meeting on August 16th with the induction of a new member, the presentation of a Paul Harris Society Chevron to a club member, and a talk on an on-going global grant. Christian Neckermann was inducted as a Rotarian by Club President Rich Mucci, assisted by Christian’s sponsor and Immediate Past President Steve Mix. Long time Rotarian Dick Sampson was presented with a PHS Chevron, acknowledging his many years of support for The Rotary Foundation. Brendan Pulsifer, a junior at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, related his two years of work as a summer student intern working with Bowdoin College graduate Lonnie Hackett (Class of 2014) and Healthy Kids/Brighter Future in Lusaka, Zambia. Brendan is a resident of Winchester and is an alumnus of Winchester Community Music School where he studied piano for many years. Winchester Rotarian Laurie Russell is the Executive Director of the school and has known Brendan and his family since he was a young boy.
The Rotary Club of Greater Salem, NH is sponsoring its 4th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, October 5, at The Windham, NH Country Club, 1 Country Club Rd.
Congratulations to Rosie Segil, recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Segil has worked tirelessly within Marblehead Rotary Club and on her own leading community service projects both locally and abroad. For the past few years in her native country, the Philippines, Segil has led a literacy project. Segil exemplifies the guiding principle of Rotary --- “Service over Self” -- the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2019 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s efforts to raise money that supports the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
The Ipswich Rotary Club presents Castle Royale on November 9, 2018, 7-11pm, at Castle Hill.
The Members of the Rotary Club of Medford are ready to Welcome you to their 4th Annual Charity Casino Night on Saturday, September 29th at Memorial Hall in Melrose. They promise an evening of Fun, Gaming, Food, Libation, Raffles, Dancing and Laughs! Winners have their choice of several fabulous prizes!
The Interact Club of the Rotary Club of Winchester recently held a successful eye glass drive, donating more than 325 pairs of eye glasses to the Woburn Lions Club for their Sight Program.
Last week, Beverly had its annual Homecoming week. The Beverly Rotary Club was a large part of this community event. At Lobsterfest Day we had an informational booth at Lynch Park as a community support. The next day we served ice cream to hundreds of Senior Citizens in the park. This is a tradition since our past President Brad Gaige was involved with the Senior Center in town. Since his passing, the event is named after him. And, finally on the last day of Homecoming Week, we drew the winner to our Winner’s Choice Raffle, where a trip of a lifetime could be won: Fiji, Hawaii, the Masters’ Tournament or Tuscany! We are happy to announce that Marshall Handly of Beverly was the winner of his choice of a trip!!! Congratulations, Marshall!!!
Woburn native and resident Susan Hartmere, a Woburn Rotary Club member since 1992 and our current president, recently joined a Rotary Club International Humanitarian Group on a trip to West Africa to provide some much needed health assistance to residents in Ghana. This is her 11th such humanitarian trip. Her account of the assistance is as follows:
It is wonderful to see when a Rotary Youth Exchange student gets involved in service projects on both ends of their exchange - the sponsoring club and the hosting club. This past year our Marblehead Rotary Club hosted Marisol, a youth exchange student from Thailand. Marisol is not just a great student, but also a very talented artist and produced stunning watercolor paintings and other works during her exchange year. She then decided to sell some of those works to raise money for a career-training project for mental-health patients that her sponsoring club in Thailand, the Nong-khae Rotary Club, is presently working on.
Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Foundation by honoring others. On November 8th, join District Governor Bob Wood at the Sheraton Four Points in Wakefield to celebrate an unsung hero in your community. 
The Gloucester Rotary Club will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, August 18, 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 on Saturday-Sunday, August 18-19, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. A special FREE parking area is available for Pancake Breakfast attendees.
The Rotary Club of Rockport is hosting its 22nd annual Lobsterfest, rain or shine, on August 11 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall Bandstand at Back Beach.Tickets are still only $25, and include a hot boiled lobster, clam chowder, corn on the cob, a roll, watermelon and soda or water. There will also be a cash menu of burgers, hot dogs, chips, beer and wine. Two Weeks from Everywhere will provide live entertainment.
One of the community service project that the Rotary Club of Ipswich is involved in is maintaining the 9/11 Memorial and Garden in the Town of Rowley. The memorial honors the three Rowley residents who were killed on American Airlines Flight #11 on September 11, 2001, and was dedicated on September 8. 2012. The memorial is made from a piece of steel from the World Trade Center in New York City. In the spring and fall of the year, a work party of Ipswich Rotarians spend a Saturday morning sprucing up the garden and planting seasonal flowers to keep the area beautiful and to honor the memory of the married couple and woman who lost their lives in the tragedy of 9/11.
The Wilmington Rotary Club will hold their 4th Community Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 18, at Rotary Park at 10:00 am.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
Rob Deina, outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor signed the Charter and passed the gavel on to Mike Cognata, current President of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor (shown on the left) at the recent 2018 Installation Dinner. The Dinner was attended by over 50 members and guests including Kang Yu, the Assistant District Governor. 
The Rockport Rotary Club held their annual Installation of Officers and Board Members for the 2018-2019 year and Community Awards Dinner in June at the Pigeon Cove Tavern.
The weather was beautiful for this year's Special Olympics softball tournament, sponsored by the Burlington Rotary Club. The tournament was started by the Burlington Club over 10 years ago and became an annual event hosted in Burlington by the Burlington Recreation Department. Eight teams participated in this year's event, two from our club's Special Olympics program and six sponsored by other communities' Rotary Clubs. Delicious burgers and franks were grilled for the dining pleasure of the Special Olympians, their families visitors, and Rotarians. This annual event now brings over a hundred players, coaches, family members and spectators to our town to enjoy the game and the food and drinks provided free to them by our club. 
“People Coming Together”
Rotary Foundation
Perhaps you should join our district Rotoplast mission to the Philippines. The one remaining position is for a Recreational Therapist. Don’t let the fancy name intimidate you. It’s one of the best positions on the team. You are the friendly face our patients see before they go into the operating room. In your own air-conditioned space, you greet the children, give them quilts, toys and play with them--maybe with matchbox cars--maybe with coloring books. 
The Beverly Rocking Rotarians participated in the annual “Reid’s Ride” to support the AYA Alliance to fight cancers striking adolescents and young adults on July 15. The team consisted of Jackie Rapisardi, Captain of the team, Brian Murphy, Matt Blanchard and Stephanie Raby. The bike ride began at Lynnfield High School and went along a 28-mile, route to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. With the Beverly Rotary Club supporting them, the team raised over $5500. Jackie was the third highest fundraiser, while the team was 6th highest fundraiser!
Peabody Rotary recently awarded $12,000 in scholarships to several 2018 High School graduates. Financing of these scholarships comes from Peabody Rotary fundraising events such as the Torigian Golf Classic, the Taste of the North Shore and various other events throughout the year.
Paul Harris Society Chair Bob Gravino recognized Marblehead Rotarians Alexander Falk (Club President), Keith Taylor, Julie Livingston (Club Secretary) and David Deutsch (outgoing Club President) as members of the Paul Harris Society with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at the Club’s July 12th Installation Luncheon at the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to sustain our impact around the world. It was noted during the presentation that Marblehead Rotary was in a three way tie for District 7930 Clubs having the most PHS members.
The District 7930 leadership is looking to fill several District jobs, requiring a variety of skill sets. If you would like to work with an amazing group of Rotarians, 
Camp Rotary, established in 1921 is the longest continuously running Rotary project in the world. Camp Rotary is a private, nonprofit, educational, independent, co-ed overnight camp for kids ages 7 - 15. The camp has a rich history dating back to 1921 when it was founded as a service project of the Rotary Club of Lynn. The Camp is owned by the Rotary Club of Lynn, and is managed by a board of independent officers and directors operating as Youth Service Managers, Inc.
The Chelsea Rotary Club has been sending children to summer camp for 18 years and this summer, 20 Chelsea children got to experience a week at Camp Rotary on Styles Pond in Boxford, MA.
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 each year. IOAD aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.
In keeping with the 2017-2018 Rotary International theme of “Rotary: Making a Difference,” the Gloucester Rotary Club is pleased to announce that our members raised $85,000. These funds were used to support local, regional and international non-profit organizations. Local groups were gifted $66,400, international causes received $14,100 and regional causes received $4,500.
In the month of June the Methuen Rotary Club decided to start a new tradition by holding their 1st June Jubilee. 
The Rockport Rotary Club presented a Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10AM on July 4th, at Dock Square in Rockport. Members of the club were dressed in period costumes and church bells were ringing to “gather” the towns people. Reverend Matt Wigton read the Declaration of Independence at 10AM. Audience participation was encouraged during the reading. It was a fun event and a great way to start the 4th of July festivities..jpg)
The Gloucester Rotary Club is pleased to sponsor The Continentals pop rock show band concert on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at 7:00 pm, at the Antonio Gentile Bandstand in Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA.
A new Rotary year has started and the membership team is in full swing! The Membership Team wanted to provide you with some important information about Rotary Membership Inquiries early on in the year. These automated emails come from Rotary International (RI) and may inform you that your club (or for Assistant Governors-clubs that you represent) has a membership lead. I wanted to give you some direction on what to do with those. Short answer: you can go ahead and delete RI Membership Inquiry automated emails...the district will make first contact. Any email from Jim Major or Amy Luckiewicz talking about a lead is the one to keep and follow up on.
The Marblehead Rotary Club bid farewell to their International Rotary Youth Exchange student, Marisol Wann from Thailand, at a recent club lunch meeting. Marisol gave a heartfelt and emotional talk about her time in United States and Marblehead. She shared movies with us on Thailand, her native home. And, then she shared movie clips and pictures of her experiences and talked beautifully about all her friends and her host families. Marisol's 
On June 7, 2018, at the Mt. Vernon Restaurant & Pub, The Rotary Club of Somerville inducted Officers and Board members for the 2018–2019 year. Congratulations to Kevin Su, President; Cyrus Amin, VP & President-Elect; David Worzala, Treasurer; Gilda Nogueira, Secretary; and Board members John Keegan, Gene Ferraro, Paul Stanton, Nancy Kavanaugh, and Ann Kirby.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is proud to introduce its seven 2018 scholarship recipients:
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted a new member into the Ipswich Club on June 13th. Betsy Frost became the 73rd member of Ipswich Rotary. Shown in the photo are President Cushing; Betsy; and Bob Gravino, Betsy’s club sponsor. Betsy’s father, Oakley Melrose Frost, and grandfather, Oakley Taylor Frost, were members of Rotary in Vermont. Ipswich has an evening meeting on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the club’s long-time traditional Thursday morning meetings. One additional new member is in line to be inducted into the Ipswich Club, and two prospective candidates are in the wings.
In September the Rotary Club of Lawrence Massachusetts will celebrate the teachers of our community with our annual Teacher of the Year event.
TBM Rotary completed a successful year under the leadership of President Dan Mackey. Club members gathered on June 27th at Beverly Airport for a cookout and the Annual 50/50 drawing. President Dan flew away to celebrate the year during which the Club supported hurricane victims in Houston with a $10,000 donation to Rotary Clubs in Houston and sent a deserving family to Disney World in May along with the annual array of service projects and community support.
Please join us for an evening reception, including drinks and hors d'oeuvres, at the home of Alexander & Nora Falk to learn more about the clean water projects conducted by 3 Rotary Clubs within District 7930 in cooperation with the BARKA Foundation.
Thank you & Congratulations
The Rotary Club of Reading presented a check on June 13th for $3,150 to District 7930’s Global Grant for Healthy Kids/Brighter Future in Zambia. The grant supports a school-based healthcare system for vulnerable children in Zambia’s capital city of Lusaka. Reading Rotarians Greg Ryan and Mike Collins are pictured presenting the check to Ipswich Rotary Club President Cushing Titcomb and Bob Gravino. The grant trains teachers as community health workers and connects children to the free and available Zambian national health care system, so that basic medical care and health education are more effectively and efficiently provided. Clubs and individuals interested in supporting this grant should contact Bob Gravino at rcgravino@aol.com.
Parkway Rotary President Terry Rezendes Curran and Ipswich Rotarian Bob Arsenault recently gave a presentation on Rotaplast to the Doyon School EarlyAct Club at a joint Ipswich Rotary/Doyon EarlyAct meeting at the Ipswich school.
A Great time was had at our 28th Annual Comedy Scholarship Fundraiser. For the past 28 years Tom Burke has been organizing this very successfully event with 3 great comedians and an awesome dinner. All this to raise funds for our annual scholarship awards.
The Rotary Club of Woburn, an organization that promotes programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Woburn Community. The Rotary Club of Woburn is one of 100 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s “100K for 100” program. This Woburn –based organization was chosen from a total of 597 applicants, during a competitive review process.
Somerville Rotary Club was honored to be at the Somerville High School Annual Awards Night. Somerville Rotary granted $2,000 scholarships to two well-deserving outstanding students of Somerville High School. A brief background on the these high achieving young women, Mei Mei Collins and she will be attending Harvard University in the fall to study Environmental Engineering, while Saja El Saudi will be attending University of Massachusetts, Boston. The night over $175,000 in scholarships was awarded and a lot of the donors were residences of Somerville looking out for the next generation. Big thanks to Past-President, Paul Kaufman for his hard work every year on the Rotary Educational Fund and to our own Somerville's Past-Mayor, Gene Brune for his contribution to the SHS Scholarships.
Spotlight on D7930 Global Grant-Supported Project @ Rotary Peacebuilding Summit in Toronto, June 22-23.png)
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted a new member into the Ipswich Club on May 9th. Alicia Zampitella became the 72nd member of Ipswich Rotary. Shown in the photo are President Cushing; Paula Bishop, Alicia’s club sponsor; and Alicia. Ipswich recently began a Service Membership Program, and holds evening meetings on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the Thursday morning meetings. One additional new member is scheduled to be inducted at the June evening meeting before the close of this Rotary Year, bringing a total of eleven new members into the club since July 1, 2017, while losing two members who relocated from the area.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea recently held its annual Scholarship/Educator of the Year Luncheon at Homewood Suites in Chelsea. The Rotary Club presented five $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors. Four of the scholarships are presented to students from Chelsea High School and the other scholarship is presented to a Chelsea resident graduating from an area high school. The Rotary Club also presented their annual Chelsea Public School Educator of the Year award to Mrs. Sally Siriani from the Clark Avenue Middle School. Shown in the picture are Rotary President David Mindlin, Esq, Bob Alconada, Scholarship Committee Co-Chair, Michael Talbot, Principal of the Clark Avenue Middle School, Stefanie Rodrigues, Chelsea High School scholarship recipient, Dr. Mary M. Bourque, Superintendent of Chelsea Schools, Danelia Ramirez, Chelsea High School scholarship recipient, Mrs. Sally Siriani, Educator of the Year, and Lindsey Garcia, Northeast Vocational School scholarship recipient.
Peabody Rotary is again teaming up with the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce to hold the annual Torigian Golf Classic on Monday, June 18th. Proceeds from the tournament are used to fund the scholarship programs for each organization. This year, Peabody Rotary awarded $12,000 in scholarships to local 2018 High School graduates. Please consider joining us for a great day of golf and fellowship There are also some sponsorship opportunities still available. For those who do not golf, you might want to register to take a lesson from a golf pro and then join everyone for lunch.
Come join Boston Rotaract on Thursday, June 14th, for a fundraiser at 730 Tavern in Central Square. This is our last fundraiser for our international service project that benefits Pure Home Water, be there to celebrate the completion of this project!
The Salem Rotary Club celebrated its 100th birthday at their meeting last Tuesday and installed a commemorative bronze plaque to the exterior of the Hawthorne Hotel, where the Club has met since 1925, to mark the occasion.
The Rotary Club of Wilmington supports the Wilmington Memorial Library’s programs to develop a culture of reading and learning in their community. The club, combined with a District Managed Grant, purchased innovative materials to encourage reading at the elementary and middle school and levels. The project also included the purchase of e-readers, which will help the library support the Wilmington High School summer reading program.
A few good Rotarians are needed to fill out the upcoming Rotaract Mission to the Philippines.
You could say members of the town's Rotary Club are the Johnny Appleseeds of Danvers. The club recently donated 40 saplings to re-establish the apple orchard at Endicott Park. The hope is to revive apple picking at Endicott Park and eventually also sell the apples at the Danvers Rotary Farmers Market. Previously, only a handful of apple trees remained in the park's back orchard, in the field adjacent to the playground just off Curtis Way, the loop road inside the park. The aging trees had been slowly coming down. The donation was spurred by Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley, who challenged every Rotary Club to plant a tree for each of its members by Earth Day 2018. Danvers Rotary President Bill Nolan took up the challenge. He reached out to Christopher Sanborn, the town's director of natural resources and harbormaster, who suggested replanting the orchard. The 40 apple trees cost $3,500. Many of them have already been planted by students at Essex Tech.
The public is invited to enjoy the creativity and passion of over 30 local amateur and professional artists with 100 pieces of artwork at the second annual Rotary Club of Stoneham Arts Festival. The event will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the First Congregational Church of Stoneham, 1 Church Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts.
On Monday, May 21, a crew of Reading Rotarians traveled to downtown Boston to help serve lunch at the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV) and kick off the District Week of Service for Veterans.
The Newburyport Rotary celebrated it's 95th birthday on Tuesday, May 8, with a fun party at Andiamo Restaurant with appetizers, cocktails and cake. The Club was founded on May 10,1923 by local businessman Norman Russell, and his friends.
The Saugus Rotary Club recently held its annual Scholarship Luncheon at Price Restaurant in Saugus. The 5 recipients each received a $2,000 Scholarship. Pictured above (l-r) are Rotarian Kathy Cuccinelli, Nicole Viera, Amanda Napoli, Sophia Struzziero, Rotarian Ajla Rovcanin, Arianna Raftelis, President-Elect Tara Leary, Lauren Coccoluto and Past President David Fama.
On Thursday, May 10, members of the Rockport Rotary Club presented four Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) to the town of Rockport. The event was held at the Rockport Police Department. The Rockport Health Department had approached the Rockport Rotary Club for the need of AED’s for four of their beaches (Front, Back, Old Garden & Long Beach). In the off season the AED’s will be deployed for use in other location within Rockport. The club came through with a grant for $5,540 to pay for these life-saving devices. The Rockport Public School students used a 3-D printer donated by the Rockport Rotary Club in 2015 to create plaques for each AED kit.
Thanks to all the Rotary Clubs who participated in the Arbor Day Project. You planted a total of 2,700 trees across the district partnering with your communities. This project is sure to Make a Difference in our environment, both from a health and a beauty perspective.
On May 12, Reading Boy Scout Troop 702 held a Court of Honor to confer the rank of Eagle Scout on Dustin Rosh and Harrison Fiscus. As part of the ceremony, Reading Rotary presented both Eagles with a Certificate of Congratulations.
On 14 February 2018, after school, students of the Interact Club were able to participate in painting bowls for the annual Chelsea Hunger Network. The Annual Chelsea Empty Bowls fundraiser helps feed hundreds of people in Chelsea each year. This year Interact members were able to show their artistic skills and put it for a good use to help fundraise. Some students used images from online for inspiration to create the bowls, and some used their own creativity to make unique designs. ̈I am so happy to see that so many students care about the well-being of the community. As president of this club it is nice to see that there are many students not only volunteering but having fun as well. I hope this can continue to be an event every year now so that the high school students of this city can be more involved with their community. ̈ President Fazila Nasimi.
Join us for the 32nd Annual Burlington Rotary Golf Classic! Start the day with 18 luxurious holes of golf with a cart, box lunch, snacks and cold drinks on the course. Afterward, we have a great dinner planned with hole prizes, raffles and a silent auction all to benefit local scholarships and our club's ongoing fundraising efforts.
The Rockport Rotary Club held a wine, beer and whiskey tasting fundraising event” on April 28, 2018. The event was held at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. The Roaring 20s/Prohibition Era was the theme for the evening with period music, décor and dress attire. I was a fun and enjoyable evening for everyone that attended. A collection of fine wine, beer and spirits was provided by Seabreeze Liquors of Gloucester. Chas. E. Kreis from Rockport catered the event with an assortment of delicious cold and hot hors d’oeuvres served by fellow Rotarians dressed in formal Roaring 20s costumes.
Do you love Cornhole or want to try for the first time? Come hang out June 10th afternoon with the Greater Salem NH Rotary Club while we raise money for our local food pantries of Pelham, Salem, Windham and Hampstead/Atkinson! We have cash prizes for both Social and Competitive players. Don't worry about rain, we have covering if necessary. Food included and cash bar.
Come and network with both Rotarians and guests, learn about their businesses, and share your capabilities. Make business contacts, exchange business cards, refer business. Rotary Means Business encourages all attendees to support the success of their fellow Rotarians and guests by doing business with them, and by referring others to them.
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Please join us to learn how YOU can help fight addiction in your community.
This year's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) was this past weekend and it was an amazing weekend!
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting its 2nd Annual Champagne Art Auction on Friday, May 18, 2018, 6 pm-8 pm. The tickets are on sale now. Limited seats are available. Please join us and feel free to invite your friends and guests. All are welcome!
TBM Rotary presents our Send A Family to Disney Sendoff Party at the Breakaway Restaurant on Route 1 N in Danvers on Saturday, May 19th fro 3:00-6:00 PM.
Kristin Kelleher, the District 7930 and Ipswich Rotary Club sponsored Rotary Global Grant Scholar for 2016 – 2017, was inducted into the Boston Evening Downtown Rotary Club by President Helene Vincent and President-elect Jennifer Smith at the May 1st Boston Evening Rotary meeting. The guest speaker for the meeting was Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.
If it's the first Monday of the month, you can take it to the bank that a group of Lynn Rotarians can be found at My Brother’s Table Soup Kitchen on Willow Street in Lynn serving meals, washing dishes and waiting on table for disabled patrons. Since July of 2015, Lynn Rotarians have committed to volunteering at The Table on the first Monday of each month and have not wavered on that commitment. “These patrons are our neighbors and need our help,” said Club President Steve Upton. “We enjoy making their day a little better. I can always count on a solid group of 6-9 Rotarians to step up on Mondays.”
The Rotary Club of Ipswich gave a farewell sendoff to club member Bob Wicks on April 19th. Bob and his wife, Debbie, have relocated to North Brookfield, Massachusetts.
On 16 December 2017, a considerable amount of students from Interact Club and adults from Rotary Club of Chelsea went to prepare lunch at Rosie’s Place in Boston. Rosie’s Place is a shelter for poor and homeless women who need a safe and nurturing environment for them to live. During the volunteering, students were able to prepare food such as scrambled eggs, beans, ham, salad, etc, as well as serve the homeless women food. After the women finished eating, students were able to clean the tables, fix chairs, and wash the dishes.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has named Sal Frontiero and Susan Kelly as Paul Harris Fellows, the prestigious award named after the Chicago lawyer who founded the Rotary movement in 1905. Frontiero was selected by a club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Kelly was chosen by members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club. Frontiero and Kelly will be honored at a special dinner on Wednesday, May 23, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Eamon Wheeler, a 17 year-old junior at Rockport High School, was inducted into the Rotary Club of Rockport on February 1, 2018. Eamon is the youngest member of Rockport Rotary, District 7930, Zone 32, and perhaps Rotary International. He is a 4th generation Rotarian, following his great grandfather, Marshall Swan; his grandmother, Past District Governor Ingrid Brown; and his mother, Laurel Wheeler, into the Rockport Rotary Club.
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club (BBRC) will host its second annual Champagne Art Auction on Friday, May 18th, from 6 to 9 pm. The event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Road, Burlington. Complimentary champagne and hors d'ouevres plus over 130 pieces of art across many styles and budgets.
OBITUARY for Gene hastings
The Newburyport Rotary Club held another successful Trivia Night on Thursday, April 12, at the Elks Hall in Newburyport. Fourteen teams participated and we raised $2985 from participants and sponsors which will go toward our three $3,000 scholarships. The winning team won$250 which they split five ways. Second prize was $25 gift certificates to Michael's Harborside for each team member and third price was an Untapped History Pub Tour of Newburyport for the team. Pizza and a cash bar were available and a fun time was had by all.
A festive time was had by all while raising funds for Marblehead Scholarship. Wick's Marblehead very generously donated 20% of the evenings receipts to the Scholarship’s permanent funds to provide 3 different scholarships to our community. An investment in education pays the best interest while we light the way to better futures.
Rockport Rotary Club Presents “SPEAKEASY” 
On April 18, 2017, the RMHS Interact Club took time from their April Vacation to prepare and serve lunch at Rosie's Place in Boston's South End.
RYLA 2018
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The Newburyport Rotary Club held its annual Chef's Table Dinner on Tuesday, March 20, where ten chefs cook tableside for ten diners. Local restaurants donate their chefs, food and time preparing a variety of cuisines, which are not typical everyday restaurant choices. The Chefs enjoyed being creative and diners were the recipients of something unusual. One of our chefs, Jen Normand from Sea Level, was a former contestant on the television program, Hell's Kitchen!
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites the public to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, May 4, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
At a recent meeting of the Lynn Rotary Club,, members heard a most impressive presentation from the SkillsUSA leadership team at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute. The students presented their year long, community service project, “The Welcome Home Project”. Erick Martinez, Erick Hernandez and Club President David Barrios each shared in detail, accompanied by a slide presentation, how the project came about and how club members rallied the entire LVTI student body of some 800 students to get behind the initiative. The aim of the project was to celebrate and aid in Lynn’s accomplishment of being the first Massachusetts city to effectively end veteran homelessness.
The Chelsea Rotary Club proudly announces, and invites you to join us, at our 2018 Fundraiser on April 26, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at the Homewood Suites by Hilton 145 Beech Street, Chelsea.
On April 7, Reading Rotarian and Eagle Scout John Halsey presented certificates of congratulations to Troop 702's new Eagle Scouts, Ben House and Bryan Doucette at their Eagle Court of Honor. John has been working with District Governor David Gardner to strengthen the partnership between Rotary and Scouting. John is also on a Council Member for the Spirit of Adventure Council, which includes Reading. John has been busy attending Eagle Courts of Honor in Reading as Troop 702 (sponsored by Old South Church) and Troop 728 (sponsored by St. Agnes) have been producing a lot of Scouts reaching the Eagle rank. In his remarks during the Court of Honor, John said that Reading is known in the Spirit of Adventure Council as the Eagle's Nest because the town has produced more Eagle Scouts over the past 12 years than any other municipality in the Council, including Boston and much larger cities and towns.
Paul Harris Society Chair Bob Gravino recognized Wakefield Rotarians Jay Curley, Alicia Vargas Reddin, and Amy Luckiewicz as members of the Paul Harris Society and presented them with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at the April 3rd meeting of the Wakefield Rotary Club. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to sustain our impact around the world.
If winter never ends, how can we believe that it is spring. Well it is, and time is running out to apply for one of three types of mini-grants: membership, public image and addiction prevention. We have extended the deadline to file these applications until April 30, 2018.
This spring, the Downtown Boston Rotary Club held their first Friendraiser at Sacco Bowling/Flat Bread.
Have you made your reservation yet?
The Doyon Elementary School EarlyAct Club, sponsored by Ipswich Rotary, volunteered at the Ipswich Dinner Bell on March 26th. Over 35 4th and 5th graders served the multi-course dinner and mingled with those in attendance. Doyon teachers and EarlyAct Club leaders Andrea Welsh and Elyesse Brand, assisted by Ipswich Rotarian Steve Rogé, ensured that food delivery, after dinner clean-up, and socialization with the attendees went smoothly and successfully.
High Energy, High Value, High Fun Factor, Great Polar Plunge!!
Come to the Gloucester High School Interact Club's 11th annual Pizza Taste-Off on Wednesday, April 4, 5:30-7:30pm at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester. Taste them all for yourself and vote on the best!
The Rotary Club of Chelsea hosted the Chelsea High School Interact Club members who participated in Student Government Day during a recent meeting. The students spent the morning at the Chelsea City hall obtaining an understanding of how the City of Chelsea functions. The students were greeted by City Manager Thomas G. Ambrosino. They were then shown a slide show presentation of the city department heads describing their roles in running the city. After the slide show the students were assigned to the various department heads to spend the rest of the morning observing how each department functioned. 
The Hamilton-Wenham Club recently took a "field trip" in lieu of their usual Friday morning breakfast meeting. On March 16, these early birds woke up a little earlier than usual and trekked to Gloucester for the annual SeniorCare Celebrate Spring Meals on Wheels Breakfast at the Gloucester House restaurant. 
The Rotary Club of Burlington is very excited to announce that Bob Ward, Boston 25 News Reporter will be the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Burlington on Wednesday, March 28, at 6pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Road, Burlington . Bob has covered numerous breaking news stories and intriguing criminal cases as a veteran reporter for Boston 25 News. His series, "New England's Unsolved," profiles unsolved criminal cases in collaboration with local law enforcement. Ward’s reports have been instrumental in uncovering new information in these cases. Bob has been involved in many stories such as Molly Bish and he recently reported on the “cold case” in Burlington - George Aleskivitch. He will be a fascinating speaker! 
Join the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor for a great cause and help light the way to brighter futures! Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor has been providing scholarships to local students who have demonstrated a passion and desire for a good education but may lack some of the funds. We are here to help!
The Rotary Club of Lynn will be celebrating 100 years of service on May 2nd. We hope you will join this great celebration which will include a cocktail hour, dinner, silent auctions and a presentation from our keynote speaker Ian Riseley, Rotary International President.
Kristin Kelleher, the District 7930 and Ipswich Rotary Club sponsored Rotary Global Grant Scholar for 2016–17, recently returned from London, England, having received her Master’s Degree in Environment, Politics and Globalization from Kings College. Kristin sent the following and asked that it be shared with District 7930 Rotarians. “My graduate studies in London would not have been possible without your continued support. I enjoyed every minute of my London experience, both in the classroom and during my women’s empowerment service project. I will be eternally grateful, and I cannot wait to continue with Rotary and to stay involved with Rotary activities.”
Do You Know Someone Who Might Benefit From This Scholarship? Please Feel Free To Share This With Them!
The Newburyport Rotary is hosting its annual Chef's Dinner. Please join us for a wonderful dinner prepared right at your table by local chefs who have donated their time and talents with ten of your closest friends. There will also be our fabulous wine raffle and silent auction.
RYLA is truly a life changing event for students – your club can be the agent of that change! Imagine providing that kind of opportunity for up to 5 students in your community! 
The Burlington Club's annual major fundraiser “Friday Night at the Fights” is back. This year’s event will take place on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the Billerica Lodge of Elks. We look forward to another great night of boxing this year and greatly appreciate your support.
Branding and Social Media Workshop
The Peabody Rotary Club will be holding its signature event, the 14th Annual Taste of the North Shore, on Tuesday, March 20th from 6-9 PM. This popular event is now being held at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Danvers (formerly the Ferncroft), as additional space is needed to accommodate the growing list of restaurants taking part and the number of people attending.
Saugus Rotary Club will host it's first ever Pot Of Gold $10,000 Dinner/Raffle on 3/16/2018 at Rosaria Restaurant 190 Main St Saugus MA 01906.
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted a new member into the Ipswich Club on February 8th, when Deb Richards became the 70th member of Ipswich Rotary. Shown in the photo are Mary Foote-Hill, Club Secretary and member of the Membership Committee; Dottie Levesque, Deb's club sponsor; Deb and President Cushing. Ipswich recently began a Service Membership Program, and has implemented evening meetings on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the Thursday morning meetings. Two additional members are scheduled to be inducted in the month of March.
The Newburyport Rotary's annual Chef's Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at the Newburyport Senior Community Center starting at 5:30 p.m.. There will be 10 tables with dinner prepared by local chefs for 10 diners at each table. We will have our spectacular wine raffle and silent auction as well as a cash bar. The ticket price is $85 per person. For tickets, please email Dave Fowler at 
District 7930 Rotary Foundation Chair Liz Cullen joined Ipswich Rotary Foundation Chair Russ Cole in honoring Viliam Walla, the Ipswich Club’s Rotary Youth Exchange student from Germany, for his bravery and fortitude in participating in this year’s Polar Plunge in Gloucester. Viliam joined two other Ipswich Rotarians, Keith Harris and Dave LeBel, in the 8th Annual Plunge in Gloucester. Viliam, Keith and Dave were each awarded the Ipswich Rotary Club’s Golden Plunger Trophy for taking on the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. In addition, Viliam received a special Bear of the North Woods hat for his ferocious entry into the breaking waves on the day of the Plunge.
Lonnie Hackett, the founder and president of Healthy Kids/Brighter Future, will speak at the Rotary Foundation Supporters Dinner as part of the Presidential Peace Building Conference in Coventry, England, February 23 and 24. Lonnie is attending Oxford University as a Rotary Global Scholar, where he is pursuing a degree in public health.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester will host a 
During dinner, Keynote Speaker Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan will share her views on the entire conversation about diagnosis, addiction, recovery and what we need to do to prevent addiction from rearing its ugly head. Addiction, hunger, homelessness, health care, workforce development and education are all integral parts that need to be resolved if we want to minimize the perils that exist for those who struggle with basic life necessities. Dinner will cost $60. 
Are you, or do you know someone who is involved with fighting the battle against addiction as a professional? If so, please recommend that they consider attending the Showcase being held prior to the World Peace and Understanding Dinner. Through the Lahey Health sponsorship, Rotary District 7930 is able to provide these exhibit tables free of charge. It is a tremendous opportunity to share their mission, their core programs and to find potential volunteers within our Rotary community.
You are invited to the District Engagement Party!
World Peace and
World Peace and
World Peace & Understanding Dinner
Pizza & Bowling Fundraiser
Save 20% on Valentine's Day flowers and gifts with promo code ROTARY.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea and employees at the Homewood Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels collected new and gently worn coats, jackets, sweaters and gloves to be distributed to local homeless children and families. The Rotary Club along with City leadership, local agencies and other volunteers participated in the “National Point in Time Count of People Experiencing Homelessness” on February 1. They went out in the pre-dawn hours to talk to and count homeless community members and bring them clothing, sandwiches, fruit and water. The Chelsea Rotary Club are “People of Action” and have served the community for over 90 years.
The Danvers Club is excited to have welcomed four new members into the club in the past two months-- Richard Keithahn, Chelsea Rosato, Annelie Sirois, and John Zannino. Shown here is the most recent inductee, John Zannino with Tom Standring and President Bill Nolan. 
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The Rotary Club of Lynn launched its Satellite Club over two years ago and the results have been impressive. Lynn’s membership has nearly doubled, the average age of its members has dropped significantly while the club’s diversity has increased to better reflect the urban community of Lynn. In addition, more members looking to volunteer has compelled leadership to greatly expand its menu of volunteer opportunities. One challenge that President Steve Upton, Vice-President Brenda Rondo-Ortiz and Satellite Chairman Dick Ruth faced was providing opportunities for the longtime luncheon members to socialize with the newer Satellite Rotarians at an evening event. That changed Tuesday when members from both clubs gathered at Old Tyme Italian Cuisine to hear fellow Rotarian and candidate for State Senate, Brendan Crighton, speak.
For approximately 13 years, District 7930 has been participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program sending students abroad and hosting students here in our District. These students are unofficial ambassadors for Rotary, their community and country helping to bring the world closer together while making lifetime friends.
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted two new members into the Ipswich Club at the once-monthly Wednesday evening meeting on January 10th. Clint Dalton became the 68th member of Ipswich Rotary and Kathy Bento the 69th club member. Shown in the photo are President Cushing, Clint, Clint’s sponsor President-Elect Martha Mauser, Club Secretary and sponsor Mary Foote-Hill, and Kathy. Ipswich recently began a Service Membership Program and has implemented evening meetings on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the Thursday morning meetings. Two additional members are scheduled to be inducted at the Club’s evening meeting in February.
District 7930 held its first ever New Member Orientation Welcome Party at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Wakefield on January 11th. This interactive dinner event was organized to help Rotarians who joined since July 1, 2017 navigate the wide world of Rotary and learn more about the big picture of our organization.
Chelsea police officer Sammy Mojica was a recent guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Chelsea. Officer Mojica is the Community Relations Officer for the Chelsea Police Department. Officer Mojica spoke about several programs the Chelsea Police Department has in place to build positive community relations. The one event the Rotarians were most interested in hearing about was how the Chelsea Police Department responded to a request by a little boy with cancer to be visited by a police officer.
Ipswich Rotary Club President Cushing Titcomb presented Ipswich Dinner Bell Executive Director Dorothy Calandra with a Paul Harris Fellow at the Ipswich Rotary evening meeting on December 13th at the newly opened True North Brewery in Ipswich. Ipswich Dinner Bell is a town-wide non-profit collaboration among Ipswich churches, individuals, and groups that exists to serve hot and nutritious meals free to all who come, while creating a mealtime atmosphere of fellowship. Meals are served every Monday evening at the Masonic Hall in Ipswich.
Recently, John Williams and Becky Linhart, both RCoMH Rotarians, presented information on the Enhanced Scholarship Trust which was founded in 2006 by the RCoMH Board of Directors to provide a permanent funding source for scholarships. The mission of the Trust is to grow, manage and administer scholarships to help meet the needs of the community. The Enhanced Scholarship Trust is a 501(c)(3) and is managed by a professional capital management firm. The goal is to provide six 4-full year scholarships for high school students seeking degree courses and a "Second Chance Scholarship" for individuals who would like to take a course to enhance their career. Successful recipients for the Second Chance Scholarship will receive up to $2500 paid directly to the educational institution on their behalf. Courses may be taken at a college or university, but may not be a part of a degree program.
Reading Rotary helped coordinate the town Adopt-A-Family, a program which facilitates the giving of Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts and meals. Rotary worked with Reading Cares, another community service organization in town, along with the Town of Reading Elder Services and the Department of Public Works. Rotary has been partnering with these other organizations to see this community giving program through for the past several years.
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The Haverhill Rotary Club sponsors a Middle School EarlyAct Club at Hill View Montessori Charter Public School. Teacher advisors, Cheryl Cleary and Joann Healey, work weekly with fourteen students to develop and implement community service projects. Students sponsored a school-wide Food Drive for Thanksgiving which supported area food pantries; worked with DCF of Haverhill on a Mitten Tree to collect gifts for local children; worked with HeadStart; and made fleece blankets for DCF to hand out at Christmas.The Haverhill Rotary Club provided EarlyAct pins, certificates of membership and t-shirts for the students.
As 2017 comes to a close, the impact of the Rotary Global Grant submitted in 2016 by the Ipswich Rotary Club to improve children’s health in the capital city of Lusaka, Zambia, is more evident than ever.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor (RCoMH) had the pleasure of hearing from Sherry Fein and Sue Abrams who provided an update on the children’s playground at the Yakini Primary School in Arusha, Tanzania. Ms. Fein and Ms. Abrams, with the help and support of the RCoMH, were able to secure $30,000 to construct the playground including $3,000 coming directly from RCoMH. The playground, which includes a trampoline and zip line, benefits 600 children including 80 orphans. Local residents learned new skills during construction of the playground - an added benefit which helped secure new employment opportunities.
The Saugus Rotary Club has once again sponsored a festive Christmas luncheon for 180 senior citizens at the Saugus Senior Center. This has always been a very popular event and for regulars at the Saugus Senior Center the Rotary Club’s annual December bash is a can’t miss event. The Rotary Club provides a meal, dessert and entertainment for the town’s seniors. Rotarian Past President, David J. Fama was once again dressed as Santa Claus and stopped by every table to greet those in attendance.
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted a new member into the Ipswich Club during the Ipswich Rotary evening meeting on December 13th at the newly opened True North Brewery in Ipswich. Brian Nelson became the 67th member of Ipswich Rotary. Shown in the photo are President Cushing and Brian. Brian is the spouse of Ipswich Rotarian Julie Nelson, and their community service interests include The Open Door Food Pantry, Ipswich Dinner Bell, and the Ipswich High School Interact Club’s annual “Jingle Bell Walk”. Ipswich recently began a Service Membership Program, and has implemented evening meetings on the second Wednesday of every month to accommodate club members not able to attend the Thursday morning meetings. Three additional new members are scheduled to be inducted at the Club’s evening meeting in January.
The Newburyport Rotary Club welcomed Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, November 26. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived courtesy of the U. S. Coast Guard and greeted crowds gathered on the waterfront and in Market Square for their arrival and annual tree lighting. Newburyport Club President, Marion Spark, and her husband, Jeff Beeton, portrayed Santa and Mrs. Claus. They were paraded around town by Rotary Elves pulling and pushing their carriage. Three lucky children were also on the carriage since their mother was the winner of a live auction item donated by the Newburyport Rotary at the annual Newburyport Education Foundation which netted $600 for the NEF. The Newburyport High School Interact Club members were dressed as cartoon characters to greet the children as well. The Newburyport High School and Triton High School bands marched and played holiday music to enhance the festivities before the much anticipated lighting of the tree in Market Square.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently recognized 14 of its members who have reached perfect attendance during the Rotary year 2016-17. Although the minimum attendance requirements by Rotary International have eased, many of the Wakefield Rotarians take pride in attaining or maintaining perfect attendance. This is achieved by attending regular weekly meetings, by visiting other clubs both locally and world-wide or by attending an e-meeting online. “This just demonstrates the commitment our members have to Rotary and the community,” commented long-time member Judy Gordon. Gordon along with fellow members Barbara Worley, Joe Buscaino, Jim Fitzgerald, Bruce Donovan, Tom Stapleton, Amy Luckiewicz, Lisa Roderick, Elaine Guaetta, Suzanne Bowering, Fred Singer, Jim Tarpey, Frank Fiorentino, and Jay Curley have accrued a cumulative number of 242 years of perfect attendance. Curley received special notice for his 46 years straight of perfect attendance.
Members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club, sponsored by the Gloucester Rotary Club, organized the annual Christmas Party for students and families at Pathways for Children, a Head Start agency serving Cape Ann and surrounding communities, in early December at Pathways' facility in Gloucester. .jpg)
The Newburyport Rotary Club was the proud sponsor of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce Breakfast "Coffee & Commerce" featuring Rosalin Acosta, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, who spoke about "Attracting and Retaining a Skilled Workforce" on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at the Masonic Hall on Green Street, Newburyport. Pictured here with Secretary Acosta are many Rotarians who attended along with Mayor Donna Holaday and State Representative, James Kelcourse.
Your Club could win $500 for its WASH Projects!
The Ipswich High School Interact Club held their annual Jingle Bell Walk on Saturday, December 2nd. Over 300 children, along with parents, older siblings and friends, greeted Santa at the Ipswich Town Wharf as Jolly Old Saint Nick arrived by the Ipswich Police Department Marine Patrol’s vessel, escorted by the Ipswich Fire Department’s fire boat spraying red and green water. Santa’s waterside arrival was followed by a short stroll to the Town Hall, where Interact Club members provided games and entertainment while the young passed their Christmas gift wishes to Santa.
Don Sword, DG of District 7820, and I were honored with placing a wreath at the Commemoration. In pouring rain, hundreds of Haligonians and visitors from around the world, came to reflect on the 100th anniversary of this tragic event. From residents, to families of survivors and many dignataries, there was not a dry eye in the house. The tragedies were offset by the outpouring of love and support that occurred from Boston and around the world. 
Ipswich Rotary Club President Elect Martha Mauser presented Ipswich Dinner Bell Chef and Mason Denny Drislane with a Paul Harris Fellow at the Ipswich Rotary sponsored meal on November 27th at the Masonic Lodge in Ipswich. Shown in the photo are President Elect Martha, Dinner Bell Chef Denny, Denny’s wife Elana, and Past District Governor Dave Drislane (1964 – 1965), Denny’s brother, member of the Lynnfield Rotary Club, and frequent volunteer when the Ipswich Club is hosting the Dinner Bell. Ipswich Dinner Bell is a town-wide collaboration among nine Ipswich churches, individuals, and groups including the Masons, Ipswich Rotary, and Ipswich Lions. Knowing that hunger presents itself both physically and relationally, the Ipswich Dinner Bell is a non-profit cooperative organization that exists with a shared love of God and neighbor to serve hot, nutritious meals, free to all who come, and create a mealtime atmosphere of fellowship with one another. Meals are served every Monday evening at the Masonic Hall in Ipswich, and Denny is the chef who prepares the meal most weeks. The Ipswich Rotary Club sponsors a Dinner Bell meal once each quarter, and the Ipswich High School Interact Club sponsors a Dinner Bell meal once each year.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has published its annual 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2018. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
District Governor Dave Gardner recognized Lawrence Rotarians David Dreyfus and Diane Shikrallah as members of the Paul Harris Society with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at the November 30th joint meeting of the Haverhill and Lawrence Rotary Clubs. Shown in the photo are Lawrence Rotary Club President Rachel Concepcion, David Dreyfus, DG Dave Gardner, Diane Shikrallah, District Governor Elect Bob Wood, and Haverhill Rotary Club President Melissa Cerasuolo. Dave showed slide shows of each club's activities and fundraisers and spoke to the need of clubs and Rotarians to bring new members into Rotary and to retain them through community service projects. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to sustain our impact around the world.
Andrew Maddox, President of the Rockport Rotary Club announced that the Rockport Rotary donated $14,100 toward hurricane relief. With three major storms hitting in less than a month, Rockport Rotarians answered the call in a major way — raising a combined total of $14,100 from club member contributions and matching funds from the club's coffers. Checks have gone out, including $4,700 each to:
The Wakefield Rotary Club was happy to use a portion of District Matching Grant funds to sponsor a full Thanksgiving dinner for members of the Wakefield Boys and Girls Club this year. Approximately 150 children and their families were served turkey, cranberries, stuffing and mashed potatoes. Wakefield Rotary President Mario Portillo commented, "We were so happy to sponsor this dinner. We know there are kids here, and everywhere, that may not have Thanksgiving dinner. We're very lucky to be able to provide that and are very grateful to the Boys and Girls Club staff for working so hard to cook the meal!"
Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor 2017 Holiday Pops Concert 
Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb inducted two new members into the Ipswich Club at recent evening meetings of the Club. At the September evening meeting, Cori Trembowicz became the 65th member of Ipswich Rotary. Cori’s community service interests include The Open Door Food Pantry and the Ipswich Dinner Bell.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea honored local veterans at their annual Veteran’s Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Logan Airport Chelsea. Veterans from Chelsea, the Soldiers Home and members of the Chelsea Rotary Club enjoyed a specially prepared menu served in their honor, and they shared stories about where they or family members served, about service, gratitude and pride in country. 
Members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club fanned out across the city on October 27 as they delivered more than 420 lobster rolls sold during the month of October. The annual fundraiser took in $6,400 and netted close to $4,000 for the Club. The students will be making a donation to the American Cancer Society from these proceeds.
As part of its literacy mission, the Newburyport Rotary Club distributed 248 dictionaries to third grade elementary school students Newburyport and Salisbury on Tuesday, October 24. We visited each third grade classroom and explained the importance of being able to read and had students look up several words and read their meaning. Each student got to fill in their bookplate with their name so that it would be theirs forever.
District Governor Dave Gardner recognized Rockport Rotarian Susan King as a member of the Paul Harris Society with a PHS Chevron and District 7930 pin at the November 2nd Rockport Rotary Club evening meeting. Shown in the photo are Rockport PHS members Bob Gillis and Ingrid Brown, Rockport President-elect Susan King, Rockport President Andy Maddox, and DG Dave Gardner. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to sustain our impact around the world.
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club completed its first service project of the year with a focus on veterans who are recovering from injury. Students discussed the value of veterans in our community and their role in recognizing their service. The discussion was followed by a writing prompt asking students to each make a card for a veteran thanking them for their service and wishing he or she well. Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “The kids took a lot of time and effort into what they wrote. They wanted to make sure they gave thanks but also demonstrated concern for their well-being.” Students were also encouraged to ask questions, draw a picture, and share some interests. One student wrote, “Thank you veteran! I love my freedom!” Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the project was the sensitivity the students showed. The cards were delivered to Veteran Agent Susan Magner for delivery to hospital-bound veterans. The EarlyAct students would like to thank North Reading Rotarian Lisa Pappas from The Savings Bank and high school students Kylie Ford and Monika Stantcheva for their help with the project
Hamilton Wenham Rotary held a successful sock drive for veterans. At our Veterans’ Day meeting on November 10th, Betsy Manzelli of Hamilton Wenham Rotary presents boxes filled with packages of socks to Jim Nentwig of Santa’s Magic Inc. to be given to hospitalized veterans on Christmas Day..jpg)
In 2013, Peabody Rotary, with the help of a District Managed Grant, sponsored CPR training for teachers, administrators and staff at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School. The club also donated a defibrillator to Peabody’s food pantry, Haven From Hunger.
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club recently installed thirty students into the service club for the 2017-18 academic year. The co-ed club is open to students in grades three through five. North Reading Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “This has been our highest enrollment we have ever had since beginning the program in 2014.” At its installation meeting, the students took the EarlyAct Oath: I promise to do my best to understand, accept and help people. I will keep leadership, commitment and gratitude in my mind as I work to do service above self. The community club represents all schools in North Reading. Based on a Rotary International model, the projects and meetings focus on the values of gratitude, community, leadership, commitment, and inclusion. The club meets twice per month to plan and implement a local or international humanitarian project. Initiated in 2014, the group was formed by 4 parent volunteers: Sandy Garniss, Samantha Miller, Karen Buscemi, and Leslie Schultz in partnership with North Reading Rotary Club’s Peter Majane.
The Newburyport Rotary Club along with the Salisbury Police Department served a continental breakfast on Monday, October 16, consisting of coffee, fruit, muffins and donuts. The Rotarians provided cider donuts from Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury. Rotarian and Police Chief Tom Fowler spoke about Halloween hours for the town of Salisbury as well as IRS and cyber scams. The seniors especially enjoyed the fresh cider donuts and were able to take some home for a snack later.
District Governor Dave Gardner recognized Malden Rotarians Dave Hart and Mark Golub as members of the Paul Harris Society with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at the October 11th Malden Rotary Club meeting. Shown in the photo are PHS Chair Bob Gravino, DG Dave, Dave Hart, Mark Golub, and Malden President Ronnie Puzon. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation and allows Rotary to sustain our impact around the world.
Bill Connors, member of the Rotary Club of Medford recently enjoyed a trip with his wife to Australia. He snapped this picture of a display of gnomes by the Rotary Club of Canberra East. There were hundreds of them! This was a community event and the Rotary Club of Canberra was a very visible part of it. Thanks Bill for sharing this with your fellow Rotarians.
Rotaplast Celebration
District Governor Dave Gardner inducted two new members into the Malden Rotary Club during his District Governor official visit on October 11th. Shown in the photo are Malden Club President Ronnie Puzon, Dave Gardner, and new Rotarians Dave Camell and Guillermo Hamlin. The inductions of Dave and Guillermo bring to five the number of new members that Malden Rotary has brought into the club since July 1st, including one new service member who is attending Malden’s new evening meetings on the first Wednesday of every month.
The Wakefield Rotary Club will again be hosting a large food packaging project on January 23rd with a snow date of January 30th at Sheraton 4 Points.
Lonnie Hackett, last year’s recipient of a District 7930 Global Grant, has been awarded a $35,000 Rotary Global Grant Scholarship and is studying this year for a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration at Oxford University in the UK.
District Governor Dave Gardner recognized Peabody Rotarian Peggy Pedro as a member of the Paul Harris Society with a PHS Chevron and a District 7930 pin at a recent Peabody Rotary Club meeting. Dave was assisted by two Peabody Rotarians who were awarded PHS Chevrons at a Club meeting in July; Alyse Barbash and District Governor Elect Bob Wood. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Foundation, allowing Rotary to fulfill the promises we make to improve our communities and communities around the world. In his visit Dave addressed Rotary's challenge of retaining and gaining members and encouraged each club member to invite two people to a meeting or service project over the next few months to demonstrate the good that Rotary does.
Bill Hayner and David Wyman of the Arlington Rotary Club are presented with Paul Harris Society chevrons and District 7930 pins at the October 4th Arlington Club meeting by Bob Gravino, District Paul Harris Society Chair. Bill and David were recognized for their commitment as Paul Harris Society members to ensure that Rotary has the resources needed to carry out our missions of advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea in conjunction with the Winter Hill Yacht Club treated 100 veterans and their families from the Chelsea Soldiers Home and surrounding areas to a two hour cruise of the Boston Harbor. 
The Burlington Rotary would like to invite you to "Remembering 30 Years of the AIDS Quilt and Wine Tasting" on November 4 at Grandview Farms, located at Center Street in Burlington, MA. Viewing of the AIDS Quilt will take place on November 4 from noon to 7pm and will be free to all. The Wine Tasting Event will take place from 5pm to 7pm, with several wines from Wegmans and Food from local restaurants. Cost for the Wine Tasting is $25. Everyone is welcome!
District Governor, Dave Gardner, made a joint visit to Newburyport and Amesbury Rotary Clubs on Thursday, September 28. Dave's lovely wife, Joan, accompanied him.
The Rotary Club of Arlington is sponsoring a Flags for Heroes program. The Flags for Heroes is not limited to military and participants may want to honor someone special in their lives. A flag with the name of your hero will be flown for one week in front of the Arlington High School from November 3 – 13, 2017. A dedication will be on Sunday, November 5th at 1:00 pm in front of the High School. To participate in this program, 
Rotary Foundation Committee member Bob Gravino recognized Wilmington Rotarian John Doherty as a member of the Paul Harris Society with a PHS Chevron and a District 7930 pin at a recent Wilmington Rotary Club meeting. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor generous Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation. Contributions to The Rotary Foundation, whether given at the level of Every Rotarian Every Year (any amount), Sustaining Member ($100/year), or Paul Harris Society, ensures that Rotary will have the resources needed to carry out our mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is hosting its second Taste of Autumn on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 7:00pm until 10:00pm at the Crystal Community Club (77 Preston Street, Wakefield). Join us for a fun evening of wine and beer tasting with samplings from local restaurants, raffles and auction with proceeds to benefit the local charitable projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club.
Pasta for Polio
Rotarians and friends with offices in the Cape Ann area are invited to support the GHS Interact Club by pre-ordering a lobster roll (including chips & a cookie) for $15. It will be delivered to your office for lunch on Friday, October 27.
The Newburyport Rotary Club attended the annual Salvation Army's 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, September 27th. A Tennessee BBQ dinner was served by the Salvation Army Advisory Board with a Patriot's football them decor. Major Todd a Hughes (a Rotarian) gave the award for the "Service Club Most Money Raised." We raised $3,712 via bell ringing and donations. Many Rotarians are members of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. They are Kate Kelly, Nikki Meisenheimer, Peter Doyle and Lyndi Lanphear. Pictured are Kate Kelly, a Todd Hughes, Peter Doyle, Marion Spark, Kate Batchelder and Lyndi Lanphear who attended and helped serve the awards dinner.
TBM Rotary welcomed new member Anthony Geary and his wife Nicole as part of DG David Gardner's official visit to TBM on September 26th.
Recently, over 20 Rotarians from RCoMH helped deliver ice cream sundaes to over 40 shut-ins in Marblehead. The effort was a collaboration between RCoMH and Marblehead's Council on Aging. The senior citizens who are homebound appreciated the visit from Rotarians and enjoyed an old favorite - the chocolate fudge sundae with whip cream and a cherry on top.
Marion Spark, Newburyport Club President, welcomes new member, Brian Sullivan.
The Rotary Club of TBM will hold its 38th Annual "Topsfield Fall Foliage Classic" on Sunday, October 15, at 1:00 PM at the Proctor School, 60 Main Street in Topsfield. There are officially timed 5 mile, and 5K races as well as a 1.25 mile "Fun Run" and 3.0 mile "Family Walk". There are prizes, raffles and refreshments for all participants.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea helped the Chelsea Public School System celebrate school opening for the 2017 – 2018 school year by distributing books to children attending the local school system. The Chelsea Rotary Club purchased over 500 used books for children in grades 1 through 12. They were then given to children who attended the Back to School Celebration at the Chelsea Middle School. Participating in the distribution was President David Mindlin, Past President Brian Hatleberg and two of his children.
On Sunday, September 10, an enormous crowd estimated over 15,000 attended the Reading Fall Street Faire organized by Reading Rotary. This was the first year for the Rotary club hosting the event, which had been run by the Town of Reading for 8 previous years. The Town had initiated the Faire as a community event for raising funds for downtown improvements. The Town of Reading approached Reading Rotary to take over running the event in large part due to stretching thin of Town resources due to budgetary issues.
The Peabody Rotary Club recently sponsored a Porta Potty for the Progeria Research Foundation Race. The Club chose to sponsor the porta potty in recognition of the first Rotary project-- public restrooms in Chicago. (Click the "Read More" link below for more information on Rotary's first project.)
On Thursday, August 31st, the Haverhill Rotary club had the pleasure of awarding Angela Walukevich with the 2017 Linda Sundell Scholarship. She was joined at the weekly lunch by her Mom Peggy and Linda's brother Paul Rheaume and sister Paula Churchill. 
The Newburyport Rotary Club held its annual Beer and Dogs fundraiser during the Yankee Homecoming Bed race down Federal Street. The event was held on the parking lot of the Tannery Marketplace owned by Rotarian David Hall, who banned parking in his lot and cordoned off the area for our fundraiser. The hot dogs were donated by Tendercrop Farm of Newbury. Tables and chairs were set up by Rotarian Kate Kelly of Kelly Taylor Rental. A total of $1,600 was raised as a result of the event. Lots of fun was had by all!
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club distributed the proceeds from its recent Champagne Art Auction to four charities-- Burlington Police Patrolman's Association, People Helping People, Burlington Relay for Life, and HelpIs-- at its August 24 meeting. This was the club's first Champagne Art Auction and sold 110 tickets. The next auction will be held in a larger venue in the spring. 
September 28, 4-8pm
Nominations for District Governor for the 2020 – 2021 are being requested from our membership. If you know of a past President from your club or a leader in District 7930, please consider nominating them to serve as Governor. Please contact 
The Rotary Club Medford is proud to have inducted their newest member on September 8, Laura Hankard Vasquez, mother of Belle Isle Rotarian, Tom Hankard! “When Governor Dave made the call out for us to tell two people we know about Rotary and invite them to any Rotary Club meeting, not just your own club, I said to myself – my mom would be a perfect Rotarian,” said Tom.
On August 24, the Newburyport Rotary Club prepared and served a cookout dinner to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army of Newburyport serves a free meal every Thursday to those in need. The Rotary Club serves prepares and dinner at least quarterly to the Salvation Army. Major Todd Hughes is a member of the Newburyport Rotary Club. Several members of the Newburyport Rotary Club are on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea installed its newest member, Janette McWilliams, at its August 22, 2017 luncheon meeting. Taking part in the installation was President David Mindlin, Membership Co-Chair Peter Zaksheski, Jeanette’s sponsor PP Bruce Mauch, Membership Co-Chair PP Allan Alpert and Immediate Past President Reverend Sandra Whitley. The installation ceremony included a welcome to Rotary, a brief history of Rotary, presentation of the Four way test, importance of the motto “Service Above Self”, Oath of Membership and presentation of her Rotary pin. Jeanette is the Director of MGH Chelsea.
Liz Cullen, District Rotary Foundation Chair, visited the Ipswich Rotary Club on August 31 to present multiple Paul Harris Fellows to two Ipswich Club members. Bob Wicks was awarded a PHF+6 and Ted Garside a PHF+2 for their continued support of The Rotary Foundation. Ipswich Club President Cushing Titcomb assisted in the presentation. District Clubs interested in learning more about The Foundation and its programs can contact Liz at 
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2018 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s efforts to raise money that supports the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
One of the most significant training programs in the Rotary world is Presidents-elect Training Seminar held annually over the second weekend in March. The Northeast PETS team is constantly improving the program to provide the best training possible to our Presidents and Assistant Governors.
The Rotary Club of Chelsea is raising funds to drill water wells in indigenous areas of Colombia. The project is called Saving the WAYUU Children. Chelsea Rotary Past President Juan Gallego is hosting a fundraiser dinner at his home in Chelsea on Friday, September 8, 2017. The requested donation is $100 per person and there is a limit of 35 dinner guests. Click "read more" to see full menu. 
Rotary Foundation Committee member Bob Gravino recognized Peabody Rotarians Alyse Barbash and Bob Wood as members of the Paul Harris Society with PHS Chevrons and District 7930 pins at a recent Peabody Rotary Club meeting. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor generous Rotarians who elect to contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation.
David Deutsch was formally installed as the new President of the Marblehead Rotary Club. Deutsch accepted the presidency and was handed the gavel from Dr. Keith Taylor, Marblehead Rotary Club’s acting Sergeant-at-Arms. Deutsch follows the successful term of outgoing President Ron Amon.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor recently completed a two-week food drive to benefit the Marblehead Food Pantry. With the help of local businesses including Crosby's Market, Shubie's, Marblehead Community Center, National Grand Bank and Marblehead Bank the club collected over 110 bags of food and over $400 in cash donations. The Marblehead Food Pantry is grateful for the club's efforts and results particularly because the need is greater during the summer months when students are not in session. The collection organized by the club received special assistance from the ElderAct of Marblehead and Swampscott. From left to right: Jessica Barnett, Rotarian and Food Drive Coordinator; Diane Barbour, Rotarian; Cynthia Kilbarger, Rotarian and Janet Fitch Parker, Director of the Marblehead Food Pantry.
The Parkway Rotary Club of West Roxbury and Roslindale held its first annual Marilyn LaRosa Memorial Scholarship luncheon at West on Centre in West Roxbury. From all of the applications received, two scholarships were awarded. The scholarship was renamed for long time Rotarian Chairperson Marilyn LaRosa who passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Medford Rotarians are excited about their 3rd Annual Charity Casino Night! Many of you have been in the past and had a great time. Awesome Prizes!! NEW this year a slots Tournament! 3 winners Come Join Us! Tickets are available at 
TBM Rotarians Bernie Creeden (Left) and Bob Murphy (Center) present a check to Frank Leary, Director of the Middleton Food Pantry to support the efforts of the Food Pantry during summer months. The Middleton Food Pantry is located in the Council on Aging facility on Maple Street. The Pantry is open on Fridays from 1-3 pm and 5-6 pm. Food and monetary donations are accepted during COA office hours each week. TBM Rotary members will be making similar contributions to the Boxford and Topsfield food Pantries during the month of August. The contributions are part of TBM's commitment to local service as part of Rotary International. TBM Rotary now meets weekly on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm at the Breakaway Restaurant on Route 1 in Danvers.
Time to get your teams ready!!!!
The TBM Rotary awarded three scholarships to graduating high school seniors at Masconomet and Essex Tech. This years's recipient of the dr. Joseph Carroll Memorial Rotary Scholarship is Brittany Gotts of Masconomet High School . Brittany will be attending Simmons College. She is enrolling in a six year program leading to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Brittany will also be playing Volleyball at Simmons. Kyra Charie, also a Masconomet graduate, will be a first year student at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Kyra plans to study business marketing. Nicole Benoit, a graduate of Essex Tech, will enroll at Dean College in Franklin and plans to study Early Childhood Education. The TBM Club has presented scholarships annually for more than forty years .
The Chelsea Rotary Club softball team and their fans celebrated winning the 2017 Softball League championship at Castle Hill Park in Salem. The Chelsea team defeated the Salem/Marblehead team 5 – 2 in the championship game. The Chelsea team won the regular season with a 5 – 3 record. To win the championship Chelsea had to defeat the Beverly Rotary Club in the 1st round 2 games to none and then defeat the Salem/Marblehead team 2 games to none in the championship series. The Chelsea softball team was made up of Rotarians from the Chelsea, Everett and Salem, NH Rotary Clubs.
Past Public Image Mini-Grants have been very creative! 
President Dan Mackey welcomes new members Terry Sheppard, a realtor with LAER Realty Partners and Sean Mackey, a social-media marketeer with Workout Marketing to the TBM Club at its new meeting location, Breakaway on Route 1 North in Danvers. The Club now meets on Tuesday's at 6:00 PM.
The Saugus/Chelsea Rotary Bowling League is looking for new members for the 2017 season. The league bowls at the Townline Bowling Lanes on Rt. 99 in Malden. The League bowls a short season starting September 6, 2017 and ends in early December. The league bowls Wednesday evening starting at 5:15 PM and end by 6:30 PM. Most of the members than go out to eat afterward to socialize. Teams are made up of two members each and are randomly selected. This is an 80% handicap league and you do not need to be a Rotarian to join the league. If interested in joining the league please contact Bruce Mauch at 
Don't miss this incredible event at the Turner Hill Mansion, Ipswich, Friday October 27th, 7:30 to midnight. The theme this year is Mardi Gras!!! Time to PARTY!!!
August is designated “Ice Bucket Challenge Month” until a cure for A.L.S. is found. Last year’s enormous success was terrific, but further monies are needed for continuing the research into curing this hideous disease. Towards that end, the Wilmington Rotary Club will be holding the third Community Wide Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 19 at 10:00 AM. The Challenge will be held, rain or shine, at Rotary Park and everyone is welcome to come and join with Rotarians for this Challenge.
The Rotary Club of Rockport presents Lobsterfest 2017!
It had been several months since the Greater Boston Mobile Food Bank truck made a delivery in Lynn on the first Saturday of the month, but that streak ended last Saturday when Catholic Charities on North Common Street, opened its parking lot and a host of volunteers stepped up to help distribute food to some 300 Lynn citizens. The Rotary Club of Lynn, a faithful volunteer since the project began two years ago this September at St. Mary’s, was there to answer the call from volunteer coordinator Mary Magner.
The Elderact Club of Swampscott and Marblehead made a donation to the Fraffie Welch Scholarship Fund in the amount of $300. Accepting the donation was Rob Deiana, President of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor. Graduating seniors from Marblehead High School can apply for the Fraffie Welch Scholarship. Awards are based on the level of commitment and type of community involvement.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester MA will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 19, 2017, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Stage Fort Park, located on Hough Avenue in Gloucester, MA. 
Deb Andrews and Nikki Meisenheimer were awarded Paul Harris Fellow Plus-1 pins by Marion Spark, Newburport President, and Liz Cullen, District Foundation Chair.
In keeping with a tradition, set as a goal by Marine Veteran and Rotary District 7930 Past District Governor, Dave Manzi, the Rotary Club of Medford makes donations to two Veterans Causes.
We're thrilled to announce that the Summer, 2017 Public Image Mini-Grant is now OPEN for application! This is a matching grant of up to $250 each. The purpose of this mini-grant is to improve the public image of the Rotary clubs of District 7930. Categories for mini-grant approval are listed in the grant application. We encourage you to use vendors that offer high quality and consider multiple bidders. Please carefully read the details, qualifications and responsibilities of the grant..jpg)
The Membership/Public Image Team is happy to share a fresh opportunity for clubs to host FRIENDraisers to attract new members and present alternative forms of membership. Clubs can apply for up to $250 reimbursement match. Partner with another club and we'll reimburse up to $300! Is your club offering an alternative form of membership like Service Members, Corporate, Non-Profit or Satellite Clubs? If so, your application will get priority! Please carefully read all of the qualifications, requirements and timelines.
Congratulations to Ron Amon, Don Morgan and Jason Fitzgibbons, each a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow honor. We are blessed to have these excellent people as either active members or working with the club thru community services involvements. Each exemplifies the guiding principle of Rotary --- “Service over Self” -- the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life.
The Medford Rotary Club is happy to present a donation to Pastor Ronald Pierre of the Evangelical Church of Holiness for their Food Pantry. Pastor Ronald Pierre joined the Rotarians for lunch and was presented the donation for the Food Pantry, which is in need of a new refrigerator. Pastor Pierre said "the generous gift certificate to Home Depot will help toward this purchase." He also thanked the Medford Club for donating holiday food baskets to his church for the past several years. The Church in turn distributes these food baskets so families in need can have a real holiday meal. 
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert "Rob" Deiana as President 2017-2018. Rob follows in the footsteps of outgoing President William "Bill" Bartin. Rob has been a member of the RCoMH for the last four years volunteering for numerous service projects and activities. Rob's goals for the next year include preserving the traditions of the club; encouraging new membership; and embracing the mission of Rotary International. Rob stated that "thanks the the leadership of Bill Bartin the club is in wonderful shape. We are a vibrant and active group and I look forward to working with the board of directors and members to serve those in need in our local and international communities."
The Boston Rotary Club will host an evening with the "Hepatitis Zero" Expedition, a Hepatitis Eradication Rotary Action Group project on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Fisher College , 118 Beacon Street (room 53) in Boston. 
Boston Red Sox vs Oakland.JPG)
On July 11, 2017, Marion Spark, President 2017-2018 of the Newburyport Rotary presided over her first official meeting. She presented Peter Doyle, Past President 2016-2017, with an honorary gavel. She also presented outgoing Secretary, Nikki Meisenheimer, with a Rotary polo shirt, thanking her for her years of service as club secretary.
The Medford Rotary Club is proud to announce the installation of its new officers and directors on June 22, hosted by the Century Bank, Medford. The club met for an evening of awards and leadership recognition. Outgoing President Bob Kaminer passed the gavel to newly elect President, Attorney, Richard Michienzi. Richard is celebrating 28 years as a member of the Medford Club. Other officers elected include, President Elect, John Murphy, Vice President, Anne Powers, Attendance Secretary, Jack Hayes, Secretary, Cheryl Staude, and Treasurer, Allan Martorana. 
Several years ago, Lynn Rotarian and local lawyer Harvey Rowe Jr., the President of Panakio Adjusters, was looking for a way to provide service to the less fortunate. For many years, Rowe, the longtime chairman of the Board for My Brother’s Table Soup Kitchen in Lynn, had traveled to places like Quito, Ecuador, and Juarez, Mexico, to work for Habitat for Humanity and once accompanied a youth group on a service trip to Pittsburg. He had read in his church bulletin about a mission trip to Appalachia to work with poor white Americans living in the hills of West Virginia and Kentucky. “I wanted to help these people,”said Rowe, “but I also wanted to understand what happens in the lives of the poor and the psychological impact that spiritual and material poverty has on their children.” So when Rowe returned from first journey to eastern Kentucky in 201, he was determined to actively recruit his fellow Rotarians and friends to join with him in this worthwhile mission. Rowe first approached his friend, Ray Bastarache, past President of the Lynn Rotary Club, to jump on board four years ago and since Rotary Satellite Club members, Bill Reilly and Mike Clancy, have eagerly joined the group. Sally Chapman of Lynn has also made the service trip to Appalachia.
In keeping with this year’s Rotary International theme of “Rotary Serving Humanity,” the Gloucester Rotary Club is pleased to announce that our members raised over $100,000 during the 2016-2017 Rotary year. These funds were used to support local, regional and international non-profit organizations. Local groups were gifted $84,000, international causes received $12,000 and regional causes received $5,000.
Did you know that District 7930 has a robust social media presence?
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor recently presented Patricia Sullivan and James Nye with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award. A Top Ten Charity, as ranked by CNBC, the Rotary Foundation seeks to “do good in the world,” through six areas of focus including peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy and economic and community development. The award was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships. 
Effective July 11, 2017, the Rotary Club of Chelsea will hold its regular Tuesday luncheon meetings at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Logan Airport Chelsea, 145 Beech Street, Chelsea, MA 02150. Meetings will start at 12:15 PM. Telephone number for the Homewood Suites is (617) 660-9110.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will host its annual summer social on Tuesday, August 1, with a sunset cruise aboard the Privateer. All Rotarians and friends are welcome! Snacks, finger sandwiches, cash bar and music with DJ Scottie Mac. $25 per person.
The Danvers Rotary Club presented a check for $4,000 to the Great Oak School for construction of a new playground area. This playground will replace an older one used by Great Oak students, neighborhood residents, Town of Danvers Fun Club after school program, and players on the adjacent ball fields. Construction is scheduled for August, 2017. Shown (left to right) are Neal Waldman and Becky Kilborn, Rotary Trustees, Sharon Burrill, Principal of Great Oak School, and Mary Beth O'Connell, Rotary President. 
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor recently presented checks in the amount of $1,000 to Jen Wassan, Development Director of 
District Rotary Softball Picnic
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All Visitors and Town Folk of Rockport are called to Dock Square at TEN o'clock, the morning of July 4th to hear our Town Crier deliver the Declaration of Independence.
The recent Installation Dinner held by the Reading Rotary Club was more than a celebration of the past year and look towards the future. President Elect Brian Snell wanted the evening to send an important message.
Hannah Trimarchi is the recipient of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor "Harbor Heroes Program". The program is designed to recognize a local student's involvement in a project or projects that improve the lives of others.
A District Grant Qualification Seminar will be held tonight-- June 26, 2017, at 6pm at the Stoneham Senior Center, 136 Elm Street, Stoneham, MA. 
The Marblehead Rotary Club is proud to introduce its five 2017 scholarship recipients:
The 28th annual Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, July 1, rain or shine, at Tuck’s Point in Manchester by the Sea, MA. The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club needs volunteers to host this event. We have many returning workers, most notably Sen. Bruce Tarr and Rep. Brad Hill who return every year to flip pancakes. We welcome all volunteers, new faces and regulars. Please email 
The Rockport Rotary Club and the Rockport Police Department held their 2nd Annual Bike Safety Ralley on Saturday, June 3 at the Rockport High School. There was an obstacle course around the High School track, helmet fitting and replacements, bike inspection and bike registration.
Robert Erbetta, Retired Navy Captain and RCOMH spoke to fellow Rotarians about "Campaign Drug Free Navy/Marine Team" program at a recent meeting of the Marblehead Harbor Club. Retired Captain Erbetta is helping to fight drug addiction by delivering the Drug Free America program to school age children. Because Erbetta is so skilled in communications and delivering impactful presentations he is also training other naval officers so the message can be delivered to more students in more schools. To learn about the program please contact Erbetta at 
The Gloucester Rotary Club honored Joseph Ciolino and Mara Destino as Paul Harris Fellows at the annual Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award Dinner earlier this month. Ciolino was selected by a club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Destino was chosen by members of the Gloucester High School Interact Club. In addition to recognition as Paul Harris Fellows, both Ciolino and Destino received citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, which were presented by Senator Bruce Tarr.
Join us for a Taste of MarketStreet on Sunday, June 25th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. 100% of your $10 Admission will be donated to The Haven From Hunger through the Lynnfield Rotary Club. Pre-Purchase your tickets through 
An overflow crowd of Lynn Rotarians, family members, friends and colleagues of local attorney T. Richard Cuffe attended Thursday’s meeting at the Porthole Restaurant to recognizes the many contributions Cuffe has made to the Lynn community.
This summer, the Chelsea Rotary Club is once again sponsoring 20 lucky Chelsea students between ages 7 and 15 to an all expense paid week of overnight camp at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. Since 1998, the Chelsea Rotary Club has sponsored over 270 children at the overnight camp with the help of many generous community partners. The Chelsea club provides transportation to and from camp, pays all tuition, field trip, cabin picture and camp store fees as well as gives each scholarship winner a backpack filled with toiletries, beach towels and all kinds of items they can use for their week at camp. 
The Peabody Rotary Club recently completed its latest District Managed Grant project. New playground equipment was purchased and installed at Citizen’s Inn over two weekends in April and May. On the weekend of the District Conference in May, Peabody Rotarians, with the help of Rotarians from Ipswich, Amesbury, Reading and Hamilton-Wenham, landscaped the area, spreading woodchips and mulch and planting flowers. Peabody Rotary thanks Terri and Mike Doerfler (Amesbury), Bob Arsenault, Bob Gravino and John King (Ipswich), Ann O'Connor (Hamilton-Wenham) and Brian Snell (Reading) for their invaluable help. Citizen's Inn has been providing housing for homeless families for thirty four years. Executive Director Corey Jackson is a Peabody Rotarian.
Rita Orchanian, the incoming Burlington High School Interact Club President for the 2017-2018 school year was introduced to the members of the Burlington Rotary Club at its June 9th meeting. Rita has been in The Interact Club throughout her time at Burlington High School and will graduate at the end of the next school year.
Ingrid Brown, Past District Governor was presented with the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service on Friday, May 19, at the Rotary District 7930 Conference at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. The Citation was presented to Ingrid by Sheryl Meehan, District Governor of District 7930. The Citation for Meritorious Service is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding active service to the Rotary Foundation.
The Town of Danvers has a large senior population who take advantage of the many programs provided at the Danvers Senior Center located on Stone Street. Danvers Rotary is pleased to support the seniors, and recently presented the Senior Center with a check for $10,000 for two new vans, which will provide transportation to seniors in Danvers. The vans transport senior citizens to medical appointments, adult day care, shopping, and educational trips. .png)
The Chelsea Rotary Club honored Jaclyn Abes as the 2017 Chelsea Rotary Club Teacher of the Year at its weekly Rotary luncheon at the Marriott Residence Inn. Jaclyn is a fourth grade teacher at the Hooks Elementary School. The Club also recognized five students from the Chelsea High School and one Chelsea student from Pope John High School as Chelsea Rotary Club’s 2017 scholarship winners. Superintendent Mary Bourque of the Chelsea Public Schools introduced the award recipients. She also gave a brief explanation of why Jaclyn Abes was chosen as this year’s Teacher of the Year. The students all discussed the college plans.
The Melrose Rotary Club has continually focused on outreach projects to help fill the needs of our community. Past President ( 2014-15) Mary Beth Margolis knew that such a need existed through her involvement in the Community Coalition of Melrose. Melrose Rotary is a member of this umbrella organization which brings together non profit organizations to discuss projects and plan events. For quite sometime a group of Melrose gardeners had been hoping for a community garden spot but space in the 4 square mile city of Melrose was at a premium and finances were limited. Through her work on the Melrose Board of Alderman, Mary Beth helped identify an unused portion of parkland and began to reach out the the garden community. Thanks to a matching District grant which was noticed in the e bulletin, the Melrose Rotary Board of Directors approved an application and committed $3000 to the project. The City of Melrose matched the Rotary funds and the local Whole Foods and Whittemore Hardware store also contributed. Nineteen beds were carved out from the space allotted and included one for nearby residents of the Senior Housing, McCarthy House. Work began May 20th with several Rotarians helping to fill the beds. Despite the late Spring weather, most of the beds are now planted and there's a 50+ name waiting list for any additional beds!
The Rotary Club of Medford continues its long-standing tradition of honoring graduating seniors with a scholarship. The scholarships are given in memory of Medford Rotarians who contributed to Rotary for many years and in many different ways. This year's recipients were honored at a dinner with the families, where the scholarships were presented. The recipients are Jeffrey Fernandes of Austin Prep receiving the Mark Egitto scholarship. The Joseph Carr scholarship was presented by his son, to Matthew Hirl who is graduating from Malden Catholic. Emiline Antunes of Medford High received the Charles Oxnard Scholarship award. The Joseph Mahoney Scholarship was presented to Mary Listro a graduate of Matignon High School. Lydia Ryan earned the Medford Leadership Scholarship as a graduating senior from Medford High School and Ryan Kreatz also a Matignon Grad received the Public Safety Scholarship in memory of retired Fire Chief, Leo McCabe. How appropriate that Ryan comes from a long line of Medford firefighters. On June 6th, our final recipient Ailish Fallon, will receive the M Club Scholarship in memory of Mrs. Ellard a former gym teacher at Medford High School.
During the month of February, the District 'Service Above Self' Scholarship Committee reached out to the Guidance Departments at all the Technical High Schools in our District. The committee made available scholarships to graduating seniors to aid them in furthering their plans after high school.
This past weekend (June 2-4, 2017), 52 sophomores and juniors from high schools throughout District 7930 joined with 8 high school facilitators and several young adult leaders and Rotarians at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA, for RYLA 2017-- an extraordinary weekend of fun, fellowship and leadership.
The Gloucester Rotary Club has named Joseph Ciolino and Mara Destino as Paul Harris Fellows, and will honor both at the annual Paul Harris Distinguished Service Award Dinner on Wednesday, June 14, at Cruiseport Gloucester. Ciolino was selected by a club committee of previous recipients of the award, while Destino was chosen by members of the Interact Club, the very active group of Gloucester High School Junior Rotarians.
Think that you know the capital of Nebraska? Well on Friday, June 23rd you and three friends can show off your Knowledge of things Trivial. The Wilmington Rotary Club is hosting the 8th Annual Trivia Night on Friday, June 23rd at the Shriners Fez Room, 99 Fordham Road, Wilmington. Doors will open at 6:00 PM. Comedian Steve Bjork will ask the first question will at 7:00 PM.
The Peabody Rotary Club will once again join forces with the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce for their annual Torigian Golf Classic on Monday, June 12th. It will be best ball format with a 7:30AM shotgun start at the Ferncroft Country Club in Danvers. Registration, breakfast and driving range begin at 6:30. All proceeds will be dedicated to scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Hole-in-one prize is a Boston Whaler. For more information and to register and/or sponsor, go to 
On behalf of the Friends of Endicott Park, Bill and Lois McKenzie accepted a check for $3,500 from the Danvers Rotary Club. The funds were donated for interactive exhibits which will be part of the new nature center under construction at Endicott Park. Pictured (from right to left) are Mary Beth O'Connell, Danvers Rotary President, Bill McKenzie, Lois McKenzie, and Becky Kilborn, Chair of the Danvers Rotary Trust. 
Installation Dinner 2017-2018
The Wilmington held their first Alumni Meeting on May 17th. Current members were asked to bring a former member to the meeting. More than 12 Alumni's attending the meeting and offered up some terrific stories for earlier Club activities and events. Pictures of past events were passed around to all. The meeting provided current members with a good sense of the clubs history and the Alum's were able to see what the current members have planned. President Jonathan Eaton issued an open invitation to all Alum's to feel free to attend future meetings. The success of this meeting was beneficial for both current members and offering the opportunity for former members to become re-involved in the Club's future activities.
The Gloucester Rotary Club held its Third Annual Interact Pinning Ceremony in early May at Gloucester High School. Rotary and Interact club members, local dignitaries, school officials and parents joined in to celebrate this amazing group of young people and their contributions to our community.
We are fortunate that we have two consecutive International Conventions that are close to New England - this year in Atlanta and next year in Toronto. With 54 Rotarians and guests attending the 100th Birthday Celebration of the Rotary Foundation in Atlanta this year, we hope to have even more people make the trip to Toronto!
Rockport Rotarian Janelle Favaloro dropped off 100 “Personal Care Packets” to the Grace Center earlier this month. 70 of the packets were for people that use the Grace Center and 30 for the Family Promise program..png)
Champagne Art Auction
Newburyport Rotary Trivia Night
Healthy Kids/Brighter Future (HK/BF) is a mission based initiative founded by an amazing young leader, Lonnie Hackett. The goal of this Maine native and 2014 Bowdoin graduate is to improve the health and learning of at risk children in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Lusaka, Zambia. The program trains a teacher health corps and makes local schools a point of access to primary healthcare and health information.
Come join the Chelsea Rotary and the Everett Rotary Club on Thursday, June 1, at Town Line Luxury Lanes from 7-9pm for their annual Bowl-a-Thorn.
Medford Rotary President Bob Kaminer welcomed Lindsay Smythe, Executive Director Boys & Girls Club of Medford & Somerville. The Medford Boys & Girls Club services over 200 children between the ages of 6 to 18. They help them with homework, give the kids a snack, teach them life skills, have FUN and mentor the older kids on a path after high school. Lindsay felt, that the kids at their club could volunteer to help Rotary with a service project to give back to the Medford Community.
The Rotary Club of Winchester celebrated its 90th Anniversary at a recent meeting. The club was Chartered on April 28, 1927. The membership commemorated the event at their regular weekly luncheon with Jack Kean presenting a retrospective of the club's first 90 years and its countless financial contributions and service projects in support of the Winchester Community and beyond..jpg)
After months of discussion, Reading Rotary has taken on responsibility for running the Reading Fall Street Faire (RFSF). The RFSF is a popular community event held the second Sunday of September in Reading's downtown. Vendors and community groups can purchase a booth to sell food or other goods or, in the case of community groups, can use the opportunity to distribution information about themselves. The RFSF began nine years ago by the Town of Reading to raise funds for improvement of Reading's downtown. It has grown and had approximately 15,000 people attend in 2016.
At its monthly evening meeting in April, Ipswich Rotary inducted new members Sheryl Henderson, Ipswich Manager at TD Bank; John Muldoon, publisher of www.thelocalne.ws; and Cathy Sutherby, owner of The Village Pancake House in Rowley. Sheryl, John and Cathy join a dedicated team of over 60 caring professionals who are committed to making a difference through service in Ipswich, Rowley and the world. Also announced at the meeting was a schedule of community service projects planned for Ipswich and Rowley in the coming months.
Medford Rotarians join Interact Students at Café’ Electra for luncheon meeting and to present donations. First, a donation was made to the Interact Club that Medford Rotary sponsors. The donation was presented to Aimee Saulnier, MHS Faculty Advisor for the Interact Club by Rotary President, Bob Kaminer. Interact is a High School Club sponsored by the Medford Rotary Club. Just like the Rotary Club of Medford, they raise monies to help others in need. This year, they participated in various fundraisers and in a drive to collect gloves, hats and socks for MHS “Closet” where students and their siblings who are in need can take these items for free.
Experience the Magic District 7930 Conference
The Rockport Rotary held their “Annual Wine Tasting Event” on April 22, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Approximately 225 guests attended the event and enjoyed an evening of fun. A collection of fine wines was provided by Seabreeze Liquors of Gloucester. Chas. E. Kreis from Rockport catered the event with an assortment of delicious cold and hot hors d’oeuvres. Fellow Rotarians dressed in formal attire elegantly served during the evening.
President Bob Kaminer welcomed & installed our 2 newest Rotarians at our luncheon meeting on Thursday, April 20, at Bertucci’s, Medford. Linda Cataldo and Angela Rais applied for membership a few weeks ago and have been joining us as our guest for lunch. We are happy to say that both of them were welcomed today as new members by more than 25 Rotarians at our regular luncheon.
There is a new Clubrunner app available for cellphones that takes about a minute to download and install. Once you login with your usual Clubrunner username/password, you can find all of your Club member information in an instant. If a new member joins, you can transfer that member's contact information to your cellphone's phonebook in a single push of a button. Need to lookup a club event? It's right there! 
Manchester-Essex Rotary Club's major fund raiser takes place Saturday, May 6, 5-8:30pm at the American Legion Hall, behind Manchester's Town Hall. We will air the Kentucky Derby live. There will be music, dinner, wine tasting, cash bar and a live auction hosted by Senator Bruce Tarr. Available items include, sports & event tickets,, “instant wine cellar,” amazing artwork by local Cape Ann artists, many gift baskets and bundles, gift certificates to North Shore restaurants, etc. It is a lot of fun and tickets are $25.00 each. All the proceeds go to the Rotary fund which supports local efforts including scholarships for deserving Manchester and Essex students (last year we gave away $10K, which was raised at this auction), programs at the local schools, Gloucester Open Door food pantry, local community service projects in Essex and Manchester. Put on your best derby hat, there will be a prize for best lady's hat and best gent's hat. Have a good time for a great cause.
The Wakefield Rotary Club is pleased to announce that Nick McPherson has been inducted as the newest member of the service club. McPherson is a realtor with REMAX Partners in Andover. A native of Danvers, he resides in North Reading with his fiancé Casey Reilly. “I wanted to get involved, help people, and meet Rotarians. I’ve loved working with this club and all of its hands-on community projects,” McPherson noted. McPherson’s sponsor Amy Luckiewicz added, "Already, Nick has volunteered for projects that involve hands-on work. He has a great energy and has been a natural fit to our friendly club.”.jpg)
Wow! We are down to the Final Countdown to the District Conference. As we celebrate your club's year, DG Sheryl will be honoring the Rotary Presidents by asking them to bring their club flag or banner and themselves/guests/fellow Rotarians to the Saturday night Dinner Gala. The Presidents will be asked to come in together as a group, carrying their club's flag or banner. DG Sheryl will be announcing Club Awards as the Presidents parade into the room. Please support your President's year by attending this fun filled evening!!
Talking Sports with WEEI Radio's Kirk Minihane
Easter Sunday was a totally spectacular summer-like day --- perfect for egg hunting. The club members the milk-chocolate eggs on-ice until the last minute -perfect weather for the kids, but way to hot and a little risky for the chocolate.
Taking inspiration from the success of Rotary Means Business, the Belle Isle (East Boston-Revere-Winthrop) and Chelsea clubs are having a Business Networking Night on May 3. The event will take place a the brand new Homewood Suites Hotel Event Center, at 145 Beech Street in Chelsea (behind Chelsea High School and the Speedway Gas Station).
A large group of Lynn Rotarians and family members, along with District Governor Sheryl Meehan, Asst. District Governor Joan Arsenault and past DG David Manzi, gathered at Temple Shirat Hayam in Swampscott on April 5th when the Lynn Club was recognized for outstanding volunteerism at My Brothers' Table’s 5th Annual Founders' Celebration. Lynn Rotarian and former President of My Brother’s Table Executive Board, Attorney Harvey Rowe, presented the award to Lynn President Ray Bastarache, who accepted on behalf of the members. “Our commitment to serve the poor and homeless in our city is firm,” declared Bastarache. “We are blessed to have so many members who want to help that occasionally we’ve sent Rotarians home because we had too many volunteers for the jobs that needed to be done.“
It had been many years since the Rotary Club of Lynn sponsored an Interact Club, even with five high schools in the city; three public, one charter and one private high school. Veteran Lynn Rotarians recall how Lynn English once had an Interact charter but, for whatever reason, the club dissolved..jpg)
Tomorrow is the last day to register for the 2017 District Assembly!
In 2006 Bruce Whear a Salem Rotarian became increasingly involved in 
We are pleased to announce that Chrystal Kornegay, Undersecretary, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, will be our guest speaker at the District Conference Luncheon on May 19th at the Hawthorne Inn, Salem, MA. Given the Districts Homeless & Hunger Initiative, this is an event not to BE missed!!!
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Experience the Magic District 7930 Conference
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce that it will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 1:30 PM sharp, Sunday, April 16th at Seaside Park (behind the Our Lady Star of the Sea Community Center).
The Gloucester Rotary Club invites you to attend their FUNdraising event – “A Night at the Races” on Friday, April 28 at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe’s Wharf in Gloucester. Doors open at 6:30 pm. All proceeds from this event will support local and international programs of the Gloucester Rotary.
Rotarians, friends and family are welcome to join the Wakefield Rotary Club for our 5th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Boys & Girls Club and the local and international humanitarian projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club. Golfers will enjoy 18 holes on the beautiful Gannon Golf Course on Monday, May 15th. Sponsorship options are also available.
Interested in learning how to dance salsa and bachata? Interested in supporting a worthwhile cause? Want to meet Boston Rotaractors and Greater Boston professionals coming from diverse backgrounds with similar interests?
The ElderAct Club of Marblehead/Swampscott has been busy the past two years planting, growing and harvesting organic vegetables. The Marblehead Community garden is a project of the Elderact of M/S sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor and the Town of Marblehead Parks and Recreation Department. Volunteers provide the materials and labor throughout the growing season. Harvesting and delivery of vegetables happens twice a week through out the season. The club has provided over 100 pounds of various vegetables to each elderly housing project in Marblehead in the past year.
In a land of plenty you’d think, given the will, it would be easy to end hunger and homelessness. I have only one small vantage point on the issue and that is from the kitchen of the Crombie Street Mission, which became the Salem Mission, which became Lifebridge, in Salem, MA. For 33 years I have headed up the 4th Thursday night crew of cooks and servers, and from where I stand, it is complicated. Think of a funnel that draws folks with many kinds of challenges and pulls them all to the same place. When state mental hospitals and other state funded facilities closed, opting for ‘integration’ of their population, what actually happened was that most them were dumped on city streets. Helpless against their own demons or misfortunes, they become homeless and hungry. They are the mainstay of the shelter.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce the kickoff for the 2017 "Marblehead's Got Talent" competition. High School age performers will vie to win both prestige and scholarships at this year's benefit. The final competition and benefit evening will be held on Friday, May 12th at the Boston Yacht Club!
RYLA 2017
A nationwide “March for Meals” campaign to raise awareness of hunger issues among seniors in our nation is held each March. In the past two weeks, North Shore Rotarians Ken Riehl (Gloucester), Lisa Shanko (Ipswich) and Bob Gillis (Rockport) have volunteered their time in order to deliver Meals on Wheels lunches to elders in their communities. SeniorCare, the Aging Services Access Point, for Cape Ann and other North Shore communities, wishes to thank these Rotarians for their commitment to Service Above Self. 
Rotary International Convention
We have sad news to share with you, our dear friend in Rotary and founder of our club, Fraffie Welch, passed away on March 13, 2017.
If you are not sure, register for the 2017 District Assembly! Not only will we be providing training for secretaries, treasurers, and presidents-elect, we have lots more in store for you. With the successful workshop held in January, it has been decided to run another series of workshops a the Assembly in the areas of membership, public image, and communications & technology. If you missed the first one, and you are interested in increasing your club's success, definitely plan time to attend one or all three of these workshops. Each of these three areas are truly the responsibility of every member, and if we join together and create a well-oiled machine, we will be able to accomplish so much. 
After a weekend of inspiration and collaboration, Presidents-elect from District 7930 and seven other districts around New England, are now prepared to complete the plans for their year of leadership in their clubs. Northeast PETS was totally transformed this year in order to help all incoming presidents to Inspire to Lead, Empower to Achieve. That was our promise to them and we are asking them to pay it forward in their clubs.
The Rotary Clubs of Reading and North Reading will jointly present the Taste of Metro North on March 29, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Reading Memorial High School Fieldhouse. This will be the 6th annual hosting of this popular food tasting event.
Earning the 
District 7930 Rotary Clubs are invited to suggest eligible Rotarians for the District Representative to the Rotary International 2017, 2018 and 2019 Councils on Resolutions and the 2019 Council on Legislation (COL). The term begins July 1, 2017. The COL will convene for the purpose of amending the constitutional documents of Rotary International. The selection shall be made by Club Election at the District 7930 Business meeting procedure as per RI By-Laws.
The Reading Memorial High School Interact Club traveled to Philadelphia on the weekend of March 10 to 12 on a field trip chaperoned by Reading Rotary. As part of the trip 14 Interact Members served meals to approximately 200 people at the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, a soup kitchen and homeless shelter. The RMHS Interact planned the trip to include both sightseeing and service. Inspired by the hunger and homelessness initiative in District 7930, Interact Club President Allie Foley said: "We really wanted to find a community service project that helped the homeless." In addition to serving dinner on Saturday evening, the Interact Club made fleece blankets to donate to Sunday Breakfast. Interact Sponsor Reading Rotary Club donated $500 to the Rescue Mission.
From the well-established Century House, to the new Berry Tavern, to over 20 other fabulous restaurants, join host Peabody Rotary Club for it popular annual “Taste of the North Shore” on Tuesday, March 21, from 6-9pm at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Danvers – a new, bigger location due to the popularity of the event. With Title Sponsors Fosters Point Financial, GraVoc, Metro Credit Union, MRG Construction, Peabody Wealth Advisors, Salem Five Bank, TD Bank, and hundreds of North Shore residents, you can enjoy the Rotary’s 13th Annual celebration featuring a variety of delectable food, lots of fun, and great entertainment.
You are invited to the Gloucester High School Interact Club's 10th annual Pizza Taste-Off on Wednesday, March 29, 5:30-7:30pm at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in Gloucester, MA. Taste them all for yourself and vote on the best!
Harrison Fiscus is a Life Scout in Troop 702 in Reading working to complete the Eagle rank. Harrison's Eagle Project was to construct a sixty one foot long boardwalk on a trail in Town Forest. The trail was extremely muddy and a hazard for hikers. Harrison's project added to the network of boardwalks throughout the Town Forest. Harrison had to plan with and get the approval of the Town Forest Committee, the Trails Committee and Conservation in Town. A Boy Scout Eagle Project must help a non-profit or community entity for the improvement of the community. Troop 702 Boy Scouts have completed many Projects in the Town Forest.
The Rotary Club of Rockport hosted its Annual Valentine's Day Luncheon for the Senior Citizens of Rockport on Valentine's Day, February 14, at The Fish Shack Restaurant in Rockport. Approximately 90 seniors attended the event.
The Rotary Club of Lynnfield, with support from Rotary International, District 7930, Wachusett area clubs and India clubs, completed a $42,160 Girls School project in rural central India. This Grant provided 480 desks for eight schools, which will provide seating for up to 1,500 girls a year-- 15,000 girls over the expected 10-year life of the desks. In addition to the desks, the project included rain water collection and purification by reverse osmosis filters to provide clean drinking water, and computers, projectors and screens. This impacts several areas of focus for RI-- Education & Literacy and Clean Water & Hygiene.
All donations made ONLINE via Mobile Cause will be accounted for by the District including assigning proper Paul Harris points.
Chelsea Rotary Fundraising Night is coming up soon: Thursday March 2, 2017. 
I am thrilled to announce that Bill Gates will be speaking this June at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta. Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have been working together on polio eradication for a long time, and our strong partnership will continue through the final years of the effort. 
I remember feeling so horribly hot, sweaty and the pains in my legs were horrendous! I felt so achy all over, my neck felt so stiff! That was the day I started a journey working through my fears and physical problems with the help of so many wonderful people. That day, my father carried me into Children’s Hospital and, after being evaluated; I was taken away from my parents to a ward for children with contagious cases of polio. Until then, I had never seen a child in crutches, paralyzed by the ravages of polio. However, that day I entered their world and was one of them. During the 1940’s and 1950’s, the annual number of polio cases in the United States peaked to approximately 58,000 cases a year. Many, showed no symptoms or minor symptoms and quickly recovered. Some of us weren’t as lucky.
As Rotarians, we understand what service is about. Service runs through our veins. It motivates us get up in the morning. It feeds our souls. One small gesture for another's well-being brings us joy beyond measure; often more joy than the person on the receiving end. Imagine taking that one more step. Imagine bringing Peace Through Service.
Do you know about RYLA-- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards?
Rotarians are generous in giving their time, talent and treasure. It's key that we continue to give to our Rotary Foundation's programs, including the Annual Fund. So again, this year, we're committed to the Other People's Money, or OPM, Strategy. Instead of reaching into your own pocket, the Plunge Committee is asking you to ask a friend, neighbor, family or co-worker to sponsor your plunge or virtual plunge. This strategy has been proven to increase awareness of polio eradication and increase fundraising!
Daily we hear disparaging news from Syria and we wrench our hands feeling so helpless in combating this atrocity. Families are trapped in their homes, then surrounded, tortured and killed by their own government, backed by Russian forces as they bomb residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools and drinking water aquifers.
It's time! Our Polar Plunge will be held on Saturday, February 4th in Gloucester. Registration is now available! Please see the instructions page and flyer links for detailed. Please remember that friends, families, and Interactors are welcome to join us! "Virtual plunging" is always an option as well for those who want to support fundraising efforts, but not go into the water. Each dollar will be again matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation!
We're thrilled to offer three opportunities for furthering your education in the areas of Public Image, Membership and Technology and Communications. These Workshops will be offered completely FREE to all Rotarians.
On Tuesday, November 8th, the Rotary Club of Chelsea hosted veterans from all five branches of the armed services to its Annual Veterans Luncheon “A Salute to Service.” There were over 50 veterans and Rotarians in attendance at the luncheon held in the Terranova Grille at the Wyndham Boston/Chelsea. Each veteran in attendance was invited to introduce themselves, the branch of the military they served in and tell a short story they may have from their time in the service. Each veteran was presented with a token of the club's appreciation for their attendance and their service. After the inspirational remarks from our greetings given by the Chelsea City Manager Thomas Ambrosino and the inspirational remarks by the Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services, Francisco Urena, each veteran was presented with a token of the club’s appreciation for their attendance and their service. The event was concluded with the singing of the Armed Forces Medley of Songs from Army, Navy, Marines, Coat Guard, and Air Force by the veterans present. Also among those present were Soldiers Home, Superintendent Cheryl Poppe and Veterans Services Officer, Francisco Toro. The Secretary of Veterans Services shared with the attendees about his story in military and that Massachusetts is leading the nation where in every town and city in the commonwealth there is a Director of Veteran Services there to provide for and care for our over 365,000 veterans in the state.
26 years ago, the Town of Reading created a program called Adopt-a-Family. The program would match Reading people in need with Reading residents or organizations. At Thanksgiving, a holiday meal is provided by the donor family, while at Christmas, the donation consists of a meal and gifts for children under 18 and adult children with disabilities. Ten years ago the club jumped in to help as budget cuts reduced staffing on the project. Soon after, the Rotary Club assumed responsibility with another smaller organization in town called ReadingCares. This year, more than 200 donor families and organizations stepped forward to make this Thanksgiving and Christmas a memorable one for nearly 50 families in Reading. The process is a team effort in getting the word out to the community. Then once the donors and recipients are registered, much of the work can take place online as a result of the clubs interest in streamlining. The fruits of the labor are seen on Distribution Day just prior to the holiday. Donors arrive at the DPW Garage early and drop their donation which is organized by the volunteers and a few hours later the recipient families arrive at the garage to pick up their donation. The entire process is kept anonymous to both the donors and the recipients.
The Rotary International Convention in Atlanta is months away, but already the district has reached its goal of 50 registrants! But we're not full! The district is planning several fellowship events including a trip to the Georgia Aquarium and more. Friends and family are always welcome! 19 Clubs have committed to sending a representative. Can we make it 25? If you are interested in registering still, please contact Amy Luckiewicz at 
Effective January 3, 2017 the Rotary Club of Chelsea will be holding its regular Tuesday luncheon meetings at the Dockside Restaurant, 170 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150.
As a fundraiser to benefit the Polar Plunge, Peabody Rotary will hold a Trivia Night Fundraiser on Thursday, January 5th, 2017, at the AOH Hall, 58 Lowell Street in Peabody. The doors will open at 6:00PM and the games will begin at 7:00PM. There will be free hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle.
The Wakefield Rotary Club recently recognized fourteen of its members who have reached perfect attendance during the Rotary year 2015-16. Although the minimum attendance requirements by Rotary International have eased, many of the Wakefield Rotarians take pride in attaining or maintaining perfect attendance. This is achieved by attending regular weekly meetings, by visiting other clubs both locally and world-wide or by attending an e-meeting online. “It really shows the commitment our members have to Rotary and the community,” commented immediate past Club President Bob Kimball, who presented the recognitions. Kimball along with fellow members Joe Buscaino, Jim Fitzgerald, Bruce Donovan, Tom Stapleton, Amy Luckiewicz, Lisa Roderick, Elaine Guaetta, Suzanne Bowering, Judy Gordon, Fred Singer, Jim Tarpey, Frank Fiorentino and Jay Curley have accrued a cumulative number of 229 years in perfect attendance. Curley received special notice for his 45 years straight of perfect attendance.
Come join the Party!
Charitable Gift Will Reduce Cost and Waste for Free Meals for Locals in Crisis.
During each holiday season, SeniorCare’s Meals on Wheels program gives a small gift to each of our homebound elders who receive daily Meals on Wheels lunches. These gifts are delivered with their meal around the middle of December. 
The Gloucester High School Interact held their annual Holiday Party for the children of Gloucester this past weekend at Pathways for Children. Dozens of families with almost 200 children attended the party, where they made arts & crafts, played games, decorated cookies, listened to holiday story-telling, enjoyed a delicious lunch and met with Santa.
In November, Ipswich Rotary completed a very successful “Sock Drive for the Homeless”, part of the club’s ongoing Homelessness and Hunger Initiative. Rev. Brian Gearin of Starlight Ministries in Boston joined the club at a breakfast meeting to describe the need and to help the Rotarians understand how good people can suddenly find themselves homeless.
Did you catch this in December’s Rotarian Magazine?
Dear Rotarians,
The Rotary clubs of Marblehead and Marblehead Harbor were delighted to host Friends Forever teens from Northern Ireland for a day of fun and sharing. Started in 1986 by Rotarian, Bob Raiche, Friends Forever (FF) has spanned three decades with one goal: to create trust, empathy and friendships between cultures in conflict - ONE YOUTH AT A TIME. Having its roots in the Northern Ireland Protestant/Catholic conflict, FF has opened the gates to Palestinian/Israeli and Uganda youths as well as expanding the nature of the Irish program to new groups entering the area bringing even more differences. The year long commitment to work together toward a more peaceful world spans far beyond with these teens and their uncanny ability to really change their family and friends and all of the people they meet here in the US. Ironically, coming to the States as the “Life Raft Formula” to show the new groups how people of different religions, origins and backgrounds get along with no problem, now works both ways. The teens meet up with a delegation from MHS Interact students for the day and the conversations are most revealing - on both sides! They spend a very joyful day of discovery!
Pictured here are Burlington Rotarians and helpers standing in front of boxes of frozen turkeys shortly before the turkeys and all the other foods for a lovely Thanksgiving Day meal were given to families in need of them. This is an ongoing annual activity of the Burlington Food Pantry and takes place at the UCC Church in Burlington. Our club
On Friday night, November 18, the Reading Rotary held its annual fundraising Auction. This was the 17th year. The Fall Auction was held this year at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham. 200 guests packed the room and bid on silent and live auction items, raffles and lucky "leaves" containing gift cards. The event was Chaired by Tim Kelley, Lori Foley and Christine Kelley. Rotarians John Douglass and Steve Chuha reprised their roles as Auctioneers. John and Steve entertained the crowd as Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. From sponsorships, silent and live auction items and raffle items, Reading expects its final net will be over $25,000.00 for Reading Rotary's community commitments.
Bob Arsenault (Ipswich Rotarian)
The Salem Rotary Club was selected as the District Instagram Contest. 13 photos were submitted to be the first District Instagram featured on our page @Rotary7930. Salem will also receive a customized pop-up banner for them to use when out in the town and at events. All photos will be published over the next several weeks. Want to share a photo to our Instagram? Send them with caption to Amy at rotary7930publicimage@yahoo.com. To view the winning photo, visit our page https://www.instagram.com/rotary7930.
Help is needed at the District Level for the jobs that keep the District running. They are jobs of responsibility, but jobs that need a steady hand and a willing mind. These are the jobs of Assistant District Secretary and Assistant District Treasurer.
District 7930 knows how to party! One hundred and sixty-five Rotarians from thirty-one clubs gathered last Friday evening at the Danversport Yacht Club to celebrate the 100th birthday of The Rotary Foundation. Balloons, crowns, party hats, horns and birthday cake were the order of the evening. The party was a celebration of all that we, as individual Rotarians and as clubs, do to save and change lives in our communities and in the international community of the world.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals has recognized The Rotary Foundation with its annual Award for Outstanding Foundation.
On October 2nd, Peabody celebrated its 100th birthday as a city with one of the largest parades in recent memory. Peabody Rotarians entered a float featuring many of the projects the club and RI has worked on, including actual running water. The float was designed by and the work overseen by member Stephanie Johnson, who was also preparing to go to Cebu City the following week. Depicted on the float were our District Managed Grant project of cleaning Farnham Park and providing handicapped accessible playground equipment, clean water, scholarships, Polar Plunge, cleft palate missions, hunger and homelessness initiative, the Rotary wheel and the 4-Way Test. Most club members, too numerous to list here, worked on the float over a two week period.
When you hold a fundraiser like a barbecue, rubber duck race, or beer tasting event, in addition to raising money for your project or cause, you make people aware of your club, and you enable potential members to experience the fun and fellowship that Rotary offers.
10 Rotary Clubs recently participated in a project with End Hunger New England to prepare, pack and fund for 16,000 meals. Members of the Rotary Club joined a team of over 100 Rotarians, friends and family at the Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield last Tuesday afternoon. The project started at 7:30 am when Rotarians brought the production line and raw materials from curb side on into the ballroom where the event was held. Matthew Martin, the area director for Outreach, Inc., parent company of End Hunger New England, provided a brief overview of their mission and instructions on how to maximize the process.
Last Sunday, under an inky, grey sky and in the presence of the color guard from the U.S.S. Constitution and with bagpipes majestically playing the “Marines Hymn” -- over one hundred runners participated in the the third annual Don Humphreys Veterans Memorial road race. Prior to the race start, Congressman Seth Moulton, a retired U.S. Marine Corp veteran, delivered a moving talk about Don Humphreys and the impact Mr. Humphreys had on our community and on Mr. Moulton’s life.
On Friday night, November 18, 2016 we will be celebrating the 100th birthday of the Rotary Foundation, OUR Rotary Foundation. That evening clubs and individuals will be recognizing new Paul Harris Fellows. Have you ever wondered, who was our first Paul Harris Fellow and when did that recognition take place?
That evening we will also hear from author, David C Forward, who wrote Doing Good in the World. David is currently the Governor of Rotary District 7500 in New Jersey. He’s been a Rotarian since 1978 and wrote A Century of Service: The Story of Rotary International, that chronicled our first 100 years as an organization. A very sought after speaker, he will share with us other memorable stories of Rotarians and our Foundation that evening.
I can’t believe that November is here! Where has the time flown? During the last few months, I have focused on club visits and have been amazed by what our members consistently do – day in and day out! Every club, no matter how large or small, has committed to projects benefiting their community and the world at large. I am so proud, yet humbled, by the dedication and commitment our members demonstrate every day to making our world a better place. I am enriched by how warmly I have been welcomed by members in each and every club and am constantly confirmed that every Rotarian is an exceptional human being making a difference in our world.
This week The Burlington Rotary Club continued its annual Rick Karwan Memorial Dictionary Program, by giving every third grade student in Burlington's four elementary schools a new dictionary. Shown above are four Burlington Rotary club members at one of the schools and the stacks of dictionaries to be given out, and one of the school teachers preparing the students for a short program delivered by a Rotarian which includes an introduction to words in the dictionary related to the principles of Rotary and its unselfish helping of people in need around the world.
Bring the family to the 3rd Annual Chili Fest presented by Rotary Club of Winchester on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the Winchester Town Hall Auditorium from 4 to 8 PM. Come taste and vote for the best chili as area restaurants and professional chefs compete. Does a member in your Rotary club have a fabulous chili recipe to enter? Cook up a batch for the amateur contest and you could win $500 for the charity of your choice. A panel of celebrity judges will judge the amateur contest.
The Gloucester Rotary Club was proud to partner with the Rotary District 7930 in providing a $500 mini grant ($250 District contribution, $250 Gloucester Rotary Club) to The Open Door Food Pantry, serving Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, and Ipswich, to purchase diapers for families in need.
The District Public Image Committee is thrilled to share with you our new Public Image Toolkit developed right here in D7930! Our #IAmRotary campaign is designed to help clubs increase their social media visibility while promoting membership. Tools include:
World Polio Day - October 24, 2016
Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Foundation Dinner celebrated the Centennial of the Rotary International Foundation, the main charitable arm of Rotary International as well as honor people in the community for outstanding service with Paul Harris Fellowship awards.
The Boston Rotaract Club will host the Women in Rotary: Not (Just) Your Grandfather’s Rotary Club forum this Wednesday, October 5 from 6:30 8:30 p.m. at the Back Bay Social Club in Boston. This event will focus on the experience and impact of women in Rotary who are leaders in Rotary International and in their professional and personal lives.
What does a birthday party for something 100 years old look like? 
Join us for a scenic race through downtown Marblehead. The race course begins at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front Street, Marblehead overlooking Marblehead Harbor and will take you through old town Marblehead, back through the community, returning to the BYC.
Ipswich Rotary will host its annual masquerade ball, an evening of western themed fun for a good cause on Friday, October 21, 2016 at the Turner Hill Mansion in Ipswich. Proceeds will benefit the club’s Hunger Initiatives in Ipswich and Rowley. Suggested dress is a themed costume or black tie/cocktail attire. Features include live music by “Boston Common”, dinner, dancing, cash bar and silent auction.
The first meeting of the current Presidents and Presidents-Elect was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Sheraton, Boston-North. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by District Governor Sheryl Meehan following a meet and greet social hour powered by a game of Bingo. Those attending went about introducing themselves and asking for signatures in specific categories on their Bingo card. Those who completed the card with all squares signed received a scratch card. There were winners!
The District Public Image Committee is seeking to create a list of Rotarians who can help out with the public image development of other clubs. These volunteers will be kept in a database and the Public Image Chair will make referrals. This is for CLUB assistance only, and not personal or business projects.
Lynnfield Rotary sponsored the very first, First Responders Day on Tuesday evening Sept. 13. The club honored the towns "heros" of police, fire and EMT departments. Led by past president Jason Kimball donations were made to the Police and Fire Depts. Guest speakers were local Selectmen Chris Barrett and Rotarian Dick Dalton..jpg)
Perfect attendance in anything is rare. 45-years of perfect attendance is an achievement. Jay Curley joined the Wakefield Rotary Club in 1971 and it was clear to him, that he wanted to make a commitment. That commitment to service above self has led him to a 45-year record of perfect attendance with the club, an achievement that the club recently recognized by inviting Curley to talk about his experiences in family, career and Rotary.
Join us for an evening of fun with wine and beer tastings along with samplings from local restaurants, raffles and auction. Proceeds to benefit the local charitable projects of the Wakefield Rotary Club.
I'm a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar alum in Boston the last 3 weeks of October as part of my world record road trip to all 413 U.S. National Park Service sites.
Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Landing Restaurant in Marblehead, present the Annual Fall Golf Tournament & Dinner on Tuesday Afternoon, October 4 at the Meadows in Peabody. (80 Granite St, Peabody, MA 01960, Phone: (978) 532-9390). The $100 entry fee includes an afternoon of golf, cart, and prime rib dinner to follow at the Marblehead Landing (81 Front Street, on Marblehead Harbor (781) 639-1266). There will be a 50/50 raffle and prizes. Proceeds benefit the M-E Scholarship Fund. Hole sponsorships are available for $50.
The District 7930 Homelessness and Hunger Initiative Committee has announced a District-wide Mini Grant for this fall. The grant is intended to provide diapers to our homeless and hungry throughout the District. While there are limited funds available, this will provide a desperately need item to our shelters and pantries at a time of the year when the average citizen is not thinking of helping out.
Morgan Goldstein, Marketing and & New Media Manager for the 2017 U.S. Senior Open at Salem Country Club is interested in speaking at clubs in District 7930.
The Chelsea Rotary softball team and their fans celebrate winning the 2016 District 7930 Rotary Softball League championship. Chelsea defeated the Salem/Marblehead team 17 to 13 in the championship deciding game held at Castle Hill in Salem. Chelsea defeated Danvers, the regular season champions, in the first round of the playoffs two games to none with both games decided by two runs. In the championship series Salem/Marblehead won the first game played at Castle Hill 8 to 7. Chelsea won the second game played at Carter Park in Chelsea 16 to 13. Chelsea than won the third game in the best two of three championship series. The Chelsea team consisted of Rotarians from the Chelsea, Everett and Salem, NH Rotary clubs
The Boston Rotaract Club is proud to host Women in Rotary: Not (Just) Your Grandfather’s Rotary Club on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Back Bay Social Club in Boston. This event will focus on the experience and impact of women in Rotary who are leaders in Rotary International and in their professional and personal lives.
The Medford Rotary Club is excited to announce it is hosting its 2nd Annual Charity Casino Night on September 24th @ 7 p.m., Memorial Hall in Melrose.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will publish a 12-month Cape Ann photo calendar for 2017 as a fundraiser. All profits will go to the Gloucester Rotary Club’s efforts to raise money that supports the many community and international activities in which the club is involved.
I can’t believe that we’re in the middle of August already! Where has the time flown? August is Membership and New Club Development month – strengthening and growing Rotary – by engagement and attraction. I hope you will read Rotary International 
Please join Danvers Rotary at our own Danvers Farmer's Market, every Wednesday from 4 pm to 7 pm. The Market has many vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, beverages, hand-crafts and more. Come support a Rotary fundraiser, while shopping for healthy, fresh and LOCAL products. Check out vendors and entertainment, get alerts and more with our Danvers Farmers Market app available at the app store.
Ever wonder what food pantry clients do if they have a special celebration coming up?
We're thrilled to announce that the Autumn, 2016 Public Image Mini Grant is now OPEN for application! This is matching grant of up to $250 each. Please carefully read the details, qualifications and responsibilities of the grant. Got questions? Contact Amy at 
For more than 35 years, George Livingstone has been making Wakefield Rotarians fill with emotion. Each week, the 92-year-old delivers the club's invocation and you never know what he'll say. Sometimes, it's an original poem, sometimes it's a reflection on world happenings. And sometimes, it's just a really funny joke. "He's one of my favorite parts of our meetings," noted new member Anthony Guardia. "He really kicks off our meetings with something to think about," added Rotarian Judy Gordon.
The Rotary Club of Gloucester MA will hold its annual Comedy Show Fundraiser on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Cruiseport Gloucester, located at 6 Rowe Square in downtown Gloucester, MA. This year’s Comedy Night features comedians Tony V., Steve Calechman, Chris Dimitrakopoulos, and Dave Rattigan. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Join with the Rotary Club of Andover in the fight against the opioid addiction crisis facing our communities. Find out more at 
The Rotary Club of Rockport Presents….LOBSTERFEST 2016!
Rotary International President John Germ has stated that this year, Rotarians all over the world will be classified as the All Star Team. As District 7930, we are one big team (“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Helen Keller). As a team, we are making a difference – each and every day. As I conduct my District 7930 Club Visits, I see so many Rotarians within our District making that difference.
The Gloucester Rotary Club will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 20, 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.
Last week Ipswich Rotary and the Ipswich East Rotary Club of Ipswich, UK celebrated a long tradition of biannual exchange visits and friendship. The week long visitation of the Ipswich, UK club to Massachusetts marked the 18th such visit spanning almost 40 years, every two years since 1988.
This Global Grant award is one to be proud of – and they are!
Sometimes, getting people to join your Rotary club is the easy part. It’s keeping them, long after the glow of the induction ceremony has worn off, that can prove challenging. The Rotary Club of Evanston, Illinois, USA, has used several strategies that help new members feel connected.
What could be better than a warm summer day, a beautiful green field, and the crack of a bat? How about the crack of a plastic bat, mixed with laughter and cheers, with friends and family on the field?
In his theme speech for the Rotary year, 2015-2016 Rotary International (RI) President K.R. Ravindran challenged all Rotarians to use the year to "bring the work of Rotary forward -- to make its mark on the world." Boston Rotaract truly took this challenge to heart in the last year. With the RI theme, Be a Gift to the World, in mind, we aimed our efforts on serving in three of six RI areas of focus: fighting disease, saving mothers and children, and supporting education. This allowed us to use our members’ unique talents and passions to maximize our club’s impact and ensure that we met the needs of the communities we served.
Rotary District 7930 has named Alexander Golding of Wakefield as the recipient of the 2016 Service Above Self Award, a $10,000. scholarship to help him pursue higher education. Committee Chair Peggy Pedro, explained "Each candidate was very highly qualified and all represented their communities with distinction. Alex's community involvement and commitment to others less fortunate than himself aligned him with the spirit of the scholarship. Alex has been involved in community service activities since his childhood. Alex traces his community involvement back to a day when his parents pushed him in a stroller as a one year old while they volunteered to clean up a bike path. We applaud Alex's family for instilling in him a lifelong commitment to Service Above Self in the communities in which he has lived."
On June 25th, members of the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club (BBRC) assisted other volunteers and Burlington Food Pantry staff in moving the contents of the pantry in preparation for a complete overhaul of the space. Food items were re-shelved in the church basement and non-perishable items stored in a pod.
The drawing for the Lobster Raffle will be on July 21rd!
The Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, started under DG Dave Manzi and continuing on for the next three years has become a popular theme for District 7930 Clubs. President-elects throughout the District have stated in their installation speeches that this will be their focus in the coming year.
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“Right up until the night before I was to leave,” admitted Lynn English junior Evelyn DeLeon, “I was asking myself, what did I sign up for? I got a phone call from Jose (Jurado) who said to me, ‘you have to go because you talked me into going’. I figured- what the heck!”.jpg)
The Rotary Club of Lynn recently hosted a group of 10 Lynn Classical High School student refugees, as well as the students’ teachers, at its evening Satellite Club meeting. The program’s title, Living in Two Worlds Film Festival, came about thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation, examines the challenges, hardships but also the rewards of life as teenagers now living in America and attending public schools. Each of the 10 students shared their stories in a three-minute video narrated by the individual student.
This week District Governor David Manzi presented the North Reading Rotary Club with recognition of being a 100% Paul Harris Club. All 16 members of the club have received the Rotary Foundation recognition. In large thanks to Club Foundation Chair Steve May, the awards were presented at a dinner earlier in June, making North Reading the sole 100% PHF Club in the District.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is proud to introduce its six 2016 scholarship recipients:
The devastating events that took place on June 12th at the Orlando Night Club Pulse, have saddened a nation. Technology has brought the reality of the situation to our finger tips. Hearing voices of people that are no longer with us, seeing text to loved ones, hearing gun shots, it’s all beyond words The Reading Rotary wants to help.
District Governor Dave Manzi is happy to invest District 7930 funds back into developing club membership! This month you may notice Rotary in the news and social media...a lot! The Public Image and Membership committees joined up to publish two dozen custom color and black and white ads in local and regional newspapers, including a color ad in the Boston Globe North Saturday edition. Ads were custom designed to fit Rotary's Master Branding, and each ad directed readers to investigate their local club though our District website. The ads specified clubs in the newspapers' distribution areas. A color ad was also placed in the Boston Globe North Sunday edition highlighting our Homelessness and Hunger Initiative (HHI).
Only at Fenway on July 8, 2016, will you be able to enjoy the pleasure of HOME (Boston) with 279 fellow Rotarians and Family at the Red Sox - Tampa Bay game.
We hope to have a large delegation this year from Team 7930! Take advantage of an extra-special early registration rate of $265.00 for the 2017 Rotary Convention in honor of The Rotary Foundation visionary Arch Klumph and his birthday of 6 June, as well as the first contribution of $26.50.
Celebrate the first year of the Belle Isle Rotary Club, a combination of East Boston-Revere and Winthrop with a Winthrop Rotary Club tradition -- the Chinese Auction!
Dowling was inducted into the club at its luncheon on Thursday, May 19, 2016. He is the owner/manager of Marblehead Collision.
If you like offensive baseball, this may be the year to go to a Red Sox game. The team's batting average is just below .300 and they are tearing up their competition. Even the pitching is beginning to improve. Tied for first in the AL East, now is the time to register to go to the Rotary Night at Fenway on July 8th..jpg)
The Rotaplast team has been selected for the Cebu Mission leaving on October 9 and returning October 23, 2016. From a group of 12 volunteers, 7 were selected for the 7 slots available.
Want to map out your future success? Then you should register for the next Rotary Means Business Meeting on June 14th. You will learn about SMART Goals and possibly, time permitting, about Key Performance Indicators (KPI).
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club recently completed its final project of the year with a visit to seniors living in the town's public housing. Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz noted, “This year, more than ever, the kids seemed really concerned about the quality of life for seniors. We’ve did this project last year, but they quickly voted to continue this year again.” After a planning session, the children began planning their service project in partnership with Maureen Hickey from the Housing Authority. Forty flower pots were hand-painted by the students and brought over to the senior housing. With the help from RYLA alum and graduating NRHS senior volunteer Annie Nitzche, the children carefully planted the flowers and hand-delivered them to every resident of Peabody Court Housing.
To kick off our Rotary Conference and Assembly weekend, over 50 Rotarians, friends and family signed up for our 2016 Mystery Dining! Not knowing where they were going to eat, what was going to be served, how they were getting there, or even who they were eating with, guests were told to meet on the roof of Fisher College. The evening kicked off with fellowship and a cocktail reception as the group was checked in and assigned to a "team." Slightly later than planned, the teams gathered and were loaded onto an Old Town trolley for their ride to their assigned restaurants. Terry Curran's team arrived at Scampo at the Liberty hotel and were surprised by a visit from celebrity chef Lydia Shire. Their 3-course meal included choices such as mozzarella salad, salmon and tiramisu. Janice Casoli led a team to the waterfront restaurant Chart House. This historical restaurant features John Hancock's original security safe! After a loud sing-a-long to Sweet Caroline, the final team led by Maria Bertolone, traveled to Red Lantern for a family-style Asian cuisine dinner. Everyone's favorite was the ending pu-pu platter desserts including s'more spring rolls, grilled pineapple, rhubarb rangoon and chocolate and sea salt truffles!.jpg)
Among the highlights of this past weekend's Conference and Assembly was undoubtedly a visit from Boston Bruin legend, our #77, Ray Bourque. Ray was our featured speaker at Saturday night's dinner, attended by about 80 Rotarians and guests. Ray spent time chatting with Rotarians during the fellowship cocktail reception and took the podium to speak about some of his memories as a Bruin, his family, post-hockey life, and charitable organization, the Celebrities for Charity Foundation. Ray also took questions from guests including one from Brian Murphy of the Beverly Club about his time as an active player. Wakefield Rotarian Alicia Reddin, who has been a Rotarian for about 2 months, stepped up and invited Ray to join Rotary! Ray concluded by acknowledging the efforts of Rotarians to better the lives of people everywhere. After speaking, he spent time signing auction items, chatting with attendees and taking pictures. The entire Conference and Assembly planning team would like to thank Rotarians and their guests for joining us and for making this evening so memorable.
An annual tradition at our District Conference is the silent auction to benefit our Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund. This year, the items were available to bid on the entirety of Saturday including the lunch and dinner programs. Items included an original painting, margarita-themed basket, several golf items and dozens of bottles of wine! Without a doubt, the most hotly contested item was a signed banner from Ray Bourque. Won by Annual Giving Chair Bob Gravino, Bourque signed the banner to Bob's grandsons Finn and Liam!
Is this the new math? No, it is when you combine 58 committed humanitarians representing 22 Rotary Clubs, with $7,500 in funding, to package 4,800 pounds for food to serve 30,000 meals on a Saturday morning.
Breaking news! This past week ClubRunner added a useful, much delayed tool to both the club and district websites. At the top of the screen by the member login, you will find a magnifying glass. Three are two modes: public and private. If someone is not logged in, you will only be able to search public pages. Once logged in, all pages will be available to search. Just enter any word and watch how fast it finds stories and other items where that keyword is found. Certainly, you can search for stories about your club, or other clubs, in an effort to recall what was previously reported or to begin to research new ideas for service projects, fellowship events or fundraisers. Then once you have accessed the story, you might discover the secrets of how to maximize your success. But it doesn't stop there, let your imagination flow. Let us know if you hit the jackpot!
Have you registered for Conference yet? If not, why not? The schedule is set, transportation from Andover/Stoneham and Georgetown/North Shore Mall (see above) on Saturday is set, the menus are set, the speakers are set, are you set? 
Please join the Wakefield Rotary Club on Wednesday, June 1st for our annual golf tournament at the beautiful Gannon Golf Club in Lynn, MA. Proceeds will benefit the programs to combat substance use and youth development including:
District 7930's annual RYLA weekend will be held on June 3-5, 2016, at Camp Rotary in Boxford. This is a spectacular weekend, where 80 high school sophomores and juniors from all over the District come together to learn leadership skills. Facilitating the weekend are a hand-picked group of students from last year's RYLA and a team of Rotarians.
If you ask anyone who traveled last October to Cebu, Philipines, they're going to share stories. Stories about commitment, affection, care, and compassion. Or perhaps you've already heard one of the team's presentations this year and were inspired to go? Now's your chance to apply! Next year's mission is currently being planned for October 9-23, 2016 back to Cebu!
Students and faculty from Austin Prep spoke to the Reading Rotary on May 2 about their service trip to rural Peru. AP students, Pedro, Kate and Crystal were our Speakers. They were among 18 total students on a trip this February who dedicated their off time to help those in need. They were accompanied by two AP faculty members, including Reading Rotarian Michael McLaughlin, Head of Austin Prep Middle School.
Ingrid Brown, the elected representative from D7930 recently attended the 2016 Council on Legislation in Chicago. She is proud to report that the 2016 Council on Legislation may well be remembered as one of the most progressive in Rotary history!
District Governor Dave has agreed to invest our remaining Membership and Public Image Budget back into the clubs! Over the next 1-2 months, we will be placing print and electronic ads to join YOUR Rotary club! The ads will be regional and name any club represented in the region, but it will direct readers back to the 7930 website to locate the club nearest them.
Time is running out to enhance your knowledge and improve your ability to lead your club to greatness. Tomorrow is the last day to register for RLI on Saturday, May 7th which will be held at the Holiday Inn in Peabody. 
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce the finalists for the "Marblehead's Got Talent!" competition. These talented performers will vie to win both prestige and scholarships at this year's benefit finale. The benefit event will be held at the Boston Yacht Club, located at 1 Front Street on Friday, May 6th at 6:30 pm!
Whether you’re an aspiring or accomplished artist—or perhaps someone who appreciates art as a dynamic vehicle for visual expression—you won't want to miss Cambridge Rotary Club's annual Chalk on the Walk event, May 1st. on Church Street, that rivals an Italian street painting festival.
If you own or manage a business, wouldn't it be nice to grow your business within the Rotary community. Well, now you can through a district based advertising program. If you are looking for purchasing a product or service from a reputable company, wouldn't it make sense to find a Rotarian to do business with? Clearly, the Four Way Test provides the basis for a mutually beneficial relationship between two parties..jpg)
Six students from the North Reading Community EarlyAct Club visited the North Reading Rotary Club this week. Greeting the Rotarians, the students shook hands and introduced themselves. Rotarian Janice Wood commented, "They did a great job looking us in the eye!" The presentation was a year-in-review of the projects and highlights the students have completed so far including: making and delivering hot chocolate kits to the volunteers at the food pantry, making book marks for the local librarians, stuffing Easter eggs for food pantry clients, and more. The students also noted some guests speaker highlights including local Selectmen, volunteers, and even Lydia the therapy dog. The children also noted that they love getting correspondence in the mail. Rotarian Dave O'Neil also congratulated the students on practicing their public speaking skills and preparation, noting, "This will help you far into the future. Stick with it."
Francisco Urena, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Services and Jen DeLuca from Fisher House will be our Guest Speakers at the District Conference Veterans Memorial Brunch.
Jen DeLuca from Fisher House will be our guest speaker. There are currently 65 Fisher Houses located around the country and in the United Kingdom. The mission of the Fisher House is to ease the burden of our Veterans and their families during difficult times; to serve those who have served. Fisher House Boston’s mission is to be responsive to the needs of their guests and go above and beyond what the Veterans Administration can provide. They strive to meet the basic comfort needs of their guests, during some of the most difficult times in their guest lives, as well as, enhance the healing and supportive environment of the house. Fisher House Boston was the 46th house to be built and dedicated. Boston is the 15th house to be on a VA Medical Center campus.
This past week the Lynnfield Rotary Club hosted the Wakefield Rotary Club at their home location at the Sheraton Wakefield. The two clubs were educated about Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer and Reid's Ride, a project supported by the Lynnfield Club for years. The lunch provided a passionate informational session but it also provided more. As Past District Governor David Drislane noted, "We should meet more often with our neighbors." It was a good reminder to both clubs about collaboration and fellowship. With almost 40 in attendance, it was one of the biggest meetings for either club, and will hopefully become a more regular tradition..JPG)
Start Times
In order to continue to accomplish the Object of Rotary and to support, advise and assist District 7930, District 7930 Bylaw's Committee met and proposed the revisions as identified in green.
The statistics on world hunger are staggering. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization recently estimated that from 2014-2016, about 795 million people of the 73 billion people in the world, or one in nine, suffer from chronic undernourishment. On Saturday morning, at Lynn's St. Mary’s High School cafeteria, a group of about 70 dedicated volunteers ranging in age from teenagers to a few octogenarians, combined forces to do their part to alleviate hunger in the world.
The Beverly Rotary Club is presenting “The Beverly Rotary Family Feud” on Friday, April 15, from 6 pm to 10:30 pm, at Danversport Yacht Club. The evening will feature a silent auction, brief live auction, full course dinner, dessert, live music, and game show competition. Four Beverly-area VIP teams will be competing for special prizes. The teams are The Paul & Kristin Guanci family, The Tom & Mary Grant Family, Montserrat College of Art Team, and Endicott College Team in contest of town-vs-gown.
The Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford, and Middleton has supported the important work being done at Windrush Farm therapeutic riding center, but Rotarian Bob heard about Horsemanship for Heroes, he knew it was something that other Rotary clubs would want to support..jpg)
District Governor Dave Manzi and the District Conference Committee are pleased to announce that the District Conference/Assembly package has been reduced from $350.00 to $235.00. We are also able to offer you a-la-carte options for the conference. 
Legend of hockey Ray Bourque to speak at the District Conference. This dinner event is now available a-la-carte! Ray Bourque and and his Boston Bruins teammate Cleon Daskalakis founded the Celebrities For Charity Foundation which has donated over $20 million to a variety of charities that support causes ranging from medical research and patient care, to education, assisting disadvantaged children, the arts, and the environment.
On Friday, April 1, 2016, the community of Gloucester celebrated the funeral mass of one of its “giant” civic leaders, Rudy Macchi. Rudy, a member of the Gloucester Rotary Club for 40 years, serving as past President, past Assistant Governor, and Paul Harris Fellow, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016.
On April 8th Rotarians volunteered as teachers at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston through Junior Achievement. JA volunteers have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Boston’s youth by teaching essential life lessons about personal finance, civics and business that aren’t taught in school! If you’re worried that you don’t know how to teach, don’t be! Consider joining us next year and you’ll be paired with a partner and you’ll receive a powerful and easy-to-follow lesson that walks you through every step of the process. Volunteering for this event is a full day commitment, running from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Join us on Tuesday, April 12th for our annual Salsa Night fundraiser hosted in support of the Rotaract Club of Boston's international service project that will provide children safe and secure transportation to and from their school in Ganvie, Benin, Africa.
Rotary District 7930 will have a Rotary softball league again this year. The first games of the season will start the week of May 2nd. The league currently has six teams; Beverly, Chelsea, Danvers, Marblehead/Salem, Salem, NH and Woburn. Teams play ten regular season games, one game per week starting at 6:00 pm. Every team than enters the play-offs for a chance to win the league championship. The league has an annual picnic which will be on Wednesday, July 13th at John George Park in Danvers.
Since December 2015, seven new community and service-minded individuals have stepped up to join the Rotary Club of Andover. Membership Chair Al Ruthazer attributes the growth to several things, including the fall 2015 Andover Cares movement. He feels that this introduced the potential of Rotary’s service opportunities to many people who want to make a difference in our community. Following the October 2015 Andover Cares Festival, many volunteers wanted to get more involved, but the traditional service club model of required weekly breakfast meetings made it impossible for them to join. Hearing this, Andover Rotary created a new flexible Service Membership, and also added an evening meeting option each month.
Increasing the number of members in your Rotary Club should be a top priority for your Rotary Club. As we approach the beginning of the 2016 - 2017 Rotary year, every Club should have a Membership Development Plan in place to increase and retain membership. Does your club? If not, please consider attending the webinar 
I personally want to say thank you to our incoming Presidents and Assistant Governors for giving their most precious resource, their time, to participate in last week’s Northeast PETS! I am excited and optimistic that Rotary Year 2016 -2017 will be an electrifying year for our District due to the energy, passion and dedication displayed by our incoming Presidents and Assistant Governors at Northeast President Elect Training on March 10th through March 12th! I know that all who attended acquired knowledge and insights that will enhance not only their Rotary endeavors, but also their personal and professional skills.
Did you know the first donation to our Foundation was $26.50 in 1917? From those humble beginnings, the Foundation of Rotary International has received contributions totaling over $1 billion to date! On April 2 our District Foundation Team will be presenting a two-part seminar consisting of the yearly Foundation Forum, followed by lunch, and a Grant Qualification Seminar.
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to announce the kickoff for the 2016 "Marblehead's Got Talent" competition. High School age performers will vie to win both prestige and scholarships at this year's benefit. The final and benefit event will be held on Friday, May 6th at the Boston Yacht Club!
Susan Hartmere, Past President and multiple Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Woburn recently travelled to Guyana on a humanitarian mission.
In September of 2014, the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor embarked on an exciting grant to install 40 lock boxes on the homes of seniors in the community to provide timely access to homes in the event of an emergency. The project was the brainchild of the newly formed ElderAct Club, a group of senior volunteers under the umbrella of the Rotary Clubs of Marblehead Harbor and Swampscott. The project sailed through the development and planning process with support of the Marblehead Council on Aging and the Marblehead Fire Department.
Did you know this year we had only 9 months between Polar Plunge events?! In that time we set a record breaking average of just over $10k in pledges per MONTH! To date, the Distrct has in $92,458.39 in pledges! Many thanks to our participants, volunteers, committee and donors are surely in order. Please remember to submit your final donations to the Rotary Foundation by March 31st in order to ensure proper accounting. If you have any questions regarding online donations made to you or your club, please contact Amy Luckiewicz at 
The Early Bird Registration has been extended until further notice at the District Governor’s request. This is the best price that will be offered for this conference.
Friday, May 13, 2016
The Rotary Club of Rockport will be hosting their annual “Wine Testing” event at the Shalin Liu Reception Hall in Rockport on March 4!
Want to have some fun and help raise some money 
Wow! Your Way to Profit!
Win $10,000 for your club!
The 2016 Service Above Self Scholarship Application is now available for Rotary District 7930 clubs. This $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior from our district. This competitive award is funded by our Annual Giving donations to The Rotary Foundation.
Invite a local reporter or public access television rep to join the club
It's not too late to join the polio eradication efforts. 
At the conclusion of its second annual warm winter coat drive for the homeless and those in need, the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor reported the donation of a record number of coats by generous members of the Marblehead, Swampscott and Salem communities.
MobileCause offers the easiest donation option with a credit card. However, you or your club may take in a cash or check donation. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you count your offline donations.
One of our Global Scholars, here for 2 years studying at Harvard Business School is Akihiko
I am very pleased to announce that Elizabeth (Liz) Cullen has accepted the position of District 7930 Foundation Chair 2016 – 2019. 
The Burlington High School Interact Rotarians, sponsored by the Burlington Rotary Club, has become the largest club in the High School. They hold a "Sock Drive" each year for veterans at the Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital. Interact Club President Caroline Covino (2nd from left) and three members of her club came to Burlington Rotary's December 4th meeting and are shown holding some of the white athletic socks contributed by Burlington Rotarians at that meeting. Last year the Interact Club's Sock Drive collected over 500 pairs of socks for our veterans and they hope for even more this year.
Last Thursday at Marblehead Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon held at the Boston Yacht Club, Jack Attridge (Marblehead Rotary Club) and Jim Nye (Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor) were honored with Paul Harris Fellows awards for their leadership and work with the Marblehead Interact Club.
Stoneham Rotarian and District Governor Nominee Dave Gardner introduced the "Route 93/128 Rotary Means Business" chapter for District 7930. The kickoff event was held on November 30 at McLane Middleton's conference center in Woburn. More than forty Rotarians attended the inaugural event and made professional contacts. After cocktails and appetizers, Dave explained the program to the attendees and then introduced Rotarian Andy Winig, who gave a presentation on maximizing results with an elevator speech. After the interactive presentation, the group had another chance to network and practice their elevator speeches before heading home for the night. 
Utilize Giving Tuesday (December 1st). Learn more tips specific for 
Last year was my first time fundraising and plunging with Rotary! When a Rotarian friend asked us to join her for the plunge, my husband (he was the guy dressed like Buddy the Elf) and I both quickly said yes. We have two daughters and we're grateful that they are both healthy! Not every parent is lucky to have access to healthcare and to preventative life-saving vaccines. We made sure we brought our daughters with us to the plunge because we wanted them to learn about community and coming together for a purpose. Yes, the water was cold. But looking back on it now, all I can remember is the laughter and excitement as the MC told the crowd how many vaccines we had raised!
On January 23, 2016 our district will make history again with our 6th Annual Polar Plunge off of Long Beach in Gloucester. Our goals are simple:
2015 has been history-making year in Rotary's efforts to #endpolio. In July, we marked one year since the last case of wild poliovirus was found in Nigeria. According to endpolio.org, this achievement could signal that the world will soon see a polio-free Africa, a major milestone in global public health! In fact, Africa hasn’t seen a new case since August 11, 2014. When Nigeria and the entire African region go three years without a case of polio, World Health Organization will certify them as polio-free! But the good news didn't stop in July. Only 2 months ago, we made polio history with the eradication of the Type 2 strain, and Rotarians in District 7930 can count themselves as part of this achievement. In the past three years alone, members of this district raised a historic $291,960 to this global initiative, and we're not done! This monumental success has happened through a lot of effort and education. I hope you find this special polio edition of the e-newsletter informative and inspiring. Please consider registering today and meet me for the biggest beach party of the winter!
The Burlington Rotary Club participates annually in a Thanksgiving meal food distribution to over 150 needy Burlington families. The program is held at the Burlington UCC Church and combines services by the Burlington Food Pantry, UCC Church staff and Burlington Rotary Club members and families. The 15 pound frozen turkeys for this year's program were provided by the Boston Food Bank where club members picked them up, stored them in a freezer courtesy of Shaws market, and then brought them to the church for this Sunday event.
Congratulations to our very own Past District Governor John Hall who heads up the 
The Rotary Club of Wakefield recently welcomed Lieutenant Colonel Bob Driscoll of the Air National Guard at its lunch meeting. The 30-year military veteran leads the local area's emergency response which includes the medical unit of MEMA Region 1. His team is included among a larger unit charged with responding to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive events. Each year, his almost 50-member team serves at the Boston Marathon with roving response experts in an area that covers Hopkington to Brookline. His team can also be activated for natural events such as responding to roof collapses in a snow storm and serve as search and evacuation specialists. Although stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, his $1.2 million in equipment is securely stored at Camp Curtis Guild in Reading in order to, "be able to quickly respond to an event in the Greater Boston area in six hours or less."
On November 10th, the Gloucester Rotary Club under the direction of President Carole Lynn Sharoff hosted an evening meeting in honor of the Rotary Club Members who are Veterans. The celebration was held jointly with the annual Past President’s Dinner where as many as 35 past presidents may attend to share fellowship and offer advice and counsel to club President. The evening featured a speech by Gloucester Veteran’s Agent Adam Curcuru and a presentation from local photographer Jason Grow who spoke of the exhibit he is showcasing at Gloucester’s City Hall. The exhibit includes photos of more than 60 Veterans from the communities that comprise Cape Ann, namely Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester. The photographs shown via a slide presentation included Army Air Corp Sgt Robert McKechnie father of Gloucester past President David McKechnie and Mike Linquata a recipient of four bronze medals, and two purple hearts.
Ipswich Rotary is supporting the Ipswich YMCA expansion with a donation of $25,000. The Ipswich Family Y serves residents of Ipswich and Rowley, towns also served by Ipswich Rotary, plus Essex, Hamilton and Wenham.
Last Sunday, under a beautiful blue autumn sky and in the presence of the color guard from the U.S.S. Constitution - 
All proceeds from this race will support the Marblehead Rotary Club’s scholarship program and will provide a funds to support a son or daughter of a veteran or a student entering a military academy.
The Burlington Pride Special Olympics softball team has been sponsored and coached by members of the Burlington Rotary Club for many years. Our club organized and held an awards banquet at the Burlington Recreation Department on November 10th with most of the players attending.
Reading Rotary Fall Auction will be held on Nov. 20 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Hillview Country Club in North Reading. This is the 16th Annual and is Reading Rotary's largest fundraiser each year. The fun filled event will feature Live and Silent Auctions, Lucky Gifts and other prizes. For information or tickets visit: 
Dear Rotarians and Friends,
Our Rotary Clubs are jumping at the chance to plunge with in our biggest winter beach party ever! This year is sure to be the biggest yet! Register your plungers and virtual plungers early by following these easy steps:
On Saturday, December 12, the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor will present its annual Holiday Pops concert in the festive atmosphere of historic Abbot Hall. Tickets to the club's largest fundraiser go on sale November 12, and tickets sell out quickly, so reserve your table or balcony seat soon. Maestro Dirk Hillyer and the Hillyer Festival Orchestra will once again present beloved Christmas and Chanukkah songs—along with a special surprise theme this year. See you at the concert!
On October 29 the Rockport Rotary Club donated two MakerBot 3-D printers, purchased with a District 7930 local matching grant, to the Rockport Middle/High Schools. The Rockport school system matched the gift with two additional printers for a total of four. The students printed a sign to identify the newly designated “Rockport Rotary 3-D Printer Lab”.
The District 7930 Rotaplast team recently returned from their sponsored Rotaplast medical mission to the Philippines. Club financial support allowed for 122 surgical procedures to be performed on patients in Cebu City, on a south central island in the Philippines. Medical treatments focused on surgically repairing cleft lips, cleft palates and dental work for patients aging three months to 35 years. Medical Director Evelyn Abad explained, "Often children and adults with these deformities are shunned by their community. We give them a second chance to smile."
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Update
The artistic juices were flowing at the Stoneham Middle School on Wednesday, October 21 for the Rotary Club of Stoneham’s first Poster Day for Drug Awareness. Over 60 students, mainly from the middle school but also some younger and older drop-ins, attended and created posters using art supplies provided by the Rotary Club. The posters represented the students’ expression of the theme of this year’s Red Ribbon Week for drug awareness, “Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free!” After their posters were made, the starving artists were treated to pizza by the Rotary Club. The event was supported by a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation.
As Veteran’s Day approaches Rotary Clubs across District 7930 may be seeking ways to show their support for those brave men and women who have served our country in the past as well as those who serve in the Armed Forces today. The Gloucester Rotary Club is taking the opportunity to recognize the men and women of the Armed Services past and present at their special evening meeting on Tuesday November 10, 2015 at Cruiesport the weekly meeting place.
Many clubs get inquiries about the Rotary Foundation and the role it plays when supporting a club. When your club members use their elevator speeches to talk about the club, do they include mention of the Foundation? Here are just a few tips to help your members talk about the good work the Foundation supports:
Join Rotary and UNICEF for a Livestream event at 6:30 EDT, October 23.
Bring the family to the 2nd Annual Winchester Chili Fest presented by Rotary Club of Winchester on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Winchester Town Hall Auditorium from 4 pm to 8 pm. Come taste and vote for the best chili in Winchester as area restaurants and professional chefs compete. A panel of celebrity judges, including our own District Governor Dave Manzi, will judge the amateur contest. Does a member in your Rotary club have fabulous chili recipe to enter? Enter the amateur contest and you could win $500 for the charity of your choice.
The Wilmington Rotary Club's Annual Auction and Raffle will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the K of C Hall behind St Thomas's Church on Middlesex Avenue Wilmington, MA 01887.
Come and see how the Malden Rotary Club honors its Public Service Professionals. Malden Rotary will be hosting is 6th Annual Service Above Self Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Anthon’s of Malden. Program begins at 5:30pm.
The recently integrated club of Belle Isle, which resulted from a merger in July of the Rotary Clubs of East Boston-Revere and Winthrop has wasted no time to integrate their past traditions into the new club!
Another tradition is marching in the Revere Columbus Day parade! We picked up where we left off along with our community service vehicle and marched in the Revere Columbus Day Parade -- as for one day we were all Italian!
We have had a great time visiting clubs! To meet new Rotarians, new friends and to hear about all of the exciting things clubs have planned for events is really special. 
The Burlington Rotary Club is hosting an Adult Halloween & Costume Party on Friday, October 23, 2015 from 7pm – 11pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Road in Burlington. There will be a DJ, appetizers, cash bar and prizes for Best Costumes. The cost is $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by contacting Lisa Healey at lhealey@paychex.com. Annual $10k fundraiser raffle drawing will take place at the event.
Our District Rotaplast team has been busy getting ready to change the lives of children and adults in Cebu City in the Philippines.
Become a part of the second Don Humphreys Veterans Memorial 5K , Sunday November 8th at noon.
A wonderful group of Rotarians and friends have embarked on a journey that will not only change the lives of many children in the Philippines but will impact each of them in ways that one can only imagine. After more than 29 hours of travel with 3 layovers already under their belt, the team made up of Lisa Collin, David Boudreau, Amy Luckiewicz, Sue Luckiewicz, Bob Wood, Alan Michel, Bob Arsenault and Barbara Meehan Hofelichhas arrived in Cebu City.
During the week of September 21-28, Rotarians from around Zones 24 and 32 convened for a great week of training and inspirational stories about Rotary Doing Good in the World. Julia Phelps, RI Director and Past District Governor from District 7930, along with her team led by Liz Cullen, created a program that was nothing short of fabulous. The Zone theme was Get Fired Up for Rotary! The sessions and the dialog stirred the spirits of everyone and the Water Fire sculpture was the culmination of the week along the rivers that flow through Providence.
On Friday, we were delighted to welcome our Future Leaders, Bob Wood, Joan Arsenault and Andy Maddox. They were treated to conversations about the broader Rotary world and were able to share what Rotary is for their counterparts from our combined zones. 
Earlier this month, Salem President Mark Leavitt, Past District Governor John Hall, District Governor David Manzi and Assistant Governor Amy Luckiewicz were all welcomed to the Phoenix School for it's EarlyAct installation of officers. The guests were educated about the club's long history of service and learned that the Phoenix School EarlyAct is the oldest EarlyAct in the district. President Mark was invited to announce the elected officers and each student was asked to give a consolation speech. District Governor Dave noted, "It was awesome to hear those speeches. The kids were so supportive of one another and it was obvious that their teachers are preparing them to be leaders." Also on hand was EarlyAct Club Adviser and Salem Rotarian Betsye Sargent, Leslie Levesque and Barbara McFall. Immediately following the installation, the club held its first meeting with every student in the school in attendance.
North Reading Rotary officially dedicated the new community patio at the Peabody Court senior housing last Thursday. North Reading Rotary President Eric Evans and Past President Michael Scannell were on hand to welcome over 25 people to the dedication including Rotary District representatives, North Reading Rotarians, Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto, representatives from the Housing Authority and many residents of Peabody Court. Funded by a District Managed Grant, the project came to the attention of North Reading Rotary a year ago when the club sought to produce a project that could be enjoyed by the local seniors. Additional materials and labor were donated by the North Reading DPW, Bill Cotter Masonry, Reading Lumber, and the local Stop & Shopdonated a grill and patio furniture. The new patio provides residents with a place to meet and gather when family and friends visit. Previously, residents had to host gatherings in their small living units. The dedication event included a cookout for attendees and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
This past Thursday evening, we had a very engaging and productive membership forum. Rotarians came together from 37 out of the 47 clubs in district 7930!
Boston Rotaract will host its 2015 Autumn Gala in support of ArtLifting, a social enterprise that dedicates itself to the empowerment of homeless and disabled individuals through the sale of their artwork. They act as a bridge, connecting artists with millions of potential customers and providing the opportunity to earn an income in this way.
POLIO UPDATE
WORLD POLIO DAY - OCTOBER 24, 2015
Return to the 1960’s for an evening of period fun for a good cause. All proceeds from this celebration will benefit the community services of Ipswich Rotary and the Rotary Satellite Club of Ipswich. Our clubs serve Ipswich and Rowley..jpg)
On September 4, Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor Rotarians Heidi Whear, Joan McCormack and Margo W. R. Steiner flew to Kathmandu, Nepal, to assist in earthquake recovery work under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity International. Rotarian Steiner, a longtime Habitat team leader, led a group of 14 from across the United States to the 400-person village of Pipaltar, where 89 of the village's 95 homes were destroyed and the rest needed to be torn down. Over the course of six days, the Rotarians and their teammates passed 400,000 pounds of rocks and boulders up a steep hill, where they were put in wire mesh gabions (also made by the team) to create a road that will let heavier equipment in to the village.
During their time in Nepal, the three attended meetings of the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel and the Rotary Club of Dillibazar in Kathmandu, where they learned of the many service projects being undertaken by their Rotarian counterparts and exchanged club flags.
Fall is upon us. Football is back, beautiful warm days and cool nights, foliage season as well as my favorite fall pastime- apple picking with my kids! This year, I look forward to bringing Gemma, my 8-month old granddaughter.
Last Thursday Alex Falk, Rotary Club Youth Exchange Officer, introduced incoming youth exchange student Wienona Setiawan to the Marblehead Rotary Club’s membership during its weekly Thursday luncheon. Setiawan will be a student at Marblehead High School for the 2015-1016 academic year. Setiawan thanked the membership for sponsoring her visit and exchanged Rotary Club flags from her home Rotary Club in Bandung, Indonesia to Zach Newell, Marblehead Rotary Club President.
Later in the luncheon Professor Pedro Mir, Rotarian and Faculty in the Department of Economics Universidad de Navarra, Spain and visiting professor at Boston College in marketing and communication, delivered a talk about using marketing techniques to enhancing the effectiveness of various Rotary Club programs. At the conclusion of Mir’s remarks, he delivered a Rotary Club flag from his home base club in Menorca, Spain to Zach Newell, Marblehead Rotary Club President.
Vanessa Silveira was honored at the dinner as Rotarian of the Year. Mel Babner was honored with a Light Up Rotary Plaque for all of his efforts on behalf of Rotary..jpg)
Rotary Fellowships are groups of Rotary members who
Hamilton-Wenham Rotary continued its support of the town's Council on Aging with a contribution this summer allowing the Council to purchase a new treadmill for their facility. 
Your District Public Image Committee is proud to announce its first Public Image Mini Grant! The purpose of the grant is to improve the visibility of your club and its public image. This is a matching grant of up to $250 and applications are due by November 1, 2015. Details of the grant and the easy 1-page application are attached. Please direct any questions to Amy at 
On Saturday, August 29th, the Wilmington Rotary Club hosted a Community Ice Bucket Challenge. As August has been designated National Ice Bucket Challenge Month, the club opened "the Challenge" to all residents. On a beautiful bright sunny Saturday morning almost 200 people came to Rotary Park to donate to ALS ongoing research and douse themselves with buckets of ice cold water. Among the participants were members of a local dance studio, groups honoring Wilmington residents who had ALS, the entire Billerica High School Varsity Soccer team and members of the Wilmington Rotary Club.
If you are looking for the inside tips and tricks to make ClubRunner the powerful tool it can be, consider joining their team on an upcoming webinar that will help you be a pro! Click on the link for more information or for the entire upcoming schedule.
This week, Marblehead Rotary Club unveiled its newly planted islands at the corner of Maple Street and Lafayette. The club membership will like to thank Sue Wigglesworth for providing the landscape design and Rob Carr, Superior Landscaping, for all the planting and heavy lifting. Marblehead Rotary is pleased to be able to add more beauty to our community.
What?
In an effort to streamline the number of communications that members receive via email, the Communications and Technology Committee and the Public Image Committee have developed a new communications policy that will set standards on how all district-wide messages will be delivered. This includes stories on the website, eBulletins, press releases, social media posts and emails. 
The Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club is raffling your choice of a 2016 Honda Accord Sport or up to $20,000 in cash! To raise money for our various charities, sponsorships, and general helping-hands, the club is selling ONLY 300 tickets at $100.00 apiece. You can buy the ticket yourself or chip in with friends and split the winnings accordingly. Please see all the details on our 
Rotary District 7930 is now on Twitter! Give us a shout out using @rotary7930 and help us trend using #rotary7930!
On a perfect summer afternoon and on the vast green summer lawn running down towards the ocean edge, the Salem Club sponsored a successful event at the Plummers Home for boys. The event was for the children involved with the DCF. the Dept of children & families. The children in attendance are kids in foster homes. The foster boys and girls as well as the host families and any additional extended family members were invited. We had nearly 100 people attend the event.
Dr. Michael Cognata was inducted into the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor at a recent breakfast meeting. He and his wife, Dr. Corine Barone, who belongs to the Marblehead Rotary Club, have been Marblehead residents for more than 30 years. Together they maintain a practice of pediatric dentistry and orthodontics at Oliver’s Pond on Humphrey St. He has been a member of Glovers Marblehead Regiment for 25 years. From left are club president Connie Paullis, Dr. Cognata, membership chair Karyn Lang, and Secretary Lee Weed. 
August is designated “Ice Bucket Challenge Month” until a cure for A.L.S. is found. Last year’s enormous success was terrific, but further monies are needed for continuing the research into curing this hideous disease. Towards that end, the Wilmington Rotary Club will be holding a Community wide Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 29 at 10:00 am. The Challenge will be held, rain or shine, at Rotary Park and everyone is welcome to come and join with Rotarians with this Challenge.
At a recent Club meeting, Megan Donovan 
Join 
As Rotarians we give up a lot of personal time to provide service to others. Often times, this takes away from us spending time with family and friends. However, I was lucky enough to meet at the Haverhill Rotary Club on the 13th. I had a chance to visit with my Taylor and her baby, my beautiful granddaughter, Gemma as they live less than a mile from the Haverhill Country Club. President Michel Van Ravestyn led that meeting with news about their biggest fundraiser - Rubber Duck Regatta! It's a signature annual fundraiser that enables the Rotary Club of Haverhill to help over 40 organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Council on Aging, the Haverhill Historical Society, Public Library, the Salvation Army and the YMCA. If you want to participate, please visit Haverhillrotary.org. This Club is the second oldest Rotary Club in our district!
Members from the Winchester Rotary Club have enjoyed participating in two different service initiatives this month to focus on the goal of helping youth in need. Partnering with the Winchester Got Lunch (WGL) program, Rotary members helped transport cases of food supplied by Whole Foods Markets to WGL's storage pantry. More members helped unload, restock the pantry, and prepare the items to be organized into distribution bags for delivery to local families. The mission of Winchester Got Lunch is to provide healthy lunches during the summer to Winchester students who rely on subsidized lunches during the school year. Winchester Got Lunch is a collaborative effort of Winchester faith-based organizations, schools, civic organizations, and businesses. Thanks to Winchester Rotarians Caren Connelly, Brian LaPointe, Laurie Russell, Tom Sevigny, and Steve Mix for helping to make this project successful. Another team of Rotarians will be helping WGL later in the month as well.
Winchester Rotarians also reached out to help Youth Villages stuff backpacks filled with back to school supplies. Youth Villages Massachusetts headquarters is based in Woburn and has various residential treatment programs that serve boys and girls with serious to severe emotional and behavioral problems combined with other needs. One of their residential facilities is the Germaine Lawrence School in Arlington. Winchester Rotary has had an affiliation with Germaine Lawrence for many years, thanks to the efforts of Past President Sydelle Pittas who established the connection during her presidential year. Rotarian Caren Connelly chairs Winchester's service efforts with Germaine Lawrence and helped organized club members Donna Denio, Paul Gleason, Mary Lou Hardy, Judy Katz, Laurie Russell, and Marnee Walsh to help with this service project. The club also provided Rotary imprinted "Service Above Self" pencils to include with the back to school supplies in every pack. Winchester Rotary will be participating in a variety of different service projects throughout the Rotary year to help support Germaine Lawrence through the Youth Villages organization.
August is designated “Ice Bucket Challenge Month” until a cure for A.L.S. is found. Last year’s enormous success was terrific, but further monies are needed for continuing the research into curing this hideous disease. Towards that end, the Wilmington Rotary Club will be holding a Community wide Ice Bucket Challenge on Saturday, August 29 at 10:00 AM. The Challenge will be held, rain or shine, at Rotary Park and everyone is welcome to come and join with Rotarians with this Challenge.
On Wednesday, July 22, we enjoyed a beautiful summer morning at Manchester-Essex Rotary. When you think of a picturesque New England bay with rustic buildings and boats floating motionless on the water in summer’s early morning light – well, I suggest you do a make-up at Manchester-Essex Rotary! President Bridget Murray made us feel welcome and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast that included Eggs Benedict and fresh fruit. We could have spent hours sharing ideas during our exciting engaging Q & A session with these fine Rotarians!
Rockport Rotary's 19th Annual Lobsterfest will be held on Saturday, August 8, from 3 to 7pm, rain or shine, at the American Legion Hall Bandstand on scenic Back Beach in Rockport, MA. Enjoy a complete meal of hot boiled lobster, corn-on-the-cob, clam chowder, roll and butter, watermelon and a soft drink in this festive and picturesque setting. A cash menu of hot dogs, burgers, chips, beer and wine is also available. Each year close to 700 people enjoy this event, and this year we'll feature live bluegrass by "Stillhouse Down."
The conflicts were a half a world away but not far from the minds of Israeli and Palestinian youths from a region near Nazareth who visited Marblehead recently as guests of the town’s three Rotary clubs. The teens are taking part in a 16-day tour of the Northeast as part of the Friends Forever program, which is supported by Rotary International. 
Since their inception, Rotary International (1905) and the Boy Scouts of America (1910) have been partners in serving young people. The principles and goals of both organizations are closely allied. Character-building; service to country, to others, and to self; teaching leadership skills; and becoming aware of the world around us - these are all incorporated into the programs and activities of each organization.
District 7930 is looking to expand our relationship with Scouting: the youth, the leadership and the families involved with Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing. We believe that the connection within our district is strong as can be evidenced by the support Rotarians like yourself provide in one or more ways throughout the year. Whether you were a Scout as a youth, have a child or grandchild enrolled in a program currently, serve as an adult leader or support their service projects in your community, Rotary is there, often behind the scenes. If you are one of these individuals and would like to be part of a new initiative to further develop options for shared mission and service, please send an email to Dave Gardner by clicking 
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I also want to thank President Mike Burns for asking me to introduce two members of the great Wilmington Rotary this past Wednesday. I quickly agreed, figuring it would be two NEW members and say a few words. Well, I was extremely honored to introduce two not-so-new members that are celebrating 63 and 64 years of perfect attendance! Congrats to Ray Fi
Please visit Camp 
Rotaplast International is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1992 which provides free reconstructive surgeries and treatments to underprivileged children with cleft lip and palate deformities and, in some locations, burn treatments and other birth defects that can be corrected with plastic surgery.
The Marblehead Rotary Club's Annual "Lobsta Raffle" ticket sale is underway!
This summer, the Chelsea Rotary Club is sponsoring 20 lucky Chelsea students between ages 7 and 15 to an all expense paid week of overnight camp at Camp Rotary in Boxford, MA. Since 1998, the Chelsea Rotary Club has sponsored over 250 children at the overnight camp with the help of many generous community partners. The camp, run by the Lynn Rotary Club, provides all types of positive recreational and other activities for children from different communities. Chelsea children are selected through an essay contest open to all Chelsea children between the ages of 7 and 15. 
Come join us on Saturday, September 19, 2015. beginning at 6:30pm at Melrose Memorial Hall. Tickets are $45 PP. Each ticket includes $500.00 in gambling chips that can be used at any of the professional gaming tables, run by professional dealers. Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, all the usual venues. We promise you there will be all kinds of food, drinks, dancing, music, a top notch DJ spinning all the hits, raffle prizes, talented models selling chip re-buy's, and spectacular prizes for the winners with the most chips at the end of the night.
Over 350 Rotarians, friends and family packed the Danversport Yacht Club on June 29th for the Installation Celebration. Right from the beginning, the evening had a great buzz with lots of fellowship and activity. Attendees were encouraged to stop by the Veteran's Support table and help write over 100 thank you notes to active duty military. Rotaplast Chairs Lisa Collin and David Boudreau also hosted an active presentation on the mission to the Philippines scheduled for this October. Clubs members were invited to become a "gift" and take a photo inside a life-sized Rotary themed gift box. Each club was presented a copy of the classic Make Way for Ducklings, a gift from the district for clubs to "gift forward" to a local child care, library, shelter, or early learning center. Roaming storytellers, led by Rotarian Bruce Whear entertained the crowd while attendees chatted about service projects.
Among the biggest surprises was a stirring rendition of our National Anthem performed by Bruins legend Rene Rancourt. District Governor Dave commented, "We wanted him to be a surprise. It was tough to not let that one slip early!" After his performance, Rancourt posed for photos with the incoming Presidents and allowed guests to wear his $16k Stanley Cup Championship ring.
After a New England buffet dinner, District Governor David greeted the audience with some insights on his plans for committees this year including the Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, support for veterans, Rotary Foundation, member retention, public image and more. He also thanked his friends and family for their support of his involvement in Rotary and reminded us that the, "need for service in our communities is constant." DG Dave followed his presentation by welcoming the new District leaders including District Governor-nominee David Gardner and over a dozen Assistant Governors. Unfortunately, DGE Sheryl Meehan was unable to be there as she was under the weather. We know that she will be at 100% soon and will officially installed at an upcoming Cabinet meeting!
Clearly the highlight of the event was the installation of Club Presidents. "It was a joy for me to administer the oath to the incoming club leaders. They're the foundation of Rotary and their leadership is critical this year," noted DG Dave. With each President's name, the crowd erupted in applause, shouts of support and a virtual paparazzi of photographs. One President noted, "The support was tangible. I haven't been to a District Installation quite like this!"
Will you accept the challenge?
The Rotary Club of Gloucester MA will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, August 15, 2015, 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 15-16, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days.
The members of the Winchester Rotary Club honored their Past Presidents last week as 25 of them returned for special recognition and local Pass The Gavel ceremonies organized by President Elect Laurie Russell and Past President Jack Kean.
Communications, whether email, text, social media or verbal has evolved to be almost immediate and therefore the way in which the district disseminates news and promotion of events must as well. Starting on July 1, the monthly district newsletter will be replaced by weekly eBulletins just like the ones that you have been receiving in the weeks between newsletter publications. This will allow for more immediate delivery of information on a weekly basis.
On June 18, 2015 The Rotary Club of West Roxbury and Roslindale, celebrated excellence in community service with a gala to highlight the values of Paul Harris and two local patriarchs. Local business leaders and humanitarians Martin Bligh of the Corrib Pub and the Corrib Foundation and Richard Gormley of Gormley Funeral Home were thanked by bestowing a Paul Harris public service acknowledgment. The dinner was held at the Elks Lodge at 1 Morrell Street this past Thursday evening.
On June 12th we inducted Mary Hoag-Wilkes as our 38th club member. Mary is a retired teacher who recently moved back to the Salem area.
Like many organizations Rotary uses acronyms. Rotary is not unique in using acronyms. It is common in all organizations, big and small. A sports report on the news would take twice as long without the use of acronyms.
The Rotary District 7930 has named Shannon Manuel of Andover as the recipient of the 2015 Service Above Self Award, a $10k scholarship to help her pursue higher education. Committee Chair Amy Luckiewicz explained, “We had 17 applicants for this award this year. As President of Andover High School’s Interact Club, Shannon led her classmates in a variety of service projects this year. Her application was compelling but her spirit of volunteerism was tangible when we met her. We congratulate Shannon’s family for instilling such a spirit of giving at a young age.”
While I was at the Rotary International Convention in Sao Paulo, Brazil, I extended my visit and traveled north to Bel Horizonte, Minas Gerais, to have a reunion with our 2008-2009 GSE Team. Three of them are still in touch, but Rita unfortunately couldn't get time off to come the extra 200k+ down to meet us. Marcello's car broke down the morning of our meeting, but I talked with him by phone, and he is planning a trip to see us in July 2016, bringing along his "hot wife" Ana Paula, and his 4 year old son, Pedro. I was able to meet with Roberto Mendonca, and we exchanged lots of hugs and stories. He has so many good memories of their visit, and asked to be remembered to all who know him!
The presidents of four (4) Rotary clubs have been on the road to their colleagues’ meetings to share experiences, ideas, events, and general good spirits!
Imagine going to school with no books! There are no story books in your home. And no school books in your backpack. When you get to school, the books aren’t there either. You have to find a buddy who has a textbook. Then you and two or three of your friends can share the book together..png)
There are already 220 Rotarians and friends, and over twenty clubs registered for the District Installation Dinner. With only seven days until the big day for the incoming presidents, their leadership teams and those who will serve the district, now is the time to register. Dave Manzi, the incoming Governor, would love to have every president for the 2015-2016 Rotary year attend and be part of a great evening of fun and fellowship. We as members of our individual clubs have an opportunity to show our support for those who have stepped forward to take on these important roles in providing service to our communities. The committee highly encourages clubs to reserve a table early to insure that your members can sit together.
Sixty new 
The Rockport Rotary Club is delighted to welcome Wendy Rose Kotob, Carol Pallazola, Lisa Maddox and Karen Bogosian as new members of the Rockport Rotary Club. Our new members decided to join the Rotary under our new category of membership (The Service Membership) . The purpose of our new membership is to accommodate those who cannot attend meetings during the day but have a passion for service.
On June 6, Ipswich Rotary officially inaugurated the first Rotary Satellite Club in our area, and one of the first in Rotary International worldwide. Members of the new satellite club are members of Ipswich Rotary who will meet separately as an evening club that will focus primarily on community service.
Many of you will remember the 4th grade students who signed to the song 'Truly Brave' during February's World Peace and Understanding Event. Christina and I had a follow up visit to the Marblehead Community Charter Public School this past Friday. Gov. Peter had given us a check for $100 to give the students as a thank you, and we have been trying to find a day that we could deliver it to them in person.
Did you know that only around 10% of Rotarians have ever invited someone to join Rotary? Are you among one who has not ever invited anyone? Do you feel uncomfortable asking? Why? 
I would like to take this opportunity to report the success of our District 7930 Conference this year. Our goal this year was to develop a conference program that would increase participation from across the District. I am pleased to report that over 315 Rotarians and guests participated in at least one event over the weekend of May 1 to May 3. The opening Luncheon attracted 230 Rotarians. Our RI President's representative, RI Director Nominee Joseph Mulkerrin, presented a motivational speech of what we do as Rotarians and how our clubs help to make our world a better place. The afternoon programs included a presentation from the Rotary Alumni Association, Rotary Clubs doing Good in the World and a highly competitive round of Rotary Jeopardy. The Friday evening event was held in Boston at the Downtown Harvard Club. Those who attended enjoyed an evening of good fellowship with a wonderful view. Saturday was dedicated to our Youth Programs which included discussions of several of our programs and several interactive programs developed by our RYLA alumni. I would like to report on one interactive program where Bob Dumais, President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton Wenham and Diane Simonsen defeated DGE Dave Manzi and AG Steve McKenzie in a giant Jenga game. The shorter team won. Saturday night was held at Sea Glass in Salisbury. The venue had a spectacular view of the coast, food was great and the message from our RI President's Rep was thoughtful and well presented. In addition, over the weekend our Silent Auction, Foundation Balloons and live auction raised close to $14,000 for the Rotary Foundation. The conference closed with an interfaith service and necrology led by Reverend Dean Petersen and Laura Allain which was an inspirational tribute to the Rotarians who had passed. RI Director Julia Phelps presented an uplifting and inspirational talk on the successes of District 7930 to close the Conference.
There was a special presentation honoring Keith and Christina Harris for their support of The Rotary Foundation. Trustee Bryn Styles and Julia Phelps presented them with their certificate, pins and crystal that serve to remind them of the gratitude of all who are served by their generosity.
The stellar keynote was provided by Bryn and his comments were focused on membership, grants and Polio eradication. He us that when new members are asked why they joined Rotary, the number one reason is to do community service and a close second is for networking and fellowship. Later in their Rotary life, when the same questions is asked the reasons, although not changed, are much closer in percentages. Which means that fellowship becomes increasingly more important in retaining and engaging members and service opportunities continue to be critical to the health of a club. Through grants from The Rotary Foundation, especially with the new grants model derived from Future Vision, clubs are able to fund projects that are more sustainable, especially when they meet the needs of the community.
This year's District Installation Celebration isn't your ordinary dinner! Join us on Monday, June 29, 2015 at the Danversport Yacht Club as we install our 2015-16 Club Presidents, Governor, Officers and Assistant Governors! We encourage you to reserve a table for your club, invite your friends and family for this fun evening starting at at 5:30pm with fun, fellowship, cash bar and some surprises. The buffet dinner and program begin at 7:00pm. Yacht Club casual attire encouraged.
Dust off your instruments, shine your dancing shoes, and get ready to sing your favorite tune, because the Rotary Club of Stoneham is hosting the seventh annual talent competition Stoneham Star and invites you to showcase your special act! Singers, dancers, jugglers, musicians, and anyone with an interesting talent are invited to audition to become the 2015 Stoneham Star. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in the competition; first place also receives the distinction of “Stoneham Star.".jpg)
"However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there's life, there is hope."
Does your club plan to apply for a District or Global Grant in 2015-2016 Rotary year? Are you hoping to host a Global Scholar or submit a name for a Service Above Self Scholarship? If so, then ALL PRESIDENTS-ELECT MUST ATTEND A QUALIFICATION SEMINAR or send a proxy, per Rotary International and District Governor-Elect David, in order for your club to be qualified. Our District 7930 also suggests that 1 other member of the club also attends.
Go to rotary.org and click on MyRotary in the top banner. Then click on Manage in the white ribbon, then select Logos in the blue box under Brand Center. You will need to either create a user login or if you have already done so, login to the portal. Once you have reached this point you will be able to access all of the Rotary logos including The Rotary Foundation, Youth Programs and also the tool to create your clubs logo. Please click on the button Club Logo Template which will bring you to the tool. You have several choices on formatting but the primary one will be presented initially. If the name of your club would be awkward, you can choose one of the other options. You can save it as a pdf or as a jpg or both.
Saturday kicked off with a Grants Qualification Seminar for both Assembly/Conference attendees and Rotarians who came just to learn about all of the possibilities available to clubs and assistance on how to apply for and receive district managed grants and more. The Youth Services Committee created a diverse program covering RYLA, Interact and Youth Exchange. From projects to fund raisers, Interactors demonstrated how they implement service projects, and one club hosted a photo booth and Team RYLA hosted a huge Jenga game. They provided coaching to adult teams in how to communicate and make good decisions while having an amazing experience. The youth, and some brave adults, then headed off to CoCo Keys for some fun in the water park.
At the Rotary District 7930 business meeting held May 1, the club delegates voted unanimously to accept the selection of David Gardner as District Governor 2017 - 2018. Dave has previously served as president of the Rotary Club of Stoneham in 2012-13, as Governor's Aide to Immediate Past District Governor John Hall, and will continue to serve as Assistant Governor of the eClub of New England, Chair of the Communications and Technology Committee and the Co-cordinator of the District Vision Facilitation Team. 
Be on the lookout for a postcard reminder from the United States Postal Service regarding their annual Stamp Out Hunger Letter Carrier Food Drive. This year, Rotary Districts 7910 and 7930, along with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Boyds Direct, the National Association of Letter Carriers and some incredibly generous individuals, 475,000 postcards will be distributed to households in the Greater Eastern Massachusetts area.
The first recipient is Kaitlyn Winegardner. Kaitlyn is a Rhode Island native who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American History from Suffolk University. She has been a member of the Boston Rotaract Club for 8 years where she has served on the board as the International Service Chair and has played an active role in supporting the club’s service and professional events. Through her time with Rotaract she has led numerous fundraising and cultural events for the club, including 3 international exchange programs and an international service project that received the 2014 Rotary International Outstanding Project Award.
The second recipient is Gilda Rodrigues a native of East Boston, MA and graduate of Wheaton College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Pre-Health. Gilda’s vision is to work in developing countries and provide better access to health care, and develop approaches to prevent endemic diseases in vulnerable locales. The Scholarship will give Gilda the chance to study at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine for a Masters in Control of Infectious Diseases. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) Master’s program will prepare her with invaluable multidisciplinary, practical methods in selecting and designing appropriate systems to control diseases. While studying Control of Infectious Disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Gilda plans to extend her knowledge of disease prevention to underserved communities. Gilda’s service project will utilize current LSHTM students and develop preventive education seminars to inform the public, particularly in underserved communities, about HIV/AIDS and prevention measures. 
Then it was time for a combined Luncheon. Whether you came to the Assembly, just for lunch or for the afternoon program for the conference, or a combination of two or more, you were treated to an incredible presentation of a Service Above Self Award. The recipient, who was nominated by both RI Director Julia Phelps and DG Peter, was Ipswich Rotarian Keith Harris. His long journey in Rotary has spanned service to his club, the Ipswich Interact club, The Rotary Foundation, District Youth Services and of course his commitment to raise money for the Foundation through Pedaling for a Purpose. Please extend congratulations to Keith on receiving this tremendous recognition. The we all learned about how Rotary HUGS the world everyday. Maybe not in person but certainly in spirit. This image was brought to life by our Rotary International Representative and Director Nominee Joe Mulkerrin. He created spontaneous hugging from everyone in the room. Incredible way to kickoff the Conference..jpg)
Partnering with another Rotary club on a project or event
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club recently completed another service project to thank local heroes. During a preparation meeting for the theme, the students identified plow crews as local heroes. EarlyAct Advisor Amy Luckiewicz explained, “The meeting was right after our fifth or sixth snow storm. The kids started talking about how hard this winter was and they all agreed that the local DPW and plow crews deserved a thank you for helping them get to school safely.” The students created a list of supplies the crews could use and hand-packed over 20 “care packages” to gift to the workers. The packages included candy, lip balm, tissues, and more. After packaging the gifts, the students left them in the offices of the DPW as a surprise with a note explaining the gifts. “The kids loved the surprise element,” Amy noted. “They knew it wasn’t expected and we had a great talk about going good things randomly in the community.” At the following meeting, the students, in turn, had a surprise for them. The DPW and plow workers had written a note of thanks to the students in return. “When I read the note aloud, every one of the students was smiling. They knew they had done something small to show appreciation.”
District Governor Peter Simonsen is congratulating the following clubs for net membership gains this Rotary year as of March 30, 2015: Marblehead (10); Greater Salem (6); Wilmington (6); Peabody (4) and Wakefield (4.) Other clubs with net membership gains are: Beverly; East Boston-Revere; Gloucester; Hamilton-Wenham, Saugus, Topsfield-Boxford-Middleton, West Roxbury, Andover, Burlington Breakfast, Haverhill, Ipswich, Marblehead Harbor, Reading, Salem, and Winchester. Congratulations to all the members who ASKED, INVITED, INDUCTED and ENGAGED friends, co-workers and associates in their communities.
This year's District Assembly and Conference are back to back on the same day and everything happening is within the boundaries of District 7930. We're traveling from Danvers to Boston to Danvers to Salisbury, something for everyone. If you want to attend the entire weekend, 
As we enter the final stretch leading up to the Polar Plunge on April 11th, the Polar Plunge Committee would like to recognize some of our District's major achievements:
Alzheimer’s affects more than five million people in the United States. Now there is new hope to stop this withering disease.
The Rotary Club of Winchester is pleased to announce its 27th annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 18, 2015. The tournament will again be held at the Winchester Country Club, a Donald Ross designed, prestigious, private course. The tournament benefits the Winchester Rotary Charitable Foundation, Inc. a registered 501(c)(3) organization which supports numerous local charitable organizations as well as the national and international works of Rotary International.
District Assembly this year will be held just prior to the District Conference on May 1, 2015. It will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Danvers, MA, 50 Ferncroft Road. Registration and Continental Breakfast open at 7:30 AM. Details are below!
The Rotary Club of Stoneham is pleased to announce that the charter has been sent to Rotary International establishing an Interact Club at Stoneham High School. There are 34 charter members and the club has already met three times, elected their leadership team, two additional board members and five committee chairs. At the most recent meeting they discussed their thoughts about their first service project that they hope to plan and complete before the end of this school year. In line with DGE David Manzi's new Homelessness and Hunger Initiative, they are considering collecting food or organizing an End Hunger New England program. Either way, they are very excited to deliver service locally and begin to plan their inaugural celebration.
It is always an inspirational time for Rotarians to meet at the annual President Elect Training Seminar (PETS). This year president-elects, and assistant governors from eight Districts from all six New England States and parts of Canada embarked to Framingham, MA for three days of training, inspiration and fellowship. We were fortunate to hear from Rotary International President-Elect K.R. "Ravi" Ravindran on his 2015-16 Theme "Be a Gift to the World", RI Trustee Mike McGovern and District 7930's own RI Director, Julia Phelps! Each gave powerful speeches that motivated and inspired all of us. Our PE's also heard from many other great speakers and had top-notch training sessions. Many of which were facilitated by D7930 Rotarians. Our Leaders were chosen to help facilitate and train over 500 Rotarians!
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Charles Milner into its group. Milner was inducted into the club on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at its weekly meeting held at the it winter hide-away, The Landing Restaurant. Rotarian and Sargent-at-Arms Tom McNulty and Marblehead Rotary Club President Tanya DeGenova presided over the induction ceremony.
On Saturday, May 9th, 2015, Rotary Club of Boston #7 invites Greater Boston to join them at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter in South Boston for an evening of food, music and fun as we celebrate and award the 2015 Humanitarian of the Year. This event is expected to be a key fundraiser for Boston #7, and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will be awarded to the charity with which the Humanitarian of the Year award winner is affiliated.
Pictured at right is the newest membership flyer that the district has created to assist clubs with providing content for potential members. This will be available as a pdf for you to use, in a printed version as is or customized to your club's specifications. The standard flyer focuses on the external theme: "Join Leaders, Exchange Ideas, Take Action". This tagline should be used on all externally facing media, including your website, signs and banners and in promotional material focused on the public. The QR code that is included will bring the prospective member to the district club listing page where they can click on any club link to go to their website or retrieve contact information. By expanding the possible clubs that someone can join, we can attract a Rotarian and add to our ranks. If you would prefer to have the QR code and any other content be more specific to your club, you can either modify the files that are available or we can do that for you. Keep an eye out for details about this program.
The Rotary Club of Stoneham was excited to present the first in a series of oral health programs to Stoneham High School students on Tuesday, January 20.
It is only 10 days until the plunge and we are more than half way to our goal of $125,000. By the time you receive this email, we should have passed the $65,000 level in recorded donations through Fundraise.com. Typically, during this period we average over $3,000 per day being posted and a huge surge of donations posted to fundraise.com after the event. If you have not yet entered your offline donations, please do so as soon as possible to help boost the reported total to help inspire others to get to our goal before the event.
There are two needs in the Foundation and two ways of giving. The first supports the needs of today, the Annual Programs Fund. This form of giving seeks unrestricted gifts to support the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian, educational and cultural programs each year. Giving $1 per year makes you one of Every Rotarian Every Year. Giving $100 per year makes you a Foundation Sustaining Member. Giving $1,000 per year, or $2.73 per day/$19.11 per week, makes you a member of the Paul Harris Society. This Fund has been in existence since 1957.
The Hill View Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill is very proud of the newly formed EarlyAct Club, affiliated with the Haverhill Rotary Club. In partnership with the Haverhill office of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF), EarlyAct Club students sponsored a holiday mitten tree. It was a wonderful opportunity to help a child in need during the holiday. Students decorated a tree with mittens bearing the name and age of 58 children in Haverhill. Students from K-8 sponsored the 58 children. Toys and gifts were delivered to DCF on December 15th by EarlyAct Club sponsor, Laura Murphy, a middle school teacher. 
We wanted to take a moment to recognize the collective efforts of the Rotary clubs that have put us on track for a record year in the Global Polio Eradication movement. Our campaign to raise awareness and funds is ahead of last year and we are very graciously saying thank you for all of your efforts. Whether it's posting your page on Facebook, emailing a relative for a donation request, or even welcoming a team member to your club to speak about polio, we are moving forward and it's all thanks to individual Rotarians, club leaders, and our collective fellowship..gif)
One of the multi-year dreams of the Rotary Club of Stoneham has been to start an Interact Club at Stoneham High School. That goal is now one step further to being realized. Current President Amy Palmerino began the presentation, framing the evening and providing a little history of Rotary, Interact and what Service Above Self means to those committed to our mission. Dave Gardner, Youth Services Chair, then spoke about the path that has been traveled to get to the informational session and what he envisions in a successful club. There were over 20 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors who were there to find opportunities to provide community service and learn about the opportunities that Rotary's Youth Programs can provide.
District Governor Peter Simonsen, along with the entire District 7930 Leadership Team wishes all Rotarians, their families and friends a Happy and Healthy New Year!
At what has become an annual event the Burlington High School Rotary Interact Club presented veterans from the Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital with over 450 pairs of white athletic socks and also gave them a financial donation along with hand made holiday cards. Three veterans attended who spoke about their experiences at war. One of them was 20 years old during the Vietnam war and had lost 3 limbs. The socks were all contributed by Rotarians and local residents and businesses.
Some of the seeds of this growth were planted several years ago. In the late 1990s, Judy Lonergan, a member of the Everett Rotary and Medford’s Thursday Fortnightly club heard about a man from Canada working in Medford. His family came to visit him for Christmas; and there was a fire in which one of his family members died. Wanting to do something to help this family and others, Lonergan proposed creating a charitable fund to benefit people in the community. “I saw the tree festival in Methuen and thought, ‘We can do that with house tours,’” said Lonergan. That thought sparked the creation of Medford’s Jingle Bell Festival, which first took place in 1999. As a result, the Jingle Bell Festival has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars benefiting Community Family’s Buddy Coholan Memory Loss Center as well as other charities in the Medford community.
Our Polar Plunge is about 8 weeks away and we've seen a great increase in youth who are going to be "freezin' for a reason"! Thus far the Interact Clubs of Hamilton-Wenham and Wakefield have signed up with several others pledging to plunge or serve as virtual plungers! The Gloucester Interact will also be represented as they are volunteering to serve hot beverages and snacks at the event on January 31st. We are still encouraging Interact, Youth Exchange, Rotoract and alumni to register at rotary.fundraise.com along with Rotarians, friends and family! Finally, youth under 18 will require a YOUTH WAIVER (attached)
The preliminary budget for the grant is $78,250 with a projected start date of March 1, 2015. The Cambridge Rotary Club has to raise $42,875 to achieve the project goals. So far, they have raised $16,300. They would like this Global Grant to be a multi-club effort as in the past. Every Rotary Club that supports the grant will receive Paul Harris recognition for their donation. If your club would like more information on this project, please contact Joanne Cohn at joanne.cohn@comcast.net or David Gibbs at dgibbs@cambridgerotary.org. 
n Saturday, Nov. 22, members of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor gathered at the home of service committee chairman Rosaleen Doherty to count, sort and package for distribution the results of the club's 2014 winter coat drive.
As you know, our largest beach party is set to kick off right in the middle of winter! On January 31st over 200 District 7930 Rotarians are participating in the Polar Plunge for Polio. It's also our biggest fundraiser for Rotary's biggest international eradication effort! We're asking each club to register a plunge participant OR a virtual plunger (fundraiser only)! You set your financial goals and we will help supply you with strategies and graphics to help your club reach them!
Join the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor in celebrating the holidays at their 17th annual Holiday Pops Concert. Amid a festive air of song and music (including Christmas and Hanukkah classics), pastries and champagne and conversations with neighbors and friends, you’ll get right in the spirit of the holidays!
The Marblehead Rotary Club is pleased to welcome Benjamin Day and Michele Martin into its organization. The two members were inducted into the club on Thursday, October 30th at its weekly meeting held at the Boston Yacht Club. Rotarian and Sargent-at-Arms Tom McNulty and Marblehead Rotary Club President, Tanya DeGenova presided over the induction ceremony with District Governor, Peter E. Simonsen adding supportive and encouraging remarks.
The North Reading Club welcomed special guests, Valentine (Val) Callahan the District Governor of D7910, to visit and speak and D7930 District Governor (Peter Simonsen) District Governor Elect (David Manzi), District Governor Nominee (Sheryl Meehan) and Past President of the Wakefield Club (Amy Luckiewicz).
Join the District Polio Team for a Viewing Party on Wednesday, October 29th at 6:30pm at Webster First Federal Credit Union (509 Main Street, Saugus). Come watch the World Polio Day broadcast and enjoy some complementary refreshments!
The Marblehead Rotary Club was pleased to host Gem Munro, co-founder of the Amarok Society as a guest speaker at its weekly luncheon, this past Thursday, October 23, 2014.
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club completed its first service project of the year this week with a focus on local service. The theme kicked off with a conversation among the 3rd and 5th graders about fostering local change. The kids were given a tour of Town Hall and a lesson on how to propose a change in the community. Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz explained, “The kids were invited to suggest ways on how to make North Reading better. We sat in the Selectmen’s Room and talked about their ideas like better sidewalks for safety. They were really thoughtful about making sure their ideas benefited the most people.” The lesson was concluded with a visit by School Resource Officer Scott Tilton who spoke to the kids about local service. Two weeks later, the students gathered again to decorate cookies as part of their hands-on project to recognize local service. “The kids planned to hand-decorate cookies and deliver them to the police and fire stations,” commented Parent Advisor Leslie Schultz. “They were so excited to decorate, that they finished decorating three dozen cookies in no time!” Once completed, the children walked escorted to the stations and gave the cookies to the on-duty officers along with thank you cards. “It was great that they were able to see the smiles on the officers’ faces and deliver them in person,” Schultz noted.
Change your banner photo monthly or seasonal to show a variety of members in action,supporting a team, or in season‐themed clothes (think Halloween costumes). This will 
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Your Foundation at work
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On Thursday, Sept. 4, Rachel, a Marblehead High School senior who spent last year as an outbound Rotary International Eastern States Student Exchange Program student in Prague, shared her experience abroad and how it changed her life. She said that she immediately embraced Prague but never forgot where she came from.
The Rotary Clubs of Wakefield, Saugus, and Reading teamed up again this year to sponsor a team of teens from Israel and Palestine through the Friends Forever, USA organization. Started by a Danvers Rotarian Robert Raiche, Friends Forever seeks to build long-lasting peace in war-torn countries by providing young people with personal experiences in peace. Based on the life-raft model, 5 Muslim teens and 5 Jewish teens visit the US and complete a service-based program. Their goal: to get to know each other, their differences and common interests, with the aim of gaining a life-long connection. When the teens return home, they will be challenged to keep their lessons learned here, alive in their home communities.
Keith Harris, after 187 miles of pedaling, arrived in Pittsfield, MA on August 10, 2014 at midnight. He rode by the light of the moon, pedaling down old Route 20, heading home. And home he will be on August 16, 2015. He’ll be dipping his wheel in the Atlantic around 1:00 PM, and then pedaling to the Newburyport Brewing Company at 4 New Pasture Road, Newburyport, MA. There will be a reception there from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm, with munchies, a cash bar and cash soft drinks, and District 7930 comradery. There will be a band starting at 5:00 pm for those that would like to hang out following the reception.
Scholarship Golf Tournament – July 28th
There are some new features in the directory which you might find interesting and useful:
The Gloucester Rotary celebrated its 92nd birthday at a special meeting held at the YMCA’s Camp Spindrift on June 17. As part of the celebration, the club honored long time member Howard Frisch for his commitment to Rotary and the community of Gloucester. Specifically, Howard chaired the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast for 25 years, along with co-Chair Charlie Foster. The club presented Howard with a Paul Harris award as a special thank you for his many years of “Service Above Self.”
Tickets are now available to the annual Gloucester Rotary Comedy Night, featuring Jim Lauletta, Stephen Bjork, Abhishek Shah, and Boston’s Dave Rattigan on Thursday, August 28, at Cruiseport Gloucester. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. This event always sells out!!
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14 US Open Golf Trophy Club Tickets
The North Reading Community EarlyAct Club is happy to announce the completion its first project earlier this month. “Being our first project, we wanted the kids to participate in something tangible,” explained Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz. “Everyone on the team quickly decided we should do something for active duty military overseas.” The group of 15 students, grades 3-5 met and hand-made over 25 thank you cards for troops. Kids were encouraged to include messages of hope, thanks, and what life is like here in North Reading. 
Have you recently hosted an event or project or are planning something in the near future that you would like to share with your fellow Rotarians from around District 7930? The new weekly eBulletin will depend on the content provided by clubs so please be sure to submit your stories and we will publish them on the district website and in the next eBulletin. Please submit the text for the article and the graphics that you would like to use as separate files and send to djg@boydsdirect.com.
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November 4th was a night to remember! Rotary International President-elect visited District 7930 as one stop on his worldwide tour to all of the districts of his RI Board of Directors. Our own Julia Phelps, a RI Director-elect, will be the very first district member to ever have been installed on the RI Board. In fact, she is only the seventh woman ever to have achieved this honor.
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The Rotary year is ending and what a year it was! As I look at all that we accomplished, I am so proud to have had the opportunity to lead this amazing district! 
The outbound Vocational Training Team have arrived back home and the inbound team from the Philippines will be arriving this week. It is an exciting time in District 7930! Many clubs throughout the district are hosting the inbound team for presentations during the 4 weeks they are here. The scheduled presentations will be available on the website and by contacting me directly. 
