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." 

 

 

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. 

 

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

 

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

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.

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!

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.