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.
“Breakfast of Champions,” the brainchild of Co-President Patricia Sullivan, will be repeated each quarter, and the upcoming breakfast in January will honor and welcome the sponsors of our major fundraiser “Holiday Pops” and the recipients of our scholarships, their families, and the organizations that have received the club’s financial support. Featured speaker will be Maestro Dirk Hillyer whose orchestra has for many years provided the magical music that enhances the experience of the 500+ attendees as well as helps our members make “The Magic of Rotary” real.
The Marblehead Harbor Rotary meets Tuesdays, 7:30 for breakfast, service, and fellowship at the Masonic Hall, 62 Pleasant St., Marblehead. We welcome guests and visitors! For more info, www.rotaryclubofmheadharbor.org.