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.

 

#MemorialDay #serviceaboveself #magicofrotary #thankyouforyourservice

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.”