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.
Finally, a note of thanks to the clubs that have made the commitment to #endpolionow. We already have over $33,000 in and are on our way to our goal of reaching $125,000 by June 30. Thank you to the following clubs for registering the 160+ (thus far) plungers, virtual plungers, and Interactors:
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.
We were very excited to have Tyler from North Reading Interact and three surprise visitors from Reading Interact, Hannah, Caitlin and Alex. Each shared their stories about either Interact or RYLA. Ranging from building leadership skills to the impact that providing community service had on them, it was clear that they not only loved the program, but provided compelling reasons for Stoneham to start a club. There were also three recent Stoneham students who attended RYLA last year, Saige, Sandra and Gabrielle who are excited that an Interact Club is now within reach. Another past RYLArian, Thomas, who has also served as a senior staffer and more recently, as a facilitator was there for support as well.
A survey will be sent to all Stoneham students in attendance to determine the best date and time in the next 2 or 3 weeks to determine if there is sufficient interest in starting a club, determine what projects the students would like to rally around, selecting an advisor and to begin the actual process of chartering the club. From the buzz in the room it appears that a dream has come true.
A special thank you to Stoneham High Principal, Mrs. Donna Cargill, Stoneham Rotarians Dennis O'Hara, Bruce Doyle, Su Mansur, Dick Mansur and our AG Peter Majane.
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.
Posted by Jeanne Schultz
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
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..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.
We were very excited to have Tyler from North Reading Interact and three surprise visitors from Reading Interact, Hannah, Caitlin and Alex. Each shared their stories about either Interact or RYLA. Ranging from building leadership skills to the impact that providing community service had on them, it was clear that they not only loved the program, but provided compelling reasons for Stoneham to start a club. There were also three recent Stoneham students who attended RYLA last year, Saige, Sandra and Gabrielle who are excited that an Interact Club is now within reach. Another past RYLArian, Thomas, who has also served as a senior staffer and more recently, as a facilitator was there for support as well. 
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. 
