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. We are sorry it took so long to confirm these details but planning an event of this magnitude requires that all logistical issues have been resolved properly, especially those concerned with health and safety.
A statement released on Friday Evening by the District Polar Plunge Committee read, “ This winter has truly tested all of us. Unfortunately, we have received the official word that the Gloucester is planning on using the plunge space for its continual snow dump. We are again, rescheduling. The new date is Saturday, April 11th * 10:30 arrival, 11:15 plunge”.
A decision on the location for the event, be it Gloucester where the plunge originated and has been held for each of the first four years or the secondary site is anticipated to be announced sometime early next week.
Please visit the website, watch out for emails, or monitor Polar Plunge Facebook event to keep abreast of all details plunge related. For a quick list of the clubs that you can donate to click hereand choose from the listing of clubs participating.
Posted by Diane Simonsen
WORLD PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING DINNER
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.
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!
Posted by Jim Babbin
RYLA 2015 is well under way!!
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
PROMOTE RYLA TO STUDENTS IN YOUR TOWN HIGH SCHOOLS
The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) video is now availabe for promoting this incredible youth development program.
Rotary District’s Fifth Annual Polar Plunge to eradicate Polio has been postponed again this time until April 
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!
