|
|
|
Posted by Tom Hankard
|
RED SOX UPDATE
 All of us know that the Red Sox aren’t doing the best this year. Our home town team’s sub-par record does not mean we can’t have fun at Fenway Park!
Rotary at the Red Sox for Rotaplast is on for August 20th. Our evening will start at 5pm with an all-we-can-eat buffet at Uno’s Bar and Grill right in the heart of Kenmore Square. Once we are done eating, we will make the short walk to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox take on Kansas City. Kansas City is at the top of the AL Central and is on pace to be in the World Series!
Work in Boston? Bring some clients or friends with you and treat them to dinner and a game! Tickets are $50 which includes the meal and Red Sox Ticket. Tickets are still available and all proceeds are going towards our District Rotapalast Trip to Cebu, Philippines to heal children who suffer every day with cleft palates.
Do some good and have fun while doing it! Register here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by David Manzi
|
GOVERNOR DAVE'S THOUGHTS FOR JULY 2015
One month into the new Rotary year and I am pleased to report how exciting and energized our fellow Rotarians are! Everywhere we travel, we are fortunate to see the wonderful things our clubs do in support of our organization.
 On Wednesday, July 22, we enjoyed a beautiful summer morning at Manchester-Essex Rotary. When you think of a picturesque New England bay with rustic buildings and boats floating motionless on the water in summer’s early morning light – well, I suggest you do a make-up at Manchester-Essex Rotary! President Bridget Murray made us feel welcome and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast that included Eggs Benedict and fresh fruit. We could have spent hours sharing ideas during our exciting engaging Q & A session with these fine Rotarians!
The following day, we kept the ocean theme going and met at a very familiar location to us in District 7930 (Danversport Yacht Club) and attendED the Beverly Rotary Club meeting. I thought that I would make a fool of myself (ok, many of you reading this just said to yourselves, “He always makes a fool of himself!") by laughing the entire time! “Happy dollars and fines” are something NOT to be missed each week at Beverly Rotary. President Sarah MacBurnie and her club certainly know the importance of fun and fellowship in Rotary! An added treat was to hear Cecelia Buffenoir, former Group Study Exchange student from France. She was wonderful and made me proud to know we, as Rotarians, assist in the development of our youth not just in America, but all-around the world! To top off that meeting, we presented Heidi Ushakoff, wife of Beverly Rotarian Alex Ushakoff, with a Paul Harris Fellow. A long-time supporter of Rotary, Heidi exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of The Rotary Foundation. Congrats once again Heidi!
On Monday, July 27 we enjoyed a great visit at one of the most historic towns in the country – Lexington. As a former Marine and history buff, I visit Lexington a few times each year. It was here in this quaint town the first military engagement of The American Revolution occurred. We all know about “the shot heard round the world”on April 19, 1775. Fast-forward 240 years the Lexington Rotary Club is leading their town with an incredible service-oriented, community-centered Rotary Club! I am very happy to know that President Domenic Sicari and the Lexington Rotary Club have, and will, continue to support our veteran community among the other several dozen additional projects they do each year!
As I write this message, I am looking at something beautiful in my office. No, it is not a mirror! It is a special Chelsea Clock that was given to me by a dear friend and mentor, Mayor Tom Menino 6 years ago. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of his service to others and the commitment he had to make lives better for people. This is what the Rotary Club of Chelsea has been doing in their community since 1928! President Mark White is leading a very dynamic and engaged club of Rotarians. I have many friends in Chelsea Rotary and I am pleased to know that they continue to make a difference in the lives of many people!
On Thursday, July 30, we had a very nice breakfast at the Burlington Breakfast Rotary Club! President Steve Shaw is a natural leader and ran an efficient meeting. What this club does for the community was extremely impressive including their commitments to veteran’s outreach, community involvement with other organizations, and support of the residents of Burlington! What I also found very interesting was that they make it a point to reach out to members they haven’t seen at recent meetings to check on them to see if they are ok, if they need assistance, etc. This is what family does!
Speaking of family – this is exactly what I felt like I was experiencing at Marblehead Rotary later on that afternoon. Everyone was just so friendly and engaging! You truly get a sense of the love and respect Marblehead Rotarians have for each other. President Zach Newell looks like and sounds like he has been doing this job for years, not 30 days! I was overwhelmed with emotion as I listened to the club speak about their continued support of veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project. They truly respect our brave American heroes! Again, it was a beautiful setting at the yacht club with a gorgeous view. I did not want to leave to go back to the city office!
I am so fortunate to serve our great District 7930 and Rotary International as District Governor for 2015-2016. Not because I can influence change, because I will eat well, nor because I want this “title”. I am fortunate because I get to meet so many outstanding Rotarians WHO are the reason WE “Do Good in This World”!
Let us remember that it is our time to “Be a Gift to the World”!
My best,
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Mike McLaughlin
|
ISAELI TEEN GROUP VISITS ROTARY CLUB OF SALEM, MA
 As long time sponsors of the Friends Forever group, the Salem Rotary Club invited the participants to a club meeting for a meet and greet and a buffet lunch at the Hawthorne Hotel. The ten teens consisted of five young people of Arab origin from the Ein Mahel Village in Israel and five Jewish teens from The Arava Israel. The goal of the trip is to promote friendship and peace between the groups of future leaders in a country of ethnic conflict.The visit was a success and the teens had the opportunity to introduce themselves as well as to share their common goals and hopes for a better future for all the Arabs and Jews of Israel. As perhaps we all know, hate and negative ill will towards an ethic group can often be changed by personal interaction between such groups. This would of course be one of the many good deeds that Rotary fosters in hope of making our world a better place.
The Mission statement of Friends Forever is...
To promote trust, empathy, and friendships among cultures in conflict. We do this by recruiting and selecting highly motivated youth from these areas to participate in a year long program that includes a two week "Life Raft" in select U.S. Host Communities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Becky Kilborn
|
DANVERS HONORS STEVE BARTHA AS HONORARY MEMBER
 Danvers Town Manager Steve Bartha was the guest speaker at a recent Danvers Rotary Club meeting and provided the club with an update on Danvers. Dan Doherty (right), Danvers Rotary President, welcomed Steve and presented him with an honorary membership in Danvers Rotary.
Interested in more information about Honorary membership? RI policy provides this basic criteria:
Persons who have distinguished themselves by meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals and those persons considered friends of Rotary for their permanent support of Rotary’s cause may be elected to honorary membership in more than one club. The term of such membership shall be as determined by the board of the club in which they hold membership.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Mary Ciraldi
|
ROTARY CLUB OF ROCKORT PRESENTS LOBSTERFEST 2015!
 Rockport Rotary's 19th Annual Lobsterfest will be held on Saturday, August 8, from 3 to 7pm, rain or shine, at the American Legion Hall Bandstand on scenic Back Beach in Rockport, MA. Enjoy a complete meal of hot boiled lobster, corn-on-the-cob, clam chowder, roll and butter, watermelon and a soft drink in this festive and picturesque setting. A cash menu of hot dogs, burgers, chips, beer and wine is also available. Each year close to 700 people enjoy this event, and this year we'll feature live bluegrass by "Stillhouse Down."
For information or tickets pleas call 603-721-1038 or visit our website! Download the pdf flyer here!
The Lobsterfest will be followed by the Town of Rockport's third annual fireworks show, and the town will be illuminated for the occasion. Come for the day and have some fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by David Gardner
|
WHAT'S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ROTARY & SCOUTING?
 Since their inception, Rotary International (1905) and the Boy Scouts of America (1910) have been partners in serving young people. The principles and goals of both organizations are closely allied. Character-building; service to country, to others, and to self; teaching leadership skills; and becoming aware of the world around us - these are all incorporated into the programs and activities of each organization.
The values expressed in Rotary International’s Motto and the Four Way Test greatly parallel those articulated in the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. Rotarians have long served as role models, demonstrating leadership, character, and the value of selfless service to the community. Rotary clubs in the United States charter nearly 1,400 Scouting units (Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews) serving more than 50,000 youth members.
 District 7930 is looking to expand our relationship with Scouting: the youth, the leadership and the families involved with Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturing. We believe that the connection within our district is strong as can be evidenced by the support Rotarians like yourself provide in one or more ways throughout the year. Whether you were a Scout as a youth, have a child or grandchild enrolled in a program currently, serve as an adult leader or support their service projects in your community, Rotary is there, often behind the scenes. If you are one of these individuals and would like to be part of a new initiative to further develop options for shared mission and service, please send an email to Dave Gardner by clicking here!
For more information, please continue reading the story!
|
|
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Posted by Margo Steiner
|
ISRAELI & PALESTINIAN "FRIENDS FOREVER" VISIT MARBLEHEAD
 The conflicts were a half a world away but not far from the minds of Israeli and Palestinian youths from a region near Nazareth who visited Marblehead recently as guests of the town’s three Rotary clubs. The teens are taking part in a 16-day tour of the Northeast as part of the Friends Forever program, which is supported by Rotary International.
They feasted on American cuisine prepared by club members, listened to music performed by two members of the Marblehead High School Interact club, were treated to a surprise visit by Terry’s ice cream truck, and went home with Penny Bears courtesy of the Penny Bear Company. The cookout was hosted by Rotarians Andy and Jessica Barnett, and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor, Marblehead Rotary Club and the MHS Interact club.
Founded by a Rotarian, Friends Forever brings young people from areas of conflict to the United States. During their visit the teenagers, who would likely never forge such friendships in their own country, learn to work together and often find they are more alike than different.
For many years the Rotary clubs of Marblehead have hosted Catholic and Protestant youngsters from Northern Ireland. This marked the first visit by Palestinians and Israelis.
“This hug is for you”is printed on the side of the paper bags carrying Penny Bears for our newly-made friends. Penny Wigglesworth donated the bears.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Herb Harris
|
PEABODY ROTARY AWARDS $10,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
 Peabody Rotary recently awarded $10,000 in scholarships to local High School graduates. The following awards were made: Peter Kilcommons, who graduated from St. John’s Prep and will be attending Georgetown University, received the $2,000 Sam Berns Scholarship. Receiving $1,000 scholarships were Peabody Veterans Memorial High School graduates Sarah Godschall, who will attend Villanova University, Lauren Sliva, who will attend UMass Lowell, Eleni Petromelis, who will attend St. Anselm’s College, Samantha Kinnaly, Mia Lomasney and Devon Forsythe; Bishop Fenwick High School graduate Jessica Fama, who will attend Worcester State University; and Essex Agricultural High School graduate Beth Arnold, who will attend the Paul Smith’s College. Also recognized was Peabody Rotary Club’s nominee for the District Service Above Self Scholarship, Peabody Veterans Memorial High School graduate Brittany York, who will attend Salem State University.
The scholarships were awarded based on a combination of academic accomplishments as well as on community service, as Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self. Proceeds from the Taste of The North Shore, the Torgian golf Tournament and other events funded these scholarships, as well as the other giving the Peabody Rotary Club does in the community.
Pictured in the back row are Peabody Rotarians Maria Ferri, President Brian McHugh, Scholarship Committee Chair Cathy Gravel, and Beth Arnold.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by Ingrid Brown
|
WOULD YOUR ROTARY CLUB LIKE TO SPONSOR AN INBOUND SCHOLAR?
 If your club has completed the foundation grants qualification seminar and there members in your club who would like to be the contact people for an Inbound Global Scholar, then let us know!
What is involved? The actual duties include inviting them to your club meetings, engaging them in club activities & fundraisers, and help introduce them to other clubs and assist with transportation for presentations. RI requires them to do about 15 visits/projects while studying during their exchange. They arrange their own housing, etc, but it is always nice to have someone include them in a Thanksgiving meal or Holiday dinner, if they are alone and on break. That being said, a lot of them travel when not in school, but just keeping tabs on them is nice, and will make their time in the United States more memorable. They all have to do a 1/2 year report in order to get their 2nd scholarship payment.
There may be one more student who needs a sonsorship this year, but if you want to be considered next year, please make sure that your club gis qualified and let Ingrid Brown or Doug Holmes know you are interested in being involved with this incredible program!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
