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Jingle Bell Walk Saturday at 11:30 am

Posted by Bob Wicks on Dec 03, 2018

Join the Rotary sponsored Interact Club this Saturday for a day of holiday festivities and cheer! Greet Santa as he arrives at the Ipswich Town Wharf. Sing carols with Buddy the Elf as we await Santa’s arrival! Jingle bells will be available for purchase. Jingle your bells and follow our honored guest and Buddy the Elf on a festive “Jingle Bell Walk” to the Ipswich Town Hall at 45 Green Street. Keep a sharp eye out for the “Grinch”!

Once Santa arrives at Town Hall, he will receive children 11 and under while holiday carolers entertain. Parents are urged to bring a camera! Each child will receive a gift bag from Santa as well. Following their visit with Santa, the children can have their faces painted, play festive games, create holiday crafts, and watch Elf. The Rotary Club will serve hot dogs, hot cocoa and more in the COA cafeteria.

Tickets will be available for purchase in order to enjoy delicious food, face painting, and crafts. There will be free games to play as well as raffles for Christmas trees, an iPad, Celtics tickets, and other great items!

Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts fit for a child to support the Marines in their organization, Toys for Tots! Proceeds from the Jingle Bell Walk will be donated to Cure CMT4J / The Talia Duff Foundation Inc. This organization is aiming to raise awareness and provide support for the development of gene therapy to cure CMT4J, a rare, rapidly progressing neurological disease, similar to ALS.

Merle "Skip" Pimentel

Posted by Raymond Katzen on Nov 26, 2018

IN MEMORIAM

MERLE "SKIP" PIMENTEL

1932-2018

Rotaplast Saving Smiles, Changing Lives

Posted by Raymond Katzen on Oct 05, 2018

Rotaplast International, Inc. is committed to helping children and families worldwide by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and/or palate, burn scarring, and other deformities. Working with local professionals, Rotarians, and other organizations, Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of these children. Rotaplast supports education and research towards prevention of cleft lip and/or palate. Our aim is to help local professionals build sustainable models for the care of these children, improving their lives and those of their families.

Rotaplast will employ the following strategies to reach this goal:

Facilitate medical missions to provide surgical intervention for children who are not able to receive treatment or who are in need of more complicated medical procedures than can be provided by local physicians.

Counsel families about ways of reducing the incidence cleft palate anomalies through diet, vitamin supplementation, and lifestyle changes.

Collaborate with local health professionals on follow-up care and on development of comprehensive cleft palate programs where feasible.

Learn about the incidence and causes of cleft lip and palate anomalies, including both genetic and environmental factors.

Educate local physicians and specialists by urging them to work with our teams to broaden their skills in treating cleft anomalies.

Foster international goodwill and fellowship by working with Rotarians as well as with health officials in host countries.

911 Memorial in Rowley

Posted by Raymond Katzen on Jul 24, 2018

2018-2019 Board of Directors

Posted by Raymond Katzen on Jun 21, 2018

Martha Mauser -President 2018-2019

Posted by Raymond Katzen on Jun 21, 2018

ArtLink Winthrop School Students

Posted by Raymond Katzen

Program: "ArtLink – Winthrop School Students" -

Six students from the Winthrop School will join us along with Principal Sheila McAdams to show a video-clip presentation sharing their experience with the ArtLink project. We expect a full house to be in attendance so don’t miss out!

What is ArtLink? ArtLink is Creative Connections’ international exchange program designed for 3rd – 12th grade classes.

Students create art pieces that reflect their life and culture, and exchange their work with a partner class in another country. Students then examine and enjoy the art from overseas, gaining new insights into both their own and their partner’s cultures. Finally, students share their insights with one another by posting online thoughtful written responses and photos.

After receiving the art, classes that sign up for the videoconference option (highly recommended!) participate in a live one-hour session in which students share their insights with one another face-to-face in real time. The fully facilitated videoconference is available for an additional fee.

25 Days of Giving Open Door Food Pantry

Posted by Raymond Katzen on Jan 24, 2018

The Rotary of Ipswich donates truckloads of supplies to the Open Door Food Panty.

At the club's meeting last week, Rotarians loaded up two vans from their “25 Days of Giving” initiative in December. Using a reverse Advent Calendar method, club members added one item daily according to a 25 day calendar leading up to the Holidays. Donations ranged from food to clothing to small kitchen appliances.

Seen loading the Open Door van are Open Door Executive Director Julie LaFontaine, President Cushing Titcomb, and Open Door Ipswich Manager Luke Kleindienst.

District Governor Dave Gardner Visits Ipswich

Posted by Bob Wicks on Nov 06, 2017

District Governor Dave Gardner spoke to the Ipswich club on October 26. He inspired us with innovative ideas for community service and member engagement. He also recognized legendary member George Lewis on the occasion of his 90th birthday. George was club President in 1980-81 and club Secretary and historian until 2005.

Seen in the photos are District Governor Dave, District Governor Elect Bob Wood, our own District Governor Nominee Joan Arsenault, Assistant Governor Anne Lewis, and President Cushing.

Ipswich High School Interact is Changing Lives

Posted by Bob Wicks on Oct 06, 2017

When Interact President Grace Quinn attended a recent Ipswich Rotary Board of Directors meeting, she heard about Rotaplast International, a group committed to helping children and families worldwide by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and/or palate, burn scarring, and other deformities. Grace then met with her own Board of Directors, and they decided to contribute $600 to Rotaplast, an amount that will pay one full surgery.

Pictured from left to right are Sydney Doolan, Co-Secretary Ava Warren, Co-Secretary Mackenzie Greenleaf, President Grace Quinn, Ipswich Rotary President Cushing Titcomb, Vice President Meghan O’Donnell, Anna Davis, and Treasurer Caroline White.

Interact Serves Dinner Bell

Posted by Bob Wicks on Oct 06, 2017

On Monday September 18^th, the Ipswich High School Interact Club sponsored the weekly Dinner Bell at the Masonic Temple. Working with a team of weekly Dinner Bell volunteers and some Ipswich Rotarians, seven high school students served dinner to over one hundred community members. The Interact students had a fantastic time serving and meeting the attendees, and in between refilling coffee cups and clearing dirty dishes. Many interesting stories were exchanged and some new connections were made.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who made the evening a smashing and delicious success!

Pictured with a few of the diners are Interact students Martha Rand and Ellie O’Donnell.

New Rotary Youth Exchange Student Introduced

Posted by Bob Wicks on Aug 27, 2017

Last week, Ipswich Rotary welcomed our new hosted Rotary Youth Exchange student, Viliam, from Germany. Viliam will spend one year in Ipswich with host families and will study at Ipswich High School. During his introduction, Viliam presented an exchange flag from the Annaberg Rotary Club, his sponsoring club in Germany. A local Ipswich student, Sara, is sponsored by Ipswich Rotary and already has begun her exchange year in Japan.

From left, President Elect and Ipswich RYE Chair, Martha Mauser, Viliam, and President Cushing Titcomb.

More Scholarships Presented

Posted by Bob Wicks on Aug 08, 2017

Two more scholarships were presented last week to recipients from Ipswich and Rowley. These young scholars recently graduated from Ipswich High School or Triton Regional High School and were accompanied by members of their families.

Flanking President Cushing Titcomb, are scholarship recipients Emma Lent, from Triton, and Reed Dolan, from Ipswich. Also in the photo from left are Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Sr. Leonore Coan, Johanna Lent, Rotarian Peter Pinciaro, Susan and Gerry Dolan.

We wish all our scholars the best success as they continue their studies at their chosen schools.

Ipswich Rotary Awards Scholarships

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jul 24, 2017

Several of our scholarship recipients from Ipswich and Rowley were on hand last week. These young scholars recently graduated from Ipswich High School or Triton Regional High School and were accompanied by members of their families.

Joining President Cushing Titcomb, from left to right, were Connor Fauske (Ipswich), Andrew Fremont-Smith (Ipswich), Hope Leonard (Triton), Jacob Daniels (Triton), and Leah Harmon (Ipswich).

We wish all our scholars the best success as they continue their studies at their chosen schools.

New Leadership Team at Ipswich Rotary

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jul 21, 2017

On July 1, a new Board of Directors took the reins. Pictured left to right are Immediate Past President and Director Lisa Shanko, Newsletter Editor and Director Cindy Quinn, Membership Chair and Director Deb Mahoney, Director Jen Perry, President Cushing Titcomb, President Elect Martha Mauser, Secretary Mary Foote-Hill, Treasurer Ted Garside, and Director Dave Edwards. Unavailable for the photo were Vice President Foundation Russ Cole, Director Dottie Levesque, and Director Ivan Ndanga.

We all wish our new leaders the best success in the coming year.

Cushing Titcomb Becomes Ipswich Rotary's 96th President

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jul 02, 2017

Cushing Titcomb, center rear, is sworn in as the 96^th President of the Ipswich Rotary Club. His one year term began on July 1.

Other Ipswich Rotarians sworn in at the District Installation were District Governor Nominee Joan Arsenault and Assistant Governor Bob Wicks.

Ipswich Rotarian Sumner Richter was recognized by District Governor Dave Gardner for his outstanding contributions to the District’s Syrian refugee relief initiative.

And, Ipswich Rotarian Christina Harris wrapped up her year as District Governor Sheryl Meehan's Aide de Camp. Well done Christina!

Scenes are from the 2017 District Installation in Danvers which appear on the District 7930 Facebook Page.

Bob Wicks, far right, is among the Presidents and AG's sworn in for 2016-17. This will be Bob's 6th year as an Assistant Governor. In this photo, Cushing is directly under the letter "T".

Joan Arsenault, second from the right, becomes the District Governor Nominee, DG in 2019-20.

Ipswich Rotarian Sumner Richter is seen here with his fiancé, Briney. Sumner's mother Elaine also is an Ipswich Rotarian, making Sumner a second generation Rotarian.

Christina Harris was recognized for her extraordinary year of service supporting District Governor Sheryl Meehan.

Additional pictures can be seen on our Facebook Page.

Ipswich Interact Officers Inducted

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jun 24, 2017

Earlier this month, the Ipswich High School Interact club inducted its Board of Directors for 2017-2018. During the ceremony, the outgoing Board also was honored by the club and several members of the Ipswich Rotary Club.

Ipswich Interact is a Rotary sponsored service club at the High School. The club raises money for community service projects and international humanitarian gifts. Members of the club receive credit towards the High School’s service requirements.

Ipswich Rotary President Lisa Shanko inducts the incoming 2017-18 Board of Directors: Grace Quinn, President; Meghan O’Connor, Vice President; Caroline White, Treasurer; Ava Warren, Co-Secretary; and Mackenzie Greenleaf, Co-Secretary.

The 2016-17 Interact Board are joined by Ipswich Rotary Club Interact Co-Chair Carrie Curley, President Lisa Shanko, and Ipswich and District Youth Officer Keith Harris. To the left of Keith, the outgoing Board members are: Jesse Cullen-Popp, Director; Reed Dolan, Treasurer; Andrew Freemont-Smith, President; Grace Quinn, Secretary; Ellis Roesler, Director.

Ipswich Rotary Supports Better Health in Zambia

Posted by Bob Wicks on Apr 30, 2017

Happy, healthy children in Lusaka, April 2017.

Healthy Kids/Brighter Future (HK/BF) is a mission based initiative founded by an amazing young leader, Lonnie Hackett. The goal of this Maine native and 2014 Bowdoin graduate is to improve the health and learning of at risk children in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Lusaka, Zambia. The program trains a teacher health corps and makes local schools a point of access to primary healthcare and health information.

In 2015, Ipswich Rotary began partnering with the Rotary Club of Brunswick, Maine to raise funds to support this important health and peace initiative. Under the leadership of Past President Bob Gravino, several clubs from our Rotary District joined Brunswick and Ipswich to raise over $37,000 in 2016 though a Global Matching Grant from Rotary International.

Joan Arsenault Named District Governor for 2019-20

Posted by Bob Wicks on Dec 04, 2016

Rotary District 7930 Governor Sheryl Meehan has announced that Ipswich Rotarian Joan Kelly Arsenault has been selected by the Nominating Committee to be District Governor in 2019-20. Joan previously served as Ipswich Rotary President in 2010-11 and has been an Assistant Governor since 2013. Joan will be the second Ipswich Rotarian to serve as District Governor, the first being Irving Lippoldt in 1965-66.

Joan has worked in

the medical arena as a Speech-Language Pathologist since 1981 and has been the CEO/Managing Partner of MassTex Imaging, LLC since 2006. Joan is one of 20 Speech Pathologists in New England Board Certified in Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders. She sits on the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders and is a member of the Speech Pathology Associations in MA, ME, NH and the CT Medical Speech Pathology State Association Group. Joan is an Adjunct Professor at MGH Institute of Health Professions and Northeastern University supervising graduate students as well as guest lecturing. Joan received a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Memphis and Bachelors of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Stockton State College. Joan has continued to conduct research, presentations and written numerous articles on her chosen profession and medical expertise.

Ipswich There Visits Ipswich Here

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jul 15, 2016

Last week Ipswich Rotary and the Ipswich East Rotary Club of Ipswich, UK celebrated a long tradition of biannual exchange visits and friendship. The week long visitation of the Ipswich, UK club to Massachusetts marked the 18th such visit spanning almost 40 years, every two years since 1988.

Among the traditions of Twinning is for the visiting club to make a significant donation to improve lives in the host community. This year, Ipswich East, UK donated a new custom crafted counter with a built-in electronic scale to the Ipswich Open Door food pantry. Active support of the new, expanded food pantry is a major commitment of Ipswich Rotary.

Twinning guests stay with host Rotary families during their visit. Over the years, many lasting friendships have been formed.

In addition to the Open Door gift ceremony, some of the activities this year included a trip to a Red Sox game, a tour of the State Capitol led by Representative Brad Hill and Senator Bruce Tarr, a tour of Boston on a Duck Boat, a clambake, and a tour of Ipswich. The Sox won a well-played game 5-4 and Ipswich East team leader, Mark Murphy, and our own District Governor, Sheryl Meehan appeared on the Jumbo Tron while being honored on the field. Since it also was Rotary Night at Fenway, a large group of District 7930 Rotarians joined them to cheer on the home team.

Ipswich Rotary Paints New Food Pantry

Posted by Bob Wicks on Jun 05, 2016

This weekend, a dozen Ipswich Rotarians pitched in to finish painting the new Open Door Food Pantry in Ipswich. Team leader Dave LeBel and Steve Rogé applied the prime coat on May 18, and a team of Rotarians joined forces to complete the job on June 4. Final trim work will be completed shortly. Participating in this community service project were Rotarians Gerry Beauchamp, Chris Doktor, Bob Gravino, George Gray, Dave LeBel, Julie Nelson, Brian Nelson, Nat Pulsifer, Steve Rogé, Lisa Shanko, Doug Shealy, and Bob Wicks.

With Rotary’s help, the shelves were stocked a few weeks ago and the new food pantry is open for business. The Open Door will serve Ipswich residents on Tuesdays, from 11 am – 5 pm and Thursday 11 am – 7 pm.

From left: LeBel, kneeling, Gravino, Beauchamp, Shanko, Gray, Wicks, Shealy.

From Left: Doktor, Beauchamp, Wicks, Pulsifer, J. Nelson, B. Nelson, and LeBel.

FOR MORE PICTURES, SEE THE PHOTO ALBUM ON THIS PAGE.

Ipswich Rotary Donating $25,000 to YMCA Expansion

Posted by Bob Wicks on Nov 17, 2015

Ipswich Rotary is supporting the Ipswich YMCA expansion with a donation of $25,000. The Ipswich Family Y serves residents of Ipswich and Rowley, towns also served by Ipswich Rotary, plus Essex, Hamilton and Wenham.

The Ipswich Rotary Club has a long history of partnership with the local YMCA. In addition to supporting the initial construction, the club built adjacent Rotary Park in 2004-05 as part of its celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Rotary International. The park, which includes a baseball field, gazebo and open space, has become an important feature of the Y complex, especially during summer camp months. In recent years Rotarians have enhanced the park with new millstone signage and a bench dedicated to the memory of one of the park’s founders, Rotarian Bud Conley. In 2013, the Rotary sponsored Ipswich High School Interact club placed one of five international Peace Poles at the park entrance as part of their annual community service outreach.

In the photo, Gerry Beauchamp, Ipswich YMCA Executive Director and an Ipswich Rotary Director, is presented with a check from the club. From left to right are President Elect Lisa Shanko, Immediate Past President Rev. Brad Clark during whose term the grant was initiated, Gerry Beauchamp, Vice President Cushing Titcomb, and President Bob Gravino.

Breakfast meetings every Thursday at 7:15 am except the second Thursday* at the Village Pancake House, 26 Main Street (Route 1A), Rowley, MA *Evening meeting the second Wednesday of each month at 6 pm @ the 1640 Hart House, 51 Linebrook Road, Ipswich
Village Pancake House

26 Main Street
Rowley, MA 01969
United States of America