JOAN ARSENAULT 2019-2020 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
DISTRICT 7930
THE GOVERNOR LIVES HERE
ROTARY CLUB OF IPSWICH MASSACHUSETTS
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Stories
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2019-2020 ROTARY CLUB OF IPSWICH BOARD OF DIRECTORS  |
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 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. |
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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. |
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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.
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 On Monday September 18th, 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. |
 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. |
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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. |
 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. |
 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. |
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Cushing Titcomb, center rear, is sworn in as the 96th 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. |
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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 thanks Andover Rotarians for their generous donation of $500 towards the ongoing support of the Healthy Kids/Brighter Future project in Zambia. This money will be used to augment a Global Grant sponsored by Ipswich Rotary and many clubs in District 7930 to improve the health and learning of at risk children in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Lusaka, Zambia. In addition, the Andover club will be donating 500 books to HK/BF. Seen in the photo are Andover Rotary Foundation Chair Jim Greeley and Ipswich Rotary President Lisa Shanko at our meeting last week in Ipswich. For more information about HK/BF, click on www.healthykidsbrighterfuture.org/. HK/BF also is on Facebook. |
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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. |
 At its monthly evening meeting, Ipswich Rotary inducted new members Sheryl Henderson, Ipswich Manager at TD Bank; John Muldoon, publisher of www.thelocalne.ws; and Cathy Sutherby, owner of The Village Pancake House in Rowley. Sheryl, John and Cathy join a dedicated team of over 60 caring professionals who are committed to making a difference through service in Ipswich, Rowley and the world. Also announced at the meeting was a schedule of community service projects planned for Ipswich and Rowley in the coming months. From left to right in the photo are Nat Pulsifer, John Muldoon, Cathy Sutherby, Deb Mahoney, Sheryl Henderson, and club President Lisa Shanko. |
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Kristin Kelleher, our 2016-17 Rotary Global Scholar, presents an Ipswich Rotary exchange banner to Jagmohan Singh Bhakar, President of the Rotary Club of Tower Hamlets in London, UK. Exchange banners Kristin is enrolled in the Masters’s program for Environment, Politics and Globalization at Kings College in London, England. While attending Kings College London, Ms. Kelleher also is designing and implementing a service project that will have a positive and sustainable effect on the local community. Her service project demonstrates the correlation between low-income individuals, health, environmental issues and success in obtaining a job that provides a sustainable wage. |
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This morning, Ipswich Rotary President Lisa Shanko took time out of her busy work schedule to join Gloucester Rotarian Tracy Arabian and former Ipswich Rotarian Rev. Glenn Prescott to deliver “Meals on Wheels” to Ipswich residents.  Meals on Wheels is provided locally by SeniorCare Inc. of Gloucester. This program is constantly in need of volunteer drivers to deliver noon time meals to homebound seniors throughout the North Shore area. Anyone interested in volunteering one or more mornings a week will be greatly appreciated. Meals on Wheels drivers pick up fully prepared and packaged hot meals on the morning of each delivery.SeniorCare’s Meals on Wheels program brings a daily meal right to the door for frail and homebound elders. Menus are designed by nutrition experts to meet the needs of older adults and are prepared by a professional caterer. In addition, homebound elders have a daily interaction with the delivery team—sometimes their only human contact that day. SeniorCare currently delivers Meals on Wheels to more than 550 elders each day. Annually, this means 136,216 home-delivered meals and 39,250 meals served at dining sites in Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Rockport, Topsfield, and Wenham. For information, or to volunteer, contact SeniorCare’s Nutrition Department at 1-866-927-1050 or 978 281-1750, Monday – Friday, 9 am. to 4 pm. |
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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. |
 On Saturday, December 10, greet Santa at 10 am 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, and create holiday crafts. 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 and an iPad Mini valued at $400!
In the event of rain or heavy snow, we will meet at Town Hall. Parking is available at Town Hall and in the Ascension Memorial Church lot. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed in Town Hall. 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 Ipswich Caring. This organization provides holiday meals and toys for local Ipswich families.
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On Thursday, November 17, Ipswich Rotary completed a very successful “Sock Drive for the Homeless”. Rev. Brian Gearin of Starlight Ministries in Boston joined us at our breakfast meeting to describe the need and to help us understand how good people can suddenly find themselves homeless. Following the meeting, the club packed Rev. Gearin’s car chock full of socks collected during the drive. Ipswich Rotary thanks all our friends in Ipswich and Rowley who contributed to this drive.
Ipswich Rotarians surround Rev. Gearin as he prepares to return to Boston with his car stuffed with socks. Yes, we left a bit of room in the car for Rev. Gearin.
Rev. Gearin addressed the club about the conditions that lead to homelessness. |
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Ipswich Rotary thanks our sponsors, auction donors, and attendees for making our masked ball fundraiser a huge success. In addition to the sponsors listed in the flier below, the following generous companies and individuals contributed to our outstanding silent auction: J Barrett & Co, Ipswich Ale, Pax Massage, Junk Junk Baby, Ipswich Inn, Rowley Family Dental, Ipswich Museum, Coastal Green Grocer, Muddy Creek Animal Care Center, Gordon Florist, Mark Warner Martial Arts, Nat Pulsifer, Ingrid Miles, Born Imagery, and several Rotarians.  |
 The club is delighted to welcome new member Jim and his wife Rose to the Ipswich Rotary family. Prior to moving to Ipswich, Jim was a member of the Nashoba Valley Rotary Club where he was President last year. Jim is a second generation Rotarian, his father was a member of the Newton Rotary Club for 30 years. He recently retired from a very successful career as a software development manager. Jim was officially welcomed by District Governor Sheryl Meehan and President Lisa Shanko.
 Jim Celebrates as he is warmly welcomed by the members and District Governor Sheryl.
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Today we had the pleasure of hosting our District Governor. Sheryl shared her passion for Rotary and inspired us for the year ahead.
From left, District Governor Elect David Gardner, President Lisa Shanko, District Governor Sheryl Meehan, and District Governor Nominee Bob Wood.
DG Sheryl inspired us with her heartfelt message and plans for the coming year.
Chris Doktor presents the "Candle of Friendship" from the Hyannis Rotary Club. Chris received the candle during a recent visit as the Rotarian who had traveled the farthest. A Rotarian visiting from Austria had received the candle the week before. Timing is everything. As agreed, this photo will be returned to the Hyannis club as a sign of our appreciation and friendship. |
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Ipswich Rotary recently honored eight local students from Ipswich and Rowley. Four students each from Ipswich High School and Triton Regional High School received scholarship checks at recent club meetings. The Ipswich High School recipients are Meg Cullen, Jaymie Shea, Alice Hurst-MacDonald, and Jonah Fouser. The recipients from Triton Regional High School are Jessica Greaney, Andrew Siemasko, Christine Ciccone, and Morgan Snow.
Rotary congratulates all of these deserving young scholars, and we wish them the best success in college and beyond.
 On August 11, Andrew Siemasko, third from left, Jessica Greaney, next to Andrew, and Meg Cullen, fourth from the right, celebrate with their families and Rotarians. Rotary Scholarship committee members pictured are Peter Pinciaro, on the left, with Martha Mauser and Sr. Leonore Coan, on the right.
 On August 4, Christine Ciccone, center with badge, and Morgan Snow, third from the right, received their scholarships. Also seen sharing this moment are their parents. The Rotary presenters included President Lisa Shanko (left), Scholarship chair Christina Harris, Martha Mauser (wearing the scarf) and, on the far right, Sr. Leonore Coan.
 On June 30, Jaymie Shea and Alice Hurst MacDonald received their scholarships. The young scholars are pictured here with their parents.
 On July 28, Jonah Fouser received his scholarship from committee chair Christina.
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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.
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Ipswich Rotary recently presented defibrillators to the Crane Estate and Appleton Farms. On hand for the presentation were Rotary President Bob Gravino, Appleton Farms General Manager Chris Ward, project Rotarians Ben Collins and Rev. Skip Pimentel, and Crane Estate General Manager Peter Pinciaro.
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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. |
 Proceeds will Benefit Ipswich Rotary Scholarships and Community Service Programs
See Photo Albums on this Page for more information
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Ipswich Rotary has selected the Clark family as our 2016 Persons of the Year.
 David, Cheryl, and Jared Clark survived their own family battle with opioid addiction and now devote a large part of their lives to helping families and individuals cope with this growing health crisis. The trauma and heartache nearly tore the family apart. But they never gave up. After their son recovered, the family began leading the way to better understanding and treatment.The Clark family fought hard to bring Narcon, a life-saving opiate reversal agent drug, to the police department. They have appeared in countless public information forums with law enforcement and health officials. One of these led to a Rotary District Grant for a second DARE officer at the Middle School. Drawing from his own experience and credibility, Jared devotes much of his spare time to effectively counselling drug users. David and Cheryl started and lead an Ipswich Chapter of “Learn to Cope”, a “non-profit support network that offers education, resources, peer support and hope for family members coping with a loved one addicted to opiates and other drugs”.
As well as any family in Ipswich, the Clarks understand that this health tragedy can strike anywhere and that the consequences are heartbreaking and sometimes fatal. Responding to the call, this dedicated and compassionate family is saving Ipswich lives and families every day.
We cannot think of anyone in our service area that better represents the Rotary principle of “Service Above Self”.
Ipswich Rotarians are dedicated to improving lives and community in Ipswich and Rowley. The Clarks will be formally honored and thanked at a club sponsored event in June.
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 A pictorial report of this event can be seen in our Photo Albums section on this page.
Ben Collins celebrated his 65th Rotary anniversary on April 14. It also was his 96th birthday. He is still going strong at 96 and regularly attends our weekly meetings.
On hand for this day of celebration were District Governor David Manzi, District Governor Nominee Dave Gardner, and Assistant Governor Mark Golub. They presented certificates from the District marking the occasion. Governor Manzi also delivered a framed citation from Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran. Rotary Director Julia Phelps, who had arranged for the President’s certificate but was travelling and unable to attend, sent her congratulations.
Club President Bob Gravino, assisted by DGN Gardner and AG Golub, presented Ben with a Paul Harris Plus-4 pin and medallion from the Club recognizing his 65 years of service. Long-time friend and Rotarian, Jim Tedford presented a club flag signed by the members. The Ipswich Club also marked his birthday with a beautiful and delicious cake and a rousing chorus led by other April birthday celebrants.
Gloucester Rotarian Barry Pett, aide to Senator Bruce Tarr who was ill, filled in for his boss and presented recognitions from the Governor and from the state Senate. Rep Brad Hill offered congratulations from the House of Representatives. Rotarian and Town Manager Robin Crosbie spoke on behalf of herself and the Ipswich Selectmen.
The day was made even more special by the participation of members of Ben's family and several of his oldest and dearest friends.
It was a great day for Ben and a great day for Rotary. Congratulations Ben for 65 years of Rotary service, and for a lifetime of humanity.
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 On April 7, the club welcomed Jennifer Perry as our newest member. Jen is the site manager of the new Open Door Food Pantry in Ipswich which will be launched later this Spring.
From left, Membership Chair Lee McNelly, Jen Perry, sponsor Bill Nelson, and President Bob Gravino.
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Posted by David Hart
on Feb 26, 2016 (reprinted from the District 7930 Website)
 District 7930 has awarded its 2016-2017 Global Grant Scholarship to Kristin Kelleher of Newburyport, MA. The scholarship is worth $30,000. Ms. Kelleher who is sponsored by the Ipswich Rotary Club will be attending Kings College London beginning in September 2016. Ms. Kelleher currently works as a Legislative Aid for Representative Jay Kaufman.Ms. Kelleher will enroll in the Master's Program, Environment, Politics, and Globalization. This program fits very nicely with Rotary International’s area of focus; Economic and Community Development. While attending Kings College London, Ms. Kelleher will also design and implement a “Service Project” which will have a positive and sustainable effect on the local community. Ms. Kelleher’s service project will show the correlation between low-income individuals, health, environmental issues and success in obtaining a job that provides a sustainable wage.
This year we had five (including Ms. Kelleher) very strong candidates. All of which, we believe, will affect a positive change in our world. All candidates were required to complete the Global Grant application, provide a resume, provide two letters of reference, college transcripts, admission to a Masters or Doctorate program and a concept for a service project within the RI six areas of focus. Lastly, a candidate needs to have a strong knowledge of Rotary and how Rotary could assist them in their future endeavors.
An interview committee was formed which included the incoming District Governor (2016-2017) Sheryl Meehan, current Foundation Chair Ingrid Brown, current Outgoing Global Grant Scholarship Chair David Hart, District Governor-Nominee David Gardner, and Lexington Rotarian Doug Holmes.
All candidates were interviewed on Saturday March 20, 2016 and the committee made its decision on the same day. District 7930 and the interview committee was proud of the caliber of candidates this year and wants to offer congratulations to our winner Kristen Kelleher. Ms. Kelleher is and will continue to be a champion of the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”.
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 At their meeting on January 7, the Ipswich Rotary Club recognized Winthrop School educator and social worker Deborah Trevarrow with their highest honor, a Paul Harris Fellowship. Deb was recognized for her many years as faculty advisor to the Rotary sponsored youth service club, Winthrop EarlyAct, and for her exceptional contributions to youth in our community. Youth development is a major goal of Rotary International. Ipswich Rotary partners with the Ipswich Public Schools to sponsor youth service clubs at the High School and at both elementary schools. Each year, the club also sponsors a year-long international Rotary Youth Exchange which benefits the community as well as the students. The EarlyAct club is open to students in Grades 4 and 5. The club follows a format similar to Rotary, meeting to identify, discuss, and select projects and to foster a spirit of “Service Above Self”. Their community and international projects help the students learn, appreciate and value service that improves lives. |
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On Saturday, December 12, Ipswich High School Interact led youth of all ages on a festive Jingle Bell Walk to welcome Santa to Ipswich. "Buddy the Elf" and Ipswich youth of all ages greeted Santa at Town Wharf and led the jolly elf and his friends on a joyful walk along the river to Town Hall. Along the way, the Grinch was spotted and retained by the Ipswich police. Inspired by the large assemblage of cheerful celebrants, the heart of the Grinch grew three times that day.
Ipswich Interact is s High School club dedicated to community service. Proceeds from this event and other club activities are used to help people in our local and global communities. The money raised from the Jingle Bell Walk will be donated to Ipswich Caring to provide holiday meals and toys to local families.
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Ipswich Interact thanks it's sponsors and supporters for their help in making the 2015 Jingle Bell Walk a huge success.
Ipswich Interact is s Rotary sponsored High School club dedicated to community service. Proceeds from club fundraising events are used to help people in our local and global communities. The money raised from the Jingle Bell Walk is being donated to Ipswich Caring to help provide holiday meals and toys to local families.
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Dave is an Ipswich resident and President and CEO of the Essex County Community Foundation. The Foundation serves 34 communities in Essex County through needs based charitable grants and assistance to area non-profits. Their goal is to get people to “give where they live”. Last year, their grant making totaled over $4 million. Dave’s passion and experience will be a strong addition to the club’s community projects and services outreach in Ipswich and Rowley, where our humanity in motion and direct financial aid improve lives. Ipswich Rotary welcomes Dave to the Rotary family of service minded leaders. Seen in the photo are Dave's sponsor Lee McNelly, Dave Edwards, and President Bob Gravino. |
 Rotarian Bob Arsenault recently returned from a Rotaplast mission in the Philippines. The Amesbury Rotary Club sponsored a medical mission to the Philippines through Rotaplast International, a non-profit organization based in San Francisco. One hundred and twenty two surgical procedures were performed on patients in Cebu City to repair cleft lips, cleft palates, and dental work for patients ranging in age from three months to thirty five years. All medical treatment was free of charge to patients, many of whom travelled up to six hours to the hospital. Medical Director Evelyn Abad explained, "Often children and adults with these deformities are shunned by their community. We give them a second chance to smile." The medical team consisted of eight non-medical volunteers from Rotary Clubs in the Greater Boston area as well as a team of surgeons, anaesthesiologist, nurses and Rotarians from California, Washington, Hawaii, and South Dakota. Among the non-medical volunteers was Bob Arsenault of Ipswich Rotary. Donating time, talent, and a bit of money for airfare, Arsenault served as the Quartermaster for the two-week trip. |
 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 100th 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.
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 The Ipswich Rotary Club has unanimously elected Cushing Titcomb as Vice President. Titcomb will become President Elect on July 1, 2016, and will be club President in 2017-18.
In his capacity as Vice President, Cushing will oversee the club’s community service initiatives in both Ipswich and Rowley. He will head a planning team that works with both towns to identify service projects to make these towns a bit better. The planning committee also is responsible for ensuring that implementation teams are assigned to each project. As President Elect the following year, he will assume responsibility for general oversight and coordination of the club’s fundraising initiatives.
A long time Ipswich resident, Cushing is a well-known local business and community leader. He joined Ipswich Investment Management in 2004 and became owner/partner in January, 2007. His extensive career began at State Street Bank in 1974. In addition to Rotary, Cushing currently serves as Treasurer of both the Ipswich Museum and the Ipswich Community Access Media Committee. An avid bike rider, he has participated in the “Ride to Defeat ALS” and in the “Pan Mass Challenge” two day event for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Cushing also actively supports the Mass Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ipswich Rotary welcomes Cushing to our strong leadership team.
Seen in the photo are President Bob Gravino, President Elect Lisa Shanko, and Vice President Cushing Titcomb.
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At our regular breakfast meeting at the Village Pancake House last week, Ipswich Rotary inducted new member Bob Arsenault. Bob, who is married to fellow Ipswich Rotarian Joan Arsenault, was nominated by Rotarian Bob Wood and sworn in by President Bob Gravino. Joan unfortunately was unable to attend. Welcome Bob A. to the Ipswich Rotary family!
In the photo, Bob is seen with the Bob's mentioned above, with a couple of additional Rotary Bob's thrown in for extra measure. From left are Bob Gravino, Bob Wood, Bob Arsenault, Bob Wicks, and Bob Snow.  |
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Ipswich Rotary is once again happy to award scholarships to deserving Ipswich and Rowley graduates of Ipswich High School and Triton Regional High School. This year’s recipients are Maggie Brown, Jolene Buczala, Kiersten Flodman, Hannah Klapprodt, David Osgood, Joanna Perry, Maddie Schmuch, and Ryan White.
Congratulations to each of these young scholars, and our very best wishes at your universities and beyond. The students are pictured with their families, President Bob Gravino, Scholarship Committee Chair Martha Mauser, and in the first photo, District Governor David Manzi.
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The Ipswich Rotary Story is featured in the September edition of "Ipswich Neighbors" magazine, which was delivered to Ipswich homes at the beginning of the month. The full story also appears on this site in the drop down menu "About". Select the tab "About Our Club".
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Our speaker at the breakfast club last week was long time Ipswich resident and Rotarian Don Whiston who regaled us with anecdotes from his new book “Winning Silver”. Don was an All American hockey pioneer at Brown University and a silver medal winning goaltender for the US team at the 1952 Oslo Winter Olympics. Rotarians had the rare opportunity to hold a real Silver Medal. While in college, he was the first goaltender to wear a mask. Clearly, there are no dummies at Brown; Don still has all his teeth. He served with the Coast Guard in the Pacific theater during the final year of World War II, is a former President of the First National Bank of Ipswich, and is well known for his philanthropic service. His book “Winning Silver, A Memoir” is an engaging tale of a life well-lived, and is published by “The Beauty of Books”. |
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Picnic in the Park – celebration and remembrance, an annual Ipswich Rotary tradition This week, in lieu of our regular breakfast meeting, we will gather at noon in Rotary Park, adjacent to the Ipswich Family Y. The park opened in 2006 and the club has returned each summer to enjoy and rededicate this beautiful space. The park also is the site of one of the five Peace Poles placed by the Ipswich High School Interact Club in 2014. Construction on the park began in 2003 as the club’s “Centennial Project” to mark Rotary International’s 100 year anniversary in 2005. The project was guided by Co-Chairs Ed Bryant and Larry McNeil and a committee consisting of Gerry Beauchamp, Bud Conley, George Lewis, Bill Nelson, Joe Parks, and Don Whiston. A bench honoring the memory of Bud Conley is located near the park entrance. The picnic will begin at noon in the park. Parking is available in the adjacent YMCA parking lot. |
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Elaine Richter was inducted as the newest member of the Ipswich Rotary Club. Elaine was inducted by President Bob Gravino at the club’s monthly meeting in Rowley on July 9. Ingrid Miles, Vice President - Rotary Foundation, sponsored Elaine and will serve as her mentor. In the photo are Ingrid Miles, Elaine Richter, and Bob Gravino.
To learn more about Ipswich Rotary, contact any member or visit a meeting. The full schedule for Ipswich Rotary and the Rotary Satellite Club of Ipswich can be found here.
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On Monday Night, June 29, Bob Gravino was officially inducted as the 94th President of the Ipswich Rotary Club. On hand to help him celebrate were Joan and Bob Arsenault, Lisa Shanko, Bob Wicks, First Lady Kathy Gravino, and Christina Harris. Congratulations President Bob, we look forward to your inspiration and leadership as we continue our service to Ipswich and Rowley.
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The Ipswich Rotary 5K/10K road race and trail ramble raises scholarship money for worthy Ipswich and Triton students. The annual run and walk through beautiful Appleton Farms will be held on June 13 this year. Fun and food for all ages. Information is available in the attached flier. For directions and registration, log onto the Ramble website at www.ipswichrotary5K.com. Sponsored by the Institution for Savings and the Ipswich Family YMCA. Ipswich Rotary - Humanity in Motion, serving Ipswich and Rowley. |
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On April 11th, members of the Ipswich Rotary Club and Ipswich High School Interact gathered on Long Beach in Gloucester for the much postponed "Rotary District 7930 Polar Plunge" to End Polio. Overall, to date, the Rotary District has raised over $105,000. And, despite the numerous weather delays, the water in Gloucester was still very cold, in the upper 30's. Brrrr. The money raised by Ipswich alone will enable Rotary and World Health Organization volunteers to vaccinate over 10,000 children. Thanks to Rotary, WHO, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which provides matching funds, Polio continues to exist in just 2 countries. However, until this terrible disease is eradicated, the risk of it reemerging remains possible everywhere. Ipswich Rotary and Interact thank all of our generous donors. Your pledges really will make a difference.
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Peter Pinciaro, General Manager of the Crane Estate, recently was inducted by club President, The Rev. Brad Clark, Rector of Ascension Church. Peter is a long time executive at the Trustees of Reservations and friend of Ipswich Rotary. Peter’s sponsor and Rotary mentor is Gerry Beauchamp, Executive Director of the Ipswich YMCA. Peter joins over 65 other Rotarians who are dedicated to improving lives in Ipswich and Rowley.
To find out more about Rotary and how you too can make a difference in our two service communities and around the world, join us at one of our regular meetings on Thursday mornings. Meetings begin at 7:15 am at Ithaki in Ipswich, or the Village Pancake House in Rowley. We meet at the Pancake House on the 1st Thursday of each month, and at Ithaki the rest of the month. Rotary is an organization of 1.2 million men and women who serve humanity around the world. Our next international event will be the District 9730 Polar Plunge to end polio now. Members of Ipswich Rotary and Ipswich High School Interact will join plungers from the District’s 48 clubs to plunge into the still frigid Atlantic at Gloucester on April 11. This event was postponed several times due this winter’s extraordinary weather. For more information and to pledge your support, visit https://rotary.fundraise.com/acti…/Ipswich-2015-polar-plunge |
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At the club’s Annual Meeting in December, the Ipswich Rotary Club elected its Officers and Directors for 2015-16. Beginning on July 1, the leadership team will be:
Lisa Shanko, President
Bob Gravino, President Elect
George Gray, Vice President
Ingrid Miles, Vice President – Rotary Foundation
Ted Garside, Treasurer
Ray Katzen, Secretary
Directors will be: Gerry Beauchamp, Laurie Cameron, Sr. Leonore Coan, Russ Cole, Mary Foote-Hill (also Assistant Secretary), Deb Mahoney, and The Rev. Brad Clark, Immediate Past President.
The Ipswich Rotary Club is blessed in having substantial depth in leadership. We offer our thanks and best wishes to these newly elected members and to all the candidates who have committed themselves to making a
difference in our club and to the services we provide in Ipswich and Rowley.
 From left: Deb Mahoney, Rev. Brad Clark, Ted Garside, Sr. Leonore Coan, Lisa Shanko, Bob Gravino, George Gray, Ingrid Miles, Mary Foote-Hill, Laurie Cameron, Gerry Beauchamp. Unavailable for the photo were Russ Cole and Ray Katzen.
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.JPG) A message from President Brad Clark: Rotarians of Ipswich may duly honor our military veterans by lending our presence at
The Annual Ipswich Veterans Day Parade Tuesday, November 11, 2014
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Each year, the Ipswich Rotary Club names a “Person of the Year” in each of the two towns which it serves, Ipswich and Rowley. This year’s recipient in Rowley is Rev. Bob Hagopian, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Rowley.
 Rotary recognizes outstanding local citizens who are not Rotarians for their “Service Above Self” outside their normal paid positions. Rev. Hagopian certainly represents the best of selfless service, frequently reaching out in the community beyond his parish to provide supportive spiritual or psychological care. For example, Rev. Bob has a deep and passionate commitment to 9/11, which he calls this generation’s Pearl Harbor. Each September 11th, Rev. Bob holds a candlelight ceremony at the church to recognize the deep link between the Town of Rowley and the 9/11 tragedy. Three of Rowley’s townspeople were among the passengers who died on American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane to hit Tower One. Rev. Bob understands the mental and spiritual damage done that terrible day, not only to the families but also to the community. Whether it is in times of joy, hope, sorrow or tragedy “The Reverend” has been there for all, usually behind the scenes offering his special gifts of faith, hope, and love, qualities that have endeared him to the entire town.
In addition to being a tireless community servant, Bob is a great avoider of the limelight. As such, it was not easy for Rotary to corner this unpretentious hero. Rev. Hagopian had declined to be honored at our “Installation and Awards Dinner” last Spring, and again at a recent club meeting at the “Village Pancake House” in Rowley. So, to officially thank and recognize their humble honoree, the Rotary Club of Ipswich came to him, lying in wait at his church on September 4 until he returned from an early morning pastoral call. Reluctant to receive the award, Rev. Hagopian was more interested in singing the praises of the many people in his life, including his wife Anne, who he feels deserved such recognition more than him. This is Robert Hagopian, self-effacing servant of the people, always putting others first, and Ipswich Rotary’s Person of the Year in Rowley.
 Rotarians on hand, from left: John Morris, President Brad Clark, Bob Gravino (rear), and Ray Katzen. Front and center are: Anne Hagopian, behind the plaque, and honoree Rev. Bob Hagopian. Taking the picture is Rotarian and Rowley Selectman, Bob Snow.
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 On Monday, September 8, The Rev Brad Clark dedicated a new bus shelter on County Road in front of the Southern Heights neighborhood. The shelter replaces a 40 year old structure that had protected school children for four decades as they awaited their buses. Several of the children who will use the new shelter were on hand to cut the ribbon.
In his dedication remarks, Rev. Clark, Rector of Ascension Church and current President of the Ipswich Rotary Club, commented that “It was exactly 40 years ago that the first Southern Heights Bus Stop Shelter was built for kids as a protected place to gather for the bus. Food, shelter and clothing are the three basic essentials we need to make our way in this life. I would add community. Without community we have no one to lean on in times of need, no one with whom to share the happiest moments of our lives, and no one to help us realize our dreams.
This is a small achievement in the grand scheme of things, but a great example of what can be done when people and organizations work together to make our common life better. Living in community, being there for one another, brings out our best. Good things happen when we reach out, when we make an effort to shelter one another.”
Rev. Brad concluded his remarks by acknowledging the organizations and businesses whose efforts and generosity made the new shelter possible: the Ipswich Rotary Club, the Ipswich Family YMCA, the Youth Group of Ascension Memorial Church with special thanks to Bill Skelton, Cape Ann Sign, the Ipswich Housing Authority, D.L. Clark, Inc., Tedford’s True Value Hardware, and the Conservation Commission of the Town of Ipswich.
On hand, in addition to several Ipswich Rotarians, was former Ipswich resident Shawn Murphy who traveled down from his home in Exeter, NH. He shared memories and vintage newspaper clippings marking the occasion of a similar dedication exactly 40 years earlier. Shawn and his classmates were the first school children to use the previous shelter in 1974.
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The newly installed bus stop shelter at Agawam Village on County Road (Route 1A) will be formally dedicated on Monday, September 8. The ceremony will begin at 8 am, and the community is invited to participate.
This project was made possible thanks to the Rotary Club of Ipswich; The Ipswich Family YMCA; Agawam Village Housing Authority; The Youth Group of Ascension Memorial Church; D.L. Clark, Inc.; Tedford’s True Value Hardware; Cape Ann Sign; the Conservation Committee of the Town of Ipswich; and special thanks to Bill Skelton. In the photos: the new shelter is guided into place by Rotarian Dave Clark and a team of volunteers on Friday, August 29, 2014. The old County Road shelter showed years of wear and tear.   |
 On Saturday, Keith completed his epic 4400 mile cross country bike ride for The Rotary Foundation at Plum Island. Dozens of well wishers and supporters were on hand at the beach and at a Welcome Home party hosted by the Newburyport Brewing Company. Among those attending to congratulate Keith were RI Trustee Mike McGovern, RI Director Julia Phelps, District Governor Peter Simonsen, and Past District Governors Ingrid Brown, David Drislane, Terri Kidder, and Victor Saldahna. An article about Keith and his homecoming also appears today in the Eagle Tribune. To view the article, click on this link: www.eagletribune.com/local/x1927931660/Local-man-bikes-4-400-miles-for-bucket-list-and-charity
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On Sunday, July 22, 6 stalwart Ipswich Rotarians descended on the Rowley Common. In just 5 short hours, this small band of magicians converted the 25 year old bandstand from a gray lady to a gleaming white princess. Led by Captain Doug Shealy, Rotarians Gerry Beauchamp, John Morris, Bill Nelson, Jim Tedford, and Bob Wicks patched, scraped, sanded, primed, and painted so that the citizens of Rowley will be able to celebrate their town’s 375th anniversary with pride. Concerts will be offered from the refurbished bandstand on the Common every two weeks throughout the summer.
All materials for this project were generously donated by Tedford’s. Phase Two, which includes a baseball backstop on the other side of the Common and a second finish coat on the bandstand ceiling, will be scheduled soon.
The following are photos of the bandstand before, during, and after the project.
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Rowley resident Rev. Robert Hagopian was recognized as this year's "Rowley Person of the Year" for his many years of volunteer work that has improved lives in Rowley. Bob was unable to attend last evening, and will be honored at an upcoming club meeting. Join us in thanking Hope and Bob for their tireless "service above self" Seen here with Hope, are President Elect The Rev. Brad Clark and President Gail Doktor. |
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This week, Keith visited the Winthrop and Doyon schools to receive a donation to “Pedaling for a Purpose”. The children of the “Extended Daycare Program” (EDP) raised $612 at their recent “Talent Show” benefit. This summer Keith will be riding from coast to coast to raise money for The Rotary Foundation and Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport. The check was presented at the fabulous new Winthrop School playground, the entrance of which is marked by one of the Interact Peace Poles.
The EDP program, led by Wilma Gooby, provides pre and post school daycare for children of working parents. Parents drop off their children, grades K-5, at 7 am and pick them up at 6 pm on school days. This valuable program for Doyon and Winthrop parents and pupils is funded by tuition rather than by the town. Gooby is assisted by teachers and teachers’ aids such as Sarah Cummings and Cassandra Taraska who also were on hand for the presentation at Winthrop. At Doyon School, Keith was hosted by Principal Sheila Conley and EarlyAct Faculty Advisor Elyssa Brand.
At both locations, Keith presented information about his ride, the work of The Rotary Foundation, and bike safety. Keith talked about the rules every biker should follow: wearing a helmet, riding single file in groups, and using clear hand signals. As an example of the Foundation’s lifesaving humanitarian work, he compared living as a child in poverty stricken Sudan to their own lives in Ipswich. The money that was raised by EDP will be used to provide eight families with water filters in an area that desperately needs clean water. He wrapped up his remarks by taking the children on an interactive tour across the country that followed the route of his upcoming ride.
The children came away knowing much more about the thrills and challenges of long distance biking. They learned the importance of preparation and self-sufficiency, about the good people he expects to meet while on the road, and of the techniques and traditions associated with long-distance bicycle travel. Keith closed his presentations by noting that, due to their generosity, each of them would be traveling with him every mile along the way.
 Keith pedaling the Kancamagus Highway on May 24, in preparation for his cross country ride to improve lives. |
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signifyy friendship and international cooperation between Rotary clubs worldwide.
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