On Tuesday night, Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians turned out in force in the Danversport ballroom to cheer on our incoming President, George Gray, and continuing Assistant Governor Clint Dalton. Anne Lewis, our once and future Assistant Governor from the Rockport club, also was on hand. Along the way, we were introduced to the fun and excitement of Bollywood dancing. Unfortunately, our table was not quite large enough to accommodate everyone, so a few members were scattered about the room, including Christina and Keith Harris who were among those honored by Governor Tom Hankard for exceptional leadership and service to youth. Sitting at the head table with Joan Arsenault was Andrea Lecroix.
Altogether, 15 members were in attendance. Many were seated at the packed Ipswich-Rowley table, including President George Gray and his wife Marcia, Brian and Julie Nelson, Clint Dalton, Martha Mauser, Ann Witzig, Paula Bishop, Lisa Melkonian, Lisa Shanko, and Bob Wicks.
Among the highlights of the evening, Past District Governor Joan inducted our new Governor, Pooja Singla who in turn swore in the Presidents and Assistant Governors. Outgoing Governor Tom was honored with several awards. A lineup of attending Past District Governors passed the gavel to incoming Governor Pooja. Serving this year with George but unable to attend is Doug Shealy.
Attached are more photos from the event taken by Brian Nelson and Bob Wicks.
On Wednesday, we participated in the opening and dedication of ‘Our Place”, a new recreational area designed and developed by the Ipswich Housing Authority for its residents. Ipswich-Rowley Rotary was a major donor, along with the Institution for Savings. Our donation marked our club’s 100 years of community service in Ipswich.
On Flag Day, we assembled with local veterans and area dignitaries on the Ipswich South Green to pay tribute to our local heroes in Ipswich and Rowley. Each year on this day of remembrance, we formally dedicate our fields of flags which are on display in both towns from Memorial Day through July 4.
And we also received final approval of our $5200 matching grant to assist Pine Grove School teachers in Rowley to develop skills in leading grade specific environmental educational programs on the new ‘Tracker’s Trail’ on adjacent town land. This sustainable learning program will directly benefit 23 teachers and 413 students and promote science literacy. The club's total investment in this project now exceeds $8,000. 
Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians braved yesterday's inclement weather to install the Flags for Heroes in Ipswich and Rowley. The displays will continue until July 6, on the Ipswich South Green and the Rowley Common. A dedication ceremony is planned for Flag Day, June 14 in Ipswich. Medallions will be added to the poles as registrations are received. 
The Ascension Church Hall in Ipswich was once again blooming this week with colorful tablecloths, floral centerpieces, and lots of smiling faces. The event was the annual Senior Lunch, Rotary’s gift to its senior citizens. The event is co-sponsored by the Ipswich Council on Aging. 
Joao Alfonso, our 2024-25 inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student from Brazil, entertained and informed us with a tradition that helps define Brazilian culture, the cultural phenomenon of Carnaval. Running from the Friday before Lent to Ash Wednesday, Carnaval is a major driver of the Brazilian economy, attracting over 46 million participants and generating just under $2 billion (US) dollars annually.
Lisa Melkonian, Ipswich-Rowley Rotarian and CEO of North Shore Children’s Wellness is an early child educator who introduced us to several stress management techniques appropriate for all ages. Featured in her presentation were holistic tools to help mind and body achieve a sense of security and connectivity using basic survival needs and instincts such as grounding, empowerment, compassion, free expression, mindfulness, and faith. 
Compassionate and intelligent with a rich life experience, Iris is a retired teacher of Hebrew at the University of Hawaii and as an assistant professor at the Defense Languages Institute in Monterey, California. She also taught Arab students at an Israeli college and in other locations.
On May 5, Ipswich-Rowley Rotary hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for supporters of our annual Road Race. Rotarians, volunteers and sponsors assembled in The Brewers Table at the Ipswich Ale Brewery. 
In honor of Earth Day and our love of community, a small but intrepid group of Rotary volunteers braved the elements last Sunday to complete our semi-annual cleanup of the two-mile segment of Route 133 between the Route 1 intersection and the Essex town line. President Tom Murphy, the club’s ‘Adopt a Highway’ Chair, was joined by President-Elect Doug Shealy and Vice President Susanne Petersen. 
Last Saturday, 417 runners from more than 20 states 'stormed the Castle' in the annual Ipswich Ale Half Marathon for Rotary. The funds raised help Ipswich-Rowley Rotary support several of our important service missions, including school and camp scholarships. Since the inaugural race in 2016, our premier fundraiser has raised over $200,000.
aptly stated in his letter of appreciation to the community, we are especially grateful "to Andy Ellis, our Race Director extraordinaire for coordinating and guiding us all.” We also acknowledge the vital support provided every year by the town, including the Town Manager, the Ipswich Police and Fire Departments, and the departments of Building, Health, and Public Works. We also appreciate the area residents for their understanding during race hours. 
We are delighted to welcome Gina and Joe Healy, and Larry Jordan to the Ipswich-Rowley Rotary family, where we achieve more together than we can alone.
At last week's meeting, President Tom Murphy presented Executive Director (Gloucester Rotarian) Julie LaFontaine, center, and Director of Operations (Ipswich-Rowley Rotarian) Jen Perry with a $2000 donation. Julie commented that 'The Open Door is powered by the community to meet the needs we have.' This year alone, she has seen a 30% increase in the number of people seeking assistance. Jen added that 'The Open Door has been collecting food items at area markets including Shaw's in Ipswich and Market Basket in Rowley. Holiday baskets will be assembled and distributed next week.' 
Thank you, Nat, for your immense contributions to our club and community. Your imagination, kindness, and devotion to community made Ipswich a better place for us all. Those of us in Rotary were honored to serve with you!!! 
Kerrie Bates (right) is the legendary Director of ReCreation and Culture for the Town of Ipswich. Kerrie is a well-known innovator whose engaging events bring the community together and draw countless visitors from around the area. She and her team have made Ipswich a destination. During her long tenure, Kerrie has introduced and overseen notable cultural, musical and historical activities such as 'Ipswich Illumination', 'Voices from the Beach', 'Downtown Tuesdays', 'Ipswich is First ... Period', and '16 Elm Street, Within These Walls'. Nat Pulsifer nominated Kerrie, who was joined by her husband Daniel.
At a gala dinner last Saturday evening at the Ipswich Country Club, Ipswich-Rowley Rotary was one of seven area Rotary clubs that were honored with Massachusetts Senate Citations presented by State Senator Bruce Tarr. Senator Tarr noted the clubs were being recognized for their historic founding by local business leaders in 1923, and for their many years of community service and social support. As he put it, “700 years of community and international service are represented in this room”.
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Rowley, MA 01969
United States of America