It was a busy week for Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians.
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.The following day, we gathered in the Byfield Community Arts Center to install and celebrate our incoming Presidents and Board of Directors, and to honor our outgoing President and Board. As is our tradition, we also recognized our living past Presidents in attendance with a ceremonial ‘passing of the gavel’.
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.We also celebrated with two of our local elementary schools.
This year, Interactors joined Rotarians for lunch with our sponsored Early Act club at Doyon School in Ipswich. This annual end of year event is great fun and an opportunity for the clubs to look back and celebrate Early Act’s service achievements for the year.
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. Seen in the photos, at 'Our Place' are Town Planner and Rotarian Glenn Gibbs, President Elect George Gray, President Elect Doug Shealy, IHA Commission Chair Charlie Allen, Institution for Savings President Mike Jones, Rotarian Keith Harris, and Secretary Mary Foote-Hill. In Byfield, Presidents Elect Gray and Shealy congratulate outgoing President Tom Murphy. On the Ipswich South Green, VFW Commander and Rotarian Larry Jordon addresses those assembled as George, Doug and Koz look on. In Rowley the Pine Grove 'Tracker's Trail' teachers pose along the trail.