Welcome to  Rotary Club of Ipswich
Sponsor a Flag, Honor a Hero
Posted by Julie Nelson on Apr 30, 2021
Ipswich Rotary is accepting sponsors for a new program called the Flags for Heroes project.  This will be a large display of 3 by 5 foot American flags on 10 foot poles created to honor our local heroes. This hero may be a veteran, teacher, medical professional, mentor, or any person you would like to honor for their contribution to your life or to the community.
 
If you would like to sponsor a flag during this installation, a flag will be dedicated to your hero with a tag that includes their name and title throughout the display period. There will be a public dedication event on June 14, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at South Village Green. 
 
The flags will be displayed from mid-June to early July, and used again in future installations.  Proceeds to benefit Ipswich Rotary Charitable Trust. $50 per sponsorship.  Limited to the first 100 sponsors, first-come first-served.  
 
Sponsor forms and payment are due May 31, 2021.  Forms are available at the Institution for Savings branches at Depot Square and County Road, and the BankGloucester office on High Street; or download it HERE  For more information, please contact Paula at 978-500-8532. 
Rotary Picks Up Trash on Route 133
Posted by Bob Wicks on Apr 30, 2021
Several members of the Ipswich Rotary club recently conducted the club’s twice annual cleanup in the stretch of Route 133 between the intersection of Routes 133/1A and the Ipswich/Essex line.  More than the usual amount of trash had accumulated along the road during the pandemic; and while doing the dirty deed, the team noticed that fireballs appeared to be the nip of choice.  
 
In this photo are the cleanup team of Doug Shealy, Tom Murphy, Eric Josephson, Cindy Quinn, and Jim Tedford. And, no, they did not pick up this food along the road. Celebrating at Zumi's after the event. 
 
 
Seen below right, Doug is loading the bags to be taken away.  Yes, we retrieved our Rotarian from the pile before the truck pulled out.  
 

 
 
 
   At left, Tom and Eric pose with their 'catch of the day'.  
Rotary Rings the Dinner Bell
Posted by Bob Wicks on Apr 12, 2021
Rotary President Martha Mauser and Rotarian Diane Herth prepare vegetables at the Ipswich Inn for the April 5 Dinner Bell, hosted by Rotary.  The meal was created by Rotarian Ray Morley, chef/owner of the Inn, and several Rotarians joined in the effort.
 
Prior to the pandemic, weekly Dinner Bell meals were held at the Masonic Lodge.  In the interest of public safety during the on-going health crisis, meals are prepared by the host organization and delivered by them to those in need.  
 
The photo is courtesy of Rotarian John Muldoon, editor and publisher of TheLocalNews.  
Interact Completes Homeless Clothing Drive
Posted by John Muldoon on Apr 08, 2021
IPSWICH — After just one week of collecting goods, a group of high school students has sent it off to a charity that supports the homeless.
 
The students asked residents for clothes they no longer wanted or to donate toiletries.
Last Saturday, the group assembled on Congress Street in Ipswich to load the donated goods into cars and bring them to Lowell.
 
“Basically, we got everything we needed in a really large quantity”, said Interact President Audrey Berger.  “No one expected this much stuff.  We’re really glad Ipswich got together and helped us.”  
 
Dana Falardeau loads a car.
 
 
Students in the Interact Club set about helping Living Waters, a group that supports the chronically homeless in Lowell.  Its website says it provides meals, mobile charging, mail pick-up, laundry, rest rooms, referrals, hygiene, haircuts, clothes, workshops, and case management.
 
The students set up four collection points, at Town Hall, Zumi’s, Ipswich High School, and the Ipswich YMCA.  Berger said some people made their own care packages with toiletries and other goods they bought.
 

 
From left: Louisa Roesler, Audrey Berger, Dana Falardeau (in front), Sam Orroth and Steven Yon, with some of the donations they received.
Interact Collecting Clothing for the Homeless
Posted by John Muldoon on Mar 18, 2021
Now’s the time to start spring-clean your closets and get rid of your dated wardrobe — a group of high school students is launching a clothing drive to help the homeless. 

Starting Sunday, boxes will pop up in four locations to collect toiletries and clothing. The week-long drive (from March 22 to 29) is being organized by the Rotary sponsored Interact Club in Ipswich High School.  Seen in the photo are club officers Audrey Berger, President; Louisa Roesler, Vide President; Rowan Galanis, Secretary; and Sam Orroth, Treasurer.  
 
The drive will support Living Waters Center of Hope in Lowell, which helps the chronically homeless in Lowell, club president Audrey Berger said. Its website says it provides meals, mobile charging, mail pick-up, laundry, rest rooms, referrals, hygiene, haircuts, clothes, workshops, and case management.  For more information about Living Waters, click here.
 
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President's Welcome
It is an honor to once again be president of the Ipswich/Rowley Rotary Club, and I am pleased to have shared this year with Lisa and Cushing. 
 
This year of Covid has provided both stresses and opportunities.  I am so proud of this club that we have continued to meet weekly via Zoom, and that so many of our members have signed in and continue to make this such a strong club. We continue to be involved in our communities and provide Service Above Self.  
 
It is my hope that before I pass the baton to President Elect Clint Dalton at the end of June we will be able to return to face to face meetings, in at least a limited capacity. 
 
Sincerely,
Martha
Rotary Assists The Open Door Food Pantry
Posted by John Muldoon on Mar 03, 2021
 
For the fourth year running, the Rotary Club of Ipswich and Rowley has held a post-holiday food drive.
 
Last week, Ipswich Rotarians dropped off non-perishable goods, including food, games, puzzles and books, at the Open Door in Ipswich.  In previous years, Rotary held a “reverse Advent” drive, in which people would put one item per day into a bag in the run up to Christmas.  The pandemic changed plans this year, so the club modified the event and called it “Make Kindness Contagious,” said organizer Elaine Richter.  
 
These donations were made possible by generous contributions from Rotarians and our neighbors in the community. 
 
In the photo, from left, are Susan Otis and Glen Prescott of the Open Door; and Rotarians Martha Mauser, Elaine Richter, Cindy Quinn, and Julie Nelson.
Rotary and Doyle Drug Store Donate PPE
Posted by Bob Wicks on Dec 09, 2020
The Rotary Club of Ipswich-Rowley recently teamed up with Conley’s Drug in Ipswich to provide the Ipswich Police Department with additional personal protective equipment.  To fund the project, Rotary secured a District Grant, and Conley’s owner Alex Doyle generously agreed to sell at cost.
 
“Alex gave us a discount so we got more than what we would have,” said Rotary co-president Martha Mauser.  Doyle said the supplies consisted of hand sanitizer, gloves and masks.
 
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary always is grateful to our generous community partners.  
 
Seen in the photo are Rotary co-President Lisa Shanko, Conley's owner Alex Doyle, police Chief Paul Nikas, and Rotary co-President Martha Mauser.  Photo courtesy of thelocalne.ws.  
Jingle Bell Drive-In is December 12
Posted by Bob Wicks on Dec 03, 2020
For the safety of everyone during the pandemic, the Ipswich High School Interact Club will host a 'Jingle Bell Drive-In' this year.  The event will be an adapted version of their annual 'Jingle Bell Walk', and will take place next Saturday afternoon, December 12, at Ipswich High School.  The fun begins at 3 pm.
 
Festively dressed and masked interact members will guide cars from High Street along the parking lot, exiting through School Street.  Santa will be on hand, but due to Covid restrictions he requests that photos be taken only from a distance.  He still has a busy night coming up in a few weeks, and he needs to remain healthy.  Kids are encouraged to bring their letters to give to Santa.  
 
During the event, the club will hold a raffle for prizes (gift cards and Christmas trees).  In addition, they will accept donations for the ‘Toys for Tots’ charity.  So, please bring toys to donate; these donations are needed this year more than ever.  Hot chocolate kits and chocolate chip cookies will be available for purchase, and the proceeds will go to ‘Toys for Tots’, along with proceeds from the raffle
Rotary Assists Disabled Veteran
Posted by Bob Wicks on Dec 07, 2020
On November 7, 2019, disabled Marine veteran Micaila Britto was granted guardianship of a Grant Dane service Dog from the ‘Service Dog Project’ in Ipswich.  This gift was made possible by a $20,000 District Grant put together by the Ipswich Rotary Club.  Since then, her dog Rabbit has become her best friend and an indispensable part of her life.
 
Micaila visited the Ipswich Rotary virtual meeting last Thursday to bring us up to date on her first year with Rabbit, named for her litter and the iconic ‘Winnie the Pooh’ character.  Ms. Rabbit, as she calls her, stands 31 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds.  
 
This all came about due to a traumatic, life changing injury that Micaila suffered while on active duty with the US Marine helicopter launch and recovery unit.  The chronically painful effects of her injury include balance and mobility issues.  Fortunately for Micaila, the Service Dog Project gives preference to veterans and first responders.  When Ipswich Rotarians learned of her plight, they acted quickly.
 
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Give IpswichRowley-Opoly – a Great Holiday Gift
Posted by Bob Wicks on Nov 22, 2020
 
The 'IpswichRowley-Opoly' games are in stores now, just in time for Christmas.  Your whole family can enjoy the local themed fun while supporting our communities through Rotary.  The game sells for $30 and you can pick up yours at any of the following convenient locations: 
 
Jettie’s Bagels, 5 Depot Square, Ipswich
Windhill Realty, 16 Market Street, Ipswich
Corliss Brothers, 31 Essex Road, Ipswich
Henry Bear’s Park, 3 Market Street, Ipswich
Northern Lights Farm Stand, 243 High Street, Ipswich
Haircrafters, 15 Market Street, Ipswich
BankGloucester, 143 High Street, Ipswich
Rowley Family Dental Center, 434 Haverhill Street, Rowley
 
Act fast, supplies are limited! 
 
Ipswich Rotary serves the communities of Ipswich and Rowley.  We are grateful to the many sponsors who made this unique fundraiser possible.    
Ipswich High School Interact Seeks Community Help on Service Projects
Posted by Bob Wicks on Oct 07, 2020
Ipswich High School Interact is a Rotary sponsored service club sanctioned by the Ipswich Public Schools and advised by Ipswich Rotary.  Last week, the club leaders presented their plans for two new service projects at the weekly meeting of the Rotary club, currently held on Zoom.     
 
As he has for many years, Rotarian Keith Harris serves as their Rotary Advisor.  Faculty member Michelle Barclay begins her third year as the Faculty Advisor.  The officers for 2020-21 are President Audrey Berger, Vice President Louisa Roesler, Treasurer Sam Orroth, and Secretary Rowan Galanis.  Board member Angelina Rix also was on hand for the virtual presentation.  Harris commented on the solidarity of the club, which despite Covid-19 restrictions had 35 members at their first Zoom meeting.  He also commended the club and its leaders for their commitment and teamwork.
 
To kick off the year, the Interact club has initiated two projects: the “Interact Community Service Fair”, and an “Oral History” project with the Ipswich Council on Aging.  
 
The ‘Service Fair” project will reach out to local businesses, non-profits, and town government seeking volunteer opportunities and possible internships for students.  The goal is to help Ipswich students fulfill the requirement of 30 hours of community service by the end of their junior year or beginning of the senior year.  Students will be encouraged to “advocate for themselves” and to “enhance their communication skills and build their character”. 
This project is a continuation of one initiated last year under the leadership of then President Kayla Laddin, but interrupted by the pandemic outbreak. 
 
Students will join the event through a series of Zoom fairs.  Representatives from participating businesses and organizations will be invited to the appropriate fair.  Interested business partners will be sent a brief Google Form survey in which they can describe their opportunities.  Students also will receive a Google Form to assess their interest and allocate them to the appropriate fair.  The target date to hold the fairs is October 21.  
 
Interested business and non-profit leaders are urged to contact President Audrey at 21bergera@ipsk12.net ASAP.     
 
In the “Oral History” project, students are conducting a series of video interviews with senior citizens.  When completed, the club will share the videos with appropriate community outlets, such as ICAM, and on the Ipswich Rotary website.
 
Seen in the front of the High School are the 2020-21 Interact officers: President Audrey Berger, Vice President Louisa Roesler, Secretary Rowan Galanis, and Treasurer Sam Orroth
Ipswich/Rowley-opoly Games Available for Purchase
 
Posted by Bob Wicks on Oct 06, 2020
Just in time for the holidays, the Ipswich Rotary Club has announced its new “IpswichRowley-opoly” game for $30 per game.  All proceeds from the sales of the game will benefit the on-going work of the club during the pandemic.  
 
Like its predecessor issued many years ago, this 
collector game board features many local businesses and professionals who generously support our club during this fundraiser.  Be among the first to collect $300 when you pass “Bank Gloucester”, receive a Chamber Card from the “Ipswich Y”, or purchase the “Institution for Savings Depot Square” branch for just $200.  All in play money, of course.  If you enjoy “Monopoly”, you’ll enjoy playing this game with all the local fun built in.  
 
The game will be released in November to local retail locations.  In the meantime, you can pre-order directly from the club using Venmo direct transfer to “@IpswichRotary” (Ipswich Rotary Trust), or by check payable to the “Ipswich Rotary Trust”.  Mail your check to:
 
Attn: Ted Garside
Institution for Savings
PO Box 32
Ipswich, MA 01938.
 
Please include a phone number with your payment so that we can reach you.  
 
For questions, please contact Julie Nelson at jnelson23@mac.com.      
 
Ipswich Rotary is a service organization of Rotary International.  The club’s more than 70 business and professional leaders provide humanitarian and social services to residents of Ipswich and Rowley.  Please support our generous sponsors.    
Vigil Today to Remember Opioid Victims
Posted by Chris Bevilacqua on Sep 24, 2020
Ipswich Rotary joins with the community in remembering the victims of opioid overdose, those still struggling with addiction, and their families.
 
Rotary Remembers 9/11
Posted by Bob Wicks on Sep 10, 2020
 
This week, Rotarians performed annual maintenance to the 9-11 Memorial in Rowley.  The memorial remembers several Rowley residents who perished on that fateful day in 2001.  Again this year, the beautiful plantings were donated by Country Gardens in Rowley.  

Seen in the photos are Ipswich Rotary Past President, and member of the Rowley Select Board, Bob Snow and his wife Jami.  Due to the extremely dry weather this year, it was decided to conduct the maintenance later than usual.  
 
Rotarians and neighbors will stop at the site tomorrow at 8:44 am for a few moments of reflection and remembrance. 
 
 
The Fascinating Story of Rotarian Don Whiston
Posted by Bob Wicks on Sep 10, 2020

We are reposting this 2015 memory of our long time friend and fellow Rotarian Don Whiston who sadly left us on July 11 at age 93.   His friend and Rotarian, Nat Puslifer, said recently that he will be remembered as an honorable and wise man.  

Speaking to the club in 2015, Don regaled us with anecdotes from his then new book “Winning Silver” which recounts his years as a hockey pioneer at Brown University and a silver medal winning goaltender for the US team at the 1952 Oslo Winter Olympics.  At Brown, Don was the 1951 NCAA tournament MVP and a First Team All American.  He later served as head hockey coach at Brown.  

That day, Rotarians had a rare opportunity to hold a real Silver Medal.  He also was the first college goaltender to wear a mask, proving there are no dummies at Brown; Don still had all his teeth.

He served with the Coast Guard in the Pacific theater during the final year of World War II, was a former President of the First National Bank of Ipswich, and was known for his philanthropy, including serving on the Board of the Coburn Charitable Society in Ipswich.

President's Message
 
Greetings Members and Visitors,
 
I am extremely privileged to be able to serve the club as President again for the first four months of our 2020 – 2021 Rotary year!  I thoroughly enjoyed serving as your President in 2016-2017 and I am looking forward to the next four months.
 
Our Rotary club is extremely special – we are truly a Rotary family!  We all work hard to do our best to hold true to our Rotary Mission of providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace.  But what makes our club truly amazing is the respect and admiration we have for each other …. we are a family.
 
My goal during my four months as President is to get every member engaged in the club by serving on a committee, volunteering for projects, or attracting new members.  When I first joined the Ipswich/ Rowley Rotary Club in 2010, I received a call from the Rotarian I admire the most and the one who has been my mentor over the years, Bob Wicks.  Bob called me because I was a new member of the club and he talked to me for a while.  He wanted to know what my interests were and what committee I thought I would enjoy serving on.  Since that day, I have been on the Membership Committee, Chaired the Fundraising Committee, served on the Board many times, served as Vice President, President Elect, President, Past President and now President.  Bob knew what he was talking about when he said, “You have to get all members engaged and not only engaged in club activities, but engaged in things they enjoy.”   So this is my mission over the next few months!!!
 
Sincerely,
Lisa
Rotary Presents 2020 Scholarships
Posted by Bob Wicks on Sep 09, 2020
 
This summer, The Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club presented scholarships to 12 recent High School graduates from Ipswich and Rowley.  This year, graduates received $500 or $1,000.  Since the traditional presentations at a club meeting were not possible during the pandemic, the club arranged a special one-on-one event to ensure safety.  We are grateful to our Scholarship Committee, led by Sr Leonore Coan, for putting this wonderful plan together.    
 
Dubbing it the “Auto Award”, the club scheduled a drive-by outside Ipswich High School.  Each young scholar was assigned an arrival time and was required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.  As the student arrived, a large sign displayed his or her name in calligraphy print.  They were dropped off for a few minutes to accept their award and exchange a few pleasantries.  Rotarians and family members who were on hand cheered in appreciation for their achievements.  Some students were accompanied by a parent or their entire family.    
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Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Celebrates 2020-21 Leadership Team
 
Posted by Bob Wicks on Sep 01, 2020
 
In an historic first for our 97 year old club, three recent Presidents will share presidential duties and responsibilities this year.  From left to right, Lisa Shanko, Martha Mauser, and Cushing Titcomb have agreed to combine their experience and passion for Rotary during a year of unique challenges.  Each will lead our club for four months.  
 
Our year began on July 1 with Lisa at the helm until the end of October.  On November 1, Cushing will step into the chair for the next four months, through February 28.  On March 1, Martha will carry the leadership baton for the bell lap until the end of the Rotary year on June 30.  During this time, President Elect Clint Dalton, a second-generation Rotarian, will prepare to take the reins next July 1 for 2021-22.  
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Effective Immediately

Out of an abundance of caution, the club has suspended live meetings until further notice.  

We will continue to meet virtually, so watch this site, and our social media pages, for information about our on-going activities to support the Ipswich and Rowley communities.  

We are all in this crisis together.  Together, we can help keep each other safe.  Please follow the recommendations and guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Upcoming Events
  • Senior Luncheon
    Ipswich Council on Aging Senior Center
    May 20, 2021
    10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
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Leadership
President
Martha Mauser
President Team
Cushing Titcomb
President Team
Lisa Shanko
President Elect
Clint Dalton
Vice President
Ray Morley
Vice President - Rotary Foundation
Doug Shealy
Immediate Past President
Cindy Quinn
Secretary
Mary Foote-Hill
Treasurer
Ted Garside
Director - Membership Chair
Elaine Richter
Director
Paula Bishop
Director
George Gray
Director
Anthony Marino
Director
Julie Nelson
Director
Ann Witzig
Assistant Secretary
Raymond Katzen
Membership Co-Chair
Deb Mahoney
Fundraising Co-Chair
Dottie Levesque
Fundraising Co-Chair
Julie Nelson
Scholarships
Sr. Leonore Coan
Speaker Programs
Ann Witzig
Club Photographer
Bob Snow
Public Image
John Muldoon
Social Media
Anthony Marino
Social Media
Debra Richards
Web Administrator
Raymond Katzen
Club Information

Ipswich Rotary
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
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