Visitors Are Always Welcome

We had a good turn-out at the mixer at the Essex Ship Building Museum. A very interesting space that made actual mixing effortless. Marcia did an outstanding job providing the buffet dinner and beer and wine. The speakers were interesting: Betsy Manzelli, Rotary District Governor nominee, Ken Riehl, Gloucester Rotarian and Director of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, and Julie LaFontaine, Gloucester Rotarian and Director of Open Door.

Membership Mixer

Posted by David Ray on Feb 12, 2019

MERC's next evening meeting will be a membership-mixer at Essex Ship Building Museum, February 20, 6-8pm. There will be a buffet dinner ($25 for members, guests no charge) and a cash bar (beer or wine). Bring a friend or two. There will be a tour of the museum, updates on the 200th anniversary of Essex, and a speaker from the District. RSVP with Dave Ray.

9th Annual Polar Plunge

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Feb 09, 2019

The 9^th annual Polar Plunge to eradicate polio worldwide was held Saturday at Long Beach in Gloucester. Representing the M-E Rotary Club, Brian DesRosiers, Joanne Donnelly and Stephen Laspesa, took the plunge. Patrick Meehan piped the plungers into the ocean and his friend Joanne Cusato also took the plunge. New Rotary member Peter Andersen is supporting the effort as well with a pledge to raise funds. Go to https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/polio/team/ManchesterEssex to add your contribution to the cause. The Rotary district has raised $80,000 so far this year which the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match 2:1.

Ruzanna Queenan, new Club member

Posted by Dot Sieradzki

Tim Collins, Ruzanna Queenan and President Mike Storella.

2019 Scholarship App Now Available

Posted by Jennifer Doane on Jan 21, 2019

Rotary Scholarship Application Now Available

The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club will once again be awarding scholarships to deserving High School Seniors of Manchester-Essex residents. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 30, 2019.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors who attend Manchester-Essex Regional High School or Essex Technical High School and/or whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) reside in Manchester or Essex, Massachusetts. Students must be enrolling as full-time students in a four-year or two-year degree-granting program.

Ideal candidates are those who embody Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" either in their school or community demonstrating leadership, integrity and academic success.

The Manchester-Essex Rotary Scholarship Committee will interview selected finalists in April and will make the final determination of scholarship awards after the interview, review of the candidates’ past academic and extra-curricular activities, demonstrated financial need, and letters of recommendation.

Applications are available through the High School Guidance Office and online at manchesteressexrotary.org Completed applications, SAR/FAFSA info, and two (2) letters of recommendation must be postmarked by the March 30 deadline to: Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, P.O. Box 403, Manchester, MA 01944.

The M-E Rotary Club has been fortunate to provide $10,000 annually in Scholarships for the past several years as a result of the generosity of members of the Manchester and Essex communities. The M-E Rotary Club holds three major fundraisers throughout the year to support our Scholarship Fund and mission of giving back to the community: the Kentucky Derby Auction in early May, the Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast at Tuck’s Point over the July 4^th holiday, and the annual Rotary Golf Tournament in October. Thank you for your continued support and we invite you to join us at each of these fundraisers in 2019.

Annual Holiday Luncheon

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Dec 21, 2018

Our annual holiday luncheon, and the passing of the "Lamp" was especially nostalgic this year as 7 Central Restaurant will be closing for good on December 31. The origin of the "Leg Lamp" is obscure; it's said to date back to the two Daves, Peterson and Singleton. No matter, every year a new member is chosen to carry on the honor of displaying the lamp in his or hers domain. Sarah WD had custody of the lamp last year and displayed it at her Office, Anthony-Dodge Accountants. On Friday she passed the "leg" to Dot, and the tradition continues. Look for the beacon in the window when driving to Gloucester along rte 127.

December Evening Meeting

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Dec 20, 2018

At our December evening meeting two Paul Harris Awards were presented to past presidents Chris Shea and Dave Ray. Katy Shea and Deb Ray were in attendance to share the moment. After a buffet dinner the club held its annual Yankee Swap.

December 5 Breakfast Meeting

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Nov 27, 2018

Author talk with Ellen Alden

December 5th at 7:30 am, Allie’s Beach Café, 35 Beach St. Manchester by the Sea, MA

You never know what you’ll find in your attic!

Come hear about how I brought a fist full of letters to life in Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke, an Irish Immigrant story.

http://ellenalden.com/

Cribbage Tournament

Posted by Dot Sieradzki

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club

Presents

Cribbage Night

Thursday, November 29

at 7 Central

7pm sign in, practice play, 7:30pm start.

$20 to play, cash prizes, friendly game,
no elimination,
winners based on total points earned

To benefit the Manchester-Essex Rotary Club

Past DG visits MERC

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Nov 07, 2018

We were honored to have past District Governor, Dave Gardner visit our club this morning. He came bearing recognition awards for our past president, Chris Shea and our current president Mike Storella. Dave introduced a new Rotary initiative that effects all of us in some way, addiction. Rotary is planning a campaign for schools to prevent students from ever getting hooked. Read more about the initiative here. Our members were enthused to participate.

Dave Gardner, Chris Shea, Mike Storella

Hack-for-the-Sea

Posted by Dot Sieradzki

The 3rd Annual Hack for the Sea is a marine hackathon where participants take on challenges in marine science, research, and industry. It was recently held in Gloucester Sept 21-23. Mark Henderson is the organizer for the event. He recently spoke at our meeting. Manchester-Essex Rotary Club helped sponsor the event.

Presentation on a New Memorial School

Posted by Dot on Sep 19, 2018

At last night's evening meeting Remko Brueker and Tim Collins gave an informative presentation on the Manchester-Essex Regional School District's plans for building a new Memorial Elementary School.

Mark Your Calendar for Fall Town Meeting!

The Memorial School Building Committee has completed the Schematic Design for a proposed new Memorial Elementary school and the MSBA has approved the project, scope, and budget. The next step in the process is to bring the project forward to the community for local approval.

Each town needs to vote twice - once at Fall Town Meeting and once at the ballot.

Manchester -October 15th
Essex - October 16th
Election Day- November 6th

Breakfast Meeting Moving to Beach Street

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is moving to Allie's Beach Street Cafe as of Sept 5. Join us in our bright, new location, 7:30am.

Great location for groups.

Breakfast at the Beach

Each year Manchester-Essex Rotarians enjoy a breakfast meeting on Singing Beach.

Gloucester Daily Times Aug 6, 2018

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Aug 06, 2018

Little Free Library

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Aug 01, 2018

Following the tradition of Rotarian Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, M-E Rotary sponsored two Little Free Libraries (LFL), one for the Manchester Public Library and one for TOPH Burnham Library in Essex. Essex Library Director Deb French has establish their LFL at Conomo Point, check it out. Manchester Library Director, Sara Collins, is considering Masconomo Park or the train station. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Music in Masconomo Park

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Jul 24, 2018

M-E Rotary is a sponsor of the Manchester Parks & Rec summer music series. In addition to supporting a band's appearance we also provide free hotdogs, chips and lemonade to the many people who attend the concert. This community event is what makes small town life special.

True North Ale

Posted by Dot Sieradzki

President Mike Storella started out his term with a road trip to Ipswich, True North Ale. Members and guests enjoyed a relaxing evening in the tap room tasting the many varieties of beers.

Paul Harris Fellowships

PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIPS

On June 20^th The Manchester Essex Rotary Club honored four individuals with Paul Harris Fellowships. – 2 Club Members and 2 members of the Manchester Community. The recipients were honored for exhibiting the true spirit of Rotary - “Service Above Self”. Pictured L-R are Michael Storella, Club President, Recipients: Brian DesRosiers, Richard Sullivan, Jennifer Doane, and George Nickless with Chris Shea, Past President

29th Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast

This Saturday, June 30, rain or shine:

The Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast will usher in the Fourth of July holiday for Manchester and surrounding communities.

Who: Manchester-Essex Rotary Club host the event

What: The 29th annual town-wide Pancake Breakfast

When: June 30, 7:30-11am, rain or shine

Where: Tuck's Point, Manchester-by-the-Sea, free parking for non-residents
Why: start or renew a family tradition, memories are priceless
Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door; kids under 8 eat free

Ticket sales, downtown this Saturday morning; Parks & Rec Office, Nor'east Frameworks, American Legion

Questions? email me Dotsieradzki@gmail.com

Kids' Bike Rodeo

Posted by Jennifer Doane

Rain Date June 16 at Memorial School.

We need Rotarians to help out for a couple of hours.

Contact Jen Doane, jenguebert@gmail.com, 617-997-3772.

Cape Ann Rotary Night at Gloucester Stage

Cape Ann Rotary Night May 16

Madame Defarge (World Premiere)

New Musical inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities

BUY TICKETS (be sure to mention "Rotary")

By Wendy Kesselman | Directed by Ellie Heyman

A passionate re-imagining of Charles Dickens’ infamous female icon, from A Tale of Two Cities, illuminates this new musical by Wendy Kesselman (The Diary of Anne Frank, My Sister in This House, The Black Monk). This is the untold story of Madame Defarge, the woman whose revenge sparked a revolution.

Against the turmoil of the French Revolution, two men similar in face but separate in fate weave a story of sacrifice and salvation all driven by Madame Thérèse Defarge battling oppression with longings for love, freedom, justice, and revenge. C’était le meilleur des temps, c’était le pire des temps…

With the breakthrough director, Ellie Heyman leading the charge – Madame Defarge runs May 11 through June 2nd at Gloucester Stage. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm.

Kentucky Derby Party & fundraiser

Posted by Chris Shea

Saturday, May 5, 2018, 5-8:30pm at the American Legion Hall, Manchester-by-the-Sea

Purchase tickets online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3386492 or from any Rotarian, RSVP@manchesteressexrotary.org.

$30 per person includes a buffet dinner, wine tasting, cash bar. Watch the Derby live then bid on the large screen TV. Unique silent and live auction items, sports tickets, hat contest (for men and women) guest auctioneer Sen. Bruce Tarr. It's a great party for a good cause.

New Members Inducted

Posted on Feb 21, 2018

Hope Violette and Sean Zahn were inducted into our club at our February evening meeting by President Chris Shea and President-elect Mike Storella. Welcome Sean and Hope.

Manchester-Essex Scholarship Applications Available

Posted by Jennifer Doane

The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club will once again be awarding scholarships to deserving High School Seniors of Manchester-Essex residents. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2018.

Ideal candidates are those who embody Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" either in their school or community demonstrating leadership, integrity and academic success.

Applications are available through the High School Guidance Office and at the end of this articel. Completed applications, SAR/FAFSA info, and two (2) letters of recommendation must be postmarked by the March 31 deadline to: Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, P.O. Box 403, Manchester, MA 01944.

The M-E Rotary Club holds three major fundraisers throughout the year to support our Scholarship Fund and mission of giving back to the community. We invite you to attend our Kentucky Derby Auction in early May, our Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast at Tuck’s Point, and participate in our annual golf tournament in the Fall. By doing so, you are also helping to give back to our community.

Polar Plunge Wrap-up

Posted on Feb 16, 2018

Brian DeRosiers pre-Plunge

Brian DesRosiers volunteered to be the club Polar Plunger. He has raised $700 which the club will match. Together with the Bill and Melinda Gates 2 for 1 match, that's $4200 to end polio. Great job Brian. You have until April 1 to contribute to Brian's campaign:

http://igfn.us/vf/polio/BrianDesRosiers

Open Door Dinner

Posted on Feb 14, 2018

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club prepares a meal every quarter, from planning, to shopping to cooking and serving. For Ash Wednesday the club prepared baked haddock, a treat for the clients in Gloucester. From the left, volunteers Chris Shea, Joanne Donnelly, Deb D, Chet Marcus, Debbie Marcus, Lauren (from Stock Exchange), Gregg Genis, Maryann Singleton, Brian Sollosy.

Evening Meeting plus Cribbage Tournament

Posted on Feb 15, 2018

Our next evening meeting, Feb 21, 6:30pm will include a friendly cribbage tournament. After a short business meeting and a brief presentation by Sue Todd of Pathways for Children, the club will hold a cribbage tournament with a $50 prize.

Buffet dinner is $25. Cribbage entry fee is $5.

RSVP rsvp@manchesteressexrotary.org

M-E Rotary Club Receives a Membership Development Award

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Jan 31, 2018

President Chris Shea and club members were pleasantly surprised at this morning's breakfast meeting by Bob Wicks, Assistant District Governor, who presented a certificate of "Membership Development Recognition." The award acknowledges a 44% overall increase in membership this year, a net increase of 11 new members.

Polar Plunge Feb 3

Click here for more info.

Brian DesRosiers is volunteering to take the Plunge to End Polio on

Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Long Beach, Gloucester.

Use this link to donate in his name: http://igfn.us/vf/polio/BrianDesRosiers

Donations to Rotary are matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2:1. Polio is almost a disease of the past, with only 20 reported cases last year. Please help with wiping it out forever.

Annual Yankee Swap

Posted on Dec 20, 2017

Annual Luncheon

Posted on Dec 22, 2017

Manchester-Essex Rotarians enjoy some holiday cheer at 7 Central. This luncheon is the traditional passing of the "Leg Lamp," to be held for one year by a deserving member. Sarah Willwerth-Dyer was bestowed the honor for 2018.

Debbie Marcus, last year's honoree, passes the "leg" to Sarah.

Annual Toy Drive

Posted by Robert Lipkowitz on Dec 21, 2017

Elves Rob and Jo with their shopping stash to be donated to Pathways for Children in Gloucester. Special thanks for help from one of our newest elves, Judy Laspesa (not pictured), who joined us at Walmart and did a terrific job of putting together outfits for tween and teenage girls.

Manchester-Essex Club Inducts 4 New Members

Posted on Nov 17, 2017

Four new Rotarians were inducted at our evening meeting, November 15. From the left, President Chris Shea, Treasurer Sarah Willwerth-Dyer, Chris Langathianos, Judy Laspesa, Gregg Genis and Brian Sollosy. Welcome to the Club!

Gloucester Rotary Cribbage Tournament

Posted on Nov 17, 2017

The Gloucester Rotary Club wants to know,

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME CRIBBAGE???

WHAT: 5^th Annual One-Day “Friendly” Cribbage Tournament

When: SATURDAY AFTERNOON, DECEMBER 2^nd

^{Sign in at 1 p.m. – Play Starts at 2}

WHERE: The Gloucester House Restaurant

How Much: $25 Per Person

Individual Play - $$$Cash Prizes!!!

*** Proceeds will benefit the Antonio Gentile Bandstand and Stage Fort Park Playground***

Note: This WILL NOT be double elimination as in the past!

Current Format: Everyone plays 5 games!!!

Pre-Register prior to event to quality for special drawing!

Please contact Julie Nicastro at (978) 283-7841,

via email at mtpleasantmemorials@gmail.com, or stop by

Mount Pleasant Memorials at 150 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester.

MERC Supports PMC Kids Ride

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Sep 30, 2017

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is a proud sponsor of the PMC Kids Ride.

Rotarian Jen Doane is the Event Co-chair.

Brian DesRosiers is a volunteer rider.

Annual Breakfast on Singing Beach

Posted on Aug 23, 2017

This is our club's favorite meeting place. We wish we could meet here all year long.

Mike Storella demonstrates Plein Air painting. Our club supports the second annual Cape Ann Plein Air event, coming in October.

New Street Signs

The recent move from the Legion to 7 Central prompted a review of our Rotary signs at the entrances to town. The Board voted to replace the 4 signs on Pine St, School St, Bridge St and Southern Ave, in Essex. The old signs dated from 2002 when the club was formed.

Open Door Dinner

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Aug 16, 2017

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club provides a dinner at Open Door once a quarter. We shop, cook and serve dinner to about 40 clients.

Music in Masconomo Park

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is proud to be annual sponsors of the town Parks & Rec summer music series. On Tuesdays nights, mid June till mid August, enjoy a pleasant evening of music; bring a picnic, many sponsors provide food, visit with friends, face painting for the rambunctious kids, all in our beautiful Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Festival-by-the-Sea

Josephine and Sarah hand out pink lemonaide and Rotary information while President Chris entertains the crowds with the Erstwhiles, an Irish ballads band. That's Chris' son and grandson facing the camera.

Manchester-Essex Rotary welcomes 4 new members

Posted on Jul 19, 2017

President Chris Shea inducted Patrick Meehan, Ken Davis, Kathryn Howe and Jay Sibulkin at the evening meeting held at 7 Central Restaurant.

Congratulations to New President Chris Shea and New DG Dave Gardner

Installation Dinner. from left, Deb Marcus, Deb DiGiovanni, Chris Shea, Dot Sieradzki, Josephine McCullough, Rob Lipkowitz, Mike Storella. Not pictured, Dave Ray, Bridget Murray, John Bubrouski.

Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast

In less than a week, the Fourth of July four-day weekend will be here!

The 28^th annual Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, July 1, rain or shine, at Tuck’s Point. The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club needs volunteers to host this event. We have many returning workers, most notably Sen. Bruce Tarr and Rep. Brad Hill who return every year to flip pancakes. We welcome all volunteers, new faces and regulars. Please email RSVP@manchesteressexrotary.org to help us plan. Students in need of community service hours are welcome.

Look for Rotarians selling tickets in front of the Post Office and Crosby’s Saturday mornings, 9am-noon, beginning June 10, or stop in at the Parks & Rec Department or Nor’East Frameworks. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 the day of the event. Children 6 and under are free.

This breakfast is a true-blue slice of Americana and draws crowds of all ages, townies and newcomers alike. Start or continue a tradition with your family by volunteering to serve at this event. If you don’t have email, call Dot at 526-8040, and leave a message.

Good bye Courtney, Hello Aaron

Sadly, we wish Courtney Bratica good bye and good luck in her new location at People's Bank. And we welcome Aaron Thomas, new member from People's Bank in Manchester. Courtney will be gaining 3 hours a day, now that she was transferred to a bank near her home. Aaron has a short commute, from Gloucester to Manchester.

Kentucky Derby Auction & Party

Kentucky Derby Auction & Party May 6 at 5:00pm

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club will host a Kentucky Derby Party & Auction at the American Legion in Manchester. The $25 ticket includes a live screening of the race, wine tasting, dinner, live and silent auctions, as well as prizes for the best “his” and “her” Derby Day hats. It is a lively evening for a good cause. Senator Bruce Tarr is the auctioneer. This event is the club’s major fundraiser of the year; proceeds fund scholarships to Essex and Manchester graduates, community activities such as Open Door meals, sponsorships such as Cape Ann Symphony and Music in Masconomo Park.

Tickets can be purchased from any Rotarian or at the door. For more information contact Dorothy Sieradzki, club secretary, at Info@manchesteressexrotary.org, or visit our website, http://manchesteressexrotary.org/.

Rotary Night Out at Gloucester Stage Company

Cape Ann Rotaries, Rockport, Gloucester and Manchester-Essex, will partner for an evening at Gloucester Stage.

Cape Ann Rotarians will meet and get to know each-other at the Gloucester Stage Company. The Bank Job is a comedy, the perfect medium for a mixer.
Sandwiches and antipasto from Virgilio's and a cash bar complement the evening.

Rotarians should book their tickets early, $40 each. Use promo code Rotary17

www.gloucesterstage.com or phone 978-281-4433.

There will be a cut-off date (TBA) when the box office will be opened to the public.

267 East Main St
Gloucester, MA 01930
Free parking on street and on Rocky Neck Ave.

Rotary Signs

New location - new signs needed

Our move to a new location has prompted a review of our street signs. At the very least we need to replace the location and possibly refresh the 15 year old signs.

Let Josephine know if you have a suggestion.

Brendan Will Plunge for MERC

Congratulations Brendan and MERC members, we surpassed our goal of $600. Team effort does the trick!

Brendan O'Donoghue will plunge for the 3rd year running, for team Manchester-Essex!

Please support him, cheer him on February 4 at Long Beach in Gloucester and make a donation, online or via cell phone. Click here OR text polio359 to 71777 to see Brendan's fundraiser page.