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Home Page Stories
Our Polar Plungers
We have 3 brave souls plunging to fight polio this year, Brian DesRosiers, Joanne Donnelly, and Steve Laspesa. Please support them by donating via their links. The board voted to match the funds they raise up to $500.
https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/endpolio/BrianDesRosiers371
https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/endpolio/JoanneDonnelly
https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/endpolio/StephenLaspesa
 
Join the fun on Feb 29 at Good Harbor Beach.

Take the Leap at our 10th Annual Polar Plunge!Saturday, February 29, 2020 (Saturday, March 14, 2020 snow date)

Cape Ann Motor Inn on Long Beach, Gloucester
Time based on tides, TBD

All vehicles must park at Good Harbor Beach on Thatcher Road and take the free shuttle to Long Beach

 
Leg Lamp has a new home
Our Club's annual Holiday Luncheon and traditional passing of the Leg Lamp.
  
Sean has the honor of displaying the leg lamp for 2020. And wife Hope is equally benefiting of the honor.
The legend of the leg lamp is that Dave Singleton once brought it to a Yankee Swap and its been circulating ever since.
Scholarship Recipient
The first of our scholarship winners attended our evening meeting, December 18.
Sean, Rob, Marcia, Judy, student Lydia Garrett-Metz home from Tulane on winter break and her parents.
Beverly Baptist Church Dinner
Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Sep 30, 2019
Rotary members prepared a fresh haddock dinner for guests at the Beverly Baptist Church on Sept 30. The menu included Caesar salad, rice pilaf, vegetable medley and sheet cake. Thanks to Chris Shea whose many talents include a 4 star restaurant presentation.
        
District Governor Visits M-E Club
District Governor Joan Arsenault visited Manchester-Essex to discuss District initiatives. From the left, Michele French, President Rob Lipkowitz, Joan Arsenault, Asst. Governor Anne Lewis, and visiting Rotarian Chris Doktor.
21st Annual Golf Tournament
Posted by Chris Shea
21st ANNUAL
Manchester Essex Rotary / Landing Restaurant Golf Tournament
Tuesday, October 1, 2019      
12:30 Shotgun Start
Florida Scramble Format
The Meadow At Peabody Golf Course
 80 Granite Street, Peabody MA 01960
$100 Entry Fee includes
Greens Fee, Golf Cart, Beverages, Prizes, Prime Rib Dinner
$50 Prime Rib Dinner only
To Benefit: Manchester Essex Rotary Scholarship Fund
For Information Contact Chris Shea
508-843-4979  cknsshea@aol.com
Dr. Al's Handout
Posted by Dot Sieradzki
For those of you who heard Dr. Al Tatarunis' program on stress reduction, July 31, you may find his handout informative. For those of you who missed it you may find it humorous as well. Go To Home Page Download Files on the right column and click to open.
 
Installation Dinner
Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Jun 27, 2019
The annual installation of new club presidents and district governors took place at Danvers Yacht Club this evening. Manchester-Essex Club was well represented to wish past-president Mike Storella a hearty thank you for a job well done and welcome Rob Lipkowitz to a new year full of promise.  Congratulations Rob.
from the left: Chris Shea, Sean Zahn, Brian DesRosiers, Rob Lipkowitz, Jack Costello, Dot Sieradzki, Mike Storella, Marcia Hubbard, Tim Logue, and Jen Doane.
Red, White & Blue Pancake Breakfast
Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Jun 11, 2019
This year will be the 30th annual Breakfast and traditional start of the Fourth of July holiday. Save the date for Saturday, June 29, rain or shine, 7:30am-11am 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 Dotsieradzki@gmail.com 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, June 15 and 22, or stop in at the Parks & Rec Department, People’s Bank or Nor’East Frameworks. Tickets are $9 in advance, $10 the day of the event. Children 8 and under are free. Free parking at Tuck’s Point, including out-of-towners, for this event.
 
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. You can also call Dot at 526-8040 and leave a message.
Home Again
Posted by Dot Sieradzki on May 24, 2019
Our club hosted visiting Rotarians from Australia this spring, Peter and his wife Sally. They are home again.
Hello Mike,
Thanks again for delivering your Club Banner to me, and for having Sally and I at your meeting.
We have made it home to Melbourne again and are missing The USA already.
Attached is a photo of the presentation of the banner to our President at North Balwyn Rotary Club in D9800  
 
  
Rotary Club of North Balwyn
Peter Sutherland
0490133173
Kentucky Derby 2019
Posted by Dot Sieradzki on May 04, 2019
Set-up   Sean & Hope   Josephine   John & Bridget   Mike, Chris, Sean      Katherine Keith, auctioneer   Sen Bruce Tarr   Sen Bruce Tarr   Patrick & Wendy, hat judge         Paula, woman's hat winner and judge Wendy  
New Member Mixer
Posted by Dot Sieradzki on Feb 20, 2019
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 9th 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.
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.
Saying goodbye to Anthony-Dodge   annual passing of the lamp   new home, east Manchester
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.
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
 
 
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.
  
Read more...
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 20th 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
Read more...
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

$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.
Read more...
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.
 
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 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.
Read more...
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.
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.
Club Information

Visitors Are Always Welcome

Manchester-Essex

Service Above Self

See our Calendar for meeting schedule.
Allie's Beach Street Cafe
35 Beach St.
Manchester, MA 01944
United States of America
Email:
Info@manchesteressexrotary.org
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District Site
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Club Executives & Directors
President
Robert Lipkowitz
Treasurer
John Fisichella
Secretary
Dot Sieradzki
Immediate Past President
Mike Storella
Vice President
Judy Laspesa
Rotary Foundation
Debbie Marcus
Membership
Chris Shea
Public Relations
Dot Sieradzki
at large
Sarah Willwerth-Dyer
2nd Vice President
Jennifer Doane
President elect
Sean Zahn
at Large
Brian DesRosiers
Web Master
Dot Sieradzki
 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Robert Lipkowitz
    January 3
  • John Fisichella
    January 23
  • Jennifer Doane
    January 25
  • Paul Murphy
    January 29
  • Gregg Genis
    February 2
  • Debbie Marcus
    February 7
  • Michele French
    February 17
Anniversaries:
  • John Fisichella
    Shannon Fisichella
    February 18
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Upcoming Events
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Speakers
Gil Frieden of Meals on Wheels will be our speaker
Feb 12, 2020 7:15 AM
Peter Johnson
Feb 19, 2020 6:56 PM
Clean water for Africa
View entire list...
Photo Albums
 
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