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Rob's Farewell Address
Today was Rob's last meeting as President. We all thank him for an excellent year and welcome Sean for an excellent year to come. Here are some final thoughts from Rob:
 
Come join us tomorrow morning for my final morning meeting as your President.  It has been a crazy year! I always said I would never join a club that would have me for a member let alone President. The truth is though that we have a great club made up of a really great mix of interesting, hard working caring people. It has truly been an honor to have led you this year. It is not the end I was looking for but I guess it will have to do.
 
We have accomplished a lot this year. Together we have served food at the Open door and the First Baptist Church of Beverly on numerous occasions . We Donated $5000 for the new ball field project in Essex. We gave away $10,000 in scholarships. we supported Cape Anne Plainaire and concerts in the park.  When we were stricken by a pandemic the club donated $5000 to the Cape Anne Food Pantry and Beverly Boot Straps. Then we wrote a district grant for another $1000 which went to The Open Door Food Pantry as well as numerous smaller contributions to local causes in and around the North Shore. These are just a few of the things off the top of my head, but it is actions like these that make me proud to be a Rotarian, your President and your friend. 
 
My first few months as president, was spent organizing several very strong committees to do the heavy lifting for all the work we do. Many hands make light work. This is my legacy to our club. When it is your turn to step up to the plate to lead the club don't be afraid to make that commitment. We all have busy lives with family, jobs, businesses and hobbies that are important to us. All the help you will ever  need is already there. We have more active past Presidents for help and guidance than a lot of  clubs have members. We have a fantastic mix of vibrant members who are willing and able to do their fair share. 
 
I have enjoyed every minute of my year and I want to send a special thanks to Chris Shea for giving me the nudge that gave me the confidence to step up. I have learned a lot about my self and would not have missed it, even these last few months, for the world. Thank you all for your commitment to Rotary and our club in particular. Manchester -Essex Rotary Rocks!!!.  My best to all of you. Rob
 
Casa Hogar
A few years ago we made a donation to Casa Hogar, an orphanage in Mexico. Chuck and Elaine Roy, from Beverly, are the contacts here. A lovely package arrived in the mail recently with a citation for our club. A reminder of our mission.
Rotary Scholarship Applications Extended to May 30th
The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is extending its Scholarship application deadline to May 30th in light of Covid-19. Our intent is to enable graduating High School seniors ample time to gather necessary information that is currently beyond their control.
Graduating seniors may submit applications and accompanying documentation via email to Jen Doane, Scholarship Chair at jendoane2014@gmail.com or via snail mail to Manchester-Essex Rotary Club, P.O. Box 403, Manchester, MA 01944.
Rotary International's Pandemic Response
Instructions from the District. Please remember, no one is working at their desk so don't send a check.
 
Member contributing online themselves, in order to credit the contribution to one’s own Rotary account, you should contribute after signing into RI's website i.e. accessing own ‘My Rotary’ account. If any member is not registered to the website, contact Dot for help. You may setup a periodic/ recurring contribution online as well.

For the Treasurer:

Contributing on behalf of your club or club members using a credit card has now also been made easy with our new online giving platform. In order to make a contribution on behalf of your club, kindly share the below steps

- Once you have logged in to your ‘My Rotary’ account (https://my.rotary.org/en):

- Bring your cursor to the heading named ‘Manage’ and click on Club Administration under the title Club & District Administration.

- When the Club Administration page loads, scroll to the Club Giving section and click on the ‘Contribute on behalf of club or club members’ link. This will bring you to the new online giving page.

- Once the page loads, choose the fund you would like to contribute to. Then scroll down and choose the radio button titled ‘This donation is from my club or its members’. The default country should be United States and the default currency, US Dollar.

- Choose the ‘Donate from club’ option since this would be a contribution on behalf of the club and choose the amount you would like to contribute.

- Fill in the rest of the details (Personal Information, Payment Details and Billing Information section as requested).

Once completed, you can either review your donation, or click the ‘Submit’ button in order to complete the contribution process.

Read more...
Hope for Food
Manchester Pays it Forward- A Benefit for The Open Door Food Pantry. Join us for Refreshments, Music and Dancing. Cash Bar available. Music provided by the talented Chris Langathianos, Joe Wilkins and Dennis Monagle. Tickets-$20.00 per person, can be purchased at the door or in advance at www.brownpapertcket.com/event/4519273. All Proceeds Benefit The Open Door- www.foodpantry.org
Friendly Cribbage Tournament
Manchester-Essex Cribbage Tournament
Thursday, February 27
At the American Legion Hall
(behind Manchester Town Hall)
$25 to enter – Cash Prizes
Have a fun evening while supporting a
good cause.
This is a friendly tournament.
Arrive 5:30pm to learn or brush up
6:00pm to register
6:30pm to start playing
Play 3 different people,
Winners determined by number of games played and points won by.
Please RSVP to RSVP@manchesteressexrotary.org
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
9th Annual Polar Plunge
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
Presentation on a New Memorial School
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
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
Kentucky Derby Party & fundraiser

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.
 
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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Club Executives & Directors
President
Sean Zahn
Treasurer
John Fisichella
Secretary
Dot Sieradzki
Immediate Past President
Rob Lipkowitz
President elect
Judy Laspesa
Vice President
Jennifer Doane
Rotary Foundation
Debbie Marcus
Membership
Chris Shea
Web Master
Dot Sieradzki
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Brian DesRosiers
    July 8
  • Kenneth Davis
    July 8
  • Sarah Willwerth-Dyer
    July 12
  • Diane Lindquist
    July 20
  • Cheryl Marshall
    August 13
  • Dot Sieradzki
    August 14
Anniversaries:
  • Ruzanna Queenan
    Arthur Queenan
    July 5
  • Jennifer Doane
    Michael Doane
    July 6
  • Tim Logue
    Sheila Logue
    July 23
  • Brian Rothe
    Rachel Rothe
    July 27
  • Rob Lipkowitz
    Debbie Shauffer
    August 21
  • Michael Alden
    Ellen Alden
    August 22
  • Chris Shea
    Katie Shea
    August 24
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