Stories

Food Drive ON HOLD

Posted by Judy Laspesa

DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS THE FOOD DRIVE IS ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Support Cape Ann Kids This Holiday

Posted by Rob Lipkowitz

Think Outside the Box This Holiday Season

Traditionally, Manchester-Essex Rotarians shop for toys for Pathways for Children. This year will be a little different. Three Cape Ann Organizations are joining together to collect gift cards for needy families.

Like much of our lives right now, toy drives and “holiday stores” will need to look different this year. With current restrictions preventing us from opening our doors and welcoming parents in to select gifts as they have in the past, Action Inc., Pathways for Children, & Wellspring House, Inc. are collaborating to make sure that all Cape Ann children are still able to enjoy a magical holiday!

Make a donation by December 1 and help make the holiday shine for a Cape Ann youngster. https://capeannkids.org/

Golf Wrap-up

On Tuesday we held the 22nd Annual Landing Restaurant / Manchester Essex Rotary Golf Tournament. Although several changes had to be made due to Covid-19, the day was perfect weatherwise, the play enthusiastic and the results very positive. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our team of volunteers who helped pull off the event without a hitch: Day Ray singlehandedly sold, designed and delivered 24 Hole Sponsorship signs. Sarah Willwerth-Dyer handled the check in payments of the 83 golfers with her usual degree of perfection. Judy Laspesa, Deb Marcus & Diane Lindquist organized, sold and delivered our record setting raffles. Jack Costello was our promotion guru, photographer par excellence and (along with Judy Laspesa) the moderator of our live Facebook Awards Presentation. Jack and Josephine McCullough orchestrated the successful “On-The-Green” 50/50 Raffle. President Sean and Mike Storella also helped out in a big way by providing expert guidance and experience (not reflected in their golf game). And, of course, for the umpteenth year Mara Coleman aptly handled the beverage cart detail. A big round of applause and hearty thanks to all of you. Incidentally, 30 of or 41 members participated in the event in one way or another - fantastic teamwork - an example of Rotary Making a Difference.

Attached you will find a list of the Golf Winners in our tournament along with lists of the Hole Sponsors, Event Sponsors, and Raffle Prizes and Donors. I'll be sending out individual thank you notes in the near future. Also included is an unaudited description of the financial results of our tournament. Again, thanks for everyone's support.

All the best,

Chris

22^ND ANNUAL MANCHESTER ESSEX ROTARY / MARBLEHEAD LANDING

GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Low Gross Score of 62 - Buck Grader, Nardee Suydam, Dave Dufour, Joe McKane

Runner Up Gross Score of 63 - Steve O¹Neill, Bill McCarthy, Rich Murphy, Chris Byrne

Best Net Score of 55 – Bryce Suydam, Peter Frasca, Paul Mattera, John Maguire

Runner Up Net Score of 55 - Chris Shea, Phil Shea, Bill Sheridan Jay Maguire

Also Ran (Last) - Mike Storella, Don MacQuarrie, Sean Zahn

Runner Up Also Ran - Peter Anderson, Don Masterson, Bill Schwab, Meta Stahlberg

Longest Drive - Tim Louge Jr.

Closest to the Pin - Meta Stahlberg

Raffle Winners:

Opening 50/50 - Luke Gaffney $643

On the Green 50/50 - Michael Grimm $370

HOLE SPONSORS

Patti Beckwith / Constitution Financial Partners
Cape Ann Savings Bank
Allen’s Pharmacy
Bartlett Tree
NE Urology – Zachareas – (I am invoicing today)
Bank Gloucester
Don MacQuarrie / – Divorced Men of Essex County
Peoples United Bank
L.A.D. Construction
Nest Real Estate
Richdale
EKB Equipment
The Cricket
Cannon Murray Law
North Shore Bank

Package sponsor prepaids:

Leslie Ray Insurance

Logue Insurance

Anthony & Dodge

Marcus Financial

DesRosiers and Tierney

Farms Vet

Lipkowitz Dental

Storella / Plein Aire

Carpenter and MacNeille

RAFFLE PRIZES AND DONORS.

# Item Rotarian / Donor

1 Overnight for 2 at Emerson Inn / Dinner ME Rotary Club

2 Original Painting Mike Storella

3 Dozen Eggs per week/ month Jen & Mike Doane

4 Dozen Balls Dave Ray, Leslie Ray Ins.

5 Case of Fine Wine ME Rotary Club

6 Golf Rain Jacket Ken Davis, Cape Ann Savings

7 Foursome at The Meadow Peter Cronan, The Meadow

8, 9 Sonicare Toothbrushes (2) Rob Lipkowicz

10 Macallan 12 Year Old Scotch Mike Alden

11 One Month Membership at Praxis PJ O’Claire

12 Case Dark & Stormy RTD Cans Goslings Rum

13 Coleman Cooler Merrimack Valley Dist.

14, 15 Thanksgiving Turkey (2) Hallsmith Sysco

16 Yeuingling Golf Bag Seaboard Products

17 Korbel Patio Umbrella Merrimack Valley

18, 19 Six Live Lobsters (2) Porter Seafood

20 Twisted Tea Cooler Merrimack Valley Dist.

21 Sam Adams Golf Pint Glasses Merrimack Valley Dist.

22 Veuve Clicquot Glasses Carolina Wines

23 Marblehead Landing $50 Gift Certificate Fernando’s Cleaners

24 Marblehead landing $50 Gift Certificate The Landing Restaurant

25 Liquor Basket United Liquors

26 Glenlivet Tin Mugs United Liquors

27 Belvedere Tin Mugs United Liquors

28 Vachon Clerc Rose & Grayson Zinfandel Boston Wine

29 Bosquet Rose & Brunet Pinot Noir Boston Wine

30 Eight Bottles of Fine Wine MS Walker

31 Moet & Chandon Chair Carolina Wines

32 Jaegermeister Hoodie United Liquors

33 Riunite Wine Bag Horizon Beverage

34 Dos XX Cooler Horizon Beverage

35, 36 Glenfiddich Golf Umbrella (2) Horizon beverage

37 Bentwater Hoodie Bentwater Brewery

38 Bentwater $25 GC & Glass Bentwater Brewery

39 Smart Watch The Landing Restaurant

40 Bluetooth Headset The Landing Restaurant

41 Monkey Shoulder Duffle Bag & Stuff United Liquors

42 Celtics Hats & PBR Hats Merrimack Valley

2020 Golf Tournament

The 22nd Annual Manchester-Essex Rotary Club / Landing Restaurant Golf
Tournament was held October 6th at the Meadows Golf Course in Peabody, and
raised over $6,000 for the Manchester Essex Scholarship fund, thank you to
all of the 83 golfers who participated on this beautiful October day.

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES.

https://manchesteressexrotary.org/PhotoAlbums/2020-golf-tournament

Meeting During Covid

Tuck's Point, a perfect setting early in the morning.

Beverly Baptist Church Meal

Our club prepares a community meal for the Beverly Baptist Church on the 5th Monday of the month. Due to Covid-19 we now offer a bagged meal to be picked up.

Dot, Judy, Sarah, Cheryl, Joanne, Diane. Chris took the picture.

Run for the Roses

Dear friends and fellow Rotarians,

We are excited to share that our “Run the for Roses” Raffle has officially started! Our Club has a total of 300 tickets that we will be selling for $100 each. The winning tickets will be drawn on Saturday, September 5^th (KY Derby Race Day).

Cash Prizes include:

$7,500 Grand Prize

$1,500 Second Prize

$1,000 Third Prize

That’s better than a 1 in 300 chance of winning, which are GREAT odds!

Each ticket is numbered 1 – 300. We will keep a running list of the ticket #’s assigned to each Rotary member (enclosed) and we’ll also need to know the name of each ticket purchaser and the number on the ticket.

We are asking each member to sell five (5) tickets. If you believe you will sell more than 5 get back to Mike Storella ASAP and he will get you more tickets, please specify how many you will need. Some of you have already been talking it up and have pre-sold tickets. Keep up the great work! For others, we realize this may seem a bit daunting so we have called on a few members to put together the following FAQ and list of tips & tricks to get everyone off to a great start.

Bottom line: This raffle is our opportunity to drive much needed funding; allowing us to continue to support our local communities and organizations as they have grown accustomed.

FAQ and Tips:

How much does the M-E Rotary Club typically raise from annual fundraising events (KY Derby, RWB Breakfast & Annual Golf Tournament)?

Approximately $40K

Where does the money go?

M-E Rotary supports organizations like The Open Door, Beverly Boot Straps, Essex Shipbuilding Museum, Friends of Essex Memorial Park and many others. When the pandemic put us into lockdown we were able to immediately direct $6,000 to The Open Door and Beverly Boot Straps to feed those most in need.

In addition, our club distributes $10,000 annually for scholarships to High School Seniors who have a financial need and align with our “Service Above Self” motto. This year, a total of six Seniors will receive a scholarship in varying amounts.

Why should I buy a $100 raffle ticket?

Your purchase of a “Run the Roses” Raffle ticket will allow the M-E Rotary Club to continue to support Cape Ann organizations who have been most impacted by COVID-19. Members spent, in support of the KY Derby, approximately $200 each.

Who should I target when selling raffle tickets?

EVERYONE…your friends, family, business partners, co-workers, poker club, golf league, beach buddies (you get the picture)…everyone in your network. Those who you expect will give, may not and those who you don’t expect, will. The only way to identify those who will give is to ask everyone! Some may surprise you!!

Can someone buy more than one ticket?

Yes! If someone is feeling extremely generous and buys multiple raffle tickets, thank them profusely! Not only does it increase their odds of winning a cash prize, but they can feel good knowing the money raised will help those in need.

Will taxes be taken out of the cash prize winnings?

No. The winner will receive the full amount of the winning prize. The winner will later receive a 1099 to submit when they file their annual taxes.

How will we know who won the winning tickets?

The Raffle committee created a Google sheet to track all tickets sold by each Rotary member. Each Rotary member is responsible for submitting the purchaser’s name with ticket number to either Dot, Mike Storella or Jen Doane. The winning tickets will be pulled via FaceBook Live for all to witness & celebrate.

How to buy and pay for raffle tickets:

Make checks out to Manchester-Essex Rotary Club; mail to P.O. Box 403, Manchester, MA 01944. Put raffle ticket number on all checks and mark paid. It is up to the club member to collect all cash.

Cash: keep the cash and write a check to the club for that amount. Put raffle ticket number on all checks and mark paid. It is up to the club member to collect all cash.

Since we are not having regular meetings in person it will be tough to do credit cards. However, the donate link on our website works: https://manchesteressexrotary.org//donate ; but you must follow up with names and ticket numbers to Dot or Mike S or Jen.

We will have some capability with the square. Call Dot (978-526-8040) or Mike Storella (781-710-2475).

Venmo and Paypal: use between you and raffle ticket buyers, then write check to the club for that amount. Put raffle ticket number on all checks and mark paid. It is up to the club member to collect all payments.

Give buyers their part of the paper ticket for their records, or their number. We are keeping a master list with every buyer and their ticket number. The plan is to use numbered ping pong balls, a lá Bingo, for a live online drawing.

Please return all unsold tickets by August 29. Please return all sold ticket names and numbers by Sept 4.

Kentucky Derby Raffle Committee
Jen Doane (jendoane2014@gmail.com) 617-997-3772
Dot Sieradzki (DotSieradzki@gmail.com) 978-526-8040
Mike Storella (m.storella@comcast.net) 781-710-2475

2020 Scholarship Recipients

Our Scholarship Committee recently released the names of the 2020 scholarship recipients. Thank you to Jen Doane, Judy Laspesa and Marcia Hubbard for managing all the applications and the difficult job of choosing among them.

2020 “Service Above Self” Scholarship Recipients

Olivia Ford	Sophia Pomeroy
Hannah Hubbard	Anika Smith
Paige Mandia	Bridget Twomby

Congratulations & Best Wishes to All 2020 Graduates!!

The Manchester – Essex Rotary Scholarship Fund is made possible through the generous donations and support of this community…thank you!

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 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.

Rotary Scholarship Applications Extended to May 30th

The Manchester-Essex Rotary Club is extending its Scholarship application deadline to May 30^th 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.

Polar Plunge 2020

A beautiful sunny day for a February Leap.

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

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

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.

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 30^th 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.

Kentucky Derby 2019

Posted by Dot Sieradzki on May 04, 2019

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 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

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 at the Beach

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

Annual Yankee Swap

Posted on Dec 20, 2017

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Good-bye to Val and Dennis

Val and Dennis have been the Club's caterers since its inception in 2002. The move from the Legion to 7 Central closes a door on old relationships and opens a window for Val and Dennis to retire. We wish them well, and their chickens too, as we all move on.

Manchester-Essex Rotary Club Announces New Meeting Location

Beginning in April, Manchester-Essex Rotarians will meet Wednesdays for breakfast at 7 Central Restaurant, at 7:15am. The Club is announcing a new membership format where members now “pay-as-they-go” (cash or check) eliminating the need to pay quarterly dues. Many thanks to Paul Barclay and his staff for welcoming Rotary at 7 Central.

The new format is designed to attract people who cannot commit to weekly meetings. Our schedule remains the same with breakfasts every Wednesday except for the fourth Wednesday of the month when we hold an evening meeting over dinner, usually at 7 Central.

Rotary is a service club; members give back to the community and support international endeavors while making new friends throughout the greater Cape Ann area. Some of the activities M-E Rotarians participate in are providing quarterly Open Door meals, sponsoring Music in Masconomo Park, and our most visible event, the Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast. On the international level, we participate in the annual Polar Plunge to end polio. These are just a few of the activities we engage in. Join us at an upcoming meeting to see if Rotary is for you.

For more information contact Dorothy Sieradzki, club secretary, at Info@manchesteressexrotary.org, or visit our website, http://manchesteressexrotary.org/.

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.