Founder and Coordinator of the Rotary Children's Fund
President-Elect Joe Amico was at the helm this week and welcomed our spirited speaker,
Vitaliy Bezrodnov, who was introduced by Rob Lutts. Vitaliy, is the Founder and Coordinator of the Rotary Children’s Fund. Founded in 2003, the Rotary Children’s Fund (RCF) purpose was and is to promote cultural exchange between countries by gathering young artists and performers to travel throughout the US to showcase their traditions and promote peace and understanding. Traditionally, they have made trips to the US every-other month, travelling from 2 weeks – month from New York City to California to perform for Rotary clubs, schools, senior centers, fairs and festivals. In order to maintain the program, the RCF receives sponsorships and donations. Typically, they need to collect $100,000 annually to fund their trips. As soon as they raise $15,000 toward the $20,000 that it costs for each tour, they will commit to the next group. The passion and commitment that Vitaliy has for this group is inspiring, the presentation was superb and the excitement he inspired in our club was fantastic. If you would like to learn more about the organization, please visit their website, subscribe to their YouTube page, or peruse their Facebook page.
VIsiting rotarians & Guests
None this week.
CALENDAR WINNER!
Joy Fisher of Marblehead
Sold by John Fisher
Why I am A SALEM Rotarian
This segment now kicks off our meetings so we can learn what makes Salem Rotarians stay engaged, continue to log into Zoom, financially support our work, or put a mask on to volunteer for Rotary. Through a pay-it-forward system, the sharer from one week will choose who shares the following week.
Scott Grover kicked off our meeting by telling us why he joined the ranks. Scott joined Salem Rotary at the invitation of Bob Anthony 10 years ago. For the first few years of his membership, he felt like an outsider even though he served as Sargent at Arms. However, once he served on the Scholarship committee that all changed, and he became a fully evolved Rotarian. For Scott, becoming a Rotarian was more of a process rather than a moment. His message to all of us was; if you have not yet had the opportunity to serve on that committee, contact President-Elect Joe! Learning about the applicants and working with other Rotarians on this project will undoubtedly make you feel like a true Rotarian! President-Elect Joe Amico will share next week.
RotarIAN NEWS...
Jane Stirgwolt shared that she was blessed with a new grandson on Christmas day. Welcome to the world Theodore Joseph Snell!
Jason Consalvo shared that he has finally finished the home improvement project that began in November 2018. He promised his bride it would be completed by Thanksgiving when he took a hammer to the sheet rock and in-deed it has been. Albeit – Thanksgiving 2021.
Kristen Armstrong shared that young Luke has been tested for COVID and will be returning to Saltonstall Elementary on January 11.
Club Announcements
Lifebridge Dinner Wednesday, January 13
Volunteers needed! Volunteers will make a portion of the dinner in their home kitchens, and a recipe will be provided so the meal will be consistent across volunteers. This month’s meal will be lasagna and salad. Please contact Kristen Armstrong or Claire Kallelis if you would like to volunteer this month or in the future.
Calendar Raffle Slips Due January 15
Please mail your calendar slips with corresponding check asap so they can be included in the weekly raffle. Mail to: Rotary Club of Salem, MA, Attn: Calendar Committee, PO Box 608, Salem, MA 01970.
Dutch Drinks
Friday, January 15 at 6 PM
Let’s toast 2021 together at Dutch Drinks! If your New Year’s resolution has you watching calories or you are participating in a dry January, don’t let that prevent you from having some fun with your fellow Rotarians. Healthy snacks and beverages are always welcome!
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
We are currently meeting via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to returning to the Hawthorne Hotel soon! In the meantime, please email president@salemrotary.com for our Zoom link.
Scott Grover kicked off our meeting by telling us why he joined the ranks. Scott joined Salem Rotary at the invitation of Bob Anthony 10 years ago. For the first few years of his membership, he felt like an outsider even though he served as Sargent at Arms. However, once he served on the Scholarship committee that all changed, and he became a fully evolved Rotarian. For Scott, becoming a Rotarian was more of a process rather than a moment. His message to all of us was; if you have not yet had the opportunity to serve on that committee, contact President-Elect Joe! Learning about the applicants and working with other Rotarians on this project will undoubtedly make you feel like a true Rotarian! President-Elect Joe Amico will share next week.
Lifebridge Dinner Wednesday, January 13
Calendar Raffle Slips Due January 15
Dutch Drinks
