President Ryan kicked the meeting off with tales from Dutch Drinks, particularly how his children were so adorable that even Rinus Oosthoek couldn’t resist buying them rubber ducks! A great time was had by all! October Dutch Drinks are still under consideration. If you have a suggestion outside of downtown or want to offer to host, let Rinus know!
Eric Micthell, CEO from Pathways for Children, was a guest this week. Knowing many Rotarians in the room from other connections around town, Eric was pleased to be there. He shared how the Pathways Family Resource Center in Shetland Park could benefit from some Rotary volunteers, particularly around the holidays when they have their toy distribution program. Serving 700 children and their families, the center distributes donations around December 17 through 19 and is always looking for extra hands to help with the process.
The Last Witch Giovanni Alabiso Producer, actor, writer, and comedian Giovanni Alabiso (aka the “Ponytail Guy” around town) joined us this week to talk about his current project, The Last Witch. A documentary that follows the journey to exonerate Elizabeth Johnson Jr., The Last Witch highlights how a middle school class in North Andover engaged in civics to right a more than 300-year-old wrong.
Elizabeth Johnson Jr. was the last person accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials and was tried, convicted, and subjected to lasting injustices. Although she was not executed, her conviction as a "detestable witch" remained uncorrected for centuries even though others accused, including her mother Elizabeth Johnson Sr., were exonerated.
What starts as a classroom project by a teacher and her students evolves into a powerful exploration of historical injustice and its modern-day relevance. The film highlights how their efforts, supported by then State Senator Diana Dizoglio, not only correct this centuries-old wrong but also inspire broader reflections on justice, civic engagement, and the power of individuals to make meaningful change.
The documentary is still in production with the team scheduled to finish filming this fall. The project is still in need of investors, and those interested are welcome to support the project. The goal is to have the final documentary at the Salem Film Festival in March, with the intent of submitting it to other festivals and showing it in schools to inspire other students to get involved and make a difference.
Based in Salem, Giovanni has performed in standup, improv, sketch comedy, and film, while also building a career behind the camera as a creative producer. He brings that same dynamic energy to his work on The Last Witch documentary, where his deep knowledge of Salem’s past helps ground the project in authenticity and meaning.
Recognized as an expert on the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, Giovanni frequently lectures and appears in media as a commentator on the subject. He also operates Salem Historical Tours, a popular tour company in Salem, leading visitors through the city’s history and ghostly lore. By combining his creative background with historical expertise, Giovanni offers a unique perspective that educates, entertains, and connects people to the enduring legacy of Salem.
Don’t miss his cameo in Hocus Pocus 2 or his appearance in the upcoming Widow’s Bay on Apple TV, which will be released in 2026!
Calendar Winner!
Hazel Spires sold by Jane Stirgwolt
50:50 Raffle
$1,340
Jason Lang & Eric Mitchell
No winners this week!
Visitors and Guest Rotarians
Eric Mitchell, CEO of Pathways for Children, was a guest of Adria Duijvesteijn this week.
Volunteer
Let’s not forget our motto, Service Above Self! The Community Service Committee is working hard this year to find more opportunities for Salem Rotarians to serve in our community. If you are new to the Club, this is a great way to engage with other Rotarians and the Salem community. We even have Rotary t-shirts to wear during these projects. If you do not have one, reach out to President Ryan!
LIFEBRIDGE DINNER - TWO MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Wednesday, September 10 | 4 PM | Lifebridge
Lifebridge helps the folks in our community who are most in need with important basics like shelter and food. Once every two months, volunteers from the Salem Rotary Club make dinner. Join the team this month to make sloppy Joes, soundtracked by Adam Sandler’s Lunch Lady Land! Meal prep typically starts around 4/4:30 PM, with dinner service at 5:30 PM. Email Hannah Beth Hembree if you’d like to volunteer!
SAVE THE DATE: Eliot Services Appreciation Day Cookout Thursday, September 18 | Winter Island
The Salem Rotary Club sponsors this annual lunch for Eliot clients every year. There is food, music and door prizes for guests, and a need for Rotarian volunteers! More details will follow, but if you have interest in helping and availability, please let Marie Cardillo know!
CHILDREN’S BOOK DRIVE – SALEM HOSPITAL Tuesday, September 30 | Rotary & Phoenix School Collection
We are joining forces with the EarlyAct Club at the Phoenix School to collect children’s books for Salem Hospital. Please bring books to the Phoenix School between now and Tuesday, September 30, or bring them to our meeting that day when the Phoenix School will join us. They will get the books to those who need them at Salem Hospital. Reach out to Leslie Levesque with any questions.
Club Events
REAL Program 2nd Annual Golf Tournament Monday, September 15, 2025 | 12 PM | Kernwood Country Club
Our Rotary Club was challenged by area Rotary Clubs to compete in this upcoming golf tournament to support the REAL Program. The REAL Program is a Lynn-based nonprofit founded in 2013 with a mission to improve and strengthen literacy by providing access to books, educational programs, and vital resources. They empower children, families, and communities to build brighter futures through literacy. If you are interested in representing the club as part of a foursome, reach out to Jason Consalvo.
SAVE THE DATE: Salem Rotary Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Auction and Gala Friday, March 13, 2026 | Hawthorne Hotel
The date and theme for our largest fundraising event of the Rotary year has been selected! Save the date and start planning your attire for what is sure to be a fun and fantastic evening!
RI & District News
CLOTHES & BOOK SWAP FUNDRAISER Sunday, September 28 | 11 AM -3 PM | Danvers Art Association - 105 Elliot Street, Danvers
The District Environmental Committee is excited to announce a District-wide Fundraiser, a Clothes and Book/Puzzle Swap. Clean out your closets and your bookcases and bring your gently used but no longer wanted items to the event (adult clothes only please). Leave empty handed, or feel free to "shop". $10 admission, food, drinks and raffle tickets available for purchase. This event is open to all so please invite your friends and family.
DG BOB WOOD MEMORIAL HEROES’ CELEBRATION: A Rotary Foundation/Paul Harris Fellow Event for our Veterans: Honoring Those Who Have Served! Wednesday, November 12 | Andover Country Club
Clubs are invited to nominate a local hero in our community and award them a Paul Harris Recognition. This year's honoree must be a military veteran this year. If you have a suggestion for a Salem hero, please contact President Ryan.
OTHER DISTRICT EVENTS
Feb. 12 World Peace and Understanding Event
Mar. 21 “Spring into Action” Polio Fundraiser
May 16 District Conference
Jun. 13-17 RI Convention in Taipei
Salem Rotarians Say . . .
Jane Stirgwolt shared Gary’s announcement and invitation from Dutch Drinks, inviting all Rotarians and friends to join them in seeing Kevin Levesque’s band the Headlands at the Rhumb Line, 40 Railroad Avenue in Gloucester, on Saturday, September 13 at 5 pm. Bring your dancing shoes!
Joe Amico missed us (sort of, but not really) while he and Jim traveled throughout the United Kingdom for three weeks. Joe sang with a Chamber choir in South England and thought of us when he saw a Rotary plaque on the ground in the town where he sang. They also ventured to Dunlop (aka Dunlap), Scottland to visit Jim’s roots. Unfortunately, the hospitality they received throughout their trip was not extended in those parts. The good news is that they got to renew their spirits at the car show in P-Town, where Jim’s 1986 Nissan stole the show!
Natalie Blue is a proud mama this week, sharing that her 16-year-old son, who has been a soccer player for his athletic career, transitioned to football this year and as a first-time punter was punting 60-yard kicks, helping his team to win the game!
Professionally, she shared that she is a member of the Salem Youth Mental Health Task Force, which is a city group formed to unite schools, service providers, families, and community partners in addressing youth mental health needs and promoting coordinated solutions to help every young person thrive. She shared this month’s line up of events related to Suicide Prevention Month:
September 11: Family Dinner at ROOT (invite-only) for families connected to the Pathways Family Resource Center, offering caregivers a chance to relax, enjoy activities, and access information about counseling resources.
September 18: Community Art Chalking at the Salem Farmers Market (3–7 p.m.), in partnership with The NAN Project, spreading messages of hope and connection while providing suicide prevention resources.
September 26: Listening Lab with NAGLY (4–6 p.m.), focused on suicide prevention for teens and young adults, with local clinicians offering confidential group support.
September 29: Self-Care Fair at The Artful Life Counseling Center (6–8 p.m.) for parents and caregivers, providing self-care strategies, access to mental health professionals, and on-site childcare.
Sue Gabriel is happy to report that she passed her first budget as the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club with the help of her board treasurer Dan Sullivan. She was also pleased to report that her efforts in cleaning out her in-laws’ house this summer has led to two promising offers on their home as they transition to Brooksby Village.
Jason Consalvo lamented the fact that during his family dinner when each member was sharing their hopes and dreams of the day, Harrison got up during Jason’s turn, because he was done with dinner. Jason may be joining another family’s dinner soon so that he can be fully heard! He also noted that he recently celebrated his 23rd anniversary at Salem Five. Again, there was no real fanfare or toaster from the bank, but he did receive a congratulatory email and the gift of meeting all of us through his professional journey.
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
NOTE: The fourth Tuesday of the month is an evening meeting, beginning at 5:15 p.m.
If you are interested in learning more about Salem Rotary, please email president@salemrotary.com.
The Last Witch
Lifebridge helps the folks in our community who are most in need with important basics like shelter and food. Once every two months, volunteers from the Salem Rotary Club make dinner. Join the team this month to make sloppy Joes, soundtracked by Adam Sandler’s Lunch Lady Land! Meal prep typically starts around 4/4:30 PM, with dinner service at 5:30 PM. Email 
