Salem Rotary Club Hosts Heartwarming Holiday Celebration for DCF Families
This week at the Salem Rotary, we had committee meetings and a delicious lunch to send 2024 out in style. Recently, the Salem Rotary Club continued its cherished tradition of bringing holiday cheer to foster families across the North Shore with its annual Department of Children and Families (DCF) Holiday Party at Kernwood Country Club. The festive celebration connected over 65 children with Santa Claus while providing a unique opportunity for siblings in separate foster homes to reunite and create lasting memories together.
Club President Carolyn Shapiro highlighted the event's impact: "This celebration exemplifies our commitment to community service. Seeing the joy on children's faces and helping foster siblings reconnect makes this one of our most meaningful annual traditions."
Behind the scenes, Rotary members worked closely with DCF Family Resource Worker Carla King to orchestrate every detail - from gift wrapping to transportation logistics. The comprehensive planning ensured a seamless experience for attending families.
The event underscores DCF's broader mission of supporting over 100,000 youth annually through child protection services and family strengthening programs. Through initiatives like foster care placement and events such as this holiday celebration, DCF works tirelessly to create safe, nurturing environments for children who need them most.
The success of this year's celebration reflects the ongoing partnership between Salem Rotary and DCF, demonstrating how community organizations can work together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families.
Congratulations to Bob Anthony
The Salem Fashion Police have officially named our own Bob Anthony as their "Deputy of the Year". According to the Fashion Police, Bob is renowned for his ability to issue citations to members of the Salem Rotary Club for wearing "dungarees" to meetings. Keep up the great work, Bob!
CALENDAR WINNER!
Jeff and Gina Bueller sold by Scott Grover
50:50 RAFFLE
Pot: Under $200
Players: Carolyn Shapiro and Dan Sullivan
No winners this week! I cannot bring myself to write the jokes of the week down in the Spoke. They were terrible.
VISITORS AND GUEST ROTARIANS
No guests today
ROTARY NEWS
The Zone Membership Webinar Series continues January 6, 2025, at 7:30 pm.
Would you like to grow your club? Rotary throughout North America sees many clubs struggling to increase membership. All volunteer organizations are facing the same challenges. Sign into this webinar to learn strategies to help your club.
Oiling the Squeaky Parts: Strategies to Increase Your Club’s Ability to Adapt. The perfect webinar for District and Club Membership Chairs and all Rotary members interested in expanding Rotary membership!
ROTARIAN NEWS...
Carolyn Shapiro’s family was impacted by Covid, which ended with a family member having a gall bladder removed. He was encouraging people to get up and get moving.
Leslie Levesque used to have two kids at the University of Tampa. James is moving to Salem State, so empty nest time is over. Ella finished her semester with a 4.0.
Bill Henning just returned from his most recent adventure in Morocco and London. He is still jetlagged. Morocco is amazing and highly recommended.
Club Announcements
Service Opportunities
LifeBridge Dinner
January 8, 2025
LifeBridge at 3:30 pm
Join us for our next dinner at LifeBridge. Volunteers shop and prepare a dinner, wiht recipes often printed here in the Spoke. Let Carolyn Shapiro know if you are able to attend. A sign up sheet was passed around at Rotary.
Polar Plunge
February 1, 2025
East Boston Yacht Club-Doors Open at 9
We are joining up with the East Boston and Methuen clubs to do a combined Polar Plunge. More details to follow!
Fun and Fellowship
Dutch Drinks
January 3, 2025
The Derby at 5 pm
Dutch Drinks is BACK! Join your fellow Salem Rotarians at the Derby for refreshments and to ring in the new year. They do have mocktails for those doing Dry January.
Salem Rotary Auction
April 17, 2025
Hawthorne Hotel
Themes and colors are still being worked out, but we have a date. Save it and spread the news so other organizations know not to plan anything for that day! More details to follow...
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.
LifeBridge Dinner
Polar Plunge
Dutch Drinks
Salem Rotary Auction
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