This week at Rotary... 
This week at Rotary we welcomed District Governor Lori Karas to our evening meeting. Currently, she serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Operational Services Division within the Administration and Finance Executive Branch at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Passionate about giving back to the community – a Rotarian since 2015 – Lori is currently a member of the Peabody Rotary Club and past President of the Boston #7 Club. She is the District Governor for the 2023-2024 Rotary year at District 7930.
Formerly, Lori sat on the Board of the American Red Cross and was on the Disaster Action Team, on the Board of Trustees for Boston by Foot
and served on the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Advisory and Financial Services Boards. In addition, Lori taught financial literacy at St Francis House’s Moving Ahead Program. Lori holds a BSBA from Suffolk University.
Lori Karas presented several "coming attractions" for the district and went over two focuses for this year. The first focus is on mental health and mental well-being. She recounted a story from Rotary International President Gordon R McInally about a man who appeared to have it all yet committed suicide. This story impacted President Gordon and inspired him to focus on mental health issues. On October 10 we will be recognizing World Mental Health Day. Locally, we have a district grant for Buddy Benches, also known as "Let's Chat" Benches, like those found on Salem Common, where people who sit on the benches are willing to talk to others. The other key focus is on engagement and participating in the community. One event that she is excited for is an April 6, 2024 singing event at Symphony Hall in Boston. Stay tuned for more details. The final cut of the song will be sent to the World Peace Center in Istanbul. This will be the eighth World Peace Centers, which are centers of education that offer certificates and masters degrees in peace building. To encourage more participation in various Rotary committees, there is a September 14 Zoom meeting to explain what each committee does. Another exciting upcoming event is the final push to end Polio with the Get Moving to End Polio event. Finally, a World Peace and Understanding Dinner will be on February 7, 2024 though it might be changed.
The DCF Picnic was a smashing success once again despite the date change and new location. Five other clubs donated to the cause and the Manchester Club has offered to partner with us in the future. Leftovers were donated to the Plummer Home. Many thanks to all who helped. Bouncy Bob Anthony did a wonderful job.
In cardboard boat racing news, The Salem Row-Tarian won its heat at the Great Salem Maritime Boat Regatta and was third overall. The boat was also awarded the Benjamin Hawkes Award for Best Boat Construction. Hopefully we can continue the great work and build upon these successes in Regattas to come. A special congratulations to Captain Jen Close and First Mate Ashley Tina.
AS THE ROTARY WORLD TURNS...
Save our Waters: State of the Rivers in District 7930
Supported by Ipswich-Rowley Rotary’s Global Grant, “Save the Ipswich River & Watersheds: The Lifeblood of Our Communities.” Join the webinar on August 24 from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm.
Did you know that our water supplies on the North Shore are at risk due to overuse? Want your garden and your community to be prepared for the next drought? Join Ipswich-Rowley Rotary and the Ipswich River Watershed Association for an interactive webinar on the state of our rivers in northeastern MA and southeastern NH! We’ll discuss the current state of the Ipswich River, which provides water to over 350,000 individuals and businesses on the North Shore. Explore our toolkit for water conservation and advocacy, and learn more about how to get involved in saving our rivers! Members of the public are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend. Be a part of the solution!
Maui Wildfire Relief
August 9, 2023, was a tragic day for our fellow Rotarians, their families and friends on the Island of Maui. The fires across the island have changed lives forever. The Marblehead Harbor Rotary is sending our love and support to all of those impacted by the devastating wildfires.
As people of action, we are following suit with many others and taking immediate action. We need to Create Hope for Maui.
Through the Rotary District 5000 Foundation, a relief fund has been established. Foundation President Dave Hamil and Treasurer Sharon Amano will handle all donations.
A committee will be organized shortly to find the greatest needs for distribution of monies. A single fund will be the most helpful over time to provide the most significant benefits.
From August 23 - September 23 the Marblehead Harbor Rotary will be donating all club "happy dollars" to the Maui Fire Relief Fund and encourages all who can, to also make a contribution, in any amount.
50:50 Raffle
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