This week the club enjoyed a presentation highlighted Essex Heritage's mission to connect people with the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Essex National Heritage Area. The organization works through partnerships with communities, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies to preserve significant places and make them accessible to the public.
Key initiatives discussed included the Border to Boston Rail Trail, Bakers Island Light Station, the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, educational programs, and Future Leaders initiatives. The presentation also highlighted Essex County's preparations for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and efforts to engage students and young people with local history.
The presentation focused particularly on Trails & Sails, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. The event has grown from a single weekend in 2002, into a 16-day regional celebration. This year's program runs September 12–27 and includes more than 200 free events, supported by 130 regional partners across all 34 Essex County communities. Activities include nature walks, paddling, birding, historic tours, cultural performances, workshops, and other opportunities to explore local resources.
The presentation emphasized that the success of Trails & Sails reflects the strength of regional partnerships and provides residents and visitors with opportunities to discover and connect with the people, places, history, and natural resources of Essex County.
Attendees were encouraged to participate in Trails & Sails and support the organizations working to preserve and promote the region's heritage. The complete schedule is available on the Trails & Sails website.
Calendar Winner
Hugh Galligan sold by Marie Cardillo
50: 50 Raffle
POT $75
Josh Madugas and Leslie Levesque
No Winners!
Visitors & Guests
This week, Caroline Shapiro hosted Josh Madugas and Adria Duijvesteijn hosted Connie Fredericks.
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.
LifeBridge Dinner
November 11 4:30ish to 6:00ish (pending confirmation of date with it being Veteran's Day)
LifeBridge North Shore
September is a Rotary month at LifeBridge. we cook meals for anywhere between 60 and 80 of our most vulnerable residents. Please contact Hannah Beth Hembree to volunteer! A reminder that we do not need to clean up- what can be better??? Share your recipe ideas.
Salem Rotarians Say…
Jim Rose shared that Gary Stirgwolt’s mom, Frances Marguerite Stirgwolt, passed away. All send our condolences to Jane, Gary and their family. Her obituary can be found here.
Joe Amico went to Provincetown for the annual car club event. Jim’s 57, Pink Lincoln won the People’s Choice Award this year. Congratulations to Jim!
Leslie Levesque talked about international “dot” day. Working off of the book, “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds, the Phoenix students were learning about how a dot is a mark and that every mark makes a difference, especially their own.
Bill Henning spilled the beans that it was Rinus’ birthday at the meeting, and Jason C.’s the day after. Joe lead an impromptu singing of Happy Birthday!
Sue Gabriel was excited about a bonus visit she had with her daughter from the west coast who was in town for a wedding.
Rinus Oosthoek reminded everyone that if they are interested in Salem High’s CTE Advisory Board, they should reach out to him. They would appreciate our support!
Gerrit Bradley closed the meeting with a first in a long time bird report, with a sad story about the potential demise of a young eagle who may have been attacked by two older eagles. Hopefully, the little guy survived!
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The presentation focused particularly on Trails & Sails, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. The event has grown from a single weekend in 2002, into a 16-day regional celebration. This year's program runs September 12–27 and includes more than 200 free events, supported by 130 regional partners across all 34 Essex County communities. Activities include nature walks, paddling, birding, historic tours, cultural performances, workshops, and other opportunities to explore local resources.
50: 50 Raffle
