Did you know that the Birthday Fund is used for one-time contributions to causes important to Rotarians, from helping fund a local project to donations on behalf of Rotarians? It's just one of the many wonderful ways that we can help our community. Make your contribution today!
This week at Rotary...
Julie Hahnke
Founder
Cecropia Strong
Cecropia Strong is a charity founded by Julie Hahnke that supports individuals with disabilities, drawing from her personal experience recovering from a stroke. While the specific details of the organization's programs aren't provided in the original text, the charity seems to be motivated by Hahnke's own journey of rehabilitation and resilience after experiencing significant health challenges.
The organization appears to be focused on providing aid and support to people with disabilities, likely offering resources, support, or assistance to help individuals navigate recovery and life challenges after experiencing a disabling condition.
Julie Hahnke, a Marblehead, MA management consultant and author, intimately understands how life can dramatically change due to a sudden, debilitating illness. Seven years ago, she suffered a severe stroke that transformed her life. Found by friends three days after the incident, she lay on her apartment floor with her condition worsening from an ischemic stroke to a more dangerous hemorrhagic stroke.
The stroke's impact was profound. Julie lost 20-25% of her brain cells, experienced complete aphasia that reduced her reading level to elementary school standards, and lost motor function on her right side. Despite these challenges, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, fighting back and achieving significant recovery.
Her personal experience inspired her to found Cecropia Strong, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. Through this organization, Julie transforms her own challenging journey into a platform for helping others facing similar obstacles.
Cecropa Strong supports stroke survivors through five key initiatives. These include Amy's Gifts of Hope, which sends presents to stroke survivors. They also support Assistive Technology Initiatives enabling those with disabilities to perform previously impossible tasks, and Driver Rehabilitation Grants providing equipment and training for license reinstatement. The Phillips Family Aphasia Program Grants fund group therapy programs, while Therapeutic Riding Grants allow disabled adults to participate in spring and fall riding lessons. The organization also incorporated Bean, a comfort therapy dog, on loan during late last year and are now looking to fund a more permanent pup!
IF YOU HAVE ANY PHOTOS FROM THE BITBAR EVENT, SEND THEM TO RYAN GUILMARTIN
Did you have a bit of FOMO after missing out on our Polar Plunge? Well, you have another chance with the Lifebridge Northshore Polar Plunge. Head on over to their the event website to secure your spot in the Polar Plunge. Every participant counts, and your involvement will contribute to the success of our fundraising efforts. We will be exploring making this a combined event next year! Speaking of the Polar Plunge...
POLAR PLUNGE
Several Salem Rotarians joined other area clubs in a recent Polar Plunge, with donations going to the fight to end polio.
No word on who, if anyone, participated in the belly flop competition in East Boston.
CALENDAR WINNER!
Lynn Lemieux
50:50 RAFFLE
Pot: Unknown
Players: Adria Duijvesteijn (twice, though Leslie played a card for her).
The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area have moved so many people to want to help. Two Rotary Districts serving the Southern California affected by the fires have established relief funds to help support those in need.
The fund established by Rotary District 5280 can be found here. This includes Los Angeles, Long Beach, Malibu.
A fund established by Rotary District 5300 can be found here. This District is east of the other District and includes Altadena and Pasadena.
People often look to Rotary to find trusted stewards to accept donations during disasters. Thank you to all the Rotarian and other helpers serving that area during this catastrophe.
Help Put Rotaplast Mission Over the Top
Our Rotaplast Mission needs additional financial support to make our goal. We would like to acknowledge and thank those clubs who have already donated: Belle Isle, Rockport, Lexington, Newburyport, Somerville, Winchester, Parkway, Wakefield, Gloucester, Andover, Marblehead Harbor, Chelsea, Manchester-Essex, Reading and Swampscott as well as the many individuals who have donated, and generous support from the District in the form of a District Managed Grant, but we still need more funds.
The Rotaplast Mission is scheduled for March 8, 2025. Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of children with cleft palates/lips and other deformities.
The cost of the mission is $88,000 to be raised throughout the district. We have raised in donations and pledges approximately $65,000. We hope all District 7930 clubs will support the Mission with the cost of at least one surgery -- $800. Donations from individuals will also be gratefully accepted. If you have questions, please contact Terry Curran at 617-501-3521 or TerryCurran7930@gmail.com.
ROTARIAN NEWS...
Joe Amico passed around flyers for the upcoming Joyful Voices of Inspiration concert, a full hour a Tabernacle Church. It begins at 10 am on February 9. Check out the preview here!
Tyler Hains also distributed a flyer, this one advertising an app for donations through the Givelify platform.
Jason Consalvo missed polar plunge and therefore did not belly flop. Instead, het up a pinewood derby track. Graham had a car and had four straight first place finishes, making him the king of the track. Jason thinks his son needs more adversary in his life, despite already being saddled with the difficulty of having Jason Consalvo as a father.
Jason Lang and Heather have their 20th anniversary today. Congratulations! The happy couple will be leaving for a nine day vacation to the UK on Valentines Day.
Club Announcements
Service Opportunities
The Salem Pantry
February 6, 2025
Contact Carolyn Shapiro or Robyn Burns for details. You can also get there at 7 am and help Ryan Guilmartin load some pallets!
Serenity Hospice
Southborough, MA location
Open Volunteer Hours
Looking to make a difference? Always wanted to help someone in need but didn’t know where to start? Volunteer with Serenity Hospice and help bring joy to our patients! If interested, please inquire with the Volunteer Coordinator at rfournier@serenityhospicema.com or call 978- 890-3090 for more information.
Lifebridge Northshore Dinner
March 12
More details to follow. We are always looking for someone to take the lead on this!
Fun and Fellowship
Salem Rotary Auction
April 4, 2025
Hawthorne Hotel
The date, themes and colors are still being worked out. Stay tuned!
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 Salem Pantry
Serenity Hospice
Lifebridge Northshore Dinner
Salem Rotary Auction
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