Deputy Plans Officer for the Massachusetts Army National Guard
Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Love gave us a riveting presentation on the history of the National Guard. The National Guard was established in Salem, Massachusetts, and the first muster took place on December 13, 1636 on Salem Common. Prior to this date, each settlement had their own quasi assembly of townsfolk. However, as the Pequot tribe became a growing threat to the settlers, it was decided that they would be stronger together, and the National Guard was born.
British Lieutenant Colonel, Alexander Leslie’s tense stand-off with local militiamen (National Guard) at the bridge over Salem’s North River on February 26, 1775 became known as “Leslie’s Retreat.” This failed attempt by British redcoats to seize control of a local weapons stockpile places Salem firmly in the midst of Massachusetts’ unrest before Lexington and Concord. Had Lieutenant Colonel Leslie succeeded, Salem could have been the place where the American Revolution began.
In 17th Century the National Guard built Fort Pickering to protect the harbor. The fort was reimagined and repurposed for the military several times over the centuries and became the beautiful park we know today as Winter Island in 1976.
ROTARY MINUTE
Rinus shared feedback from the survey about fundraising this spring. The results show that most members are interested in multiple events, with one larger event and two supporting events. The top choices revealed that members were interested in a cooking class with a chef, wine tasting, and a dinner from the Hawthorne Hotel Dinner. Co-Chairs Rinus and Jen will bring the committee together to put a plan forward in the coming weeks.
CALENDAR WINNER!
Marie Cardillo of Salem
Sold by Marie Cardillo
Why I am A SALEM Rotarian
Club Treasurer Bill Henning shared that he joined Rotary because as a Commercial Lender in Medford, it was an expectation of the position. He viewed this as a development opportunity but as time wore on and when he transferred to the Salem Club, he understood the true meaning of “Service Above Self.” He discovered that as a Rotarian, you must enjoy giving back…and that he does. He has served the club as Treasurer for several years, and he is certainly a treasure to us all. Bill has selected Tim Clarke to share next week.
RotarIAN NEWS...
Gerrit Bradley offered to organize a socially distanced cross-country skiing adventure for Rotarians who are interested. Please let him know if you would like to have some winter fun!
Jason Consalvo glowingly gave a reading from his son Harrison’s (age 7) latest writings. A spin off of the three little pigs, Harrison wrote about the three little crabs; “Little Crab, Little Crab, let me in! Not by the bones of my exoskeleton.”
John Fisher shared that he has had competing non-profit commitments during our meeting time but will try to make more meetings in the future.
JohnDiPiano explained why Army uniforms were once called “pinks and greens,” a term that came up during the Lt. Col.’s presentation.
Claire Kallelis praised the city of Salem for its testing efforts and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the city’s testing sites.
Jen Close had an eastern blue bird in her yard which looked beautiful against the snow.
Rick Jakious had 30 morbidly obese robins in a tree in his yard. Gerrit, our resident bird aficionado, explained that it is likely because people are home and filling their feeders more, thus the birds are gaining the COVID 15.
Bruce Whear shared that he has been making his own bird feeders with leftover fat from the shepherd’s pie dinners he and Heidi have been making for Lifebridge. You can use the grease to hold together birdseed and oatmeal, create bricks, and hang them in the tree. He posits that the birds visiting Rick may have stopped by his yard first!
Club Announcements
Calling All Spoke Note Takers
Jason Consalvo is looking for members to assist with notes for the Spoke. Adria will still compile the bulletin each week but could use some help with the notetaking during the meeting. Taking notes for the Spoke is a great way for new Rotarians to get to know our members! Please email Jason if you are able to help. Kristen Armstrong was the wonderful volunteer this week!
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, February 8
The Board approved three funds allocations totaling $1300 this week. Funds will be distributed as follows: $250 to Salem Education Foundation; $500 to LEAP for Education; $550.00 Salem Little League ($300.00 for the banner at Forrest River and $250.00 to sponsor a team).
Go By Boat Available for Pre-Order
Dr. Chuck Radis, our first speaker of this Rotary year, shared stories and anecdotes with us from his new book Go By Boat. The book went to the printer a few weeks ago and is now available for preorder. Dr. Radis is giving 50 percent of the profits from the book to minority student medical school scholarships and to a non-profit he works with in the Kiryandongo UN refugee settlement in Uganda. For more information on how to preorder, visit his website.
Salem Rotary Scholarship Applications Are Posted!
The 2021 scholarship applications are now available on our website. The Scholarship Committee is already working to promote this opportunity to seniors. Please help get the word out in any way you can and direct interested applicants to the “download files” section of our homepage on the bottom right for the applications. Applicants must be residents of Salem, Massachusetts and may not be the child, grandchild, niece, nephew, great niece or great nephew (this includes adoptive or step relationship) of any current member of Salem Rotary, or any person that has been a member of Salem Rotary within the past five years. These scholarships are available to grade 12 high school and trade school students pursuing college or a vocational trade. Applications will be accepted from February 24 through April 10, 2021.
Lifebridge Dinner Wednesday, March 10
Thank you to the volunteers who worked with Claire and Kristen to prepare a delicious lasagna dinner for Lifebridge for this past Wednesday! The next dinner for Lifebridge is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10. Again, a recipe will be provide to volunteers so the meal will be consistent, and volunteers will make a portion of the dinner in their home kitchens. Please contact Kristen Armstrong or Claire Kallelis if you would like to volunteer in March or in the future.
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
We are currently meeting via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to returning to the Hawthorne Hotel soon! In the meantime, please email president@salemrotary.com for our Zoom link.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL GEOFFREY LOVE 
Club Treasurer Bill Henning shared that he joined Rotary because as a Commercial Lender in Medford, it was an expectation of the position. He viewed this as a development opportunity but as time wore on and when he transferred to the Salem Club, he understood the true meaning of “Service Above Self.” He discovered that as a Rotarian, you must enjoy giving back…and that he does. He has served the club as Treasurer for several years, and he is certainly a treasure to us all. Bill has selected Tim Clarke to share next week.
Calling All Spoke Note Takers
Board of Directors Meeting
Go By Boat Available for Pre-Order
Salem Rotary Scholarship Applications Are Posted!
Lifebridge Dinner Wednesday, March 10
