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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Westerly
Celebrating Sixty Years June 28, 1958-2018

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

We meet Mondays at 5:30 PM
Venice Restaurant

165 Shore Road
Westerly, RI 02891
United States

Phone:

(401) 315-5868

Email:

ra.russo@cox.net

District Site

Venue Map

Change of Command Ceremony

Posted on Jul 09, 2018

Monday evening at the Venice Restaurant was a celebration of years of "doing good", change of command ceremony as new officers were inducted and awarding of a Paul Harris Fellow to Kenneth Burton, Sr - for his patriotic dedication to promoting the flag of the United States of America proudly throughout our town on National holidays. The evening began with light snacks and the sweet sound of the Westminster Youth String Ensemble directed by Kathleen Monroe. Ringing the bell as President for his last task of his 2017/2018 year, President Chris called our meeting to order and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Our Master of Ceremonies, Past President Cal Lord, gave the invocation. He noted that incoming President Kathryn wanted as many members as possible to have an active role in the evening and so it was.

Dan Alvino announced three special State proclamations to the Club and to President Kathryn. Doug Rayner spoke about Paul Harris and the founding of the Paul Harris Award. Joe Potter called Ken Burton forward to receive his Paul Harris award. All Paul Harris fellows were asked to come forward to be recognized.

Frank Celico presented a history of the Club's 60 years and spoke of Rotary's motto of "service beyond self". Cal Lord gave us a little of history of women in Rotary. One of Westerly Rotary's first female members, Joan McCormick, was our guest. Rona inducted Kathryn and asked all Past Presidents to come forward to be recognized. Assistant District Governor Chuck Sauer installed the new Officers and Board.

After an appreciation gift was given to now Past President Chris, the bell and gavel was passed on to President Kathryn and she spoke of her history with Rotary beginning in Littleton, New Hampshire. She said she never considered herself a feminist but certainly was a "tomboy" growing up and hadn't considered becoming a Rotarian until they told her she couldn't. It's going to be an exciting year with our third woman President!!

There are more pictures in the Photo Album section of this website (left column of page) "2018 Celebrating".

A Tribute to Chris

Posted by Rona Mann on Jun 25, 2018

Maybe you didn't realize it because we were so involved with Pops and making sure that we were organized and efficient, but our last meeting was also Chris' last official meeting as our President.

Even though our installation is not until July 9th, according to Rotary International the new Rotary year the world over begins July 1st - and that means all duly elected officers and appointed board members - whether or not they have been formally installed, are now considered official in their positions. Therefore, Kathryn will preside over our July 2nd Meeting as our new albeit uninstalled, President.

We cannot let the moment slip away, however, without a hearty thank you to Chris for his leadership, his strength, his good humor, and his consistency during the past Rotary year. This is Chris' second time around, and he has grown so considerably as a man, a businessman, and a Rotarian. He has brought all his high standards and ethical behavior to the table, and they have been infectious to the members of our Club. We have just completed a successful year and one of which to be proud. Certainly we always wish for more members, better attendance, more money raised, etc - that's true of every Rotary Club in the world - but we still have much of which we can be proud...and it is Chris who led and took responsibility for these efforts.

Chris never says "no" to anyone about anything. He is a tireless worker, always giving, giving, giving back to his community, his family, his friends, and our Club. For that, and for so much more, a great big, THANK YOU, CHRIS DI PAOLA for setting the bar high, having our backs and never taking "no" for an answer.

Chorus of Westerly 38th Summer Pops Concert

Posted on Jun 24, 2018

The Sun Gods were not with us this past weekend. The threat of heavy storms made it necessary to postpone Pops until Sunday. With a small window of dry weather, a shortened program began a half hour earlier and the final fireworks finishing just a second before the rains came down hard and heavy. Although we had a slow start, sales picked up and we were quite busy. Below is an email received from Ryan to all who participated -

And, from the Rotary Pops Committee of Ted, Steve and Rose - our heartfelt thanks to all Rotarians and friends and family who helped throughout the day. Our special grateful thanks to Lee Eastbourne and the Jonnycake Center and our Angel donors of water, soda, supplies and Walmart for $75 in gift cards toward the pretzel purchase. Photos are in the Photo Album section of this website "Summer Pops 2018" with thanks to Cal Lord.

Water & Sanitation - Guatemala Villages

Posted on Jun 11, 2018

Monday evening, June 11, we were honored to have Rick and Ellen Lawrence speak at our dinner meeting. We were pleased to present them with our check for $250 for the 2018/2019 grant year.

Some history - The Lawrences were vacationing in Guatemala in 2006 and made up at the Rotary Club of La Antigua and exchanged business cards. They were given a CD of featured projects. At next meeting of home club, their President noted two initiatives of their DG - Every club was to participate in a clean water project and clubs should join forces and work together on projects. And the wheels began to turn...... fast forward to this year, Rick has made over "180 presentations to Rotary clubs throughout District 7890, 7950, 6990, 6930. As of last year, 36 clubs have participated in the funding of a Global Grant to raise $90,919 for the villages of Xesajbin, Cojulya and Pachaj. The following is a chart of the villages and families that have been helped since 2007 when the projects began:

This particular project provides the materials and training for the villagers to build distribution/storage tanks, pvc pipes to carry water from the storage tank collection line to the homes, with one spigot at each home; construction materials for vented pit latrines; and additional funds specifically for materials to build stoves that are vented. This program is part of an "integral program that includes nutritional education, sustainable agriculture, family planning, community empowerment and disaster risk reduction.

Kristina shows the "old" way of carrying water

Distribution/Storage tank

New Latrine

New Stove

Rick is holding a plaque with all contribution Club names - here with villagers.

Handmade scarves, jewelry, bags. Every year Ellen and Rick go down to Guatemala with bags full of school supplies for the children and they return to the U. S. with these beautiful handcrafted items to sell so they can buy more school supplies for the next trip.

4th Annual Golf Tournament