If anyone has time to write a short note to Beauty, Rose will be happy to forward it on.
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Westerly
Celebrating Sixty-Eight Years June 28, 1958-2026
Celebrating Sixty-Eight Years June 28, 1958-2026
Monday, 21 September, we found ourselves at the "secret" garden at the University of Rhode Island. Named after the College of Pharmacy's founding dean, the late Heber W. Youngken Jr, who was a pioneer in the study of medicinal plants and "now there are 300 medicinal plants in sodded areas, walkways, benches shaped in the form of birch leaves and a translucent sculptural frieze featuring panels that depict plant life in laboratory slides. The courtyard and garden are places for research and respite from the demands of 21st century life."
A self-guided audio tour through the garden is available "to learn about the Indigenous history and uses of several plants, featuring stories by Silvermoon Mars LaRose, a member of the Narragansett tribe. Specifically, this tour shares details, descriptions, and stories about the traditional Indigenous knowledge of some of the plants that have long inhabited Rhode Island. Visitors are welcome to start and stop at any point along the tour - simply tap your phone to the black circular chips by a sign to listen to the audio."
Our guide this evening was Elizabeth Leibovitz who is the Garden Coordinator at the Garden. "She is an experienced educator with an interest in ethnobotany and horticulture. Leibovitz was inspired to create the audio garden tour as a way to center Indigenous tribes in the history of plant medicine, shedding light on the unique ways in which plants have been used in Native history, culture and medicine."
There is so much to see, smell and touch. Free tours are available year round but must be scheduled in advance. Call 401.874.2761 or email elizabeth_leibo@uri.edu.
 Since launching the PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary and our partners have made incredible progress toward eradicating polio. We’ve celebrated vaccination milestones, cheered as regions of the world were certified polio-free, and contained wild poliovirus to just two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. But polio anywhere will always be a threat to children everywhere. We made a promise to the children of the world: One day, they won’t have to fear being paralyzed by polio. This is why it’s so important for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to use World Polio Day on 24 October as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds. Explore the resources below and use them to inform your community about the incredible progress we’ve made toward eradicating this disease. World Polio Day is only a few weeks away, and we want to know what your club is doing. Whether you’re hosting your own activity or participating in a district or zone event, tell us about it! To eradicate polio, we need everyone’s support. Together, we end polio. |
On Monday night we welcomed Cathy Cook to our meeting. She pinch hit for John Niekrash who was scheduled to talk to us about the work that Work Vessels for Veterans does. Cathy was an able substitute because she was instrumental in the founding of the organization and its ongoing work. Work Vessels for Veterans began in 2008. The organization provides critical equipment and direct services to injured veterans who see self-employment as a way forward to accommodate frequent medical appointments and “bad days.” They have a volunteer staff of nine people who work tirelessly to match individuals with the funds, vehicles or whatever assistance they need to reclaim purpose in their lives. They often get referrals from VA Hospitals or Veteran organizations because many of these veterans suffer from PTSD. Therefore, they are more likely to lean into self employment opportunities. By assisting them to live out their dreams, the group has made an amazing difference. Cathy shared several inspiring stories about the ways that their interventions have helped individuals turn their lives around and become successful entrepreneurs. It begins with helping them map out an achievable business plan. Then they match them up with a mentor, someone with proven success in the field they are interested in. For example, there are several beekeepers who they are in contact with. So a new veteran who is interested in getting started with beekeeping, will be in contact with one of them to help them get started.
Another story that Cathy shared involved a veteran who wanted to get into farming. He had lost his legs. Her knew all about farming but in order to achieve his dreams he would need an adaptive tractor to get started. He had a great plan but limited funds. Work Vessels for Veterans was able to get him that tractor and he was off and running. To date Work Vessels for Veterans provided over $4.5 million in equipment to assist veterans getting started in business. The beauty of the organization's operation is that they work hand in hand with other veteran organizations like Semper Fi, the Gary Sinese Foundation and the Farmer Veteran Fund to increase their effectiveness.
There is always a need for donations because they have an extensive waiting list. They are a 501(c)(3) organization and you can donate and change someone's life.
Leslie Bartholomew, our guest on Monday night, was born just outside of Philadelphia, PA. She now calls the Stonington area her home. For a number of years she worked in the healthcare field and enjoyed it. Yet, she thought there was something missing. She wanted to do something that could make an impact in the world around her. She was working and also serving as a caregiver for her partner. When he passed away last year she took some time do a self-assessment. That time away from the treadmill of life she was on allowed her to investigate ways in which she could realize her dream to serve others, make connections and find the peace that she was seeking. She discovered that the peace would come through her involvement in projects that promote climate literacy.
As Leslie tells it, she came to three green light moments which pointed her to her current pathway. She met three individuals who taught her how using our natural resources properly could lead to bigger things. They encouraged her to continue on her journey which led her to apply for a Rotary Peace Fellowship. She is a finalist now and hopes to be selected. In the meantime she has enrolled in Terra.do which is a global platform for climate learning, jobs, and community. Since joining she has been engaged in conversations with other like minded individuals, taken classes and discovered climate career opportunities.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a fully funded global program that covers tuition, housing, round trip transport and field study expenses for leaders focused on peace and development. Leslie shared that she would love to go to India but she is open to going wherever the opportunity exists to create something positive.
Since 2018, this Club and its Foundation have donated over $300,000 to local organizations, such as The Jonnycake Center and to organizations that work all over the world helping people in need, such as ShelterBox. It is through our fundraising events that this has been possible. Join us on 5 October, the Player registration form is available on this website as well as Sponsor forms.
PLATINUM SPONSOR - Professional Planning Group
GOLD SPONSOR - Employee Community Services Assoc of Electric Boat Quonset Point
BRONZE SPONSORS - Bouvier Insurance
Buckler Johnston Funeral Home
Westerly Community Credit Union
Grey Sail Brewing
Outer Light Brewing
TEE SPONSORS - 32One Media
Ashaway Line & Twine
Avie's Ski/Sport
Baxter
Beachcrest Dental Inc
Central Baptist Church
Chariho Furniture
Daily Peacemaker.com
Dunns Corners Chiropractic Center
Dunns Corners Market
Ginger's Service Station
HFM LLC
Jewett City Savings Bank
Lamb & Lion Inn on Cape Cod
Margin Street Inn
Misquamicut Sandwich Company
Navigant Credit Union
Joseph & Carol Potter
Douglas Rayner
Red Stone Tire Inc
Reforest the Tropics
South County Auto LLC
Barnes
PMC Media
The Cooked Goose
Toscano's Mens Shop
Valenti Subaru
NAPA Westerly Auto Parts
Westerly/Pawcatuck Int'l City of Peace
Wells Street Dental
Meetings will be in person
28 Sep: "Craft Talks" from two of our own - Dave Hellner and Jeff Wendth
5 Oct: Golf Tournament at Stonington Country Club
6 Oct: Board meeting at Olean Ctr 4:00pm
11 Oct: Columbus Day Parade
12 Oct: Columbus Day - NO meeting
19 Oct: Sept & Oct Students of the Month
26 Oct: Linda Wilkinson - Chikumbuso updates
2 Nov: Board meeting 4:00 (Annual visit from PPG); dinner 5:30
9 Nov: Pasta Dinner to benefit Jonnycake Ctr's Fuel Assistance Fund
11 Nov: Veterans Day - Remembrance and Honor
16 Nov: NO meeting
18 Nov: Pot Luck Dinner with DG Nicole and 5 other area Clubs
23 Nov: Football Night
30 Nov:
7 Dec: Board meeting 4:30/ Annual Meeting
14 Dec: Nov & Dec Students of the Month
23 Feb: Jan & Feb Students of the Month
3 May: Mar & Apr Students of the Month
Steve, John and Bob leading us in The Rotary Welcome Song written by Rotarian Ed Smalley
Rotarian Bob Boughner is at home in Kalamazoo with Hospice Care. Please keep Bob and Marty in your prayers.
Food Collection Program
Remember those in need and bring canned goods either to meeting or to Avie's Ski/Sport by month's end. These items will be distributed to The Jonnycake Center of Westerly and the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. Since 18 March 2020, we have assisted local residents with transportation issues by making home deliveries of food and medicine through the Jonnycake Center. To date we have made 363 deliveries.
Club Home - We are meeting at The Frank Olean Center next to Rotary Park, Monday, 5:30pm. Michele will send the sandwich/salad menu on or about Wednesday for the next Monday meeting; respond to mwegner@kctec.net by Sunday Noon. If you don't receive a reply within 24 hours, please contact her again. Please respond whether ordering or not as it will help us to know how many will be attending meeting.
Wishing Well at McQuade's Marketplace
Latest trip to empty the wishing well on 4/7/26 garnered a total of $995.64, bringing total registered since 2009 $16,100.59.
Brick Walk
Also in process is the Brick Walk at Rotary Park. We have partnered with an organization called Bricks R Us. The committee met 15 January 2025 to outline a plan - a brick walk pathway from parking lot to entrance of Children's Garden - about 900 bricks. Website to purchase: bricksrus.com/donorsite/rotaryclubofwesterly and brochures and flyers are available from Club members and at member stores. The flyer is also available on our website - see "Download files". Installation will be delayed until Fall 2026.
Peace & Justice Committee of Rotary Club of Westerly Our Vision: We seek to create, locally and globally, a culture of peace in which the inherent worth and dignity of every living being is honored and respected and conflicts are resolved nonviolently.
Our Mission: To create activities, programs and projects focused on creating a culture of peace as well as working with other community groups and organizations engaged in similar endeavors.
Link to Frank Thacker's Daily Peacemaker: www.DailyPeacemaker.com - https://youtu.be/TFNikjiUFi0
International Day of Peace Program at the Westerly Library - 21 September 2026
Peace Pole dedication 22Oct2018
at Rotary Park
"Peace is not something you wish for; It's something you make, Something you do, Something you are and Something you give away."
The lockbox above was installed on John Street - it's location must be easy to find and close to the front door for quick access by First Responders. Happily I was working in my garden last week when two officers stopped by to check on my lockbox. All was well there. They told me that they have "rescued" a few lockboxes that were no longer needed so they could be reused at another residence. How very efficient!!!
If you know of someone who is "at risk" and can benefit from having a lockbox installed at their home, please contact the Westerly Police Department at the non-emergency Phone Number 401.596.2022. Our lockboxes are provided to residents, as needed, free of charge. Also, if other groups wish to donate lockboxes to the Westerly Police Department, please purchase them from McQuade's Ace Hardware. We are being awarded special pricing and have delivered 63 lockboxes.
We began our Food Collection Program during the covid crisis in 2020. Our purpose was to help to keep the Jonnycake Center of Westerly and the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center stocked with canned goods and other non-perishable food products during that difficult time. We even made deliveries to homes when necessary. But, we didn't stop when the crisis was over because there are still folks who need our help. When you are shopping, please keep our neighbors in mind. Watch for sale items and set some aside for the food collection. Bring them down to Avie's Ski/Sport Shop and Ted will get the goods collected to the centers monthly.
18 Mar 2025 marked five years that our Club "had been making food and health item deliveries to area residents who are elderly, infirm, or without transportation. Although the pace has slowed a bit, the need is still great." Rona reports that 363 deliveries have been made since the program began in 2020.
Your generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation are essential to securing and growing Rotary programs throughout the world. Consider making your Every Rotarian, Every Year contribution of $25, $100 or more as early as possible. If you send your contribution directly to Rotary Foundation, please let Rose know. The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating - FOUR STARS - from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S. - ranked #4 in the top ten best charities list.
The Polio Plus Society of District 7950
Pledge to help Rotary make history by continuing to contribute $100 or more each year until the World Health Organization certifies that polio has been fully eradicated because Until the world is polio-free, every child is at risk. Society members will received a PolioPlus Society membership pin and certificate. Your contribution qualifies for Paul Harris Recognition and Major Donor Credit. To make your tax-deductible donation go to my.rotary.org/donate and click on "Polio Fund". Payment should be made payable to Rotary Foundation and give to Rose for proper handling.
15 Rotarians have already contributed to EREY and 18 to Polio Plus this current year.
Rotary strives to create and maintain an experience for members and participants that reflects our fundamental values, empowers people to contribute at their fullest potential, and celebrates people as they are. Our core values - service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership - align with our commitment to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Westerly, RI 02891
United States of America