Rotary Club of Concord, MA

NO MEETING OCTOBER 27

2011-10-26T21:41:00.003-04:00

There will be no regular luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Concord on October 27 as the meeting of the week was held at the Golf Tournament October 24. Thanks, everyone, for making the Tournament a success. A beautiful day, friendly people, good food and good golf!

STOP! DON’T PUT AWAY THOSE GOLF CLUBS YET!

2011-10-09T18:34:00.001-04:00

The Rotary Club of Concord wants you to join them on Monday, Oct. 24 at the Concord Country Club to play in its Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Tournament to benefit their Scholarship Fund. Registration will open at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Take the bagged lunch on the course with you, and when your foursome finishes eighteen holes, relax over drinks and refreshments, have dinner and celebrate the awarding of prizes. The entry fee of $250 includes golf at one of New England’s premier courses, use of the putting green, golf cart, lunch and dinner, tournament gifts and prizes. Mulligans will be available for purchase. You may play in a foursome of your choosing or be assigned to a foursome. Register by contacting Phyllis Maurer at pmaurer@hammondre.com. To discuss the tournament call Joe Saia at West Concord Liquors, 978-369-3872 or Rick Beers at Colonial Motors, 978-369-3316.

TEN REASONS TO GOLF ON October 24

2011-10-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

The Rotary Club of Concord invites you to participate in its 23^rdannual golf event, the Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Golf Tournament, Monday, October 24, 2011 to benefit the Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund. There are many reasons why you would enjoy this event. Here are ten of them:

1. You will be playing an outstanding course at the Concord Country Club, and you may play your own ball.

2. You will help deserving students from Concord Carlisle High School attend college through the scholarship funds raised by the Tournament.

3. Come at 10:30 a.m. to register and you will enjoy coffee and a chance to warm up on the putting green before the11:30 a.m. start. After your round, you can chat with old and new friends over drinks and dinner.

4. You may play in a foursome of your choosing or be assigned to one.

5. You may win any of a number of splendid prizes, and maybe even have your name engraved on the trophy.

6. You may buy Mulligans to improve your score.

7. If you make a hole-in-one, you will win $10,000, thanks to Dee Funeral Home of Concord.

8. You may bid on awesome items in the silent auction.

9. You may escape work, or work a deal on the golf course.

10. For $250 you will get 18 holes of golf at one of New England’s premier courses, use of the putting green, golf cart, lunch, clubhouse reception and dinner, tournament gifts and refreshments AND support the Concord-Carlisle Scholarship Fund.

Register now by contacting Phyllis Maurer at pmaurer@hammondre.com, 508-254-7900. To talk to someone about details, speak to Joe Saia at West Concord Liquors, 978-369-3872. For more information about the Rotary Club of Concord, visit www.concordmarotary.org.

ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITS CONCORD-CARLISLE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

2011-10-01T13:16:00.001-04:00

The Rotary Club of Concord invites the public to participate in its 23^rdannual golf event, the Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Golf Tournament, Monday, October 24, 2011 to benefit the Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund. Held at the Concord Country Club, 246 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA, the shotgun start is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., preceded by registration and coffee from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Cocktails and dinner are at 5:00 p.m. The entry fee of $250 includes 18 holes of golf at one of New England’s premier courses, use of the putting green, golf cart, lunch, clubhouse reception and dinner, tournament gifts and refreshments. Mulligans will be available for purchase. There will be a silent auction as well. Play in a foursome of your choosing or be assigned to a foursome.

The Rotary Club of Concord awarded $18,000 to Concord-Carlisle HS graduates in 2011using funds raised through the Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Tournament. Huckins, a longtime Concord resident, tireless volunteer and consummate Rotarian, was instrumental in the success of numerous Rotary projects, among them construction of the Emerson Hospital Helicopter Pad, the Rideout Playground Field House, the Veterans War Memorial, and the renovation of Monument Square.

In order to give more scholarships, Rotary would like to top last year’s proceeds as financial aid is especially important during tough economic times. In addition to golfers, Rotary is seeking tee and green sponsors. Tee and Green Sponsorships are $250. Make your check payable to Concord Rotary Charitable Endowment Fund and mail to Rotary Club of Concord, Tee/Green Sponsorship, PO Box 455, Concord, MA 01742. Visa/Mastercard are accepted—call Joe Saia at 978-369-3872.

To register or sponsor, contact Phyllis Maurer at pmaurer@hammondre.com, 508-254-7900. To talk to someone about details, see Joe Saia at West Concord Liquors, 978-369-3872. For more information about the Rotary Club of Concord, visit www.concordmarotary.org

SAIL WITH US SEPT. 25

2011-09-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

CRUISE WITH ROTARY SEPT. 25

The Sunrise Satellite of the Rotary Club of Concord invites you to join them on a two-hour sunset cruise on a 65-foot schooner in Gloucester harbor on September 25 at 6 p.m. This fundraising event is organized by the members of the new Rotary Club of Concord’s morning club to raise funds for their projects with the Walden Street School for Girls in Concord and the St Joseph Schools in Haiti. Tickets are $100 and may be purchased by calling Paul D’Oliveira at Paul Bryan Inc., 978-369-0450.

We sail from Seven Seas Wharf / Rogers St (rt 127) /Gloucester, MA. 01930. Photos of the Schooner Thomas E. Lannon are on the website www.schooner.org.

Join us for cocktails (cash bar), hors d'oeuvres and laughs as we enjoy the view and the fresh air. Meet the early-risers who make up Rotary’s Sunrise group in Concord.

The Sunrise Club of Rotary in Concord meets Tuesdays from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. at the Colonial Inn in Concord. Stop by for breakfast and an stimulating start to your morning. For more information visit www.rotaryclubofconcord.org.

GOLF TOURNAMENT POSTPONED

2011-08-25T16:47:00.004-04:00

The Rotary Club of Concord is sorry to announce that the Golf Tournament scheduled for Aug. 29 has been postponed until October 24, 2011 due to the hurricane. The location will still be at the Concord Country Club. Details about the start time will be announced as soon as they are available. Thanks for your understanding. We look forward to golfing with you on Oct. 24. To talk to someone about details, contact Joe Saia at West Concord Liquors, 978-369-3872.

APRIL 8 ROTARY POPS TO BENEFIT VICTIMS OF JAPANESE DISASTER

2011-04-03T13:03:00.004-04:00

Join the Rotary Club of Concord for its 36th Annual Pops Night featuring renowned jazz vocalist Amanda Carr and the Concord Band on April 8, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street, Concord. The doors open at 7:00 p.m. for guests to enjoy refreshments and browse a selection of unique silent auction items. The pops-style concert with table seating offers the audience a chance to unwind, visit with friends, and support Rotary’s many charitable projects, including aid to survivors of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Tickets are $25 a person and may be purchased from members of the Rotary Club of Concord, or by calling Dick Hale at 978-369-1500. All seats are reserved.

Proceeds from the Pops concert will benefit Rotary’s community and international service projects. Current efforts center on helping earthquake victims in Japan and Haiti. In response to the massive quake in Japan, the Rotary Club of Concord is donating the proceeds from the Pops Silent Auction to relief in Japan and will work directly with Rotarians in the area. In response to the Haiti quake, the Rotary Club of Concord delivered 25 Shelter Boxes (each containing a tent and supplies for 10 people) at a cost of $25,000. The Concord Club is continuing its work in Haiti, focusing on three schools, providing technology support, water treatment and a van among other things.

Music Director James O’Dell has planned a varied program of light classical, jazz, Dixieland, show, and Latin tunes, headlined by singer Amanda Carr’s versatile renditions of selections from the Great American Songbook. Back by popular demand, having just starred with the Silver Fox Jazz Quintet at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden, Carr has won the admiration of music critics throughout the country. Amazon’s Jazz Bestseller List ranked her recent CD release, Common Thread, number two on the list, following a Wall Street Journal endorsement.

Plan now to treat yourself and your friends to an enjoyable evening of spirited music while you support Rotary’s many humanitarian projects. Call Dick Hale to reserve your seat: 978-369-1500

Rotary Haiti Projects Presentation

2011-03-14T12:48:00.006-04:00

Click HERE to watch Haiti Projects presentation given by Paul D'Oliviera at the Rotary Club of Concord's meeting.

Rotary Club of Concord - Haiti Information and Reference

2011-02-21T15:38:00.004-05:00

St. Joseph Home For Boys, Petionville, Haiti (02.09.11)
Collapsed 5-Story Building Removed (by hand), New Building Foundation Dug (by hand)
New Foundation – Currently being Prepped and Poured
www.SJFAMILYHAITI.org
The photos above were taken by a new webcam installed by our club (Jan 2011)
The network & internet that supports this webcam was provided by our club (Apr 2010)
10 used Laptop computers were provided by our club (Apr 2010)
The internet service for THREE SJF Homes Haiti provided by our club for 2 years ($26k)
10 new laptop computers, printers and networks provided by our club (Apr 2011 - $20k)
Our Rotary Club has designed, built and maintained the website
www.ROTARYHAITI.org

Sports Radio Talk Show Host Spoke About Irish Micky Ward Star of "The Fighter" Movie On February 17th At Concord Rotary Lunch

2011-02-21T11:40:00.005-05:00

As Posted on "ConcordPatch"

He's not bombastic, long-winded or crude, as many of his colleagues are on Boston sports radio. No, Bob Halloran is humorous, self-deprecating, and a heck of a good writer too. He has written three books, one of which, "Irish Thunder" led to the award-winning movie, "The Fighter" about "Irish" Micky Ward.Halloran spoke to the Concord Rotary about Ward ("his real life was much, much worse than what was portrayed in the movie") and the dreadful demise of the Red Sox in 2003 when Pedro Martinez left the mound and manager Grady Little put in Alan Embree during the ALC playoffs at Yankee Stadium.

See the entire article at http://concord.patch.com/articles/sports-radio-talk-show-host-spoke-about-irish-mickey-ward

Grace Chen – Six Years Old - Donates $100 of Birthday Money for Haiti Relief. The True Holiday Spirit and Values of Rotary in Action!

2010-12-28T11:07:00.005-05:00

Grace collected $100 at her recent birthday party which was presented to Paul D’Oliveira leader of the Rotary Club of Concord’s Haitian relief task force at our breakfast meeting on December 21, 2010.

See Grace’s birthday invitation below.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for accepting my invitation for attending my 6th birthday party at GAB in Acton on my actual birth date of December 12.

My parents, my sister and I have decided that I can get 3 gifts of my own choices (I have decided to pick up few more silly bands as one of the choices already) and that is plenty for my birthday. There is really no need to get more gifts to fill up the house.

Therefore, NO gift is requested for coming to the party.

I have attended the Rotary Club of Concord with my father lately. They are doing great project of helping kids in Haiti because of the earthquake. If you really want to bring something, you can bring a check of whatever amount payable to Rotary Club of Concord. I will contribute them to the effort of helping the kids in Haiti. Again, please don’t feel that you have to do this neither.

Thank you in advance for coming to my 6th birthday party.

Love,

Grace Chen

Come to the Festival of Wreaths Dec 5, 2010

2010-11-22T09:43:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, Dec. 5 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. the Second Annual Festival of Wreaths, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Concord, will be open to the public in the lobby of Middlesex Savings Bank, 1208 Main Street, Concord. Wreaths creatively decorated by local establishments will be on display for viewing and purchase. Also for sale, chances on a huge collection of gift certificates decorating a “Gift Tree.” The winner of the raffle takes home all of the certificates, and does not need to be present to win. Admission is free.

Proceeds from this unique event will go to support the Domestic Violence Services Network, (DVSN) a Concord-based collaboration of Central Middlesex non-profit agencies, clergy, volunteers, and police departments. According to its Spring/Summer 2010 newsletter, since November 1998, DVSN has provided over 5700 units of service to more than 2000 victims from 108 communities. In FY 2009 alone, DVSN served 531 clients, and the demand continues to grow. DVSN has 60 Volunteer Advocates and 15 Education and Outreach Volunteers to help carry out its mission to provide a coordinated community response to domestic violence.

Plan now to drop in to see the wreaths, get decorating ideas, and support a worthy cause. Then stop by the Rotary Club of Concord’s Hot Chocolate Booth right outside the Middlesex Savings Bank where you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts. Frosty and Santa will be coming by on the fire engine for the tree-lighting and carol sing on Monument Square. What better time to be in Concord Center? What better time to help those experiencing tough circumstances by supporting the Rotary Club of Concord’s Festival of Wreaths?

Contact Phyllis Maurer at pmaurer@hammondre.com for more information or if you are interested in decorating a wreath and donating a gift certificate.

For information about the Rotary Club of Concord, visit www.concordmarotary.org

Rotary Speaker Tells of JFK's PT 109 Disaster

2010-11-19T10:18:00.006-05:00

Frank Rigg, former curator of the JFK Library & Museum in Boston and member of the Rotary Club of Concord, spoke at the Concord Rotary Club this week. Rigg emigrated to the U.S. in 1969 to attend Brandeis University before landing a job at the Boston landmark to JFK's memory. To see complete article on the talk see http://concord.patch.com/articles/rotary-speaker-tells-of-jfks-pt-109-disaster
on the Concord Patch website.

Rotary Club of Concord Wants to Paint Your Pinkie Finger Purple

2010-10-23T10:42:00.001-04:00

On Saturday October 23, 2010 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. the Rotary Club of Concord will hold its second annual “Purple Pinkie Day” in Concord Center to help “End Polio Now.” Rotarians worldwide join on World Polio Day to rid the world of this crippling disease. In Concord, as elsewhere, they will greet the public and invite them to join in the fight by making a contribution of any amount. Contributions will earn the donor a “purple pinkie” and the Rotarian will apply purple color to his or her finger as is done to children throughout the world signifying that they have received their polio vaccine. The purple pinkie will serve as a personal reminder of helping one child become free from polio forever.

When Rotary launched its Polio Program in 1985, there were over 350,000 cases of polio annually in over 125 countries. Through sheer persistence, today annual cases of polio have been reduced by 99% worldwide, with only Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan experiencing infections. After years of hard work, Rotary and its partners are on the brink of eradicating polio. There is no cure. The best protection is prevention. For as little as 60 cents worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. As long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, children everywhere remain at risk. The stakes are that high. We are only a plane ride away from polio returning to the US and our children.

Rotary’s top philanthropic goal is to eradicate polio worldwide. To date, Rotary has contributed more than $900 million and countless hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. Rotary is currently working to raise an additional $200 million toward a $355 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These efforts are providing much needed operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment and educational materials for workers and parents. In addition, Rotary has played a major role in decisions by donor governments to contribute $4 billion to the effort.

Rotary Loves a Parade

2010-10-01T10:21:00.003-04:00

The Rotary Club of Concord proudly participated in Concord’s 375th Anniversary Parade on Sept. 11, 2010. Over 50 Rotarians and their friends donned “Concord’s 375th” hats to march, ride in vintage cars or wave from atop a float, proclaiming Rotary’s continuing commitment to “Building Communities, Bridging Continents.” Marchers carried signs representing Rotary projects. Ambassadorial Scholar Karina Bruestle waved from Neal Walker’s 1962 Pontiac Bonneville while District 7910 Governor Mike Ellis saluted the crowd from his Model T Ford. The float, a 24-foot flatbed truck loaned by Acorn/Deck House, carried skateboarders, a helicopter pilot, patient and crew, along with a reproduction of the helicopter landing pad built by Rotary at Emerson Hospital. A model half–pipe like that at the Skate Board Park constructed by Rotary at Concord Carlisle High School stood in front of trees to be planted by Rotarians at the Habitat for Humanity houses in Bedford. Rousing music from the float stirred members of the Concord-Carlisle High School Interact Club to flash a colorful “Happy Birthday Concord” sign and display their banner. Another banner honored Al Filipov…”True Rotarian…True Friend. 9-11-01.” Thanks to the effort of many Rotarians, the Rotary Club of Concord celebrated the Town of Concord’s Birthday with fun and flair.

Rotary Club of Concord Veterans Appreciation Fishing Trip

2010-09-28T09:35:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday Capt. Steve Kirk, Gene Kirk and another VA volunteer (a Bronze Start recipient from Vietnam), Tim Whitson, accompanied a group of twelve veterans from the VA’s Crescent House in Lowell MA on a deep sea fishing trip out of Newburyport MA. We caught cod, haddock and cusk. A great time was had by all. A special thanks to Captains Fishing Parties for giving us a discounted group rate and to the Rotary Club of Concord MA for additional financial support.

Rotary Club Picnic

2010-08-12T09:22:00.002-04:00

Beautiful place, beautiful night, fabulous time. Members of the Rotary Club of Concord and their guests gathered July 29 at the home of Mark and Susan Johnson to celebrate summer with a lobster and steak fest. Chefs Rick Beers and Henry Dane prepared lobsters, steak, and chicken, the Barrett/Trudeau family and friends shucked corn, all accompanied by appetizers and salads ala pot luck. It was a time to celebrate after Rotary’s year of hard work in community and world service. More Photos

ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITS CONCORD CARLISLE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

2010-07-29T08:13:00.003-04:00

The Rotary Club of Concord invites the public to participate in its 22nd annual golf event, the Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Golf Tournament, Monday, August 30, 2010 to benefit the Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund. Held at the Concord Country Club, 246 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA, the shotgun start is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., preceded by registration and lunch from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Cocktails and dinner are at 6:30 p.m. The entry fee of $250 includes 18 holes of golf at one of New England’s premier courses, use of the putting green, golf cart, lunch, clubhouse reception and dinner, tournament gifts and refreshments. Mulligans will be available for purchase. There will be a silent auction as well. Play in a foursome of your choosing or be assigned to a foursome.

The Rotary Club of Concord awarded over $17,500 to Concord-Carlisle and Minuteman Regional Technical HS graduates in 2010 using funds raised through the Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Tournament. Huckins, a longtime Concord resident, tireless volunteer and consummate Rotarian, was instrumental in the success of numerous Rotary projects, among them construction of the Emerson Hospital Helicopter Pad, the Rideout Playground Field House, the Veterans War Memorial, and the renovation of Monument Square.

In order to give more scholarships, Rotary would like to top last year’s proceeds as financial aid is especially important during tough economic times. In addition to golfers, it is seeking tee and green sponsors. Tee and Green Sponsorships are $250, with an early-bird price of $225 if paid by Monday, August 2. Make your check payable to Concord Rotary Charitable Endowment Fund and mail to Rotary Club of Concord, Tee/Green Sponsorship, PO Box 455, Concord, MA 01742.

To register or sponsor, contact Phyllis Maurer at pmaurer@hammondre.com. For more information about the Rotary Club of Concord, visit www.concordmarotary.org.

INTERACT CLUB OF CONCORD CARLISLE HIGH SCHOOL SPONSORS TALENT SHOW

2010-05-21T10:35:00.005-04:00

On May 7, 2010 the Rotary Interact Club at Concord Carlisle High School presented “CCHS TALENT SHOW 2010.” Sixteen amazing acts by bands, dancers, vocalists, instrumental soloists, rappers and poets made the well-attended event a roaring success. Interact raised over $1500 to benefit international charities. Congratulations Interacters for an amazing job well done. To see more photo from prevoius CCHS Interact events go to CCHS Photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/SteveKirkFisherman/CCHSRotary#

2010-04-03T10:30:00.001-04:00

POETRY AT POPS April 9

Poetry reading at a Pops concert? No thanks! But wait. It’s humorous, its got tempo, it’s not what you think. Façade, with text by Dame Edith Sitwell and music by William Walton, is an “entertainment” with music marked by parody, mock seriousness, and rollicking rhythms. And when you hear Chuck Holleman of the Concord Players recite "Popular Song," "Jodelling Song" and "Polka” with the Concord Band at the Rotary Pops Friday April 9 you will laugh out loud. Chuck will put you in the mood to enjoy an evening of light classical music, show tunes, and jazz renditions by vocalist Amanda Carr, all under the baton of Music Director Jim O’Dell.
Attending the 25th Annual Rotary Pops Night at Concord’s Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden Street is a pleasant way to welcome Spring while supporting the Rotary Club of Concord’s charitable activities. Don’t miss this chance to “do good, feel great.” Call Dick Hale, 978-369-1500 to reserve a seat ($25) or a full table, ($100 for a table of four.) You’ll be glad you came.
Photo: Chuck Holleman of the Concord Players. Please credit Rik Pierce

JAZZ SINGER AMANDA CARR HEADLINES ROTARY POPS

2010-03-17T13:51:00.000-04:00

The Rotary Club of Concord invites the public to its 35^th Annual Pops Night featuring renowned jazz vocalist Amanda Carr and the Concord Band on April 9, 2010 at 8 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street, Concord. Hailed by Nat Hentoff in the Wall Street Journal as “a true jazz singer in a time of wannabes,” Amanda will sing selections from her recently released CD, Common Thread. In fresh new big band arrangements by Dr. William McManus, Director Emeritus of the Concord Band, Ms. Carr ‘s renditions of Porter’s Night and Day, Gershwin’s They All Laughed and Deivroes/Bushkin’s Something Wonderful Happens in Summer are sure to bring the audience to its feet. In addition to Carr’s numbers from the Great American Songbook, the Concord Band, under the direction of Music Director James O’Dell, will entertain with a selection of light classical and toe tapping show tunes. A pops-style concert, with table seating, refreshments, and a silent auction, affords the audience a chance to unwind, visit with friends, and celebrate the coming of Spring. Tickets are $25 a person and may be purchased from members of the Rotary Club of Concord, or by calling Dick Hale at 978-369-1500. All seats are reserved.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit Rotary’s annual scholarship programs, charitable donations, and community and international service projects. Recent Rotary Club of Concord projects have included raising funds for the elimination of polio; joining with area businesses and churches to sponsor ShelterBox tents and supplies for Haiti; working with the Concord Scout House organization to raise funds for renovations; holding the Festival of Wreaths to benefit Gift of Life open heart surgery for needy children; and sponsoring a golf tournament to raise scholarship funds for high school and college students. Concord Rotarians served hot chocolate at the Holiday Shopping Night in December, marched in the Patriot’s Day Parade and served slush cones at Picnic in the Park. They volunteered at Gaining Ground, sponsored bowling and golf outings for Minuteman ARC, served at Open Table, and worked on the Spring clean-up on Concord roadsides. Never a week goes by that the Rotary Club of Concord does not have some activity aimed at fulfilling its motto of “Service Above Self.”

Plan now to treat yourself and your friends to an enjoyable evening of spirited music while you support Rotary’s many humanitarian projects. For more information about the Rotary Club of Concord, visit www.rotaryclubofconcord.org.

Community Groups Join Drive to Send ShelterBoxes to Earthquake areas

2010-03-09T12:31:00.002-05:00

Donations for Shelter Boxes to provide weather-resistant tents and necessary supplies to earthquake victims continue to boost the effort of the Rotary Club of Concord to respond to this overwhelming emergency. Thanks to additional gifts from community groups, the Rotary Club has now sent 17 ShelterBoxes at $1,000 each to Haiti. Two recent gifts from the First Religious Society of Carlisle and One Source, added to those from Trinitarian Congregational Church, business associates of Paul Bryan Inc. of Concord, private donors and the Rotary Club itself, demonstrate the generosity of people in our community.Each ShelterBox is a large, rugged, green plastic container that holds a 10-person tent and a range of other equipment, including insulated ground sheets, waterproof ponchos, a stove, cooking utensils, water purification tablets and containers, and even drawing books and crayons for children. The tents will provide housing for a minimum of six months.

With the rainy season fast approaching in Haiti, and thousands still living outdoors without adequate protection, Shelter Boxes fill a critical need. Now, with the Chilean earthquake added to the number of people in need of protection, Shelter Boxes will be sent to Chile as well. The international relief agency Feed the Children has called Shelter Box ‘the best disaster relief tool they have seen in their 20 years of experience'.

A Shelter Box with its contents and the tent assembled has recently been on display in Concord and is available to establishments interested in setting it up for others to see. Call Doug Detweiler at 978-371-1122 to schedule a date.

If the Shelter Box outreach appeals to you as a practical, focused way to help, please contribute by sending a check to the Concord Rotary Charitable Endowment, Inc. Specify Shelter Boxes in the memo line and mail to the Rotary Club of Concord, P O Box 455, Concord, MA 01742.

To learn more and see Shelter Boxes being used in Haiti, visit www.shelterboxusa.org To learn more about the Rotary Club of Concord, please visit our website at www.concordmarotary.org and visit our blog, concordrotary.blogspot.com.

Photo: (left to right) Paul D’Oliveira, Chair, Haiti Relief Committee, Rotary Club of Concord; Concord Rotarian Frank Rigg from the First Religious Society of Carlisle; Sham Sao, Marketing Manager, OneSource and Kristi Detweiler, Product Marketing Manager, One Source present Rotary Club of Concord President Douglas Detweiler with checks totaling $5,000 for ShelterBoxes.

Rotarians Frank Rigg & Doug Detweiler Assemble ShelterBox Tent at FRS Haitian Fundraiser Service

2010-02-22T05:13:00.005-05:00

First Religious Society of Carlisle MA raises funds to purchase Shelterboxes to provide housing for Haitian earthquake victims.

Rotary Club of Concord member Frank Rigg and President Doug Detweiler finish setting up the tent from a ShelterBox container at the First Religious Society in Carlisle Massachusetts on Sunday February 21, 2010 for a Sunday service fundraising event sponsored by the churches Society Social Action Committee. The committee has a goal to buy a minimum two ShelterBox at $1,000 each and will match contributions up to 1,000.

However, since church members and visitors donated $1,986 during the event and an additional $1,000 pledge was received, FRS will easily exceed that goal. Additional contributions are expected to be received from folks who were not able to attend the service.

To view full size photos go to click on the word .... PHOTOS ......Best viewed in slideshow mode.

Click on VIDEO 1……..and………VIDEO II….. to see the tent being assembled and the fund raising reception.

The Rotary Club of Concord Sends Shelter Boxes to Haitii

2010-01-25T15:01:00.001-05:00

The Rotary Club of Concord was just embarking on a technology project to assist the St. Joseph’s Schools in Haiti when the earthquake struck. While that project continues, the earthquake emergency took immediate precedence. Under the leadership of Concord Rotarian Paul D’Oliveira, the Haiti Recovery Committee was quickly organized to recommend an appropriate response and the Rotary Club is now preparing to purchase a minimum of 5 Shelter Boxes (at the cost of $1,000 each) to be delivered to Haiti as soon as possible. The Rotary Club is seeking donations from members and the community at large. If the Shelter Box outreach (detailed below) appeals to you as a practical, focused way to help, please contribute by sending a check to the Concord Rotary Charitable Endowment, Inc. Specify Shelter Boxes in the memo line and mail to the Rotary Club of Concord, P O Box 455, Concord, MA 01742.

What's in a ShelterBox? Each ShelterBox is a large, rugged, green plastic container that holds a 10-person tent and a range of other equipment. In general, typical box contents include:  

• Thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets

• Waterproof ponchos and bin bags

• A multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint!

• Cooking pans, utensils, bowls and mugs

• Collapsible water containers and water purification tablets

• A basic tool kit – hammer, axe, saw, pliers, hoe head, trenching shovel, rope etc

• A small, children's pack containing drawing books, crayons, pens etc.

Shelter Box is a grassroots Rotary club project which has rapidly grown to an international level.  The Shelter Box project was conceived and developed by Tom Henderson of the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Great Britain. Struck with the urgent world-wide need for a self-contained emergency shelter unit when disaster occurs, Tom designed a tent, researched suppliers and, through trial and error, developed the Shelter Box.

To learn more and see Shelter Boxes being used in Haiti, visit www.shelterboxusa.org

Rotary Club of Concord and Concord Scout House Join Forces to Preserve History and Community

2010-01-19T15:56:00.001-05:00

The Rotary Club of Concord will join forces with Concord Scout House Inc. to present a Wine Tasting at the Concord Scout House on February 6, 2010 from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. (Snow date, Feb. 7) Sponsored by West Concord Liquors, there will be wine and beer tasting, light refreshments and music, along with special seminars on the “Wines of Spain” with Len Presutti at 6:45 and “Single Malt Scotch” with Gary Keimach at 7:45. There will also be a silent auction.

Main event tickets are $35, limited to 200 people. Special seminar tickets are $15. Tickets are available at West Concord Liquors, 978-369-3872, Middlesex Savings Bank, 978-369-8112, Concord Scout House, 978-369-3455 or online at www.concordscouthouse.org, click on Paypal, select gift and use email address info@concordscouthouse.org. In the message box, please type your name, address, number and type of tickets you are purchasing. Email confirmation will be sent. Tickets will be held at the door.

Plan now to warm up your winter evening by attending this event and learning about the preservation plan for the Scout House. Proceeds will benefit the Concord Scout House Preservation Fund and the Rotary Club of Concord.

ROTARY CLUB OF CONCORD SERVES HOT CHOCOLATE

2009-12-15T14:24:00.002-05:00

The Rotary Club of Concord handed out steaming cups of hot chocolate donated by Dunkin Donuts to holiday shoppers and passers-by in Concord Center on Thursday evening, Dec., 3, 2009. Despite the warmer-than-usual outside temperature, a Holiday spirit prevailed as Rotarians and their families wished the public a season of peace and goodwill. See more photos

ROTARY THANKS PUBLIC FOR SUPPORT OF GIFT OF LIFE

2009-12-15T14:18:00.004-05:00

Thanks to the support of the public and the Concord-area businesses and non-profits that decorated wreaths for the First Annual Festival of Wreaths, the Rotary Club of Concord was able to donate close to $3,000 to Gift of Life New England. Many homes now sparkle with beautiful, original holiday wreaths purchased at the Festival. The lucky winner of the holiday gift tree went home with over $1500 in gift certificates. But the real winners are the children from developing countries who will receive life-saving heart surgery through the Gift of Life program. Everyone’s generosity is truly appreciated. More photos

To learn more about the Gift of Life New England Inc., sponsored by Rotary International District 7910 visit http://www.golne.org/. For information about the Rotary Club of Concord, see http://www.concordmarotary.org/.

Festival of Wreaths a Community Effort to “Save a Life”

2009-12-04T09:13:00.001-05:00

40 Concord-area businesses and organizations have decorated wreaths to be displayed and sold at the Rotary Club of Concord’s First Annual Festival of Wreaths to support Gift of Life New England, a program providing open-heart surgery to destitute children from abroad. The event will be held Saturday, December 5 at Monument Hall, 62 Monument Square in downtown Concord from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The public is invited to view the wreaths for decorating ideas, or to place a bid to purchase one. Chances for the raffle of a Gift Tree loaded with over $1000 in gift certificates will also be available. (The winner takes all!) Admission to the hall is free. Stop by the Festival of Wreaths for a boost to your holiday spirits.

Gift of Life New England Inc. is sponsored by Rotary International District 7910. To learn more, visit www.golne.org. For information about the Rotary Club of Concord, see www.concordmarotary.org.

Picture: Carole Whalen (L), Manager of The Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden and Linda McConchie of The Concord Players ponder what decorations would best represent the performing arts groups at 51 Walden.

The Rotary Club of Concord prepares for First Annual Festival of Wreaths

2009-11-12T10:25:00.002-05:00

The Rotary Club of Concord has delivered the wreaths and the decorators are at work. On Monday, November 2, Rotarian Phyllis Mauer picked up 40 wreaths from Rotarian David Giurleo of Colonial Gardens and delivered them to various establishments in Concord who will decorate them for the First Annual Festival of Wreaths. This holiday event will be held Saturday, December 5 at Monument Hall, 62 Monument Square in downtown Concord from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The wreaths will be displayed for the public’s enjoyment and for purchase by the highest bidder. In addition, a Gift Tree embellished with over $1,000 in gift certificates will be raffled. (The winner takes all!)

Proceeds from the sale and raffle will benefit the Gift of Life New England, a program that addresses the medical needs of children who suffer from congenital heart defects and other similar conditions through the efforts of Rotary Clubs in District 7910 and worldwide.

Plan now to attend this unique event where you can pick up some original holiday decorating ideas, bid on your favorite wreath, and support Rotary in helping needy children from around the world to secure a lease on life through the miracle of open-heart surgery. Admission is free.

Picture: Carrie Flood (L) Mananging Director of Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, receives wreaths from Phyllis Maurer of the Rotary Club of Concord. Artists at Emerson Umbrella will use their creativity to decorate wreaths for the Annual Festival of Wreaths Dec. 5. See more photos.

Stuart Whitehurst of Skinner Antiques and Appraisers - Merrimac Valley Rotary Club Antiques Roadshow Wednesday November 18th

2009-11-12T09:47:00.002-05:00

Help Support Our Sister Rotary Club

Stuart Whitehurst of Skinner Antiques and Appraisers has over 11 years of experience in the field of fine and decorative arts. Stuart was instrumental in establishing Skinner as a leading source for all manner of historical documents, including books, manuscripts, letters, and autographs. This market is one of the fastest-growing and strongest at auction. Beyond his knowledge of rare books and manuscripts, Stuart is a renowned senior generalist appraiser with extensive knowledge of Latin American paintings, prints and manuscripts, and English, Continental and Chinese decorative works of art and furniture from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. He regularly conducts appraisal days and benefit auctions for nonprofit and charitable organizations. He is also a leading auctioneer at Skinner and has lectured before numerous audiences, including the Appraisers Association of America. Stuart is a graduate of the University of Virginia, and is currently an associate member of the International Society of Appraisers. Stuart Whitehurst came to Skinner in January of 1995 with over 11 years of experience in the field of fine and decorative arts. Stuart was instrumental in establishing Skinner as a leading source for all manner of historical documents, including books, manuscripts, letters, and autographs. This market is one of the fastest-growing and strongest at auction. Beyond his knowledge of rare books and manuscripts, Stuart is a renowned senior generalist appraiser with extensive knowledge of Latin American paintings, prints and manuscripts, and English, Continental and Chinese decorative works of art and furniture from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. He regularly conducts appraisal days and benefit auctions for nonprofit and charitable organizations. He is also a leading auctioneer at Skinner and has lectured before numerous audiences, including the Appraisers Association of America. Stuart is a graduate of the University of Virginia, and is currently an associate member of the International Society of Appraisers.

A Poem for Jane Barrett by Sharon Spaulding

2009-11-10T09:30:00.003-05:00

For Jane, from Sharon Spaulding

We looked for a heroine
And we found Jane.
She pedaled to Florida
In the fast lane.
She wanted to teach us to reach for a star
To teach us this lesson she had to bike far.
The message was clear and her delivery was powerful, yet simple.
You can live your life empty or you can live your life full.
1,453 miles of inspiration from dynamite Jane.
We have the power within to fight off problems and pain.
Jane pointed out the importance of finding a solid partner and best friend.
The one who can watch for the ruts and let us know when the road will bend.
There are challenges in our life that are not welcome and out of our control.
So find a plan to conquer them, learn from them – start your plan and get on a roll.
Jane’s mileage to Florida was equivalent to 55 marathons and many a heartbreak hill.
She provided us guidance that we need to use all of our strength and test all of our will.
Thank you Jane for living by example and for biking to celebrate our joy and our hope.
We will be grateful for the good, and keep pedaling when we’re at the end of our rope.

We love you Jane, we admire you, you are a very special and strong woman.

Rotary Club of Concord – World Polio Day Event

2009-10-29T06:54:00.004-04:00

Rotarians Thank Public For Their Support

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Rotary Club of Concord volunteers met the public in front of Main Street Market in Concord Center to talk about Rotary’s continuing effort to rid the world of polio. Dubbed Purple Pinkie Day, the day was set aside for this event because it was World Polio Day. For any donation, the Rotarians marked the pinkie finger of the donor with a purple marker to signify how children have their pinkie fingers dyed purple when they receive the polio inoculation. Donations were dropped into a cooler to demonstrate how the vaccine is transported in coolers on inoculation trips. Passers-by were surprised to learn that there are still four countries with polio infections—India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The fact that Rotary is working to raise $200 million toward a $355 million challenge grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for operational support to stamp out polio worldwide encouraged people to donate. The Rotary Club of Concord joins Rotarians around the world in thanking donors for their support.
See more Photos

Jane Barrett's 1,600 Mile Bike Ride

2009-10-26T06:11:00.003-04:00

Jane Barrett’s 1,600 Mile Bike Trip to Florida

Jane gave a great presentation last Thursday at our Concord Rotary luncheon. She described how she took up biking 35 years ago and how it became a life long passion. At age 73 she embarked on a 1,600 mile, sixty-four day bike trip from Concord MA to Florida. Accompanied by her husband who preceded her each day in an RV and assisted by her children who created her blog and booked rooms for them along the way she averaged 64 miles per day. Jane told many humorous anecdotes including how an eighty seven year old truck driver along the way in Amish country, upon hear her destination and age, asked if he could go with her.

Concord Rotary Habitat For Humanity Work Party

2009-10-22T11:30:00.006-04:00

Rotary Club of Concord builds friendships and housing at Habitat for Humanity

Members of the Rotary Club of Concord joined other Rotarians and volunteers on Saturday October 17, 2009 to help build a new home at the Habitat for Humanity site in Bedford. There was plenty to do, both inside and out, from moving heavy stumps to carpentry and sanding. Thanks to Sharon Spaulding for involving Rotarians in this important community project and for providing a much-appreciated coffee break and pizza lunch. More Photos Best viewed in slideshow mode.

2009-10-09T14:04:00.002-04:00

Rotary Club of Concord seeks public support to fight polio on Purple Pinkie Day - October 24

The Rotary Club of Concord asks the community to join with them in the fight to eradicate polio from our world on “Purple Pinkie Day”. On Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Rotarians will be in Concord Center collecting funds to help in their efforts to inoculate the children of the remaining four countries in the world with polio infections, so that this dreaded disease will never spread again. For any donation, the Rotarian volunteers will mark the pinkie finger of the donor with a purple marker to signify how the children have their pinkie fingers dyed purple when they receive the polio inoculation.

“Rotary has chosen Saturday, October 24 for this fundraising event, because it is World Polio Day,” said Club President Doug Detweiler. “Our members will join Rotarians worldwide on that day in this important effort to finally rid the world of this crippling disease.”

When Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985, there were over 350,000 cases of polio each year in over 125 countries. Today, annual cases of polio have been reduced by 99% in the number of infections worldwide, with only India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan remaining with infections.

Rotary Golf Sept. 22, 2009 Golf Tournament

2009-10-01T13:57:00.004-04:00

The Rotary Club of Concord 2009 Golf Tournament was a big success raising more the $14,000 for the Concord Carlisle High School scholarship fund. Click on Tournament Photos to see photographs (best viewed in slideshow mode).

District Governor Visits Concord Rotary

2009-08-31T07:48:00.000-04:00

District 7910 Governor Carol Toomey recently visited the Concord Rotary and is shown here with President Doug Detweiler and Membership Chair Therese Oliver.

Rotary Club Sponsors Research Scholar from Germany

2009-08-31T07:30:00.001-04:00

At its August 20th meeting, the Rotary Club of Concord presented a $12,000 check to it's Ambassadorial Scholar, Fabian Mueller, to support his year of graduate study in stem cell and regenerative biology at Harvard University. He is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Merzig-Saarlouis in Germany where he lives. For more information, see our website.

VA Hospital Fly Tying Workshop headed by Local Rotarian

2009-08-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

One of our Concord Rotarians, Steve Kirk, has organized fly tying workshops for disabled veterans at the VA Medical Center in Bedford, MA in conjunction with Project Healing Waters (PHW). PHW is a nationally known organization dedicated to working with veterans...

For more details about this project, see the article in last week's Concord Journal.

Golf Tournament to Benefit Scholarship Fund

2009-08-25T07:35:00.002-04:00

Take a look at the list of silent auction items so far:

Fruit basket from Wagon Wheel Farms
Italian Dinner for Four
Bruins Tickets
Case of wine from West Concord Liquors
Cape Cod Fishing Trip & Weekend Stay in Falmouth

The 2009 Thomas R. Huckins Memorial Golf Tournament to support the Rotary Club of Concord's Scholarships will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd at Wedgewood Pines Country Club in Stow, MA.

Contact Joe Saia to register or sponsor at 978-369-3872 or joe@westconcordliquors.com. Hope to see you there!