Acting Mayor Bob was introduced by Rinus Oosthoek. He came to the Salem mayor's office with many great experiences and professional pride stemming from his contractor background. Bob McCarthy's philosophy is to work with all stakeholders to help every aspect the city. The concepts of cooperation and community echoed throughout his entire speech. For example, he invited the entire city hall staff into his office for an Opening Day Party celebrating the new Red Sox season.
The Salem Rotary Club had another evening meeting, this time at the Real Pirates Salem. Rotarians had the opportunity to see the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including coins, jewelry, and weapons – retrieved from the wreck of the Whydah, and last touched by the hands of pirates more than 300 years ago.Salem Rotarians explored the Discovery Lab where everyone had the opportunity to dive into the preservation process of these artifacts. It also served as the gathering spot for Rotarians to socialize and eat. It had the only actual example in the world of a pirate's gun. Rumor has it that several Rotarians became Real Pirates through the complimentary photo experience.
Carolyn Shapiro led tours and spoke about the history of the museum. Bill Golden spoke of the egalitarian spirit among the pirates on board the Whydah and how that same spirit can be found in the Salem Rotary. A wonderful time was had by all.
The food selections itself reflected the trip of the Whydah with items inspired by the various stops of the ship on its journey, such as fruit from Jamaica and chowder from New England. Everything was delicious. Joel, a family friend of the Shapiro's, worked the night as our server ensure that the wine was flowing. As was the beer until it ran out!
This week at Rotary the DEI and Membership Committee presented a new membership proposal called the Service Membership Pilot Program. The goal obviously is to increase membership by providing a more flexible membership option. This program would have a start up fee of $200. Other dues and fees include $50 for quarterly Rotary and District Dues and $25 annually to Rotary International. Service Members would attend one meeting or event per month and be charged for the event. Qualifying events include lunch meetings, evening meetings, fellowship events, and Rotary fundraisers. They must also assist with one service project per month. Expanded service project options will be available going forward.
Introducing . . .
President Claire Kallelis
Claire Kallelis is the General Manager at Salem’s historic Hawthorne Hotel. Her energy and enthusiasm translate into her motto, “make it happen,” which has guided her for over 30 years in the hospitality industry and aligns well with Rotary’s motto of “service above self.”
Her career at the Hawthorne began at the age of 19 when she joined the hotel as a server, quickly moving through the ranks to Banquet Manager then Director of Food and Beverage, a position she held for 25 years. Claire was named General Manager in 2017, and now oversees the 89-room hotel, 4-room Fidelia Bridges Guest House, and a staff of 130 full and part-time team members.
She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, both in Business Administration, from Salem State University and sits on the boards of the Rotary Club of Salem, Destination Salem, the Mass. Lodging Association, and the Salem Chamber of Commerce.
She is proud to be leading a historic property in the city where she grew up and enjoys sharing the history of Salem – and the Hawthorne – with the hundreds of visitors and guests that pass through the doors of the hotel each year.
An avid cyclist, Claire biked across the county twice to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the MS Society.
Claire resides in Amesbury with her husband, Thatcher W. Kezer III, and son, Thatcher W. Kezer IV.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. Click below to read our diversity, equity and inclusion statement.
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Salem, MA 01970
United States of America