Bill's experience in Rotary goes back to childhood as his father was a member of his local Rotary club. He grew up on the South Shore and attended Hebron Academy, which were formative years for Bill. He recounted the story of his first night at Hebron where he found his bed out in the hallway. He asked the supervisor why this had happened and was told that the supervisor had moved the bed to the hall because it was not properly made to his standards. Bill's response was to move the supervisor's bed to the hall, which resulted in disciplinary action. This same supervisor was later the best man at Bill's wedding! This same man later came out as openly gay, and it was in their following discussions when Bill learned just how unjust the world can be. This led Bill to identify and stand up against injustice in the world today. 

 

Bill was drawn to Salem for several reasons. First, he is of distant relation to Rebecca Nurse, one of the accused "witches" in our history. It was this connection that caused Bill to vote against reinstituting the death penalty in Massachusetts. He also loves the ocean and was able to dock boats of his here. At one point, Bill was taken with the idea of opening a pirates museum. After exploring several options around the country, a friend recommended that he check out Salem. He found the city to be very welcoming, diverse, open to all, and filled with history. The museum, located at 285 Derby Street, was originally developed by National Geographic and toured the country. It centers on the lives of Black Sam Bellamy and Maria Hallett, the Witch of Wellfleet. More than that, though, it tells the story of pirates and the society that created them. Bill is drawn to their egalitarianism and democratic principles. This is the story he wants the museum to tell. 

Robyn Burns from the Salem Pantry was a guest after being a recent award recipient. She was introduced by Tim Clarke. Jeff Schwartz once again was a guest of Jason Consalvo. As always, Jack was manning the A/V station. 

Cynthia Sovay

Sold by Bill Henning

 

The pot was up to $516 

Jason Consalvo and Kristen Armstrong picked

 

NO WINNER THIS WEEK

Salem's Cookin' is the first cookbook created by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and contains recipes from some of Salem's finest folks. A portion of the proceeds go to the Salem Food Pantry, and Rinus Oosthoek was able to hand deliver that first $1,000 check to Robyn Burns at Rotary today.

 

The Board of Directors voted to round the donation up to a cool $1,000 for the North Shore Moving Market's collection for the Turkey Drive. Mike McLaughlin dropped the check off last week. 

 

The Salem YMCA has Christmas gift tags for children in need. Tags can be picked up at Rotary. Gifts should be unwrapped and returned with the gift card. The YMCA will have a volunteer picking up gifts at our December 14 meeting. Gifts can also be dropped off at the YMCA by December 15. Contact Jane Stirgwolt or Viktoria Talebian for more details. 

 

We have volunteered to help at Lifebridge dinners once every other month. The next event is in January. For now, cooking can be done at Lifebridge, though this is subject to change. More details to follow.

Rinus Oosthoek thanked everyone who attended the CTE Department event at Salem High School. He was excited that the groundwork has been laid for a solid relationship between the department, Rotary, and the Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Bruce Whear thanked Rinus for his tenacity in getting members to the CTE event. 

 

Gerrit Bradley is ecstatic that advertising space for next year's calendar has been sold out! He also recounted how he and his family saved some mice who had been living in tires at his place in New Hampshire, although he noted that they likely will find residence in his home.

 

Bob Anthony had quite the weekend! His grandson brought his girlfriend with him for a visit to Salem. The couple took Bob down to Foxboro for the Patriots-Titans game and paid for everything. They all stayed overnight at a hotel. He noted the many changes in the area, including 82 food service locations at Patriot Place. No word on the amount of root beer floats served or consumed. 

Click the link below to log into the weekly club meeting via Zoom. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement

 

We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.

 

Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.

 

We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.

 

In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.