Salem Book Buddies, an organization whose mission is to partner every 3rd grade student in the Salem Public Schools with an adult volunteer community member, was represented today by organizers Wendy Blake, Cindy Theriault, and Patti Morsillo. They hope to support literacy and foster a sense of community in our schools. This is an organization that had existed in Salem previously, at least in terms of role and goal when the founders were schoolchildren. This version was launched in 2017 and got an early helping hand from local elementary school principals.
The first challenge for Salem Book Buddies was to find enough volunteers to match up with third grade students, though this is less of a problem now. Salem Book Buddies reach out to 3rd grade teachers to partner students with an adult volunteer. These volunteers look to meet each students' specific needs based on feedback from the teacher. For example, the volunteers select books based on the reading level of the student. Some prominent Salem residents and leaders are Salem Book Buddies volunteers, such as Mayor Kim Driscoll and State Senator Joan Lovely.
Students and volunteers are introduced initially by writing a letter to one another. This letter writing continues throughout the school year, and the writing of the students clearly improves. Salem Book Buddies does provide stamps to the students so that they can send their letters to the volunteers.
Salem Book Buddies has three book collections over the course of the school year. The letters from the students give ideas for upcoming books. Volunteers enjoy using this info to hunt for books, especially at Wicked Good Books in Salem which has been a great resource. These books are dropped off at the organizers’ homes to be brought to the schools. A summer writing journal is given at the end of the year with colored pencils and pens.
The organization selected the 3rd grade because it is an important age for reading skills, as well as the fact that it is an MCAS year.
Salem Book Buddies has now started a new collection of pre-K books to help the new Salem pre-K program get specific books that they need. Volunteers bought three books requested by teacher for a total of 200 kids to read over the summer.
They are always looking for volunteers, especially male volunteers. Retired teachers make great book buddies. The organizers and volunteers hope that they bring joy to the kids.
Email or call to sign up- there is a deadline!
There was a meeting of the Board of Directors. The Board approved $1000 for House of Seven Gables' Sips by the Sea event. Funds Allocation voted for a $5000 donation to the Salem High School CTE program and $500 The New Thing Belarus. The Board approved these donations as well. Thanks again to Rick Jakious for the successful LifeBridge dinner on September 14 which as usual fed around 80 people.
This week the Hawthorne Hotel served a delicious chicken in a basil cream sauce with roasted red peppers and artichokes. There was also a mashed potato side, a chef's salad, and garlic seasoned spinach. The Bob Anthony Appetizer of the Week was pumpkin pie with freshly whipped cream. We did notice several Rotarians going back for seconds.
Assistant Governor Martha Mauser visited the Salem Rotary this week. She reminded us about the upcoming Robert C. Wood Memorial Heroes Celebration at the Danversport Yacht Club. She encouraged us to have a nominee selected and have an item for the auction (value around $200). Wendy Blake, Cindy Theriault, and Patti Morsillo from Salem Book Buddies, our speakers this week, were also in attendance.
CAlendar winner!
Rachel Lutts
Sold by Rob Lutts
50:50 Raffle
Pot: $390
Randy Burba and Robyn Burns
No Winners This Week
ROTARIAN NEWS
Mike McLaughlin was a self-proclaimed "Good Rotarian" by attending two separate Rotary meetings in one day. He went to the Marblehead Rotary Club breakfast meeting at Masonic Hall which usually has coffee and parties. There was a full breakfast this week though, which is probably why he went. This club is having a diaper drive for shelter in Lynn.
Randy Burba is very excited that his Jamaica volunteer trip has gotten the green light for the end of October. He will be asking for donations that go to supplies and other needs.
Claire Kallelis met fantastic young lady, Matt Ingram’s daughter who is almost one year old and a future Rotarian (fingers crossed!!).
Jason Consalvo, also known as the C+C Music Factory of the Salem Rotary, was not at Rotary this week. The meeting ended early even with guest speakers. Things That Make You Go Hmmm indeed.
Club Announcements
Mini-Grant Applications are now open. The purpose of this mini-grant is to encourage the Rotary clubs of District 7930 to do a project in one or more of the areas of the Environment, Membership, Public Image, or Diversity/ Equity/ Inclusion. Projects that touch multiple areas are encouraged. The grant is intended to reinvigorate the clubs.
Dutch Drinks
September 23 at 5 pm
American Flatbread
Come join us for some fun, fellowship, pizza, and bowling. And pizza. Did I mention pizza?
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
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.
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.
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CAlendar winner!
50:50 Raffle
Dutch Drinks
