banner
President's Message
Laurie Rosner
member photo
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
 
It seems like Spring is taking its time to get here!  Before long it will “feel” like it is here and those mall walks will be sidewalk walks!  Did you know that there is the World's Largest Rotary Wheel located at Greenfield Lake in Wilmington, North Carolina?  Now, that would make for a great Spring walk at 240 feet in diameter! 
 
 
We are looking to give out $6,000 in service grants at our Paul Harris and Community Grant Celebration…that is a $2,000 increase!  SAVE THE DATE!  Please join us on Thursday, May 11.  Thank you to Brennan and committee for leading and organizing this important event and Alicia for coordinating the Grant application process and details. 
 
We have officially kicked-off our service fund fundraiser.  Each year we ask members to donate $100 to this fund so we may continue to make a positive and direct difference in our Springfield Community. Our online donation links are below:
 
Thank you to Lamont for holding last week’s meeting while I was attending class in NYC, where we welcomed Mike Abramson, Assistant General Manager of the Hartford Yard Goats. This week we look forward to welcoming Sue Kaplan along with presenting her with a check from the Service Above Self event.  Sue will give us an update on what Link to Libraries is doing presently and their plans for the future.
 
Have a great rest of your week. 
 
In Service,
 
Laurie
 
Laurie A. Rosner, President
 
“Rotary is like finding a friend you have never met.” - Sue Mastroianni
 
 
 
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
Sage
ClubRunner
Stories
Note from President
GUEST SPEAKER THIS FRIDAY
 
Susan Jaye-Kaplan, Founder of Pioneer Valley Women’s Running Club (2000), Founder of Go FIT, Inc., and co-founder of Link to Libraries, Inc., (May 2008) will address the Springfield Rotary Club's luncheon meeting on Friday, April 7th. Susan will receive a $500 grant from our club and give us an update on what Link to Libraries is doing presently and their plans for the future.
 
Susan Jaye-Kaplan is the Founder of Pioneer Valley Women’s Running Club (2000), Founder of Go FIT, Inc., and co-founder of Link to Libraries, Inc., (May 2008) an organization whose mission is to collect and distribute books to public elementary schools and non-profit organizations in western MA and CT.  Ms. Jaye-Kaplan is also the Co-Founder of Women’s Leadership Network as well as an advisory board member and fundraiser for Square One, Springfield, MA.  She has received one of the nation’s Daily Point of Light Awards, the President’s Citation Award at Western New England College, Elms College Step Forward/Step Ahead Woman of Vision Award, Reminder Publications Hometown Hero Award, The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Unsung Heroines Award 2007, New England Patriot’s International Charitable Foundation Community MVP Award 2008 and 2010 (and the only person to receive this award two times), Girl Scouts of Pioneer Valley Women of Distinction Award 2004, and was chosen one of Business West Magazine’s Difference Makers 2009. Kaplan was also the 2009 winner of the prestigious Pynchon Award for Community Service
 
LAST WEEK’S MEETING – Mike Abramson, Assistant GM
 
 In spite of the dreary day, our rotary meeting last week was filled with thoughts of spring and baseball,   courtesy of Mike Abramson, Assistant GM of the Hartford Yard Goats. Someone brought peanuts in the shell for everyone, which fit right in when we sang “Take Us Out To the Ballgame”. Sorry, no Cracker Jacks!  Mike has spoken to several rotary clubs and says he is always so impressed with how polite and kind members are. Cheers to everyone who spoke with Mike and made him feel at home.
 
 
Mike told us how easy (and fast) it will be to drive to Hartford to see the Yard Goats. It’s only a half hour from Springfield and parking is only $5! Individual ticket prices range from $6-$12 which makes it a very family (and wallet) friendly night out.
 
 
NOTE FROM PRESIDENT
 
There is an upcoming Rotary District Training meeting for all Presidents-elect, Secretaries-elect, Treasurers-elect and Membership Chairs, along with incoming Foundation, membership, public relations, strategic planning and new member orientation.  All have been invited, we welcome your attendance. Please see Richard for your reimbursement of the registration fee.  This is another great way to learn about Rotary and get the latest updates! 
 
What:               Rotary District 7890 District Training Assembly. The purpose of this event is to train Rotarians on various Rotary topics to create better leaders and better Rotarians.
 
When:            Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Registration & Breakfast 7:30am – 8:30am Program 8:30am to Noon
 
Where:           Holiday Inn
                        1 Bright Meadow Blvd.
                        Enfield, CT 06082
 
I would like to again congratulate our incoming Office elects for the upcoming Springfield Rotary Club 2017/2018 year.  I know you all will do an amazing job to help the Springfield Rotary Club continue on its mission to service above self and to make a positive difference locally and internationally! 
 
List of 2017/2018 Committee Chairs
Membership Committee, Chair Pam Malumphy
Operations Committee, OPEN
Service Committee, Chair Alicia Garcia
Special Events Committee, Chair Gillian Palmer
Grant Chair: John Perez
Foundation Chair: Dene Kimball
Rotaract Chair: "Dee" Decorti Rodgers-Tonge