Ever want to share something you saw in our Club Bulletin or website? It's pretty easy: Look for a "Read More" note under the item you want to share. They are under most---though not all---articles. If there's one there, click it and you'll be taken to a page showing only that story---with easy links to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google +, e-Blogger, Pinterest or e-Mail account. Click on the desired icon and the story will pop into your social media app to be shared.
Michael Kelley, Branch Manager of the Westfield Bank Springfield office on Main Street will be inducted into the Rotary Club of Springfield this Friday. Michael lives with his wife, Candida and their two children in Ludlow. Please help us welcome him this Friday!
Michael will be our fourth new member in little more than a month, joining new members Alicia Garcia, Richard Fulkerson and transfer member Rowland Hawthorne. Tip of the cap to Membership Chair Mike Healy and the sponsors Gale Gates, Mike Healy (2), Rick Lee and Karen Motyka who put forward these great new candidates.
And here’s a thought offered by Bernie Spirito: years ago, when a new member was inducted, it was Club tradition that members lined up to greet the new member after the meeting was adjourned. It was nothing terribly formal, just those who could stay a few extra minutes formed an impromptu receiving line to extend a warm Club welcome. Some of us may remember that tradition---why not revive it Friday to welcome our newest member?
Each year, Rotary selects up to 100 individuals from around the world to receive fully funded academic fellowships at one of Rotary’s peace centers. These fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses. Master’s degree fellowships are offered at premier universities in fields related to peace and conflict prevention and resolution. Programs last 15 to 24 months and require a practical internship of two to three months during the academic break.
The team planning our Club's 100th Anniversary celebrartion will meet at 11 AM on Friday January 23rd, right before our noon luncheon meeting.
The Team includes: Rev. Derrick Fetz, Ellen Freyman, Allen Grosnick, Dene Kimball, Paul Lambert, Bill Low, Jim Russell, Amy Scott, Brian Sears, Andy Skroback, Ed Sunter, Jack Toner, Mike Tarby and Chair Rick Lee. Paul Harris Chair Dave Chase and Service Fund co-Chair Sue Lavoie will also participate, since the event will include Service Fund grants totalling $10,000 and possibly several Paul Harris Awards to deserving Rotarian and/or community leaders.
The event will include food stations, a cash bar and weather permitting will take place across both the indoor and outdoor facilities of the Colony Club--which is also celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year!
If you pay your dues in half-years, please note that dues balances for the 2nd half of the fiscal year are dueby Friday January 30th, the last business day of the month to Treasurer Gale Gates. If you are unable to meet that deadline, please contact President Rick at raa.lee@live.com or at our regular Friday meeting.
Three members left our Club’s membership rolls at year-end. They were Jeremy Casey, Karen Motyka and Justin Roberts. Jeremy and Karen resigned due to job demands. On her way out, Karen recruited Shriners Finance Director Richard Fulkerson to fill her place.
Through our investments in the polio eradication infrastructure in Nigeria, the government was able to help stop the outbreak of Ebola. The polio surveillance network, which monitors cases of polio, is being employed to identify and track suspected Ebola cases, contributing to Nigeria’s successful response. Nigeria is still one of three countries where polio is endemic, so it is vital that we continue our eradication efforts to prevent new outbreaks.
Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative are approaching a significant milestone: the eradication of type 3 wild poliovirus. The last case of polio caused by the type 3 virus was reported in Yobe, Nigeria, in November 2012. The type 2 virus was eradicated in 1999, leaving just type 1 circulating.
On a global scale Rotary's brand is strong, said Rotary leaders speaking at the International Assembly on Monday in San Diego. From governments to worldwide NGOs to large corporations, Rotary is trusted to create positive change around the world.
But Rotary's image needs strengthening in local communities, said RI Director-elect Jennifer E. Jones.
"We are the greatest story never told," Jones said. "Quite simply, strengthening our brand is essential to Rotary's future."
"For so long we did our good work quietly and not for recognition," added Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, and past Rotary public image area and zone coordinator. "While this was noble, it made it difficult for people to understand the good work of Rotarians and why we exist. What we've learned is that when we tell our story, like-minded people want to join us."
More than a year ago, leaders launched the Strengthening Rotary initiative to enhance and simplify the organization's story, visual identity, and digital experience. In her address, Jones outlined the essence of Rotary's brand: Join leaders. Exchange ideas. Take Action.
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Each year, Rotary selects up to 100 individuals from around the world to receive fully funded academic fellowships at one of Rotary’s peace centers. These fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses. Master’s degree fellowships are offered at premier universities in fields related to peace and conflict prevention and resolution. Programs last 15 to 24 months and require a practical internship of two to three months during the academic break.
If you pay your dues in half-years, please note that dues balances for the 2nd half of the fiscal year are due by Friday January 30th, the last business day of the month to Treasurer Gale Gates. If you are unable to meet that deadline, please contact President Rick at 
On a global scale Rotary's brand is strong, said Rotary leaders speaking at the International Assembly on Monday in San Diego. From governments to worldwide NGOs to large corporations, Rotary is trusted to create positive change around the world.