President's Message

Dear Rotarians,

It is hard to believe that a full year has passed since my assuming the presidency of Haverhill Rotary from John Cuneo. Hence, this is my last message as President of our club. (Stop smiling!)

When I first began my term a year ago, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I knew that being president was going to be more time consuming than I had experienced as a Director for the several years that I was leading up to the presidency. What I didn't know was how rewarding the experience would be. To be entrusted as President by the membership of our club seemed at times overwhelming but was always quite rewarding.

During this past year we were faced with a humanitarian crisis with the earthquakes that hit Haiti and Chile. I felt tremendous pride in what we accomplished in raising funds to help the people in the Caribbean and South America. The members of Haverhill Rotary rose to the occasion by sending 19 Rotary Shelter Boxes to the affected locations.

Beyond the many wonderful programs we had and beyond the funny (and not so funny) jokes this year, Haverhill Rotary exemplified in District 7930 what Rotary is really about: serving the community and helping to make our world a better place.

My year as President could not have happened without the full support of the Board. I want to thank Past-President John for the high example he set for me to strive towards, Sheryl, Frank, Chuck Marvin and Steve for the support they all gave and the many words of guidance and encouragement they expressed during our Board meetings. I thank also Bonnie who stepped in for Pam for keeping impeccable minutes as well as tabs on everything including attendance, birthdays, anniversaries and important news that have helped our club to be the exemplary club we are in District 7930. I want to thank Bill Klueber for the tremendous job he does on the Board. Not only does he excel as Treasurer bringing to each meeting a full report on our income and expenses, he also brings to the Board keen insights and knowledge about the world of Rotary. He is indeed a president's right hand. And I want to thank Julian for our private consultations and I wish him good luck in the year ahead. He was soundly learning the ropes this year by watching me succeed and stumble, achieve and flounder. He deserves the full support of every Rotarian; I know he is going to be a great President!

Finally, I have to thank you, the membership of Haverhill Rotary, for giving me the opportunity to serve you, to serve our community and to serve the world. Kathleen Norris, the 20th century's most popular writer for women, once said, "None of us knows what the next change is going to be, what unexpected opportunity is just around the corner, waiting a few months or a few years to change all the tenor of our lives."

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to strive for such a change!

Rotarily Yours,

Ira

July 3rd Volunteers Needed

Volunteers sought for Saturday July 3rd to help with Duck Race promotion and sales at the Haverhill Fireworks, from morning set-up, through the day to evening takedown. A pick-up truck or van at both ends of the day is essential, as are 4 plus table volunteers and Quacky costume volunteers throughout the day. This was our most active and productive sales and visibility event of all last year. ASAP, please email John Cuneo or you if you'd prefer call him at 978 994 2214 if you can spare a couple of hours or more. Volunteers from among the companies of Rotarians and from non-profits supported by Rotary are ALL welcome.

Storage of Quacky Costume

Quacky needs a safe and comfortable home! When Quacky is not out and about, s/he needs a safe and hospitable place to rest up. It must be 4' X 4' X 4', dry, not super hot, safe from mice and squirrels, secure from theft but reasonably accessible for quick and easy use during promotional events. Do you have such a spot for a loveable big duck? Please contact John Cuneo.

Assistant District Governor Terry Kidder was our speaker last week. She brought prizes, played games and we learned just a little bit more about ourselves. Maybe a little too much!

Congratulations to three prominent Rotarians with many years of service. President Ira presented certificates to Tom Faulkner, past president of Haverhill Bank, Joan Hull, past president/CEO of the Home Health Foundation and Ken Smith, past president of Pentucket Bank. Each have recently retired from their professional life and now will be able to devote full time to being even more active members of Haverhill Rotary.
Thank you

May District News

Download a copy of our May District Newsletter to keep up with what's going on in District 7930.