Date: 1/5/2023
First and foremost, the East Longmeadow Rotarians wish everyone happy holidays and sincere appreciation for your support as we “Serve Above Self” in the community. We were honored to have the ability to bring back so many events in 2022 that stagnated over the past few years. The community’s response re-energized our members and our enduring efforts to serve. Looking back over this past calendar year, our events included the 3rd annual Valentine’s Drive Thru, Rotary Day of Service 2022 (combining the Community Egg Hunt, Gardening Seminar/Brown Farm Community Garden, and tree planting and planting bed clean ups at Heritage Park), first combined Charter Night and Scholarship Dinner, Independence Day Carnival, our 36th Concert Series, July 3 concert and fireworks, July 4 Parade, National Night Out, Celebrate EL Fall Fair, Trunk or Treat with the Rec Department, COA Craft Fair, and annual holiday toy gifts for the Gray House. We also supported nationally and internationally through hurricane disaster relief, war-time recovery and clean water projects.
As we venture into 2023, we start off with a “Human Trafficking Awareness” seminar on Jan. 11 at East Longmeadow High School from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with professionals providing key information about the impact of human trafficking. A follow-on backpack event will be conducted a few weeks later with the packs donated to children in need. The 2023 Scholarship application is now posted on our club webpage, www.elrotaryclub.org, under home page downloads and available to high school seniors who are residents of East Longmeadow. Deadline for application for one of the many scholarships is Feb. 25 – this year’s combined total of scholarships is $24,950.
Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements for the Valentine’s Drive-Thru on Feb. 11, upcoming spring events, and our 37th Concert Series. The news release is due out late February/early March. We look forward to our continued service and to seeing you out and about in the community. We welcome you to join us at lunch (webpage has our speakers listed) to learn more about our members, club, and Rotary International. All the best for a safe, healthy, and happy 2023!
Adele Hill
East Longmeadow
