Stories
Update from our Club President Zander Abbott To my fellow Brunswick Rotary Club members, It's been a busy November for our club, and I am excited about what we have in store for December as we close out the calendar year. First and foremost, we been busy participating in local events (like the exceptional team who represented our club in the annual DBA bed races - check out our website for a photo) and raising money to support our local community. Club treasurer Fred Horch delivered a check to Tedford for $365.82 to purchase Thanksgiving Turkeys and meals for our community members served by Tedford housing. This exceeded our club "green bottle" goal - thanks to all for your generosity! Looking ahead, we just kicked off our annual Amaryllis Sale which is a major fundraiser for our club. A special thanks to Dee Perry for setting up the annual project - please check out the website, pick your favorites, and order them as gifts for friends and family. Our goal this year is $2,000! Another annual event that makes our club proud is the Bell Ringing with Salvation Army. Under the leadership of club member extraordinaire Mark Alexander, we can sign up on our website and help support the cause from 9a - 6p on December 14th. I hope to see you all next week for our Monday noontime meeting. We will be hearing from the local Curtis Memorial Library leadership team about new and special programs at the library. After our club meeting, we will be hosting our monthly board meeting - please feel free to attend and listen. Lastly - Save the date for our 100th anniversary dinner on Sunday, May 18th, 2025 at 5:30pm at the Brunswick Hotel. Happy holidays to you and yours, Zander President Zander Abbott
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Our Rotary Holiday Fundraiser |
Walter H. “Doc” Phillips Award presented to Surrey and Hugh Hardcastle2024 Walter H. “Doc” Phillips Memorial Award was presented to Surrey and Hugh Hardcastle
In 2019, Harpswell and the Brunswick Rotary Club lost a beloved member, Walter “Doc” Phillips. Alongside his wife Joan, Doc was a pillar of the community, contributing to the Conservation Committee, Harpswell Land Trust, and Rotary for over 40 years. To celebrate his legacy, the Brunswick Rotary Club established the annual Walter “Doc” H. Phillips Memorial Award in 2020. A plaque at the Harpswell Town Office Building honors each awardee. The recipients should be community members who have shown dedicated involvement in areas that were dear to Doc, such as land conservation, volunteerism, service to others, education, water quality, and science programs. The award is presented annually on Doc’s birthday. This year we are happy to announce that the recipients of the Walter H. “Doc” Phillips Memorial Award are Surrey and Hugh Hardcastle. Their contributions to the Harpswell community through various initiatives and organizations have been truly remarkable.
Surrey’s Contributions:
Hugh’s Contributions:
Bowdoin College Involvement:
Surrey and Hugh’s initiative, drive, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in others have significantly shaped a better Harpswell community. Their dedication to service and community engagement is truly inspiring.
Photo: Joan Phillips, Surrey & Hugh Hardcastle |
Running the Brunswick Bed Race 2024The Rotary Club of Brunswick joined in the Brunswick Downtown Association’s [BDA] Bed Race Saturday morning. We had the use of a BDA bed and decorated it with Rotary banners. We added posters that told about projects and events the Rotary has done over the past year: the Bike Rodeo, Turkeys for Tedford, student grants, Toolboxes for Africa, reading with First Graders at Kate Furbush School, apartment prep for New Mainers, Beach Cleanup on Bailey Island, Games on the Mall, Tool Trailer for Habitat for Humanity, Community Awards, Treats and Tents for Halloween, Polio eradication from the earth, and Valentines for Vets. We’ve been busy! Rotarians guiding The Race Bed were Steve Baldwin, Peggy Siegle, Curt Dale Clark, and Marc and Lori Burkhart. Unfortunately we did not win but now we have experienced racers - so next year could be a different story! The Rotary Club of Brunswick meets every Monday at noon (except for holidays) at Martin’s Point Community Center, 114 Bath Road in Brunswick. We have a speaker at most meetings representing the community, an organization, various organizations or other topics of interest. The public is always welcome. Join us for a meeting and learn about the Rotary! |
Thank You to All Our Veterans |
The Rotary Club of Brunswick Beach CleanupJoin Us on September 7th in supporting the 2024 Maine Coastal Cleanup We will be cleaning the beach at Mackerel Cove!
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JULY 4TH FUN & GAMESTHERE WILL BE FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE! Join us on the Brunswick Town Mall... |
Memorial Day |
28th Annual Bike Rodeo and Family Safety Day We had a great time at the 28th Annual Bike Rodeo and Family Safety Day on Saturday, May 18 at the Brunswick Park’s and Recreation Department, with 150 children participating in a variety of activities. Children took their bikes thru a course, with instructors from the Masons and Brunswick Rotary making sure they stopped, yielded, looked both ways, and stayed on course. The course itself was chalked out and signed by long time Wheeler and Bike Rodeo organizer Rich Cromwell with his trusty assistant Mark. The Brunswick Police Department registered the children’s bikes, with a very large orange fox giving high fives to all. Rotarians George, Carla , Gary, and Larry greeted the children as they arrived, and checked in with them. Rotarian Patty was the MC for the event. A big thank you goes out to our local Walmart for donating 6 new bicycles and to the bag stuffers for the gift bags given out to children once they had completed nine stations in the event. A total of 12 bicycles were given out to Charlotte S age 5, Barbara J age 11, Rosemary S age 9, Levi S age 6, Emerie L age 4, Sophia L age 11, Vivian W age 6, Sebastian S age 7, Leo D age7, Isaac K age 7, Henry S age 8, and Molly B age 6, Ice G age 8, Chris A age 5, Finley H age 8, and Ella O age 6! They all received water bottles with gifts inside from Center Street Cycle. Another wonderful event for children coordinated and put on by various local organizations in Brunswick. And there were many organizations there supporting and educating the children and adults too The Brunswick Fire Department brought the Smoke House so children could learn how to react to a fire, if they were ever in a dangerous situation. Center Street Cycle manned two bicycle safety tents, making sure every part of the children’s bicycles were in great shape, and functioning properly. Cub Scout Pack 648 brought an archery station for the children to try their skills at, and also to teach archery safety. Merrymeeting Wheelers Bicycle Club fit new bike helmets (donated by the Brunswick Rotary) to heads large and small, making sure everyone had the ability to abide by the rules of the road. Martin’s Point Tent with Rotarian Lisa at the booth talking about ticks, and educating on how to check for ticks and how to remove them, and how to be safe outdoors in the summer. Be Smart, a gun safety organization, had a booth to talk to parents and children about the dangers of unsecured guns, and gun safety in the homes. Sabrina, Tom, Aaron, David, and Rosalind, all from Brunswick Parks and Recreation Department were crucial in the planning, set up and execution of the event. Our publicity sponsor, Mid Coast Hospital provides all the material that went out to the schools, and advertising. They had their own booth manned by Melissa, who spoke to children about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, and how to avoid sunburns. The Maine Wardens Service brought their truck and boat to display for children to view. This year’s event was a great success and we are all looking forward to a wonderful summer! |
Vertical Victory ProjectJoin Us on May 4th or May 5th for this Fantastic Concert and Presentation. Buy Your Tickets Now to Secure Your Seats... |
Hannaford Community Bag ProgramSupport the Brunswick Rotary Club this month (March) and the Hannaford Community Bag Program! Buy a reusable Community Bag in March. For every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased throughout March 2024 from the Hannaford’s store at Cook’s Corner, 8 Gurnet Road, the Brunswick Rotary Club will receive $1. It's a great opportunity to raise money to help our community. Hannaford, 8 Gurnet Road, Cook’s Corner, Brunswick Maine |
Getting Apartments Ready for New Mainers |
Walter H. “Doc” Phillips Award presented to Gayle Hays |
Students Awarded $1000 Grants for 2023 |
Claude Bonang Presented with Paul Harris Award |
Celebrating Community at the BDA Barbeque |
Pencil Boxes Delivered to Kate Furbish |
New Rotarians Roger Ryberg and Carolyn Dow |
The Rotary Presented a $1000 Grant to Benedita Nanga |
2023 Games on the Mall |
Tent or Treat on Halloween |
Susan and Steve Weems receive Walter H. ‘Doc’ Phillips Award |
Amaryllis Holiday Fundraiser |
World Polio Day Recognized |
Toolbox Initiative Receives District Grant |
Rotary Club welcomes new member |
Club awards scholarship to Brunswick student |
Rotary welcomes new president |
Mt. Ararat student honored for service |
New member welcomed into Club |
Bike Rodeo 2022 |
New member joins Rotary |
Carlene Byron represents Brunswick Rotary at the District Conference |
Rotary Clubs exceed $10,000 goal for Ukraine reliefArtist Margaret Leonard, left, chats with guests at The Gallery at Readfield during an event to raise funds for the Rotary Club’s Ukraine relief effort.
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Rotary visits Maine State Music Theatre |
Three Rotary clubs achieve $10,000 goal for Ukraine support |
Brunswick Rotary Club to recognize Daniel Atkins with Paul Harris Fellow Award |
We are excited to welcome Corinna Goodwin as our newest member.President Fred Horch and fellow Rotarians welcomed Corinna at the Club's March 21 meeting. Congratulations Corinna!
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Peggy Siegle recognized as Honorary Paul Harris Fellow |
Rotary delivers Valentines for Veterans |
Brunswick Rotary Club honors four members with prestigious Paul Harris Fellow AwardsFred Horch (left), Rotary Club of Brunswick president, with Paul Harris Fellows Carolyn Bulliner, Anne Taft, Lisa Harrison, and Claudia Frost, and Dave Taft, Rotary Foundation committee chair.
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Support the Club's Community FundYour purchase of a journal package for just $25 helps fund Club community projects such as the annual Bike Rodeo, Games on the Mall, and Christmas gifts for children in need in our community. Each Journal package includes the journal with beautiful Rotarian-taken photos, twelve matching note cards with envelopes, and a raffle ticket for a weekly cash drawing for $25. Check out the package here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19oxCtXdLMiQmIKzKwL4WPSSG-tFrM97Q/view?usp=sharin
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Club Members work on the Tom Settlemore garden pergola and swing |
Beach Clean-Up DayThe Brunswick Rotary Club joined other coastal Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 7780 in cleaning up local beaches on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Click below to review the day in pictures!
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Leadership Changover 2021 |
In-Person Meetings Resume July 12 |
“Games on the Mall” PostponedThe Brunswick Rotary Club is sorry to report that Games on the Mall is canceled for July 4 due to expected weather conditions. We hope to reschedule this fun family event later this summer. We are looking forward to seeing the community again! |
Annual Walter H. "Doc" Phillips
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The Brunswick Rotary Club Selects Local Student for GrantThe Brunswick Rotary Club is pleased to announce the award of a $3000 grant to Mount Ararat graduate and Region 10 Technical High School student Elizabeth Lamoreau.
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Have you registered yet for the 2021 district virtual conference?June 4 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. June 5 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. $20 fee – all proceeds go to Polio Plus *Guests Speakers*Entertainment*Memorials*Recognition*Celebrations*President's Forum* *Presentation of Walter Foundation to Frank and Marty Helman Friday night’s festivities also include a virtual auction. All proceeds will go to the annual fund. Follow this link to register: https://go.rotary7780gives.org/conference2021 Bonus! There is an additional online auction with items ready for your bids. Follow this link: https://go.rotary7780gives.org/conference2021/Auction |
New Paul Harris Fellows Recognized |
Rotary International Adds Seventh Area of FocusProtecting the Environment
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Valentines for Veterans |
Global Grant Recipient Named in Forbes’ ListPhoto: Co-founders Ignicious Bulongo and Lonnie Hackett at the recent opening of a school health center in Ng’Ombe. |
Annual Regifting Auction |
2021 Calendars Still Available |
The Brunswick Rotary Club:
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Brunswick Rotary Club Recognizes Maine CDC Leader |
Tom Farrell Recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow |
Dominican Republic Hospital Fights the Coronavirus with Rotarian Assistance |
Million Mask Challenger TourRead about The Million Mask Challenger Tour here.
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Amazon Smile |
The Gathering Place District GrantThe Brunswick Rotary Club has received approval on a district grant to purchase a large outside awning for The Gathering Place. This will allow more people to socialize at the center and still observe social distancing guidelines. Three club members, Larry Bernstein (President), Fred Horch (President-Elect), and Carolyn Bulliner (former President) joined a team from The Gathering Place to relocate trees and shrubs in preparation for the installation this morning.
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Annual Walter "Doc" Phillips Award Presented to Linda Blanton |
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No Games on the Mall 2020The Brunswick Rotary Club will not be hosting Games on the Mall July 4, 2020
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Local Rotary Clubs donate $3000 to Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program Three local Rotary Clubs team up to donate $3000 to MCHPP
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Brunswick Rotary Club Meetings Resume Monday, March 30Check your email for instructions on joining our first tele-conferencing meeting.
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COVID-19 "Tiger Team" Makes Recommendations |
COVID-19 UpdateDuring this time of uncertainty and confusion, the Board of Directors is working hard to determine how best to serve our community. We will continue to provide updates to the membership as available via Facebook, website and email messages.
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Club Suspends All In-Person ActivitiesIMPORTANT UPDATE
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Walter H. "Doc" Phillips Memory Lives OnWalter H. "Doc" Phillips Memorial Award Created
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Paul Harris Fellows 2020Brunswick Rotary Recognizes Six Paul Harris Fellows in 2020
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The Brunswick Rotary Club Announces Midcoast Maine's Got Talent 2020 talent showMidcoast Maine's Got Talent 2020 Can you sing? dance? act? Can you tell jokes? Are you a juggler? Ventriloquist? Hula-hooper? Play the bagpipes? Play harmonica? Have a band? Have a uni-cycling group?
BRING IT ON!!!! |
Historic Sites of the Mid Coast RegionBrunswick Rotary Club Recognizes Local Historic Sites By Michelle Lester, Brunswick Rotary Club |
Rotary: What's in it for me?Reasons to Join Rotary
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Stuff the Bus!The Brunswick Rotary Club announces "STUFF THE BUS" to collect foodstuffs for the Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program.
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Rotary International Announces Progress in Eliminating Polio GloballySecond of three polioviruses now declared eradicated
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Brunswick Rotary Club Hosts Annual July 4 Games on the Mall
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Avoid Long Distance Running at the Brunswick Rotary Club's Patriots' Day Half-K on April 15th!The Brunswick Rotary Club will be holding it's first ever Patriots' Day Half-K on Monday, April 15th on the Brunswick Mall. Registration starts at 11:00am while the "race" begins at noon. |
Midcoast Maine's Got Talent Returns on May 17, 2019The Brunswick Rotary Club is proud to sponsor Midcoast Maine's Got Talent for the eight year. The talent show will be held on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 7:00pm in Brunswick High School's Crooker Theatre and will feature 20 acts. |
Essence of Elegance Fashion Show & Wine Tasting: November 15, 2018The Brunswick Rotary Club is sponsoring its second annual Essence of Elegance Fashion Show & Wine Tasting on November 15, 2018 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn at 5 Park Street in Freeport, Maine.
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The Rotary Club of Brunswick Provides Additional Computers for the Teen CenterThe Rotary Club of Brunswick has been awarded a $5000 grant to purchase nine laptop computers, mouses and a securable computer charging cabinet for the Brunswick Teen Center. This competitively awarded Rotary District 7780 grant was approved mid-July and awarded based on its quality and positive community impact. The $5000 check was presented to Jordan Cardone, Teen Center Director, and Stacy Frizzle, Executive Director of People Plus/Teen Center during the August 20 Rotary meeting. A following ceremony at The Teen Center unveiled the new computers to the delight of the teens.
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Save the Date (11.15.18) for our Fashion Show Fundraiser!Brunswick Rotary is excited to announce the second annual fashion show and wine tasting fundraiser will be held on Thursday, November 15th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
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Buy a Reusable Hannaford Bag & Support the Brunswick Rotary Community Fund!The Brunswick Hannaford Supermarket located has chosen Brunswick Rotary Club as a beneficiary of the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program!
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Join Us for "Games on the Mall" on July, 4 2018The Rotary Club of Brunswick, in cooperation with the Brunswick Parks and Recreation department, is pleased to announce “Games on the Mall,” a Brunswick Fourth of July tradition, will take place from 10:00am to 11:30 a.m. at the Brunswick Town Mall on Maine Street.
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Coming on Friday, May 18: Midcoast Maine’s Got Talent!
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24th Annual Brunswick Bike Rodeo & Family Safety Day on May 19thThe Rotary Club of Brunswick is happy to announce the 2018 Brunswick Bike Rodeo & Family Safety Day will be held on Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. until noon in the Walmart parking lot, Bath Road in Brunswick. The rain date will be Sunday, May 20 at the same time and location. |
Midcoast Maine’s Got Talent 2018! Seeks Contestants
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Brunswick Rotary Club Announces Fashion Show & Wine TastingWith great pleasure we announce our upcoming Rotary Fundraiser. On Thursday, November 16th, we will be presenting our first Essence of Elegance Fashion Show from 6 to 9 pm at The Daniel. |
Rotarians Help the Houston Area With the Gulf Coast Disaster Relief FundFollowing is a letter from Dave Underhill, Portsmouth Rotary Club, District 7780 Governor (2017-2018) on how you can help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. |
2017 Midcoast Maine's Got TalentBrunswick Rotary Club presents Midcoast Maine’s Got Talent
Friday, March 31, 2017 - 7:00 PM Crooker Theatre 116 Maquoit Rd. Brunswick Adults $12 ~ Seniors & students $10 ~ Family $30
For more information, email: midcoastmainesgottalent@comcast.net
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Art Feeds the Heart Fundraising AuctionArt fundraising auction Thursday, December 1, 5:30 pm at the Brunswick Hotel and Tavern, proceeds to benefit Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program and Rotary programs.
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Growstown School RecognizedOn Saturday October 8th during Columbus Day Open House weekend, the Growstown School was recognized by the Brunswick Rotary Club as an Historic Site.
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4th of July Games on the Mall 2016Great weather and a great turnout for the 2016 4th of July games on the Mall in downtown Brunswick, Maine.
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Brunswick Students HonoredBrunswick Rotary honored Brunswick High School seniors JD (Jennings) Souza, Molly Gramins, and Shelby Cash for their community commitment.
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Curtis Memorial Library Honored
Kate Egan, president of the Curtis Memorial Library Board of Directors, and Brunswick Rotarian and retired US Navy Captain Charles "Chuck" Mull, stand in front of a bronze plaque marking the 130 year old library as a historic site. The Brunswick Pride and Heritage Committee of the Rotary Club of Brunswick sponsored the plaque's creation and dedication, honoring the library that began in 1883 as a single room at the town hall with a collection of 1300 books. The current library location opened in 1904 and is the 13th location honored by the Brunswick Pride and Heritage Committee. For a full listing, click on the Brunswick Pride and Hertiage link.
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Rotary Food Drive a HUGE SuccessAs you can see from the photo the food drive Saturday February 23 was a HUGE success! Over a ton of food was collected for MidCoast Hunger Prevention Program as well as $310.00 in cash. Thank you to everyone who spent time at Shaw's on Saturday and to everyone who made a donation to help feed those who's plates are empty. We are Rotarians and we do make a difference! |
Brunswick Rotary Announces Hometown Idol 2013The Rotary Club of Brunswick, Maine wishes to thank all who participated in the Second Annual Hometown Idol and helped to make it a successful event. We would especially like to thank our sponsors for the event, without whom it would not be possible. Thank you again and we'll see you next year. |
Brunswick Rotary Builds Swing Set for Homeless ChildrenThe Brunswick Rotary Club recently installed a new swing-set at the Tedford Housing – Family Shelter on Federal Street in Brunswick. “There had been a swing set there but it had to be closed a few years ago as it was deteriorating and no longer safe,” says Don Kniseley, a member of the Rotary Club and former director of Tedford Housing. “Tedford did not have funds to replace the playground equipment at this time so we received a Rotary International Foundation grant and matched it with Club funds to purchase and install the swing set.” Craig Phillips, current Tedford Housing executive director says that this is an important new addition to their work with homeless families and children. "When families are in such a stressful situation, having safe and appropriate outdoor play space really means a lot. We very much appreciate the Brunswick Rotary Clubs thoughtfulness and hard work." |
Rotarians on the MallBrunswick Rotarians spent a delightful Thursday morning on April 26 spreading mulch on the Brunswick Mall, sprucing up the appearance of the centerpiece of our town. |
Holbrook Wharf RecognitionSaturday, June 11 marked the dedication of the Rotary Club of Brunswick's plaque recognizing Holbrook Wharf as a unique and historical location in the MidCoast of Maine. The Brunswick Pride Committee of the Rotary Club have been identifying and recognizing those places that make our Midcoast area special and unique since 2000, and this is the 10th location to be so honored. In the photo, President Sue Chadima (left) endures the rain during the dedication ceremonies. |
BBBS Golf
Brunswick Rotarians Connie Hartley and Carol Taylor enjoy a moment at the 19th hole of the Big Brother Big Sister golf tournament this summer.
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Brunswick Recognition Award 2Lauren Kennedy and Stacia Brezinski, both seniors at Brunswick High
School were honored recently by the Brunswick Rotary, for their
"diligence and persistence in community service". Rotary Club
representative Valerie Campbell noted that both students exemplify
Rotary's commitment to service above self.
Brezinski was described by her guidance counselor Mike Halmo a
great choice for this recognition. She is involved in the Youth Advocacy
Group, Gay Straight ALliance, The Theatre project, Midcoast Chapter of
the American Red Cross, to name a few.
Kennedy is also exemplary in her community involvement. She
volunteers at Mid Coast Hospital, the Coastal Humane Society, Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, and Curtis Memorial LIbrary, and has spent
countless hours working as a mentor for a an underpriveleged youth.
Both Students were also selected as one of 40 students to train
with the Center for Preventing Hate. As student leaders their role is
to raise awareness on how to prevent hate and violence in their school
and community.
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Brunswick Rotary Recognition AwardsAshley Dufresne and Matt Stasinowsky, both seniors at Region Ten Technical High School, were recognized at Brunswick Rotary for their diligence and persistence in community service. Valerie Campbell, shown with Dufresne and Stasinowsky, noted that both students exemplify Rotary's commitment to service above self.
Ashley Dufresne of Brunswick High School and Matt Stasinowsky from Freeport High School both find time in busy high school and work schedules to volunteer in their communities. Dufresne, a student in the Region Ten Marketing program, volunteers at school flu clinics, has chaperoned a field trip to Boston for students with special needs, and is currently organizing a school fund raiser for Make-A-Wish foundation. "When I see that smile on a kid's face," she explained, "that makes it all worthwhile."
Stasinowsky
studies Firefighting at Region Ten. He recently earned
firefighter status as a volunteer with the Pownal Fire Department and
also helps with fundraising with the Pownal Fire Company. Sundays,
he helps clean stalls and care for horses at a local horse rescue
farm. Both students plan to go on to college, Dufresne in
medicine and Stasinowsky in education. Valerie Campbell, Brunswick
Rotary's Student Recognition Coordinator, awarded Dufresne and
Stasinowsky with plaques recognizing their commitment to community
service. |
Emily Marsh Speaks at Rotary
Brunswick resident Emily Marsh spoke at our August 23, 2010 meeting about her exchange student experiences in South America.
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