One of our favorite service projects has always been participating in a Build Day for Habitat for Humanity and Oct. 29th was no exception. Over 20 Rotarians, in two shifts gathered on a perfect fall day to volunteer our time and labor as we carried on our tradtion of “Service Above Self.” Our assigned task was to plant bushes around the foundation of one of three new homes in West Concord, on a new street named Assabet Bluff. These single family homes overlook the Assabet River and are adjacent to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.
On Saturday, October 17th, many Concord Rotarians gathered at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord. Each year we plant daffodil bulbs at a Concord location in memory of June Grace, a long standing Concord Rotarian who passed away in 2024. With funds generously donated by June's family we have established Mini Grants for acts of service that she would have loved. Last year we planted bulbs at 51 Walden and the previous year at Minute Man Arc. This year, our third, we planted bulbs at the cemetery, including some at June's grave. Next spring the bulbs we've planted will bloom and spread their sunny cheer to everyone who sees them, just as June Grace did throughout her life of “Service Above Self.”
On this 25th Anniversary of the terrorists attacks of 9/11 we presented the annual Al Filipov Awards to our local Concord Police, Fire and Emergency Communications Departments. Rotarian Sharon Spaulding has been the organizer of this Rotary event since it's beginning. Starting at 8:30 AM with Lexington Rotarian, Gardy Desrouleaux, singing God Bless America, the day was a moving remembrance of all those lost on that horrific day in 2001. Reverend Rebecca Floyd Marshall of Tri Con Church said the opening prayer followed by welcoming remarks by Rotary President Liz Cobbs. Rotarian Peggy Lanari lead us in a moment of silence and Sharon Spaulding shared remarks and reflections.
We had a wonderful night June 30th celebrating a great year under the leadership of Jeanne Armocida. Our new year promises to be just as great with the new officers installed. Shown in the photos are Outgoing President Jeanne with new President Liz Cobbs, Steve Levitsky with President Elect John Arena, Past President Becky Lynch with new Secretary Rick Copland and returning Treasurer Peter Mahler with Assistant Treasurer Amy Capofreddi.
In addition to installing the new officers many awards were presented. Receiving Paul Harris awards were Karl Kussin, Rick Copland, Sarah Robertson, Tony Labiento, Liz Cobbs, Carolyn Goff, Andrea Zall and Therese Oliver. Other awards were Rotarian of the Year-Therese Oliver, Above and Beyond- Karl Kussin, Unsung Hero-Hilary Taylor, Richard Hale Award- Rick Copland, Mayors of the Meetings- Tony Labiento and Richard Warren, OpenTable Chefs Extraordinaire - Carolyn Goff, Jeanne Armocida, Richard Warren. Recycle Champions- Liz Cobbs, Richard Warren and Tina Allen, Voice of Rotary-Helen Halloran. Outgoing President Jeanne also presented plants to Sharon Spaulding for helping her growth as president and also to Liz Cobbs wishing her a successful year of growth. Be sure to check out the photo album on the right side of the website for more pictures of all the award recipients!
Concord, MA 01742
United States of America