June 25, 2022 Service Project with the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity
On Saturday, June 25th, the Springfield Rotary Club Members will volunteer to help complete another home for a local family in Holyoke. This service project is made possible thanks to the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. The home address is 117 Jackson Street in Holyoke, MA. Parking will be available on Chestnut Street and the entrance to the site is off of a side street, so you will have to walk around the gated site.
Also, please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, a non-refrigerable lunch, and snacks to get them through the day. Dress appropriately for a working site: closed-toe shoes are required (no sandals, crocs, or flip flops). It is also highly recommended to bring a baseball cap and sunscreen to protect yourself from the elements as we will be working outside.
At this meeting, we will have TWO guest speakers from the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity:
Aimee Giroux John O'Farrell
Aimee Giroux, has been with Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity since 2010 when she was hired as the affiliate’s first bookkeeper moving into the position of Director of Operations in 2012, Acting Executive Director in 2018, and her current position as Executive Director in 2020. She oversees financial management including budgeting and audits, grant writing, reporting and compliance, employee HR. She is certified as a Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #1758123 and oversees the underwriting of GSHFH partner family mortgages and their servicing. She has worked with the Cities of Springfield and Holyoke on various HUD, HOME, NSP, CPA and ARPA-funded projects.
Prior to joining GSHFH, Aimee trained as a chef at New England Culinary Institute, working in many restaurants in MA, VT and ME and was the owner of her own catering company. She enjoys providing GSHFH volunteers with homemade lunch and treats while they are working on our build sites. She was also the co-owner of A & H Transportation from 2001-2010, managing the company’s finances, HR and DOT compliance requirements.
As a mother of four she is a longtime volunteer for her children’s various school activities and has served on boards for many local organizations such as Treasurer for BSA Troop 57 2014-2018, President Belchertown Stingrays Swim Team 2000-2012, Treasurer Western MA Summer Swim League, 2002-2014, President/Treasurer B’Town Twirlers 2017-2022.
John O’Farrell is certainly no stranger to the Pioneer Valley, graduating from Springfield College and starting his non-profit career with the Pioneer Valley Council, BSA in 1993. Over the past 25 years, John has worked for a number of youth and family-serving organizations in various leadership capacities throughout New England and is thrilled to be back here in Springfield.
Currently, John coordinates volunteer sign-up and recruitment efforts to keep their projects moving forward, and builds partnerships with local businesses, helping to secure financial contributions and in-kind donations. In addition, John also oversees fundraising efforts, such as direct mail and holiday appeal campaigns, and also coordinates Habitat’s annual Fall Festival event fundraiser.
The Springfield Rotary Club is planning its annual Changing of the Guard event for June 24th from 12-1:30pm. It will be held at the Basketball Hall of Fame
The Rotary Club of Springfield, Massachusetts, will make grants available to Springfield-based non-profit organizations that benefit the Greater Springfield Community.
The 2022-2023 grant cycle will award recipients up to a $2,000 grant.
Non-profits with a 501c3 status are eligible to apply using the below application. Organizations may use the grant for any capital improvement project related to one of the causes of Rotary International. Please visit for more information:https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes
The timeline for the grant application is as follows: Monday, August 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Grant applications after August 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. will be disqualified.
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Club Information
Rotary Club of Springfield - Meeting Fridays-12:00 PM
Service Above Self
Fridays at 12:00 PM
Nathan Bills Bar & Restaurant
110 Island Pond Rd
Springfield, MA 01118 United States of America
We are back to meeting in person for fully vaccinated members and guests. Zoom meeting login info is viewable to Rotarians within our District. For other access, please contact President Maurice Powe at: moepowe@gmail.com.
