On September 3, we welcome two new members:

• Pastor Daniel Cohen
• Attorney Tracy L. Friedenberg

Jeromie Whalen, Technology, Communications, and Media Production Teacher at the Northampton Public Schools

Victor Davila, City Councilor, at the City of Springfield

Zander DiMare, Founder and Managing Partner of Aslan Wealth Partners, and 

Mirna Grbesic, Retail Banking Officer, Westfield Bank

🌟 GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR SPRINGFIELD NONPROFITS! 🌟 DEADLINE APPROACHING! (April 10th)

We are now accepting applications for Community Impact Grants to support nonprofit organizations making a difference in our community.

If your organization is creating positive change, this is your opportunity to receive funding and grow your impact!

🔗 Apply here: https://bit.ly/SpringfieldRotaryGrant2026

✅ Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (or have a fiscal sponsor)
✅ Must serve the Springfield community
✅ Funding supports impactful programs & initiatives

2025 Service Above Self Luncheon (12/10/2025)

Join us as we celebrate Service Above Self at our annual luncheon, honoring the spirit of community, leadership, and impact

📅 Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
📍 Location: Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, MA

This special event brings together Rotarians, community leaders, and guests to recognize outstanding service and support the many projects that make a difference locally and globally.

🎟️ Tickets, Sponsorships & Program Ads

• Tickets are available for purchase online or by check - CLICK HERE TO ORDER

• Sponsorship opportunities provide visibility for your organization while supporting Rotary’s mission.

• Program Ads offer a chance to showcase your business or send a message of congratulations.

✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and contribute to our continued service in the community.

ROTARY NEWS

🎉 Springfield Rotary Club Achieves ShelterBox Bronze HERO Recognition!

Andrew Fluitt grew up in Springfield, MA, and graduated from Springfield Technical Community College with a degree in digital media technology. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in IT systems management from Western Governors University.

With three years of experience in the IT field, he is passionate about helping others navigate the evolving digital landscape. Believing that digital equity and literacy are crucial, he finds his work with RevitalizeCDC especially meaningful. As a Springfield native, giving back to his community has always been a significant career goal.

Outside of work, Andrew cherishes time with his family. He and his wife welcomed their first child in July, and their daughter has brought immense joy into their lives. Grateful for the many blessings in his life, he strives to express his appreciation through community service.

MAKE SPRINGFIELD ROTARY PART OF YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP $300

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYEES

ORGANIZE VOLUNTEER DAYS

LOGO PLACEMENT * NETWORKING

LEARN NEEDS OF YOUR COMMUNITY

BE PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO A BETTER WORLD

WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER

Business/Corporate Membership Application Form: https://form.jotform.com/233455931563157

POLIO PLUS - CLEAN WATER INITATIVE CAMBODIA - ANNUAL GRANTS TO SPRINGFIELD CHARITIES - SERVING DINNER TO THE HOMELESS-

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, FRIENDS OF THE HOMELESS, DRESS FOR SUCCESS, BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME, COMMUNITY GARDENS

Contact Marie Angelides 413-265-5448 for more information

Springfield Rotary Grant applications are now being accepted. The grants are for capital projects or capital equipment for Greater Springfield charities. We are looking for projects that support our causes:            

• Ending Polio 
• Promoting Peace
• Fighting Disease
• Providing Clean Water
• Supporting Education     
• Saving Mothers and Children   
• Disaster Response
• Growing Local Communities     
• Protecting the Environment

This year we have a special focus on Mental Health. Please apply, we would love to hear about your organizations. Grants will be between $1000 and $3000.

Deadline: September 30 at 5:00

RAFFLE WINNERS:

1. Gerry Fitzgerald - $50 Wine & Snacks Gift Basket from Randall's Farm
2. Joel Skelton - $50 Gift Certificate to La Fiorentina
3. Darcy Quatacker - Bombay Sapphire Bottle ($60 value)
4. Katilynn Steketee - 2023 Family Plus Membership to the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center ($100 value)
5. Kelly Loveling - $50 Gift Certificate to Frigo’s Foods
6. Rose Eldridge - $25 Gift Certificate to Plan B Burger
7. Jane Sears - Homedics Bubble Bliss Deluxe Foot Spa ($30 value)
8. Rick and Norma Lee - $25 Gift Certificate to the Student Prince & Fort Restaurant
9. Ben Quick - Ciroc Pomegranite Limited Edition ($30)
10. Kelly Loveling - TWO Tickets to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra – May Show ($60)
11. Jane Sears - Gift Certificate to the Student Prince & Fort Restaurant ($25)
12. Bridget Robare - Jameson Irish Whiskey ($45)
13. Diane Bennet and Stefan Mock - VISA Gift Card ($50)
14. Tony Cignoli - AMAZON Gift Card ($25)
15. Robert Encarnacion - Gift Certificate to Nadim’s Downtown Mediterranean Grill ($25)
16. Valerie Dulude - Bottle of Wine –  Cabernet Sauvignon ($50)
17. Jane Sears - Gift Certificate to  Max’s Restaurants ($50)
18. John Gardner - Sign Language Class at Willie Ross  School for the  Deaf ($150)
19. Karen Long - Gift Certificate to  Center Square Grill ($25)
20. Ben Quick - Gift Certificate to  Frigo’s Foods ($50)
21. John Sullivan - Bushmill Single Malt  Irish Whiskey ($45)
22. Kelley Larkin - Gift card to Frankie’s Pizza ($60)
23. Donna Szaban - Amazon Gift Card  ($25)
24. Sheila Lon Nicoll - Gift card to Flowers Flowers ($50)
25. Joel Skelton - Bottle of Old Vine  Zinfandel ($50)
26. Courtney Robbins - Gift card to Posto  by the Federal ($60)
27. Andrew Spirito - Gift Card to Red  Rose Restaurant ($25)
28. Valerie Dulude - Gift Certificate to  Max’s Tavern ($25)
29. Tony Cignoli - Set of 5 Bottles of  Wine - Assorted ($60)
30. Bill Hadden - Gift card to Vanished Brewing  Valley ($25)

This is a FUN and Family-friendly event. THIS IS DURING SCHOOL VACATION WEEK.

It is an excellent activity for families looking for something fun to do with kids, grandkids, etc.

$5 for every Ticket sold through this link, will be donated to the Springfield Rotary Service Fund, which supports community grants to local non-profits and other community projects. 

We would love to have you visit our club and learn more about Rotary and what we do in our community and around the world. Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change.

June 25, 2022 Service Project with the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity

The cost is $15 and includes a buffet lunch

Hope to see you there!

Safer Ways to Celebrate Holidays

Holiday traditions are important for families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.

Here are safer ways to celebrate the holidays:

Generally:

• • Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
  • Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings and you are not fully vaccinated.
    • Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission.
    • Outdoors is safer than indoors.
    • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
    • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
    • Testing can give you information about your risk of spreading COVID-19.
    • Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household.
    • A positive self-test result means that you have an infection and should avoid indoor gatherings to reduce the risk of spreading disease to someone else.
    • A negative self-test result means that you may not have an infection. Repeating the test with at least 24 hours between tests will increase the confidence that you are not infected.
    • Ask your healthcare provider if you need help interpreting your test results.

If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.

• If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.
• If you will be traveling in a group or family with unvaccinated people, choose safer travel options.
• Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, is required to wear a mask on public transportation and follow international travel recommendations.

Special considerations:

• People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated and have received an additional dose. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
• You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
• If you are gathering with a group of people from multiple households and potentially from different parts of the country, you could consider additional precautions (e.g., avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel, taking a test) in advance of gathering to further reduce risk.
• Do NOT put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.

By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends.