Rotarians are dedicated to meeting the real, everyday needs of our community. While scholarships are vital, current economic realities mean basic needs like food security require urgent, hands-on support. Food insecurity is a quiet challenge that affects every community—big or small—and we are committed to making a direct impact where it matters most.Rotary Club President Aviv Hod (L) and Rotarian Linda Sullivan (R), a longtime champion for local elder care and food security, recently met with Marcy Schwam (C), the new leader of the Marblehead Food Pantry. Marcy has stepped in following the retirement of founder Janet Parker, who gave decades of extraordinary service to our town since 1991. To support their daily operations, the Rotary Club was delighted to check off two practical items on the pantry’s wish list: a refrigerator to safely store fresh produce and eggs, and a large wagon to transport supplies at Masonic Hall. We are incredibly grateful for the vital work Marcy and her volunteers do every day, and proud to partner with the Marblehead Food Pantry to ensure no neighbor goes unsupported! 
Our weekly luncheons are always a lively mix of local action and regional fellowship. You never quite know who you’ll meet at the table, but you can always count on a great conversation about making a difference.
From Doctors Without Borders to Our Local Bakery!
The liveliest luncheon of our year took place at the BYC this week, where we had the privilege of hosting our 2026 scholarship recipients and their families. This annual event represents the culmination of our work at Rotary: providing driven young minds with the financial foundation to pursue higher education. When we invest in our youth and keep them engaged, we take a tangible step toward a better, more resilient future.
We had an incredible time two weeks ago welcoming Dr. Chuck Radis back to the Rotary! As a physician, humanitarian, and author of the new book The Mystery in the Room, Dr. Radis once again transfixed the room with his stories.
We recently welcomed Julie Gerraughty, Director of Development at @HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change), who shared the profound impact this organization has had over the last three decades. For those seeking safety from domestic violence, HAWC has been a steadfast sanctuary—offering not just shelter and legal advocacy, but the education and support necessary to break the cycle of abuse for people of all genders.
At Marblehead Rotary, we believe that while the shadows of conflict last for generations, the cycle of enmity is not inevitable. We recently hosted the women of the 2 Sides Project, an incredible group connecting American and Vietnamese “Gold Star” children who lost their fathers on opposite sides of the Vietnam War. The nonprofit works with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) to organize meetings in Vietnam between the two groups and builds Peace Homes for needy families in the places where their fathers died. Their story is a powerful reminder that we can choose connection over grievance, even decades after a conflict ends.
You’ve got to hand it to the Marblehead Rotary—we certainly like to stay involved. Looking back at our recent calendar, two events in particular offer a glimpse into the heart of what we do. First, there’s the stuff of local legend: Our Easter Egg Hunt—10,000 chocolate eggs, gone in five minutes! This morning at Seaside, the grounds were a sea of excited children and—true to our tradition—500 toothbrushes, thanks to Rotarian Corine Barone. With our mascots, Dolly the Chick, Cory the Bunny, and Donny the Duck, presiding over the chaos, we celebrated a decades-long legacy of simple fun. And just like that, the fields were left exactly as we found them: green and clean.
You don’t usually see pink balloons and cupcakes at a business meeting, but that’s exactly what defines our club. While we are built on professional networking and community service, the real magic is treating each other like family. Last Thursday, we celebrated a baby shower for Pretty Meier, who also gave a fascinating talk on her work in drug development and clinical trials. It was a perfect reminder that we aren’t just names on a roster! We are a community of experts with evolving lives.
Who says the 4-Way Test can’t have a 5th?
We had a fantastic “exchange” at our last meeting! We were joined by (pictured, left) Paul Gardner and Rebecca Wiese, all the way from Decorah, Iowa! who shared their global service stories from Malta and Romania. Their club adds a vital 5th line to the 4-Way Test: “Is it fun?” (Spoiler: With Marblehead Rotary, it usually is.) Meanwhile, our own Alison Richards (third from left), presenting flags to our president, Aviv Hod (right) proving that “Visit Other Clubs” is the best way to learn, as she shares her Rotary club trek from Bal Harbour to Miami. It just goes to show: whether you’re from Iowa or Miami, the “wide web” of Rotary gets smaller every time we connect.
Marblehead, MA 01945
United States of America