Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Agawam

Service Above Self

We meet In Person & Online
Wednesdays at 2:00 PM
In-Person Meetings Are Temporarily Suspended
Storrowtown Tavern
1305 Memorial Avenue
West Springfield, MA 01089
United States of America
Due to COVID-19 our meetings are temporarily being held virtually. Contact President John for more information.
Join Us Online [Login to view details]
District Site
Venue Map
Community Spotlight - Westfield River Watershed Association
visit http://westfieldriver.org for more information
10,000 Medical Face Masks Distributed
(shown above are some local Healthcare Heroes from the Heritage Hall campus in Agawam)
 
 

Rotarian Judy Pothul delivered 4,500 medical face masks to Heritage Hall West in Agawam which were then distributed to each facility within the Heritage Hall campus.  The campus consists of Heritage Hall West, North, South, and East providing long term care and rehabilitation, and Heritage Woods assisted living.  Melinda Monasterski, the Center Executive Director of Heritage Hall West, said she is just thrilled and so very appreciative that the Agawam Rotary Club thought of them during these COVID-19 times.   Pictured above are representatives from each facility who gathered at Heritage West as masks were being distributed. 

Judy also delivered 500 medical face masks to East Village Place. Pam Skiba, the Executive Director of this assisted living, expressed her thanks and appreciation for the donation.  It's been challenging and exhausting for all healthcare workers and means so much to know they are truly appreciated and recognized as the heroes they are!

 
 
On a cold and icy day, Rotarians Judy Pothul and John Barber began delivering face masks to senior living facilities.  Judy delivered 5,200 face masks to Heritage Woods, Heritage West and East Village Place.  The facilities will provide face masks to staff, residents and/or visitors.  
 
 
Rotarians John Barber and Bill Sapelli (Mayor) donated 3,700 medical face masks to the Town of Agawam for use by the School and other Departments.
 
The Club is in the process of distribution 10,000 Medical Face Masks to people who can benefit from the donation.  The goal is to make face masks accessible and to help keep our community safe.

AGAWAM ROTARY CLUB 5,000 Medical Face Masks Received

On September 29th , a cargo ship arrived in Boston with 800,000 masks on board to be distributed to communities across New England. The mask cargo was part of a project launched by Rotary District 7980 which includes southern Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. With an additional 200,000 mask donation from East Hampton, CT Rotarian Ted Rossi and the Rossi Family Foundation the project was named the “Rotary Million Mask Challenge Tour.”
 
Shown above, Agawam Mayor and Club Member Bill Sapelli, DG Marc Glass and President John Barber joined the Rotary Million Mask Challenge* Tour that will reach all six New England states between October 5th and 7th.
 
Rotary Club distributions included Agawam 5,000; Amherst 1,000 ; Chicopee 1,000; East Longmeadow, 3,000; Enfield, CT ,1,000; Franklin County, 2,500; Great Barrington, 1,000; Holyoke, 1,000; Ludlow, 1,000; Somers, CT 3,000; Southwick, 1,000; Springfield, 20,000; Suffield, CT, 500; West Springfield, 5,000; and Wilbraham-Hampden, 2,500.
 
A 26' truck filled with 800,000 masks will make stops in Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before reaching Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island. There are two stops in our district to accommodate the COVID-19 travel restrictions. 
 
An additional 200,000 masks were distributed across Connecticut in the spring, making the total one million. All were donated by Ted Rossi, an East Hampton, CT, philanthropist and Rotarian, and the Rossi Family Foundation. Non-profit and government agencies that will receive masks from Rotary clubs in the district include fire and rescue, nursing homes and other health care services, food pantries, social services and schools.

Thank You!!

for making our Holiday Gift Auction a success!

Auction Donors
A Way of Life Massage Therapy | Agawam Girl Scout Troup 11630 | Angela Grout, Agawam Flower Shop | Gail Matches, Ayre Real Estate Co., Inc. 
Chris Thompson, Westfield Starfires  | Fursique Pet Spa & Grooming Salon | Gary Graziano | Granny’s Place | Jennifer Connelly, Junior Achievement
John Weiss | Kate Leary, Coopers | Agawam Girl Scout Troup 11630 | Mark Gervais | Madonna Santos, EyeCare & EyeWear Center, pc
Parrotta’s Auto Sales | Spero Phillips, Phipps Discount Liquors | Shaker Farms Country Club | Sue Dadmun, Fort Hill Brewery | The Ranch Golf Club
Tom Freddette, Floral Concepts by Tom | Tony’s Famous Barber Shop | Auntie Cathie's Kitchen | Great 2b - Polish Pottery | PVTA
Springfield Museums

And Rotarian Donors:
Kathy Ayre, Ayre Real Estate Co., Inc. | Bud Breeding | David Moore, Salvation Army | Donna Bys, Professional Medical Services Inc.
John Barber, CHH Engraving | Linda Vitro | Lynne Merceri, Cosmic Kleening | Mario Tedeschi, Allied Flooring and Paint | Maureen Cayer
Michelle Calvanese, Storrowton Tavern | Nancy & Bill Bobskill | Mary Ann Ludtke, Westfield Bank
 
 
2021 Scholarship Information
The Agawam Rotary Club is pleased to announce that we will be awarding 5 scholarships this year.
 
This scholarship is presented in the loving memory of Andrew Gallano.  Mr. Gallano was a lifelong resident of the Town of Agawam and a member of the Agawam Rotary Club.  "Andy" contributed in many ways to Agawam including his paintings of many area landmarks.  The initial funding for this scholarship was provided by the sale of many of his paintings from his estate.
 
Purpose
To financially assist any individual in obtaining education related to pursuing a career in the cultural arts.  In any given year, if no individual is deemed to warrant this scholarship, the board may designate a related community based nonprofit group for a grant in a similar amount.
 
Definition
Cultural arts is to be described as any endeavor which is considered to be influenced heavily by creativity and intended at least in part to appeal to the aesthetic senses.  The determining board will have the right to a wide interpretation.  Some examples include but are not limited to:  Painting, drama, languages, music, dance, journalism, poetry, architecture and graphics.
 
Qualifications
  • The applicant must be a resident of Agawam.
  • The applicant must be attending or scheduled to attend an accredited learning institution or program.  The Committee will have the ability to interpret the validity of any program.
  • The primary purpose for the education is to provide a livelihood in the cultural arts, as described above.
  • The applicant will be allowed to apply in consecutive years, whether or not they are awarded the scholarship.
  • Determination of the award will be primarily based on the applicants specific skills related to the individual's planned field of endeavor and commitment to it, however, overall academic standing will be taken into consideration.
  • Emphasis will be placed on recommendations to be provided by teachers, instructors, and others.
 
Deadline
Applications must be forwarded no later than April 1st, to the Agawam Rotary Club, Inc., P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA  01001-0587 or can be emailed to AgawamRotaryClub@gmail.com.  The scholarship will be paid to the recipient upon verification of payment to the institution in an amount at least equal to the amount of the scholarship. 
 
 

Charles H. Heyl Vocational/Technical Scholarship/Grant - $2,000

This scholarship is presented in loving memory of Charles H. Heyl.  "Charlie" was devoted to vocational/technical education.  Charlie began his career as a tool and die maker in 1946.  In 1962 he began his teaching career at Agawam High School as a machine shop teacher.  While serving as President of the Massachusetts Industrial Education Society from 1975-1977 he fought for the inclusion of industrial arts in funding for technology and this was the beginning of today's technology education in Massachusetts.  Charlie served as the President of the Agawam Rotary Club for the 1998/1999 year and was held in the highest regard by his fellow Rotarians;  Charlie passed away on February 14, 2002.  This program was started with generous donations from Club members and is unique in its purpose.

Purpose

To financially assist an individual in obtaining an education related to a vocational/technical career or to grant an individual the amount of the scholarship for the purpose of purchasing tools or equipment to become established in their trade.  The applicant need not be a high school senior.

Definition

A vocational or technical education shall be defined as an education which is not customarily obtained through traditional 2-year or 4-year college programs, although specialized education beyond the high school level is required.  Examples of a vocational or technical career include but are not limited to:  electrical, plumbing, HVAC/Refrigeration, barber/cosmetology, culinary arts, secretarial, automotive, etc.  Tools or equipment of the trade refers to tools or equipment that are essential to performing work in the applicant’s field of endeavor.  The Committee shall have the right to interpretation.

Qualifications

  • The applicant shall be an Agawam Resident.
  • For a scholarship award, the applicant shall be attending or scheduled to attend an accredited vocational school or training program.  The Committee will interpret the validity of any program.
  • For a grant, the applicant shall provide a list of tools and equipment.  Include a description as well as a cost estimate and, if necessary, an explanation of what the items will be used for.
  • Determination of the award will be based on the applicant's specific skills related to the individual's planned field of endeavor and commitment to that field.
  • Emphasis will be placed on recommendations/references provided by teachers, instructors, employers (past and present), etc.
  • School grades in courses not related to the vocation will also be taken into consideration (where applicable) as well as extracurricular and community activities.  

Deadline

Applications must be forwarded no later than April 1st, to the Agawam Rotary Club, P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA  01001-0587 or can be emailed to AgawamRotaryClub@gmail.com.  The scholarship/grant will be paid to the recipient upon verification of either payment to the institution or proof of purchase of tools and/or equipment in an amount at least equal to the amount of the scholarship or grant. 

 

Beverly M. Ladizki and David A. Ladizki Scholarship - $1,000

The Agawam Rotary Club awards scholarships to seniors from Agawam. The Selection Committee will choose students who best exemplify Rotary's principal motto, "Service Above Self', and who show leadership abilities and a desire to make a contribution to their home, school, community and country.
 
Purpose
To recognize an outstanding high school senior who is planning to continue their education, and with intent to attend law school.
 
Qualifications
  • The applicant must be a graduating high school senior residing in Agawam (graduating either from Agawam High School or Pope Francis High School).
  • The applicant must be scheduled to attend an accredited academic college or university in the month of September following graduation from high school. The Committee will have the ability to interpret the validity of any program.
 
Criteria for Award
The Committee will take into account the following when evaluating individuals:
  • Participation in extra-curricular school activities and interscholastic sports. (List the top three based on importance)
  • Success in activities such as Scouting, National Honor Society, athletics, student government, religious organizations, etc.
  • Participation in family life and contribution to family responsibilities
  • Academic achievement
  • Emphasis will be placed on recommendations provided by teachers, instructors, religious pastors and others
Deadline
Applications must be forwarded no later than April 1st to the Agawam Rotary Club, Inc., P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA 01001-0587 or can be emailed to AgawamRotaryClub@gmail.com.  The scholarship will be paid to the recipient upon verification of payment to the institution in an amount at least equal to the amount of the scholarship.
 
 
The Agawam Rotary Club awards scholarships to seniors from Agawam and West Springfield.  The Selection Committee will choose students who best exemplify Rotary's principal motto, "Service Above Self", and who show leadership abilities and a desire to make a contribution to their home, school, community and country.
 
Purpose
The purpose of the Fund is to perpetuate the memory of memory of Ray and Reita McCarroll by providing scholarships in their names.  Ray was a charter member of the Agawam Rotary Club and a recruiter of many new members.   Ray was the manager of the Agawam Food Mart for 27 years and, until his death in 1980, resided in West Springfield with his wife, Reita.  Reita (Stacy) McCarroll was an active supporter of the scholarship until she passed in 2009.
 
Qualifications
  • The applicant must be a high school senior residing in Agawam or West Springfield.
  • The applicant must be attending or scheduled to attend an accredited academic or technical college in the month of September following graduation from high school.  The Committee will have the ability to interpret the validity of any program.
 
Criteria for Award
The Committee will take into account the following when evaluating individuals:
  • Participation in extra curricular school activities and interscholastic sports.  (List the top three based on importance)
  • Work experience (include part-time and summer employment). 
  • Success in activities such as Scouting, National Honor Society, athletics, class officer, student government, religious organizations etc.
  • Participation in family life and contribution to family responsibilities.
  • Academic achievement.
  • Emphasis will be placed on recommendations provided by teachers, instructors, and others.
Deadline
Applications must be forwarded no later than April 1st, to the Agawam Rotary Club, Inc., P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA  01001-0587 or can be emailed to AgawamRotaryClub@gmail.com.  The scholarship will be paid to the recipient upon verification of payment to the institution in an amount at least equal to the amount of the scholarship. 
Partly Cloudy and 70 F at Westfield, Barnes Municipal Airport, MA
Partly Cloudy
Winds are from the West at 15.0 gusting to 33.4 MPH (13 gusting to 29 KT). The pressure is 1009.9 mb and the humidity is 29%. Last Updated on Apr 20 2021, 12:53 pm EDT.
Speakers
Upcoming Speakers
Dick Popilowski
Apr 21, 2021 2:00 PM
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut & Western Massachusetts
Marty Hellman
Apr 28, 2021 2:00 PM
Peace and Conflict Resolution - Area of Focus
Simon Brighenti
May 12, 2021 2:00 PM
Parish Cupboard, Inc.
Sarah Taylor
May 26, 2021 2:00 PM
Huneebee Project
Past Speakers
Sarah Wiswell
Apr 14, 2021 2:00 PM
Living and working at McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Andrew Fisk
Mar 17, 2021 2:00 PM
The environment and technology history of how we cleaned up the river.
View entire list...
President's Message
Rotary is an international organization centered around the motto “Service Above Self”
 
Rotary is a group of friends, neighbors, leaders and problem solvers creating lasting change in their neighborhoods, their communities, their region and the world. 
 
It can be as simple as helping our food insecure neighbors with a food drive for the Parish Cupboard.  It is helping to clean up a river and shore in town.  And it also is raising money to offer a variety of scholarships and grants for local high school graduates....and members of the community seeking to better themselves with vocational/technical training later in life. 
 
And it can, and will, be putting together “Coping Kits” for students as they return from the disruption that COVID-19 has put into their lives and the return to the classroom.
 
We’re not just a local organization.  By combining our efforts, Rotary is working to eliminate polio worldwide and to address the opioid crisis.  Clubs will band together internationally to provide clean water and sanitation, build and staff schools and hospitals, and much more.
 
Rotary is camaraderie and fellowship working together in service.
 
This will be a particularly challenging year, due to COVID-19.  But out of challenge comes opportunities.  I’m looking forward to working with the officers and Board of the Agawam Rotary Club.....and you.....to serve, and make our community, region, and World an even better place.
 
John Barber
President, Agawam Rotary Club 2020-2021
 
 
CDC Updates-COVID-19
Recommendation to Pause Use of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine
CDC recommends pausing use of the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine following a rare and severe type of blood clot in 6 people who received the vaccine. (147 characters)
Health Equity in Action
Health Equity in Action
Upper-Room Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)
Ventilation interventions, like upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) can help reduce the number of infectious viral particles (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) in the air.
Guiding Principles of Rotary
 

The Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideals of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster the following:

  • FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
  • SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
  • THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
  • FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

The Four-Way Test

This test, which guides all Rotarians and Rotary activities, has been translated into more than 100 languages and asks the following four questions:

Of the things we think, say, or do:

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Mission

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Avenues of Service

Based on the Objects of Rotary, the Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based:

  • Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.
  • Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.
  • Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.
  • International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.
  • New Generations Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs.

Diversity and Rotary

Rotary International recognizes the value of diversity within individual clubs. Rotary encourages clubs to assess those in their communities who are eligible for membership, under existing membership guidelines, and to endeavor to include the appropriate range of individuals in their clubs. A club that reflects its community’s diversity with regard to professional and business classifications, gender, age, religion, and ethnicity is a club with the key ingredients to its successful future.

Please Donate Now!

Club Officers and Directors
President
John Barber
Immediate Past President
Bud Breeding
Treasurer
Mary Ann Ludtke
Secretary
Lynne Merceri
Foundation Chair
Linda Vitro
Membership Chair
Nancy Bobskill
Service Chair
Michael Squindo
Fund Raising Chair
Bud Breeding
Youth Service & Scholarships Chair
Mario Tedeschi
Webmaster 💻 🛠
Linda Vitro

Operation Jelly - DELIVERED!

Image result for jelly
Rotarian Nancy Bobskill has delivered over 100 strawberry and grape jam and jelly containers to the Parish Cupboard in West Springfield. 
 
Thank you to all of the generous donors!
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Michael Squindo
    April 23
Anniversaries:
  • John Barber
    Nancy Barber
    April 26
Join Date:
  • Michael Squindo
    April 3, 2019
    2 years
  • Charles Alvanos
    April 8, 2013
    8 years

Monthly Themes

January
Vocational Service Month
February 
Peace & Conflict resolution
March
Clean water & sanitation
April
Maternal/Child health
May
Youth Service
June
Rotary Fellowships Month
July
Environment & Sustainability 
August
Membership
September
Education & Literacy
October
Economic & Community Development
November
Foundation
Polio Eradication
 
A key RI directive is to eradicate polio. But we are not alone.  RI is proud to be one of the 6 partners of GPEI.  Learn more here.
 
 
The WHO Declares Africa Polio-Free.  Rotary is a proud partner in achieving this historic milestone.
 
Rotary International Links
Town News
Community Shredding Event Community Shredding Event
West of the River Collaborative Vaccination Site Opening Day
The West of the River Collaborative Vaccination Site has been officially approved and will have its opening day on Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Home Composting Webinar Home Composting Webinar
Findings and recommendations from the Agawam Municipal Fiber Task Force
The Agawam Municipal Fiber Task Force has submitted a report on it’s findings and recommendations for next steps to Mayor William P. Sapelli.
Agawam Virtual Earth Expo 2021 Agawam Virtual Earth Expo 2021
Wednesday, April 28, 2021: The Agawam Cooler Communities Challenge is a virtual campaign stretching over several months and culminating in a virtual celebration on Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
Scholarship Descriptions & Applications
Rotary International
11 eco-friendly service projects around the world

Through the years, Rotary has carried out thousands of projects to protect the environment.

$15.5 million gift will fund new Rotary Peace Center in Middle East or North Africa

The Otto and Fran Walter Foundation has pledged $15.5 million to The Rotary Foundation to start a Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East or North Africa.

Rotary and the U.S. Government support Italy's fight against COVID-19

Rotary and the U.S. Government support Italy’s fight against COVID-19 US$5

Philippine WASH project delivers toilets and hygiene education to villages

Rotary gets the job done where others failed.

Sri Lanka Rotary uses ingenuity, invention to protect communities against COVID-19

Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors worked together in a nationwide project that promoted behavior change and initiated safety standards for businesses.