First Annual Westborough Energy Fair

 
The Westborough Energy Fair 2022 was held on Saturday, April 30th at the Mill Pond School. The Fair was jointly sponsored by Sustainable Westborough and the Rotary Club of Westborough. 
 
The Fair had two main focuses:
  • An Exhibition
  • A Seminar
 
    First Annual Westborough Energy Fair 2022-04-30 04:00:00Z 0

    Westborough Rotary Club seeks donations to help fund winter lights upgrade

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    By Stuart Foster, Community Advocate Contributing Writer

    WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Rotary Club is seeking donations to help fund a new seasonal display of festive winter lighting, which will go up in the downtown area on Nov. 28.

    The Rotary Club has installed winter lights with the help of the Westborough Department of Public Works (DPW) for the last fifty years. This year, though, it has decided to hire professional decorating company Christmas Décor to help revamp and rework the lighting tradition.

    “A happy smile, hopefully, will be put on especially the children’s faces,” Rotary Club Lighting Committee Chair Jim O’Connor recently told the Community Advocate. “People will be proud of downtown Westborough, and it couldn’t come at a better time when we’re still struggling with COVID and other issues.”

    “Hopefully it will be a cheerful note going into the holiday season,” he continued.

     

    O’Conner outlined much of the Rotary Club’s current plan back in March in a presentation to the Select Board. A few months later, in June, the Rotary Club announced a competition to design a new logo for the Winter Lights display. Now, the Rotary Club is beginning its fundraising push to support this new effort.

    “We are counting on the good graces and the good nature of the citizenry in Westborough and I think they’ll come through full-square,” O’Connor said.

    The new installation will include decorations on 24 of Westborough’s lamp posts with simulated garland, small white twinkle lights and a red bow by the light at the top of the post.

    Westborough Rotary Club seeks donations to help fund winter lights upgrade 2021-10-13 04:00:00Z 0

    WRC Spearheads Revival of Farmers' Market

    In early 2021, when Dismas Farms announced that they were no longer able to support the Westborough Farmers' Market, Heather Abraham of the Westborough Rotary Club (WRC) thought "Someone is going to take care of this; this is not going to just go away." Fast forward to the next Rotary Board Meeting and there it was on the agenda: Helping the Farmers' Market. Like Heather, the 7,000 other Facebook followers of the Westborough Farmers' Market were saddened to hear there would not be the annual town event this year. If you haven't had the chance to stop by the market, Westborough TV covered opening day in 2019 and you can just feel summer in the air. It's a classic New England scene, and one of the great charms of living in Westborough.  
     
     
    WRC Spearheads Revival of Farmers' Market 2021-04-27 04:00:00Z 0

    WRC Announces Westborough Winter Lights

    THIS IS A TEST It may feel strange to be thinking about the 2021 winter season already, but the Westborough Rotary Club (WRC) has been busy at work with their sights set on plans for the upcoming winter months.  Many townsfolk may not know, but the WRC, in combination with the DPW, has been responsible for the downtown winter lights for the past 50 years. A volunteer effort by club members has grown signficantly over the years (as have the trees), and we realized a need for an overhaul. The limitations of our volunteer resources as well as the need for a more polished feel sent the WRC looking for outside help.
     
    WRC Announces Westborough Winter Lights 2021-04-27 04:00:00Z 0

    Westborough Rotary Club lends hearts and hands to communities in Guatemala

    Courtesy of Community Advocate, Mary Catherine Karcich
     
    Generosity and kindness can go a long way, literally. 
    While the Rotary Club of Westborough is dedicated to serving its community, they are also committedtomaking adif­ference abroad. 

     
    As part of their international work, the club has been giving backtothecitizensofGuatema­la thanks to collaborations with GEMINI (Global Emergency Medicine Initiative) and the help of Jorge Yarzebski, a Rotar­ian member and native of the country. Over the years, they've sent personnel from UMASS to provide medical services like surgeries to those in need. But it doesn't stop there. 
     
    In 2019, Rotarians went to install stoves made out of cinder blocks for better ventilation. Guatemalans cook on an open flame on the floor of their homes - simi­lar to a campfire - causing respiratory issues and creating a hazard to children. Now,thanksto these new stoves, people are not getting sick like they used to. 
     
    Despite the stark differences in what one of these stoves would look like next to something we might buy at our local Home Depot, residents were grateful. "A hands-on approach proj­ect affords a new perspective of what we value and what is important in life," said Rotarian David Kaiser. As the old adage goes, 'One man's trash is another man's treasure' 
     
    Westborough Rotary Club lends hearts and hands to communities in Guatemala Jeanette McCarthy 2021-04-16 04:00:00Z 0

    2020 - 2021 Fundraising Appeal

    WE NEED YOUR HELP and WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
     
    As you know, the past several months have been challenging to say the least. 
    While we are all impacted by and responding to COVID - 19 in different ways, as a charitable organization the Rotary Club of Westborough has had to rethink how we raise funds to serve our Community.  Without the ability to gather for in-person events, our fundraising opportunities have been drastically curtailed.  
    We hope you can help!  We’re sure you recall the good work we do by way of annual scholarships, youth leadership awards, supporting the Youth & Family Services Holiday Store, lighting downtown Westborough during the holidays, co-sponsoring programs to deal with substance use disorders and mental health issues.  And during this pandemic, we’ve provided thousands of pieces of PPE gear to hospitals and first responders. Here’s a brief video that shows what we’ve been up to!  [Video link] 
    Without the ongoing support of local business like yours, none of this could be possible.
    While most businesses sponsor us in amounts ranging from $500-$5000, any amount you are able to contribute is greatly appreciated.
    We are excited to continue our service to the community.  You can count on us to appropriately recognize your generosityat all virtual and in-person events, on our website, social media and all publicity opportunities for the remainder of 2020 and all of 2021. 
    Ways to contribute:
    You may contribute here by credit card [link]
    or 
    Mail a check to Rotary Club of Westborough, PO Box 903, Westborough MA 01581. Please include a memo of “2020-2021 Sponsorship”.
    If you need an invoice, have any other questions, suggestions, or needs, please email us at sponsorship@westboroughrotary.org.
    Thank you in advance for your support of our work in the Westborough community through your generous giving.
    2020 - 2021 Fundraising Appeal 2020-10-29 04:00:00Z 0

    2021 Rotary Scholarship Applications 

    Westborough High School students have big goals and a lot of hard work ahead of them. If you are headed off to a college, university, or technical/vocation school, we might be able to help you on your journey. This year, the Rotary Club of Westborough is providing up to $10,000 in Scholarship Awards to help with the first year of college for students who have a proven record of service to the community and an established level of academic achievement.
     
    The Rotary Club of Westborough’s Scholarships recognizes students who are contributing to a world vision where people unite and take action to create lasting change in our communities and across the globe. Rotary is a place where friends come together to find ways to make a positive impact in our local, national, and world community.
     
    In our scholarship application we are seeking your response to the following:
    • Actual service projects you have completed
    • Demonstrated leadership, in class and the community 
    • Academic achievement 
    • Your response to our essay question: “What does service to others mean to you and how will you incorporate that spirit into your life after high school graduation?
    Applications are now being received for scholarships through a Google Form at this link. Any issues or questions regarding this application process may be directed Westborough Rotary's Scholarship Committee by sending an email to scholarships@westboroughrotary.org
     
    Deadline for application submission: April 23, 2021.
     
    Best wishes for an exciting start to new challenges and the excitement of higher education.
    2021 Rotary Scholarship Applications 2020-06-01 04:00:00Z 0

    2020 Rotary Scholarship Recipients

    The Rotary Club of Westborough is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2020 high school scholarship awards:
     
    • Rhea Balasubramanian - New York University – Global Public Health
    • Madison Bromm- Miami University of Ohio-Kinesiology / Elementary Ed.
    • Carolyn McDermott- Fairfield University – Nursing
    • Ryan Doan Nguyen- Harvard University -Government/pre-law
    • Miara Sasdi-University of Maryland- Criminology/Criminal Justice
     
    The purpose of Westborough Rotary Club scholarships is to recognize students who are contributing to the Rotary vision of a world where people unite and take action creating lasting change in our communities and across the globe.  The students selected demonstrated strong academic achievement, leadership in school and community and spoke passionately about service as a key component of their post-high school experience.  
     
    We congratulate all of these fine young people and wish them health and happiness in all of their future endeavors.
     
    2020 Rotary Scholarship Recipients 2020-06-01 04:00:00Z 0

    Saying Goodbye to Charlotte

    Members of the Westborough Rotary Club and the community at large were saddened by the loss of Charlotte Spinney on July 24. Charlotte was an icon in our community and an inspiration to all who knew her. Charlotte served on various community boards including Habitat for Humanity, Westborough Rotary, United Way, Westborough Library Trustees, and the YWCA. For many years she was a Corporator, Trustee, and Director of Westborough Savings Bank later the Avidia Bank. She was a charter member of the Mewhinney Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and was the co-founder of the Charlotte Spinney Vision Scholarship.
     
    Contributions in her memory may be sent to the Charlotte Spinney Vision Scholarship, c/o Avidia Bank, 100 East Main St., Westborough, MA 01581 or Bristol First Responders, Bristol Fire Department, New Harbor, ME 04554
     
     
    Saying Goodbye to Charlotte 2019-08-01 04:00:00Z 0

    Nelson Ball - Our Club's Founding Father Interviewed

    As we celebrate the club's 50th anniversary, one member of our club has a unique perspective.....Nelson Ball. Paul McGrath spent some time with Nelson Ball in the Westborough TV studios reflecting on 50 years of Service.  Watch Paul's interview with Nelson, which includes Nelson's reminiscences of our first 50 presidents.  Thanks to Westborough TV who produced and owns the copyright for the video. Click here to watch the video in its entirety or view it on our Club's web site.
     
     
     
     
    Nelson Ball - Our Club's Founding Father Interviewed Gary Kelley 2019-06-26 04:00:00Z 0

    Member Spotlight - Peter Gardner

    Peter joined the Rotary in 1986 and is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Westborough.  He served as president of the Westborough Club for the 2010-2011 term and was also previously a member of the Rotary Club of Auburn. Peter is a Paul Harris Fellow
     
    Peter is the president of Curry Printing with plants in both Westborough and Worcester. Curry Printing is not only one of the area's leading sources for printed communications, but the company is also a responsible environmental advocate.  They have a well-considered Environmental Vision and Management Policy that includes the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset the energy used in their operations.
     
    In addition to Rotary, Peter is active in the community and is a board member of the Corridor 9 Chamber of Commerce and Printing Industries of New England.  
     
    Peter lives in Westborough with his wife Kelly and has four children.
    Member Spotlight - Peter Gardner Gary Kelley 2019-06-26 04:00:00Z 0

    Dave Kaiser Receives Paul Harris Fellow

    Dave Kaiser, shown here at right with President-elect Elliott Rittenberg, received a multiple Paul Harris Fellowship award at our meeting on August 15.  The Paul Harris Fellow is an award given to those who have given $1000 dollars to the Rotary Foundation. Recognition is provided each time a member's aggregate donations reach an increment of $1,000.  It is one of the most prestigious awards in Rotary and thereby named after the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris. Donations to the Foundation support the many programs in which Rotary engages for doing good in the world. Foundation dollars are returned to our District, and ultimately to the Club in the form of grants to fund both local and international projects. Thank you, Dave, for being the inspiration!
     
    Dave Kaiser Receives Paul Harris Fellow 2018-09-17 04:00:00Z 0

    Going Up? Practicing Your Rotary Elevator Speech

    Membership is always an important topic for any Club. When our September 12 speaker had to reschedule, membership chair Gary Kelley took the opportunity to address this topic by showing one of the new membership videos produced for Clubs in Zone 32 by Lawrence Furbish, Assistant Rotary Coordinator.  For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to see this short but informative video, you can watch it here. Following the video, Gary asked each table to create a Rotary elevator speech. Dave Kaiser stole the moment with a statement that most felt epitomized the essence of Rotary:  A place where friends come together to find ways to make a positive impact in our local, national and world community. 
    Going Up? Practicing Your Rotary Elevator Speech 2018-09-13 04:00:00Z 0

    Special Needs & The Four Way Test

    Posted by Ron Goodenow, Ph.D.

    As a Rotarian with a lifelong polio-related mobility issue that varies in its intensity now that I am "chronologically advantaged" I have been thrilled to work with my local club, municipal authorities and area businesses to meet Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Our driveways are clearer in the winter, and our public events now have special needs parking. I’ve had wonderful assistant from fellow club members to help me remain active as I face down some new medical issues. So, why this commentary?

    As I thought about attending the RI Toronto conference in June I looked to see how accessibility issues were being addressed. What would I confront in terms of getting around and other mobility issues? The short answer is that I could find nothing except welcome comments from some hotels on their in-house accessibility features like grab bars in bathrooms. Rotary was totally silent. I therefore decided to stay home. Some fellow Rotarians repeated what I was told after a multidistrict conference in Providence last year. “You would not have been comfortable there, Ron. Just too much walking that was never described in advance.”

    Special Needs & The Four Way Test Ron Goodenow, Ph.D. 2018-09-13 04:00:00Z 0

    Congratulations Maureen Ambrosino

    With thanks to the Community Advocate

    Congratulations to the July 2018 Westborough Employee Excellence Award Winner Library Director (and Rotarian) Maureen Ambrosino! For those of you who had not seen the news, we wanted to recognize Maureen for the amazing contributions she makes to our town, as well as our Club. "The Employee Excellence Award committee is pleased to present this award to Maureen. Nominations received expressed that she ‘…embodies the definition of teamwork as no task is too small (e.g. swirling cotton candy on the front lawn) and no job is too large (e.g. a high level collection development project) for her to tackle’, that she constantly devotes enormous amounts of her personal time to Library sponsored events, and that she brings innovative ideas to serve public interests and engage them in library involvement such as Girl Scout sleepovers in the library, "last day of school ice cream service out front, Movies on the Green and more.

    Congratulations Maureen Ambrosino 2018-09-12 04:00:00Z 0

    Rotarians Distribute Reusable Shopping Bags

    What do you do with hundreds of Rotary branded cloth bags left over from Westborough's 300th Celebration? You give them away! And on Saturday, September 8, Club members gathered in front of Roche Brothers Supermarket at Bay State Commons to do just that. As town merchants prepare to comply with a ban on disposable plastic shopping bags, Club Service Chair Shelby Marshall realized that this was an opportunity to recycle the leftover novelty bags purchased for last year's celebration. In a four hour period, members gave away more than 300 reusable bags to customers visiting the Roche Brothers store. Additional bags will be delivered to the senior center for distribution. Eileen Turcotte and Ron Goodenow, pictured here at left, were among the Rotarians who joined in to help reduce, reuse and recycle. 

    Rotarians Distribute Reusable Shopping Bags 2018-09-12 04:00:00Z 0

    Lakeside Tree Planting and Installation

    Posted by Ron Goodenow on Sep 01, 2018
    Having been frustrated by bad weather several times this year, our hearty club defied high heat and humidity by holding its weekly meeting on the shores of Lake Chauncy to plant trees provided by Rotary International’s Plant a Tree Project. The trees were planted on grounds of the former Westborough State Hospital now owned by the town of Westborough. The opportunity was also taken to install new Rotarian Eileen Turcotte, a Grafton resident with strong international service involvement. Club members enjoyed food provided by Chick-fil-A and an event which addressed beautification, environmental improvement, and membership. 
     
     
     
    Lakeside Tree Planting and Installation Ron Goodenow 2018-09-01 04:00:00Z 0

    The Rotary Wayback Machine

    Recently, this writer and his wife Reina had a lovely dinner at longtime Rotarian Ron Goodenow's home. Over pleasant conversation, delicious paella prepared by Ron's wife Carol and a few glasses of wine, Ron related the story about how the unique shirt he had chosen for the evening's attire was made specifically for him while in Africa by a craftsman who went by the name of Pinot Noir.  Of course, we questioned the veracity of Ron's tale, wondering if perhaps the wine was contributing to an embellishment of his story. The next day, to allay our suspicions, Ron forwarded the photo shown at left, showing him in Africa, some 45 years ago, in front of the shirtmaker's shop.  Apparently, we misinterpreted the spelling of this talented local artisan's name.  And how about Ron?  What a "cool dood" (and of course, there's another story behind that name as well!).
    The Rotary Wayback Machine 2018-07-10 04:00:00Z 0

    Westborough Rotary Donates to Rangers on Track

    At its June meeting, the Board of Directors of Westborough Rotary voted to donate $10,000 to Westborough High School's Rangers on Track athletic fields renovation. Consistent with the Club's mission of supporting the community, this donation will help meet the Rangers on Track committee meet its fundraising goals to cover project expenses not funded by taxpayer dollars.
    Westborough Rotary Donates to Rangers on Track 2018-07-10 04:00:00Z 0

    Take a Deep Breath

    Greg Topakian joined us at our meeting on June 13 to explain the basics of mindfulness practice and led us through two exercises - a body scan and a breath meditation. Greg is a long time educator and actuary, having taught economics at Boston University and serving as Actuarial Director at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Over the past thirty years, Greg has balanced his professional life with a daily practice of yoga and mindfulness meditation, and now Greg devotes his time to teaching mindfulness.  He'll begin a new series of classes at the Westborough Public Library on Tuesday, October 2.   He taught us that mindfulness trains the mind to be more aware, awake and alert, and allows us to choose how to react to emotions when they arrive.  Members left our meeting happy, relaxed and ready to do good in the world.  For more information on Greg's upcoming series, contact the Westborough Library. 
    Take a Deep Breath 2018-07-10 04:00:00Z 0

    Welcome Scott Secrest & Forrest Musselman

    At our meeting of June 27, our Club was pleased to welcome into membership two new Rotarians, Scott Secrest & Forrest Musselman.  Scott, who currently resides in Worcester, comes to us from the Rotary Club of Wellesley where he previously served as Club President.  An electrical engineer, Scott is VP of Engineering, CE Power Engineered Services, and serves as the chair of the Executive Committee for the Boston Chapter of IEEE's Power & Energy Society.  Scott is a member of the New Sound Assembly Barbershop Chorus and enjoys skiing and golf. Scott is pictured with Assistant Governor Kathy Wilfert, Past President Gerry Gross and Membership Chair Gary Kelley.
    ​​
    Forrest resides in Southboro and is the CEO and creative director for MindBrew Creative, a brand strategy and design agency specializing in web, print and social media for a broad range of corporate and non-profit entities. In addition to his work with MindBrew, Forrest has volunteered with a number of charitable organizations and has made humanitarian trips to both Haiti and Guatemala. Forrest is shown center stage in the photo at right with Jason Camuti, Kathy Wilfert, Gary Kelley and Club Treasurer Paul Reilly.
     
    We're excited to have both Forrest and Scott as part of our Rotary family!
    Welcome Scott Secrest & Forrest Musselman 2018-07-09 04:00:00Z 0

    Westborough Rotary Visits The Boro Program

    On May 23, members of Westborough Rotary gathered at The BORO, a Westborough Public Schools program designed for students from 18 to 22 years who are eligible for educational services to support their successful transition into adulthood.  Housed in a completely renovated building in the center of Westborough, the BORO provides a welcoming environment for academic and life skills learning, relaxation, and social activities.  Currently, the program supports seven students, with the capacity for future growth to as many as twelve or more.  The BORO staff, led by Community-Based Program Coordinator Emily Stark, helps students develop independent living skills, plan for college, learn how to function as an integrated member of the community, and prepare for a productive career.
     
    During our visit, several students, including Allie, pictured here at left, told us of their day-to-day experiences at the BORO program.  Several students used voice synthesis technology to relate their stories. Activities include cooking, searching for and preparing for job interviews, creating Powerpoint presentations, and reviewing their individual education plans (IEPs).  Allie, who was particularly enthusiastic about welcoming her Rotary friends, told us how much she enjoyed interacting with students from other area programs, how she enjoys miniature golf and making quesadillas, and of her success with calculus and other advanced math courses at a local college.
     
    Scheduled to open this fall and colocated with the BORO in a dedicated space, The Sugar Shack, an operating commercial candy store, will provide students with vocational experience under the direction of BORO program staff. School officials are currently seeking both financial and advisory support for this aspect of the program.
     
    Our members were touched by the students and impressed by both the facility and staff.  A committee has been formed to explore opportunities for our Club members to be a part of the BORO program. Contact Shelby Marshall if you'd like to be involved.
     
    For more photos of our visit to The BORO Program, please click here. Thanks to Shelby, Ron Goodenow, and Reina Rago for sending these along.
     
     
    Westborough Rotary Visits The Boro Program 2018-06-03 04:00:00Z 0

    Jim Tepper Memorial Day Parade Marshall

    Rotarian & former Lt. Col. Jim Tepper, who served our country as a Marine helicopter pilot in Viet Nam and subsequently in the Marine Corps Reserve, was selected to be the grand marshall of Westborough's Memorial Day Parade. Jim gave a heartfelt and emotional speech during the town's Memorial Day ceremonies, reminding us that more than one million armed service members have lost their lives protecting America's independence.  He pointed out that the freedoms of speech, religion, and press, along with a right to fair trial, are not guaranteed by clerics,  journalists, lawyers, poets or writers, but that these rights and freedoms are guaranteed by men and women in uniform willing to pay the ultimate price to protect them. We thank Jim for his service to our country and are honored to have him as a member of our Club. See Paul McGrath's photos of the Memorial Day ceremony by clicking here. Watch Jim's speech, along with the entire ceremony, by visiting Westborough TV.

     
    Jim Tepper Memorial Day Parade Marshall 2018-06-03 04:00:00Z 0

    Welcome Joe Baldiga

    On May 9th, the Rotary Club of Westborough inducted our newest member, Joe Baldiga. Joe is a resident of Hopkinton, where he lives with his wife Mary.  They have two children, Lucy, 20, and Rob who is 18.  Joe is a commercial attorney at Mirick O’Connell and is interested in financial literacy. He enjoys sports, jogging, and snowboarding and is an avid paintball enthusiast.  We welcome Joe and his family to our Rotary family and look forward to doing great things together.

     
    Welcome Joe Baldiga 2018-06-03 04:00:00Z 0

    Eight Scholarships Presented to Graduating Seniors

    At our meeting of May 30,  we were pleased to welcome the recipients of the 2018 Westborough Rotary Club Scholarship Awards. This year’s recipients include Anthony Cai, Mariem Girgis, Rachel Bigelow, Johannah Bessell, Max Houle, Pooja Hingorany, Benjamin Riela, James Sommerville. Seven of the students are from Westborough High School and one is a Westborough resident attending Assabet Regional Technical High school.  Darrell Potosnak, department head of business and computer science at Westborough High School, helped to present the awards and has assisted us with the scholar selection process for several years. Thank you to Darrell and the scholarship committee and congratulations to all this year’s recipients!
     
    Eight Scholarships Presented to Graduating Seniors 2018-06-03 04:00:00Z 0

    Mt. Washington Summit an Inspirational Success

    Over 600 Rotarians from 5 Districts in New England and Canada attended the Mount Washington Summit this past weekend, including Westborough's own Shelby Marshall and Elliott Rittenberg (shown here with District Governor Karin Gaffney), and District Governor Elect Steve Sager.  Against a backdrop of majestic mountain peaks and rainbows, attendees made new connections and participated in breakout sessions with an array of subjects including Vibrant Clubs, Service Projects, the Opioid Crisis, Hunger, Polio Plus and the Rotary Foundation. In a session on Leadership, former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas and former Governor Jane Swift from Massachusets addressed a standing room only audience in a wide-ranging discussion that touched on ethics, service, youth engagement, and of course, politics.
     
    Among the highlights, Rotary International President Ian Riseley addressed the conference on Friday evening, underscoring the need for Rotary to adapt to the changing needs of its members in today's busy society. Later in the conference, Riseley's President's Representative, Past RI Director Karen Wentz, introduced Rotarians to Rotary's updated Vision Statement:  "Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe and in our communities."  
     
    On Saturday evening, Travis Roy, who was severely injured during the first eleven seconds of his college ice hockey career as a Boston University Terrier, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down, inspired Rotarians by sharing how his positive attitude helped him on his journey to a fulfilling and productive life. After spending his entire youth preparing to play college hockey, when he finally made it onto the ice in that first and only game, he told us how, even after he was injured, he said to his father that he had "made it" - he had fulfilled his dream. Travis said that in life, sometimes we choose the challenge, and other times, the challenge chooses us. Travis went on to share that it was the power of positive attitude and the appreciation of simple things that helped him find value and purpose in his new paradigm.
     
    Our final speaker on Sunday, Razia Jan, told us of her continuing efforts to educate young women in Afghanistan, and of the opening of the new Razia Jan Institute, the first women’s post-secondary vocational school in rural Afghanistan. Razia moved to the United States in 1970 and opened a small tailoring business in Duxbury. She was the first female member of the Duxbury Rotary Club and soon went on to become Club President.  After decades of war in Afghanistan, Razia was appalled at the treatment of women and the lack of education that she found when she returned home. Razia decided to build a school and shared with us stories of the opposition she faced from the local the local male population, including standing up to tribal leaders who threatened to stone her if she pursued her dream of educating young women. Today, at the Razia Jan Institute, students become certified in health services/midwifery while also learning English and computer literacy. Both the Institue and the Zabuli Education Center, with its K through 12 students, have received support from a number of Rotary Clubs both here and abroad.
    Mt. Washington Summit an Inspirational Success 2018-05-08 04:00:00Z 0