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Lunch Mtg speaker- Housatonic River Assoc.

At our lunch meeting on August 25th, 2026, Julia Rogers spoke about her work at the Housatonic Valley Association in Cornwall, CT. She is currently the conservation director. Here is more about Julia.

Julia joined HVA in October 2021. She has a B.A. in biology from Colby College and an M.S. in natural resources and the environment from the University of Connecticut. Julia has worked with land trusts in south-central Pennsylvania, northeastern Connecticut, and most recently the Hudson Valley of New York, where she managed their conservation portfolio and pursued new conservation opportunities. She also has extensive research experience - working on projects relating to invasive plant species, non-native earthworms, and tropical rainforest restoration. At HVA, Julia works with partners throughout the region to advance conservation projects and the Follow the Forest Initiative. Julia loves being outside and can often be found whitewater canoeing/kayaking, hiking, trail running, or exploring the Housatonic River Valley.

jrogers@hvatoday.org
(717) 881-4518

For more information about the Housatonic Valley Association, visit their website here: https://hvatoday.org/.

Lunch Meeting 7-28-26 Speaker

Our lunch speaker on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, was Lucas Blinn, District Director of the Western District of Scouting America, who spoke about “Camp4All.”

Below is copied from their website, Connecticut Rivers Council | Youth Program, to tell more about what they do.

The Connecticut Rivers Council is one of New England’s largest private youth-serving organizations; the Connecticut Rivers Council delivers Scouting programs that develop character, citizenship, fitness, and leadership skills to more than 17,000 youth and nearly 5,000 adult volunteers in 127 cities and towns in Connecticut. Scouting America collaborates with hundreds of churches, school-affiliated groups, and other community organizations that organize and operate local Scout groups.

OUR MISSION: It is the mission of Scouting America and the Connecticut Rivers Council to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout oath and law.

SCOUT OATH: On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

SCOUT LAW: A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

To find out more, please click here: https://www.ctscouting.org/

Rotary District 7890 Celebration of Service and Installation Ceremony

Posted on Jun 29, 2026

Rotarians Randy and Fran Chapell attended the annual Rotary District 7890 Celebration of Service and Installation Ceremony on Saturday, June 27th, 2026.

This year's event was held at the Four Seasons by the Lake, 51 Old Springfield Road, Stafford, CT.
Rotarians from across District 7890 gathered for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and gratitude as we honored the installation of our incoming leadership for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. 🎉

Together, we'll recognize the dedication of those stepping into service roles while celebrating the impact Rotary continues to make in our communities and around the world through "Service Above Self."

Randy has volunteered to be the President of the Salisbury Rotary Club again for the next two years.

The pictures below are of E.J. Neafsey, the District Governor, and a group photo of the attendees at the event.

Speakers at our Lunch Meeting 5-26-26

Jon Higgins, Treasurer, and William Hallihan, Director, attended our Rotary Lunch meeting and spoke to our club regarding the Salisbury Winter Sports Association, SWSA. To learn more, visit their website at: Home - Salisbury Winter Sports Association

The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint our nearby communities, especially the children, with Nordic ski-jumping, cross-country, and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment and lifelong pursuit. As part of its mission, SWSA hosts and perpetuates the annual ski-jumping competition on Satre Hill to sustain ski jumping in Salisbury and the Eastern United States.

Pictured left to right: Bill Pond, Rotary President, and Willie Hallihan, director from SWSA.

Speaker at Lunch Meeting-5-19-26

Kristen, the Project SAGE Executive Director, spoke to our Club about Project Sage, located in Lakeville, CT, on what they do and offer for our local communities.

VISION
We envision a world in which everyone can be themselves,
have healthy relationships, and live free of
interpersonal relationship violence.

MISSION
We create social change to end interpersonal relationship violence by challenging attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms and by advocating for victims and survivors.

We welcome anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, race or ethnicity.
Project SAGE is here to support you.

To learn more, visit their website: https://project-sage.org/

Speakers at our Lunch Meeting 5-12-26.

Lou Bucceri, the Executive Assistant, and Chris Abel spoke to our club regarding what the Salisbury Association does.

Pictured left to right: Chris Abel, Lou Bucceri, and Rotarian Randy Chapell.

Salisbury, Connecticut, is a quintessential New England town founded in 1741. The Salisbury Association was established in 1902 to promote the town's best interests and protect its natural attractions. Today, that mission includes preserving our history, conserving our land, and celebrating our community.

To learn more about the Salisbury Association, visit their website: Home - Salisbury Association Site.

Rotary Day of Service-May 2026

For this year's Rotary Day of Service, some of our Rotarians sat at Labonne's Market in Salisbury collecting food and donations for our local food banks.

We had great success. Pictured, left to right, are Rotarians Peter Fitting, Carol Schultz, and Susan Dickinson; not pictured are Bill Spalding and Rudi Stoer, who helped earlier.

This year, for the Rotary Day of Service, several of our Rotarians volunteered at Labonne's Market in Salisbury, where they collected food and donations for local food banks.

The event was a great success! Pictured from left to right are Rotarians Peter Fitting, Carol Schultz, and Susan Dickinson. Not pictured are Bill Spalding and Rudi Stoer, who also contributed to the effort earlier.

Additionally, Rotarians Randy and Fran Chapell helped plant a community vegetable garden in Canaan, CT.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Posted by susan

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the generous sponsors who made this year's Kentucky Derby Social fundraiser possible. Your support plays a crucial role in our success!

WIN

Rudiger & Nancy Stoer

PLACE

METZ FAMILY ENTERPRISES, LLC

SHARON ELECTRIC COMPANY, LLC

SHOW

Lee & Barbara Collins

Drury, Patz & Citrin LLP

Jane Pinckney & Richard Shanley

Mona Staaf-Gunther

Ogden Starr

GRANDSTAND

CMB Contracting

William Thompson

Sharon Pharmacy

Kentucky Derby Social

To purchase tickets or make a donation, please click on the "DONATE" button link at the top of this page. Under the note section, please put "Kentucky Derby" and indicate whether you are purchasing tickets or making a donation. Thank you very much for your support!

Click on "Read More" to access this year's letter.

Welcome new member-Michele Burns

For those of you who attended our Rotary Luncheon on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, welcomed our newest member, Michele Burns. Another great Rotarian who happens to work at Noble Horizons in Human Resources. Welcome Michele!

Holiday Gift Swap-Paul Harris Award

At our 3rd Tuesday evening social dinner at the Boathouse on January 20th, 2026, we had our annual holiday gift swap. Great fun with fellow Rotarians and friends.

To see more pictures, click here: Holiday Gift Swap-1-20-26 | Rotary Club of Salisbury

Fellow Rotarian, Randy Chapell, also received a Paul Harris Fellow pin presented by President Bill Pond.

Lunch Meeting Speakers 1-13-26

Those of you who attended our Lunch Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, enjoyed hearing all about what's happening at the Sharon Playhouse.

Carl Andress, Artistic Director, Meghan Flanagan, Managing Director, and Michael Baldwin, Education & Community Director, spoke to our club about what's going on and what's upcoming.

"The Sharon Playhouse is a regional, non-profit theater producing high-quality performances with Broadway-caliber actors as well as talented local community members. Its mission is to entertain the community of Northwest Connecticut and beyond, while also serving as a teaching theater to encourage aspiring actors and other theatre artists of all ages to develop their craft."

To read and hear more about the Sharon Playhouse, visit their website at: About — Sharon Playhouse

Meeting Speaker-1-6-26

If you attended our Lunch meeting on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, you heard Russell Antonacci from NBT Wealth Management share an update on the financial Market Insights. To learn more, visit the website: Wealth | NBT Wealth Management.

Lunch Meeting-R. Stoer-12-16-25

At our lunch meeting on Tuesday, December 16th, our fellow Rotarian Rudiger Stoer entertained the audience by playing holiday music on his harmonica.

Thank you, Rudi; it was terrific to hear.

For those of you who were not able to attend, you can listen to a portion of it here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Qfi18NMXTY5HuWaF8

New Rotarian-Lynn Familigetti

During our Holiday Dinner, Bill Pond, President, inducted our new Rotarian, Lynn Familigetti , as our latest member of the Salisbury Rotary Club.

Lynn works at Noble Horizons as a Registered Nurse, Wellness Director, and Director of Independent Admission. Welcome Lynn!!

Holiday Dinner 12-9-25

The Salisbury Rotary Club celebrated another Holiday Dinner on Tuesday evening, 12-9-25. Everyone had a wonderful time with their fellow Rotarians, friends, and family.

The food at Noble Horizons was delicious, and it ended with a fabulous peppermint cheesecake.

We wish everyone a Happy and Healthy holiday season.

Sue Dickinson-receiving gift cards

Those who attended the lunch meeting on November 11th saw Susan Dickinson receive gift cards from Rotary Club members in honor of her 42-year retirement from the banking industry and for all she has done for the Rotary Club. Susan thanked everyone for their very generous gift and is very happy to start her new chapter in life.

Louise Riley-Meeting Speaker 8-12-25

Louise Riley is the Executive Director of the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in North Canaan. She spoke at our lunch meeting on August 12, 2025, about the increasing need for food and essential items for those in our community.
The pantry serves over 90 clients from North Canaan, Falls Village and Norfolk. They operate out of the Pilgrim House and are open on Tuesday from 4:00 - 6:00 pm and Thursday from 12:00 - 2:00 pm.To find out more click here: https://www.fishesandloavespantrynorthcanaanct.org/

Backpacks to Region One Schools

The Salisbury Rotary Club again participated in the Back-to-School program and distributed more than 100 backpacks to deserving children in Region One.

Fall Festival-October 10, 2025

The Salisbury Rotary Club had a booth at the 69th Annual Salisbury Fall Festival again this year.

To read more about this event, click here: https://salisburyfallfestival.org/index.html

Lisa Ferris-speaker -11-4-25

Lisa Ferris, Executive Director of the United Way of Northwest Connecticut, spoke about the United Way in Torrington and all they do for our community.

Together, we help our neighbors in Northwest Connecticut thrive by addressing critical needs and strengthening our community.

To read and learn more, click here: https://www.northwestunitedway.org/

Brian Ohler-Lunch Meeting speaker 9-23-25

Members attending today’s 9/23 luncheon meeting of the Salisbury Rotary Club at Noble Horizons heard Brian Ohler share his thoughts on the importance of nonprofit service organizations like Rotary and the YMCA to our communities. Brian serves as North Canaan’s First Selectman and CEO of the Northwest CT YMCA. With the Y’s branches in Torrington, Winsted & Canaan, he spoke specifically on the decline of volunteerism and the challenging need for nonprofits to work together to “unite for good” for the benefit of all.

Aline Libassi-Lunch Speaker 7-29-25

Aline Libassi, a fellow Rotarian from Tulum, Mexico, visited and spoke about her club and its activities.

Lunch Speaker 5-13-25

Bob Estabrook Intern Presentation

President Bill Pond presenting this year's recipient of the Bob Estabrook Scholarship for the Lakeville Journal to David Carley of Norfolk.

Paul Ramunni-Past President Plaque

Immediate Past President Paul Ramunni giving Past President plaque from Past President and Past District Governor Randy Chapell.

Paul Harris Award

At today's meeting, President, Bill Pond presented Randy Chapell with another Paul Harris Award pin.

End of an Era

After many years of proudly co-sponsoring the Independence Day fireworks at Lime Rock Park, the Salisbury Rotary Club has made the difficult decision to retire this cherished event.

Due to steadily rising costs and declining attendance, the fireworks are no longer a sustainable fundraiser for our club. This was not an easy choice, and we are deeply grateful for the memories this tradition has created.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible co-sponsor, Lime Rock Park, for their years of dedication and support. And to all who’ve joined us through the years—your participation and generosity have helped us make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Lunch Meeting Speaker-6-10-25

Chaired by Immediate Past President Bill Spalding, the Salisbury Rotary Club’s June 10th luncheon featured two presentations.
Past President John Hedbavny welcomed Digby Brown, now a Noble Horizons’ resident and former SRC member, and led a recognition of Digby’s years of service to the Club and the community. A Past President of the Club (2007-08) and past Chair for some 15 years of the Club’s July 4 Fireworks @ Lime Rock Park, the Club’s largest annual fundraiser, and additional leadership roles were recognized.
Club member Bill Willis introduced local resident and noteworthy playwright, Lonnie Carter who shared his latest work, “1781,” that tells the story of MumBet, aka Elizabeth Freeman, and that will be presented June 19 at The Center on Main Street in Falls Village. MumBet’s momentous story tells of her being the first enslaved person to file a legal suit that won her freedom she had heard so much about and wanted so badly. FREE ADMISSION to celebrate Juneteenth.

Lunch Meeting 5-27-25

Those attending the 5/27 luncheon meeting of the Salisbury Rotary Club heard Club President, Angelo Paul Ramunni, share why he decided to open the New England Accordion Connection & Museum Co. in North Canaan. To do so, he told several stories, each which accompanied the acquisition of an accordion by the museum and tied in nicely with the recent observation of Memorial Day. A descriptive and detailed telling of these stories can be found on Paul’s Facebook page. Paul has learned that it is the stories that come with each unique accordion that are the answer to why the New England Accordion Connection & Museum Co. has become a passion with such purpose. FMI: https://newenglandaccordionconnectionandmuseumcompany.com/

Randy Chapell

The mission of the Salisbury Rotary Club is to improve the lives of citizens in our local communities and communities around the world. Our motto, Service Above Self, signifies our willingness to place the needs of others over our personal needs. As members of Rotary International, we pledge to live by The Four-Way Test, which is an ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. We close every meeting by reciting these four principles.

The Four Way Test of the things we think, say or do:

First - Is it the TRUTH?

Second - Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Third - Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Fourth - Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

President Club

Randy Chapell

Rotary Foundation

Randy Chapell

President Elect

Susan Dickinson

Immediate Past President Club

Bill Pond

Treasurer Club

Susan Dickinson

Executive Secretary/Director

Secretary Club

Director, Club

Director, Club

President, Club Foundation

Randy Chapell

Treasurer, Club Foundation

Susan Dickinson

Secretary, Club Foundation

Fran Chapell

Immediate Past President, Club Foundation

Bill Pond

Director, Club Foundation

Rudiger Stoer

Director, Club Foundation

Paul Ramunni

Rotary Foundation, Chair

Randy Chapell

Assistant Treasurer

Randy Chapell

Links

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