Well it's hard to believe but Ralph and I made it through the first year of our presidency. We were lucky to have perfect weather for the June installation event in our backyard. I'm grateful to Christine for talking me out of cooking everything myself and recommending an excellent caterer and menu. I also appreciate everyone who brought food as well as Debi, Karen, Tom, Kay and Marc who helped get everything set up and put back together. We only have this home because of Rotary so it was wonderful to finally share it with so many of you. The summer heat has impacted some of our weekly meetings, but we appreciate everyone's flexibility and understanding. Safety first! Despite the heat and storms, the District was still able to execute another highly successful RYLA weekend that would not be possible without the humongous efforts of our Bedford Rotarians, tirelessly led by Christine and Team Pinney. Bedford Day is coming up fast - please let us know your best ideas to pull off a great event. I hope you get some time this summer for fun and relaxation because we have another great year of service and impact ahead.
Summertime Meetings
If there is a Heat Warning projected in the Tuesday forecast, Ralph will get a message to the entire club to switch to Zoom. This typically happens when temperatures are projected to be 80+. First Church, our meeting venue, does not have air conditioning. Our speakers are being informed about this possible adjustment.
There's an App for that!
If you are a smart phone user, you should install the ClubRunner mobile app, which gives you access to many of the features of the club's website, including a way to view the member directory, read the latest articles posted to our website, learn more about our upcoming events and speakers and view our meeting details! Click on the links below - App Store for iPhone users and Google Play for Android.
The Rotary Year for Rotary International and Clubs worldwide is July 1st to June 30th. Thus, the Rotary Club of Bedford is rapidly approaching the end of its 2023-24 year and looking forward to 2024-25.
The annual transitional gathering of members on Tuesday evening not only inducted two new members but also celebrated the successes of the past year and recognized the changing member makeup of club boards.
Under the Co-President leadership of Al Roscoe and Ralph Hammond, Bedford Rotary prospered as a strong, cohesive club throughout the past year, as Al leadership matured under Ralph’s mentoring. Ordinarily, they would pass the gavel to new officers for next year. Instead, we are fortunate that they agreed to carry on and continue guiding the club for a second year.
The Rotary Club of Bedford proudly announces its welcome of two new members to its ranks.
In the June 4th ceremonies during the club’s year-end transitional gathering at the home of Co-President Al Roscoe and his wife and Rotarian Diane Ryan, Bedford residents Lita Verrier and Pamela Brown Esq. were inducted into membership.
Alongside Al Roscoe, Co-President Ralph Hammond officiated the inductions. They were joined by Rotarian Paula Gilarde, Lita’s club sponsor.
The Rotary Club of Bedford is thrilled to announce the Bedford High School Class of 2024 Scholarship Recipients Cameron Comeau and Brenna Portlock! Your hard work, dedication, and community spirit have truly shone through, and we are proud to support your academic journeys. Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities!
Last week we welcomed some of our scholarship recipients, Abhigna Reddy, BHS Class of 2023, recipient of the Rayford Williams 4-year scholarship and Cameron Comeau, BHS class of 2024 who was awarded the Philip McGovern scholarship this year. It was great to learn about their accomplishments and plans for the future!
The District 7910 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) took place at Fitchburg State University from June 21-23. Our club was well represented by ten talented sophomores from Bedford High School, as well as two returning participants from last year's cohort who served as Group Facilitators. Despite the hot and rainy weather, RYLAns honed their leadership skills and created lasting bonds thanks to the expert planning and guidance of District RYLA Coordinator Christine Pinney. Engaging 200 teens year after year is a huge effort that Christine makes look easy! Many Bedford Rotarians volunteered over the course of the weekend to include Tom Pinney, Katie Pinney, Presidents Al & Ralph, Victor Tom, Sze-Wen Kuo, Dawn Kociubes, Diane Ryan, and Karen Sun. We are grateful to everyone who helped support this transformational event, making it the BEST RYLA EVER!