Rotary Round-Up:
News of the Ashburnham-Westminster Rotary Club

The Club enjoyed a series of interesting and informative presentations in October.

On Oct. 2, Oakmont students Kelly Poirer, Jessica Hebert, and Travis Brault joined the group for breakfast to talk about their experiences as the club's representatives to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference held in Dudley.

They described a number of mental and physical activities that tested their skills and their ability to get along with others. All three said it was a great opportunity to socialize and network with other young leaders and all came away with new ideas and friends. The students were accompanied to the club meeting by Oakmont Principal David Uminski and Assistant Principal Greg Smith.

On Oct. 10, Judy Egan, a case manager at Our Father's House in Fitchburg told us about the variety of services that organization provides at a number of different locations to men, women and children in our area who need temporary shelter. There is always a waiting list for beds in this area, according to Egan. Maureen Landry spoke to us on Oct. 17 about Ayurvedic health care, an ancient system that originated in India. She has recently completed a course of study in this discipline, which treats illnesses with lifestyle changes, diet and exercise.

And on Oct. 24, Tom Christopher, the senior project manager for Resource Management Inc., (RMI), talked with the group about the work of his company. RMI is one of the largest recyclers of organic residuals in New England and works with waste water treatment plants, cogeneration facilities and paper mills to find beneficial uses for their waste stream. Christopher described the success his firm has had with several area gravel pit restoration and construction projects.

In November, the Rotary Club is sponsoring two events to raise money for local causes and charities. On Saturday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m., there will be a Comedy Night at Wachusett Mountain. Tickets are $15 for one, $25 for a couple. Club members urge people not to miss the event as it is a way to have fun and support local charities at the same time.

Comedy Night tickets can also be purchased from Walter Taylor at (978) 874- 5557.

On Thanksgiving morning, prior to the Oakmont-Gardner football game's kick-off at 10 a.m., the Club will be serving breakfast in the Oakmont cafeteria from 7 to 9:30 a.m. The cost is $5, to benefit school activities.

Rotary welcomes new members. Those who are interested in finding out more about the kinds of projects and activities Rotary supports, call Roland Morin at (978) 537-1010.