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

The Ashburnham-Westminster Rotary Club had a busy holiday season and is planning an active Spring schedule.

On Dec. 5, our speaker was Bob Maki, the newly appointed agent of the Westminster Conservation Commission.

Maki grew up in Gardner, served in the military, graduated from Northeastern University and worked for the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers for 24 years. He has, most recently, worked as a Conservation agent in Templeton and Winchendon.

He described the Wetlands Protection Act as "a beautiful piece of legislation," and urged those who may have to do business with the Conservation Commission to contact him early in the process.

On Dec. 12, Keith Harding, of Westminster, briefed us on the new CATV show called "Your Voice, Westminster." This locally produced TV show features local issues and personalities and is a good way learn about people and events in the area.

Member George Lane addressed the membership twice in January providing insights on the anniversary of the surge in Iraq and on the Bush administrations recent efforts to push forward a peace plan in the Middle East.

The Club is planning a number of events for the next few months.

One of those events is a Wine Aand Chocolate Tasting on Friday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Wachusett Village Inn, in Westminster.

Tempt the palate at the Winter Wine and Chocolate Tasting. The menu will include not only a wide variety of chocolates, and wine chosen by the Inn's connoisseur, Sean Donnelly, but also a wide selection of hors d'oeuvres and freshly carved beef. Wines can be ordered at tremendous discount. Tickets are $25 and are available from Rotary members or at the Inn.

The Second Annual Vocational Awards Night has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Wachusett Village Inn.

The Ashburnham-Westminster Rotary Club will be recognizing the skills and efforts of the towns and school employees both in the workplace and in the community. During a special dinner, the Club will present awards to one employee from each Ashburnham, Westminster, and the regional school district.

Also on the agenda is the Spring Benefit Dinner, on Saturday, April 26, from 5 to 11 p.m., at the Wachusett Village Inn.

This annual event features an international buffet including four styles of cuisine, entertainment and a silent auction. The proceeds go to support local charities, such as the food banks, Veterans' organizations and the Battered Women's center, as well as Rotary International projects, such as aid to the victims of land mines.