2022 Paul Harris Dinner

Thank you for your support of the Arlington Rotary’s Paul Harris Award Dinner on Tuesday October 4, 2022. During this annual event, named in honor of Rotary’s Founder, we recognize our Community Person of the Year. With so many incredible choices, especially throughout the pandemic, we have chosen to honor Mr. Nick Mitropoulos, a lifelong Arlington resident who has been involved in so many aspects of our town. Several other worthy Arlington people chosen by individual Rotary members will be honored with Paul Harris Awards. Recipients range from teachers, municipal leaders, to local individuals who have been there for the community through thick and thin.

Many of you have heard of Rotary, but don’t know exactly what we do or who we are. Some believed we took care of the local traffic circles in town. Others thought Rotary was an exclusive club. Neither is true! There is a rich history throughout Rotary, local and abroad. With the motto of “Service Before Self” we support as many areas of our community, and global activities, as we see fit. The Rotary International Website, www.Rotary.com,  can give you an overview of Rotary International projects, but I will focus on our local group. 

Arlington Rotary gathers Wednesday mornings at the Arlington Legion with a small breakfast and socialization from 7-8am followed by an official meeting. We discuss projects to support and welcome speakers to inform us of activities around town or around the globe. Arlington Rotary also takes part in collection drives,  from books to toiletries to clothing,  to help our neighbors in need,  and we serve in the community at events such as the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving dinner. 

For years, Arlington Rotary has provided scholarships to students from AHS, Minuteman and ACHS. Recently, due to the success and local support of our Flags For Heroes, we were able to double the scholarship amounts. What is Flags For Heroes? Each spring, Arlington Rotary puts up American flags at the Watertower. Each flag is sponsored in honor of individuals. The display is incredible, especially with the view of Boston in the background! There’s so much more to learn about Rotary! We invite you to come to a meeting in-person or via Zoom. Show up or reach out to a member to learn more- www.arlingtonmarotary.com.

Sincerely,

Paul Buckley

President, Arlington, MA Rotary