District 7930 has awarded Amesbury Rotary a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of the work that we have done in support of our community.
August 26, 2026
Tracey Friedman of Amesbury is our new Executive Director beginning in late April. Tracey joins us after 5 years leading The Haven Project in Lynn, a non-profit supporting at-risk and homeless youth and young adults. In 2022 she moved from Lynn to Amesbury with her husband and they welcomed their daughter Cece in 2024.
Why did you choose a career focused on helping others?
I grew up in a family where helping others wasn’t something we talked about as an idea, it was simply what you did. From a young age my mother instilled in me that you help people because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect anything in return. She modeled that and even became the first woman president of our Little League in Lynn. Today the clubhouse there is named after my parents for all of the work that they did. Seeing that kind of commitment to community really leaves a lasting impression. Volunteering and giving back always felt natural to me. It led me to get a degree in mental health counseling early in my career because I wanted to work directly with people who were struggling and help them find stability and hope. Over time, that commitment naturally grew into leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, but the motivation has always stayed the same. I’ve always tried to use my skills to support people and strengthen the community around me. Helping others isn’t just work, it’s simply part of who I am.
What stood out to you about the leadership role at ONT?
I was struck by the strength of the organization. The dedicated staff, engaged volunteers and board, the supportive community, and the clear impact ONT has had in the region. It’s an organization that has built trust and credibility over time. The chance to help build on that foundation, strengthen partnerships, and continue expanding access to essential resources for families in our community felt like a meaningful next step in my work. As a resident of this area, it’s especially meaningful to step into a role where I can serve the community that my own family calls home.
Why did you choose a career focused on helping others?
I grew up in a family where helping others wasn’t something we talked about as an idea, it was simply what you did. From a young age my mother instilled in me that you help people because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect anything in return. She modeled that and even became the first woman president of our Little League in Lynn. Today the clubhouse there is named after my parents for all of the work that they did. Seeing that kind of commitment to community really leaves a lasting impression. Volunteering and giving back always felt natural to me. It led me to get a degree in mental health counseling early in my career because I wanted to work directly with people who were struggling and help them find stability and hope. Over time, that commitment naturally grew into leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, but the motivation has always stayed the same. I’ve always tried to use my skills to support people and strengthen the community around me. Helping others isn’t just work, it’s simply part of who I am.
What stood out to you about the leadership role at ONT?
I was struck by the strength of the organization. The dedicated staff, engaged volunteers and board, the supportive community, and the clear impact ONT has had in the region. It’s an organization that has built trust and credibility over time. The chance to help build on that foundation, strengthen partnerships, and continue expanding access to essential resources for families in our community felt like a meaningful next step in my work. As a resident of this area, it’s especially meaningful to step into a role where I can serve the community that my own family calls home.
August 12, 2026
After months of searching, the Amesbury Carriage Museum has a new executive director to the organization.
Holly Babin was recently named the nonprofit’s new leader after the departure of Kelly Daniell last fall.
Babin said she is glad to join the organization.
“I’m honored to be named executive director. It’s an amazing organization and incredible community,” she said.
Juliann Clark, president of the museum’s board of directors, said Babin was highly recommended and is the right person for the job.
“Holly comes from a very strong communications and development background. She is a go-getter,” Clark said. “She is comfortable meeting new people, getting involved in the community.
“And, the biggest thing for us is she has a lot of new and fresh ideas as far as fundraising,” Clark added. “And that is something that we were searching for, is someone who is comfortable fundraising, comfortable asking for money, comfortable meeting new people and sometimes hearing, ‘No’.”
Tom Pendergast, the museum’s treasurer, praised Babin and said she has an “engaging personality.”
“We’re very excited to have Holly on board. She is an excellent individual. She has a great resume and experience, and I think she’s going to bring us great success in the future,” he said.
An accomplished communicator and business strategist, Holly Babin provides organizations with award-winning communication and engagement strategies, copy and outreach. She has worked as a senior executive in government and the private sector, in health, defense and publishing. She enjoys polishing great ideas, moving initiatives forward, and working with strong teams.
July 22,2026
About FFI - from the visiting group leader: Amelia Burke, FFI Operation Manager (top row, left picture)
Friends Forever International’s (FFI) mission is to help youth become the best versions of themselves so they can help their community become the best version of itself. FFI is committed to empowering young people to unlock their full potential and become catalysts for positive change in their communities. FFI's vision is to create a world where every individual is supported to transform their lives, their communities, and the world at large. FFI believes that every person, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in their communities. FFI does this by offering leadership development programs to 14-18 year olds from New Hampshire, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and around the world. Through FFI's programs, participants will not only broaden their perspectives but will also discover their own power to make a real difference in the world today.
In 1986, FFI's first delegation of Catholic and Protestant young men from Northern Ireland embarked on a journey to New Hampshire. While primarily focused on intergroup contact theory for many years, FFI has since expanded its understanding of conflict transformation beyond traditional conflict resolution programs. Today, FFI emphasizes individual leadership and community-level action to make a real difference in the world.
FFI's approach to youth development is unique in that it emphasizes a holistic approach to encourage individuals to improve their health and well-being, as well as that of their community and the planet. FFI's programs aim to inspire empathy, compassion, and understanding among youth from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to work together to build a better world. By fostering leadership, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility for others, FFI helps young people become the best versions of themselves, ready to tackle the challenges of today's world.
There weere 8 Irish scholarship students present. Two made very interesting, articulate presentations. All were very impressive. We also had a surprise guest; long time former Amesbury Rotarian Rita Fleming, who worked with the founder of FFI to establish the Durham, NH headquarters.
July 8, 2026
Terry Curran, Governor of Rotary District 7930, paid her annual visit to Amesbury Rotary. In her remarks, Terry stressed the importance of getting the Rotary message of "Service above self" out, and letting how our club is involved in supporting the Rotary 4 avenues of service. She encouraged us to serve as a magnet to member of the community and to not only recruit new members, but to actively involve them, so that they will feel part of something bigger and want to stay. She also spoke about District sponsored Rotoplast mission to the Philippines, which has volunteers slots open. .She also dealt with the importance of giving to support RI; through annual donations and through estate bequests, which in turn shares funds with the District, and the District Designated Fund, which funds District grants to the District clubs.
June 15, 2026
Amesbury Rotary held its annual President's Night, when our outgoing Present; Cathy Toomey; who after 3 successful terms as President, turned over the reins to incoming President; Elaine Bussey.
June 10, 2026
This was our annual meeting where we welcomed and recognized the top
Amesbury Graduating Students and Scholarship Recipients for the class of 2026.
Haley Jezowskim Valedictorian Noah Blouin, Salutatorian
Della Hildt, Boomerang Scholarship
Dane Hall, Forrest Brown
Recipient
Maeve Snyder. Donal Lovliss
Scholarship Recipient
Maria Clara Barabosa, Owen Justin
Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship Recipient
May 27, 2026
The Educator of the Year for 2026 is Megan Hoyt, Guidance Counselor at the Cashman Elementary School. Megan was nominated by Allison Osgood, Presentations were made by Eliabeth MacAndrews, Amesbury Superintendent of Schools, and Amy Mitchell, Principal of the Cashman Elementary School.
May 13, 2026
The is the annual meeting which was run by the Amesbury High School Interact Club, was well and smoothly run. We also go an excellent presentation about RYLA and some of changes in the program, and most challenging aspects of the summer camp.
April 8, 2026
Our newest Rotarian; Robin Fahey presented her Classification Talk. She was born and grew up in the Boston area, and now lives in Amesbury. She was raised by her Italian immigrant grandparents.. She then moved to Florida, and was considering joining the U.S. Marine Corps, but decided no to, and moved north, where she met her husband; Joe Fahey They bought a house in Amesbury, and focused on revitalizing the town, and raising 4 kids. Robin continued her education at Middlesex Community College, earning her BA in nursing. She found that her calling was in rehab nursing, a field that she work in for many years. She retired during COVID.
March 25, 2026
Elaine Bussey, our President Elect for 2026-2027 presented her classification talk:
I am thrilled to join the Amesbury Rotary Club. I believe that Rotary is a wonderful way to not only serve my community, but to be part of a larger network of amazing individuals working towards the goal to improve the lives of others both locally and nationally.
I started my career as a Registered Nurse working in hospitals, long term care facilities, community services, and then began working as a visiting nurse where I found my passion. I worked for over ten years at the former Home Health Care of Greater Newburyport. In that role I managed training programs for home health aides and coordinated the home health aide services for the agency. I raised my 2 daughters in Newburyport and I very much enjoyed being part of the Greater Newburyport Community.
I went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from New England College in Henniker, NH. My husband and I moved to New Hampshire to pursue our love of the outdoors, for hiking, kayaking, swimming, biking, and gardening. We have both completed hiking all of the NH 4000-foot mountains and received our patches from the NH 4000 Foot Mountain Club.
While in New Hampshire I began working as Director of Connecticut Valley Home Care in Newport ,NH. It was while working at that agency that I was first introduced to Rotary and was a member of the Newport Rotary club for 7 years. I felt I was then recruited to serve as the Executive Director of North Country Home Health and Hospice in Littleton, NH. I joined the Littleton Rotary while in that role.
After working in Littleton for almost 5 years. We returned to Massachusetts and purchased a home in Amesbury, Mass, and I began a new position as Clinical Director at the Visiting Nurse agency, Circle Home in Lowell. I joined the Lowell Rotary Club while in that role
Currently I work for the Community College System of New Hampshire coordinating their Allied Health training programs. I work part time at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH. I enjoy this part time role, and that I am able to once again devote time to be a Rotarian
March 11, 2026
Michelle (Michelley) Miakos presented her classification talk. She has lead a very interesting and varied professional life, ranging from several years at Los Alamos National Laboratories, NM, working in areas which she cannot talk about, to a complete career change, when she came to Amesbury, and started up 8 Waves Creative, a digital marking agency 16 years ago. Her web site is https://8wavescreative.com.
February 25, 2026
Doug Brendel (a member of Ipswich/Rowley Rotary) gave us a very lively and enthusiastic presentation (his 145th) about “New Thing”, a non profit organization in Belarus (a former Soviet republic, which is landlocked and shares boarders with Russia, Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine), which Doug and Kristina Brendel founded. Belarus is a nation devastated by Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, the Chernobyl – and is still suffering in many ways.
In spite of complicated politics, myriad restrictions, and nagging poverty, the U.S. Charity New Thing meets serious needs among the 9 million people of Belarus. The all-Belarusian “Response of the Heart” team inside the country brings in tons of donated food, clothing, medical equipment, diapers, furniture, the list goes on. It’s all shared face to face, heart to heart:
In shelters for abused and abandoned children
Orphanages and centers for disabled children
Among the homeless (through the New Thing soup kitchen)
In hospitals and clinics
Juvenile detention centers
Homes for the mentally ill
and more
New Thing in the U.S. is all-volunteer. Every penny raised through donations goes into Belarus. So, the entire operation happens for some $8,000 a month. Doug will email free photo reports of New Thing’s work in Belarus. His email is: email@newthing.net.
January14, 2026
Sam gave her Classification talk. Her life has been filled with tragedy and many accomplishments. She is a survivor and an achiever. There were s few damp eyes as Sam told her story.
Ocrober 8, 2025
Justin Lussier gave his Classification talk, which was a very interesting overview of his life, education, jogs, and places where he has lived. He is now working in real estate here in Amesbury.
September 10, 2025
Empowering Peru
Through Culinary
Education
Nellie Young
Marshwood High School
12th Grade
Skills to cook, Tools to Lead, Power to Thrive.
My Journey So Far
$18,000 raised for a previous international service project in Pachacamac, Peru Co-President — Interact Club Vice President- Outdoors Club 3 Years of Food Industry Experience as Barista Recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award Recently Inducted as Kittery Rotarian.
Our New Vision: The Culinary School Project
Project Mission To empower youth in Peru through hands-on training in cooking and entrepreneurship, helping them gain skills to find jobs, start food businesses, and support their communities.
School Information
Named Chapel of the Holy Family - Balcony of Heaven
Located in Santa Rosa, Pachacamac, Peru
Officially recognized by the government in February 2025
Includes 2 teachers and 20 students (ages 14–56)
School Purpose
Government-recognized
certification
Student-made food sold to fund
the school
Supports local families facing
food insecurity
Improves nutrition and helps
reduce anemia in the community
School Needs
Safe, functional kitchen
space for training
Industrial baking equipment
for student use
Grow enrollment and
outreach
Stable funding to offer meals
to local families
Project Needs
Large mesh strainer
Electricity installation
Empanada molds
Infrastructure repair
Generator
Round molds
Equipment:
Silicone brushes
Wooden rolling pins
Refrigerator
Acrylic whiteboard
Stove
Baking sheets
Bread dough mixer
Furniture:
Pots and pans
Storage racks
Stainless steel table
Measuring cups and spoons
Tables and chairs
Project Cost: $10,000
Funds raised from Rotary Clubs and Individual: $4,810
April 29,2025. Amesbury Rotary celebrated its 100th Anniversary at the Amesbury Historical Museum.
June 23, 2025 -- Was Amesbury Rotary's annual President's night, where President Cathy Toomey (both outgoing and incoming President - for her 4th term over her 30_Rotary years) reviewed the many accomplishments of our Club over the past Rotary Year, and goals for the new year.
L to R: Bill Cushing; Membership, Elaine Bussey; President Elect, Lee Ford; Director, Cathy Tommey; President, Donna Collins; Director, Judy Dodier; Treasurer, Todd Schell; Foundation, Dianne Webster; Secretary
July 23, 2025 Michelle Baker owner of The Benefit of Balance presented the importance of balance in all aspects of our lives, which she achieves through Neurofeedback.
The Benefit of Balance Mission:
Our mission is to bridge the gap in access to alternative therapies, often excluded from traditional health insurance, by offering holistic, drug-free, and non-invasive solutions for those seeking enhanced well-being. At the heart of our efforts is Neurofeedback—an FDA-approved, evidence-based brain training method proven to help regulate learning, behavior, and stress-related symptoms. Through dedicated communication, education, mentorship, and advocacy, we strive to raise awareness about its profound benefits. Our vision is to make this transformative therapy accessible and affordable by providing financial support, empowering children, veterans, first responders, and adults facing high-stress environments to take control of their mental health and recovery journey. In order to provide financial support to those can benefit from Neurofeedback treatment, but may not otherwise be able to afford it, Michelle formed The Benefit of Balance, Inc. as a non profit corporation organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code - Tax ID #: 87-4712697
July 9, 2025 - Brett Weiss, founder and CEO of the Weiss Scholarship Foundation presented an overview of the goals, challenges, and accomplishments of the foundation which he spearheaded to improve the educational opportunities for students in a Kenyan village; to provide them with a future with the skills to compete both within and beyond the confines of their village.
Unlock Potential: Empower Education Today
Education-key to breaking the cycle of poverty & your gift to Weiss Scholarship Foundation helps provide Kenyan children with access to school & support they need to succeed. Together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, achieve dreams, & build brighter futures. Join us-create lasting change-consider a gift today! See-2 min trailer-14-time award winning documentary, “The Girl From The Village A Story of Hope”: The Girl From The Village: A Story Of Hope – First Look Trailer
June 11, 2025
Amesbury Rotary recognized the 2025 Amsbury High School Rotary Scholarship recipients and the top Graduates at lunch today The top graduates are:
Valedictorian - Samantha Bender
Salutatorian - Adelyn Upson
The Rotary Scholarship recipients of a total of $6,000 are:
Brad Ford Scholarship - Soleil Bennett
Forrest "Ned" Brown Scholarship - Kylie Desmond
Owen Justin Scholarship - Jocelyn Daigle
Boomerang Scholarship - Julia Parsons
Donald E. Lawliss Scholarship - Kalan Noseworthy
The Rotary committee that selected the scholarship recipients were:
Donna Collins
Bill Cushing
Althea Volper
On May 14, 2025, Amesbury Rotary set a record; by inducting 4 new members. Their pictures and bios follow:
Michelle MiakosCurrent Owner and CEO of an Amesbury, MA marketing agency. Responsible for the overall direction and performance of the agency, including strategic planning, client acquisition and management, team leadership, financial oversight, business development, industry development, market strategy development, operational management, and brand representation.
Michelle is passionate about helping others. She continues to serve on boards is a member and sponsor of many organizations that focus on helping the community, families and children around the world. Some of these organizations are Anna Jacques Hospital Board of Trustee Quality Committee-Member, Anna Jacques Hospital Aid Association-VP & Board Member, The Firehouse Center for the Arts, Executive Committee Board Member, The Wish Project, the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Haiti Global Youth Partnership-Board Member, Member of the BNI Newburyport, NEBA, North Shore She’s Local organization, Amesbury Chamber of Commerce, and The Rotary of Amesbury. A Sponsor for Reach for Uganda, Opportunity Works, the Amesbury Educational Foundation Inc.
“Be the change you want to see in the world” ~ Gandhi
Justin Lussier
Samantha HayesElaine Bussey
I am thrilled to join the Amesbury Rotary Club. I believe that Rotary is a wonderful way to not only serve my community, but to be part of a larger network of amazing individuals working towards the goal to improve the lives of others both locally and nationally.
I started my career as a Registered Nurse working in hospitals, long term care facilities, community services, and then began working as a visiting nurse where I found my passion. I worked for over ten years at the former Home Health Care of Greater Newburyport. In that role I managed training programs for home health aides and coordinated the home health aide services for the agency. I raised my 2 daughters in Newburyport and I very much enjoyed being part of the Greater Newburyport Community.
I went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from New England College in Henniker, NH. My husband and I moved to New Hampshire to pursue our love of the outdoors, for hiking, kayaking, swimming, biking, and gardening. We have both completed hiking all of the NH 4000-foot mountains and received our patches from the NH 4000 Foot Mountain Club.
While in New Hampshire I began working as Director of Connecticut Valley Home Care in Newport ,NH. It was while working at that agency that I was first introduced to Rotary and was a member of the Newport Rotary club for 7 years. I felt I was then recruited to serve as the Executive Director of North Country Home Health and Hospice in Littleton, NH. I joined the Littleton Rotary while in that role.
After working in Littleton for almost 5 years. We returned to Massachusetts and purchased a home in Amesbury, Mass, and I began a new position as Clinical Director at the Visiting Nurse agency, Circle Home in Lowell. I joined the Lowell Rotary Club while in that role
Currently I work for the Community College System of New Hampshire coordinating their Allied Health training programs. I work part time at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH. I enjoy this part time role, and that I am able to once again devote time to be a RotarianMay 14, 2025
ROTARY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR 2024
May 14, 2025
43nd. Annual Award
The 2025 Educator of the Year is Johanna Kimball, who has been making a significant difference in her Music students lives at the Amesbury Middle School; she has been teaching in the Amesbury school system for 12 years.. Johanna was nominated by Middle School Guidance Counselor; Caitlin Bailey, and Health Teacher; Mary Mitchell. Present for the award presentation were her family, most notable of whom were her father; Peter Hoyte - the 1984 and 3rd recipient of this award and her mother Patty Hoyt - the 1986 and 4th recipient of the Educator of the Year. Recognition of Johanna's work, contributions and accomplishments were may by remarks from Amesbury Superintendent (and Amesbury Rotarian); Elizabeth McAndrews, and Amesbury Middle School Principal; Doug Nebel.
The Amesbury Rotary Club is committed to serving the youth of our community. We sponsor scholarships and offer interest-free loans to Amesbury students. We also honor one of the many outstanding educators in our school system each year. This award recognizes professional excellence and the performance of outstanding service in the Amesbury School System. Eligibility requirements as follows:
Must teach in the Amesbury School System - this includes all classroom/special education teachers and specialists in technology, art, music, library, guidance counselors, etc. Administrators are not eligible.
Must have been employed in the Amesbury School System for at least five years.
Must not plan on retiring within the next two years.
Must not be a previous recipient.
43 years and counting
This is the 43nd. year that the Amesbury Rotary Club has given an Educator of the Year award,” said Donna Collins, who heads the nominating committee., “which recognizes professional excellence." The Amesbury Rotary Club takes nominations from students, parents, co-workers, anyone in the community, Collins said. “We get all these letters and I screen them. The teachers have to have taught in Amesbury for at least five years and not plan to retire within the next two years.”
After Collins sifts through the nomination letters and verifies eligibility with the school department, the committee, which includes three or four Rotarians and four past winners, reviews all eligible nominations. Rotarians make the final decision,” she said, “but the input from the teachers is very valuable to us in making that decision.”
For a list of all Educator of the Year awardees,, please click on the READ MORE button on the lower right of this screen
Service Above Self
Amesbury, MA 01913
United States of America