Community Calendar

May 13, 2025 · 7 p.m.

Zoom

Free

register now

Rescheduled from January, this month's Taproom Tastings episode concludes our season.

Join co-hosts KTM&HC Chief Curator Catherine Prescott and Hendrick I. Lott House Executive Director Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli for a lively discussion of historic trends in food, drink, and culture. 

Food has always been connected to the health and wellness of the human body—used as medicine, or as an explanation for illness. In the 19th century, there was a boom in health trends and diet fads associated with food: vegetarianism, avoidance of spices, and water-cures, to name a few. Catherine and Mary will explore why the 19th century saw such a focus on diet and wellness and look at some of the fads of the age.

Registration for Taproom Tastings is free, with a suggested donation of $10/person. 

Experience the gripping power of Anthony Davis's opera Amistad, a masterpiece that revives the true story of the 1839 Amistad uprising—a courageous fight for freedom that ignited a landmark legal battle in Connecticut, resonating through history. Presented by Connecticut Lyric Opera in collaboration with Harlem Opera Theater and Discovering Amistad, this visually and musically compelling production combines music, theater, and multimedia elements to bring this pivotal story to life. Join us as we explore themes of racial justice, resilience, and the enduring quest for human dignity, underscoring opera's ability to spark dialogue and reflection in today's world.

Born in the diverse and vibrant nation of the USA, where every opportunity felt endless on one hand and yet impossible to grasp on the other, Luis Reyes has had “the privilege of living what all immigrant parents dream of for their children, and that is paving the pathway to freedom.”

His journey was uniquely shaped by the fact both of his parents were immigrants. As he was growing up, his understanding of “feeling safe” evolved beyond its dictionary definition — in addition to the challenges and triumphs of his immigrant heritage, he also faced the personal obstacle of hearing loss at an early age. While he learned to deal with this condition, he did not let him define him. Instead, it became a catalyst for personal growth and inner strength.

He transcended the challenges of being a minority, growing up in poverty, and having a hearing disability to become the first in his family to attend college, graduating with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree. He learned to embrace his unique perspective on the world and found new ways to connect with others, drawing on empathy, resilience, and the power of self-preservation to overcome adversity. Luis joined the Peak Physical Therapy team on Chase Ave in Waterbury in 2023.

Experience the gripping power of Anthony Davis's opera Amistad, a masterpiece that revives the true story of the 1839 Amistad uprising—a courageous fight for freedom that ignited a landmark legal battle in Connecticut, resonating through history. Presented by Connecticut Lyric Opera in collaboration with Harlem Opera Theater and Discovering Amistad, this visually and musically compelling production combines music, theater, and multimedia elements to bring this pivotal story to life. Join us as we explore themes of racial justice, resilience, and the enduring quest for human dignity, underscoring opera's ability to spark dialogue and reflection in today's world.

Rotary Districts 7950 & 7980 | May 30 – June 1, 2025 | Southbridge, MA

Step aboard the Magical Mystery Tour, Rotary’s most exhilarating and immersive experience of the year — a three-day celebration of Rotary’s impact, powered by music, peace, innovation, and human connection.

From the opening notes of a live peace-inspired keynote to the vibrant rhythm of hands-on service, this is your invitation to be inspired, ignited, and transformed by the Magic of Rotary.

🔮 What to Expect on the Tour: A Detailed Look

🎶 Friday, May 30: Discovery, Dialogue, and David LaMotte

• 3:00 – 5:00 PM — Deep Dive Workshops
• Start your weekend with a powerful series of 8 dynamic sessions designed to expand your mind and fuel your purpose. Topics include:
• Opus for Peace & Positive Peace
• Fundraising Strategies for the Future
• Artificial Intelligence & Technology in Service
• Membership Growth & Innovation
• Public Image and Impact
• Club Culture & Collaboration
• These sessions will feature thought leaders, Rotarians, and global innovators.
• 6:00 – 9:00 PM — Welcome Reception, Dinner & Keynote
• Kick off the celebration in style with a festive cocktail reception and dinner, followed by our featured keynote speaker, David LaMotte — Rotary Peace Fellow, award-winning musician, and global changemaker. Be moved by his message of peace and the power of art to transform the world.
• 9:00 – 11:00 PM — Late Night Vibes: Hospitality & Music
• Cap off the night with casual conversations, creative connections, and live music from the District 7980 Opus for Peace Band.

🕊️ Saturday, May 31: Inspiration, Interact, and Impact

• 7:30 – 9:00 AM — Community Breakfast
• Enjoy a hearty breakfast with fellow Rotarians before a full day of adventure.
• 9:00 – 10:30 AM — Youth Arrive & Morning Keynote
• The Parallel Interact Youth Conference kicks off!
• David LaMotte returns for a special keynote shared with both youth and adult attendees — exploring the deep intersection of music, peacebuilding, and youth leadership.
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — District Breakouts
• Each district convenes separately to celebrate achievements, present awards, and build unity within their unique communities.
• 12:00 – 1:30 PM — Youth & Diversity Celebration Lunch
• Gather for a vibrant lunch honoring our youth leaders and their global perspectives. A powerful panel will discuss how young voices are shaping peace in today’s divided world.
• 1:30 – 4:00 PM — The Magical Mystery Tour in Southbridge
• Step outside for a curated experience of Southbridge’s artistic, historic, and cultural magic — plus a hands-on peace workshop focused on healing and hope through community dialogue.
• 5:30 – 6:30 PM — Cocktail Hour & PDG Gathering
• Mingle with Rotarians across districts and eras, including a special toast to our Past District Governors.
• 6:30 – 9:00 PM — Gala Awards Night & Peace Concert
• Get ready for an unforgettable evening!
• Celebrate Rotary excellence with major district awards.
• Hear from our Rotary International President’s Representative, PDG Sam Movva, on peacebuilding from District 3020, India.
• Then be blown away by the electric talent of rock violinist Daisy Jopling as she and her band ignite the night in a spectacular performance weaving music, storytelling, and Rotary’s global mission.
• 9:00 – 11:00 PM — Hospitality Suites Reopen
• More music, more mingling, more Rotary magic.

🌅 Sunday, June 1: Reflection and Renewal

• 8:30 – 9:15 AM — Memorial Service
• A quiet moment of reverence as we remember the Rotarians we’ve lost and honor their legacy of service.
• 9:15 – 10:00 AM — Breakfast & Fellowship
• Reconnect and reflect over breakfast with newfound friends.
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Master Service & Peace Project
• Before heading home, join together in service — supporting the Southbridge community through a meaningful, hands-on project that embodies Rotary’s heart: Service Above Self.

💫 Don’t Miss Your Seat on the Tour!

Whether you're a club leader, a new member, or a young changemaker, this weekend will connect your heart to Rotary’s purpose in bold, new ways. Space is limited — register now and experience the Magic of Rotary!

🌀 Register Today

📍 May 30 – June 1, 2025

📍 Southbridge, Massachusetts

Rotary Districts 7950 & 7980 | May 30 – June 1, 2025 | Southbridge, MA

Step aboard the Magical Mystery Tour, Rotary’s most exhilarating and immersive experience of the year — a three-day celebration of Rotary’s impact, powered by music, peace, innovation, and human connection.

From the opening notes of a live peace-inspired keynote to the vibrant rhythm of hands-on service, this is your invitation to be inspired, ignited, and transformed by the Magic of Rotary.

🔮 What to Expect on the Tour: A Detailed Look

🎶 Friday, May 30: Discovery, Dialogue, and David LaMotte

• 3:00 – 5:00 PM — Deep Dive Workshops
• Start your weekend with a powerful series of 8 dynamic sessions designed to expand your mind and fuel your purpose. Topics include:
• Opus for Peace & Positive Peace
• Fundraising Strategies for the Future
• Artificial Intelligence & Technology in Service
• Membership Growth & Innovation
• Public Image and Impact
• Club Culture & Collaboration
• These sessions will feature thought leaders, Rotarians, and global innovators.
• 6:00 – 9:00 PM — Welcome Reception, Dinner & Keynote
• Kick off the celebration in style with a festive cocktail reception and dinner, followed by our featured keynote speaker, David LaMotte — Rotary Peace Fellow, award-winning musician, and global changemaker. Be moved by his message of peace and the power of art to transform the world.
• 9:00 – 11:00 PM — Late Night Vibes: Hospitality & Music
• Cap off the night with casual conversations, creative connections, and live music from the District 7980 Opus for Peace Band.

🕊️ Saturday, May 31: Inspiration, Interact, and Impact

• 7:30 – 9:00 AM — Community Breakfast
• Enjoy a hearty breakfast with fellow Rotarians before a full day of adventure.
• 9:00 – 10:30 AM — Youth Arrive & Morning Keynote
• The Parallel Interact Youth Conference kicks off!
• David LaMotte returns for a special keynote shared with both youth and adult attendees — exploring the deep intersection of music, peacebuilding, and youth leadership.
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — District Breakouts
• Each district convenes separately to celebrate achievements, present awards, and build unity within their unique communities.
• 12:00 – 1:30 PM — Youth & Diversity Celebration Lunch
• Gather for a vibrant lunch honoring our youth leaders and their global perspectives. A powerful panel will discuss how young voices are shaping peace in today’s divided world.
• 1:30 – 4:00 PM — The Magical Mystery Tour in Southbridge
• Step outside for a curated experience of Southbridge’s artistic, historic, and cultural magic — plus a hands-on peace workshop focused on healing and hope through community dialogue.
• 5:30 – 6:30 PM — Cocktail Hour & PDG Gathering
• Mingle with Rotarians across districts and eras, including a special toast to our Past District Governors.
• 6:30 – 9:00 PM — Gala Awards Night & Peace Concert
• Get ready for an unforgettable evening!
• Celebrate Rotary excellence with major district awards.
• Hear from our Rotary International President’s Representative, PDG Sam Movva, on peacebuilding from District 3020, India.
• Then be blown away by the electric talent of rock violinist Daisy Jopling as she and her band ignite the night in a spectacular performance weaving music, storytelling, and Rotary’s global mission.
• 9:00 – 11:00 PM — Hospitality Suites Reopen
• More music, more mingling, more Rotary magic.

🌅 Sunday, June 1: Reflection and Renewal

• 8:30 – 9:15 AM — Memorial Service
• A quiet moment of reverence as we remember the Rotarians we’ve lost and honor their legacy of service.
• 9:15 – 10:00 AM — Breakfast & Fellowship
• Reconnect and reflect over breakfast with newfound friends.
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Master Service & Peace Project
• Before heading home, join together in service — supporting the Southbridge community through a meaningful, hands-on project that embodies Rotary’s heart: Service Above Self.

💫 Don’t Miss Your Seat on the Tour!

Whether you're a club leader, a new member, or a young changemaker, this weekend will connect your heart to Rotary’s purpose in bold, new ways. Space is limited — register now and experience the Magic of Rotary!

🌀 Register Today

📍 May 30 – June 1, 2025

📍 Southbridge, Massachusetts

Rotary Districts 7950 & 7980 | May 30 – June 1, 2025 | Southbridge, MA

Step aboard the Magical Mystery Tour, Rotary’s most exhilarating and immersive experience of the year — a three-day celebration of Rotary’s impact, powered by music, peace, innovation, and human connection.

From the opening notes of a live peace-inspired keynote to the vibrant rhythm of hands-on service, this is your invitation to be inspired, ignited, and transformed by the Magic of Rotary.

🔮 What to Expect on the Tour: A Detailed Look

🎶 Friday, May 30: Discovery, Dialogue, and David LaMotte

• 3:00 – 5:00 PM — Deep Dive Workshops
• Start your weekend with a powerful series of 8 dynamic sessions designed to expand your mind and fuel your purpose. Topics include:
• Opus for Peace & Positive Peace
• Fundraising Strategies for the Future
• Artificial Intelligence & Technology in Service
• Membership Growth & Innovation
• Public Image and Impact
• Club Culture & Collaboration
• These sessions will feature thought leaders, Rotarians, and global innovators.
• 6:00 – 9:00 PM — Welcome Reception, Dinner & Keynote
• Kick off the celebration in style with a festive cocktail reception and dinner, followed by our featured keynote speaker, David LaMotte — Rotary Peace Fellow, award-winning musician, and global changemaker. Be moved by his message of peace and the power of art to transform the world.
• 9:00 – 11:00 PM — Late Night Vibes: Hospitality & Music
• Cap off the night with casual conversations, creative connections, and live music from the District 7980 Opus for Peace Band.

🕊️ Saturday, May 31: Inspiration, Interact, and Impact

• 7:30 – 9:00 AM — Community Breakfast
• Enjoy a hearty breakfast with fellow Rotarians before a full day of adventure.
• 9:00 – 10:30 AM — Youth Arrive & Morning Keynote
• The Parallel Interact Youth Conference kicks off!
• David LaMotte returns for a special keynote shared with both youth and adult attendees — exploring the deep intersection of music, peacebuilding, and youth leadership.
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — District Breakouts
• Each district convenes separately to celebrate achievements, present awards, and build unity within their unique communities.
• 12:00 – 1:30 PM — Youth & Diversity Celebration Lunch
• Gather for a vibrant lunch honoring our youth leaders and their global perspectives. A powerful panel will discuss how young voices are shaping peace in today’s divided world.
• 1:30 – 4:00 PM — The Magical Mystery Tour in Southbridge
• Step outside for a curated experience of Southbridge’s artistic, historic, and cultural magic — plus a hands-on peace workshop focused on healing and hope through community dialogue.
• 5:30 – 6:30 PM — Cocktail Hour & PDG Gathering
• Mingle with Rotarians across districts and eras, including a special toast to our Past District Governors.
• 6:30 – 9:00 PM — Gala Awards Night & Peace Concert
• Get ready for an unforgettable evening!
• Celebrate Rotary excellence with major district awards.
• Hear from our Rotary International President’s Representative, PDG Sam Movva, on peacebuilding from District 3020, India.
• Then be blown away by the electric talent of rock violinist Daisy Jopling as she and her band ignite the night in a spectacular performance weaving music, storytelling, and Rotary’s global mission.
• 9:00 – 11:00 PM — Hospitality Suites Reopen
• More music, more mingling, more Rotary magic.

🌅 Sunday, June 1: Reflection and Renewal

• 8:30 – 9:15 AM — Memorial Service
• A quiet moment of reverence as we remember the Rotarians we’ve lost and honor their legacy of service.
• 9:15 – 10:00 AM — Breakfast & Fellowship
• Reconnect and reflect over breakfast with newfound friends.
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Master Service & Peace Project
• Before heading home, join together in service — supporting the Southbridge community through a meaningful, hands-on project that embodies Rotary’s heart: Service Above Self.

💫 Don’t Miss Your Seat on the Tour!

Whether you're a club leader, a new member, or a young changemaker, this weekend will connect your heart to Rotary’s purpose in bold, new ways. Space is limited — register now and experience the Magic of Rotary!

🌀 Register Today

📍 May 30 – June 1, 2025

📍 Southbridge, Massachusetts