Welcome to the month of June 2026. Rotary International has declared June as Rotary Fellowships Month. Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. Membership in a fellowship is open to any interested individual.

There are 120 different topical Fellowships described on the Rotary International website including Agriculture & Farming, Artificial Intelligence, Beer, Cultural Heritage, Cycling, Educators, Fitness and Wellness, Gin, Golf, Hiking, Jazz, Leadership, Mentoring, Music, Performing Arts, Running, Skiing, Tea Lovers, Wine, and Young Rotarians.

Rotary Fellowships are organized internationally by at least 25 individuals from five or more countries with the purpose of furthering friendship and building community around a shared passion and interest. I believe we have Club members who have participated in Rotary Fellowships. If Rotary Fellowships are of interest to you, I encourage you to refer to the Rotary International website to learn more.

As you read this edition of the E-Blast, my wife and I will be cycling west toward the Atlantic Ocean along the rugged coast of County Clare, enjoying sweeping views across Galway Bay, and viewing The Burren which is a remarkable landscape where Arctic, Mediterranean, and alpine flora coexist in a patchwork of stone and wildflowers. After dinner we will likely venture into the town of Lisdoonvarna to enjoy a pint and some traditional live music.

You should know that June 3^rd is Egg Day and Chocolate Macaroons Day. Macaroons are of Italian descent, and the word actually means “paste”. Originally macaroons were made from almond flour which is cheaper than coconut. However, the practice of using coconut instead of flour became popular with Jews in Italy so they could eat macaroons during Passover. Macaroons are now a traditional Passover treat in Jewish households throughout the world. Since it is also Egg Day, I know you will get a crack out of that fun fact.

Thanks to Past President, Rus McCracken who is filling in for me this week. Rus was our Club President in 2018-19. He is married to Rotarian Holly Berry, and they recently moved to a new primary residence. Rus currently serves on the Salem Rotary Foundation board of directors and was chosen by his fellow board members to be the treasurer, following in the footsteps of Tim Nissen who served as Foundation Treasurer for about 15 years.

This week’s program, with Dick Hughes as the presenter, should be a good one. I am sad to miss it.

See you in three weeks.

President Doug Parham
Rotary Club of Salem
2025-2026