Welcome to the Rotary Club of Middleboro/Lakeville

 
Are you someone who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.
 
We meet every Wednesday at 6:15pm at the Fireside Grille in Middleboro.
Check our calendar to see when we have speakers or other special events.
 
Home Page Stories

We are holding our Ride to End Polio fundraiser and are looking for donations.  This coming Wednesday November 11th around 6:15pm you can find us at the Old Colony YMCA in Middleboro riding spin bikes to raise funds for the fight to end polio.  All donations we collect will benefit Rotary's Polio Plus fund.  Every donation provides vaccines, transportation, and essential materials to protect children and stop the spread of polio. And thanks to the Gates Foundation, all contributions will be tripled!!

If you'd like to donate, click the Donate button on the menu at the top of this page or to the left of this story.  Feel free to contact us at middlebororotary6666@gmail.com if you have questions.

At our October 14th meeting, we welcomed Alan Melchior from Sustainable Middleborough.  

Alan spoke about Sustainable Middleborough, their history, mission and projects.  Their tag line is “A livable planet for our children.”  The organization was started in 2017 with a focus on weatherization, making homes more energy-efficient.  They are a local volunteer-driven non-profit with the goal of helping Middleboro residents save energy and money through weatherization and more energy-efficient homes.  In addition to advocacy - pushing for local policies like low-income discounted utility rates and 0% loans for energy improvements - they offer free in-home energy assessments, workshops, they sponsor the annual Cooler Middleborough Fair and attend local events to educate the community and offer assistance.

 

The Rotary Club of Middleboro/Lakeville is delighted to congratulate our most recent Paul Harris Fellow, J. Kevin “Quack” Quackenbush!

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is one of the highest honors awarded by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. This honor is presented by The Rotary Foundation in appreciation of a substantial contribution—or in this case, a gift made in Quack’s honor—totaling $1,000 or more to support vital humanitarian and educational efforts worldwide. Named after Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, this award stands as a meaningful symbol of a commitment to peace, community building, and "Service Above Self".

 

 

As the de-facto website administrator, I had a very busy summer and sadly wasn't able to keep up with posting our club activities.  I'd like to take a moment here to get caught up as our club was busy this past summer and we'd like to share.

  • On June 27th, we volunteered at the BikeMS Cape Cod Getaway
  • We sponsored the Middleborough Public Library children's and teen summer reading program
  • In July we sponsored and attended the Ted Williams Camp Alumni & Friends Jimmy Fund Benefit
  • In August we were awarded a Rotary District 7950 Grant to build more Little Book Boxes
  • Otto's Underground, the “unofficial” Rotary Club of Middleboro/Lakeville classic rock cover band, played several gigs around Lakeville and Middleboro

 

Congratulations to Dr. Peter J. Regas, D.M.D., on his retirement after an extraordinary 51 years in dentistry in the town of Lakeville. What an incredible milestone and a remarkable legacy of dedication, skill, and care. Over the years, he has touched the lives of so many patients, colleagues, and friends, and his commitment to his profession and this community is truly something to admire.

The Rotary Club of Middleboro/Lakeville worked in cahoots with his lovely wife, Karen, to plan an intimate surprise retirement party that we held in June.  It was such a joy to celebrate Peter with friends, family and fellow Rotarians at LeBaron Hills Golf Club.  Seeing everyone come together to recognize his many years of service made the occasion especially meaningful, and it was a beautiful reminder of the respect, affection, and appreciation so many people have for Peter.  The Town of Lakeville also honored Peter by presenting him with a Certificate of Recognition thanking him for his years of service in our community.
 
 
Little Book Boxes at Pierce Playground and Pratt Farm filled today with a little help from Little Will and our Club President, Matthew (not pictured since he's behind the camera).  Great job!!  And thank you!!
 
We are always on the lookout for book donations - adult, teen and kids books.  Especially kids books!  If you have any you'd like to donate, please contact Quack at quacksellshomes@gmail.com.
 
 
 
The Middleboro/Lakeville Rotary Club proudly recognized its four annual scholarship recipients this week, continuing a tradition that has spanned decades.
 
Each year, we select outstanding high school students based not only on academic achievement, but also on their commitment to community service, involvement in school and extracurricular programs, and a personal essay reflecting their goals and values.
 
From left, scholarship recipients Colin Cyr, Grace Schwartz, Natalie Corey, Ryan Penney, Middleboro/Lakeville Rotary President Matthew Bruce and Scholarship Committee members Sue Okolita and Marjorie Dunn-Lackie.
 
On Saturday, May 16th, Rotary clubs across District 7950 joined together for the annual EPIC Rotary Day of Service, each selecting a project to give back to their communities. The Middleboro/Lakeville Rotary Club continued its proud tradition of hands-on service, partnering once again with the Middleborough Veterans Services Office to help install banners throughout downtown honoring local veterans ... each featuring their photo and service details. Rotary President Matt, his son “Lil Will,” and fellow Rotarian Quack led the effort, ensuring these tributes were displayed with care and respect.

It's been a long time coming ... Nevertheless, the Middleboro / Lakeville Rotary Little Book Box @ Pierce Playground that was vandalized in December was re-installed Mothers Day weekend.
 
 
Thank you to Tony Chiuppi & MHS for collaborating on this with us, and for Josh Q. for helping re-mount it.
 
There is a complete series of Robert Jordan books placed there ... and, we could certainly use some Kids Books for this, and several of our other Nine Book Boxes around town.  If you have some Kids Books to donate, please contact Kevin Quackenbush to arrange a pick up ... and Thank You!

All are welcome to visit our meeting any Wednesday evening @ 6:15 p.m. @ the Fireside Classic American Grille. Great food & service. Bring your ideas for Community Service (it's what we do!) ... and, bring a friend!  Please be sure to check our calendar to see what we have planned before you come.

As always, for additional info. and/or if you have any questions ... Ask Kevin Quackenbush !!! 
 
The Rotary Club of Middleboro/Lakeville is thrilled to announce that its recent online auction was a resounding success, raising an incredible $13,000 for the club’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. These funds are already earmarked for vital local initiatives, including:
 
  • Academic Scholarships for local students.
  • RAYE’s Tutoring Programs at the Henry B. Burkland and Mary K. Goode Elementary Schools.
  • Various community service projects across Middleboro and Lakeville.
The Club extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible: our generous sponsors, donors, enthusiastic bidders, and auction winners. We encourage community members to show their appreciation by frequenting and shopping at the local businesses that supported this cause. A full list of these community-minded donors can be found on our website.
 
Penny Quackenbush, a member of the Middleboro/Lakeville Rotary Club, also volunteers with Lasagna Love, a national organization whose volunteers purchase ingredients, prepare homemade lasagnas, and deliver them to anyone who requests one. Inspired by that mission, Penny proposed hosting a community “Lasagna Night,” inviting her Rotarians, friends, and neighbors to come together and make a large batch of meals for local families.
 
Pictured L to R ... Valerie Doran, Greg Stevens, Willy Duphily, Pen, Mimi Duphily, Jim Tucker, Elisa Maiolino, JeriAnn Tucker, Gale Gaffney, Kiaralyn Lyons, Q, Crystal Lyons, Peter Regas 
 
 
 
In another display of community partnership, the Middleboro/Lakeville Rotary Club has officially donated a state-of-the-art drone to Middleborough Community Cable Access Media (MCCAM). Director of Media Technology Karen Foye noted that this high-tech addition to MCCAM’s arsenal marks a significant upgrade in how our town’s stories are told. By providing the tools for high-definition aerial cinematography, the Rotary Club is ensuring that our local cable station can capture the vibrant spirit of our community from perspectives heretofore not possible.
This September, the Middleboro/Lakeville Rotary was honored to welcome a bright young student, Austin Card from Mary K. Goode Elementary School, who recently returned from a transformative educational journey to Washington, D.C.

Recommended by his fifth-grade teacher Mr. James O'Brien, he was sent on a week-long visit to the nation’s capital. Austin and scholars from across the region joined at the University of Maryland to learn firsthand how our government works. From touring the Capitol building to engaging with civic institutions, the experience offered a powerful introduction to democracy in action.

 
 
The Rotary Club of Middleboro/Lakeville continues to receive support from the community for its literacy initiative aimed at local children. Just this week we received three full boxes containing a range of books for children and adults to supply the nine Little Book Boxes located throughout Middleboro and Lakeville. These donations help maintain access to reading materials for everyone in the community.
 
This program demonstrates community involvement in promoting literacy and learning in Middleboro and Lakeville. Through these Book Boxes, the Rotary Club encourages reading and improves accessibility. Support from residents like Leslie in the form of book donations contributes to our efforts to expand opportunities for young readers.

Thank you to Leslie for thinking of us and donating these wonderful books!
 
Middleboro / Lakeville Rotary Club in our 55th Year of Community Service
 
This year marks the 55th anniversary of our Middleboro / Lakeville Rotary Club, and we’re proud to continue our tradition of service with a meaningful update to a long-standing project. Twenty-four years ago, we donated a picnic table to the Conservation Committee for use at Pratt Farm, one of our local conservation areas, to offer a welcoming spot for visitors. In conversations with the Middleborough Conservation Commission last fall we discussed the disrepair the picnic table was in and agreed it was time to replace it.

On Wednesday, July 2nd, in partnership with the local Conservation Commission, we dedicated that new replacement picnic table … this time designed to be handicap accessible so that more members of our community can enjoy the space.
 
The ceremony was a celebration not only of the table, but of the Rotary’s ongoing commitment to community service.

Photo, Left to Right:  Mimi Duphily, Penny Quackenbush, Matt Bruce - President, Darren Vasa - Conservation land mgr., Nancy Ockers - Conservation Commission chair, Steve Quevillon, Keri Gallagher - Conservation Commission 2nd V.P., Willy Duphily ... not shown Quack 
 
The Middleboro/Lakeville Rotary Club is thrilled to see the community's continued enthusiasm in supporting literacy and learning for local children. Once again, a caring individual answered the club's call for kids' books, generously donating three full boxes of a diverse selection to fill the nine Little Book Boxes placed throughout the area. These contributions ensure that children in the community always have access to engaging stories, fostering a love for reading and exploration.

This initiative highlights the spirit of unity and generosity that defines Middleboro and Lakeville. Through ongoing efforts like this, the Rotary Club strengthens its mission to make a lasting impact by encouraging literacy and accessibility. The outpouring of support from residents proves that small acts of kindness ... such as donating a book ... can collectively create a meaningful difference in young readers' lives.

Thank you to Kelly!  And to her good friend, our Rotarian Marjorie! 
 
The Middleboro/Lakeville Rotary Club has once again demonstrated its dedication to community improvement by revitalizing the John F. Glass Square “Island" it has adopted in Middleboro. Rotarians gathered together, armed with gardening tools and a shared passion for beautification, to clean up the area, plant vibrant flowers, and spread fresh mulch. Their efforts transformed the space into a welcoming, picturesque spot, reinforcing the club’s commitment to fostering a sense of pride and care in the community. The cleanup was not just about aesthetics, it was about creating a space that residents could appreciate, a symbol of unity and the positive impact of collective action.

Rotarians left to right:  Willy & Mimi Duphily, Penny Quackenbush, Peter Regas, Steve Quevillon -- not shown J. Kevin 'Quack' Quackenbush
 
We recently gave notice on FB that we were in need of kids books for our Little Book Boxes we've 'planted' in our community ... and, we would like to sincerely thank Samantha Derochers, a remarkable teenager, for her generous contribution! By donating several boxes of her favorite books, she has shown a genuine commitment to sharing the joy of reading with others. Her thoughtful gift will help us restock and refresh the books available and expand the selection in our eight book boxes scattered throughout various neighborhoods in Middleboro and Lakeville. This will make it possible for more people to enjoy and benefit from free access to books. Her kindness reflects the values of community and 'Service before Self' that we strive to promote.

These boxes are a resource for all, encouraging literacy, connection, and the pleasure of discovering a good book. Her selfless act demonstrates how one individual’s effort can make a big difference, and it serves as a powerful example for others. We are grateful for her support and the positive impact her donation will have on our community.

Our Rotary club meets Wednesday evenings @ 6:15 p.m. at the Fireside Restaurant. Please come visit us and bring your ideas for community Service and a friend!  All are Welcome!
 
The Middleboro Rotary Club recently demonstrated the power of community collaboration by answering the call of Debbie Walgreen, Librarian @ John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School.  We were asked about refurbishing the school's very worn little book box, and our club members Steve Quevillon and Quack eagerly accepted the challenge. They removed the book box, dedicating numerous hours to its restoration (in a cold garage!) which included sanding and constructing a new door. The following day Nicole, our member Steve Q's wife, painted the Book Box. After their diligent efforts, the rejuvenated book box, now proudly sporting that fresh coat of paint in the school's colors, was reinstalled 4 March 2025. Steve, Quack and Rotarian Penny Quackenbush then re-stocked the Book Box. This act of service not only revitalized the beloved fixture but also highlighted the strong community spirit and commitment to education shared by the Rotary Club and John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School.
 
Photo:  (L) J. Kevin 'Quack' Quackenbush - Rotary Asst. Dist Gov., area 4 Dist. 7950, (R) Steve Quevillon
Join us this Wednesday, January 8th at 6:15pm at the Fireside Grille in Middleboro as science writer and award-winning author Michelle Cusolito shares her behind-the-scenes stories about scientific research at sea. Her latest book, A Window Into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea, brings readers along on a three-week journey to the North Atlantic with scientists and engineers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to study the ocean twilight zone with cutting-edge technologies. Learn about how research is conducted at sea, Michelle’s personal experiences out on the ocean, and the creation of the book. Michelle’s talk begins with a reading accompanied by photos and videos from the expedition followed by a short presentation. Q and A follows. Learn more about Michelle at michellecusolito.com.
 
At the start of our meeting on December 4th, President Matt presented a plaque of appreciation to Mike Deering who, along with his wife Erin, owns the Fireside which has hosted our Rotary Club for the past 5 years. Mike and Erin are Middleboro High grads and shared that they are happy to do what they can for our club.  We are grateful for Mike and Erin's support, along with the wonderful staff at the Fireside.
 
 
Amateur astronomer Mike Renzi of Lakeville is serious about his hobby and was happy to share his story and photos with us at our Dec. 4th meeting. He built his own observatory at his Lakeville home of 17 years. As a ten-year old he was captivated by the movie, “2001, A space odyssey”. The science inspired him to learn coding so he could track the celestial bodies.
Come join us on Saturday, November 23rd, at 12:00pm for the dedication ceremony for our second Rotary Peace Pole that was recently "planted" at Pierce Playground. We hope to see you there!!!  Thank you to Willy, Mike and Quack for your efforts.  What is a Peace Pole?  Read on to find out...
On Saturday 16 November 2024 our Rotary co-Presidents Matt and Emma Bruce and our Area 4 Assistant District Governor J. Kevin Quackenbush visited the Robbins Museum at their annual meeting.  We presented their President, Vic Mastone, & V.P. Gregory Lott with a donation check for $250.00 , which will be doubled by a Massachusetts Archaeological Society (MAS) benefactor.
 
Have you ever wanted to learn more about how we use our Charitable and Educational Foundation funds?  The RAYEs program (Rotary Advancing Youth in Education) is a shining example of Rotary in action and a beneficiary of funding by our Rotary club.  Check out this excerpt from an interview with Derek Thompson, Principal of the Henry B. Burkland Elementary School, hosted by our very own Matthew Bruce, past President of the Middleboro Rotary Club.
 
Click HERE to see the full interview.
 
 
 
Community Service ... Our Rotary Club of Middleboro engages in it in many ways all year long.  Most recently it was in the clean up & beautification of the John F. Glass memorial island that we adopted.

We added seasonal touches last fall -- cornstalks & pumpkins - and followed that up with a large snowman for the winter.  So this Spring week on May 1st we gathered there as a group, tools in hand and with many flowers and plenty of mulch and set to work

Special thanks to Heather, a nearby neighbor, who also brought plants and her helping hands. And, since it takes a Village, special thanks also to the couple walking by who stopped to inquire of our efforts and then offered their assistance and pitched right in!   That's what it's all about!!

We hope to have more Middleboro citizens join us for our next round coming soon. Check us out here and on Facebook, or just Ask Quack!!!
In 2013 the Middleboro Rotary Club partnered with Middleboro Public Schools to create an innovative tutoring program called RAYE (Rotary Advancing Youth in Education) which serves students in grades 4 and 5 at both the Mary K. Goode and Henry B. Burkland Elementary Schools.  Participating students and their parents enter into a contract where the students agree to attend all sessions and work at home an additional hour per week with their parents, and the parents agree to make sure their child attends the sessions and does the homework.  Over the years students who have participated in the program have made dramatic gains in their performance on MCAS.
 

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