The Rotary Club of Warren-Barrington is seeking new members to lead the organization. And there is a June 30 deadline to finding those new leaders. 

Individuals interested in taking leadership roles or becoming a member of the Club should plan to attend the next Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the East Bay Chamber office located at 16 Cutler St. in Warren.

“We’re reaching out to individuals who share our vision of helping charities through our fund-raising and service projects, and who are eager to make a positive impact throughout Warren and Barrington,” said Ray Parker, whose term as president of The Rotary Club of Warren-Barrington will end on June 30, 2024. “Bringing new members in with fresh perspectives and ideas will enable our Club to stay in existence and impact more families and individuals in need than ever before. Together, we can create a bright future for our community and beyond.”

The Club has a storied history of running impactful projects since its founding in 1940. Perhaps the most well-known is the Warren Quahog Seafood and Art Festival held each summer at Burr’s Hill Park in Warren and featuring seafood, activities, live music, and entertainment with free admission and parking. A tradition for more than 40 years, this event has raised more $30,000 each year for the Club to disperse to local organizations and charities.

In 1962, the Club established one of the earliest Community Scholarship Fund scholarship awards to help students with higher education expenses. An Interact Club for high school students also exists at Barrington High School, giving students an opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful projects to help the community, develop their leadership skills, and learn to take initiative while making new friends.

“We’ve accomplished much over the years,” Parker said. “Projects range from delivering food baskets to needy families at Christmas time, to a Pumpkin Fest Weigh-Off at Frerichs Farm, to mention just a few.”

But more help and new members are needed, Parker said.

“We simply don’t have the bandwidth to continue doing these projects with the small number of older, retired members we have,” he said. “I’m hoping like-minded individuals who are as passionate about service and fundraising as we are will accept the invitation to join to make a difference through their Rotary membership and participation. It would be a shame to see the Club have to cease operations.”

Membership in the Warren-Barrington Rotary Club is open to individuals age 21 and older, families (including spouses or adult children), young professionals (21-35 years), and corporate employees. 

To RSVP for the next meeting or to inquire about membership, contact Rotary District 7950 Assistant Governor Betty Galligan at 401-433-5965 or betty@newberrypr.com.