Posted by Bob Wicks on Nov 15, 2022
 
In the photo: Wayne Castonguay, co-President Martha Mauser, 
State Senator Bruce Tarr, co-President Cushing Titcomb, Tanya Marshall, and Matt Bodwell
 
Heroes come in all forms, and Ipswich residents are no exception.  Last week, Rotary honored three friends and neighbors who have significantly changed lives in the past year.  Each Hero received a Paul Harris Award, named for our founder and Rotary’s highest honor.  Receiving our appreciation and gratitude this year are Matthew Bodwell, Wayne Castonguay, and Tanya Marshall. 
    
Our local recipients joined a dozen Ipswich-Rowley Rotarians, their partners, and several members of the Ipswich High School Interact Club in Danvers for the presentation.  This was part of a District wide Rotary event at Danversport, where each club was able to honor their community Hero(es).  This annual event is held in memory of our late, and much beloved former District Governor, Robert C. Wood.
 
Saving Lives
 
Former Rotarian and current Ipswich Police Marine Patrol Supervisor Matthew ‘Matt’ Bodwell was recognized for his heroism in saving several lives in Ipswich Bay this past summer.  Putting the safety of others ahead of his own, Matt didn’t hesitate when a call came in that 5 people without life jackets were in the choppy bay water, one a 14 month old girl and another a pregnant mother.  Matt applied his skill and training to react quickly and effectively to save them all.  Without his quick action that day, precious lives could have been lost. 
 
Protecting a Region
 
Lifelong resident of Ipswich and ardent conservationist Wayne Castonguay is the Executive Director of the Ipswich River Watershed Association.  His extensive background as a fisheries biologist prepared him well for his current leadership role.  Since so many people and wildlife in our area depend on the Ipswich River watershed, one of the most endangered in the country, Wayne works tirelessly and collaboratively to raise awareness and build coalitions to save this precious resource.  In part due to his efforts, communities all along the basin finally came together this year to begin seeking a lasting solution.  Rotary is helping, with an Ipswich-Rowley Rotary sponsored District grant that is part of our continuing focus on the Environment.
 
Defending a Nation
 
Tanya Marshall grew up in Ukraine, and now lives in Ipswich where she operates her own business.  When the Russians invaded her homeland, Tanya leapt into action, sharing her message, tirelessly speaking to many groups throughout the region, and creating signs and banners.  She sold homemade soap and yard signs to raise funds, which are distributed to those in need from a dedicated account at TD Bank.  Determined to get her message out, Tanya organized local rallies and partnered with leading officials, such as Senator Bruce Tarr and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, to make sure that everyone understood the devastation caused by the war.
 
Ipswich-Rowley Rotary is privileged to know and thank these community heroes.  Each of them, in their own way, have made our lives a bit better.  ‘Service Above Self’ - it’s the Rotary way.          
More photos from the Heroes Evening:  
 
 
District Governor Alexander Falk, on the far right, presents a Paul Haris award to Wayne Castonguay, as Matt Bodwell, Governor's Aide David Deutsch, Tanya Marshall, Cushing Titcomb, and Martha Mauser look on.
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To the left: Senator Bruce Tarr and Tanya Marshall
 
On the right: Wayne and Cindy Castonguay
 
Below: President Elect Ann Witzig, Wayne Castonguay, and Past District Governor and Ipswich-Rowley member Joan Arsenault.