Ipswich-Rowley Rotary members gathered last week at the Rowley Country Club to welcome their new leadership team for 2026-27 and celebrate some community heroes.
Susanne Pedersen was installed as the club’s 123rd President by Past District Governor Joan Arsenault. Our new Board of Directors who will support her also were installed. The incoming officers include Katie Filtranti and Joe Healy as co-President’s Elect, Ted Garside as Treasurer, Mary Foote-Hill as Secretary, and Clint Dalton as Vice President Rotary Foundation. Our other Directors beginning July 1 will be Chris Davis, Diane Herth, Deb Mahoney, Christina Manikas, Martha Mauser, Lisa Shanko, and Immediate Past co-Presidents George Gray and Doug Shealy. 
Another highlight of the evening was the announcement of our ‘Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Person of the Year’. We were thrilled to honor and thank Denny Drislane, recently retired head chef of the Ipswich Dinner Bell, who for 13 years served countless delicious and nutritious meals free to Ipswich residents who needed them. In addition to his culinary skills, Denny is remembered for his kindness and friendly demeaner. On hand to celebrate with Denny was his wife Elana, Ipswich Dinner Bell Executive Director Dorothy Calandra, and other members of Denny’s family. 
The club also recognized a few of their own – Bob Wicks as ‘Ipswich-Rowley Rotarian of the Year’ for his countless contributions to club administration, Jim Tedford who is celebrating 60 years of Rotary Service in Ipswich, and two departing members of the Board of Directors, Joan Arsenault and Ann Witzig.
The evening of celebration concluded with the annual ‘Passing the Gavel’ event during which every Past President participates in passing the symbol of leadership to our incoming leader. We are looking forward to another great year of collaboration and service under new President Susanne!
