In 2002, Doug and his wife Kristina founded New Thing,  a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established  to help people in need in the Republic of Belarus in the former USSR. The passion of New Thing began in 1992 when Kristina visited Belarus  as a volunteer photographer. She was documenting the West’s response to the medical needs of children in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Kristina fell in love with the people there and kept going back. Kristina and Doug established New Thing to help the children and adults in need in Belarus.

Holiday Pops is Returning to Abbot Hall! Holiday Pops Season Has Begun!   • Now through November 10 - Inviting Sponsorships A chance to sponsor the return of this well-loved tradition! By now, all members should have received the Holiday Pops Sponsorship Kit with three documents: The Sponsor Cover Letter, The List of the Club's Previous Giving, and the Sponsorship Levels form. We are asking all members to set a goal for themselves for the number of individuals and businesses they will invite to  sponsor  the return of Holiday Pops. Sponsorship levels start at $100 and go up to $2,500. Most levels include concert tickets. As, Diane told us, typically, the ticket sales cover the cost of the orchestra; sponsorships provide the funds that enable our charitable giving. Please read through the documents. Please share them with friends, family and the places where  you conduct business. Questions? Please contact Diane Barbour at dbarbour16@aol.com or 781-631-0074.   • Mark your calendar for all the Holiday Pops Events   Sunday, November 6 Artist Reception for Holly Aloha Jaynes - Holiday Pops Signature Art 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford Street, Marblehead   Thursday, November 10 Deadline for Sponsors to be Listed in the Pops Program Book   Friday, December 9 - Morning Setting up and decorating Abbot Hall - Almost as much fun as the concert itself!   Saturday, December 10 Holiday Pops Concert Abbot Hall 7 p.m. Champagne Reception 8 p.m. Concert     • Holiday Pops Concert COVID Policy After extensive conversations and research into current CDC, state and town COVID and mask policies and the policies of local live performance venues and venues that host large audiences including Marblehead Public Schools and Salem State University, plus conversations with Dirk Hillyer, North Shore Bar Tender Services and our own Holiday Pops Committee, no mask or vaccination policy will be issued for the December 10, 2022, Holiday Pops Concert. Masking and vaccination decisions will be the responsibility of the individual. This policy will be reviewed every two weeks and is subject to change if the authoritative guidance changes. Any questions or concerns should be addressed to Jessica at 781-910-0202 or at jdharbar@comcast.net.         Our Club's Next Board Meeting Thursday, October 20, 5 p.m.   Nomination for Board Members If you are interested in serving as a member of the club's board of directors, please contact Jessica at jdharbar@comcast.net   Elections are Tuesday, December 13.     Our club's DIAPER DAMES AND DONS PROJECT Ends October 31   We have until Halloween to collect of size Newborn, 4 and 5 diapers for the young families at the Lynn Shelter.  For more details or to drop off donations call or email Linda Doliber at 781-631-6938 (ldoliber@ hotmail.com). Thank you, Linda, for this exceptionally successful service project!     Congratulations and Thank You to the Rotary Club of Marblehead In celebration of their 100th Anniversary next spring, the Rotary Club of Marblehead received approval from the Marblehead Select Board to donate a community clock to the town.    Marblehead Rotary's 5K Consider making a contribution to The Rotary Club of Marblehead's 5K Race scheduled for Sunday, November 6th at 12 noon. Proceeds will benefit the club's sponsorship of Inner Explorer for the Marblehead Public Schools. Visit marbleheadrotary.com for more information.