Mary Martin, Rotary President for Second Time
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Let it be said that East Hartford Rotarians know a good thing when they see it, for they’ve just elected Mary Martin as their President, again. That’s right, coming into office for the 2014-15 year, Ms. Martin was asked, and accepted the job of serving at the helm of the local club when the intended club president had to step down because of a change in jobs taking him out of the area.

 

Having been President of the local Rotary club in 2001-02, during which time she was a recipient of the coveted Paul Harris Award, she will be the second former president to repeat the job. She has a wonderful example to follow, George Schoen having completed a very successful second term as President in the year just passed. Hers is an interesting style of leadership; confident, knowing, all-embracing, and yet expectant of a responsible electorate in return. Although she took a 4-year hiatus back along the way, local club members were delighted when she rejoined the club with her husband Jack on his retirement from Town service in 2012.

Ms. Martin graduated from East Hartford High School and Cornell University (where she was an archaeology major), earning a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the University of Hartford. She retired from the Town of East Hartford in 2011 with 32 years of service as the Grants Administrator. Most recently, she was persuaded to come back as part-time Project Administrator for the $9 million Raymond Library expansion and renovation project.

One might think she had quite enough on her plate. But the recent “call to arms” from Rotary fell on receptive ears, and it’s plain to see that she has taken hold of new presidential responsibilities with energy and enthusiasm. Admittedly, it can be a little daunting to come up with new ideas and excitement for the same job the second time around. However, a recent two-hour chat with Ms. Martin left no doubt that she possesses the stamina, drive, and “will to succeed” required of every club president.

As a once-a-week service organization, gathering every Wednesday noon at Sunset Ridge Clubhouse, the local Rotary club has built an enviable reputation as one of the outstanding clubs in its district. This includes support of endeavors throughout the world such as Polio eradication in Europe, Africa, and Asia, development of clean water and sanitation projects in Central America, and educational and cultural exchanges of peoples both regionally and abroad.

Locally, the East Hartford club raises its funds through a hugely successful golf tournament (now in its 27th year) and, most recently, by its third annual duck race on the Hockanum River. Proceeds from these enterprises make possible a multitude of both local, district-wide and international projects. An example of this is the Coats for Kids program, in which over 125 East Hartford youngsters will receive new winter coats. The local club will also continue its support of various educational programs in the East Hartford school system with emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Challenging tasks abound, it is true. But President Mary Martin seems to know that the secret to enthusiastic participation is finding a way to shape programming on the local level which will satisfy the needs of the wide differences in its makeup. With the help of an active membership and her own proven ability, she is eminently qualified and appears to be off to a good start. Always interested in welcoming enthusiastic, talented, and energetic new members, persons who fit this description are urged to learn more about the opportunity by contacting Ms. Martin at 860 633-6657.

(This article, written by Art Bradbury, was featured on the front page of the East Hartford Gazette on August 14, 2014.)