A Community Tradition Continues with Fresh Faces and Renewed Purpose
The Suffield Rotary Club gathered in the heart of town to celebrate a tradition as enduring as the community itself: the induction of new members. The historic Suffield Country Club played host to an event that blended ceremony, camaraderie, and the unyielding spirit of service that defines Rotary.
New Beginnings: Welcoming the Next Generation of Rotarians
Natalie Donais, Rotary club president, with new members: Dian
Friedman, Stephanie Salerno and Karlene Sullivan, new member sponsor
Each new member brings fresh energy, new ideas, and a renewed commitment to our mission, voice-echoing the inclusivity and optimism for which the club is known. This year, the Suffield Rotary welcomed three new members, each from diverse backgrounds, professions, and walks of life, yet all united by a common desire to give back. Below is a short overview of three of those new members.
Dian Friedman is a Suffield resident and joins us after many years as an educator in Massachusetts. Upon retirement she continued to work in the Suffield Public Schools as a tutor and substitute teacher. Dian is also very active in the Women’s Club, Garden Club, The Second Chance Shop and at the Big E. She brings energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the things that exemplify Rotary.
Stephanie Salerno is a Suffield resident and leader of the Stephanie Salerno Team with Coldwell Banker Realty. Growing up in a real estate family, she has carried forward that legacy with a career built on relationships, trust, and community connection. Her team proudly serves clients throughout Suffield, Northern Connecticut, and Western Massachusetts, combining deep market knowledge with a concierge-style approach to real estate.
Beyond her career, Stephanie is dedicated to community involvement and supporting local causes through events, fundraisers, and her “Closing for a Cause” program. She is also family-focused and treasures time spent with her loved ones, especially her husband, their daughters, granddaughter, and pup Colby.
Deborah Agrafojo is a Managing Partner at Touchstone Advisors, a middle market Merger and Acquisitions firm. She has always been involved in helping the community as a church member of the First Congregational Church of Suffield, PTO Enrichment Committee Chair, room mom and volunteer, the Suffield Girl Scout service Unit leader and now in business working with the Women’s Business Development Council to help encourage female entrepreneurs. When the kids spread theirwings, she felt a gap in helping our town and wanted to continue service within the town
of Suffield and happily found Rotary.
Rotary’s Mission: Service Above Self
The Suffield Rotary Club, founded in 1947, is part of Rotary International, a global organization with over 1.2 million members. The club’s motto, “Service Above Self,” is not just a slogan but a guiding principle. Members routinely organize community events, fundraisers, and charitable drives, and this year promises to be no exception.
The club also remains committed to international service, supporting projects like clean water initiatives in developing countries and disaster relief efforts.
New members remind us of why we joined Rotary in the first place — to help others and build lasting friendships. There’s a real sense of pride when you see people of all ages working together for the good of the community.
Community Impact: Rotary’s Role in Suffield
Over the decades, Suffield Rotary has left an indelible mark on the town. From building playgrounds to sponsoring scholarships, the club’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Suffield. Members regularly volunteer at local events, support educational programs, and assist with programs in the wider area and internationally such as an annual water project in Guatemala and End Polio Now.
The welcoming of newmembers is more than a ceremony— it is a renewal of the club’s pledge to serve. “Joining Rotary means joining a family dedicated to making Suffield a better place.”
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Like many service organizations, Suffield Rotary faces challenges, including adapting to changing demographics and balancing tradition with innovation. Club leaders are committed to embracing new technologies, attracting younger members, and ensuring that Rotary remains relevant in the digital age.
We must continually ask ourselves how we can best serve our community. That means listening, learning, and evolving. The Suffield Rotary’s newest members left with a sense of pride, excitement, and possibility. For the town of Suffield, the club’s promise is clear: as long as there are neighbors in need, the Rotarians will be there, embodying service above self and lighting the way for generations to come.
If you would like to join our Suffield Rotary Family, please reach out to any club member or email: ndonais@snet.net Suffield Rotary President (2025-26).