Lexington Spoke - February 13, 2012

It was a bright, sunny mid-February day with a cold wind when 27 Lexington Rotarians, one visiting Rotarian, two guests and one Hedgehog gathered at Waxy’s to enjoy steak tips, Caesar salad, cold cuts, cheeses and cookies. The meeting was led by Incoming President, Dave Sears who filled in for the ever-vacationing, President Murry. The pledge was led by PP Jim F.; Charlie V. and Alan A. led us in the first verse of America, and PDG Jack M. gave a lovely Invocation which included a request by Bob C. for a moment of silence for the late star, Whitney Houston.

Raffle Gifts were donated by Smiles by Design, Patriot Bank, Ace Hardware, Lexington Fitness and the Rotary Club of Lexington. The lucky winners were PP Dan B., PP Frank S., PP Jim F., Don M. and Bob C.

Happy dollars were scarce this week (I guess everyone was saving up to buy that special Valentine something nice?). But Charlie V. stepped up and paid up for his Birthday and Steve K. donated in recognition of his Birthday, a recent trip to Cancun and having his wife and daughter present at today’s meeting. PP Spencer fined PP Dan B. for failing to record for the 2/7 Spoke that he (Spencer) had pre-paid for an upcoming vacation.

Announcements:

• PP Bob S. asked that old photo files of past Rotary events (G rated only) be submitted on or before March 7^th to him at bob@lexingtonpress.com or by messenger if only a hard copy is available.

• The Club Social, hosted by PDG Jack M. and PP Dave E. will be Thursday, March 29^th at the Lexington Depot, please be sure to RSVP.

• On April 9^th we will have our first joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Concord. Please register on line on our website www.rotarycluboflexington.org so you’ll be counted and we can have enough food.

• Comedy Night is May 18^th. As a club we need more tables and ads to be purchased. If you have questions or need tickets contact PP John O’D, PP Dave E. or PP Dan B.

• The 50/50 raffle of $60.00 was won by Incoming President, Dave S. It was good luck to be at the podium again this week!

VP Dave S. graciously donated his winnings to our guest speakers’ organization, The Nature Connection which brings educational and therapeutic nature programs to elders, people with disabilities and at-risk youth who have limited access to the outdoors. Our guest presenters were Sophie Wadsworth and Josie Kirkland, the lovely daughter of our own Steve K. Josie, who is the Program Director at The Nature Connection (See photo below), introduced us to Honey the Hedgehog who appeared very happy as she made her way around room for all to pet. You can learn more about The Nature Connection at www.nature-connection.org .

 
The Nature Connection (formerly known as Animals As Intermediaries, AAI) brings animal and nature programs to people with limited access to the natural world. Founded over 25 years ago, we connect individuals with nature’s capacity to heal and to teach. See our work The Nature Connection serves at-risk youth, people with disabilities and elders. We use a unique methodology that brings together seasonal natural materials, live animals, storytelling, music and other expressive arts. Visiting each site once a month, or more, The Nature Connection brings educational and therapeutic nature programs to hospitals, residential programs, special needs schools, and nursing homes. We have served some of our clients for over 15 years. Since our founding in 1983, The Nature Connection has provided over 15,000 contacts with at-risk youth, elders and people with disabilities in the Greater Boston area. We have also shared our work with more than 20,000 individuals, nationally and internationally, through our award-winning book, Bring Me the Ocean.