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The unusually fair winter weather continued as President Murry opened the New Year at Minuteman High school for 22 Lexington Rotarians and eight guests, including Minuteman students and personnel. 

 

Luncheon fare prepared and served by students, which included ham, Chicken Marsala, Seafood Medley and a variety of desserts.

 

Ken W led the Pledge of Allegiance, Charlie V the first verse of America, and PDG Jack M the

invocation.

 

Hangovers outnumbered resolutions as Happy Dollars and fines flowed. PP Don S claimed President Murry had his hand over his stomach, not his heart, during the Pledge of Allegiance or, in Murry’s case, abstention. PP Dan B felt this a “low blow” while fining PP Don M for failure to include a Christmas Party Busa Wine and Spirits gift in the last Bulletin. Don either shook or slept it off, but paid. PDG Jack M was almost fined for excessive celebration as he paid 50 Happy Dollars, since PP Dave E is on vacation and just had his 75th birthday. Bob O was happy to report he and Karen got married to each other after 12 years together. Nothing rash, patience is a virtue. Let’s hope he doesn’t wait that long to respond to a

fire. PP Dave B was just happy to report-in injury-free from the ski slopes, which was particularly noteworthy in the absence of winter snow.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

·         President Murry noted the Club made remembrances in the names of recently deceased Eddie Jigargian, former Lexington Rotarian, and Norma Vaneski, former Sheraton Lexington employee who served us for over 20 years.

·         Through President Murry, first VP Dave S acknowledged appointment of PP Frank S and Connie N to serve as at-large members of the Club’s Board of Directors.

·         PP Spencer B asked for old CDs and DVDs he is coordinating for Tunes for Troops.

·         Kudos to Meaghan M for her Christmas Caroling effort on behalf of the Club on Christmas Eve.

·         A thank-you note received from PP Dan L for the fruit basket and get well greetings received from the Club during his illness and rehab; all best wishes are extended for his speedy recovery at home. President Murry said we raised $1,400 at the Christmas Party, the Board voted another $600, and $1,000 each will be given to Wounded Warriors and Local Heroes.

·         He commented on the Shen Yun Dancing Group performances in Boston, Jan 20 – 22; ─ ask President Murry for ticket info.

·         No Club meeting Jan 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday; next meeting on Jan 23, we will return to Waxy’s for joint, bottoms up meeting with Lexington Lions Club.

 

Raffle gift donors: Encharter Insurance, TD Bank, Patriots Community Bank, Smiles by Design, Arlex Oil.

 

Our speaker was Dr. Ed Bouquillon, in his fifth year as Superintendent - Director of Minuteman High, the Regional High School for 16 surrounding towns, including Lexington where it is located. This year’s freshman class was the largest in 12 years, featuring career and vocational courses for high school students. Retraining courses for adults also experienced a 40% increase. 73% of this year’s senior class

went to college, 27% straight to work. For those who may not know, MM students have collaborated with the Rotary Club of Lexington in building affordable housing in conjunction with LexHAB scattered site development in Lexington for 25 years. We promised not to tell Pam, but President Murry, his hand still over his stomach, was so complimentary about the Minuteman “gourmet” lunch that he may have trouble

and need help when he returns home. A suggestion might include enrolling in Minuteman’s most successful program, Dental Assistant, that features a time tested guiding principle: “ Now, . . . open wide . . . and remove foot.”

 

Continuing fair skies opened wide for Connie N who won the 50/50 Raffle rainbow. See what happens when you become a Board Member at-large?

 

Cheers and Happy 2012 ─ PP Ed G.