Rotary Spoke 04/16/15
Posted by John O'Donnell
on Apr 16, 2015
First, let me start this dissertation by saying, I’m providing this document under PROTEST. I was not scheduled to be the Bulletin writer, nor was the back-up, however, told by President Dave, that General Vail ordered me to do it. In light of the atmosphere, battle between Lexington and Concord, I supported my commander in charge and complied. However, I’m going AWOL!!
So based upon my stated position, I’m absolved from any fines that may be bestowed upon me from this written document, and yes, I second the motion, no vote needed.
It was a magnificent, sunny day, especially for those of us who purchase oil, with the temperatures hovering around 70 degrees, as we met to break bread with our fellow Concord Rotarians. It is always a fun and rambunctious meeting and to get our bellies full, a buffet of salad, beef, fish, potatoes and vegetables was provided by the Colonial Inn.
As the meeting started, my first impression is the Concordian’s are cheap!! There we very few fines and happy dollars, and yes I mean dollars. I thought we were shopping at the Dollar Tree Store, PP Dave favorite store. Current President Dave gave some happy dollars, not sure how much because he kept it so secret and then he had the audacity to fine tables that did not “mingle”.
I agree with the fine on the table that included PP Dan, PP Dave, PP Nick and Evil Banker Galbiati for being antisocial, but I should be exempt because no one likes me anyway. Incoming President Dominic was talking to a tree so I felt bad for him and invited him to my table.
On a serious note, PP Sharon and PP Dick from the Concord Club presented Medal of Honor books to Alan Azoff and Charlie Vail, look alike President Dave stepping in, for their constant support and hard work on Memorial Day and Veterans Day events. Bravo gentlemen, well deserved.
Speaker of the day was Richard Beyer, historian, author, and documenter of war stories. His current passion is a book, a History Channel documentary and maybe a movie, called The Ghost Army which details a group of 1,100 soldiers, who were involved in 21 deceptive missions during World War II. This involved inflatable tanks, fake sound effects and counterfeit radio communications to name a few. He provided excerpts of the book, just released, and a slide show describing various missions. There are only 21 of the 1,100 soldiers still alive and a point of interest, John McGlynn, former Chairman of the Board at Medford Co-operative, my previous employer, and a long time Massachusetts politician, is one of the 21 remaining individuals of this group. He was a Morse code expert and used to tell us stories of fake information he sent in order to confuse the enemy.Say La Vie, your faithful Scribe, PP John
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