Rotary Spoke 05 04 15
Posted by Spencer Betts
on May 05, 2015
New Director of Veteran's Services for Lexington/Bedford Speaks to Rotary
On a wicked awesome sunny spring day, 22 Rotarians, 3 guest Rotarians and our speaker meet at the Waxy O’Connor’s with President David S presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by PP Nick C, one verse of American was led by PP Dan O, and PDG Jack provided the Invocation. One of our visiting Rotarian was from the Pachuca Club in Mexico City. Ignacio Gomez worked at Lahey Clinic for many years and returned back to Mexico recently. He is looking for any used medical equipment that could possibly be donated. You can email him at Ignacio.Gomez@lahey.org. 
P David started the meeting reading a thank you letter from the Old Guard. He also reminded everyone that April was perfect attendance month and he is leaving this week open for anyone to make up any meeting they may have missed in April. Our annual scholarship recipients meeting is next week. Please try to attend. Comedy Night this Friday. Remember it is at the Burlington Hilton Garden Inn in BURLINGTON. Sports Nights is May 26th form 6 to 9 pm at the high school. We will be doing our annual event at the Bedford VA on Memorial Day, more details to come.
Happy dollars started from PP Frank S, Frank was grateful to the club and the members that helped with the Sand For Seniors community service event. He wanted to thank PP Jim F for housing the buckets for the summer and all his help in getting the event to run smoothly. PP Frank was also happy for a trip to the Masters, but he only had $15 to pay for all his happiness because his daughter is off to Cornell and she took the rest of his cash out of his wallet the night before. PP Doug H put in some happy dollars for be able to attend the district events over the weekend. PP Dan B’s (White Hat Winner) daughter Jena is receiving her 2nd degree in nursing. PDJ Jack’s wife had successfully surgery and is doing well. PDJ Jack was also happy for PP Dan’s White Hat award. PE Domenic was happy for his first vacation in 5 years. PP Spencer was happy his shoulder surgery went smoothly. SA Steve M had a fun but not relaxing trip walking around DC with his family. Finally, PP Jim S, was grateful to Eagle Bank for their local business promotional table that featured Majestic Cruises & Tours. Michelle G was happy to pay for the free advertisement.
Raffle gifts were donated by Walpole Co-Op bank, Encharter Insurance, Colonial Times, and Arlex.
Gina Rada (grada@lexingtonma.gov) the district Director of the Veterans’ Services for Lexington and Bedford was our speaker. Gina recently transitioned from the Watertown office to the Lexington/Bedford position and this was her first time at a Rotary meeting. Gina, a 6-year veteran in the Air Force, grew up in Malden. Gina is a third generation veteran of the arm forces. She became passionate on wanting to help veterans collect the benefits that they are owed while trying to collect on her own befits after she discharged from the Air Force. She experienced the long hold times and the bureaucracy of trying to get the benefits that she was entitled to receive. At her current position she helps veterans and their spouses collect on the benefits they so rightfully deserve. Her office is located in the Senior Center, but will be moving to the new Community Center in June. An example of what she does is help with low income assistance, or Chapter 115 benefits, which helps veterans who need financial assistance. Gina lives in Bedford with her two daughters.
PP Bob S won the 50/50 again.
SB