Rotary Spoke 06 15 15
Posted by Allan Azoff
on Jun 16, 2015
Lexington Historical Society Hosts Rotary Club of Lexington at Buckman Tavern
.jpg)
It was a raining hard,,,,in Lexington (musical reference substituting Frisco for Lexington, any takers?). It was also a cool and dreary day, until a hearty group of Rotarians convened at the Buckman Tavern much like the minute men did in Colonial Times (does PP Jim get a fine for that) for the weekly meeting (not sure how many showed up at Waxy’s). We gathered in an intimate, brightly lit room with a wonderful display of Lexington’s history on the wall (which Rotary of Lexington was instrumental in making possible). Lunch consisted of a variety of bag lunches which were made by Panera that included large sandwiches (I had the smoked turkey…it was very good, needed mustard), chips and an enormous chocolate chip cookie, and of course soda and water.
There were 21 Rotarians and 3 guests/ hosts for a total of 24 (If math continues to be a requirement, I may not do the bulletin again).
The bell was rung with a refreshing and welcome vigor by PDG Jack which brought everyone to their feet for the pledge which was led by PP Nick (as the flag was proudly held and waived by PDG Jack and PSaA Connie). That was followed by one verse of America, led by PP Jim. The invocation was given eloquently by PDG Jack who also suggested that we keep PP Dave E in our thoughts and prayers. We all whole heartedly agree.
We then sang the welcome song to our host/guests. Someone mentioned that we sounded much better in the smaller room. Personally, I’m not convinced the performance was an improvement. But on the positive side, it certainly couldn’t have been worse than usual.
Raffle gifts were provided by Arlex Oil, Bickling Financial, Walpole Bank, Brookhaven and Patriot Community Bank.
Happy dollars were given by P2B Dominic in honor of his daughter’s 24th birthday and for the fact that she’s moving out leaving him an empty nester. He said he’s going to miss her. (I wonder how she feels about it…)
PP Nick gave some happy dollars for a reception he attended honoring Executive Director of the Hayden Recreation Center, Don M. for his upcoming retirement, well deserved Don. He said there was a discrepancy between the Don he knows and the Don that was being honored at the reception. Could there be more than one Don? Don M then gave happy dollars for the reception in his honor.
The only fine of the day was levied and upheld on PP Spencer for having the unmitigated audacity (see chutzpah) to utter an insult directed at our esteemed President. When PP Spencer attempted to mount a defense, the fine was immediately doubled…..and upheld yet again.
Pres. Dave announced that next week’s meeting (6/23) will be at Waxy’s and will encompass a discussion about a satellite club.
The following week’s meeting (6/30), also at Waxy’s, will be the installation of Domenic Sicari as the new President of the Rotary Club of Lexington. (I hope his daughter will make it now that she’s out of the house)
We didn’t have a speaker today in the traditional sense. Our 3 hosts/guests each took a few moments
to educate us. First was the Executive Director of Lexington Historical Society, Susan Bennett, who thanked certain Rotarians for helping with renovations and restorations of the tavern. She also thanked Rotary for helping to provide the new tour and the new exhibit “Community Answers the Call” and all that Rotary does for the Lexington community.
Then Lexington Historical Society 1st Vice President Bill Poole talked about the original Buckman Tavern and the importance of the location of the tavern in relation to the town meeting house. That proximity made the Buckman Tavern a very important meeting place in its own right.
Finally Elaine Doran, the Archivist-Curator of the Lexington Historical Society talked about the collections at the tavern, particularly the one in the room we were in, donated by the club, which held delicate and valuable artifacts dating back to 1776. Some of the items on display were some artifacts that belonged to local women, the Diamond Drum and the church silver that was taken from the meeting house and hidden from the British soldiers.
The 50/50 raffle winner was PP Bob Sacco for a whopping $80. Apparently Bob has hit a streak of good luck lately. Hmmmm.
President Dave presented our hosts with a gift which was given to Rotary in the Tavern’s honor to help eradicate polio in the world. They graciously accepted.
The meeting came to an end little early, the bell was rung again by PDG Jack and out we went. All in all, a good Monday meeting, but aren’t they all…well there was that one meeting with the 1000 year old man, but I digress.
Have a great week everyone.
Allan A
.jpg)
