Rotary Spoke

Spring was at its best today with mid 60 degree, sunny weather as we gathered together with 29 Rotarians, one visiting Rotarian and two guests at Waxy O’Connor’s with President Dave S at the podium christening our newly acquired gavel, a gift from Rotary Club of Concord at last week’s meeting. Ken W led the Pledge of Allegiance, with one verse of America led by Michelle G and PDG Jack M delivering the Invocation.

Happy dollars were in abundance as Michelle G announced her “little princess” turned three today. Returning Rotarian PP Nick C donated $10 for the sheer pleasure of our company (and missing the Concord joint meeting, standing up PDG Jack M). Steve M contributed $25 happy dollars for the opening day of the Bedford Little League which was not as balmy as we enjoyed today. Finally, but certainly not least, PDG Jack M contributed 50 happy dollars for being recognized at last week’s joint meeting for his continuous efforts in the Town of Concord. We are truly lucky to have Jack in our Club. Only one table paid fines for lack of guests

Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing, Patriot Bank, Vail Studios, Walpole Cooperative Bank, Peoples Bank and Arlex Oil donated raffle gifts.

For next Sunday’s Patriot’s Day event, walkers need to be at the intersection of Pleasant St and Mass Ave before 12pm as the road will be closed after that. They do have shuttles though so keep both options in mind. Tickets for winning the replica of the Lexington Bandstand will be available for sale on Sunday but you can get some early. Just see PP Bob S.  Also, everyone “on duty” should wear their Rotary shirts and dungarees to show our unity.

Don’t forget to root for your favorite team for the NCAA Championship Louisville vs. Michigan!

Today’s guest speaker was Jon Boswell, Media Relations and Marketing Manager for the Lowell Spinners (www.lowellspinners.com). The Lowell Spinners are Class A affiliates of the Boston Red Sox. While the Red Sox provide the players, coaches and medical staff for the Spinners, there is a lot more going on behind the scenes. Prior to baseball, there are games out front, giveaways, Frisbee dogs, sumo wrestlers and even the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine! Jon says they are all about the entertainment, including shooting a 76 year old man out of a cannon and stories of Jon Papelbon’s favorite story about milking cows on the field during his time with the Spinners!

Drew Webber has been the single owner since the mid 90’s when they started out at Alumni Stadium. They now play out of LeLacheur Park on Aiken St. in Lowell. Forty-five players vie for a spot in the big leagues but only as many as 5-6 may move on to achieve their aspirations of playing in the major leagues. During their time with the Spinners, each player is housed at the UMass Lowell dorms and earns a meager $480 every two weeks after living expenses for their efforts. There are no luxury accommodations for this team as that travel to games by bus.

The stadium capacity is 5,000 seats and with most tickets costing only $6 there’s no reason to put off going any longer! Jon was certainly a very enthusiastic guest and we’d do well to have him back – especially after they have a winning season!!

Julia P.