Rotary Spoke

On a cool, sunny  fall day, 24 Lexington Rotarians, two visiting Rotarians and one guest Rotarian gathered for our regular weekly meeting. President Jim S.  rang the bell at 12:30 PM.

Michelle G. led the pledge, Charlie V. led one verse of America and PDG Jack M. gave the invocation. The welcome song was led by PE  Dave S.

Our lunch consisted of mac & cheese with sausage, garden salad, cold cuts, vegetables, as well as bread, cookies and beverages.

Raffle gifts were donated by, Encharter, Arlex Oil, Walpole Bank, Lexington Periodontics and The Rotary Club of Lexington.

Our speaker guest was Florence DelSanto Executive Director of LexMedia.

President Jim S. gave happy dollars for his wife Laurie completing her radiation treatments.

PDG Jack M. gave happy dollars because he attended The Rotary Club of Concord celebration for Dick Hale, who celebrated 50 years of perfect attendance.

PP Dave E. gave happy dollars for an article in The Colonial Times that mentioned the good work Rotary has done for the Lexhab projects.

1st VP Domenic S. gave happy dollars for his birthday on Halloween Day and for the great pumpkins he bought from Secy/ 2nd VP Susan C.

PP Murry A. paid a fine for himself and PP Bob S. for talking during the meeting.

PP Bob S. was later fined for having his cell phone ringer turned on.

Announcements for the week included the following:

• Michelle G. gave the raffle ticket update and encouraged people to donate bucket prizes.

• Secy/ 2nd VP Susan made an announcement for the Veterans Breakfast that will be held on November 2, 2013 at St. Brigid’s Parish Kielty Hall. Rotarians must wear white shirts and black pants. Please report no later than 8:00 AM.

• President Jim S. thanked everyone who was able to attend the flagpole dedication ceremony that took place last Friday in honor of Dinesh Rajbhandary, who was killed in action in Grenada.

Our guest speaker, Florence DelSanto Executive Director of LexMedia spoke to us about the many changes that have happened throughout the years that have made LexMedia a very good local cable channel. She mentioned her early career that started in 1981 with a new startup called CNN. In 1992 she signed on as a foreign reporter with NBC. She spent two years in Lebanon and then in 1984 reported from Moscow. She then came back home and worked for the Christian Science Monitor. Finally, she started a new career as the Executive Director of LexMedia. She mentioned how bad the early days were at Lexmedia and how the content was not to the liking of many people. Throughout the years many changes came about, including a new state of the art studio, which is one of few in the United States that can broadcast in HD. The Lexington 300th celebrations were a true test for LexMedia. who for the first time ever, broadcasted at the same time from several different locations. She encouraged all to visit  the LexMedia internet site at www.lexmedia.org The site explains everything as well as new apps for smart phones, tablets, and programing schedules.

The 50:50 was $ 75 and won by PDG Jack M. President Jim S. rang the bell and our meeting ended.

Respectfully, Domenic  Sicari