Rotary Spoke

Burlington Rotary Club President Ethan S. kicked off the annual joint meeting with our Rotary Club of Lexington, the pre-Thanksgiving Day game warm up this year at the Hilton Garden Inn, hosting the Lexington Minutemen and Burlington Red Devils high school football teams, their captains, coaches, cheerleaders and band members, as well as school administration personnel.

Lexington Rotarians, some turkeys are indistinguishable, numbered 28 with Lexington guests another 25, with overall attendance approximately 120.   Buffet fare included chicken parmesan and fish and a medley of desserts.  I am a cheesecake guy and wasn’t disappointed.

Lexington Rotarians, not known for melodious welcome songs, got gleeful when Burlington football players led the Star Spangled Banner – talk about “low key.”  Rotarian glee doubled when Burlington President Ethan announced “no fines today.”  It must have been a Lexington Rotarian who muttered “Calling Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard.”  Our President Jim, on a mission to be “brief”, was, and spread around kindly acknowledgements and appreciation to all attendees.

Guest speaker was Mark Ockerbloom, Fox 25 News Anchor and former sports announcer and reporter.  Mark grew up in Winchester, started his career announcing Winchester high school games on cable, then moved on to college games at UNH and  Oklahoma, and covered the Dallas Cowboys.  He said the fan appeal of Oklahoma Sooners college football there is like Red Sox nation popularity here.He spoke of the unique tradition of the Thanksgiving Day football game, which may be the last for many seniors, and which carries forward unforgettable memories and models for life experience.  He noted that preparation------getting in shape, learning the rules, anticipating, thinking ahead---- all lessons learned in team sports----helped him to prepare and anticipate as a news and sports reporter.  Lexington Athletic Director Naomi Martin gave Mark a Lexington jersey lettered “Ockerbloom”; not to be outdone, the Burlington AD gave him a Red Devils jersey to “wear over it.”

Lexington Coach George Peterson and Burlington Coach Sean Maguire spoke of the great tradition of this game, and of our meeting to honor it over the last 30 plus years.

The meeting concluded with PP Jim F scoffing the “super bowl” raffle of $120.00.

Happy Thanksgiving to All and Go Minutemen!

PP Ed G.