Rotary Spoke
On a cold, dreary, wet Monday, 26 Rotarians and 2 guests gathered for a feast of Caeser salad, chicken parmesan and ziti.
The pledge was led by Antonios G., first verse of America by past S of A Charlie V. and the invocation given by PDG Jack M.
PP Dan O. introduced Dr. Ali Sharrif, an endodontist located in PP Murry’s old office. PP Murry paid a $2 dollar fine for luring this guest away from PP Dan O’s table, although it was Dan who sent him that way. The other guest was former Lexington Rotarian Matthew C. Guy who remembered our club as bigger and louder. PP Dan O. then led all in the usual rousing welcome song.
Raffle gifts were donated by Charter Insurance, Arlex Oil, the Lexington Rotary Club, Lexington Periodontics and Diane Piper.
Don Mahoney donated $3 for a mistake in the previous bulletin stating that he and his wife celebrated 25 happy years together. What did that say about the other 20 years? PP Spencer B. gave happy dollars for his new home at 76 Sweetwater Road in Bedford. Past president Bob S. questioned Spencer’s three houses in two years. Not to worry the new house was always the plan! PP Don M. translated PP Spencer’s happy dollars and announcement of his new address as a plea for donations of meals for the next week or so! Pres Jim contributed $12 as he was very happy to see perspective member and his old friend Matt as a visitor. Again this week PP Don M. donated happy dollars for the Pats win on Sunday. PP John O. inquired about the financial stability of the club as Pres Jim waived the no guest fees. John paid five dollars for standing up and possibly scaring away members. A comment was made that our meetings can sometimes seem like a root canal.
PP Ed G. asked for clarification of the holiday schedule. There is no meeting on 12/23/13 but a regular meeting on 12/30/13. The holiday party is 12/16/13. Comedian and magician Peter Gross (and Santa) will entertain us. Pres Jim encouraged all to invite guests to the festivities, and please RSVP. Today’s speaker Rick A. from Across Lexington rescheduled for 1/6/14.
Pres Jim thanked everyone for the success of the Thanksgiving basket project, especially past S of A Sean M. and the youth commission, and PP Nick C. and Wagon Wheel nursery. Twenty seven baskets were delivered serving 98 on the rainy Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Without a speaker, Pres Jim started a lively discussion about membership. Our goal of netting one or two members is within reach. Pres Jim knows of two prospective members summiting applications. Both the RI President and our District Governor John H. have made increasing membership a priority. There has been much discussion on all levels about new ways to do this. There will be a mass mailing to invite individuals with in-home businesses. VP David S. suggested a follow-up mailing. A personal telephone call will then follow. Senior communities can be a resource for new members as well as other volunteer organizations and former members. Pres Jim reminded all to have conversations about Rotary and to get out publicity by looking down all avenues. The question of our meeting day and time was discussed. Breakfast or Dinner? PP Doug H. told of many California towns with two clubs, one lunch and the other either breakfast or dinner. RI sees one way to increase membership by adding a second club at a different time. It was reported at the Lisbon convention that worldwide this practice had no loss of members. Many great ideas were shared. All are asked to think about membership!
VP David S. noted that the committee assignments will be out before 2015. Well, before the new baby. Please let him know of your interests or requests.
Lori M.