Rotary Spoke
Today’s weather was sunny and, yes, I hate to say it, still cold.
The luncheon fare was the usual array of salad, cold cuts, cookies and our hot item, spaghetti and meatball. An Irish Pub serving spaghetti and meatballs, who could imagine.
Attendance was booked at 37 with 31 Lexington Rotarians, 1 Visiting Rotarian and 5 Guests (including the speaker) I think. Our visitors were, Burlington Rotarian and ADG
Ray Graber, Josie Kirkland, Speaker Mary Jo Bohart, Selectman Candidate Michelle Ciccolo and School Committee Candidate Judy Crocker. Don’t forget to vote on Monday, March 3rd.
Raffle gifts were donated by, Ray Ciccolo, Arlex Oil Corp., Lexington Periodontics, Patriot Community Bank, The Rotary Club of Lexington and Vail’s Studios.
The pledge was led by PP Jim F, 1st Verse of America by Charlie V, The Invocation by PDG Jack M. and the Welcome Song by PP Dan O.
Happy Dollars Abound
· $20 – PE Dave S. for selling his Malden condo (he tried to pay $20 for the brokers fee but they said no.)
· $20 – PP Dan O. for a vacation
· $50 – Steve K. for and upcoming vacation and a birthday. I thought they stopped at 39.
· $ 2 - PP Bob “Daddy Warbucks” S. for a birthday.
· $10 – PP Murry A. just because he’s a happy guy and a birthday.
· $12 – Charlie V. a birthday.
· $10 – Pres. Jim S for the testimony he gave at the State Tourism Commission (don’t know if it was for the defense or prosecution).
Fines – NONE – Everybody Happy!
Announcements
Pres. Jim read thank you letters from Ovations for the Cure and The Ellie Fund, the two received donations from our Holiday Party collections.
Comedy Night is Friday, May 30th, Tickets will be $60 and a table of ten will be $500 (sell tables). Comedians will Be Lenny Clarke, Artie the Pharmacist and Tony V as our MC. We are looking for Silent Auction items, please contact PP Dan B.
Speaker
Our speaker was Mary Jo Bohart, Executive Director of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. Mary said she looks at the Chamber as a Minor League team and the members as potential future Rotarians. She feels that the role of the Chamber is to provide support, marketing tools, events and representation for its business members in the community. To be advocates for members when it comes to local, state or national issues that affect them. She would love to collaborate with Rotary to be a welcoming tool for new businesses coming to town. She would also like to host more social events to allow members to meet other members and hopefully find new members. Their ongoing Business Breakfast series has been very successful and the Summer Concert Series as well is very well received in the community. 
The Chamber currently has approximately 280 member businesses with Lexington estimating there are between 1500 and 1800 total businesses in town. Dues/costs to be a member of the Chamber vary depending on the size of the business (number of employees). To learn more about the Lexington Chamber of Commerce go to www.lexingtonchamber.org.
50/50 was $85.00 and was won by PP Spencer B.
Respectfully submitted by,
PP Dan B.