Rotary Spoke

On overcast, (not yet spring day), President Jim got 33 Rotarians & 1 Guest off to a late, fineable start.  Even though it was Cinco De Mayo Day, there was no Mexican, let alone Sangria; just the usual fare at Waxy O Connor’s Irish Pub and Restaurant.  The Board Meeting also ran late, likely adjourned from the Dublin Bar side room only to squeeze in our regular meeting; Guinness is good for you too.

Michelle G. led the Pledge of Allegiance, but with no abstinence; past Sgt Arms Charlie V.’s first verse of America harmonized with the jingle/jangle of PP Dan B.’s cell phone, almost muffling the sacred convocation of his holiness, PDG Jack M.  PP Dan O. led the welcome song, “For He’s a Jolly God Fellow,” to our one and only guest.

To no avail, PP Dan B. blamed the cell call on PP Dave E. who left early.  PP Dave probably stopped at the Dublin on the way out to order a double to match his fine for next week. Marian A. also paid for cell bells; someone said PP Dave E. made that call too, yelling “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”

Secretary Susan C. paid happy dollars for going broke after her daughter was accepted to Smith College.  Don M. paid happy dollars with the one sawbuck he had left from a trip to Atlantis.  PP Spencer B. bought a round for coming in the top 10% of his company and a trip to Hawaii.

Announcements included: President elect Dave S. said 17 students will be awarded scholarships at the May 19 meeting.  Julie P. reminded us of the Club’s Vynebrook Garden Plot project on Saturday, May 9, 9:00 AM, please respond.

Ken W. announced a Club Social event to be held Thursday, June 19, 6-6:30 PM, Busa Wine & Spirits, 34 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA; in the Barrel (as in beer and laughs) Room; designated as “Paint (as in the Town Red) Night.”  Comedy Night May 30, please get Ads to PP Bob S. by Wed this week.

At the Board Meeting, probably while on break from the Dublin, the Board voted $10,000 to the Lexington Historical Society for the Buckman Tavern Artifacts Preservation project.

Raffle gifts donated by Lexington Ace, Hardware, Vail Studios, Ray Ciccolo/Village Automotive, Walpole Cooperative, Patriots Community, and Eagle Bank[s].  PP John O., slurring his words, tried to dis the other Banks but ended up making a deposit to the Club tip jar.

Program Chair Steve M. introduced our speaker, Matt Foti, who gave a funny, informative power point presentation on “Revisions to Current Planting Methods and Bare Root Transplanting”.  He is an expert in tree care and landscaping. Matt grew up in Lexington, has had his landscaping and tree service business 37 years, now with 20 employees; teaches and consults on various Town tree laws; has a tree farm in Westford/Groton; and has become quite proficient and recognized in removing, relocating and restoring large trees, noting “if you cut down a tree, you wont have a customer.”

PP John O. must have been living in one of those trees, as he scooped the 50/50 raffle for $105, recouping, and then some, his earlier deposit.  Should have known …. .bankers never lose money.

Pres Jim then announced: “Last Call.” But most were sleeping it off so he ended the meeting.

As for me, I’m with W.C. Fields who said: “If I had to live life over again, I’d live it over a saloon.”

Bottoms Up, Go Bruins, Go Sox.

Cheers, PP Ed G.