Tip O'Neill Visits Rotary

 

On a lovely, sunny and warm June Monday, twenty-six Rotarians and one guest gathered for a delicious buffet lunch. On the menu today were salad, Penne Bolognese, cold cuts and cookies. The pledge was led by Julie P., the first verse of America by Charlie V. and the invocation was given by PP Don S.

After some discussion between PP Nick C. and acting secretary VP David S., about a mystery guest, it turned out to be just an upside down badge. The one guest was Lori M.’s son E.J., a very good looking, accomplished young man. PP Don O. then led the welcome song, after which he donated a happy dollar for a song well sung.

 Pres. Jim read two thank you letters and told of an email from scholarship recipients.

 At this time, Pres. Jim donned a wig, as he did Friday night (before his comedy bit as a Rodney impersonator). He did not get any respect when PP Murry A. donated a happy dollar for our “handsome” president. Charlie V. paid $20.00 for missing comedy night.    President Jim started the happy dollars for comedy night thanking the committee, PP Dan B., PP Dave E., Michelle G., Treasurer Donna and PP Bob S. PP Spencer B. donated happy dollars for comedy night. Three hundred eleven tickets were sold.  The event also raised around $3000 from the silent auction and 50/50 raffle.

 PP Spencer also had happy dollars for a beer and wine tasting event in the Barrel Room of Busa’s in Burlington and for the purchase of his first American car, a Ford Explorer.

 PP Don gave twenty happy dollars for comedy night finding the food better this year. He did comment that his friend thought Pres. Jim looked more like Tip O’Neil. The Second gift certificate from Crafty Yankee donated for the silent auction was then raffled off to PP Dave E. for the face value of $50.

 PP John O. gave happy dollars, with tears in his eyes as he remembered the best day of his life, 30 years ago when he agreed to obey and cherish his lovely wife.                                                    

Ken W. reminded everyone of the upcoming social at Busa Wine and Spirits in Burlington in the Barrel Room on June 19th at 6:30 p.m. The theme is a taste of summer.  

Treasurer Donna, after being passed over repeatedly, fined Pres. Jim, explaining that the rules dictate that the incoming Pres. ask for the vote and the current Pres. steps aside. Pres. Jim needless to say, paid $5. What Treasurer Donna had wanted to say (and to give happy dollars) was that her guest, a repeat comedy night attendee, won the 50/50 and that she had won a gift certificate. Was there a “vig”?

Pres. Jim told how his wife commented on a photo Friday night saying he was making a ridiculous face, not commenting at all about his hair?

PP Dan B. fined PP Spencer the chair for Comedy Night for the butchering of every name Friday night except our own Michelle G. Someone said he should have practiced. “Is that the truth?’

Pres. Jim did pay $15 for announcing the wrong winner at comedy night. PP Murry A. got a call from his brother-in-law telling him he won.

There were some complaints about raffle tickets. There were not enough and they were “terrible to rip”, which Treasurer Donna confirmed. PP Spencer purchased two full wheels at a reputable office supply store. At this crazy point, PP Nick C. paid the fine saying PP Spencer should have immunity! Michelle paid $10 for comedy night, thanking Melissa for a great job.

Finally Megan asked Pres. Jim to remove the disturbing wig for $15. Fines were paid. PP John O. paid $10 so the wig could disappear.

Incoming President David S. has sent out all committee assignments. Please return committee reports.  If you need help, please contact VP Dave S.  PP Dan B. returned his in 15 minutes.

Raffle gifts donated by Lexington Rotary, Vail Studies, Busa Wine and Spirits, Patriot Bank, and Arlex Oil.

There was no speaker today, (Thank goodness, or you’d be reading another ten minutes), but, there was a special guest appearance by Tip O'NeillImage

Best wishes to Steve M. and his son.

The Installation is June 30th at our regular meeting time of 12:15 at Waxy’s for lunch.

LM 781 789 2206

Please forgive any discrepancies or omissions as this author was trying to translate for her very engaging guest.