Rotary Spoke
Although I was coerced into the role of bulletin reporter today unexpectedly, I shall attempt to do an adequate job. Please forgive me in advance.
It was a spectacular summer day. 85 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. The lunch at Waxy’s was an interesting pasta creation, along with the usual ceasar salad, cold cuts, a choice of beverages and cookies. Yum…
There were 22 Rotarians and 1 visiting Rotarian for a total of 24…. (just making sure you’re paying attention). Our visitor today was Ingrid Ulheim. Ingrid has been a Rotarian in Norway for the past 5 years and she has just recently (8 days ago) moved to Lexington.
The meeting was brought to order by POD (president on deck) Dominic Sicari. The pledge was led by PSA Charlie Vail. One verse of America was led by someone, the invocation was given by PP Jim Shaw, and the welcome song was led by PP Dan Olsen.
After being reminded to do so by a screaming monkey (read on), POD Dom began the raffle. Prizes were donated by Patriot Bank, Vail Studios and Walpole Cooperative bank. As if that wasn’t enough, Bill Cassell, in honor of his last meeting for the season, donated what he called a rare, collectible “celebraduck”, and a “flying, screaming monkey”. Thanks Bill. If I missed anyone who donated, my apologies.
Happy dollars were flowing. PP Spencer donated $5 for his Mom’s successful operation and her returning attitude. PP Jim Freehling donated $10 for a nice article done by the second best paper in Lexington (his exact words) about the gardens at Brookhaven. POD Dom Sicari donated $10 for family fishing time. Julie Powers donated $5 and reminded us about the 5K Run/Walk on September 13th to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Julie encourages everyone to participate or volunteer. PP Bob Sacco donated $5 in honor of Meaghan Murphy’s winning homerun at the Lexington / Bedford softball game (way to go slugger!!!) PP Don Martini donated $10 for the opportunity to suggest (with an assurance of an additional $100 should the board approve) a by-law that says PP Bob Sacco must lip sync all future songs sung at Rotary meetings. (If that goes into effect for everyone it should, it will be a very quiet room). Finally, Bill Cassell donated $5 happy dollars because he had an opportunity to learn something new about memory retention over the summer (I honestly can’t remember what it was).
The only fines today were for the table with no guests. On that note, I am in awe of PP Jim Shaw who exploded into action with the alacrity of a hungry cheetah leaping from the tall grass to chase down an antelope. Why you ask? All so he could be the first introduce himself to our guest, who then sat at our table, saving his table mates from being fined. I have a whole new level of respect for his athleticism and table loyalty. Very smooooth.
PP Jim reminded us all about the senior BBQ taking place on Tuesday, September 23rd, Wednesday, September 24th and Thursday, September 25th. All members are encouraged to participate. We were also reminded that there will be no meeting next Monday, September 1st in honor of Labor Day.
PP Doug Holmes gave his classification speech. It’s his second classification speech in 40 years. He was only able to give half of the speech due to technical difficulties with his computer. Had he brought it with him, I’m sure that Andrew Bergmann could have helped him out. In any event, I for one found it very interesting. Looking forward to part 2. Thanks Doug.
The 50/50 raffle was won by PP Don Mahoney. It was a respectable $70 and the winning number was 471. Congratulations Don.
The bell was rung by POD Dom, and the meeting came to a close. Please remember there is no meeting next Monday, September 1st.
Submitted by Allan Azoff