Rotary Spoke

Posted by Stephen Kirkland 
on Nov 10, 2014
 
 

It was precisely 12:30 when Pres. Dave rang the bell to begin the November 10th meeting of the Lexington Rotary Club at Waxy O'Conner's.  The weather was brisk but sunny and nice.  It was the typical luncheon fare of salad, cold cuts, with an entree of chicken and rice.  Drinks were the usual as were the cookies.  The attendance today was 23 Rotarians and 4 guests for a total of 27, until P.P. Murray arrived late to make the total 24 Rotarians.  Today's guests were all from the Lexington Symphony:  Jonathan McPhee, Music Director (and conductor); Epp Sonin, President; Samantha Wade, Operations Manager; and Dick Fields, whatever his title is, and I won't say it like P.P. Dave Brothers did in his introduction (I'm sure he was just trying to get a plug in for his Dick's wife's store, the Crafty Yankee).

Raffle gifts today were by Fitness Together, Arlex Oil, P.P. Doug Holmes, Lexington Ace Hardware, and I'm sure one of the Banks. Winners were: Dick Fields, P.D.G. Jack Maloney, P.P. Dave Eagle (who had to have his prize delivered to him), Samantha Wade, and -per usual- P.P. Ed Grant (who wins every week) who donated his winning ticket to guest Epp Sonin.

Happy Dollars!

  • were given by several Rotarians today for the great Veteran's Day breakfast held Saturday morning at St.Brigid's.  Thanks to Susan C. for putting it all together, and to P.P. Jim F. for bringing and donating many copies of Brookhaven's book, A Common Purpose.  I heard many very happy veterans talking about the great gift.
  • P.P. Nick C. put in happy dollars for the yeoman's duty done at the dishwashing sink by P.P. Don M. and P.P. Bill C.  
     
  • P.P. Bob O. contributed happy dollars for a cruise that he recently took.  It was a fundraising cruise that he took on The Freedom of the Seas with some 2,300 other bikers (not bicyclists).  The worthy cause was a dialysis fund.  It raised an amazing amount of money and they all had a great time.
     
  • Guest Dick Fields gave happy dollars for P.P. Jim S's son Devin hitting the longest home run ever in the history of something (I don't know what it was).

Today's Announcements:

  • Cash Raffle is all set.  See you Friday night at Waxy's.  First number drawn at 6:30 will win $5,000.  Thank you Steve Mead.
     
  • Bucket Raffle is all set for the same night.  Thank you P.P. Dan B. 
     
  • November 24th is the joint Thanksgiving meeting with the Burlington Rotary Club with the football teams and cheerleaders and the whole shebang.  Guest speaker is going to be Eddie Andelman, long-time sports radio talk show host.
     
  • December 22nd is the Christmas Party.
     
  • January 31st is the Polar Plunge.

ImageGuest Speaker:

P.P. Jim S. introduced his friend (Jim has lots of friends) Jonathan McPhee as today's speaker.  Jonathan is the Music Director for the Lexington Symphony, among many other things.Image P.P. Jim's introduction was overflowing as he recounted Jonathan's many accomplishments and the places worldwide that he has conducted.  You can read more about Jonathan on the website http://lexingtonsymphony.org/. 
Jonathan's talk with us was focused on Lexington Symphony, which is in its 20th season.  This year, since Cary Hall is being renovated, they are playing at Lexington High School.  Jonathan spoke about music being basic to all humanity, how it is played at marriages, burials and celebrations, and how it can immediately transport you to a place you were when you heard a particular piece. Education, inspiration and entertainment were the three key things that Jonathan said music should provide.  This year's new initiative is "Movie Night", to be held Feb. 14th, Valentine's Day, presenting music from the movies.  There is a reception beforehand. Lexingtonian Brady Hearn, who composes for the movies, will be on hand to discuss the integration of music in films.  This sounds like a great way to spend Valentine's Day with your sweetie and Jonathan looks forward to seeing everyone.  In addition to the season's performances, the Lexington Symphony also focuses on the education of youth and encouraging young musicians, with its signature program of OKTC for third and fourth graders (Orchestrating Kids Through Classics) as well as programs for other age groups.

The 50/50 Raffle:  today's winner, P.P. John O'Donnell $800.

All for now.  See you on Friday for the raffles.

S.C.K.

P.S.  I forgot to tell you that we had a great pledge of allegiance led by P.P. Jim S.  and we sang one verse of "My Country Tis of Thee" by P.P. Dan O. and the invocation was delivered P.D.G. Jack M.