Rotary Spoke

On Monday, February 25, the meeting was called to order at 12:31 PM.  Today’s weather was cloudy and cold.  Today’s luncheon fare included chicken, broccoli and ziti, and the usual cold cut platter and salad.

There were 28 Rotarians present. We were joined by three guests – our speakers for the afternoon – for a total of 31. 

Happy dollars were paid by PP Dan B. in support of Pres. Dave Sears and Steve Mead, who both made the ‘Plunge to End Polio’ – one in Gloucester and one in Maine.  PP Dan B. acknowledged that the Lexington club had raised $2,080 towards the district’s goal of $62,000.  PE Jim S. also paid happy dollars having been on hand in Gloucester to actually witness president Dave jump in to the icy Atlantic, not once, but twice (he’s out of his mind).  Happy dollars were also paid by PP Dan O for a trip to Anguilla and PP Spencer B. in recognition of the passing of Mr. Francis Smith, a longtime member of the Cambridge Rotary Club and the father of PP Frank Smith.

Raffle prizes were donated by Lexington Ace Hardware, Arlex Oil, Eagle Bank and the Lexington Rotary Club.  Winners included PP Dave E., PP Dan O., and two of our guests.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ken W., one verse of America was led by Michelle G., the invocation was said by PDG Jack M., and the “Welcome Song” was led by PSAA Charlie V.

Marian A. introduced our three guests, all of whom were representing the Huntington’s disease Society of America – New England Chapter (HDSA/NE).  Cheryl Sullivan spoke first.  She spoke about her family’s longtime battle with Huntington’s disease (HD). Her late husband, a captain in the Lowell Police department lost his battle several years ago at the age of 54.  One of two daughters is afflicted with the disease, and her other daughter is not completely free of the possibility of someday being diagnosed as well. 

The next speaker was Gina DeLucia who also lost her first husband to Huntington’s disease.  The also lost a child to the disease as well.  Gina explained that there are about 35,000 people afflicted with Huntington’s disease in the US. She further explained that as many as 250,000 are considered to be “at risk” due to their blood relationship to someone diagnosed with HD.  HD manifests itself as a degenerative brain disorder that eventually causes the patient to experience reduced cognitive abilities.  Symptoms include loss of balance, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech.  So far, no cure has been found and attempts to find a way to slow the progression of HD have not been successful.

Christine Morgan was the third and final speaker.  Christina is a member of the HDSA/NE board of directors and spoke about their on-going fundraising activities.

The guests announced that one of their annual fundraisers for HDSA/NE will be held in Lexington.  Their 31^st Annual Hoop-a-thon will be held at the Lexington High School gym on Saturday, March 9^th, from 11am – 3pm.  If you have any questions, please call 800-554-8102, ext. 17.

Pres. Dave, Cheryl Sullivan, Christine Morgan, Gina DeLucia

The 50/50 raffle was $80.  The lucky devil taking home the 50/50 prize was none other than this scribe.

Respectfully submitted,

PE Jim S.