September 14, 2007 Meeting

Pledge, Song & Invocation

After the sound of the bell by President Helene Anderson Michel, the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated and two verses of "For the Beauty of the Earth" were sung (by all but Mark). Aware of Rev. Cal's absence, Ray Cannon did a very admirable segue into the invocation, invoking the beauty of the day and asking for a little help for the Red Sox.

Guests and Makeups

Guests today included one of our favorites from Lawrence, Richard Hart Harrington; David Baron, fellow Chamber of Commerce member and guest of Bill Buck, and today's speaker, Karen Giangrande.

Somebody (I think it was Peter Cotch) made up in Rockport!

Announcements

A Taste of Glass Wine Tasting - Thursday, September 27, 6-9 p.m. at the Andover Inn. Connoisseur-extraordinaire Richard Brenner reminded us once again that there is only one week (ooops - two weeks) until this fine event takes place, so be sure to sign up and purchase your tickets early, and remember to invite your friends and potential new Rotarians. Jessica Miele and Richard distributed invitations to be shared.

Get Well Wishes - ADG Keith Harris has recently undergone heart surgery and will appreciate your greetings. Helene will forward his website link to all for your convenience in wishing him a speedy recovery.

Rotary Youth Exchange - A rather frazzled-looking Bob Troiano, sporting the green and yellow team colors of the Brazil soccer team, reported on the frenzy that takes place at one of their games after having experienced an interchange between Brazil and Mexico last week at Gillette Stadium. Apparently this is an event at which a bit of body armour, as well as a raincoat would be appropriate. Nevertheless, Felipe and Bob returned home (at 3:30 a.m.) ebullient at the Brazilian victory, so all was worth the risk!

Andover Days - Saturday, September 15 - Rotary will have a table to introduce the community to our club and its many works. Any help in relieving Helene at the booth will be appreciated.

Ambassadorial Scholar Program, Northeast Link - our own rep Jim Sutton will attend and report back to us.

Rotary Minute

Taking on the responsibility of double duty today, Ray Cannon took a different tack and challenged each table to come up with the correct answer to a particular Rotary question or risk being fined a buck for each member of a team giving an incorrect response. Sadly, later in the meeting Henry was able to collect from each and every table, thereby proving that more Rotary education is still needed. Ray was still able to glean a weak applause before taking his seat!

Auction Minute

Auction - November 2 (coming up fast) The ever-enthusiastic Auction chair David Lindsay displayed cards indicating that the number of donations has risen to an amazing total of 12, and that sponsorship is at $5,300. Naturally there was a bit a disappointment in his voice as he cajoled us into being more diligent by distributing "Save the Date" and registration cards to everyone and spoke once again about the need to "make it snappy!"

Sponsorship Chair Henry Broekhoff added his two cents by reminding everyone to come up with the promised sponsorships and donations.

Guest Speaker

Citizens Who Care originator Mark Spencer gave a brief introduction to one of this year's honorees, Karen Giangrande, providing us with a vivid description of the amazing ability of one family to "roll up their sleeves" to make a difference. The entire family, led by daughter Kristina, has worked over the past 5 years on the "Winter Warmth Project...for Kids, by Kids."

Karen described how their family had decided that birthdays should become a time to give rather than receive. Daughter Kristina, then 8, and Karen had visited Lazarus House to donate some gifts. Upon receiving a tour of the entire facility, Kristina became concerned about the homeless. One night when they were camping in their backyard, Kristina remarked that wouldn't it be wonderful if they could provide tents and blankets to all the homeless in the shelter.

Picking up on this idea, but with a slight change, Karen suggested that maybe they could provide warm hats and mittens to keep the people warm. Kristina took the challenge and began writing to companies such as Land's End, Timberland, and others to ask for donations. The family also arranged bake sales to raise funds to purchase items. The second year they were able to receive donations of coats and boots, and they got other kids involved. They contacted the Superintendent of Schools and learned that many kids came to school with no coats. By year 3 the word had spread and they had teachers waiting at the school doors to ask for donations.

They then applied for 501c(3) status, which allowed them to receive cash donations from the Ronald McDonald Charity Foundation, Lowell Spinners, and many others. With the cash they were able to shop, much of it at Marshall's where they received assistance from the staff, thereby allowing them to choose individual items for specific children identified by their teachers. The children's friends and classmates formed big wrapping parties and were able to provide last year 1,400 coats to 85% of the kids identified by counselors.

Karen presented a brief slide show of all the Giangrande family including Kristina, Liza, Peter and Jason, as well as father David, participating in the various aspects of the project. If you would like to help this amazing project, you may contact Karen at kk6644@comcast.net. They need help with bake sales, shopping expeditions and general adult supervision.

Raffle

There were 36 cards still on the rack, and half of $346 up for grabs, but Rick Stern could only dig out a 3 of clubs. Peter Caruso was able to locate the queen of the same suit, thereby providing him with $10 lunch money for the week!