December 7, 2007 Meeting

Pledge, Song & Invocation

Despite the frigid weather, the full house crowd was in good voice today with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Madame Prez Helene Michel. Songstress Marie Stultz, however, had a false start finding the tune for "God Bless Our Rotary." Once back on track, she and everyone else sang with gusto, which inspired "Rev.-in-Lawyer's Clothes" Peter Caruso to eloquently praise God and the good works of our club.

Guests & Visitors

Rotarians Major Alberto Suarez of the Salavation Army from the Lawrence club, and Kim Hozarvardian (?) from the Concord club were visitors today. (this reporter is only sure of the "ian" at the end of Kim's name!) Also on hand were the Buck girls, Kathleen and Caroline, and our own Brazlian exchange student Felipe, who admitted he loves our American breakfasts.

Club Business

Holiday Party - Final sign-up sheets were passed around for the soiree at Marie's house on Thursday evening 12/13. The fee is $25, plus a $15 Yankee Swap gift. This is a fun-filled evening taking place in Marie's gloriously decorated warm and cozy home. It's the don't-miss event of the year, so come one, come all and spread some holiday cheer!

President Helene read two thank you notes today. The first was from Donna-Lee Rubin for the $7,000 check the club presented last week for the upcoming Rotaplast mission. The second was from Elizabeth Roos, assistant principal at West Elementary School, thanking us for the club's donation to start up their STOP program, and for the books and marvelous readers who are participating in the venture.

Community Service

President Helene introduced new Community Service Chair Bill Buck (who needs no introduction) and thanked him for taking on the responsibility.

Bill updated and thanked us for the toys and gifts for the gift drive. All deliveries must be made to Brian Dauphin's office before the pickup next Tuesday, December 11.

Salvation Army - Major Suarez thanked Bill for contacting him about signing up bell ringers for this year's collection. He said they are working with the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune on the Santa Fund this year and they need $92,000 to meet their goal. Here's another way to spread holiday cheer, so be sure to get your name on the sign-up list!

In keeping the holiday tradition, there will be a group singing at Wingate Nursing facility on Monday December 17 at 6 p.m. If you plan to attend, please email Bill to sign up.

West Elementary STOP Program is on track with different themes being emphasized each month, including friendship, cooperation, respect and tolerance.

Upcoming events include a book drive for the Beverly School of Kenya to take place after the holidays.

International Service

Donna-Lee Rubin gave an in-depth report on the partnership formed between Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the latter of which has pledged a $100M matching grant to be matched over a period of 3 years. This is the largest grant in Rotary's history. Rotary, UNICEF and the World Health Organization will use most of the money to vaccinate in polio-risk countries where previous goals were missed in 2002 and 2005 due largely to conflicts in those areas.

Joan Johnson was relieved to learn that this dissertation would replace her hastily-planned Rotary Minute.

Raffle

With 16 cards remaining in the pack, President Helene found the Ace of clubs and Marie located the 10 of diamonds, but the joker remained at large. At the next meeting on December 21, with 14 cards remaining, you will have a chance to purchase extra tickets to increase your chances of nailing that joker and winning the mega-pot. That meeting will also feature some other fun activities, so mark your calendars and be sure to be present on the 21st!

Main Event

PP Jim Greeley waxed eloquent in introducing his old pal and our speaker of the day, Jerry Dugal, Director of Mental Health at Jim's favorite hangout, Merrimack College. Jerry's credentials include President of the Merrimack Valley Psychological Association and PhD in Psychology and Education.

Jerry talked about the number of students coming to college who are on medications for bi-polar disorder, anxiety and other mental disfunctions. He attributes some of it to the millenial generation not being strengthened enough, due in part to "helicopter parents," who are even more in the picture with the advent of cell phones. He said that pupils coming to college with medications was rare years ago. It has become so prevalent that Princeton has actually hired a second full-time psychologist to handle mental health issues. He said that many students have the expectation of getting a quicker fix by taking a pill. Those who are bringing the anti-anxiety drugs and pain killers are also finding a market on campus to re-sell the drugs to users.

Jerry told us that Massachusetts has the highest diagnosis in the country of cases of learning disorder and attention deficit disorder. He believes it is due to the liberal tendencies in the culture. Students are also not practicing social learning because of using computers and cell phones, rather that interacting face to face.

It was a very interesting subject which certainly merits more thought.

Sergeant-at-Arms

Short-timer Henry Broekhoff collected a few bucks just to beef up the larder, then proceeded to Happy Bucks. Mark Spencer announced that on Wednesday next, Santa-cum-Paul Brown will be hanging around his studio in case you've missed a trip to the mall or any other Santa hangout; Matt Gold was pleased that the Boston Gospel Choir would be performing at Temple Emanuel; Deedee O'Brien praised Santa's visit to Ironstone and also encouraged the group to frequent the restaurants in Lowell on Friday, Dec. 14 in order to enjoy the visit of 40 Santas and Elves, who will be attempting to refill the coffers at Ironstone.

Rick Downey reported that his cousin's and her new baby are in good health; proud papa Steve Druth bragged about his son Alex receiving his black belt in tai kwon do; the usually miserly Paul Brown tossed in a fin for a great Christmas season; Justin Littlefield announced that his anticipated twins are both boys; Peter Cotch threw in a couple for today's speaker helping us to understand Jim Greeley, for his Jewish friends celebrating Hanukah, and for Pearl Harbor day; Dave Sollars had a few more for the speaker and for another anticipated Pats win; not to be outdone by Justin, Jim Sutton reminded us that his daughter is expecting twins (gender unspecified) in January.

Ray Cannon had several: for Bill Buck as Community Service chair, thanking all our veterans, and for the season to be jolly; Sue Big thanked Bob Troiano for being such a good host to Felipe; Howard just in general for the holiday season; Helene for Felipe, who will be moving soon to the Spencer household (good luck!). Felipe finished off the round with his interpretation of the typical AHS student greeting, "Yo, 'Sup?"

See you at Marie's!