January 11, 2008 Meeting

Pledge, Song & Invocation

The crowd was rather thin when we began, but after the Pledge of Allegiance the group perked up for one verse of "You Are My Sunshine," led by Joan Johnson as a tribute to the gloomy, rainy weather outside the windows. Substitute Padre Howard Perkins, did an admirable job of giving thanks for our many blessings and our ability to pass them on.

Guests & Visitors

We were joined today by Assistant District Governor Roger Bell, as well as Deedee's two guests from Citibank, Matthew Perry and Michelle Dupoe. The usual contingent of Buck, Spencer and Evans small fry were also in evidence.

Club Business

President Helene Michel read a thank you note from last week's guest speaker, Dr. Debbie London, who apparently survived and actually enjoyed her visit.

Paula Evans reminded everyone that she was collecting money to purchase books to take on the upcoming Rotaplast mission. She passed the hat, took IOUs and came up with a total of $450 donated or pledged. Obviously everyone took Howard's invocation to heart! If you still want to donate, make out checks to Rotary Club of Andover.

PDG Donna-Lee Rubin related her experience of a presentation at the Rotary Club of Naugatuck, CT, and presented to President Helene a check for $1,500 for the Rotaplast mission. Evidently our work is getting better press all the time.

Makeups & Raffle

The sun-tanned Peter Caruso arrived back from Florida with a makeup card from the Breakers in West Palm Beach.

The raffle pot was rather slim today, due to a recent windfall to Phil Mason, but Helene picked up the $10 consolation prize and let the rest of the pot stand. She noted that Alan was ready to relieve her of it, no doubt to help finance his upcoming ski trip!

Fines and Happy Bucks

Stand-in finemeister Jim Greeley hit up a number of people who were rooting for the Pats in the upcoming game on Saturday. Joan Johnson praised the piano peformance last Tuesday by Richard Brenner's daughter Diedre at the Memorial Hall Library. Deedee O'Brien welcomed her guests from Citibank; Alan revealed that the ski trip is to Vail; Peter Caruso told a tale about his granddaughter losing her breath while cheering for the Pats and then going to the hospital to uncover a respiratory ailment which was able to be treated successfully - all this being then related to Bob Kraft (for whatever reason).

Donna-Lee was sad to learn that her son will be relocating to D.C. and moving in with his girlfriend (alas, Mom's no longer first in his heart...). Paul Brown celebrated the Girl Scout cookie sales which were taking place by the Buck girls; Colin Leland put in a buck for the Pats and said he'd have his cookie list next week!

Roger Bell was happy to be back at our club; Helene had several for the Pats, for Citibank, for a party for 14 ladies while Alan is gone. Peter Cotch related that two Rotarians will be running for Andover public office this spring: Greg Rigby for School Committee, and Peter himself for Selectman. I guess this means vote early and often! Jim Greeley finished up by dropping in $20 for Jim Sutton's upcoming grand-twins, and presented him with two stuffed animals dressed in (what else) Merrimack College attire.

Special Raffle

Two very attractive forms of libation were donated to the Rotary Auction this year but were ineligible for auctioning off to the public. As a result, Dave Drinon was able to obtain a special bottle of scotch for his high bid, while Donna-Lee was the winner of a wine basket with accompaniments. Congratulations and thanks to both.

Tribute to Jim Sutton

The last 15 minutes of the meeting were devoted to a very special video assembled by Alan Michel, presenting the highlights of Jim Sutton's Rotary year as President. When viewed in its entirety, it is astonishing just how much good work and good times this club is able to share in one year. Thank you Alan and Jim!