March 7, 2008 Meeting

Pledge, Song & Invocation

Now that all of our equipment is back in our possession, President Helene Michel was able to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to a real flag. Songstress Marie Stultz launched immediately into a single verse of "America," (minus the rocks and rills, much to Mark Spencer's disappointment!) Parson-in-training Ray Cannon gave a short and meaningful blessing to the start of our day.

Guests & Visitors

Guest speaker Jason Jones and his associate Michael Harold from the Lowell Devils, prospective member Helen Nicolopoulos, Jack McSweeney's daughter Christine, and the brothers Karamazov, aka Jason and Cole Spencer.

Club Business

President Helene began by recognizing Donna-Lee Rubin for the humanitarian award she recently receiving recognizing her contributions of time and talent to the Rotaplast mission. Over the years Donna-Lee has been an outstanding and compassionate ambassador of good will who epitomizes service above self in all she does.

Helene was also happy to report on the club's largesse to some deserving recipients. The recent collection of pocket change amounted to close to $250, to which the club added $250, when combined with the matching gift from the District, totaled of $750 for Polio Plus.

Our club's donation of $500 and the members' donations in kind of close to $5,000 in clothing, blankets and other merchandise, were much appreciated by the victims of the recent fire in Lawrence. Once again you have stepped up to the plate and made a difference in the lives of others across the street and around the globe.

Citizens Who Care - Time is running out to submit your nomination for a deserving individual or family to be recognized for their contribution to the community. Email Marie or Mark with your favorite nominee by next Friday.

St. Patrick's Road Race - the Malden club is looking for future olympic runners to participate in a day of fun and exercise. Get out there and get a head start on your Marathon training. Helene has more information available.

District Conference - being conveniently held this year at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Many opportunities to participate for a day or the whole weekend. Check the website or the District Newsletter for details.

Zero Waste Day - an opportunity to help Andover's recycling effort - will be held this year on May 3. This is a fun way to turn your trash into someone else's treasure. We need 9-12 hardy souls, so don't miss out. Signup sheets will be available next week.

Birthday celebration for Francesco - Helene and Alan are planning an evening out for dinner with our Ambassadorial Scholar, Francesco Liberatore to celebrate his birthday. Contact Helene if you would like to be a part of the big night.

Raffle

A pot of $194 and 36 cards remaining wasn't enough to entice Helene and Paula Evans to locate the elusive joker. Helene's measly seven of hearts did beat out Paula's four, so she had some extra change for happy dollars.

Sergeant-at-Arms

This month's needler-in-chief, Peter Caruso, was off sunning himself someplace, so a worthy assistant, the much-experienced hassler Mark Spencer took over for the day. Surprisingly, he had no immediate barbs and forged right into happy dollars. Paula was happy threefold - for her participation in the Chile mission, for her trip to Florida, and for grandson Robbie's 6th birthday. Mark did manage a buck from Peter Cotch for his Townsman coverage.

Dave Sollars had a happy five for his anniversary and for Brett Favre's long goodbye speech. Bob Troiano was happy that the Lanam Club is able to provide teaspoons on the table; Paul Brown made some comment about Peter's sign on Chestnut Street; Jack McSweeney is happy to be going to Spain to visit his other daughter, Karen. Alan Michel has been having a great time skiing; Marie had several for her students, for the Spencer boys greeting her, admiration and congratulations to Donna-Lee for her weight loss, and for her mother's 86th birthday.

Guest Helen Nicolopoulos gave a buck to honor Donna-Lee's award; Peter Cotch was happy for Helen's visit, but he had mixed sentiments about last week's guest meeting - he wants them back again, and more too; Jamie Lyman praised Alan for arranging the ski trip; Joan fined herself for her clumsiness in spilling a glass of water on the table.

Mark gave a buck to promote the upcoming Jazz at the Hall, a group called El Echo will be performing at the Andover Town House on March 22. Tickets are going fast, so don't miss out! Alan gave a buck to celebrate Jim Sutton's recuperation from hip surgery and encourage us to give Jim a call at home to cheer him. Helene gave a bunch to celebrate Donna-Lee, for Alan for planning the ski trip, and thanks to all for bringing so many guests to last week's meeting.

Guest Speaker

Today's topic was an opportunity for sports fans to learn more about the Lowell Devils Hockey Club of the AEHL from Jason Jones, Assistant Ticket Director. The club is one of three owned by the New Jersey Devils and built by Michael Harold, Account Executive. They play in Lowell at the Tsongas Arena. The club's mission is to do as much as possible for the community while providing a good time for the fans and developing players to be eligible for the National Hockey League.

Jason said that most of their marketing is done by word of mouth and through fund raisers that they support, such as school nights for Parent Teacher Organizations and Special Olympics as well as police and firefighters who donate to COPS and Shriner's Hospital.

A rundown of some upcoming special events include an Irish Night on 3/14, where they will be giving away Celtics tickets and a limosine ride; 3/26 - game with Hartford, an affiliate of the NY Rangers; 3/29 - Six Flags event in Worcester; 4/1 - Lowell Spinners promo; 4/5 - Bobble Head night against Providence.

This looks like another venue for doing a fundraiser for our club - an affordable and fun family outing to support our many causes.