May 2, 2008 Meeting

Pledge, Song & Invocation

In the absence of our current Prez, Prez-in-Waiting David Lindsay took the helm today, leading in the Pledge of Allegiance to a phantom flag. In honor of the season, songstress Marie Stultz directed us through a rather rocky chorus of "April Showers." Substitute parson Len Wilson was once again eloquent, proving that Cal Mutti's influence certainly wore off on at least one of the believers during his stay in Andover.

Guests & Visitors

Assorted shouts of joy and welcome came from many of our number as they passed through the door and were greeted by the southwest's newest cowboy, Henry Broekhoff, back in town and all decked out in the native attire of 10 gallon hat, jeans and bolo tie. In civilian clothes, but just as elegant and welcome, was his lovely wife Nancy.
Rounding out the guest list were Sheila Callahan from Enterprise Bank, guest speaker Julie Kravetz, the Spencer and Buck duos, and Robert (formerly Robbie), Paul Evans' grandson, as well as Felipe, recently returned to the Troiano home from a wild and wooly stay at the Spencers.

Rotary Minute

Speaking in an unusually serious manner, Mark Spencer talked about the 80-20 rule that says 80% of the work in any organization is usually done by 20% of the people. In truth, it was a reminder that we should all step up to be the latter as Mark posed the question, "Are you one of the 80% who shows up for the scrambled eggs, or one of the 20% who's here to do the job?"

Club Business

Books for Beverly School of Kenya - Bill Buck asked for volunteers for the final packing party on Sunday May 4, 12-4 p.m. New member Helen Nicolopoulos stepped right up and offered to be the inventory scribe. This should be the final effort to get the shipment ready to head to Kenya.
Special Auction - The ever generous Dennis Crossen donated 2 tickets to a Red Sox game tomorrow night with Josh Beckett pitching. Jim Greeley did the auctioning honors and Richard Brenner was the first to bid $200 and he became the lucky winner. Thanks to Dennis, Jim and Richard for increasing our coffers.

Raffle

Because of Paul Brown's absence last week and thus no raffle, four with the winning tickets had an opportunity to grab for the joker. Dennis Crossen and Peter Cotch had to take a seat, while guests Kathleen Buck and Nancy Broekhoff shared the winning $10.

Sergeant-at-Arms

This month's finemeister, Peter Cotch, began by fining anyone with a 10 gallon hat, then anyone who showed up with someone wearing a 10 gallon hat. Paul Brown was sorry to report that the bills have been mailed, but he praised Joe Mottola for always being the first to pay up. Peter continued his collection bigtime by fining those who failed to be represented at Town Meeting.
Marie was happy to see Nancy and Henry and celebrated Alan Michel and those who were recognized by the Andover Cultural Council. Jim Greeley recognized Len Wilson's Wilkinson Award and those who planned and will participate in Zero Waste Day.

Justin Littlefield (sans cigars) announced the birth of twins Benjamin and Samuel on 4/15 (ever hereafter he'll be able to remember tax day). Bob Troiano is happy to have Felipe back at their house and encouraged support of the Little League parade on Saturday. Proud papa Matt Gold was happy for Ariel's last college class and that son Josh flew in for Passover. Matt exercised his influence at the State House by advocating for chronic care.

Jim Sutton praised Mark Spencer for getting the Main Street banner passed through town meeting. Jason Spencer was happy to report that the antics will begin when his parents go on vacation and Mark, in turn, celebrated the banner and the trip. Henry put in a fin in anticipation of his daughter's wedding tomorrow, and then another $20 for her wisdom in keeping the guest list to 30. Buck bucks came from Caroline in celebration of her teacher's new baby boy, and Bill, who was happy to report that Dawn had successful heart surgery.

Peter Caruso and Gayle have been married 38 years (on May 1, with lilies-of-the-valley). Dave Sollars felt generous today with bucks for our guest speaker, for Broekhoffs' visit, for Len's recognition, and celebrating Felipe's well-rounded American education (you had to be there). Paula had two celebrations - for Robert walking in the t-ball parade and for the upcoming family wedding. A trip to Hugh Heffner's mansion for Playmate of the Year ceremony is in the cards for Steve Druth. Peter Cotch threw in a buck in honor of today's guest, Julie. David Lindsay rounded out the collection with thanks for everyone's help, for the Broekhoffs' visit, and for his birthday.

Guest Speaker

Following along with this year's theme of Past Presidents bringing in the speakers for a particular month, David Sollars introduced the programs for May:
Nex week: Handmade Chocolates; May 16, Scholarship recipients and Rabbi Goldstein; May 23, Pre-natal Yoga; May 30, Helen Nicolopoulos vocational speech.

David then introduced today's guest, Julie Kravetz from Winchester Hospital's prostate cancer program. Julie is an Andover resident whose children attend Bancroft school. She spoke of her experience with Rotary when 15 years ago she worked as a social worker with a family where both parents had AIDS. Their three children were able to go to camp that summer thanks to the donation of $1,000 from a local Rotary club. She praised Rotary for all it does for those in need.

Julie began by urging all men to have an annual PSA exam to detect prostate cancer. She said that age is the #1 risk, with 70% of cases diagnosed after age 65. Other factors include race (African-Americans are more prone), family history and a high fat diet. Symptoms are frequent urination, weak flow, pain or burning while urinating, and lower back pain.

There are a number of treatments - the disease is usually slow-growing - which include watch and see, hormone therapy, prostatectomy (DaVinci procedure with robotics), and radiation therapy, which entails daily treatment for 6-8 weeks Monday-Friday.

Julie described the facility at Winchester Hospital, which is currently planning a new $70M treatment center. She spoke of the convenience of location as compared with traveling to Boston, and of the many enhancements designed to make the treatment less traumatic. Those include a patient resource center which can customize videos and music to the patient's preference, computer access for information, spacious rooms to accommodate families during diagnosis, high level technology used for accurate treatment, multi-leaf collination, and cone-beam radiation for better identification of the tumor, which allows for very few side-effects.

Weekly medical staff meetings, excellent nurses, state-of-the art equipment, and a supportive environment recommend Winchester Hospital's Oncology Center for those in need.

Julie closed with a reminder for all men to keep up with their annual exams.