June 6, 2008 Meeting

SUMMARY

Although not specifically stated, I would say that the theme was “Everything is connected.” Andover Rotary is connected to the community of Andover, District 7930, and the world.

PLEDGE, SONG, AND INVOCATION

It was certainly dreary and rainy enough this morning, but sunshine broke out inside the Lanam Club as we met. President Helene led us through the Pledge of Allegiance, Song-mistress Marie Stultz led us through three choruses of “This Land is Your Land” and Bill Buck asked us to reflect on the “miracle” of Rotary.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS AND GUESTS

We welcomed our guests who included Felipe, Kathleen and Caroline Buck, and Matthew Perry, Manager of Citibank Andover.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS

The true “connectedness” of our club in the community is witnessed by two significant events yesterday. The day started when Deedee O’Brien was honored at the Andover Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Annual Community Service Awards Ceremony and Breakfast. Those Rotarians who attended agreed wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed by the Chamber’s Ron Hill. The spirit of Rotary was also evident in the evening when the Yankee Clipper Council presented Bill Buck with its “Distinguished Citizen Award". Congratulations to our two members for these recognitions.

Helene also noted that Jim Greeley said he accepted his recognition at Wendy’s. She didn’t say what the award was, but I expect he is a big tipper.

Helene has had a “Really Rotary” week as she also attended the District Conference last weekend. Andover Rotary did win an award for the best cooperative project for the STOP program with the Andover Schools. Congratulations to Alan and Susan especially for their work. Donna Lee was voted to the RI Council on Legislation. She spoke about her expected activities on that organization.

STUDENT GRADUATION

Felipe e Silva, our student at Andover High, talked about his participation in an assembly with the other students from abroad attending American high schools this past year. This has been an exciting and enriching year for all of them and Felipe will talk more at our July 11th meeting. Congratulations to Felipe upon his graduation from Andover High School this week!

ROTARY 10 MINUTES

Dave Drinon spent a few minutes explaining the origin, objectives, and history of the Andover Rotary Club’s Charitable Trust. It was established in 1995-96 by Bill Iannazzi to set up a pattern of putting 1/3 of the money raised each year into a trust until $100,000 was collected and the interest could be used for recurring Club activities such as scholarships. A total of $12,500 was put in from 1996-1998, but no further additions have been made since then. The actual value of the fund is now $23,915. If we don’t add any more money, it will be 18 years or so before the goal of $100,000 will be reached. If $5,000 a year is added, the goal could be reached in less than 8 years. Discussion followed with the question being asked as to why we stopped putting in money. Basically, we haven’t raised enough money to both meet the obligations we have to give and to save money.

RAFFLE

Our graduate, Felipe, got a chance but drew only a low diamond. Gale Ross’s draw wasn’t much higher, but it was enough to win the ten dollars.

FINES AND HAPPY DOLLARS

Sergeant-at-arms, Richard Brennan, did not bother with fines, but went directly to Happy Bucks and struck it rich! It started slowly with Peter Cotch, a former finemeister and critic, noted Phil Mason’s sartorial misdemeanors and Phil good naturedly followed up with his own dollar. The support for Bill Buck, Deedee O’Brien, Francesco, and Felipe was unprecedented with many Rotarians giving dollars. Jim Greeley, Marie, Helene, Alan, Donna Lee, Kerry Ellen, Ed Bride, Dave Lindsay, and Jim Sutton were among the congratulators. Other dollars were given by Mark for the longest high school graduation ever, Matt Gold for the high school awards and his upcoming trip to Chicago, Helene for the cookout June 22nd, Ray for Dave’s excellent presentation, Bill Buck in gratitude for the club’s support, Felipe for the upcoming soccer match involving Brazil at Gillette Stadium and his upcoming trip to Vegas, Jim Sutton for the polar bear sculpture unveiling in front of the library on Saturday, Jun 14th at 10 AM, Matthew Perry for the Citibank barbeque the same Saturday 10-2, and Susan for her daughter’s graduation and award.

SPECIAL DATES

The annual Citizens Who Care awards will be presented at Memorial Hall Library on Wednesday, June 18th at 5:30 PM.

The annual Installation Dinner is booked at the Lanam Club for Monday, June 23rd, 6pm $70pp (please RSVP to Paul Brown).

There will be NOT be a meeting on June 20th.