December 19, 2008 Meeting

PLEDGE, SONG & INVOCATION

President David led the Pledge of Allegiance, Joan led us through spirited chorus of “Jingle Bills,” and Len Wilson gave an invocation calling upon us to remember the needy and to do our share to help make the world a better place. This was much the theme of the day.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS AND GUESTS

We welcomed our guests who were Jack’s sister-in-law Annette, Dennis McCarthy from Lazarus House, Perrin Troiano, and Jason Spencer.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS

President David began the meeting thanking our host, Alex van den Broek, for cooking the special holiday omelets. What a special treat!

President David also thanked Marie, although in absentia, for hosting the very jolly holiday party at her house on Wednesday night. Although not as many attended as usual, the food, spirits, and singing all made for a very festive occasion. Marie had arranged for just a few inches of snow on the bushes outside her house to highlight the decorations.

President David also mentioned the great time the carolers had at Wingate this past week. The residents of that nursing home do appreciate the holiday spirit.

Chair of the Andover Housing Authority, James A. Cuticchia, sent a letter thanking Andover Rotary for the donations that allowed the children at Memorial Circle to attend summer camp and also for the turkeys and fixings.

Cheryl Callahan has had only one coat donated by a Rotarian for the coat drive. Fear not, for she will still accept donations of winter coats at The Enterprise Bank until the end of the year.

PRESENTATION

On behalf of the club, President David presented a $500 check for Lazarus House to Dennis McCarthy, Director of Development. Dennis described what a tough year this has been for people in need. The numbers showing up for food have tripled this year to 320 families. There was literally not an extra can of food for Thanksgiving. It is very dire out there and, as we know, it is not the fault of the people in need. It seems almost overwhelming trying to meet the needs. One little six-year old girl from Andover visited Lazarus House with her family to donate $50 that she had saved from her $6 a week allowance. Dennis invites all of us to go to Lazarus House and take a personal tour.

RAFFLE

In the spirit of he holidays, Paul sold extra tickets and had us draw until the winning joker was found. After 8 or so drawings, Jamie Lyman drew the lucky card.

FINES AND HAPPY DOLLARS

Our Fine-master was the inimitable Mark Spencer. He drew a few cheap shots at the Homeboys for their acceptance of women at their one-time sacrosanct table. He fined Kerry for the successful blood drive. And, of course, he fined Jamie for his good fortune.

The fines and happy dollars stopped for a moment while Peter Caruso asked everyone to write a message on the cards he brought to be sent to Vince Rubin, who is home, being cared for by Donna Lee as he recuperates from a stroke. Alan and Helene reported in their visit to the Rubins where Alan was able to be some help by clearing the Rubins’ yard of leaves. Their visit was much appreciated and Helene mentioned that Vince and Donna Lee would appreciate cards and visits. Cards can be sent to them at their home, 625 Great Pond Road, North Andover, MA 01845.

Richard Brenner is happy that his son will be visiting home for the holidays and daughter Deirdre will also be visiting from abroad for a few weeks. Jim Greeley gave a generous $10 for a variety of things including Mrs. Claws and the rain-soaked Rotarians who delivered the Thanksgiving turkeys and packages. Peter Cotch, also generously, gave $20 to sadly note that we were not ringing the Salvation Army bell this holiday season. Matt Gold is happy to announce that his son, Josh, is getting married. Paula thanked everyone for buying the gifts for the kids. Dennis Casey gave a dollar to note that Vince will be included in Lazarus House’s extended family. David Sollars gave $5 for the great meeting and “Go Pats.” Jamie gave another $10 to thank Steve and Rick for encouraging him to buy extra raffle tickets. Mark is deliriously happy that his semester is over. David gave thanks for Rotary and for his daughter’s visit this holiday season.

Joan Johnson finished our meeting, and our 2008 Rotary Year, with her reading of “Keeping Christmas,” by Henry Van Dyke. In case you missed it, click here http://www.appleseeds.org/xmaskeep.htm

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and any other spiritual good wishes you might experience this holiday season.