March 20, 2009 Meeting

Pledge, Song & Invocation

After the pledge, Alan Michel and his guitar led a very melodic version of "What a Wonderful World." Peter Caruso segued nicely into welcoming spring and being grateful for the fellowship and camaraderie of our club, finishing up with the Four Way Test. Just prior to the prayer, an alarm clock somehow crept into our midst and signaled the onset of the vernal equinox. In one way or another, it appears that everyone is happy to welcome spring.

Guests & Makeups

Today's guests included our speaker Jim Coleman from the American Textile History Museum in Lowell, as well as his associate, Linda Carpenter. Dave LaPointe was a guest of Richard Brenner, and Alan Michel introduced his guest, Rabbi Asher Bronstein.

Bill Buck made up in Reading and Lawrence.

Club Business

There are a number of upcoming events of interest, including:

• Rotary Literacy Month - March - strengthening literacy worldwide by supporting events such as STOP program and others.
• 3/26 Butler Bank reception for 2008 Citizens Who Care, 4-6pm (16 North Main Street).
• Ironstone Gala - Saturday 3/29 - see Jim Greeley if you can attend.
• AFE Spelling Bee - Friday, 4/3 - we have 7/8ths of two teams. Please see Jim Greeley if you can aid our effort by filling in for Dave Lindsay, who has another commitment.
• Neighbors in Need fundraising auction - Saturday, 4/4.
• Strategic Planning Meeting - Saturday, 5/9 at Merrimack College. Being coordinated by Dave Sollars and Matt Haymer. Should be interesting with those two in charge!
• Recycling Day - coming up in May.
• District Conference - Friday & Saturday, 5/1 and 5/2 in Salem, MA.
• Citizens Who Care - save the date, 6/10, for the recognition awards. Recipients have been selected.
• RI Internation Convention - June 21-24, in Birmingham, England.

Rotaplast Update

Paul Evans, recently returned from Pereira, Colombia, reported on this year's mission which served 115 patients, performing 180 procedures, out of an initial group of 250 applicants. Those served ranged in age from 4 months to 62 years. Paula said that there were a number of repeat patients who had had one procedure last year and were having follow-up surgery this time. She reported good food and good accommodations, and a very successful trip. She added that the local Rotaract Club held a blood drive on their departure day, and one of the team delayed his departure in order to donate. Thank you, Paula, for all you do.

Raffle

With $126 available to win today, Peter Caruso and Dave Sollars went to the cards, and Peter came out $10 richer for having beaten Dave's queen with a king. The big pot rides!

Sergeant-at-Arms

Happy Dollars started off the collection today, with Alan Michel welcoming his guest, Rabbin Bronstein. Lots of bucks went in for Paula's trip, including from Jim Greeley, Dave Sollars, Jim Sutton, Helene Michel, Matt Gold and a special $20 from our guest speaker for all our great causes.

Other happy people were Kerry Ellen Enright for attending a meeting with Bill Buck which might bring us an impressive upcoming speaker; Helene for attending PETS with Bill and for spring; Jim Sutton for the upcoming Jazz Concert on April 4, featuring swing lessons; Peter Cotch for the vernal equinox; Mark Spencer for the fun time had at the ski trip.

Paula is going to be a grandma again, and not to be outone Peter Caruso is up for a third round as grandpa (not to Paula's, of course). Proud papa Steve Druth's son came in second at the pinewood derby race-off. Matt Gold had a few more for the rabbi, skiing, and singing; Richard praised the efforts of Citizens Who Care and welcomed his guest, who then tossed in a buck, just for "whatever." David Lindsay had a few for Paula, our guests and Spring! Thanks to all who made the bag so heavy today.

It was also announced that Rick Downey became the proud papa of a baby girl on March 9. Congratulations, Rick and family!

Guest Speaker

Today's very interesting presenter was Jim Coleman, Director of the American Textile History Museum in Lowell. Jim joined the museum in 2006, while they were in a period of flux from declining interest and income. Jim had spent 30 years in the textile business, but he had no museum experience. It was determined that they had until June 2006 to decide whether to continue, partner, or close.

In May of 2006, a committee calling themselves "Germs" developed a plan for a 3.9M fundraising event, with 1M of it to be funded by grant money if they were able to raise the 2.9M by August of 2008. Renovations were expected to cost 1.5M. The building was subdivided, with part of it purchased by the Lowell Sun, and part developed as condos.

The plan was to make the exhibits up to date and add interactive activities to make the museum more attractive to families. When the Stevens family founded the museum they brought in looms and signs from various mills throughout the area and a Paul Revere bell that was originally located in Castine, Maine, but most of the displays were rather static and not very exciting.

The new plan would have a thematic look, with displays set up in chronological order. There were already exhibits dating from 1860-1940. The new plan will incorporate science with art and design and include such areas as a computer aided design room, screen printing, and demonstrations of different textile methods including knitting, braiding, and skeining.

A separate area will display modern textiles, such as those used in automobiles, protective fabrics for firemen, support structures for military tents, astronauts' gear, and even underlayment for road paving!

Jim was able to convey a sense of excitement that will be apparent in the new facility, scheduled for a Grand Opening on May 17. Free admission on that date, so mark your calendars. Hours are 10-5, Wednesday-Sunday. The museum is located at 491 Dutton Street, Lowell.