March 27, 2009 Meeting

Pledge Song Invocation

President David Lindsay led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Marie Stultz conducting us in (what could be her theme song) the song “I’d like to teach the world to sing” and the trinity was completed with an eloquent invocation by the articulate and gracious Ray Cannon.

Guests and Visitors

Don Chappelle, Dave LaPlante (both guests of Richard Brenner…good job Richard), Cole Spencer, Caroline Buck (our early act Rotarians), the lovely and talented Diane Sollars (who obviously married beneath her) and a trio of beauties from Methuen, Maureen and Tayla Saba, and our guest speaker Rotary Youth Exchange Student Montserat Mendez.

Announcements

• Bill Buck spoke on the 2008 Citizens Who Care exhibit which had a showing at Butler Bank on Thurday March 26th. Several people had the opportunity to view Mark Spencer’s outstanding portraits and Joan Johnson’s brilliant narratives.
• Jim Sutton still has a few good seats available for the Beantown Swing Orchestra at the Old Town Hall, Saturday April 4th at $25.00 per ticket to benefit the Memorial Hall Library. Swing lesson at 6:30 and performance at 7:30.
• Jim Greeley reminded everyone that the Andover Educational Fund Spelling Bee will be Friday April 3rd at the Wood Hill Middle School. We have two teams: The Andover Rotary Spellbinders comprised of Kerry Enright, Mark Spencer, Matt Gold and Ray Cannon and The Andover Rotary Stimulus Spellers with Bill Buck, Greg Rigby, Janet Arnold and pause, wait for the applause to stop, Jim Greeley.
• President Lindsay asked anyone interested in attending the Rotary District Conference on May 1st and 2nd to respond to the online invitation ASAP. In light of the District Conference there will be no meeting on Friday May 1st.
• Bill Buck announced that the strategic planning meeting for the 2009-2010 Andover Rotary will be held on Saturday May 9th at Merrimack College. All members are urged to attend, with both the present and future Executive Boards expected to participate. Co-facilitators will be Dave Sollars and Matt Haymer.
• President Lindsay read a thank you letter from the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for both our Thanksgiving food donations and Christmas presents for the children they serve.
• President Lindsay spoke on Rotary Literacy programs. It was noted how the Andover Rotary has done several exemplary things regarding literacy including:
  • The S.T.O.P. Program
  • The Reading Program at Bancroft and West
  • Coordinating the collection and shipment to Kenya of over 4000 books to the Beverly School of Kenya
  • Our participation in the Youth Exchange and Ambassadorial Scholars Program

Raffle

Cole Spencer got the high card and won the $10.00

Fines and Happy Dollars

• Sgt. at Arms for the day Jim Greeley had a ball… so many people to fine so little time. Jim began by presenting the Bill Buck “Librarian in the corner award” to Jim Sutton. The crowd after hearing the history leading up to the presentation enjoyed the “tribute”.
• Several Happy Dollars were given in honor of Mark Spencer and Joan Johnson’s great work with Citizens Who Care.
• Dave Sollars had several $1.00 bills obviously his Chippendale dancing tips and he gave them for several things including being surrounded by the beautiful women at his table.
• Peter Cotch suggested that everyone who didn’t vote on Tuesday’s election should be fined Helene Michel was honest enough to pay up and stressed how guilty she felt. On a happier note her roommate, best friend and oh yeah husband Alan Michel is in the finals for a National Video Presentation Award. This is a huge honor to make it this far. Results will be announced in May.
• A Happy $20 was given by a very happy Rick Downey on the birth of his second daughter Reese who arrived into this world on March 9th. He had absolutely gorgeous pictures on the newborn and her big sister.
• President Dave gave generously in recognition of many of the clubs efforts in a variety of extremely worthwhile causes.

Editorial note: Please stay in touch with Donna Lee Rubin… Vince is showing slight improvement but it is going to be a long and exhausting period for this legendary Rotarian.

Guest Speaker

Our exchange student Montserat Mendez was introduced by both her American “Mom” Maureen Saba and her American “Big sister” Tayla Saba. God bless the entire Saba Family for opening their home and their hearts to Montserat. Montserat said that in the beginning grasping the English language was a challenge, but her delivery today showed she is a fast learner. She also said that the warmth and love of the Saba’s and friendliness of the American students made the transition from Mexico to Methuen relatively stress free. Montserat admitted that in the beginning she was excited to be away from her family, and embraced this exchange opportunity but she couldn’t wait to return in June and be reunited. Montserat concluded her presentation by sincerely thanking Rotary for this once in a lifetime opportunity and that she will always be a proud and grateful supporter of all of Rotary’s goals and ideals.