August 28, 2009 Meeting

SUMMARY

We had good attendance today and spirits were high on this our last meeting before Labor Day. We also learned about the H1N1 virus and ways to avoid passing on its pernicious effects. We were all happy to see and to welcome back Donna Lee and the General, Phil Mason.

PLEDGE AND FOUR WAY TEST

Mark led us in the Four-Way Test lapsing only when it came down to the last few words. At the last second, an evil gremlin invaded his body and the altruistic message was garbled.

VISITORS AND GUESTS

Our guests today were Perrin Troiano, Paula’s grandson Robbie, potential new member Jimmy Snyder, and Kathleen and Caroline Buck.

MAKE-UPS

Helene had a number of make-ups from Boston, Danvers, and Peabody. Al Getler made up in Gloucester.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Bill brought up the STOP program and the need for readers. A sign-up list went around. This is a great opportunity to volunteer in the schools and meet new friends. Spouses are welcome as well.

SPEAKER FOR THE DAY

Andover’s Public Health Director, Tom Carbone, spoke about the H1N1 virus. There have been 1,193 confirmed cases in Massachusetts although many there have undoubtedly been many more as many people don’t seek medical help when they have flu symptoms. About 63% of the cases are in people 18 and under. The symptoms are the same as those for the regular flu. Tom mentioned the following points in terms of being prepared for a flu or other emergency:

• Have a supply of food on hand.
• Have a continuity of operations plan for your business and family.
• Seek alternative supply lines in advance in case your supplier is not available.
• Find ways for employees to work from home.
• Consider sick time policies to allow people to stay at home if they are sick.
• Cover your cough with your sleeve, see the video “Why don’t we do it in our sleeves?” at http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html
• Wash your hand frequently and thoroughly/
• Stay at home if you are sick – at lest 24 hours after your symptoms subside.
• Look at the CDC website, “Preparing for the Flu,” at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business/toolkit/.

FUNDRAISING EVENT

PANCAKE BREAKFAST BEING PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th, EVERYONE IS ASKED TO GET INVOLVED!

RAFFLE

Peter Caruso beat out Helene for the $10 prize, meaning that the grand prize of $300+ is still waiting. The chances are much better than for the $325 million mega bucks.

FINES AND HAPPY DOLLARS

I did not hear any fines, but Fine-Meister Howard collected “Happy Dollars” from Marie who gave $5 for the work of the Buck girls in making and selling thread bracelets to be sold for the benefit of Lazarus House. I think I heard that $120 was raised from that sale! Congratulations to Caroline and Kathleen! Bob Troiano noted that he had witnessed the crowds along Route 3 as he passed along from Plymouth to Boston in honor of Senator Ted Kennedy. Helene, despite the loss of the raffle, donated $5 to express her sadness at the loss of our late Senator and to welcome Donna Lee back. Peter Caruso gave up big bucks for Donna Lee’s return and to show the picture of his son that was in the recent issue of the Boston Business Journal, http://boston.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2009/08/03/focus1.html. Matt Gold welcomed Donna Lee back and also expressed his pride in his son’s teaching career. David Lindsay was glad to be back. Richard Brenner was very happy to recognize Mark Spencer’s work on the brochure and tickets for the Pancake Breakfast. Many others were happy to welcome back Donna Lee and Phil Mason. Other dollars were given to thank Tom Carbone for his talk on such a timely subject.

FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT

October 3rd will be the date of the Main Street dedication.

NO MEETING NEXT WEEK!!