October 30, 2009 Meeting

Climbing the Steps

The gathering crowd was greeted with a bevy of ghosts, goblins, jack o' lanterns, and other spooky trappings climbing up the stairs. Upon approaching the darkened chamber, glittering candles, sparkling jewels and shimmering centerpieces mysteriously bearing the number 50 among their feathers promised a most unusual Friday morning's gathering.

Soon there appeared two dancing black-cloaked vixens masked in feathers, and a stooped gleaming-faced Phantom. After a short time, a vision from the past resembling Amelia Earhart waltzed in, followed closely by a handsome 50-year-old pirate, a slightly-tipsy wizard (or was that a wizard in a slightly tipsy hat?). A series of weirdly ugly visages and assorted trappings showed up on the other assembled visitors. Methinks a pair of busy hands were at work long before dawn to evince all this fabulous frippery!

Opening Session

It came to be noted that in addition to the approach of Halloween, our esteemed prexy, Bill Buck, was balancing tippily on the brink of the dreaded 5-0, and one slightly loquacious lady chose to make a party out of it. Thanks go to Marie Stultz, and our fabulous waitress Tricia Warrington for dressing the place up in such opulent finery!

After all the acknowledgments, Bill led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Caroline Buck (in honor of her father's birthday) recited the 4-Way Test with the faithful.

Guests, Visitors & Makeups

Those joining us for the fun today were Richard Harrington from the Lawrence club, speaker Michael Burke of the Andover Veteran's Services, Michael Ricardi, guest of Bob Troiano, and the Buck younger set, Caroline and Kathleen.

Helene Michel handed in a makeup card from Peabody/Danvers.

Rotary Reflection

Bob Troiano, speaking about "why I am a Rotarian," read a piece entitled "It's Just For the Love of My Fellow Man," by an Australian named Gary Christoff. Never to let a chance pass for a bit of fun, Bob also added an x-rated reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! 'Nuf said!

Announcements

Paul Mercandetti began by reading a note of birthday congratulations to Bill received from General Phil Mason, vacationing in Florida, with the added enthusiastic remark that Andover Rotary... "is the best and most fun club in America. Having attended many meetings at many Rotary Clubs in America and elsewhere, none other even compares to ours. Your leadership has brought many new members and a new spirit of life to our club..." Thank you, Phil.

Bill told us that next week's meeting will be off-site at Merrimack College, with a presentation on how to act like a CEO and look like a leader. Check your email for information on how to get registered for that promising presentation.

Early Act Kickoff at West Elementary School will take place on November 18. Kathleen Buck is a student council member helping to get this organized. Superintendent of Schools Claudia Bach will be participating.

"Weathering the Storm," will be presented at the Eagle Tribune on November 12.

On the evening of November 12 the 4th annual comedy show sponsored by the Newburyport club is scheduled.

Guest Speaker

Bill introduced Andover Director of Veteran Services, Michael Burke, a multi-decorated veteran of 2001 Operation Enduring Freedom and Andover resident who has been on the job for two years.

Joining right in the fun, Michael showed up wearing a dark suit with a red carnation in his buttonhole, and looking more like a member of the Corleone family than a government official. However, he proceeded to present a very interesting and informative slide show of the multitude of services provided to veterans and the community through his office's efforts. He said that Massachusetts General Law Chapter 115 requires a veteran's office in each community to provide public assistance to vets with financial and medical needs.

Other services provided are assistance with disability claims, burial requests, memorial programs, and anything related to money. They have the largest health care system in the US for those eligible whose income is 40K/year or less.

In addition, they organize patriotic ceremonies for Memorial and Veteran's days, keep a registry of veterans' graves, provide non-fee license plates and memorial burial markers, as well as military honors at funerals. The 9/11 GI Bill provides 100% of school tuition up to the highest rate of state tuition, which can be applied to private schools. He said that in Massachusetts, most costs are in fees, so the amount of tuition is much less than the overall cost, and VA only pays the tuition portion.

Other programs that are available to some are nursing home benefits related to service injuries, and VA home loans, which require 20% down payment. Aid and attendance for more seriously disabled provides money to offset the cost of 24/hr-7 day/week care for those whose income is under 11K/year.

Some of the more public services include the refurbishing of the German Howitzer cannon in the Park, Main Street flag displays, patriotic ceremonies, "Heroes Among Us" recognition, communications and press releases, school involvement, and Spirt of America tour. For more information, you may access Michael on the web at www.andoverma.gov.

New Member - Bob LaVoie

President Bill called upon Steve Ventre who introduced new member Bob LaVoie, an attorney who lives in Amesbury and practices in Andover. Bob said that he has long been active in Boy Scouts, and the goals and aims of Rotary are very similar to those of scouting. He looks forward to active participation in our club. Welcome, Bob!

Committee Reports

Howard Perkins is assembling a basketball outing at Merrimack College for December/January.

Peter Caruso promoted a bus trip to NY City to view holiday decorating and get into the swing of celebrating. He suggested that a full day with bus roundtrip, meals, etc. would cost about $120/pp, and suggested early December as the time frame.

Ray and Joan Cannon will host the holiday party at their home on December 10. NOTE: for your calendars, there will be no meeting on December 11.

Food Drive - Jim Sutton reported that we have $310 so far to buy turkeys, but alas, we need about $1,000 to fill the baskets. Diana Kiesel of Yang's Martial Arts has offered to help. Those who have bins for food collection should have them delivered to Bill's office at 89 Main Street by Saturday, November 21, for the sorting party. Delivery will be on Tuesday, November 24.

Sergeant-at-Arms

Not one to miss an opportunity, Finemaster Howard Perkins nailed all those too lazy or too embarassed to come in costume, thereby taking in a tidy sum. Several of the group heeded the call for turkey money, including guest speaker Michael Burke, Richard Brenner, Jack McSweeney, Mark Spencer, Alice Coogan, and Bill Buck.

Those who celebrated Bill's birthday with a buck were Marie, Katharine Barr, Matt Gold, Paul Mercandetti, and Helene. Thanks to our speaker came from Jim Greeley, John Colbert, David Lindsay, Paul, Ray, and Bill.

Other happy bucks came from Jim Greeley in celebration of the other birthday boy, Dave Sollars, who was conspicuously absent; Marie, thanking Tricia for her part in today's festivities; Katharine, Helene and Matt for Marie and Tricia's creativity; David Lindsay welcoming our newest member and recognizing his 13th anniversary in the club. Richard Brenner was popping his buttons over his daughter's piano performances in Austria. Richard Harrington visited his grandkids.

Peter Caruso has joined the corporate world, sacrificing his 39 years of private practice to join Bob LaVoie and others at Devine, Millimet. Ray wished Peter success in his new surroundings. Mark was happy that is mother-in-law is recovering from her stroke. Ever the clown, Bob Troiano suggested a bus company that could provide cheaper fare for the New York trip. All in all, it was a profitable morning for the feedbag.

Closing

Rounding out a productive and fun-filled morning, and adding fuel to General Phil's recommendation that this is the best club in America, the closing song led by the black-cloaked songmistress was none other than "America."