President Bill announced that the Lawrence Rotary Club’s 90th Anniversary celebration was a great event.Event Co-Chair Rich Brenner gave a report on the upcoming “Merrimack Valley Has Talent” fundraiser, which is being offered jointly with our North Andover Rotary colleagues. He told us that the March 28th audition had 31 competitors, as compared to the first audition, which had 4, and that they closed the mall. The finals will be held on Sunday, April 25th at 1:00 pm at the Claddagh Pub & Restaurant in Lawrence; tickets are $15 per person, and Rich anticipates that each finalist (there are 20) may draw up to 10 friends, family members and fans – he also encouraged Rotarians to support the event by buying a ticket and attending the event, which promises to be entertaining.
Team Captain Jim Greeley reminded the Club that the annual Spelling Bee will be held on Friday, April 9th at 7:00 pm at the West Middle School. The Rotary Club of Andover has two teams, and inquiring minds are still trying to figure out whether having Mark Spencer on your team is a positive or a negative – never to be outdone by the hecklers in the crowd, Mark announced that he didn’t know which team he is representing, because his “agent is handling all the details”!
Jim Greeley also made an announcement about the Lazarus House’s fundraiser, which is a Red Sox raffle: on Sunday, August 1st, the lucky winner will be transported in style to Fenway Park in a limousine, along with 17 of his (or her) friends, and then enjoy watching the Red Sox – Tigers game from a private luxury suite (first base side), which comes with a food & beverage allowance. Only 750 tickets will be sold, at $100 per ticket. The drawing will be held on June 24th. Jim encouraged Club members to consider going in with several friends and co-workers, thereby making the $100 ticket cost more manageable on an individual basis.
Jim Sutton reviewed the Attendance Policy letter that had been distributed at last week’s meeting. The writer and others were later fined for taking a copy of the letter they would have received last week, had they been in attendance. For a copy of the letter, or for questions, members can contact either Dave Sollars or Ray Cannon, Co-Chairs, Club Administration.
Event Chair Ray Cannon then presented an update of the Citizens Who Care / Educator of the Year Fundraiser. Ray announced that the CWC Selection Committee had met last week, and selected 11 deserving award winners. He reported that EOY nominations, the deadline for which is April 15th, are “trickling in”. Rotarians are eligible to nominate worthy candidates from the Andover Public Schools, including administrators (but not including volunteers – who would, however, be eligible for a CWC award). Ray plugged the Silent Auction and Ad Book efforts that are underway, led respectively by Jimmy Snyder and Al Getler. Finally, Ray announced that his committee would be meeting immediately following the breakfast meeting.
