April 16, 2010 Meeting

INTRODUCTION

President Bill started things off with the Pledge of Allegiance and song leader for the day, Matt Gold, had us (on a gray day) singing the Irving Berlin song, "Blue Skies." It wasn't exactly Kiri Te Kanawa, but it didn't matter.

VISITORS, GUESTS, AND MAKEUPS

Our guests included Bill Dawkins (a guest of Peter Caruso), our speaker Dennis DiZoglio, and Kathleen Buck. Kerry Enright presented a flag she received while making up at Ogunquit, Maine.

MERRIMACK VALLEY has TALENT!

David Lindsay announced that the Talent Show has been moved to the Main Stage, the professional stage, downstairs at The Claddagh. (The next step from there is Carnegie Hall!) Tickets are selling well at $15 each. Please buy some, sell some, and be there on April 25th, 1-3 PM.

LEADERS!?

The Leadercast Training session is being offered through the Eagle-Tribune on May 7th. This outstanding opportunity is being offered at a discount for Andover Rotary members. Al Getler is our contact for this event.

SPEAKER

Bob Lavoie introduced our speaker, Dennis DiZoglio, Executive Director of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. MVPC is one of 13 planning such agencies in the Commonwealth. It works with the 15 towns and cities in the valley and is advisory in nature. MVPC collects data and helps the area municipalities coordinate their strategic plans. Business opportunities can be searched on its website at http://www.mvpc.org/ It also advocates for the collective interests of the participating municipalities. In the future, the agency hopes to foster intergovernmental communication and connections, sponsor relevant real time and applied research, promote policy reform, and advocate a regional growth vision.

CITIZENS WHO CARE /EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Al talked about the progress of our ad book for fundraising at our major event. Right now, we need to get sponsors. Please sign yourself up and get someone ales to be a sponsor as well. Jimmy Snyder spoke eloquently about those who offered items so far, but we are only a fraction of where we need to be. Please think of how you can contribute and who you know who might contribute something of value.

BEVERLY SCHOOL FOR KENYA

Kathleen Buck announced that on May 27th West School will be the site of a talent show, "Class Acts for Kenya." The club needs to get together a group to participate. Just think - we could do a skit complete with singing, drama, jokes, high lights and low lights. Let's do it!

FINES AND HAPPY DOLLARS

Sergeant-at-arms Howard fined our "Rotarians in the News" including Mark Spencer. Water Analytics, Mark's business, was the feature of a nice story in the recent Andover Townsman entitled "Sutterbug Goes Scientific," "http://www.andovertownsman.com/local/local_story_105172045.html Jim Greeley was happy that Andover Rotary again fielded two teams in the town spelling bee and for a shot and a beer and a song and a dance at the Claddagh. Very clever, James. Bob Lavoie gave for today's speaker and for his daughter's upcoming graduation from UNH. Peter Caruso noted the passing of Dan Murphy who died only 14 days after turning 100. David Lindsay is happy for the talent show committee's success, especially for all the good ink in the Tribune. Kathleen is excited about her upcoming performance of "Tick Tock" at the talent show for Kenya. Alan Michels was happy about the workshop he and Alan gave on PR at the District event. Jimmy Snyder gave for his kids being home. Bill received an email from Phil Mason who had knee surgery and is recovering at Wingate. Peter Cotch commended Mark on his new business.