June 25, 2010 Meeting

Call to Order - Song

After a hearty welcome and leading of the Pledge of Allegiance by President Bill Buck, Marie Stultz led us in a stirring version of “God Bless America”.

Guests and Makeups

There were numerous guests and Rotary spouses at this changeover meeting, and all were welcomed heartily. President Bill reported that at Al Getler’s suggestion, he and Al and Paul Mercandetti had made up earlier in the week at the Gloucester Rotary Club.

Announcements and Upcoming Events

President Bill announced that the District Installation is set for Wednesday, June 30th at Danversport Yacht Club, where our own Donna Lee Rubin will be honored with a “Service Above Self” Award. Congratulations to Donna Lee, who was in attendance at today’s meeting.

Program and Presentations

Today’s program was led by Master of Ceremonies Jim Greeley, who presented several awards and recognitions as only Jim can do:

Al Getler was presented with the “Emcee for Life: Overcoming Shyness” Award, for his many stints as Master of Ceremonies, both in our club and in the local community; he was presented this award by his adorable 7-year-old daughter.

Mark Spencer was presented with the “Don Rickles Award” for his good humor and quick wit; there’s so much more I could say here, but I have no desire to bring this master comedian’s attention on myself.

Paul Mercandetti was presented with a desk clock, and commended for his yeoman’s work as our Club Treasurer.

New Members Pete Johnston and Katharine Barr were awarded “Rookie of the Year” plaques for their efforts on behalf of the Club (and their good looks and winning ways, no doubt).

Paula Evans was given the Rotaplast Recognition Award for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of Rotary, most recently in Venezuela; she was also recognized as “Mrs. Santa Claus” for her many philanthropic and volunteer activities in the community.

Joan Johnson was recognized as this year’s Reverend Cal Mutti Rotarian of the Year, for her stellar work as a Rotarian for the past 13 years, as well as for her work in the community for West Parish Church and the Andover Housing Trust, among others. Joan accepted her award gratefully, and told the assembled masses that it was a bittersweet moment, as she has decided to step away from Rotary to pursue other things. The Club will sorely miss you, Joan, and we intend to keep you to your promise of visiting often!

Bouquets of flowers were given in thanks to First Lady Dawn Buck, our wonderful Lanam Club server Tricia, and to songmeistress Marie Stultz – thank you, ladies, for all you do for us!

Finally, Jim bestowed a Paul Harris Fellowship on Al Getler, for his fantastic year of service to our Club. The Club has made a $1,000 donation to the Rotary International Foundation on Al’s behalf, and Al was humbled by this award and rendered speechless for the first time since I’ve known him. Way to go, Al!

President Bill's Farewell Speech

President Bill Buck then presented his Farewell Speech to the Club, harkening back to the speech he gave last year when he ascended to the presidency. In recognizing each Rotarian as “pieces of a puzzle”, Bill reminded us of his original commitment to renewing the energy of the Club, and was proud to recognize the achievement of that goal. He credited this revitalization to past presidents and officers, old and new members, and great speakers, programs and fundraisers. President Bill thanked his wife, Dawn, and his daughters, Kathleen and Caroline, without whose support he couldn’t have done it. He pointed out the serious responsibility that it is to be a role model for our children, and was pleased that his daughters were able to experience Andover Rotary in such a visible way. He noted that “in giving, you receive back so much more than you give”. Bill told us that one of his proudest accomplishments had to do with the establishment of the Interact Club at Andover High School, the Interact Club at Phillips Academy, the Earlyact Club at West Elementary, and the Rotaract Club at Merrimack College – he pointed out the fact there are 125 students involved in these clubs, all of whom are potential future Rotarians. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when he was done (okay, maybe that’s overdoing it, but it was a pretty good speech!). In recognition of his many efforts on behalf of Rotarianism in Andover, Jim Greeley presented President Bill with a beautiful wall clock on behalf of the Club.

Exchanging of Officers' Pins / Presentation of Charter

President Bill then called up his Board, as well as President-Elect Howard Perkins and his Board, to exchange Rotary pins. Bill then presented Howard with the Rotary Club of Andover Charter, and noted that each Club President has signed and dated the reverse of the frame at the end of their presidential term. This is a great tradition for our 15-year-old club, and Howard accepted the Charter proudly.

President Howard's Inaugural Speech

President Howard then took the podium to give his remarks. He referred to the successful Pancake Breakfast and Citizens Who Care / Educator of the Year Awards fundraisers as “maiden voyages”, and expects great things from these projects going forward. He encouraged each Andover Rotarian to get involved in some way, and be a part of the Club’s success and camaraderie. He noted, with tongue in cheek, that when Earlyact, Interact and Rotaract are included in our membership, we must be the youngest Rotary Club on the planet, in terms of median age (this writer notes that we certainly have the energy of a young club). In addition to a repeat of this year’s enjoyable St. Patrick’s day luncheon, Howard told us he hopes for a joint service project with the Lawrence Kiwanis Club, which will be headed by Dee Dee O’Brien. Finally, Howard harkened to the fellowship and joie-de-vivre of our Club as great virtues that make us attractive to both new and existing members. On that high note, Howard invited the Buck girls to ring the bell, closing the meeting but beginning another Rotary year in fine fashion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.