July 16, 2010 Meeting

Pledge and Invocation

President Howard Perkins led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an eloquent invocation delivered by Ray Cannon.

Guests

Paul Romano-for about 5 more minutes
Meaghan Loughney- for about 5 more days
Fanny- great first name- did not get the last name of this lovely guest of Alice Coogan
Richard Hart Harrington- Lawrence Rotary Legend
Lilly- gorgeous 2 year old granddaughter of Paula Evans
Sharon Mason- our guest speaker

Loud enthusiastic applause for Past President Jim Wiesman attending after a lengthy sabbatical. Truly great to see him again

Induction of New Member

President Perkins and sponsor Mark Spencer presided over the induction of Paul Romano, the newest member of the Andover Rotary club. Despite the connection to Mark, we are thrilled to have Paul as a member of the best Rotary Club on the planet. Welcome and congratulations Paul!

Announcements

The new distinct governor Stephen O’May will be speaking to the club next Friday July 23, 2010. He will also be present at a brief board of directors meeting immediately after the meeting.

Guest Speaker

Mark Spencer, the diminutive dynamo was a big part of Tuesday’s meeting introducing Sharon Mason, the Regional Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity. Sharon delivered a passionate informative and engaging presentation. The following is sampling of the history of and work done by Habitat for Humanity

• There are 125 Habitat for Humanity Organizations in the United States
• The Merrimack Valley Chapter began in 1985 and in the time have built 64 homes, renovated 7 and presently working on 13
• A potentially devastating story- 7 homes built on Market Street in Lawrence, by HFH destroyed in a fire two years ago, has a happy ending. 5 have been rebuilt and are occupied and the remaining 2 homes will be ready in the next 3 months
• HFH is one the top 10 Home Building Organizations in the country and the only non-profit in the top 10 Each family that applies for assistance must qualify under specifications determined by HFH
• It takes an average of 15 months to build a home. There are 18 full time construction managers employed nationwide by HFH. Thus the bulk of the work is done by volunteers including
  1. Corporate build days or a series of corporate build days
  2. Community service organizations
  3. Individuals with a desire to give back
• Some of the more notable volunteers for HFH
  • President Jimmy Carter
  • NFL Players Association
  • And soon the Andover Rotary
• Future local projects include
  • The Convent St. Patrick Parish Lawrence…which will be converted to 10 single family homes
  • 6 condominiums in Haverhill
• Habitat For Humanity truly exemplifies the motto of Building Homes, Building Community one family at a time.

Club Business

President Perkins announced that the chair of the Rotary Pancake Breakfast will be Jim Greeley… be afraid…be very afraid. However the good news is that Meaghan Loughney will be the vice chair and make up for all of Jim’s Mistakes.

Howard then emphasized the tremendous need the Lazarus House Food Pantry has for all kinds of food products particularly canned goods and pasta and any donations of food or cash can be given to Jim Greeley and he will deliver to Lazarus House.

Al Getler then mentioned a planned block buster food drive to be held on a Saturday in August (Date TBA) at the Eagle Tribune to be sponsored by the Eagle Tribune, The Andover Rotary and the MVCC. Jim Greeley and Marketing Consultant Erica Podegras will be working on this also. Stay tuned for weekly updates.

Note: Friday August 6th Meeting at the Atria at Marland Place

Friday August 13th Meeting at the Eagle tribune- Tour of the facility after the meeting.

Fines and Happy Dollars

SGT-At-Arms Bob Troiano took some good natured but considerable kidding on both his colorful shorts (Phil Mason style) and as Al Getler said having the “Whitest legs in America” After fining all those who had yet to go to the beach this summer and since his white legs continued to be mocked, he quickly switched to Happy Dollars

• Pete Johnson was happy to be among friends…he was sitting by himself
• Ray Cannon, Paul Mercandett, and Paula Evans were glad to see Jim Wiesman back
• Jim Wiseman was glad to be back and feeling great about his presence adding to the Happy Dollar total
• Close to a dozen people gave Happy Dollars in honor of newest member Paul Romano and the great presentation by Sharon Mason
• Bill “the Greeter” Buck was enjoying not being president. The Greeter’s job is great practice for a future career at Wal-Mart
• Jim Greeley gave a Happy 20 for Paul, Sharon, and Helena gracious work. Also, for the food donations by Helene, Katherine, Barr and Trisha Warninger and cash contributions by Paul Mercandetti, Bob Troiano and Paula Evans to Lazarus House in their time of desperate need