March 18, 2008
PP Seema led the meeting in President Mark's absence.
Prayer: The prayer this evening was read by Ed Herter.
Song: "America the Beautiful" was chosen as our song this evening by Len Vilandry.
Happy Fines: Maria Gallant has a ticket for her trip to Brazil; Bob Campbell was happy to report that his brother is recovering from his double by-pass surgery; Mary Pepin for "the two Mary's" being in attendance this evening after both missing the meeting for several weeks – it's good to be back; Len Vilandry is glad to hear of Bob Campbell's brother's recovery and for the PEP's this weekend; Gwen enjoyed the visit by her sister at the weekend and is happy for Bob Campbell's brother’s recovery and for my return from the UK (thank you Gwen); Pat Glover is looking forward to her daughter being here for Easter; Ralph Hammond, our guest speaker, for donations to the Foundation.
Sad Fines: PP Seema for President Mark being unable to attend tonight's meeting.
Announcements:
- The District Assembly will take place on March 29th at the Acton-Boxborough Holiday Inn, from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. It is important that Club Officers attend.
- Len Vilandry has booked Oak Hill Country Club for the Installation on June 24th.
- Rich Duncan reminded us that the annual Superintendent's Dinner will be held at Monty Tech on Wednesday, April 9th.
- Rich also wanted to advise us that his Robotics Club will be selling Hockey tickets for a fundraiser. See him for details.
- Rotary International District 7910 and Habitat for Humanity will hold a Gala on Monday, April 14 from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, at The Sheraton Four Points Hotel, Leominster. Live jazz band and live auction. Black Tie - $40.00 per ticket; $80.00 per couple $400.00 per table.
- Please let me (Mary Ciuffetti) know if you are not receiving your weekly bulletins on a regular basis. Sometimes e-mail addresses are changed without my knowledge, so I intend to get an updated address list at a future meeting to ensure that everyone receives my Pulitzer Prizewinning words!!!!!
Rotary Facts: Carol Schwarzer's topic this evening was "Will it build goodwill and better friendships?" She pointed out that as Rotary grew, members of the clubs were drawn from more diverse backgrounds. In fact women were allowed to join in the late 1980's (YIPPEE!). Fundraising became more of a "hands-on" procedure. Being a friend involves sharing and caring about each other - goodwill when lost is very difficult to win back.
All Rotarians should make sure they live by the four-way test, and are bound by "Service above Self."
Program: Ralph Hammond spoke to us this evening about plans for the Pan-District Challenge, a project similar to the annual Pan-Mass Challenge, and a fun way of fund raising for the Rotary Foundation. The Pan-District Challenge will take place on Saturday, May 17th (a second event will take place in September) on a route that has been designed to pass through each area in the district that has a Rotary club. The two starting points will be in Sturbridge and Gardner with both routes finishing at Needham. Refer to www.rotary7910.org. for further information, registration forms and maps. Corporate sponsors are being sought for the event.
Attendance:
18 Fitchburg East Rotarians
1 Guest: Susan Campbell
1 Guest Speaker: Ralph Hammond
Birthdays/Anniversaries: None reported.
Raffle: Bill Oksanen had no luck in locating The Joker.
Desk Schedule:
March 25 - Len Vilandry /Carol Schwarzer
April 1 - Maria Gallant/Ed Howard
April 8 - Mike Hewitt/Malcom Price
April 15 - Ed Woodcome/Herb Pratt
April 22 - Joyce Campbell/Ed Herter
April 29 - Bob Campbell/Mark & Seema Williams
Program Schedule:
March 25 - Herb Pratt
April 1 - CUB SCOUTS APPRECIATION NIGHT (Tentative)
April 8 - NO PROGRAM - MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
April 15 - Terry O'Callaghan - Watering Truck/Flower Boxes
April 22 - Ed Woodcome
April 29 - TEACHER APPRECIATION DINNER (Details to be announced)
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL GUEST SPEAKERS MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE
If you are unable to find a speaker for your scheduled night please ask another member for help or switch nights. It is nearly impossible to find someone at the last minute and meetings are much more enjoyable when we have a short program. Please do your best to support out club. Thank you.