Rotary Newsletter for March 25, 2014

Tuesday March 25, 2014

Location: Sheraton, Needham

Pledge of Allegiance: Glen

Song: America Led by Bob

Invocation: Rev. Darrell

Glen asked for introductions of guests present.  Our guests included Andy Winig of the Arlington Rotary, Steve Schauer (prospective member) and Pedro Lopez- Rotary Exchange Student from Brazil.

Lois provided the group with our Presidential Moment.  Lois provided clues to the group, with the answer being President John Taylor.

Happy Dollars: A whole bunch of “Happy to be Here”, thanks to Louise for coordinating the flowers last week, Scott for a week in the Caymens, Greg for visiting with Jim Brown last week at his office to enjoy his wisdom and humor, a bunch of “Welcome to our Guests”, Andy was happy for both the snow and the spring, Bill was happy that his Daughter, Kate is doing well in Africa, Steve for his son, Toni making the NHS tennis team and Ken because he is off to MJ to visit his aunt on her 100^th birthday!

Our Humor of the day was presented by Doug George:

A gas station owner in Mississippi was trying to increase his sales, so he put up a sign that read, "Free Kisses with Fill-Up."

Soon a local redneck pulled in, filled his tank and asked for his free kisses. The owner told him to pick a number from 1 to 10. If he guessed correctly he would get his free kisses. The redneck guessed 8, and the proprietor said, "You were close. The number was 7.... sorry, no kisses this time."

A week later, the same redneck, along with a buddy, Bubba, pulled in for another fill-up. Again he asked for his free kisses. The proprietor again asked him to guess the correct number. The redneck guessed 2 this time. The proprietor said, "Sorry, it was 3. You were close, but no free kisses this time."

As they were driving away, the redneck said to his buddy, "I think that game is rigged and he doesn't really give away free kisses."Bubba replied, " No it ain't, Billy Ray. It ain't rigged. My wife won twice last week.

Classification Talk: Continuing our “Get to Know Me” segment, Jim Brown was invited to share with the group some interesting facts about his life that we may not know about him. Jim graduated from Needham High, UMass Lowell and received his MBA from Babson.  He has sky-dived!  Served our country in the military!  He joined his father’s business, Dictronics in 1976.  Jim joined Rotary in 1982, attending three overseas Rotary International Conventions.  He was president in 1986-87 and to this day has perfect attendance!!!  He lives in Norfolk with his wife Susan.  He has two children: son living in Medfield and daughter in Los Angeles.

Drawing: Mr. Bob Cocks had the lucky number for a chance to draw the queen of hearts to split the $155 pot.  Too bad, Bob pulled the ten of spades!

Announcements:  

·         A special thanks to Louise for coordinating, Wingate for hosting and Roche Brothers for donating the daffodils for all the residents in the assistant living residents of Needham!

·         We will be meeting at the Senior Center next week

·         The Charles River Center will be hosting its gala April 29.  Kathy informed the group that the Center is looking for items for the silent auction

·         STOP HUNGER- the High School is trying to raise money and pack 20,000 meals on May 14^th.  Ken said the fundraising goal is $10,000.  We will be looking for volunteers and donations to help support this great cause.

·         Spelling Team has been announced, confirmed and hard at work studying the words.  Marty has decided to be the specialist, focusing on 20 key words!  Come out and route for Lois, Kathy and Marty!

·         Bill Paulson was the winner of a Bertucci’s pizza party and invited us!  Details to follow!

·         Bill updated the group on the travels of our exchange student, Maria who is visiting France

Guest Speaker: Pedro Garcia Lopez, our Rotary exchange student to Needham High School from Brazil gave a wonderful overview of Brazil.  He articulately described the natural resources, population and culture of his country which is playing host to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olypmics!

 Future Club Direction: At next weeks meeting, the topic will be 'The Future of the Needham Rotary Club'. If your editor can get the picture loaded, you will see our Board of Directors working on how to best organize our club for the future. They will present this as the speaker for next week. Sounds like no one is out of a job, but everyone is in for a job. Glen Davis has been doing such a good job this year, he may be  in for a surprise!