**NEEDHAM ROTARY CLUB BULLETIN**
Meeting Held Tuesday January 8, 2013 at Needham Sheraton Hotel
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Charles; Ron led us in ‘God Bless America; and Rev. Darrell delivered the invocation.
GUESTS: Michael Johnson, a local fellow who has visited our club before, brought a picture of his brother who was on a Rotary Float some time back in the ‘40s, when their Dad was a Rotarian. He brought with him Edson Chung who is moving to the Seattle area to further the family cork flooring business. His parents live in China and manufacture the flooring there, and are looking to expand state side distribution.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Erica passed around a sign up for buying Girl Scout cookies, being sold by her daughter Gia; Erica reported that the Holiday Party at her house was a huge success, and everyone concurred. Thanks for hosting it Erica!
Bill Paulson reported on the fast pitch program in town has joined the Needham Baseball and Softball program.
Today we had an attendance of about 40 people. For the first meeting of the year, that is great!
BIRTHDAYS: Karen Wetmore got to endure our singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.
HAPPY DOLLARS: Dollars were contributed for well wishes for the Pats; Happy New Year; and Darrell getting back safely from his trip to Cambodia..
We had an attendance of about 40 people.
50/50: We were looking for the Queen of Diamonds, but Debbie picked the 8 of Hearts. The pot sits at
$506.00. Maybe that’s why attendance is so high. Debbie’s ticket number was 962.
JOKE OF THE DAY: None.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Next week, President Charles tells us our meeting will be an ‘club assembly'’, which simply put is the members chance to voice ideas and comments on the club, and for the members or officers to present new ideas on potential projects, fundraisers and new members. Come prepared to contribute!
GUEST SPEAKER: Our guest speaker was Ms. Mary Celeste Brown from Needham Parent Talk. Parent Talk is a nonprofit, community organization based in Needham dedicated to families with young children. The organization welcomes donations for its semi-annual Used Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale on Saturday, May 5, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave., Needham.
Now in its 20th year, Parent Talk relies almost exclusively on volunteers. Last year, the sale benefited from the help of about 270 volunteers to sell approximately 10,000 items. Membership in Parent Talk is not required to donate, consign, volunteer or shop.