Newsletter 10-07-2008

Posted by Kenneth E. Davis 
 
 

Bill led us in the pledge of allegiance, Karen led us in "O Beautiful" and Darrell led us in prayer.

GUESTS: Tom Keating, Commander, Manson Carter VFW Post 2498.  Debra Donovan, Marketing Director of Wingate (prospective member)

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The dictionaries were distributed to the Third Graders at Eliot and Mitchell schools.  Dictionaries will be distributed shortly to the other schools.  Ryan distributed the Pancake tickets and lawn signs were distributed.  A sign up sheet was sent around for the Breakfast.  Posters were also distributed.  Rick Davis reminded everyone about Placemat Ads for the Breakfast.  Bill mentioned the Global Competency program at the High School tonight and that Rotary was representing the Rotary Youth Exchange as a possible option for recognition in the Global Competency Program.  The Needham Community Center Dinner is November 18th and the Rotary will be getting a table.  The Football dinner is November 25, 2008 and the speaker is Lenny Megliola, from the MetroWest Daily News.  We will also recognize the organizers of the "Field of Dreams" that evening.  Darrell mentioned that we cannot get into the Masonic Hall on Wednesday evening, but can put the food in the kitchen.  Darrell needs volunteers to blow up the balloons and the drink table.  The trip to the Sports Museum has been postponed to a later date. The Board voted $250 to cover the expenses of bringing the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Needham.  Gary Jones has collected 9 items for the Hospital Gala Quickie Board-great job Gary.  The Registrar of Deeds sent a Thank You note.  Charles River ARC sent a Thank You for our half page Ad.  They raised $190,000 at their Gala.  Ryan is taking names for the Nominating Committee.  Karen is working on the Needham Committee designing the Needham Celebration for the Town's 300th Birthday.  Louise reminded members that the NBA pays for the lighting of the Blue Tree and that there are Holiday cards for sale to help raise the $15,000 needed.

RO TARY MINUTE:

BIRTHDAYS:  We're all getting younger.

HAPPY DOLLARS: Scott gave $1.00 for his son and wife traveling around Africa for 3 weeks.  Many Happy Dollars for the Red Sox and Hank gave $20 for multiple reasons.

50/50 RAFFLE WINNER:  Jerry Goodman had a chance to find the Joker again, but there was no humor so he couldn't find it. If there was humor, Jerry still couldn't find the Joker.

Humor: Don't remember any, although I can't remember many things these days.

Presentation: The Vietnam Memorial Wall replica is coming to Needham.  Commander Tom Keating reminded us that no one remembers the end of the Vietnam War (4/25/1975).  The Memorial gives us an opportunity to honor and recognize the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  The half scale replica will be erected in Memorial Park and will be in Needham for 4 days.  It is important that we make this a memorable Needham town event.  Social studies classes from the High School will also be visiting the Museum, which accompanies the Wall.  The official opening Ceremony is 10/30 and the names of the 9 Needham residents who lost their lives will be read.  Commander Keating asked for volunteers during that period of time.  Needham Rotarians can help represent Needham for this memorable event.

Speaker: "Unexcused Absence: Documenting the Educational Challenges of Ethiopian Girls," was the topic of our speaker, Jonathan Kleiman. Our speaker spoke about the low percentage of Ethiopian children who enroll in secondary schools (30%) and that the percentage drops for girls and rural areas.  There have been studies that suggest that the highest return in developing countries is investing in educating girls.  Jonathan is going to produce a documentary and is looking to ultimately develop and build a school.  Ultimately there is a goal of following a model for that can be replicated.  There is a model from Paraguay and Kenya for developing a financially self sufficient school by creating an agricultural enterprise on campus to provide the funds for the school.  This is an excellent example of how one person can make an impact in the world.  Jonathan looks like an excellent future Rotarian.