Newsletter 5-2-12

Posted by Jim Brown 
on May 01, 2012
 
 

Rotary Club of Needham

May 1, 2012

Newsletter

 Bill led us in the pledge of allegiance.  Karen led us in God Bless America, and Darrell led us in prayer.

 Announcements:

      'Crutches for Africa'-The club is trying to find used crutches,walkers, canes, wheel chairs to be loaded into a shipping container to help folks in Africa- The club will be receiving these donations at the NBA Street Fair on the Needham Common on June 2nd.

·        Reality Fair is May 21 at Needham High School.  Volunteers are needed. Contact Rich, Bill P. or Chris if you would like to participate

·        The visiting GSE Team from India will be visiting us on May 15th! Thanks to Bill Zoppo (former Needham Rotarian), Bill Paulson, Karen Wetmore and Charles Nelson for hosting these GSE team members. There are rumors of an Indian dinner out as a group. Any truth to it ?

·        The District Conference is coming up in Hyannis (if you’re not receiving emails on this, let Jim Brown know). At a minimum, Karen Wetmore, and, Ted Shaughnessy will be attending. Although you can go for just a meal, it is 3 days May 18-20.

·        .Karen Wetmore will be District treasurer, starting July 1st!!! Congratulations and thanks to Karen who is taking on a big job. If she shows up in a Cadillac, you’ll know things are going well at the District…

·        Special thanks to Hank Abbott who phoned in a $400 donation to the club to be used for the raffle. Great Rotarian-thanks Hank!!

Future Events:

·  May 8: Joint meeting with Newton at the Brae Burn Country Club. Babson Professor talking about how to flourish in a downturn.

·  May 15-Visit and presentation by the GSE team from India

·  May 21st-Reality Fair at NHS

·  May 29: Bob Day Family Celebration of Bob.

·  June 2: NBA Street  Fair back at the town Common.

 Guests:

Susana Brown, Jim’s wife and Past President of Boston Rotary; Kathy Lozano, Executive Director of the Needham YMCA; Susan Stanton and Debbie Grover, visiting with Deb Donovan from Wingate.

Birthdays:  Nothing official, but rumor has it that Ron Sockol is turning 82 shortly! Congratulations Ron!!

 Humor:  Just a cute story about Alex Jacoby, Melissa’a 4 year old son. Just the other day, on his first visit to the dentist, the dentist asked him ‘What would you like to be called?” to which he responded ‘Alihandro’! Where did that ever come from?

 Happy $$$: Louise-success for all the May events; Rich for the fund raiser; Deb-Happy Mother’s Day, Happy Nurses Day; Scotti for a great trip to New Orleans; Tom Savino-he visited the favorite for the Kentucky Derby, Budiemeister, when he was just days old; Jim Brown-for his visiting wife and the today’s raffle; Erica and Karen-for the rain; Lots for Happy to be here. Dan-for his sons birthday.

 50:50: Gary Donelan had the lucky number, but did not draw the right card. Pot is at $512. Now it get’s interesting!

  Guest Speakers: Instead of a guest speaker, we finished up the ‘Big Time’ raffle, having received some $3100. This means that the first place finisher receiver $1550. And the winner is……Tom Thompson of Attleborough. Tom will try to come to a meeting to pick up his winnings. Congratulations to Rich Forte who sold the ticket! The second prize winner was The Rotary Club itself. So, the money stays in the pot, and goes to the club.

 Bill explained which activities the club will now be able to support financially as a result of this ‘Big time’ raffle:

    -Needham Fast Pitch softball

     -Walker School Gala

     -Polio Plus: one step closer to ending polio worldwide!!