RI President-Elect Jonathan Majiyagbe's theme for 2003-2004 is "LEND A HAND".
Did Past President Bob Murphy have his fingers crossed when he passed the gavel to President Joe (coach) Long on June 18, 2003
Immediate Past President Bob Murphy filled in for a vacationing President Joe today. Bob hasn't lost his touch, starting and ending the meeting right on time!
Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
Elias Mackey and Ralph Ardiff joined us from the Danvers club. Ron Gannett's guest was fellow banker (small business loan officer), Joe Scurio. Linda Parker's guest was our speaker, Leslie Levenson.
Announcements:
August is Rotary Extension Month... bring in a new member!
Sign-ups are now available for the Oct 31-Nov 2 District Conference in Montreal. Sign-up this month and save $50! See President Joe.
The next Board of Directors meeting follows the regular meeting on August 13.
The District Golf Tournament to benefit Rotaplast is scheduled for August 25. See President Joe to sign up.
Gary presented a club banner given to our club from the Swampscott club.
Rotary Golf Shirts (gray, short sleeve) are still available at $20 each. 2002 Road Race t-shirts (white with logo) are available at $3 each, three for $5, a handful for $10, or a whole bunch for $15... your choice.
Special Announcement from District Governor Paul Nader:As District Governor I have asked AG Harry Martin and PDG Dave Drislane to head up a special taskforce for Sustaining Membership within the framework of the District Foundation Committee. Because of the especially heavy workload for the Foundation Committee this year, I have decided to ease the burden on the Foundation Committee and have the Sustaining Member Task Force report directly to me but to copy the Foundation Chair as to their progress.
AG Harry martin will act as data resource provider.
PDG Dave Drislane will make visits to clubs and meet with club Presidents and Club Foundation Chairmen as needed.
Other communication with clubs (Presidents & Foundation Chairs) will be shared by Harry and Dave.
Taskforce Goal: 100% Sustaining Membership for District 7930
Raffle:
Sergeant-at-Arms Bob introduced the raffle drawing with some convoluted explanation about why we were using a new deck of cards with an old pot. The end result was that he and John Plate drew the first two cards before any numbers were called! Thankfully, they didn't win the pot, so the impending riot was avoided. When a number finally was called, it belonged to Bob Luscinski, who's late arrival barely preceded the drawing. Needless to say, Bob found the Ace of Hearts and won the pot. Congratulations, Bob!
Fines and Happy Dollars:
A couple of late fines were levied, one to visitor Ralph Ardiff who gave $5 because he also had left the last meeting early! Bob Luscinski had to give up one dollar of his vast raffle winnings because of his tardiness. Joe Carroll gave a happy dollar for his daughter who is feeling better. Joanne Travers gave some money for the privilege of telling us a cute story of her husband learning to water ski on one ski and about the winners of her motorcycle raffle. Bernie Creeden made a donation for his son and other recent college grads who were fortunate enough to find employment. Harry Martin gave his weekly two dollars to remind us to become Sustaining Members. Jan and Gary gave happy dollars for their upcoming sailing vacation to Maine. There were others, but I can't remember them all! Ed.
Program:
Leslie Levenson, founder of the Community Giving Tree, gave an excellent presentation of her successful efforts to collect, and then donate items to charities.
"We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill
WHO The Community Giving Tree is a non-profit organization sponsored by the Tri-Town Council on Youth and Family Services and directed by Leslie Levenson and Betty Obernesser. Volunteers for large events will come from adults in the community, religious youth groups, scouts, and high school students who must complete volunteer hours for graduation.
WHAT Our mission is twofold: 1) to hold several annual events that collect usable, top-quality items to distribute directly to small local organizations in need, and 2) to raise funds for those charities with limited resources that merit additional funding.
WHEN Fall Toy Fair: Over the last ten years this sale of gently used toys, books, and baby equipment has generated thousands of dollars for local charities and provided social service agencies with much needed developmental toys and equipment.
Winter Coat Drive: Last year, over two hundred adult and children's name brand ski jackets, overcoats, snow suits, and excellent condition winter gear were distributed directly to six organizations, ranging from homeless individuals in Boston, to teens and their babies in Newburyport.
Spring Wish List Collection: Items collected will reflect the current needs of organizations. We recently completed a linen drive that will provide sheets, blankets, and towels for several group homes.
Summer Arts & Crafts, Books, and School Supplies: This collection is timed so that supplies will be ready to distribute to children for the fall school year.
WHERE The focus of the Community Giving Tree's efforts will be to collect items from the Tri-Town area (also North Andover and Andover) and to distribute goods primarily to surrounding towns on the North Shore. The Second Congregational Church of West Boxford has donated storage and operating space.
WHY The stories of those who work directly with the poor inspired us to make it easy for our neighbors to share their abundance with those in need. We often take for granted the material goods that simply take up space in our closets and basements. But, consider the new immigrant who doubles up on sweatshirts in place of a winter coat, the teen and her baby who share a bare mattress and make due with an old coat for a blanket, or the school age children who actually go without books in their home. Although charities exist to collect used goods, the lack of time, money, and transportation often prohibit people from obtaining what they need in order to live comfortably. We hope to provide organizations and individuals with those essentials that will make an already tough journey in life, a little easier.
For more information about the Community Giving Tree, or to make donations, please call Leslie Levenson at 978-887-3933, Betty Obernesser at 978-887-0154.
Upcoming Programs:
Your guess is as good as mine! Jack? Linda? What is our program line-up?
August 20, 2003: Serving lunch for the COA at the American Legion Hall in Middleton. Lunch will be served at 11:30 AM. Members should arrive at 1115 AM if possible.
Calendar:
August 25, 2003:
to support the
and
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$150 per golfer; just lunch $25; tee or green sponsorship is $100.
October 19, 2003:
October 31, 2003 - November 2, 2003:
, Canada... see President Joe for details.
September 23, 2003:VIP (Very Important Prospects) Night: A district sponsored special evening that includes a social hour, cocktails, food and a dynamic Rotary informational session. To be held at Spinelli's Function Facility.
May 23-26, 2004: Rotary International Convention, Osaka, Japan
Membership News:
Remember: Everyone is on the Membership Committee!! Please do you part in bringing in new members. Just think of how strong the club will be if we all bring in just one new member apiece this year!
If you want to be a part of the Fall Foliage Classic Road Race committee, talk with Ira Singer, Gary Sinclair, or President Joe. Welcome to Ron Gannett who has joined the committee!
An update on Jan's office mouse situation: Seven mice caught!
Jan's new friends... a prolific breed if nothing else...
