The bell tolled for the meeting a wee bit late. Quasi Modo has nothing to worry about.
Three tables filled today and one empty as AG's filled responsibilities elsewhere and others attended opening ceremonies in the Tri Town schools.
Frank decided not to start the Pledge of Allegiance before everyone was ready and Joe Carroll gave the blessing.
The Rotaplast group headed by Donna Lee is off on their mission to Barquisimeto, Venezuela today. They hope to provide surgery for 100 children.
Rotary Awareness night is September 23 at Spinelli's in Peabody. We've requested invitations for seven people to date any additions should be directed to Joe.
October 31st to November 2 is the District conference in Montreal. Anyone interested please contact Joe.
The Program Committee is accepting ideas for new speakers and programs for future meeting. Please contact Jim Fitzgerald, John Plate, Ira Singer or Susan Moore with contact information.
The Fall Foliage Classic Road Race is fast approaching on October 19. There is great fun(d) raising opportunity for the club and a real benefit for the Tri Town Counsel and the DASH program. 2003 marks the 24th year of the event and the design of the shirt this year is taken from one of Paul Brigham's photos from years past. The image or illustration as Dave calls it, makes for a really neat shirt. All of us are asked to participate this year in some way shape or form. Obtain new sponsors, help out the day of the race, and provide your thoughts on how we might improve our efforts.
The Race Committee has come up with a fun way for us all to get involved. We're back to the team approach by popular demand Jan has graciously volunteered to keep track of the "game". Team Topsfield is led by Ron "Show Me the Money" Gannett, Team Middleton by Ira "Tin Cup" Singer and Team Boxford by Joe "I'll Take a Personal Check" Long.
The goal, $5000.00 per team. The winning team will enjoy being served by the runners up during a luncheon, a function or event to be determined, will be donned with apparel, and some other surprises. Check your check books, whose you oil delivery company, where do you buy garden supplies, where do you bank, whose your investment planner, your insurance agent, your car dealer, where do you go out to eat? Be imaginative with your efforts. Ira has vowed not to do any ENRON type accounting with his top secret and heavily guarded list of past donors. Don't forget to let donors know we would like to add them as links to our web site for the year following the Race. This as a thank you for sponsoring the event.
Our own Joanne Travers received a great write up in the latest edition of "Lynn Rotary Tips" as she visited the Lynn Club and introduced Partners for a Greater Voice to the Lynn crowd. Her children Matthew and Tori (Victoria) joined mom for the trip to the big city. To learn more about the organization, visit www.greatervoice.com .
Today we discussed how we could raise funds. A raffle of sorts seems to be a popular idea. Funds raised would be for a specific cause, i.e. COA, DASH, libraries, etc. Should the raffle idea prevail we could sell them at our events, Fair luncheon possibly, Road Race, Town events like the Topsfield Strawberry Festival, Boxford Apple Festival Etc. Oscar even told us of a driving range which is run by the Westwood Club and has been there for 20 plus years. Frank has the possibility of getting a Mazaradi for the weekend as a prize. Bob L thought a 50/50 raffle would go over big. How about raffling off a complete book of lottery tickets, or a kayak, or a trip, or weekend getaway or you name it. As inspiration Marblehead raised over $10,000 from their lobster raffle, Ipswich raised $19,000 from two 50/50 raffles last year. Keep the ideas coming.
The fines were fine. The King of Spades eluded Bob "oh no I drew my own ticket again" Was and Bob "oh I have to get up again" Murphy.
Next weeks speaker is Mary Jane Costa nurse who heads up open-heart surgery at the North Shore Medical Center.
Upcoming Programs:
September 17, 2003: - Harry Martin, AG, Co-Chair, RF Sustaining Member Task Force
September24, 2003: - Nate Levenson, Habitat for Humanity
Calendar:
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.
October 19, 2003:
October 31, 2003 - November 2, 2003:
, Canada... see President Joe for details.
May 23-26, 2004: Rotary International Convention, Osaka, Japan
