The meeting was called to order about 12:35 pm by President Jeff Kruck, who let us enjoy our soup, salad, and fellowship before starting the meeting today.
Pres. Jeff then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
John Plate led us in prayer asking to please bless our club, our meal,our business today and our service. And to keep ever mindful of those, all over the world, .
Bob Murphy pitched in again today helping with greetings, meal choices and attendance
Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
There were 19 members in attendance today.
There was one visiting Rotarian today, Eric Rubin from Saugus.
Make Ups:
Bob Luscinski made up at
on October 20
If you missed today's meeting, you have until November 4, 2009 to complete a makeup.
If your days are full, consider a make up at eClub One. Log on to www.rotaryeclubone.org/ and follow the instructions for a make up. You should spend 30 minutes on the site.
Click for
where our members have made up recently.
Announcements:
Sustaining member contributions!!!
Happy Birthday to Gretchen Marks!
Friday night there is a Beer Tasting in the "Gould Barn" in Topsfiled at 6:30. Sponsored by The New Meadows Garden Club and featuring Mercury Brewing Co. products.
Raffle:
Eric Rubin's number was pulled first, but he didn't pick the right card.
Showing table solidarity, Eric then picked Bob Luscinski's number.
Even though there was no winner, there must be "Bob" luck when it comes to the weekly raffle. I think Bob L has taken over for Bob M when it comes to that.
We are looking for the 9 of Spades...
Bob Alert:
All Bob's were present and accounted for today! Fewww
Fines and Happy Dollars:
SAA Peter McAllister made the tour with Spencer's cousin Sebastian. Spencer has been located, but, due to certain transportation difficulties, has not made it back to Angelica's.
There were many happy dollars today for a successful road race last weekend.
It was wet but fun!
John Plate gave a happy dollar and suggested everyone read the article about Haiti in the current "Rotarian".
Gretchen Marks gave a few happy dollars that she is now on Medicare.
She had a nice birthday, she went to dinner the other night and was surprised to find 50 of her closest friends there. Frank surprised her with a nice get together and a 9 course meal. That Frank sounds like a keeper.
Harry Martin gave happy dollars for the twins.
Getting to Know You:
We had some intense conversation today about home improvements and home upkeep. Isn't it so much fun!
Mostly we talked about lawnmowers and snowblowers. Unfortunately we all need to start thinking about getting our snow blowers serviced and ready for what's to come...
Gretchen was telling us about the electric lawnmower she used to have. I didn't even know they made electric mowers. Good for you Gretchen.
Business Meeting:
The meeting started by everyone thanking Lisa Foley for a great job with the Road Race. It looks like all her hard work paid off. Way to go Lisa!
President Jeff did mention that she did not plan the weather to well, she'll try harder next year.
Pres. Jeff also thanked everyone that helped on Sunday.
We learned a lot this year and can make better decisions and more money in the upcoming years.
Gregg Silvano suggested marketing to teenagers as they seemed to be the ones registering the day of the race.
There are many left over T-shirts and President Jeff asked for suggestions of any charities we could donate them to.
Gretchen suggested to donate the shirts to the "support our Troops days"
Lisa suggested donated to the DYS kids
Pres. Jeff said his church group goes into Boston and makes donations to the homeless, so that is another great option.
The group decided the T-shirts and the police detail were the biggest expense for the race. For the upcoming year we will look at how we can cut back on these item.
In an effort to get a better understanding of the computer program associated with the timing equipment, Harry Martin nominated Gregg Silvano as the czar of "All things Technical".
Gretchen thinks, going forward, we should give T-shirts to our sponsors and make a poster listing the sponsors and hang it in the kiosk in Topsfield.
Harry volunteered to make something to put in the kiosk.
Pres. Jeff checked to make sure everyone got the emails about the team meetings?
The club threw around ideas today about the different charities we could support.
We need to make nominations for new officers next year 2010-2011.
President Elect
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Board Members to replace those whose terms are up.
If you have any interest in any of these positions, please let President Jeff know.
Joe Long encouraged everyone to get "Linked In".
News Release:
Please read the following insert written by Bob Murphy about the annual Dictionary, Thesaurus and World Atlas project:
The Rotary Club of Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton has once again presented every 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton Schools with either a Dictionary, a Thesaurus or a World Atlas. This program, started by the TBM Rotary Club in 2004, has distributed approximately 1,700 Dictionaries, 2,200 Thesauruses, and 1,900 International Atlases.
The national Rotary school book project is working toward the goal of sending these to every elementary school in the United States. By doing this we hope to have a positive impact on education in this country, and empower children to become skillful communicators and resourceful learners. We need to prepare our young people to be strong, productive citizens who can succeed and grow and solve problems in a rapidly changing world.
These books may be small things, but they are powerful learning tools. Additionally, since they are gifts to children from the Rotary Community, the children learn not just the value of schoolwork, but also the example of Community Service.
The Rotary Club thanks the principals and teachers of the Tri-Town Schools of Topsfiled, Boxford and Middleton for participating in this project.
Membership Moment:
A strong membership is so important to the overall success of any organization. Growth and retention have to be in the spotlight constantly. As membership chair I have been charged with heading the largest committee in the Club...each and everyone of us. Collectively we can make TBM stronger, more involved in the communities we serve and fun.
When was the last time you asked a friend, a neighbor or business associate to come to a TBM meeting? I admit, it's been a while since I put out an invitation and I have a goal to find one person to join our ranks during this Rotary year.
I ask everyone to please share your thoughts and ideas as to how we can grow the ranks of TBM.
