Weekly Meetings

The Fitchburg East Rotary club meets on Tuesdays at 6:15 P.M. at Slattery's Restaurant, which is located at 106 Lunenberg Street in Fitchburg. You can reach Slattery's by phone by calling 978-342-8880.

March 11th, 2008

President Mark opened our meeting by with the pledge of allegiance

Prayer: Carol led our prayer.

Song: Len led us in "God Bless America" with Ed Woodcome, helping to push the tempo up a bit.

Happy Fines: Bob Campbell paid a fine for his brother, who is having bypass surgery, and for him and Mike Hewitt being deputized. We are all hoping for a positive outcome for Bob’s brother. Aisha was happy for an excellent swim season by her daughter and sad that she didn’t get the bulletin. Ed Woodcome was happy for the fundraiser X-box tournament, held by the Interact Club and led by one of his sons, which was won by his other son. Herb Pratt was happy that he finally has a date for his eye surgery. Gwen was happy that her daughter was named athlete of the week at RPI, and paid a well wish fine for Joyce’s son and for Kim Howard. Maria was happy that it was warm enough so she didn’t have to wear a coat. Len was happy to attend the PETS Conference. Bill Walsh was happy that we grossed over $25,000.00 on the brunch. Seema was happy for the guests present with us this evening and happy to see Bob and Fred Healy in action-I don’t what they’re in action doing, but whatever. President Mark was happy for our guests and for the progress with the Habitat project which is now on its way.

Sad Fines: Mary Pepin is sad that she had to leave the meeting early. Bob Gallo is sad that he missed desk duty although he wasn’t sure he had desk duty. Joyce Campbell was going to Washington and then going with Bob to be with her son for his surgery.

Announcements:

• Carol spoke to us tonight on the second part of the rotary 4-way test, is it fair to all concerned? It’s not fair to leave the same person in the same job in our club. It’s fair to change jobs, give fresh enthusiasm and ideas-that’s fair to all. The Rotary foundations policy of investing dollars for three years, which covers the administrative costs, is fair to all concerned. Everyone pitching in at our projects, like the Brunch and flower project, is fair to all concerned. We all bring various skills to the club. It’s important to respect and treat each other fairly.
• Seema noted, with regard to the PR Conference, that we received district recognition for taking part and our presentation at the PR Dinner. Great job by all involved!
• We had a special presentation this evening at our meeting. Present with us was David Wyman from the Arlington Club along with wife Maryellen, Dave Celuzza and his wife Donna. David Wyman is a significant contributor to the Rotary Foundation and he and Maryellen presented a Paul Harris Award this evening to Dave Celuzza. David W. and Maryellen have known Dave Celuzza for seven years and have observed the positive ways that he gives back to our community every day through involvement in many civic organizations, in particular The Slattery’s Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot has made possible numerous scholarships each year since 1984. Dave Celluza was very gracious in his acceptance, noting that he is aware that he is among people at our club who give to their community on a daily basis.

Attendance:

23 Fitchburg East Rotarians
5 guests: David and Maryellen Wyma, David and Donna Celuzza, and potential member, Lauren Richards, a guest of Lisa Carlesco.

Birthdays/Anniversaries: None reported.

Raffle: Lauren Richards got the ticket but, yet again, not the joker.

Program: Various committee chairmen gave updates on the status of their committees this evening. Bob Campbell discussed The Teachers Dinner, noting that the Lowell Club makes approximately $13,000.00 through the program ads for the event. They charge $38.00 for their tickets. We plan on charging $35.00 and Bob relates that Seema negotiated a great deal at the Best Western for us. Seema spoke on the Youth Exchange. The Wachusett Club was supposed to take a young lady named Anna from Brazil. Unfortunately this fell through, so the possibility of our club stepping in to take their place was discussed. We need to find host families. They do not need to be Rotarians. Anna is a high school student. Multiple families can divide the time.

Desk Schedule:

March 18th - Charlie Bilionis/Brian Donovan
March 25th - Len Vilandry/Carol Schwarzer
April 1st - Maria Gallant/Ed Howard

Program Schedule:

March 18th - Seema Williams
March 25th - Herb Pratt
April 1st - Cub Scout Appreciation Night

The district conference will be held from May 2-May 4, 2008, at the Holiday Inn in Boxboro.