May 6, 2008
Prayer: The prayer this evening was read by Bob Campbell.
Song: Len Vilandry chose "America the Beautiful" as our song which we sang very well. It seems we get better every week.
Happy Fines: Many members were extremely happy to see Lisa back at a meeting, and paid their happy dollars among them were Aisha Jones, Rich Duncan, Carol Schwarzer, Bud Fortin, Ed Howard, Ed Woodcome, Brian Donovan, Gwen O'Neil, Len Vilandry, Bill Walsh. It certainly is wonderful to have Lisa back with us again; Carol Schwarzer was also happy to report that husband Perry was doing better although she was now going to be the designated driver! Having a great time at the Conference were Len Vilandry, Aisha Jones, Rich Duncan, Bill Walsh and Gwen O'Neil; Len Vilandry paid $10.00 for Fitchburg East being awarded Club of the Year, an honor shared with the Framingham Club; Having arrived at the meeting with no spare dollars, Herb Pratt asked for an “IOU fine” as he was so happy to be celebrating his wedding anniversary - Ed Woodcome and Mal Price promptly offered to pay for him - such gentlemen!
Sad Fines: PP Seema, Gwen O'Neil and Aisha Jones for missing the flowerbox prep; Ed Howard apologized for being a "sexist" by not calling lady members to prep the flowerboxes on such a cold and rainy Sunday – he must be under the illusion that men are the stronger sex!! President Mark paid a late fine.
Announcements:
- MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The First Annual Teachers Celebration & Recognition Dinner will take place on May 13 at the Best Western Royal Plaza, 150 Royal Plaza Drive, Fitchburg, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. $35.00 per ticket/$350.00 table of 10. As this will be our regular meeting for the week, members are asked to arrive early (around 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM) to help set up the room. Those donating baskets for the raffle may take them early that evening to the hotel or make arrangements with Mary Pepin to drop them off at Bonville and Howard prior to that date. With everyone's help this can be a very successful evening.
- Don't forget that Aisha Jones is collecting the Rotarian magazine to recycle to various locations including doctor’ offices/waiting rooms. For confidentiality purposes, mailing addresses will be covered with a "Fitchburg East Rotary Club" label.
History of Rotary: Carol's topic this evening was the Council on Legislation. Formed in 1934, it was decided in 1970 that the Council would become the 'Parliamentary Arm' of Rotary, meeting every three years to consider and act upon the Rotary Constitution. All Rotary Clubs in the world must vote on a Council action for it to be passed.
Program: Our speaker this evening, Viktar Bhakta, spoke on a joint project with the Leominster Rotary Club, Rotary International and the Navsari Rotary Club in India. The project involved building a water filtration plant and supplying computers for a school built in a rural area of India. Construction on the school building began in 2005 and was completed in 2007. Viktar showed us before and after pictures of the structures, giving us an idea of how terrible the conditions were prior to the new building being erected. Each student attending the new school was issued two sets of school uniforms, which have to last for the school year.
Birthdays/Anniversaries: None reported
Attendance:
Raffle: Bill Walsh had the raffle ticket, but the Joker eluded him.21 Fitchburg East Rotarians
1 Visiting Rotarian: Lynn Sarao (Monty Broc Rotary Club)
2 Guest Speakers: Viktar Bhakta (Leominster Rotary Club)
Barti Bhakta (Fitchburg Rotary Club)
1 Guest: Randy Comeau
Desk Schedule:
May 13 - Teacher Appreciation Dinner at the Best Western Royal Plaza
(Hosts: Bob Campbell/Mark & Seema Williams)
May 20 - Pat Glover/Bob Gallo
May 27 - Ed Tarquinio/Carol Schwarzer
June 3 - Mary Pepin/Len Vilandry
June 10 - Brian Donovan/Maria Gallant
June 17 - Rich Duncan/Aisha Jones
June 24 - Seema Williams/Mike Hewitt - Installation of New President
(Oak Hill Country Club)
Program Schedule:
May 13 - TEACHER APPRECIATION DINNER
May 20 - Ed Tarquinio
May 27 - ANNUAL PRESENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS
June 3 - Ed Howard
June 10 - NO PROGRAM - MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
June 17 - Mark Williams/President's Forum
June 24 - INSTALLATION OF NEW PRESIDENT
(Oak Hill Country Club)
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL GUEST SPEAKERS MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE
If you are unable to find a speaker for your scheduled night please ask another member for help or switch nights. It is nearly impossible to find someone at the last minute and meetings are much more enjoyable when we have a short program. Thank you.