Salem Rotary - The Spoke - Archive (Jun 30, 2009)

Raffle Calendar: There were 3 drawings: Carol MacDonald sold by the House of the Seven Gables, Tom Pelletier sold by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and Judy Woodlaver (seller unknown)

Recognitions and Fines:

Bob Conley has tickets to the US Open which he’d be more than willing to sell to someone, and he also went to the Aerosmith concert and got to go backstage and meet the band.

President Dave paid a fine for having his picture in the paper for a Phoenix School event – as did many others in the room as well (including Malia Griffin, Sandy Heaphy, Bruce Whear, and John Neely)

Liz Bradt attended a continuing education class in Montreal, couldn’t get a room in the hotel where the classes were being held, so instead stayed at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel at the recommendation of Juli. Liz advises that you should always follow Juli’s advice. The accommodations were wonderful.

Frank Campbell spent 5 days in Sarasota. The softball team has a 5-2 record, and tomorrow night will be playing at Rotary Field in Danvers.

Bruce Whear played Zumba, had two pictures in the paper and also bought Caroni Electric – a company he had initially worked for as an electrician.

Nick Helides’ mentee received the President’s Silver Achievement Award at Briscoe Middle School.

Scott McNeil thanked Rotarians for their contributions to the food pantry.

Jim Haskell completed another 60 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia – 230 miles to go.

Rinus Oosthoek mentioned that the Salem Farmer’s Market will be starting up soon.

Denise Flynn and Mary Ann Lyons reported about the success of the North Shore Cancer Walk. Over $700 was collected from the Club to support the walk.

Rich Eisner and Bill Kielbasa hiked up Mt. Washington the previous Saturday.

John Fisher had his picture in the paper for becoming the President-elect of the Mass. Dental Society. His team also came in first at one golf tournament, and then came in dead last at another.

Ray Hodge won’t be at next week’s meeting – Marion and he will be celebrating their 64^th anniversary.

Program for the June 23rd and 30th Meetings:

Bruce Whear presented Bob Dionne with his permanent badge, and several Rotarians paid for the privilege of officially welcoming him to the Club.

Roberta Cantor presented Joanne Scott with his permanent badge, and several Rotarians paid for the privilege of officially welcoming him to the club.

Cataldo Ambulance: Bob Dionne introduced the speakers from Cataldo Ambulance. This was the best show and tell I have seen since Billy Snodgrass brought in his pet turtle in second grade! Kids don't try some of these things at home - they have sharp, pointy ends which could hurt....

Rotary Foundation: John Neely presented the report on the Club’s donations to the Rotary Foundation this year. A majority of members made donations this year – which is a first – and members donated about $7,000 – which is nearly $100 per member. This year most of the donations are coming from individual members, which means that funds from the Club’s general fund are being spent locally on scholarships and other projects rather than going to support the Foundation. John provided each table with several copies of the detailed report.

It seems only appropriate to end the final newsletter of President Dave's term with his original poetry.....

President’s Recognitions: Today’s speaker was President Dave paying recognition to the many members of the Club who had helped to make his year as President a tremendous success. To help generate a festive spirit around these awards, Dave passed out noisemakers to members – which turned out to be a big mistake. Dave, give a bunch of Rotarians something to make noise with – what were you thinking ?!

After recognizing many, many members of the Club – Dave concluded his remarks by reciting some original poetry.

Twas My Last Days in Office

Twas my last days in office, looking back on the year,

Me singing “my way” and your expressions of fear.

My performance in public, oh what a sight,

Most shook their heads proclaiming “are you sure he’s alright?”

The board meetings were planned,

Once a month they did span.

Hot dogs and fellowship under the sun,

The DSS kids sure had fun.

Then another great event, what a wonderful night,

At the Blazo’s poolside, everything was just right.

Marking the days as they pass, a calendar we need,

With pictures of then and now, “yes let’s proceed”.

With color and wording, just like a flash,

We printed them up and began earning cash.

Food drives for the hungry for those who need care,

It’s a big part of Rotary to help out and share.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear,

But teens from a country far away from here.

We’re from Ireland they said, with Friends Forever,

Building friendship and bonds not easily severed.

To my home two did come, they’ll not be the same,

They questioned their friends, “is that guy insane?”

With the Season upon us, such a generous deed,

To purchase the turkeys for those in need.

The Shaws were so kind, such welcoming hosts,

For our club Christmas party, now who drank the most?

Next on the agenda, for those who can read,

Are awards for the students for their literacy.

A contest, a challenge, one I can finally win,

The biggest loser it’s called-where have I been?

Something I’m great at, the trophy is mine,

I get called a big loser all of the time.

I ran and signed up, but was quickly set straight,

In order to win I must lose some weight.

Confused and saddened I bowed my head low,

Just one more thing that I didn’t know.

“Going once, going twice,” the auction was great,

Compared to my bedtime, I stayed up quite late,

Thanks to all who came and those with donations

That encourage and support the next generation.

Now a serious moment, to show how much we care,

Hoop and his family were sitting right here,

Call it whatever you like, a tribute or roast,

To our dear friend Hoop we offered a toast.

The district conference in Salem, how hard can it be,

Meetings and planning and things Rotary,

But it all came together, showcasing Salem so fine,

A city with culture and places to dine.

But wait we’re not done,

There’s still more fun,

Could that be who I think,

Or could it be this blue drink?

Some thought it odd, others quite funny,

But I swear I saw Elvis and the Easter Bunny.

After time for recovery from such a strange lark,

The club headed on over to the Mary Jane Lee Park.

New park benches, a clean up, so much work and hard labor,

Working together a moment to savor,

The playground looked great, kids came and they played,

What a nice place for all, what a difference we made.

A cool and breezy night, and a visit to see

The warriors of sport known as our softball team.

Playing like champs their strategy worked like a charm,

Along with their win, that night no one was harmed.

Learning and knowledge we support all awhile,

With laughter and joy third graders did smile,

With their new shiny gift- a dictionary,

From their friends and supporters at Rotary.

So much work and effort, and reading too,

Creating the scholarships donated by all of you,

A moment when we have so much pride,

For helping build wisdom and better quality lives.

A swing and a miss happens in baseball you see,

But for me it can happen on the golf tee,

Just as predicted the weather was fine,

“Hey that ball in the woods, I think its mine.”

Now the year has gone quickly, as most said it will,

But there still is the matter of you paying my bill.

Come to think of it now, I was missing some things,

Some perks that the office should naturally bring.

We’ll start with my airplane, called Rotary One,

A limo and driver, now that sounds like fun.

Fine dinners, and travel throughout the country,

Why not the whole world, let’s go overseas.

Ok, just forget it, I won’t long be poor,

I’m starting a speaking and book signing tour.

You may be wondering about the next time you’ll see him,

Stop by and visit me at my Presidential museum.

But before I take off and get away,

There’s one more thing I would just like to say,

Thank you all for the privilege to be of service,

Your encouraging words made me less nervous.

The kindness and support given to me,

Speaks volumes about Salem Rotary.

At the end of it all, what can I say,

Like it or not, I did it my way!

Events to be aware of -- Save the Dates!!

DSS Cookout - Tuesday, July 14, Plummer Home 4:30ish...

Please visit the calendar section of our web site

for additional important dates.

And now a few announcements....

100 Years of Rotary in Massachusetts Celebration - July 18, RI President is coming. Event at Boxborough Holiday Inn

Quote of the Week:

"Promise me you will never forget me, because if I thought you would, I'd never leave." A.A. Milne....

Stumpers

This week's stumper:

In June's Rotary magazine is a story about the health benefits of volunteer service. What is the unusual name of the non-profit foundation conducting the research?

Please email all announcements to be added to the Spoke and/or feedback to salem_rotary@yahoo.com by Noon on Wednesday. Also, feel free to contact any of the committee members listed below.

Committee Chair: Brenda Smith

Editors: Brenda Smith

Photos: John Quinn (Jay Cue), Trip Mason and File

Graphics and Photo Editing: Rich Eisner

Members: Denise Flynn, Jim Haskell and Sandy Heaphy