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On Memorial Day Rotarians (President Joe, Gino, Geri, Rob, Anna), Scouts from Troop 1 and invited guests celebrated Troop 1’s 100^th anniversary with a program and barbeque. Delicious burgers and hot dogs were grilled on the new grill donated by the Club.

New COA Director Liz Tretiack Address Rotary

As the new Director of the Council on Aging Liz has spent the last five months learning about Littleton’s seniors needs and she shared some of her findings with us.

(1) Many Littleton residents drive to other towns for social and recreation programs, which Littleton would like to re-engage to return to Littleton’s COA instead.

(2) Would like to double the number of programs from 15 to 30 for people between 60-75 years old.

(3) Yes a new senior center would be wonderful. Question is how to pay for it?

Sharon Corbin Exemplifies Volunteerism

Community volunteer Sharon Corbin updated Members about the seniors’ courtyard renovations being completed and she showed us photos of the restored space. The fence, which our Club donated in 2003, is now a focal point in the courtyard. Club Members are invited to the unveiling on Friday, June 8 at 12:00 p.m.

Members surprised Sharon after her update by announcing she is this year’s recipient of the Rotary’s Paul Harris award for her tireless volunteering on behalf of Littleton residents. Sharon volunteers with Friends of COA, Meals on Wheels, and for children, and playgrounds.

Frank Rigg addresses Littleton Rotary Members

Frank Rigg, member of the Concord Rotary chapter captivated us with tales of his times as Curator of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Frank has a storied past working at the Paul Revere Memorial Association during the bicentennial, the New England Aquarium and all this while being British.

Frank joined the museum in 1979 at the behest of the then-curator and was the curator during the build out of the now beautiful I.M. Pei designed museum. To create a legacy to President Kennedy atop an old city dump no less, Frank had to traverse Boston politics on both sides of the river. It was an incredible time, everyone was demanding attention, trying to get Jackie Kennedy’s attention and he trying to get his job done and museum open in the meantime.

Opening day at the museum brought 10,000 guests including the entire Kennedy family, President Carter and other notables.

GROTON CHIEF ADDRESSES MEMBERS

Club Member and new Littleton Police Chief Matt Pinard brought Groton’s Police Chief, Don Palmer to present his Anatomy of a Homicide.

On September 8, 2017 four people were brutally murdered in Groton, MA and Orion Krause, 23, was recently indicted by a grand jury for killing his grandparents, mother and a caretaker. Krause’s case is still pending as to whether he goes to trial or Bridgewater State Hospital. Chief Palmer took us through the chronology of the event using current publicly available information. Two key messages from the Chief are that while his team was well trained and had years on the police force, officers were shaken by the gruesome circumstances. Second is that he received much good advise and support from his peers in the Fire Dept. and from other towns, including Littleton. He had to deal with the murder scene, evidence, his team’s well being, the news media and holding a news conference, the District Attorney, neighbors to the deceased, and keeping the town calm. Kudos to first responders involved!

Incoming DG visits Liittleton

Chris Spear, incoming District Governor. In 2018-19 Littleton President-elect Deb Trumbull and Chris will be working together and he wanted to introduce himself. Chris, from Stow and a member of Nashoba Valley Rotary, knows about one-third of our Club members and will be at the Appleman and in Montreal. He is experienced in running Reality Fair and can support our Club efforts in hosting one as well. He reminded us that District grants are due June 1. Congratulations Chris on being selected the new DG.

RYLA 2018

Marcia, Corinne, Steve and Anna interviewed 16 sophomores, on March 15, to attend the RYLA conference, of which eight students were selected.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership program coordinated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of young people participate in this program. Young people ages 13–30 are sponsored by Rotary Clubs to attend the event run by the club's district committee.

Littleton Rotarians help Clean the Common

Many hands make light work and the Rotary team cleaned up and down Great Road from 495 to Donelan's and from IBM to the Congregational Church. Thanks to Marc, Mina, Joe, Rob and Katherine (daughter). The sunshine felt great . . . happy spring everyone

Recent Club Donations

The Board approved the following donations at the recent board meeting:

• $1,000 to Boy Scouts for the food at their 100th anniversary event Memorial Day weekend at the new fire station. Club members and town dignitaries will be invited to attend.

• $1,000 to Gino Fratallone's St. Vincent De Paul Arizona food project.

• $3,000 to Puerto Rico recovery efforts. Jim Fusco, Gary Hough and others at the Foundation were very appreciative for this donation as the fundraising goal is $25,000 and our Club’s donation increased the funds raised to $17,000.

• Up to $1,200 to the Friends of the COA to sponsor the St. Patrick’s Day luncheon.

Rise Against Hunger

Volunteers are needed to pack meals at the Rise Against Hunger event on March 17. For details please contact Sue Harvey, Humanitarian Club at LHS.

sharvey@littletonps.org