**Needham Rotary Club**

 April 1, 2014 (fortunately no April fool’s pranks today!)

Location:  Needham Senior Center

Pledge of Allegiance: Charles Nelson ably standing in for Glen Davis

Song:  God Bless America; Led By: Ron Sockol

Prayer: Led by Darrell Minnich

Thank you to Rosalind Fisher from Avery Crossing for providing today’s bag lunch

 

Announcement:

·         Charles reminded us of the Charles River Center gala being held on April 29^th. 

·         District matching grants were discussed.  Let Rich know if you have any suggestions. 

·         .High school Stop Hunger event being held on May 14^th.  Further details will be discussed at next board meeting.

·         The Realty Fair will on held on either May 15^th or 16^th – looking for help.

Guests:

• Larry Richmond, Needham resident and prospective Rotarian
• Andy Winnick, another Needham Resident and Arlington Rotarian who might join our club
• Jamie Gutner, Director, Center at the Heights

In George’s absence, Roz led the Welcome Song.

Happy Dollars:  Many glad to be the new Center and thanks for hosting us today; glad for opening day, a sure sign of spring – Go Sox!;  Tom Savino for trip to New Jersey for aunt’s 100^th birthday; Ted Shaughnessy- great trip to New Orleans with Marilyn.

50:50:  Will resume next week - odds are no gambling allowed at the Center.

Joke of the day: None this week.

 

Birthdays: None

Presidential minute:  He was born on April 13^th; in 1803 he banned import of slaves into US; founded University of Virginia and was responsible for Lewis and Clark Expedition.  Thomas Jefferson is winner.

5 Minute Rotarian of the Day: Bob Cocks.  Born in Newark, NJ and ultimately moved to Weston High School; graduate of Bowdoin College in ME; volunteered for Navy doing OCS in Newport RI where he was ultimately assigned to a destroyer in middle east; he left the navy as a Lieutenant Commander in the reserves.  His civilian career started at Banker’s Trust in NYC; after moving around between many banks he became president and CEO of Putnam Savings in Connecticut .  6 years ago he moved back to MA with his wife and 2 children where he first came to Needham then settled in Dover.  4 years ago he started with Century 21 Commonwealth where he is now selling property at Dover Farms.  His spare time revolves around music and golf; he sings in his church choir and serves on several Dover town boards.

                                                                                                   

Guest Speaker:  Jamie Gutner, Director, Needham Center at the Heights

Jamie told us of the challenges of going from a 6,000 sq. ft. headquarters to 20,000 sq. ft.  when they moved in October of 2013.  They are providing 50 programs to residents of Needham.   

Meeting adjourned to tours of the facility.

 

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Sheraton Needham