Newsletter 8-14-12
Rotary Club of Needham
August 14, 2012
Newsletter
Glen Davis led us in the Pledge of Allegiance; Bob Cocks led us in singing ‘God Bless America’ and Darrell led us in prayer.
Announcements:
* Crutches for Africa- Karen reported that the collection is still going on and will be through the end of August..
* The ‘Bandy Hefler’ exchange program with Rotarians from England is in need of hosts. Give Karen a call.
* Tom Savino has been appointed to be a Trustee of our District’s Charitable Relief fund.
*Greg Cronin got on his cell phone and called Jerry Goodman, who has been having treatment for cancer. Greg passed hhis cell phone around and a number of members got to wish Jerry the best! Greg is hoping to bring Jerry out to next week’s meeting, as he is on a ‘do not drive’ Doctor order.
* Bill Rosenthal reminded us that “ A trip of 1000 miles starts with an eviction notice and restraining order”, and it was not even joke time.
*Heald Hoffmeister just held a retirement party for George Hoffmeister! Congratulations for a successful 40 year career!!!
Upcoming Events:
* 9/23 5 K Road Race to benefit the Charles River Center
* 9/29 Marlboro MA Rotary 90th Club Birthday
* 10/26 Beth Israel Hospital Gala
* 11/3 Our Pancake Breakfast
* 11/17 7 pm Needham YMCA Dinner
Birthdays: Roz, although it was a bit ‘late’.
Happy Dollars:
Ted and Melissa-Welcome Home Aly! Darrell-Congrats Team USA; Chris Teachout for finishing his first paper for school (I didn’t know he was going back)! Ros for having moved; Bill Paulson for seeing everyone; Louise reports Kathy Whitney is doing well; Susan Stanton for going on vacation; George for retiring!
Guests:
Ms. Brenda Diaz from Wingate, a prospective member.
Humor:
Bill Rosenthal should have stuck with his non-joke joke. Louise told a joke which was a bit cleaner.
50/50: Brenda Diaz had the lucky number, 531, but picked the Queen of Clubs, not the queen of diamonds. The pot is $145.00. In the mean time, let's make sure she becomes a member!
Guest Speaker:
Susan Getman, new President and CEO of Walker, became it’s third President in 51 years. Prior to joining Walker, she was Senior Director for Casey Family Programs, a national foundation based in Seattle dedicated to improving child welfare outcomes for children and families.
She spent the preceding 5 years as the DSS Deputy Commissioner leading the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and spearheading the early work aimed at transforming the agency’s child welfare practice model.
Prior to DSSD, she oversaw the operations of residential. Family educational and community based programs for Wayside Youth and Family Support Network having worked earlier in her career in leadership roles for the MSPCC and the Town of Framingham.
We all know of the good which Walker (the Walker School on Central Ave. abutting the Charles River) does in working with troubled youth through the 8th grade. They offer schooling for young children, and a residential setting as well as a hospital environment for those children who need it.
Walker was the ‘502 when it started as a hospital for Children with polio and other childhood diseases. Today, they are affiliated with Children’s Hospital in Boston.
In addition, they have a high school (Beacon High School) in Watertown, for older children having difficulties.
They also have support programs in 56 of the Commonwealth’s cities and towns.
They are always looking for folks to volunteer their time and money. Anything from just reading to children on up is appreciated.
Walker is hosting an open house Thursday Oct. 18 from 10 to noon. Be there!
For more info see: www.walkerschool.org