**NEEDHAM ROTARY CLUB**
Minutes of Meeting
Tuesday: September 19, 2017
Pledge of Allegiance: Marty Lindemann
Song: God Bless America; Led By: Marty Lindeman
Prayer: Led by: Karen Wetmore
Guests: - Holly Brown, Bob Dunning; Raghav and Champaka Rao, Rotary members from Jubilee Hill, India; and Mark Robinson and Jordan Rich, speaker
Announcements:
. Members packed 500 Dictionaries for all Needham third graders. THANK YOU to everyone who helped.
.9/17 was Lois and Ron’s anniversary. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and many more.
. Marty told us the Constitution was signed this week. George Washington also gave his farewell address and asked “Where is our sense our morality?” Some questions haven’t changed.
. Today is Rosh Hashanah and ends in 10 days with Yom Kippur. Lois gave is a brief tutorial explaining that 10 days are spent in reflection on past year. Lois ended wishing all a sweet new year
. Libby updated us on the grill project for the Council on Aging. Chuck Mangini is building the grill new cabinet. Olympia Marble offered to supply the marble countertop with installation for no charge (Libby even gets to take her pick). 2 griddles from Kenyan and storage building have also been ordered.
.Ted updated us on hurricane relief donations. Rotary Foundation has set up 2 funds for hurricane relief/assistance, one for Texas and one for Florida. At this time, board agreed to split $500 between the two funds. If members wish to personally donate, he provided a link.
.Bill Paulson researched BUDDY BENCH and has arranged with St. Joseph’s Elementary School to have it installed in their yard. They already have a program regarding this concept. The bench is for children who need a friend. If this is well received, Bill will approach the other schools in town. Stay tuned for installation date.
.Bill also introduced Raghav and Champaka Rao from Jubilee Hills, India who updated us on the solar panel installation in their school.
.Andy thanked three sponsors of the Dictionaries: Dan Tibma Builders, Condon Realty and Representative Denise Garlick. Thank you Chuck for getting labels done so expeditiously. Andy requested help delivering boxes to schools and will need help with distribution to children.
.THANK YOU Holly Brown for always being there when we need help.
Humor: Marty regaled us with some moaners.
Rotary Moment: None today.
Happy dollars: Holly happy for Red Sox; many members Happy to be Here; Scott happy storm not hitting us, that Siesta Key missed hurricane and that Angel’s Envy is well tied down; Ryan glad to be back and that his dad is on the mend; Ken welcomed guests and also wished everyone Happy New Year; Bill welcomed guests and happy Sarah arrived safely in Panama and Greg thanked Jim and Holly for new happy dollar envelopes.
50/50 drawing: Bob Duning drew number; Louise had lucky number and Ted chose card but no luck this week. $902 in pot – better luck next week.
Guest speaker: Jordan Rich, at present a retired but active radio announcer from WBZ radio. Jordan used to have an overnight show from midnight to 5 am for some 20 years. He was heard in 39 states and around the world via the web. He recounted how much he likes being on the radio, but has cut back is hours tremendously as he is ‘retired’.
He recounted how he was able to work with a caller (who was suicidal) to help him through his issues, both on and off the air. He also recounted how supportive the audience was when his wife passed on.
Jordan has worked with Mike Riley (a sports broadcaster from Needham who has visited our club many times) in getting him into the ‘Big Leagues’ of radio, at WBZ.
Today, you can hear Jordan on Saturday’s as he does ‘New England Corner’ spots on WBZ radio,
Next meeting: Tuesday, September 26 at 12:00 at Needham Sheraton-District Governor’s Visit!