August 1, 2008 Meeting

Pledge, Song & Invocation

Joan Johnson was Mutt to the missing Maestro Marie's Jeff and led us in Take Me Out to the Ball Game. While it is a classic baseball tune it now has to take second place to "Sweet Caroline"—especially when hot dogs and beer accompany the singing. Ray Cannon did an admirable job leading us in a terse invocation that exhorted us to follow the four way test and give thanks (i.e. Don't be Manny).

Guests

Lisa McDonald reprised her visitor's role as Peter Cauroso's guest. Danielle Perry from the Salem-Methuen club also paid the club a second visit. There were no make-ups from our club

Announcements

David Lindsay will be making his first presidential trip to Argentina. Peter Cotch will take over. (We have been forewarned). You too can have your very own Rotary Club credit card. This one is issued by Bank of America which carries no fee and gives a percentage of charges to Rotary. Richard Brenner initiated the Membership Minute by distributing lists of all possible job classifications. Any member who has an acquaintance that fits any of the categories should pick up the phone and extend an invitation. Especially needed are "weird" people. Be forewarned that if you do not bring a guest next week then bring your wallet.

Raffle

David Sollars thought he had a lock on the ten spot when he drew a Jack but Matt Gold picked the elusive Joker to walk away with $400.

The Main Event - Peter Cotch

The rite-of-passage to the club presidency includes heading up the auction. Peter Cotch's plans to supplant the ordinarily high society affairs by changing the venue to something like the barn at Ironstone Farm. I say something because apparently the barn is not available for the October date that Peter has in mind. The theme will be Endless Summer and Peter has the band already chosen—The Baja Boys. His goals are 200 tickets at $25 apiece and the target date is the third week in October. The other Peter C—Peter Caruso pointed out that we already have experts who have organized fundraisers in the past and exhorted him to draw on their wisdom. Guest Danielle Perry offered the suggestion that we truck in sand to complete the beach theme. This follically challenged writer did express the concern that an October date does not leave much time to plan the event. The overall response from members seems to be that Peter has a solid idea that needs considerably more planning.

Fines and Happy Dollars

Sargent-at-arms Richard Brenner held malice toward none and went straight for the happy dollars. Donna Lee Rubin started things off with a double offering for a big birthday by Vince and their 18th century. Susan Big enjoyed Newport with daughter Alethea and prodigal son Fellipe. Matt Gold's son, Joshua, moved to Colorado and Dad is heading off to Canterbury, England to perform with his chorus. Gail Ross is glad to be back from the Cape and Lisa McDonald is happy to be done with Manny. Jim Sutton heard back from Felipe that, although the prodigal returned home, he is older and wiser, having apparently discovered the old truism that "you can't go home again." "Good riddance" was Dave Sollars parting shot to Manny Ramierez. Dave also offered up passes for Pats' pre-season games.

Paul Brown solved the case of the missing bottle opener (from last week's rendition of Sweet Caroline and returned it to its distraught rightful owner (yours truly). Alan Michel saluted the onset of the new and improved Rotary auction. Forewarned is forearmed: The finemaster will exact justice in the form of a dollar from anyone who does not bring a guest next Friday. Dave Lindsay drew the curtain on the festivities by saluting Peter Cotch as the new auction director, for his upcoming trip to Argentina and for his daughter calling from Brazil. (Now just where is Felippe's home town?)