Wilmington Rotary - Newsletter- The Keyway - The Keyway Archive (Jul 30, 2003)

Meeting was called to order by President Joe at 12:30pm. This was the joint meeting with North Reading, Reading and Lynnfield for the District Governor's visit. The late start was because the club presidents were meeting with District Governor Paul Nader prior to the meeting - and the Assistant Governors, which our own John Doherty is for North Reading. Then they were off for picture time for the local paper. So we all waited patiently for the meeting to start.

Excellent job done by our President Joe as host of the meeting. And what a surprise for Ray Fitch to receive his 50 year pin from the District Governor. I would say that half of the room weren't even born when Ray started in Rotary. Way to go Ray!!!! We were proud!!!!!

District Governor Elect, Donna D'Agostino, introduced the District Governor. District Governor Paul Nader then went on to speak that Rotary does have the money for the Polio Project but the cases of polio diagnosed has increased due to the areas that are unable to have the children immunized because of war. The main areas are Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Hopefully, if we all pray a little harder, maybe they will find a way to enter these areas. The overall world concern is that if they don't get into these other areas - it won't be long until we see polio outbreaks in our country again.

He also spoke about the goal of the International President to expand the Foundation with each and every member giving $100.00 per year to the Foundation to fund all their worthwhile programs each year. We have a few members of our club that are already involved in this - maybe we can get more this year. It really is a worthwhile contribution. Unfortunately, due to time issues and other items we don't learn a lot about the Foundation and their projects, but take it from someone who has attended two PETS sessions - the Foundation is a worthwhile contribution.

He then spoke about the District playing a "Lending Hand" in helping the club with member retention and gaining new members. He announced in September there will be a District social for members to bring some people that they think would be good members and the rest will be done by the District with slide shows, etc......

Then when the District Governor was done. A gentleman was introduced by the North Reading club and in lieu of fines, he read a letter from a serviceman in Iraq. And it spoke about the feelings of the people in Iraq and the situation that they have to live with over there. So instead of fines they asked for donations to send much needed personal hygiene supplies, videos, CD's, magazines, etc. over for the serviceman. I saw lots of money going into the hat - so I would say that this was a successful idea.

And then President Joe called the meeting to a close at 1:30pm.

Remember next week we are back at Rocco's for three weeks and then we go back home.

See You next week!