Natick Rotary Sprocket 12/1/15

The meeting was called to order by President Trish, Sharon led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, Verna played and we sang “American the Beautiful”, and Peter Golden provided our invocation

Guests: District Governor, Jim Fusco, Ken Phillips dad, Ken Phillips and guest speaker Michelle Carter from Camp Arrowhead

Announcements:

o Holiday Party will be December 15th 5:00pm @ Jack’s Abby Brewing 100 Clinton Street, Framingham

o December 22 mtg. will be the Yankee Swap @ the Natick Community Center

o Open Door this Thursday Dec. 3

o Help for holiday pick-ups at St. Linus will be Thursday Dec. 17th from 9:00-6:00. Angela passed a sign-up sheet. Angela announced we will also need volunteers to help w/ gift deliveries taking place Friday Dec. 18th at 9:00am

o Greg Tutuny thanked Rotarians for help w/ Thanksgiving deliveries

o Andy announced we had a Dictionary “miracle” – books arrived on time and he passed a sign-up sheet around for Rotarians to bring them to schools

o Sharon alerted us to an opportunity to sponsor “Sound and Spirit” as they are selling advertising space for their 12/17 performance

o Linda announced that the Library now provides free learning opportunities for Library member @ Lynda.com. You will need your library card to register.

o Tobe has scheduled next year’s line-up of Rotarians for a Place to Turn food purchases

District Governor Jim Fusco stopped by today to thank our club for our annual donation to Rotary Foundation of $5,262! We were presented a flag to recognize that we met/exceeded the Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) goal which is to have each member donate at least $100 annually. This made us one of 1,128 clubs out of the 33,000+ clubs worldwide to reach the goal! Dr. Mark then followed with a reminder that we should consider Rotary Foundation as we decide on year end charitable giving

Five minutes with Joe G:

The story begins Peter Golden getting a call alerting him that an auction is about to take place in Hudson and one of the items being auctioned is a truck built in 1916 at the Northway plant located on Speen Street in Natick (National Guard facility now located there). Peter called Joey and asked if he would like to accompany him to the auction. Joey and his son went with Peter and were successful in purchasing not only the Northway truck but also a Henry Ford Fire Truck! A three ring binder was circulated w/ pictures of the truck.

Guest Speaker:

Michelle Carter is the Director of Camp Arrowhead – the program for special needs individuals run on Lake Cochituate by the Natick Recreation Dept. Michelle began as a volunteer the summer between 8th grade and her freshman year in High School. She loved it so much she opted to attend Bridgewater State College and get a degree in the field of Special Needs Education. She then returned to Natick and has now become the Director of the Camp Arrowhead program. The summer program includes opportunities for Arts & Crafts, Fishing, Exploring nature, swimming and much more. Also included are annual trips to the Southwick Zoo and a Carnival. The camp is for special needs individuals from age 5 and up. Each camper is paired with a High School aged volunteer. There are 35 – 40 campers per week throughout the summer. Arrowhead is in demand and a waiting list is likely every week. Priority for signing up is given to Natick residents (all of March is for residents and nonresidents can fill available spaces beginning April 1st each year.

Michelle concluded by acknowledging she has been affiliated with the camp for 14 years (half her life!).

Raffle: George Richards had the ticket but pulled the 2 of diamonds – sorry George

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