Don't Forget to Vote

Today is the special Massachusetts preliminary election for for US Senator. Polls are open until 8:00 PM.

Past Presidents Meeting

There will be a brief meeting of all Past Presidents immediately following Thursday's meeting.

President's Message

Dear Rotarians,

Thank you to Steve Goddu from facilitating last week's program. Bob Robbins gave a great talk. Personally, I left Rotary last week with a new insight: We are called "Baby Boomers" because our retirement plans seemed to have imploded!

This Thursday's speaker promises to be interesting as well. Nancy Gilbert from the U.S. Census Bureau will be with us. So, be sure to be there and be counted!

This Thursday is "Birthday Thursday" at Rotary. If you have a December birthday, be sure to sit with your fellow/sister celebrants at the Birthday table. It's up to you - you can make it a fine day or a fined day!

I hope that everyone got through our first significant snowfall of the season. Remember: if there is no school in Haverhill or if there is an early dismissal, there will be no Rotary meeting. If there is a delayed opening of schools in Haverhill, Rotary will meet at the regular time.

Speaking of time, I am well aware that Rotary meetings have been running longer since I've been president. To help remedy the situation, a couple of officers have spoken to the management of Michael's and they have agreed to have bread and salads on the table by the time we reach SPaI time (Song, Pledge and Invocation) at 12:15 PM. They did so very well last week and it enabled me to begin the business portion of our meeting at 12:45 which is something I want to continue. It is important that we all try to be there by SPaI time.

Have any of you seen the video of our first duck regatta on Haverhill Community Television? I have as yet but I understand that it's Emmy material. Thank you to Ray Naroian for producing it and to past-president Darlene Beal for all her support and encouragement that helped to make it happen!

On my way into the Post Office on Friday, I saw Jeff Davis ringing the Salvation Army bell. On my way out of the Post Office, I saw Scott Cote arriving for his "tour of duty", replacing Jeff. There were two Rotarians standing outside (it wasn't the warmest of days) volunteering, doing something to benefit many in our community. Many thanks to Ken "Ding-a-Ling" Smith for once again scheduling the bell ringers (including members of the Haverhill High School Rotary Interact Club). Time will tell how well we did compared with the smaller service clubs in town.

Seeing Jeff and Scott giving up time from their work day to volunteer was very heartening. In this season of celebration, it made me ask myself and I ask you the same, "What have you done lately to help make our community a better place?" Hopefully, as a Rotarian, your list is a long one!

Rotarily Yours,

Ira

Salvation Army Kettle Drive

Saturday December 6th members of the Rotary Club of Haverhill assisted the Haverhill Chapter of the Salvation Army by ringing the bell at each of their kettle drive locations. In front of the Post office downtown we also provided a brass quintet who played from the Salvation Army's official Christmas book 'Carolers Favorites'. From left Frank Wickens of Hudson NH on Trombone, Jeffery Hoyt of Penacook NH on Trumpet, Eric Suess Haverhill Rotary's newest member ringing the bell, Craig Garner of Auburn NH on Tuba, Jon Gains of Hudson NH who is a senior at Pinkerton Academy on Trumpet and Haverhill Rotary member Steven Goddu of Salem NH organized the group and played Trumpet. Also pictured separately above is club secretary Bonnie Michaleas ringing the bell for donations. Photos provided by The Foto Factory.

Winter Weather Policy

Please remember the Haverhill Rotary winter weather policy:
If the Haverhill Public Schools are cancelled due to inclement winter weather, there will be no Rotary meeting that day. Also, if there is an early dismissal, there will be no Rotary meeting that day.
If there is a delayed opening of the Haverhill Public Schools, there will be a Rotary meeting at the regular time, at 12:15 PM.

Proposed for Membership: Eric Suess

Comedy Night

District News

Download a copy of our district newsletter and keep up with what's going on. There are two conferences within driving distance of us that booth look interesting. The district conference will be at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine and the international conference will be in Montreal, Canada. Both great places to visit while experiencing Rotary outside the borders of Haverhill. Details are in the newsletter.

Last Week' Speaker

Last week we heard from Bob Robbins and Coleen Farley who told about how they use a method called "Adaptive Asset Allocation" which explained simply: There are times to be in the market and there are times not to be. Their method is similar to a hedge fund but with all of the oversight and regulations you would expect from the financial planning industry. You may contact Bob directly at robert.robbins@smithbarney.com if you have any questions.

Insulted

I go to a barber shop in Plaistow, NH. Not long ago I was there for a haircut. When my turn came I sat myself in the chair.

The barber asked: "What will it be ?"
My reply ? "Just make me handsome."
To which the barber replied: "Get out of the chair."
He then added: "We are beauticians, not magicians."

See if I ever give him my usual 25 cent tip.