May 27, 2009

Just a few weeks ago, a group of Haverhill Rotarians headed by Past President Cindy Ryan completed the task of distributing over 600 thesauruses to all sixth graders in public and private Haverhill schools. I was impressed with the message that accompanied the distribution to each school principal and wanted to share part of it with you:
[Haverhill] Rotary is providing each student the unique opportunity to become better and more active readers, good writers and creative thinkers. In fact, the usefulness of this project goes beyond spelling, pronunciations, and definitions. It is a companion for solving problems that arise as a child develops his or her reading, writing and creative thinking skills. By each student having their own thesaurus available in the classroom, teachers and parents derive a definite benefit knowing that their student has a consistent access to a tool for homework as well as for in-class exploration.
In the past seven years Haverhill Rotary has donated over 5000 dictionaries / thesauruses to third and sixth graders in the Haverhill Community and is pleased to continue to provide this support again this year. By presenting such a useful gift of knowledge, a simple thesaurus appears to be changing the manner in which students look at people in the community. Now, they can see that those around them encourage and support their educational efforts which is a factor considered to be very important to educators.
The most important purpose of this project is to improve the quality of life of our children everywhere and help them to succeed. This project not only reveals the power of Rotary, but also the power a thesaurus can hold, especially in the minds of sixth graders.
Thanks again to Cindy and her band of thesaurus helpers!
Congrats to Tim Jordan and Jefferson Davis on announcement of their recent Chamber of Commerce awards. You do Haverhill Rotary proud!
As usual, that was a great school of fishing stories [pun intended] last week! Let's see if Ron Albert can provide another one. Has anybody ever thought of compiling them: it would be a good laugh for a rainy day.
If you didn't do anything for Rotary last week (aside from attending the club meeting), take ten minutes, listen and watch this video and take its message to heart.
Hope I see you Thursday!
John
Team Leader Needed
Rotary District 7930 Seeks a Rotarian TEAM LEADER for our GSE Exchange to London, England, UK September 19, 2009 - October 19, 2009. TEAM LEADER Applications Now Being Accepted.
Rotary International District 7930 is offering a free professional and cultural exchange program including travel, accommodations and meals. Rotary International and the Rotary Clubs in District 1130, London England, provide all travel and accommodations. This Group Study Exchange program is a unique vocational exchange opportunity for professional men and women.
Team members will make invaluable vocational contacts and visit sites of cultural and historic significance in London England, UK. Working with the district GSE Chair, the Team Leader will advise and coordinate outbound team responsibilities before, during, and after travel dates. This year our district's outbound team will be going to London, England, September 19 - October 19, 2009. Team Leader applicants must be a club member within District 7930. The TEAM LEADER application deadline is June 8, 2009. Team Leader Interviews will be held June 13, 2009. Team Leaders will also participate in the selection of team members, interviews to be held on July 11, 2009.
Log onto the district web site to download a team leader application and review additional information regarding this program.

A Dangerous Job!
I attend the Atkinson Congregational Church and had taken part in a Laity service when the Pastor was away. A lady from a nearby town was in attendance that Sunday. Not wanting to show my theological ignorance I decided that I couldn't go wrong if I spoke of the importance of setting a good example.
Later that day I found out this lady attending the service had a child that had caused her worry and concern. I didn't know her and guess that she must have felt disappointment as this child's mother.
Now as they say, fast forward.
My work at the telephone company brought me one day to the Baker-Katz Nursing
Home in Haverhill. At the Nurse's Station I saw this same lady. She was one of the nurses. As she flitted back and forth she finally spoke to me and said: "I know you from
somewhere. Where have I seen you?"
Wondering to myself if I had said any inspiring words for her that day I told her that she
had seen me in Atkinson at the church. A serious look came on her face and she said: "Oh yes, now I remember. I didn't like what you had to say one single bit."
She then turned on her heels and walked away.
To all of the Clergy I have this to say: "You have a dangerous job."

New Member
Welcome Adam Manchester of Benchmark Assisted Living to our club and remember to sign his book.
Speakers
May 21 - John Anton, MASS Advocates Standing Strong
May 28 - Mary Malone, Consentino School Principal & students
June 4 Greg Wells, Pew Environment Group - End Overfishing in New England
June 18 Dave Goodwin & Steve Noury, Haverhill River Run 2009 - Hydroplane and Power Boat Race
June 25 John Cuneo - Swan Song
Contact Ira Korinow if you have a suggestion for an interesting speaker.
Attendance
An attendance record of 50 percent is required to remain an active Rotarian. Any missed meeting must be made up within 14 days before or after the regular meeting. To accommodate busy schedules, there are various opportunities to make up missed meetings:
Monday 12:15PM Danversport Yacht Club
Monday 12:15PM Exeter Country Club
Tuesday 12:15PM Glenn's Galley
Tuesday 12:15PM Caffe Paradiso in Lowell
Wednesday 12:15PM Angelica's Restaurant in Middleton
Thursday 7:30AM Cochichewick Lodge in North Andover
Thursday 12:15PM Redhook Ale Brewery in Portsmouth
Friday 7:30AM Rockingham Park, Belmont Room in Salem NH
Friday 12:15PM Sweetheart Inn in Methuen
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