Weekly meeting - May 25

Light turnout this morning, looks like people are getting busier at work these days.  We had a very interesting presentation given by Bob Schecter from the Framingham club.  Bob lived and worked in Africa during his college years.  I'm a little fuzzy on the country but I believe it was Zambia.  The Framingham club is working on a matching grant to supply school supplies, clothing and other essentials in this area. 

We had a minor discussion on new fundraising ideas including one on a Broomball Tournament in Lowell.  More information and some number crunching is needed to understand the requirements and the costs associated with an event like this.  Initially the Tsongas Arena was thought to be a good location but thinking it through, only the finals would be held in the arena.  Elimination rounds up to the Semis would be held at local rinks. 

Other discussions included an expansion of the scholarship program to include a Regional Vocational school in Lowell brining the annual total to 7.   We'll need to raise additional funds to support the new school and Bob McDonald will guide us on the additional amount needed keep the account sustainable.  The scholarship set up in Andover earlier this year reduced the principle on the primary scholarship fund.  Growth is a good thing!

The District Conference

The Rotary District 7910 conference is just around the corner and as usual it promises to be another great event.  The Merrimack Valley Club is donating a decorative bench (pictured and donated by Bob McDonald) for  the silent auction.

55 clubs from central Massachusetts will gather June 9, 10 and 11th at the Boxborough Holiday Inn.  This is District Governor Mike Ellis's celebration party for a job well done this past year.  His term ends June 30th when the new Rotary year begins. 

There are many events at the conference and a personal favorite is some of the presentations given Saturday afternoon, followed by the house of Freindship and evening dinner to follow.  If you're a Rotarian in district 7910, you don't want to miss this event.  See you there!