Newburyport Rotary - Newburyport Clipper

We had a very small group today, December 28. Ted was not there at piano, so we tried to play the recording he prepared. That didn't work. John Salter finally started the singing of "My Country Tis of Thee". Bob Kirsner gave the invocation and we had lunch of pasta with clam sauce, chicken cordon bleu or swordfish. After lunch, our musical director, John Budzyna, led us in singing "Auld Lang Syne".

Guests and visiting Rotarians

Scott Eaton read the long list of guests. Peter Johnston, guest of George; R.C. Kingsbury, guest of Geri Dorr (and our Santa in the parade); Alicia Bjornson and her mother Marti Bjornson. Alicia is a Rotarian from Salem, New Jersey, but was born in Evanston, Illinois. Pat LaForte; John Horne from Dedham; David Shaw from Haverhill; and Susan Green from the Anna Jaques Hospital.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy Birthday to Sue Christ (1/2).

Happy Dollars

John Salter related a gratifying story about ringing the bells for the Salvation Army on Christmas Eve. An Irish father and his two daughters were so pleased to donate $250 to the kettle saying that this just doesn't happen in Ireland.

Badge Fines

Arlene collected fines from those without a name badge.

New Member Induction

George Cashman inducted our newest member today. Pat LaForte is the Executive Director at the Newburyport Housing Authority. Welcome aboard Pat.

Announcements

Pres. Geri read a thank you note from Chuck, our waiter.
There will be no meeting Next week January 4th. The January 11th meeting will be held at the Anna Jaques Hospital Higgins Conference Room.

Program

Jay McGovern introduced Susan Green, CFO of Anna Jaques Hospital. Susan spoke about health care and Rotarians. She related the four - way test to health care. As you all know, the four - way test asks the questions; 'Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?'.

Geri thanked Susan for her talk and presented her with a coffee mug filled with candy.

Holiday Raffle

Bob Moore asked Ray Kingsbury (Santa Claus) to help him draw the names of the winners of the raffle. First prize of $1,000. was won by Erin McMullin who is a freshman in college; and second prize of $500 was won by Pauline Hirsch. Congratulations to you.

Bob said 63 Rotarians returned their money for a total of $5,000. The profits of the raffle, which should be approximately $3,500, will go into the Scholarship Fund.

Award

A Certificate of Appreciation was given to Ray Kingsbury for his part in playing the role of Santa Claus in the parade.

Raffle was won by John Salter