Weekly Bulletin - October 10, 2013 Meeting

Nalini told us that domestic violence is a pervasive problem and recounted some examples of domestic violence that were very moving.  She told us about the October 9 Vigil Against Domestic Violence that took place in Concord.  At this event 12 victims who died as a result of domestic violence were remembered in a candle lighting ceremony.  Nalini stated that none of these victims had legal representation, which they could have benefited from.  DVSN’s Lawyer for a Day (LFAD) program pays for one hour of legal assistance for victims of domestic violence.  The demand for LFAD services is greater than DVSN’s funding allows.  To help increase funding for LFAD, Nalini started the Gifts of Hope Unlimited boutique in her home.  She and a dedicated crew of volunteers have raised thousands of dollars but the boutique must move out of her house.  Her neighbors have complained to the police about the boutique.  DVSN is looking for a place where the boutique could operate inexpensively such as a church.  The Gifts of Hope Unlimited boutique is staffed by volunteers but funds are needed to pay operational expenses such as rent.  Nalini thanked our club for supporting DVSN.

Next meeting on October 17 at Colonial Candies at 7:15 a.m., Club Assembly led by President, Laura Spear!

Guests:

• Elizabeth Carlin
• Nalini Goyal, speaker
• Ally Spear

Rotary and Club Announcements: (Capitalized events earn points for our club!)

• On October 5 Natascha had a table at Lancaster’s Horseshed Fair.  She asked people for a $1 donation to Rotary and raised approximately $150!
• October 7 Board meeting – The financial report will be available at our next meeting.  Some suggestions for changes in our club bylaws were made to make them specific to our club.  Laura has emailed copies to us for our comments.  Elizabeth was proposed as a new member by Cyndi.  The Wings & Wheels events netted over $12,000 so each club (Nashoba Valley, Acton-Boxborough, and Maynard) will receive about $4,000!  The Board also voted to make a donation for epipens for a low income person in need of them.
• RichG reported on his and Mary Ann’s October 8 visit to Nashoba Regional High School.  There is some interest in affiliating the service club with Rotary and becoming an Interact Club.  Twelve students attended this event.
• SOCIAL MEDIA SEMINAR at Holiday Inn Boxborough was on October 9.  Five members of our club attended!
• On October 12 the Maynard Rotary Club is having Oktoberfest from 3–8 p.m.  The rain date is October 13.
• October 15 is Global Handwashing Day which is an effort of the Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group-WASRAG, a third party nonprofit organization that is working to improve water in third world countries.
• FOUNDATION FORUM will be held on October 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  RichardS is speaking at this event!  The Rotary Foundation earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest and most prestigious independent evaluator of nonprofits in the United States.  The 4-star rating, the highest that Charity Navigator awards, recognizes sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator evaluates thousands of nonprofits each year, and only one of four earns 4 stars.  This year’s top distinction marks the Foundation’s sixth straight, placing it in the top 3 percent of U.S.-based charities.
• Five club members will attend a Providence Bruins game for End Polio Now on October 18!
• On October 19 Marlborough’s Rotaract Club is hosting the charity basketball tournament “Ballin’ for Breast Cancer.”  Proceeds go to PINK Revolution, a local breast cancer awareness charity located in UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester.  This is the FIRST BIG EVENT that they planned on their own!
• ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE at the Boxborough Holiday Inn will be held on October 26 from 7:30-3:30 p.m.  Laura announced that the club will pay half the cost for members to attend this event.  There are three levels of classes that must be taken in order.
• The Littleton and Acton-Boxborough Rotary clubs are having a Masquerade Ball on October 26 at the Holiday Inn Boxborough to benefit ShelterBox.  For more information and tickets go to http://www.actonboxboroughrotary.org/2013/07/15/masquerade-ball-2/
• Sometime in October there will be a Habitat for Humanity Build Day in Westford.  More information about this event will be provided later. 
• UN tickets are still available = November 2: http://riunday.org/ Bob will drive day trippers!
• November 12 is the Acton-Boxborough Club’s fundraiser to support Rotary’s million meals program.  Cocktails and meal packing begin at 5:30 p.m.  An Italian buffet dinner is served at 7:00 p.m.  Award-winning author, Hank Phillipi Ryan speaks at dinner and has a book signing.  Tickets are $25 http://www.actonboxboroughrotary.org/purchase-tickets-for-the-million-meals-fundraiser-with-hank-phillippi-ryan/
• Dues are due!  Contact Jim for more information.
• Laura has posted the Best Club award criteria and the updated 2013-2014 Calendar of Activities on our website www.nashobarotary.org.
• Rotary International’s new website requires a new user account.  Go to http://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/home to register for a new user account.
• Upcoming local projects:
  • October 24 – Dictionary Project – Distribute dictionaries to third graders in Lancaster.  Barbara ordered the dictionaries. Natascha, Rich, and Mary Ann will make a presentation and distribute the dictionaries to third graders at the Mary Rowlandson Elementary School.
  • October 24 – Purple Pinkie Day – Students get their pinkies dyed purple which shows that they support the End Polio Now campaign.  Natascha, Rich, Mary Ann, and Chris are working on this project.  Workers’ Credit Union is doubling their contribution to PPD with a $500 donation!  Chris has successfully contacted the Stow middle school about participating in PPD.  The principal at Bolton’s middle school, however, is not very interested in participating in PPD.
  • October 24 – Fundraiser for DVSN’s Lawyer for a Day program at the Westford Regency – With just two weeks before this event, we need to make a push to get people to attend this event!  To register for this event send email to info@nashobarotary.org.  The cost is $25 and is to be paid at the event.

Happy and sad fines:

• Bob: happy about the new development proposal for the center of Bolton.
• Natascha: sad about the federal government shut down.
• Carol: sad about her mom being in a nursing home; happy that she is on the way to Aruba tomorrow!
• RichG: happy about the social media event; sad about his brother having to go to the hospital; happy his brother is out of the hospital!
• Cyndi: happy her husband is racing this weekend.
• Ron: happy that he attended Concord Rotary Club’s weekly meeting where they had a party for Dick Hale who has had perfect attendance for 50 years!
• RichardS: happy that his older daughter is visiting him; sad that she would not attend this evening’s Rotary meeting; happy about Ron taking in all the checks for the We Are One Project!
• Nanci: created a new category, “Had or Sappy,” for when you’re not sure if you are happy or sad!
• Laura: sad that Jim’s mother in-law passed away; happy that Ron went to Concord’s Rotary meeting!
• Nalini: happy to be at the meeting to talk about DVSN.

Birthdays:

• Rich – October 12
• Chris – October 30

Nonclub/public announcements:

• October 7-12: Stow Food Pantry annual food drive. If you live in Stow, leave a donation of canned food items or toiletries in your mailbox each day this week.
• October 23: Taste of Wachusett at the Holiday Inn Boxboro from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance with proceeds to benefit the Perkins School in Lancaster. Buy tickets online at tasteofwachusett.com.
• First Parish Church of Stow and Acton is collecting care kit contents for RIA House, an organization that helps women who have been trafficked and sexually exploited. Items needed: bubble bath, body lotion, mascara. Contact Laura before November 7.