www.northboroughrotary.org
www.rotary7910.org
Northborough Rotary welcomed guest speaker Joseph Pascarella, Director of Programs and Special events for the Arthritis Foundation’s Massachusetts Chapter.
What does the Arthritis Foundation do? The mission of the foundation is to improve the lives of those with the disease through prevention and control. Education and fundraising are also important functions of the foundation and Mr. Pascarella surprised many by pointing out that arthritis is a general term which incorporates over 100 variations of the disease and effects 1 in 5 adults nationwide. Approximately 300,000 children in the U.S. have some form of arthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis being the most common in youngsters. In Massachusetts some 3,000 kids have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and through local events, the Mass. Foundation has raise some $2.5 million dollars to help fund research into the various forms of the disease.
As one would imagine, diet and exercise play important roles in dealing with arthritis and on September 16, 2007, the Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring the 7th Annual “Arthritis Walk.” The walk will be in Worcester MA starting at the Bancroft School and there will be a post-walk celebration that will include food, entertainment, sponsors and plenty of fun for the entire family. If anyone would like to learn more about arthritis or the foundation, please visit arthritis.org.
Rotary Business:
Apple Fest – Michelle Gillespie was able to obtain a flat bed truck and the club is now wondering what to do with it. Suggestions heard at the meeting included covering the sides of the truck with Rotary banners touting the club, the district or international along with various Rotary accomplishments (polio, clean water etc.) RYLA banners could also be displayed. Students and school programs who benefit from Rotary’s various fundraising activities could be invited to play (jazz band?) or simply wave from the truck.At the information booth, balloons for the kids were mentioned as was the raffle which will include Rotary bears.
Skip Doyle mentioned that the club was in need of banquet tables and approximately 6 coolers for drinks and ice. Steve Georgeson’s church may be able to supply the tables.
Towards the end of the meeting, a vote was taken as to whether the Newsletter Editor should be fined for misinformation regarding the Community dinner. The Editor voted in favor, but the measure was roundly defeated!
Funnies:
Q. What do fishermen and hypochondriacs have in common?
A. They don't really have to catch anything to be happy.
Quote of the Week:
“If there were only one truth, you couldn't paint a hundred canvases on the same theme.” Pablo Picasso
