Today’s joint meeting of the Chelsea Rotary Club, the Chelsea Kiwanis Club and the Chelsea Zonta Club was called to order by President Saritin. The blessing was given by Dr. Tom and the singing of “God Bless America” was lead by P.P. Sergio, sort of. Joanne, Rick R. and Jackie arrived late and missed the opening ceremony.

Everyone attending today’s meeting was encouraged to bring a toy to support Choice Thru Education’s 12^th annual toy drive. Sue Clark, President of Choice and a Kiwanian, was introduced by President Saritin and gave a few remarks about the needs and success of the annual toy drive. The toy drive gives toy to about 1,400 children from the area. The toys will be distributed on December 17^th. A sign up sheet was passed around for those who wished to volunteer to help with the toy distribution. If you did not donate a toy today you can still bring a toy next week.

P.P. Mike filled in for Secretary Monique who had to leave early. There were three Rotarian birthdays, Joel, Lois and John. There was also one Zontian birthday, Linda. Juan introduced his guest, his son Matthew. All the Kiwanis and Zonta guests were introduced. We had seven members of the Zonta Club and 3 members of the Kiwanis Club.

Sergeants-At-Arms Mike announced that all the funds raised in the lantern today would be donated to Choice Thru Education for the toy drive. The general fine was to every table that did not have at least one member of each service club at the table. Only one table was exempt. Fella’s table had all the Zonta women and one Kiwanian.

Happy and Sad fines:

P.P. Allan was happy to have attended the K Club installation.

Tom was happy Zonta had donated $500 in food coupons to poor families in the Chelsea schools.

Juan was happy to have his son with him and the success of the Cultural Celebration Event.

P.P. Sergio paid for his phone ringing during the meeting.

Paula was happy she isn’t working.

Joel was happy to celebrate his birthday.

P.P. Patrick was happy to have attended the K Club installation.

Joanne was happy for the success of the Cultural Celebration Event and the toy drive.

John was happy to be entering the second half of his life.

P.P. Charlene was happy for the Cultural Celebration Event and she is going to Indiana next week.

P.P. Barry was happy his daughter celebrated her 20^th birthday and for the sunshine.

President Saritin gave an I.O.U. for her happy fines; her daughter will celebrate her 18^th birthday Saturday, success of Cultural Event, upcoming installation of Daniel and the guests from the other clubs.

P.P. Sergio installed our newest member, Daniel Flores from the East Boston Savings Bank. President Saritin was his sponsor. Due to time limitations P.P. Sergio was able to keep his installation to less than 30 minutes. Daniel will give his vocational speech next year.

Announcements:

We, along with the Saugus Lions Club, are sponsoring a pizza party for the Chelsea and Saugus high school football teams Wednesday evening, 11/19, at Prince Pizzeria, 517 Broadway, Saugus. If you wish to attend you should arrive around 5:45. Chelsea and Saugus will play each other on Thanksgiving.

Next week’s meeting will be held at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home. Enter through the ambulance entrance. Take 1^st doorway on left into the Interfaith Room.

Please check to Rotary calendar on the Rotary web site for a listing of all scheduled Chelsea Rotary Club events.

We want to keep in our hearts Chuck’s father and Rotarian Herb who is in the hospital along with P.P. Vince.

Juan gave an update on the Colombian Project. The Cultural Celebration Event raised approximately $8,000. We have approximately $29,000 of the $40,000 needed committed at this point.

Mark won the weekly raffle and donated the proceeds to the toy drive.

Finally, for those of us who partake a little too much of the luncheon meal the following exercise was prescribed by my friendly doctor. I tried it, I liked it, you will too!!

The older we get the more important it is to incorporate exercise into our daily routine. This is necessary to maintain cardiovascular health and maintain muscle mass.

If you're over 40, you might want to take it easy at first, then do more repetitions as you become more proficient and build stamina. Warning: It may be too strenuous for some.

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program!

SCROLL DOWN.............

NOW SCROLL UP..

That's enough for the first day. Great job.

Have a glass of wine.