Editor's note: The format of the Weekly News Bulletin is in the process of being updated to a Monthly News Bulletin distributed after the next month's board meeting (2^nd Thursday of each month). Previously, the focus of the Bulletin was to provide access to weekly meeting information for members and friends of the club who were unable to attend. The general consensus is that the current format does not reflect our club's commitment to organizing fundraising, social and charitable events to benefit our community and beyond. Therefore, greater emphasis will be given to these broader aspects of our club while continuing to provide pertinent information from weekly meetings. The Club Bulletin editions will be less frequent, but will hopefully be more informative and of more interest as a result. Your feedback is welcome as the new format is implemented. Your help is requested by submitting information pertaining to events and committee meetings attended.

February 9^th, 2012 - Club Updates (From Dcecember 20^th, 2011)

'Thank You' Received Toy Donation: Ryan Knotts forwarded an email received on December 20^th, 2011 from our speaker at the morning meeting yesterday. Margaret O. Finucane, PhD (Director - Center for Service and Social Action at John Carroll University) thanked our club for the toys collected and donated (collection of toys organized by Cindy Ginsburg). The toys were delivered to the Fatima Family Center and LaJean Ray (Director) was thrilled as the Center had previously held their annual toy distribution and additional parents were calling to see if they could help obtain toys for their children as well. The donation "was like a gift from God," according to LaJean who requested her thanks be shared with our club.

No Meetings Held December 26^th or January 2^nd

December 26^th Champagne Brunch Hosted By Joe and Rita Skoda: Club members who gathered at the home of Joe and Rita Skoda on Monday, December 26^th were treated to a wonderful champagne brunch as they celebrated the Holidays and prepared to ring in the New Year. Many thanks to Joe and Rita for providing such an enjoyable fellowship opportunity!

Morning Meeting Minutes - January 9^th, 2012 (Hilton Garden Inn - Mayfield Village)

Happy and Sad Bucks: Joe Skoda is thankful for his wife (Rita) having recently had successful surgery on her knee.

Welcome Guest Rotarian: Stew Buchanan (Past District Governor - District 6630) was in attendance and welcomed as a guest of our club.

'Thank You' Card Received: Ryan Knotts shared the card he received in appreciation of our club members' volunteer efforts on November 11^th, 2011 serving dinner to the women and children of the Cleveland Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center.

'Get Well' Card Sent: Joe Kamiab (Sergeant at Arms) sent a card on behalf of club members to Karen Vicchiarelli, wishing her a speedy recovery after being diagnosed and hospitalized with pneumonia after Christmas.

Birthday Fines: Members were reminded that birthday fines to be paid the month of their birthday should be calculated at $0.10 per year (rounded to the next dollar).

Speaker: Jackie Minotas (Club Administration Chair) shared information about the role of the Rotary Foundation and significance of matching grants available for assistance with Rotary Club projects including Polio Plus (irradication of Polio worldwide) and Rotary scholarships (over $1 Billion donated since the program's inception). She also encouraged members to sign up for The Rotary Fund Direct (TRF Direct), which allows members to make automatic contributions from their checking accounts to the Rotary Foundation. Members are asked to donate $150 per year (or $12.50 per month automatic deposits thru TRF Direct).

Board Meeting - January 12^th, 2012 (Lyndhurst City Hall)

Meeting Start Time : With consideration to work schedules of speakers and members, Ryan Knotts recommended the bell be sounded at 7:30am to signal meeting start time with president-elect, vice president, etc. leading the meeting in the event of president's absence. All were in favor of the recommendation.

Foundation Report : Alexandra Jeanblanc received alternate fundraising request from the Rotary Club of Deerfield Valley (VT) following failed attempt to receive grant money from RI to help rebuild after damage caused by Hurricane Irene last year. District 7870 is seeking to raise $3000 to repair community recreation area consisting of (2) fenced in tennis courts in Wilmington, VT. Members of the RCDV to provide manpower to build using donations to buy materials needed.

Motionmade by Tony Corrao to participate in fundraising effort. Alexandra Jeanblanc seconds the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Motionmade by Janet Schiciano to donate $500 to District 7870 (to be submitted to District 6630 for matching grant). Tony Corrao seconds the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Relations Report : Karen Poelking has solicited media coverage from WKYC Channel 3 News for the upcoming Winter Coats for the Homeless service project (Saturday, January 14^th). Attempts to reach other news stations were unsuccessful. No confirmation was given by Channel 3 that a reporter would be made available, but notification will be given closer to the day of the event.

Karen Poelking displayed a rendering of the club banner designed by a Notre Dame College graphic arts student, which shows the outline of the North Coast in our NE Ohio region. Members felt it was not recognizable to those unfamiliar with our coastline and were asked for suggestions to provide the student who is not from the area.

Service Projects Report: Tony Corrao reports plans are set for the upcoming Winter Coats for the Homeless Drive as 10 Rotarians have volunteered to participate on Saturday, January 14^th. Ryan Knotts discussed plans for the upcoming Ronald McDonald House dinner to be provided on Saturday, January 21^st to approximately 40 family members of sick children in area hospitals. Ryan also discussed the upcoming RMH Charity Poker Festival (February 16^th - 19^th).

Membership Report : Tony Corrao provided details of the last committee meeting held November 28^th, 2011 to solicit ideas and suggestions that result in strategies that increase membership and retain current members. The focus of the meeting was on Quality in Recruiting (next meeting January 25^th, 2012 to focus on Quantity in Retention). Key items discussed were: Having in place a consistent process in recruiting; Develop thorough orientation period for new members; Prospective members are now required to attend 2 meetings (meals free) and 1 service project before membership can begin.

Sergeant at Arms Report : Joe K. reports Meals on Wheels is operating smoothly with sufficient volunteers involved. Birthday and Get Well cards recently sent. Birthday fines have been collected monthly.

Secretary Report : Derek N. sent an e-mail to members requesting feedback on proposed changes to the current weekly news bulletin. Members that responded are in favor of less detailed minutes from weekly meetings (current format) and more coverage of club projects, committee meetings and social events on a monthly basis (new format). He requested chairs of committees send info regarding upcoming meetings and events for inclusion in the new monthly news bulletin format.

Website Report : Janet S. requests topics of interest from committees and event details/dates for website content and updates.

District 6630 Conference : Mike J. reminded members that the next district assembly is scheduled for April 14^th at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls. Committee chairs are encouraged to attend. Content is to be more focused on practical uses for clubs.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:30 pm (Next Board Meeting - Thursday, February 9^th, 2012 (5/3 Bank - Legacy Village)

2^nd Annual Winter Coat Drive and Dim Sum Lunch: Tony Corrao reported a successful service project was held on Saturday, January 14^th involving donation of winter coats, hats and gloves to St. Augustine's Church. Due to poor weather forecasts, the original plan to hand out the collected goods to homeless on the streets of Cleveland was altered in favor of donating to community residents in need thru St. Augustine's Church as suggested by Fred Havlice. Members who participated then went on to enjoy a fellowship lunch at Li Wah (Payne Avenue - Cleveland) consisting of delicious Dim Sum selections.

Morning Meeting Minutes Unavailable for January 16^th, 2012

Service Projects Committee Meeting: The meeting took place on Thursday, January 19^th at Panera (Alpha Park).

A Taste of Hillcrest 'Thank You' Dinner: Approximately 15 Rotarians and their significant others gathered at Master Pizza (Mayfield Heights) for dinner on Thursday, January 19^th to show our club's appreciation for the restaurant participating in last year's annual Taste of Hillcrest fundraiser at Landerhaven Executive Caterers.

Next ATOH Thank You Dinner - Austin's Smokin' Steakhouse on Friday, February 17^th at 6:30pm.

Ronald McDonald House Service Project: Ryan Knotts thanked members by e-mail that volunteered their time on Saturday, January 21^st at the Ronald McDonald House (University Circle). In Ryan's e-mail he stated:

It was very rewarding to see the kids decorating an assortment of sugar cookies, or an adult looking at us in awe when we confirmed that they could take an assortment of cookies with them (to deliver to their sick child hospitalized and unable to attend).  We provided close to 50-dozen cookies (and probably 3,000 tubes of icing/decorating gels, sprinkles) for the guests to decorate and take a plate of assorted cookies.  We also provided a comforting meal of Sloppy Joe's, Mixed Vegetables, French Fries, Cake & Beverages.  All of the food was delicious, but my baking assistant, Chris Adams, demanded that I forward this recipe to everyone in the club:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/monster-cookies-recipe/index.html

The Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland currently has the capacity for 37-families, of which they are always at 95% and above occupancy.  Frequently, they have to turn away families, and they do not take reservations.  While we were there, one family has been staying there for about 20 months.  They ask for $20 per night, but they will not turn away families for the fee.  Near downtown Cleveland, the alternatives (hotels) are much more expensive.  Many organizations and corporations cover the difference between the real cost of the room and what they charge the families.  The RMH is currently on a campaign drive to raise more money, and they recently announced that they are making an addition to the house to raise the occupancy to 54 families. 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/01/greater_cleveland_aquarium_ope.html   

Morning Meeting Minutes - January 23^rd, 2012 (Hilton Garden Inn - Mayfield Village) Club Assembly

Welcome Guest: Ryan Knotts welcomed Diane Daiber as a prospective new member and previous speaker. Diane

Is the Coordinator for Forensic Nursing Services at Hillcrest Hospital and spoke to our club previously about the role Hillcrest Hospital plays as one of the few Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) in the area and her duties as a Sexual Abuse Nurse Examiner (SARE).

Welcome Back: Karen Vichiarelli returned today after having missed several weeks during her recovery from pneumonia, for which she was hospitalized at Hillcrest Hospital during the initial onset of symptoms. She is looking forward to her much needed vacation to Florida next week, where a little sunshine will surely help her recovery!

End of an Era: Joe Cicero reported that the Rotary Club of Hillcrest (noon club) will sadly be turning in its Rotary Charter after 52 years of service to our community and beyond (effective February 1^st, 2012). Due to declining membership, the move was deemed appropriate and plans are being made to honor the service of club members with a farewell dinner (date and location to be determined).

Rotary Club of Hillcrest (noon club) lead roles to be assumed by the Rotary Club of Hillcrest - Sunrise include: Four Way Speech Contest (March 12^th); Rotary Youth Leadership Awards banquet; Vocational Education Awards Dinner (George Hughes and Kris Packard volunteered to assume chair and committee positions respectively).

Committee Reports: As part of the club assembly format, members of the various committees gave reports to members in attendance.

Morning Meeting Minutes - January 30^th, 2012 (Hilton Garden Inn - Mayfield Village)

Happy/Sad Bucks: Tony Corrao is happy to see Diane Daiber (2^nd meeting attended as prospective new member) and John Bosco (past District Governor - District 6630) present today. Chris Adams is happy to have the opportunity to distribute dictionaries to 3^rd graders at St. Paschal's tomorrow on behalf of Rotary.

Relay 4 Life: George Hughes reported having attended the fundraiser event's kickoff party at Hillcrest Hospital last week. He registered our club's team for this year's event.

Four Way Speech Contest: March 12^th will be the date of this year's event and volunteers will be needed to help judge the participating students' speeches.

Senior Play Night: Joe Delibero reported that this year's service project that involves transporting area seniors from assisted living homes to Mayfield High School for viewing of the student production will be held on March 1^st. Volunteers will be need to assist transportation and serving of refreshments during the play.

Noon Club 'Farewell Dinner': Plans are being made to honor the members of the Rotary Club of Hillcrest (noon club) for the club's 52 years of service on March 23rd. The noon club, faced with declining membership, made the difficult decision to turn in the club charter effective February 1^st, 2012. More details will be provided once available.

Committee Assignments of Members: Mike Johns, Jr. distributed a list of committee assignments of club members based upon self-reported 'Inventory of Interests' (form previously distributed for members to fill out). Members were asked to review their assignments and let Nominating Committee members (Mike Johns, Jr., Jackie Minotas, and Tony Corrao) know if there are any changes needed.

Speaker: Joseph Scibana presented the topic, "My Job and Experience as Federal Warden," to members in attendance. Joe retired (as federal law mandates) from his position as warden of a federal prison in Michigan after 30 years of service. He recounted many of his experiences and provided insight regarding the federal prison system history and future direction. Currently, there are more than 2 million prisoners nationally of which 200,000 are serving time in federal prisons. On any given day, a federal prisoner is confined to a cell for 23 hours allowing only 1 hour a day for exercise activities. He takes issue with the notion of federal prisons being seen as 'Club Fed' with the facilities available to prisoners for recreation and fitness. Recent policy changes have disallowed future federal prisons from being built with such state of the art recreational and fitness facilities due to backlash from the public, who view the accommodations as an unacceptable form of 'punishment.' His view is that anyone subjected to confinement for 23 hours a day will realize such facilities are anything but rewarding and is concerned for the safety of the prisoners and staff should they no longer be available for relief of stress and tension amongst inmates.

It was so wonderful to see everyone after what felt like an eternity away.  We inducted two new members to our club this morning.  We may have to look moving rooms as we are bursting at the seams for breakfast, which is a great thing.  We welcomed Sara Simpson as our speaker this morning.  She is a certified natural health professional and a breast cancer survivor.  She told her story of how following surgery for breast cancer she refused to follow the traditional medical recommendations of chemotherapy and the like.  She started looking for an alternative to restore her to her prior self and that is when she found Asea.  Asea is a redox signaling solution which helps the body repair and rebuild cells to improve the body’s function.  She noted she was able to sleep through the night for the first time in 6 years and started regaining her mental clarity after just a couple of weeks.  She is available if further information or a consultation if need be.

Happy Bucks:

Alfredo’s thank you dinner, district conference, attendance at a Cleveland Rotary meeting to observe wife and family receive award, being back together again at Rotary, finding enough sponsors for our Vocational Education Awards dinner, missed meeting due to being in Ashville, North Carolina, going to Florida, feeling better, well attended open house at Richmond Heights City Hall, Relay for Life fashion show, and letter to the editor thanking Rotary for the Seniors’ Night Out.

Announcements:

Volunteers are needed for the Special Olympics bowling event on May 11^th at 11:00am.

Check your e-mail and calendars to schedule a joint board meeting with the current board and incoming board.

Community Service Meeting: April 18^th, 7:30 am at Panera on Wilson Mills

Fireside Chat: Saturday, April 27^th at Joe Cicero’s house.  5 pm for new members and 6 pm for everyone else.

Vocational Education Dinner: Tuesday, April 30^th at St. Noel’s.  This takes the place of our regular meeting.  Please let George know if you coming.  Tickets are $20 and payment can be made at the door.  However, we need to know that you are coming before the 30^th!!!

Relay for Life Spaghetti Dinner: Wednesday, May 22^nd.  More details to follow.

Please consider joining our Relay for Life team.  We currently have 6 members and our goal is to have 10.  It is $10 to join the team. 

Roto-Buck Winner:          George Schumacher

Today we welcomed Alexandra Jeanblanc as our speaker for the member topic of the month.  Alexandra talked to us about her education and the importance of having the correct documents for estate planning purposes.  She noted the most important documents to have are 1) a will, 2) power of attorney - healthcare, 3) power of attorney - finances, 4) living will/directives, and 5) trust documents. She discussed what these documents are so important and what you should consider when filling out these documents and the people who you appoint to make decisions for you when you are incapacitated.  It was an excellent discussion and reminder to all of us to have a will in place, especially if you have children. 

We had numerous happy, sad, and missed meeting bucks this week.  SOme of the happy bucks were for selecting a theme for the Relay for Life event - Night at the Museum, Tom for delivering meals on wheels for Jackie, Dana visiting, meeting notice finally appearing on the Hillcrest Patch, Deb started the patch and is down to 2 cigarettes, Happy Hour at Sushi Rock tomorrow and all are invited, spending time with daughter, surviving hernia surgery, daughter's show is almost here and the singing will soon stop, 50/50 winner immediately behind Chris at Fish fry on Friday, and in-laws being in town.  We had several missed meeting bucks.

Announcements - Upcoming Events

Wednesday - February 27th

                   Happy Hour at Sushi Rock from 5-7 pm, free food but drinks are your responsibility

                   Foundation Meeting at Alexandra's house at 7 pm and dessert will be provided

Thursday - February 28th

                  Senior Night at Mayfield High School - If you signed up for the bus and can't make it let Jackie know so that a back-up can take your place. 

Friday - March 1st

                  Taste of Hillcrest thank you dinner at Brio.  RSVP no later than Thursday!!

George will be sending out e-mails regarding sponsors for the Vo-ed dinner and for joining the Relay for Life team.  The goal is to have 10 members on the team.  Please consider joining.

Thought for the Week

Never underestimate the value of your kind words or actions to another person.   My friend sent an e-mail to someone telling him that he was doing a good job.  She didn't think much about it until she received an e-mail back that person.  He thanked her for kind words because he had received a lot of unkind responses to what he was doing.  It just proves that your words have power and can be used as a force of healing or harm. 

Hello,

As we discussed at the club assembly last week below is the proposed board for next year (2013 - 2014). We will have club elections on March 5th. Please review and provide any feedback to the nominating committee.

President:                      Chris Adams
President Elect:              Janet Schiciano
Vice President:               Ryan Knotts
Secretary:                     Kris Kieltsch-Packard
Treasurer:                     Mike Johns Jr.
Administration:              Steve Sova
Foundation:                   Alexandra Jeanblanc
Service:                        Jackie Minotas
Membership:                 Joe Delibero
PR:                               Roger Korsten
Sgt. At Arms:                Scott Mills
Taste Of Hillcrest:          Tom Mugridge

Thanks,

2013 Nominating Committee

Kathleen Mekesa, Joe Cicero, Chris Adams

Sam Rutigliano, former Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns, was our speaker this morning.  He is a motivational speaker and emphasizes the need for communication, faith, persistence, and education.  Everyday is an opportunity for growth and improvement.  He talked about how a lot of kids want to play football and the sacrifices they make for that career.  A good portion do not have a college degree to fall back on when they are done playing and another large percentage ends up bankrupt within two years of their career ending. The players are making poor choices because the reputation has become more important than character.  Players are being drafted because of their reputation and not because of their character.  Ego stands for Edging God Out and it causes problem in a team atmosphere. He regaled us with numerous stories about his time outside of football and how persistence is what gets people where they are and not simply talent or education.  We were very appreciative for his time and experience.

Happy/Sad bucks:

Happy to be in Ohio instead of New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Tom for sharing his beads, welcome to Eric Milnar, a potential new member, Amy's mom filling in for Amy, who is sick, so that we could have breakfast this morning, Mr. Rutigliano's daughter for being an excellent teacher in Mayfield school district, granite day in Kitchen, and bills are coming for members. 

Announcements: 

Senior Night at Mayfield Schools is approaching and volunteers are needed for the bus and the refreshments at school. 

Picnic for Millridge School will take place on May 21st at Strawberry Lane, this will replace our normal meeting time.  

April 30, 2013: Vo-ed dinner at St. Noel.  We will need help getting sponsors and working on event. 

Shining Stars event: There is one ticket left and we still need donations for event. 

Blood drive at Landerhaven today.  You will get good food instead of just the orange juice and cookies.  Please consider donating, not just for the food.

Sam Rutigliano, former Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns, was our speaker this morning.  He is a motivational speaker and emphasizes the need for communication, faith, persistence, and education.  Everyday is an opportunity for growth and improvement.  He talked about how a lot of kids want to play football and the sacrifices they make for that career.  A good portion do not have a college degree to fall back on when they are done playing and another large percentage ends up bankrupt within two years of their career ending. The players are making poor choices because the reputation has become more important than character.  Players are being drafted because of their reputation and not because of their character.  Ego stands for Edging God Out and it causes problem in a team atmosphere. He regaled us with numerous stories about his time outside of football and how persistence is what gets people where they are and not simply talent or education.  We were very appreciative for his time and experience.

Happy/Sad bucks:

Happy to be in Ohio instead of New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Tom for sharing his beads, welcome to Eric Milnar, a potential new member, Amy's mom filling in for Amy, who is sick, so that we could have breakfast this morning, Mr. Rutigliano's daughter for being an excellent teacher in Mayfield school district, granite day in Kitchen, and bills are coming for members. 

Announcements: 

Senior Night at Mayfield Schools is approaching and volunteers are needed for the bus and the refreshments at school. 

Picnic for Millridge School will take place on May 21st at Strawberry Lane, this will replace our normal meeting time.  

April 30, 2013: Vo-ed dinner at St. Noel.  We will need help getting sponsors and working on event. 

Shining Stars event: There is one ticket left and we still need donations for event. 

Blood drive at Landerhaven today.  You will get good food instead of just the orange juice and cookies.  Please consider donating, not just for the food.

We had the true pleasure of welcoming Howard Goldberg and John Galina of Purple Heart Homes as our guest speakers.  John Galina is one of the co-founders of Purple Heart Homes.  Purple Heart Homes started out of a basic need to provide wounded veterans from all wars with a safe and effective home which fits their abilities and helps them transition back to normal life and back into the community.  They have about 20 projects across the US.  There are 3.4 million service connected injured veterans in the US and only 18% are a result of the most current conflicts.  There are two separate programs within the organization, one works with current home owners to upgrade their existing homes to accommodate their disability and the second one assists those who cannot obtain a home of their own to obtain a home and then to make sure it fits the needs of that veteran. They are working on a house in South Euclid for Desmond and his family.  This is the first project east of the Mississippi.  They chose the Hillcrest area because it is affordable, good reputation, good schools, and well run cities. The veterans pay 50% of the home value one completed as their mortgage.  Once it is paid off and they have completed their obligations, they receive the remaining 50% ownership of their home. Their is no reason to turn our back on any veteran who served our country and is currently suffering in their inadequate home.  We need to return to the days where neighbors took care of each other and weren't so disconnected that they couldn't see their neighbor in need. 

Happy/Sad Bucks:

Bucket list trip to Punxsatawny to see Phil on Groundhog day, 36th wedding anniversary, ready for early spring, heading to Erie for oldest child's 21st birthday, passing Series 6 exam, candy is in for Relay for Life, becoming a great Uncle, great SWOT participation, trip to Cancun, missing, meeting bucks, and birthday fine. 

Announcements: 

February 16th: District Gathering, highly suggested for incoming board members

We need to decide on a theme for the Relay for Life event.  The overall theme is Night at the Movies.  Any suggestions are welcome.  Please let George know your ideas. 

Vo-Ed dinner is April 30th at St. Noel's.  George will meet with John Wilson and get the ball rolling for the event. 

Shining Stars event is coming up.  We still need donated items and a final count.  

We were very excited to have Nick Santilli come back and continue our SWOT analysis and discuss the findings from his last visit.  We discussed what items surprised us the most and how can we turn some of the items into quick wins for the Club.  Also, we need to develop a shared vocabulary so that we all understand the concept when we talk about a particular item, such as diversity.  Each table was charged with determining how a weakness could be turned around with one of our strengths.  Chris Adams is going to collect all the ideas and create a master list for us to discuss at an upcoming meeting.

Happy/Sad Bucks:

Snow day last week was nice, taking our dinner to the domestic violence shelter as they didn't have a cook that day, spending time getting to know Derek/Kris, son making Dean's List, past the demolition stage of the kitchen, and getting together with John Wilson to discuss the Vo-Ed dinner.

Announcements:

February 7, 2013: Meals that Heal - Domestic Violence Shelter

Ronald McDonald House meals that heal still needs volunteers.  See Ryan for details.

Semi-Annual dues are due.

February 16, 2013: Shining Stars Event - need donated items for raffle and more people to attend.

Quote for the Week:

Two kinds of gratitude:  The sudden kind we feel for what we take; the larger kind we feel for what we give.  ~Edwin Arlington Robinson

Our guest speaker was Steve Jakubecz, a productivity and time management expert.  Mr. Jakubecz talked about how to stay focused at work with the ever present to be immediately connected to the outside world either through e-mail, the internet, or the telephone.  It is important to avoid distractions and decide what is the most valuable use of my time and how will it accomplish what I need to get done.  It is also important to stay hydrated and develop a safe system to off-load an immediate thought for later discussion.  If we trust our brain to remember everything it is bound to fail.  Therefore, it is important to develop the tools and skills to find a system that you can trust in order to deal with all the items that may come up when you are in the middle of a different project.

Happy/Sad Bucks:

Mayfield School district is receiving money from the casino, ability to drive with top down ont eh convertible, keeping Tony honest, birthday fine, trip to Columbus, Ohio State beating Michigan in mens' basketball, sad buck - Packers loss, and missed meeting bucks.

Announcements:

January 16, 2013: Membership Meeting at 7:30 am at Panera

January 17, 2013: Service Committee Meeting at 7:30 am at Panera

January 17, 2013: Relay for Life Kick-off at 7pm at Hillcrest Hospital

January 17, 2013: Taste of Hillcrest thank you dinner at Austin's Steakhouse

January 22, 2013: Meals that Heal - Domestic Violence Shelter

February 7, 2013: Meals that Heal - Domestic Violence Shelter

March, 2013:        Meals that Heal - Ronald McDonald House

Our speaker was Kathy Tschiegg, a former Peace Corps nurse in Honduras who founded CAMO (Central American Medical Outreach, Inc. in 1993.  CAMO's mission is to improve the quality of life of people in Central America by strengthening health care systems and promoting sustainable community development. They are not an ambush medical team that comes in once a year and tries to do as much as possible.  It is an ongoing mission with counterparts in each country working to better the medical care and access in Honduras.  She shared the story of Carmen who had a 4 pound tumor in her mouth that had compromised her ability to eat and as a result she weighed only 70 pounds at the time of the surgery.  The surgery was performed in Honduras including intensive care treatment, occupational and physical therapy, as well as learning a trade and building her a house.  Carmen would have died without CAMO's intervention.

Happy Bucks:

Breakfast with Santa was a hit, 8 hours of a sleeping baby, upcoming holiday, Purple Heart Homes fish fundraiser was a huge success, thank you to Chris for organizing the breakfast with Santa, a good time at the conference in San Diego, and Richmond Heights has a budget in front of council.

Announcements:

Check your attendance on the sheet and/or at Clubrunner

Chesterland Shining Stars Event - Start planning for attending and selling tickets for the February event.

Dictionaries are getting passed out this Friday, December 14th, and help is still needed to reach all of the schools.

Board Meeting is Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at City Hall.

The Rotobuck winner was Mike Johns, Jr.

Quote for the Week:

Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful. 

~Author Unknown

At our December 4, 2012 we welcomed Dr. Nick Santilli to discuss long range strategic planning and also help us create a long range strategic plan for our club.  We divided into tables and discussed our SWOT lists. These lists will help the board and the club identify issues of strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to determine a plan to build our foundation upon. 

Happy Bucks:

Wisconsin going to the Rose Bowl, Christmas Cards for soldiers project by Mayfield School District student (500+ cards), daughter getting into Beaumont, dictionary project help, Browns winning, coat drive (90 coats), birthday fine, and attending the Big 10 Championship game with the family.

Announcements:

December 8th: Breakfast with Santa - Fill out RSVP and let Chris know if you can help.

December 7th: Purple Heart Veteran's fish fry fundraiser at Anthony's Place

December 6th: ATOH Thank You dinner - Mongolian BBQ - Fill out online RSVP

 How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.  ~Anne Frank

Today we had the pure joy of welcoming the Mayfield Middle School Principal, two teachers, and two students who presented our club with a check for over $3500 to eradicate polio.  They raised the funds at a haunted house at their school.  A DVD of the highlights, creativity and hard work of the students and faculty was shown.  The club gave the group a standing ovation for their hard work and generosity. What an amazing group of students, faculty, and staff. Mayfield City Schools should be very proud of this school and their accomplishments.

The remainder of the meeting was spent assembling our Thanksgiving totes for local families in need.  Our totes overflowed with your generosity. Thank you for reflecting the true nature of being a Rotary, Service above Self.

Happy Bucks:

The Mayfield Middle School for their generosity, first reconciliation, Thanksgiving, and family.

Announcements:

December 8, 2012 is Breakfast with Santa. Don't forget to RSVP!!

Our coat drive will deliver our coats to St. Augustin's on Saturday, December 1, 2012 with lunch at Li-Wah to follow. Clean your closets, your family's closet, even your neighbors closets to find coats for these men, women, and children. Hats, gloves, and scarves will also be graciously accepted and distributed.  Bring them to the next meeting.

Our Dress for Success clothing drive is also nearing a distribution date. Clean your closets, your family's closet, even your neighbors closets to find clothes, purses, scarves, and other accessories for these women in need. A distribution date will be announced when it is finalized with the organization.

Quote for the Week:

Everybody can be great.  Because anybody can serve.  You don't have to have a college degree to serve.  You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.... You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace.  A soul generated by love.  ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

This week's member spotlight was on Derek and Ryan who enlightened us on the exciting field of dentistry and orthodontics.  Ryan and Derek discussed their education and work experience along with why they enjoy their profession so much.  We learned about how dentistry and orthodontics have changed over the years including new products, new treatments, and evolutionary changes in our jaw structure and number of teeth compared to our ancestors. Visual aids were passed around to demonstrate how serious to cosmetic issues can be fixed with dentistry and orthodontia.

Happy/Sad Bucks:

Our happy bucks including finding out that Ryan Knotts is part Italian (the required contribution to la famiglia will be accepted by any of our Italian members), baptism of Hannah, traveling to Hawaii, visiting other clubs, looking forward to first winter in Cleveland, trip to casino, missed meetings, and a speeding ticket.

Announcements:

Next week bring your Thanksgiving food items so that the baskets can be assembled. See Jackie if you would like to deliver a basket to one or more of our families.

Breakfast with Santa is scheduled for December 8, 2012 at the community center.  Don't forget to RSVP.

Let Derek know where and when you made up the November 6, 2012 meeting so that our attendance records are correct.

The Board Meeting will take place this Wednesday at 6:00 pm at City Hall.  All our welcome.

This Friday is a TOH thank you dinner at Maggiano's.  Don't forget to RSVP.

The dictionaries have been ordered and we will need help labeling the dictionaries and then delivering them.  Contact Ryan Wenger if you are able to help.

Roto-buck winner: Tony

We welcomed Dawn Urban form the Hillcrest Relay for Life Committee. She spoke about the purpose of Relay for Life and how it has grown over the years from one person to the organization it is today.  The Relay for Life is part of the American Cancer Society and their mission to make more birthdays possible.  The American Cancer Society also provides smoking cessation classes and maintaining healthy weight classes to help people get healthy and stay healthy.  The 2013 Relay for Life will take place on June 22, 2013 through June 23, 2013 at Mayfield High School with the theme "A Night at the Movies." George has already registered the team for next year.

Happy Bucks:

Ross was happy to make the meeting and see all of our happy faces.  Joe Skoda shared the history of the Superman statute at the Cleveland Airport and Skoda Minotti's involvement with the statute. Other happy bucks including the Giants winning the baseball game, Mayfield's Haunted House to benefit the Eradicate Polio project, completion of Halloween costumes, and happy to be at the meeting.

Announcements:

Get your TOH ticket money to Joe Skoda.

RSVP for clambake this weekend.

Foundation Meeting will take place this Thursday at 6:30 pm at Panera on Wilson Mills.

Service Committee meeting this Friday at 7:30 am at Panera on Wilson Mills.

Start shopping for the Thanksgiving baskets but do not bring items until November 20th meeting as we do not have the space to house all of the items at the community center. 

No Meeting on October 30, 2012 (Fifth Monday) and November 6, 2012 (elections). However, the November 6, 2012 meeting is not canceled and needs to be made up at a local club.

Our speaker was Emily Shurilla from Providence House.  Providence House is a crisis nursery which cares for children from newborns up to 6 years, for now, and once expansion is done it will take children up to 12 years old. The goal of Providence House is to provide assistance to families in crisis and stop the syle of abuse and neglect. The Providence House also provides parenting classes and works to reunify families.  They have an outstanding record for reunification of families. The children can stay up to 90 days if needed or longer depending on the circumstances. The Providence House is funded almost exclusively through donations and big events. She also gave us a bear to remind us of Providence House and hopefully, motivate us to help.

Our Happy Bucks including many bucks for a successful Taste of Hillcrest event.  A sincere thank you went out to all of the members who assisted in making the event a huge success.

Announcements:

Board Meeting will take place on October 3, 2012 at City Hall at 6:00pm

Next week will be our RYLA speakers. 

Quote for the Week:

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

We had the pleasure of hearing Melony Bulter from Dress for Success as our morning speaker.  She detailed all of the support services that Dress for Success provides to women in need in our community.  The Cleveland Chapter started in 1998. Dress for Success supplies a business suit and appropriate attire for women who have interviews and then continues to offer supprt services including a weeks worth of separates once they get the job.  Also, Dress for Success provides resume support, interview practice, understanding the benefits package, 401k support, etc.  Dress for Success remains a part of these womens' lives for as long as is necessary. Melony also wnated to impress upon our club that there are multiple volunteer opportunities within the organization.  They only have 2 paid positions and the remainder of the positions are filled by volunteers.  They accept clean, used clothing, shoes, purses, and jewelry.  They also accept cash donations which help fill the need when clothes are unavailable.

OUr happy bucks included the birth of a beautiful little boy, Mayfield Stadium completion and opening, new Skoda-Minotti office, Ronald McDonald House dinner, and cheese curd.

Announcements:
Taste of Hillcrest - Don't forget the deadlines for wine and auction items.
                         - Sponsor levels: non-club members have 2 levels - Appetizer or Entree
                                                : club members - sell all 10 tickets and you will be listed as an Appetizer sponsor
                         - Give entire ticket to person as the stubs will be collected at the door

Board Meeting - Spetember 12, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

Please contact Jackie if anyone knows someone who performs senior care work.  

Rotobuck winner - Mike Johns, Jr.

Quote for the week:

This was my favorite meeting as a Rotarian so far.  We welcomed Jade Jennings who was a Rotaty Foreign Exchange Student to Appenzell, Switzerland last year.  Ms. Jennings told us about her wonderful year abroad and how much she enjoyed her time in a foreign country.  She wore her heavily decorated Rotary Exchange Student Blazer. It was filled with pins, buttons, patches, and other reminders of her timeabroad.  She had a power point presentation about Switzerland and her wonderful home. She discussed her different host families and how they made her feel part of their families. She was profoundly grateful for this experience and thanked the Club for giving her a gift that has changed her life.

We had numerous guests from the former noon Club in attendence to hear Jade speak.  The new Superintendant for Mayfield City Schools, Dr. Keith Kelly, was introduced by George Hughes.  Dr. Kelly indicated he would like to join our club. 

We had many happy/sad bucks this week.  Our happy bucks included having Dr. Kelly join our club, trip to Vermont and the almost completion of the tennis courts with the Rotary grants, seeing old members this early in the morning, empty nesting, March 4 Marci, finishing our shoe boxes, firewood, good weather for Hannah's first birthday party, support in times of need, and reuniting with old friends.  Our sad bucks were for the loss of Joe Cicero's aunt.  We also had some missed meeting bucks.

Announcements:

Teams will be formed for the collection of donations for the Taste of Hillcrest.  The drop dead date for donations will be September 13, 2012.

Tony will send out the list of previous wine donors for the wine pull at the Taste of Hillcrest.  We would like to increase the number of bottles this year.  The drop dead date for collection of wine will be September 18, 2012.

A special thank you to Ryan Wenger for covering the expenses for the unclaimed shoe boxes.  His act of kindness is a relfection of a true Rotarian.

Upcoming events:

August 18, 2012: Community Pig Roast at the Hillcrest YMCA from 2-6. Everyone is welcome.

August 18, 2012: Tony's garden weeding at 8:30 am

August 24, 2012: Taste of Hillcrest thank you dinner - The Melting Pot

September 1, 2012: Meals that Heal - Ronald McDonald House

Rotobuck Winner: Ryan Wenger

Quote for the Week:

“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
― Albert Schweitzer

Our meeting started with the sad news that Joe Cicero's aunt recently passed away and Joe would not be in attendance so that he could attend to family matters.  Janet Schiano led our meeting.  Our member topic speaker was Cindy Ginsburg.  Cindy is a speech therapist.  She filled us in our her credentialing requirements, work history, and famous clients (King of Nigeria). She also decribed numerous situations in which a speech language pathologist would be helpful such as stroke victims, stutterers, and those wishing to diminish and/or create an accent.

Our happy/sad bucks included class reunions, death in family, upcoming trip to Oregon, and missed meeting bucks.

Our Upcoming Events:

March 4 Marci - August 11th

Meals that Heal - Domestic Violence Shelter, Tuesday, August 14th

Announcements:

Shoeboxes - Drop Dead date is Tuesday meeting, otherwise drop them off at Mike Johns, Jr.'s office on Mayfied Road

Quote for the Week:

"The Olympics are a wonderful metaphor for world cooperation, the kind of international competition that's wholesome and healthy, an interplay between countries that represents the best in all of us. " - John Williams

July 24, 2012 Meeting Notes

Week 3 of our Rotary year continues with goodness and blessings. Our member topic this speaker this month was Chris Scheuer, director of the Lyndhurst YMCA.  Chris enlightened us on the history of the YMCA and all of the developments and inventions that sprang from the YMCA such as volleyball, racquetball, and Associated Press.  Chris also informed the group about the hopes for expansion of the current YMCA including a new building which would really move the YMCA to a truly family friendly environment as well as providing community support.

Our happy and sad bucks many happy bucks for the family picnic, the meeting updates, missing the picnic due to a death, and support from the club for the YMCA golf outing.

Our upcoming events:

Human Trafficking Symposium will take place on August 10, 2012 at Notre Dame College.

The New Members Academy on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Lyndhurst Community Center. More details to come.

March 4 Marci – March to End Domestic Violence – Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Meals that Heal

            August 14, 2012 – Domestic Violence Shelter

            September 1, 2012 – Ronald McDonald House

Announcements:

Shoe boxes are still available for the Children in Nicaragua.

The watering schedule for August will be sent our shortly.  Please check your e-mail and mark your calendars for your date.  

The dues invoices were passed out to each member for the upcoming year.  Please check your option and bring your money to the next meeting.

The quote for the week is:

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”

- Pierre de Coubertin (primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894)

July 24, 2012 Meeting Notes

 Week 3 of our Rotary year continues with goodness and blessings. Our member topic this speaker this month was Chris Scheuer, director of the Lyndhurst YMCA.  Chris enlightened us on the history of the YMCA and all of the developments and inventions that sprang from the YMCA such as volleyball, racquetball, and Associated Press.  Chris also informed the group about the hopes for expansion of the current YMCA including a new building which would really move the YMCA to a truly family friendly environment as well as providing community support.

 Our happy and sad bucks many happy bucks for the family picnic, the meeting updates, missing the picnic due to a death, and support from the club for the YMCA golf outing.

 Our upcoming events:

 Human Trafficking Symposium will take place on August 10, 2012 at Notre Dame College.

 The New Members Academy on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Lyndhurst Community Center. More details to come.

 March 4 Marci – March to End Domestic Violence – Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

 Meals that Heal

             August 14, 2012 – Domestic Violence Shelter

             September 1, 2012 – Ronald McDonald House

 Announcements:

 Shoe boxes are still available for the Children in Nicaragua. Please help our club meet our goal.

 The watering schedule for August will be sent our shortly.  Please check your e-mail and mark your calendars for your date.  

 The dues invoices were passed out to each member for the upcoming year.  Please check your option and bring your money to the next meeting.

 The quote for the week is:

 “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”

 
- Pierre de Coubertin (primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894)

The Beginning of a New Year for our club….  July 10 and July 12^th Meetings

We are well into our new year with many exciting activities and projects on the horizon.  The first meeting our new year began with the new President, Joe Cicero, talking about his goals for our club in the coming year.  He encouraged our members to become engaged in the development of what we want our club to become including attending board meetings, committee meetings, and bringing ideas to the club. He also emphasized thinking of a signature project that we could be known for in the community.  In the past, the Rotary club was known for donating AEDs throughout the community.

For our second meeting Corrine Dunn the volunteer coordinator from the Community Partnership on Aging, spoke about the purpose of the CPA, the programs the CPA coordinates, and the need for volunteers.  She discussed the various needs and levels of need within our community and suggested ways to become more involved.  She was grateful for the harvest from Tony’s garden.

Our second meeting also included the following visitors: Mike Johns, Sr., Former District Governor Steve Zabor, Dan Sazimen, and a potential new member. Mike Johns, Sr. informed the club that the Hillcrest Noon club met and agreed to donate all of their remaining funds to our club as well as matching donations of $100 or more to the Rotary Foundation with their Paul Harris Fellows points. Former District Governor Steve Zabor made presentations to Kathleen Mikasa for her work as club president, to Jackie Minotas for serving as Assistant District Governor, and to Mike Johns, Jr. for his work on the District Newsletter. 

Our happy/sad bucks have included having air conditioning, not having to use air conditioning, new jobs, return of members, end of summer baseball, the number of people who turned out for the service project, the total donated to Relay for Life ($2017), the weather at the service project, and harvest at Tony’s garden.

Our upcoming events:

The Rotary Family Picnic this Sunday, July 22, 2012 at the Brainard Park in Lyndhurst.

Human Trafficking Symposium will take place on August 10, 2012 at Notre Dame College.

The New Members Academy on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Lyndhurst Community Center. More details to come.

The quote for the week is:

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.
Aristotle