Spotlight, 03-09-10, Vol. 72, No. 21

Brighton Rotary Spotlight

Lori Lalama, President

March 9, 2010

Vol. 72, No. 20

Guests:           Luchen Li, LaDonna Conley, Brenda Smith, Ferdinand Brenninkmeijer, Kay Nicholas, Mike Boyenton, Nick Lalama, Idil Birben, Liz Riesterer

Announcements:

The next Red Lienenkugel Night is scheduled for March 11^th at the Community Center.  Beverages, food, friendship and INFORMATION will be shared about the many activities of our Rotary Club.  Sponsors and their new members, along with all other members are encouraged to attend the fun!  Julie Blankendship reminder new members that this is one of the events they should attend before they take the new member sticker off their nametags.

Greg Gray announced that the Brighton Area Schools will be kick off the next school year with the author and play advocate, Dr. Stuart Brown.  He will be speaking at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts.  They are seeking donations and sponsorships to defray the costs.

Bill Anderson reminded us of the Big Brother Big Sister Community Bowl event on March 19, 20, and 21.  We need 1 more bowler for the team - in order to compete well against area Rotary groups.  A sign-up sheet is available for sponsors.

Jeremy Jones announce that that the Hartland Rotary club is collecting warm weather clothing, light bedding, shoes, sandals, crutches, and walkers for people in Haiti.  They will be shipping items on April 1.

Lori Lalama announced that Mitch Zoldowski is home and recovering from knee surgery.  Amy is still in the hospital, hoping to come home this Friday when she reaches her 28^th week.  At which time it will be safe to deliver the baby.

Julie Blankenship read a letter to the editor from the Press and Argus praising the Rotary Raiders for building a ramp.  Stephanie couldn't say enough to express her gratitude adequately for the wonderful work.  She ended with, "Thanks for the generosity helping me get my life back."

Upcoming Events:

03/11/10                             New Member Orientation-Red Night

03/13/10           8:30am       District Literacy Seminar

03/29-21/10                       Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl-a-thon

04/30 & 05/102/10            District 6380 Annual Conference in Dearborn

05/22/10           7pm           LipStinkIII performance at the Brighton Ctr for Perf Arts

Program:

Leslie Koehler introduced Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive.  Mr. Ficano has served Wayne County for the last 7 years in his current position and for over 20 years as Sheriff.  Today he oversees an annual budget of more than $2 Billion while he aggressively pursues investment, economic growth, and job-creation opportunities.  He reminded us of a very popular bumper sticker in the 80's:  Last one in Michigan, please turn out the lights.  We weathered that storm and we will do it again.  He proudly reports that people in China name NY, LA, and Detroit as great cities.  We should never forget that for over 100 years Detroit has put the World on Wheels.  Sometimes we failed to recognize the great assets of our area:  International border, tremendous university system, and a very well-trained workforce.  Mr. Ficano reminded us that the US is still the largest economy, and we should not fear bringing foreign investors into our area.  He shared information about the development around the Metro Airport, the "airtropolous".  There is huge incentive for economic development around the development.  He is working to leave the legacy that no one in Southeast Michigan will have to get on a plane to see their grandchildren.  There is great opportunity, we need to develop it.

50/50 Drawing:           $80- won by Melanie Moses