Spotlight 08-26-14 Vol. 76. No. 32

GUESTS:  It’s family day at Rotary.  Guests included Abby Loy, Anna Evers, and Kate Boyajian, the daughters of LuAnn Loy, Rachele Evers and Vern Boyajian, as well as guest Paula Millis, the wife of Rich Millis.

MEET, GREET & LEARN:  Dennis Whitney and Scott Spitler presented today.  They both served in the Navy and love the outdoors.  Scott Spitler has been lifting weights for 25 years and loves to  hunt.  He has hunted wild game in Africa.  He lives on 20 acres of land in Fowlerville and raises Black Angus cows, turkeys and chickens.  He has a family ritual every night when he comes home from work, the television is turned off and family quality time begins.  Dennis Whitney grew up in Mio and served as a river guide on the AuSable River.  He married his high school sweetheart and then joined the Navy.  After serving in the Navy he graduated from Ferris State University in three years.  He has worked with many companies and organizations, including the Small Business Development Center and the Blue Care Network.

Next week’s presenters will be Heather Spitler and Joe Petrucci.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Mitch Zoldowski announced that Rotary’s Red Night will be on September 11, 2014 at 5:30 pm at Mt. Brighton.  Everyone in Rotary is encouraged to attend, especially new Rotarians.

John Nagel is heading up the golf outing with the Livingston Sunrise Rotary.  Currently it is scheduled for September 26, 2014, but there is an option to change the date to Wednesday or Thursday of that week.  If interested, sign up and let John know whether Wednesday (9/24), Thursday (9/25), or Friday (9/26) is convenient for you.

Piet Lindhout and Brian Donovan reported on the August 20^th Livingston County Day of Caring.  The Rotary Raiders worked on two projects and the homeowners were very appreciative of the work done on their homes.

Jane McManus requested more sponsors for the Rotary Day at the Zoo.  When she was at the District Conference this weekend she saw a sheet that was titled “Light Up Rotary George’s Way”.  She thought it would be helpful for people to write down their thoughts about their greatest memories or what they received by being a Rotarian.  Jane also asked people to donate their old Rotarian magazines for the Top of the Mountain event.  The magazines will be given to people interested in knowing more about Rotary.  In this month’s Rotarian magazine there was an article on a local project in Detroit.

Melanie Moses updated us on George Kudla’s condition.  He suffered a small stroke and will continue his rehab for 2 more weeks.  He was very appreciated of the card we sent him.

Beth Walker announced that the Interact and Rotary Foundation was offering ACT courses.  Students can register by mail, at the Brighton District Library, or by website.  Darlene McManus is currently developing the website.

Peggi Mintz announced that at the September 9, 2014 Club Assembly Vern Boyajian and Piet Lindout will update Rotarians on the Top of the Mountain fundraiser.

            Upcoming Events:

09/09/14                                              Club Assembly

09/11/14  5:30pm                                Rotary’s Red Night at Mt. Brighton

09/21/14  9am – 5pm                          Rotary Fun Day at the Detroit Zoo; $22 adults, $12 children

09/26/14  1pm – 6pm                          Livingston County Rotary Golf Challenge

09/29/14 10:30am – 4:30 pm              Doris Longfellow Memorial Blood Drive at the Community Center

10/07/14                                              District Governor Don Riddell visits

04/24-26/15                                         District Conference at Motor City Casino

06/20/15                                              Top of the Mountain Dash or Crash 5K run at Mt. Brighton

PROGRAM:  Abby Loy presented the video “A Vision for Abby” which included interviews with her parents and their vision for Abby and their desire for inclusion of Abby in all aspects of her life.  Abby also presented a PowerPoint presentation and explained what Downs Syndrome is.  Abby also talked about her activities, which included working at First Steps Pre-School, taking dance lessons (ballet, hip hop and dance exercise).  She also attends Washtenaw County Community College.  She taught us to view people with disabilities as person first and allow them to grow and blossom just like Abby.

50/50 Progressive Drawing: Anne Belser, Bob Murray and Dennis Kallio were unable to find the Ace of Spades.