Spotlight 10-07-14, Vol. 76, No. 38

Posted by Donna Craig 
 

Program Host:  Leslie Koehler hosted today’s speakers, Rotary’s Karen Gabrys, Asst. Governor and District Governor, Don Riddell.

 

GUESTS:  Fred Bodnar, wk 3, Suzy Lewis, wk 5, Julia McBride, wk 3, Five Brighton High School students, Lisa Codd, Alexie Codd, and Mary Steffeck Blaske.

MEET, GREET & LEARN:  Dave Hartsook and Bill Metz were to present today, but because of scheduling conflicts Dave Hartsook was not available.  Bill Metz carried on and addressed Rotary on their conversation.  They have dentistry in common.  David Hartsook’s father was a pediatric dentist. David’s passion is horses (trotters), while Bill Metz likes tinkering with bulldozers and old cars.  David grew up in Ann Arbor and went to college there too.  Bill’s allegiance is with MSU, and volunteers at athletic events.  Next week’s presenters will be Mitch Zoldowski and Cathy Riesterer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Celebrations this month -  Adrienne Knack, Tom Janego and Mike Hatty are celebrating birthdays this month.  Tom and Sharon Ziska are celebrating  three years of marriage.  Greg Gray and Brian Parsons are celebrating five years in Rotary, while Kim Gemuend-Coates celebrates two years in Rotary.

Portia Mann – shared her good deeds when she was able to provide food, furniture, and coats to a family in need.  She and others help find a place to live for this family and extra furniture.

Leslie Koehler – was able to help a friend with back problems, by picking up soup and salad for her and husband, then delivering it to them in Fenton.

Cathy Riesterer announced the fundraiser for Vina Dental will take place on 0ctober 23rd. Tickets are $35.  If interested see Cathy.

Julie McBride announced that if a Rotarian is in need of a speaker, they may consider inviting the New Tech Pinckney students.

Nancy Johnson announced that the Brighton Library book sale will start on Monday, October 13th for friends and members and then on Tuesday, October 14th for the public.

Dr. Gray brought Brighton High School students to Rotary to announce Pink Week.  On Sunday, October 12th the downtown will be decorated in pink.  Businesses may, for a donation, have ribbons painted on their business windows.  Pink tee shirts will be sold at the High School all next week.  They are asking local restaurants to donate a portion of their proceeds to the American Breast Cancer Association and St. Joseph Cancer Center.  There are opportunities to donate individually or by company.  A Silver donation level is between $50-$90 (receive two tee shirts and two football tickets to the Brighton High School game);  A Gold level donation is between  $100–$150 (receive two tee shirts, two football tickets to the Brighton High School game, and announcement of the donor);  and a Platinum level donation is between $150-$250 (receive two tee shirts, two football tickets to the Brighton High School game, announcement of the donor, and the donor’s name on the scoreboard).

            Upcoming Events:

11/06/14      11am – 2pm                    “Do-Gooders” Humane Society Fundraiser

12/19/14                                              Rotary International President, Gary Huang to visit the District                 

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:  Karen Gabrys introduced Don Riddell, District Governor.  He was recently named an honorary member of George Hedgespeth’s Rotary Club. He has also been a Paul Harris recipient multiple times. On a personal level Governor Riddell has been in road construction for 25 years. He grew up in a skiing family and has been skiing for 61 years.  Don also has had the opportunity to helm two Great Lakes freighters.  Finally, Governor Riddell was so small growing up that his driver’s license required him to sit on a cushion when driving.

Governor Riddell addressed “footprints” and in particular George Hedgespeth’s footprints.  Don Riddell’s goals this year are to follow George’s footprints.

Don Riddell discussed Governor George Hedgespeth’s dreams and goals.

George Hedgespeth had three goals for this year.

  1.  Grow and diversify membership in Rotary.  Don asked everyone to recruit one member this year.  If we were able to do that, we would be able to provide more scholarships and host more student exchanges.  Rotarians should recruit persons of color that reflect their communities.
  1. Every Rotary Club should participate in a literacy project this year.
  1. Increase awareness of and participation in the Rotary Foundation.  The goal this year is to meet $225,000 in Rotary Foundation donations.  Don asked Rotarians to donate $10 or whatever their resources would permit.

Don Riddell also has a fourth goal. He shared with Rotary that George Hedgespeth was a great listener and helped to achieve consensus.  When he talked everyone listened. To follow in George Hedgespeth example he encouraged us to slow down and listen, listen and then listen some more before offering your opinion.  Let’s be more like George Hedgespeth.

50/50 Progressive Drawing: Jim Barnas, Tom Ziska, and Kim Gemuend-Coates were unable to find the Ace of Spades.