Spotlight 11-23-10, Vol 72, No. 48

Brighton Rotary Spotlight

Jeremy Jones, President

November 23, 2010, Vol. 72, No. 48

Guests:           Brenda Ochodnecky, Asst. District Governor; Bryan Bredford, Liv. Sunrise Rotary; Jim Gilmore, Liv. Sunrise Rotary; Brian Kitz, Leaf, Barley & Vine; Adrienne Knack, Attorney with Williams & Associates; William Vallincourt, Liv. Cty. Prosecutor's Office.

Announcements:

Bill Anderson reported that the "12 Days of Gleaners" fundraiser, on 11/19 at Howell's Soft Cloth Car Wash & Shell station raised quite a bit of money for Gleaners.

Committee Chair Jeanne McMillan announced that thirty families have volunteered for delivery of Thanksgiving dinners on Wednesday, 11/24.  Meet at the Community Center at 3:00pm on Wednesday to receive your delivery route (hopefully, you will be home by 5pm!).  Right now, 130 families have registered for dinners.  Volunteers to help cook at Crystal Gardens should dress comfortably and in layers.  Enter Crystal Gardens in the back to find the open door to the kitchen.  Thank you to Jane McManus and Michele Bouhana for writing the personalized cards, Lori Lalama for getting the food bags, and Dave Hartsook for going to several groceries to get pies from Korger, VGs, C&C Catering, and Marv's. Please thank our donors the next time you shop!

Catherine Riesterer reminded members about

Sharon Kartes is organizing the Christmas party on December 7th (6pm) and needs to know the name and ages of children that will be attending TODAY.  Meals for Rotarians are complementary, adult guest meal fee is $10, payable at the door. Help is needed for setup and cleanup after dinner. Don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy or monetary gift for Toys for Tots donations.

Stephan Smith announced that his office is sponsoring a donation drive to help LACASA fulfill their wish list.  Donors will be entered into a drawing to win a homemade gingerbread house (baked by Stephan and Brenda).Bring your donations to Stephen's office or to Rotary next week.  Suitable items include paper, cleaning and laundry supplies, light bulbs (25-40watt), clothes hangers, water, batteries, etc.  See Stephan to help!

Upcoming Events:

11/24/10                            Thanksgiving Dinner Preparation and Delivery

12/4-5/10                           Rotary Exchange Student Holiday Party

12/07/10    6:00pm            Rotary Holiday Party @ Community Center, No LUNCH Meeting

12/22/10    12:15pm          BHS Choirs at Formal Meeting

03/19/11                            Fundraising Concert with Jeff Daniels at the BCPA

06/28/11                            President's Night

New Member Inductions:

George Moses conducted the honors for the induction of our two newest members:  Bob Marray the former Genoa Township supervisor for 16 years, sponsored by Bill McCririe; and Peggi Tuggle, Assistant Vice President and Financial Center Manager at Fifth-Third Bank, sponsored by George Moses.  Welcome!!

Program:

Host Brian Wutz introduced William Vallincourt, from the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office, who provided an "Overview of Michigan's Medical Marijuana Act"that became effective on December 4, 2008.  Every city but one voted in favor of Proposition 1 in the November 4, 2008, election.  The new program is administered by the Michigan Department of Health, but several implementation problems have arisen.  Since 8/27/2010, 53,395 original and renewal applications have been received, there is a 4-6 month backlog in processing requests, and the backlog keeps growing.  If the state doesn't rule on an application within 20 days, then the individuals petition is considered accepted, even if they haven't received their card.  To register to use medical marijuana, one must have a written physician's certificate (licensed MD or DO, without specialization restriction), a written application, a $100 fee, and verification from the state.  State law enforcement has encountered difficulties that if an individual doesn't have a card but displays a copy of their application, the officer cannot confirm registered approval due to "privacy issues."   Federal law makes possession of marijuana illegal, and the conflict with state law prevents active enforcement.   Under the state law, an individual can possess up to 12.5 oz of marijuana, can grow up to 12 plants, and a caregiver can support up to five patients.  Although the current law is poorly written, it can only be modified or improved by a 3/4^ths majority vote in the legistrature, so it will be up to the courts to interpret the law through case trial.  Mike Hatty's response to the question on how police deal with those stopped who claim to be operating a vehicle under the influence of medical marijuana?  Hand cuffs!

Progressive 50/50 Drawing :  $375 pot, 43 cards remain.  Jason Huntley drew a Seven of diamonds, Don Homan drew a Queen of hearts, and Katherine Copp drew the Ten of diamonds.