Spotlight 11-25-14, Vol. 76, No. 45
PROGRAM/CLUB ASSEMBLY:
Piet Lindout hosted Shari Davis-Schoech, Executive Director for Livingston County Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
GUESTS: Joe Bottum
MEET, GREET & LEARN: Vern Boyajian and Jeff Toole were this week’s presenters . Since Vern Boyajian was not able to attend today’s meeting, Jeff Toole presented. Vern Boyajian was born in Long Island, NY, while Jeff Toole was born in England and resided there until the age of three. Both Vern and Jeff grew up typical boys, building forts and playing outside. Growing up Vern was a life guard on Long Island. He and his brother would also catch lobsters and hosts lobster bakes for his friends. Jeff once outran the local police on a motorcycle. Vern has three daughters and no grandchildren. Jeff has 11 grandchildren.
Next week: Suzi Lewis & Nancy Johnson will present.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Light Up Rotary News --
Carole Bullion-Mincy is a grandmother with a new granddaughter who was born last week.
In a recent fashion show, Tom Janego’s son escorted Miss Michigan. That lit up his face!
Lori Lalama son is excited about starting at Bowling Green University in January 2015.
The current Rotarian magazine highlights International Rotary President C.K. Gary Huang. A reception for President Huang will be held on December 19th at Eastern Michigan University Student Center. If you would like to sponsor the reception see Jane McManus.
Mike Bourke announced that there will be changes to Junior Achievement program this year. Only the 8th grade program will be presented at St. Patrick’s School. Conflicts with other curriculum will not allow the program to be presented to 5th, 6th and 7th grades.
Rotary’s “Red Night” will be held on December 2nd from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Main Crossing. Please sign up with Mitch Zoldowski if you plan on coming.
Cathy Riesterer spoke about the Rotary’s president citation. The citation is based on membership, service, and family areas. To be eligible to receive the president’s citation, she suggests members go to www.rotary.org and communicate with other Rotarians on online boards. Also, members are encouraged to give to the Rotary Foundation, by accessing rotary direct. Cathy suggested that we work on seeking members with more diversity or underrepresented groups. Brighton Rotary may add members if spouses of current members join.
Brian Donovan brought in mittens his wife made from sweaters. They may be purchased for $20/pair,. All proceeds go directly to Rotary Raiders.
Bill Gartley shared a thank you note he received from Ms. Costa, the Interact sponsor at Brighton High School. He also reminded us that the exchange student Christmas party will be held on December 6th – 7th. People (and griddles) are needed to help cook on Sunday morning. If you can help, see Bill Gartley.
If you ordered a Top of the Mountain Dash or Crash tee-shirt, see Lori Lalama.
Kim Leugers reminded Rotary members that for every letter to Santa collected, Macys will contribute $1.00 to Make-A-Wish. Please make copies of the letters and have friends, family and neighbors write a letter. Bring completed letters to Rotary in the next couple of weeks.
Tonight there will be a fundraiser at Main Crossing at 6:30 pm
Brighton Masonic Lodge 247 awarded Rolison Pro Hardware 100 years’ of service in Brighton.
For those helping out with Thanksgiving dinners tomorrow (Cleary University), November 26th, the schedule is as follows: Food prep will begin at 9:00 am. Those who will be packaging meals should arrive at 11:30 am. People who will be delivering the meals should be there at 3:00 pm. Maps for those deliveries were handed out at today’s meeting. Terry and Karen Gill offered to open up their house on Latson Road for beers after deliveries are made to families.
Next week Nancy Johnson will auction off books. Bring money to buy some great books next Tuesday, December 2nd.
The Rotary holiday party will be held on December 10th at Cleary University. If you, your spouse, significant other, children and/or grandchildren plan on attending, sign up on the sheet provided by Maribeth Regnier.
Note that there will not be a Rotary meeting on December 23rd nor on December 30th due to the Christmas holidays.
Upcoming Events:
12/02/14 5:30pm “Red Leinenkugel” Membership Night at Main Crossing
12/10/14 Rotary Christmas Party at Cleary University’s Johnson Center
12/19/14 Rotary International President Gary Huang ‘s visit to the District
12/23/14 NO ROTARY MEETING
12/30/14 NO ROTARY MEETING
01/17/15 10am-2pm Practice ACT at BHS Cafeteria
01/27/15 5:00pm Rotary’s/Kaplan’s Complete ACT Prep Class Starts
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: Shari Davis-Schoech, the Executive Director for Livingston County Big Brothers and Big Sisters presented today’s program. The organization has served over 3,000 kids since starting. Their budget is ~ $175,000/year. The Big Brother Big Sister program’s only sources of funding are from United Way, fundraisers and donations. The Big Brother Big Sister community program is mostly known for matching adults with children. Beginnings in 2003 schools were asking for help. The “Lunch Buddies” program then started in the schools. The Lunch Buddies program allows matched adults and students have lunch together two days a month. The adult goes to the child’s school and spends time with them at lunch. There is also a high school program, called “Big Futures”. This program matches up high school students with elementary students. The high school students go to Lakes Elementary school to help younger children with reading. Ms. Davis-Schoech announced a new fundraising program called “Dream Big Breakfast”, which will be held at Chemung Hills Country County. Shari shared her personal story of adopting her little sister at the age of 11. Her daughter is now 21 years of age and a college graduate.
50/50 Progressive Drawing: Tom Zizka was unsuccessful in locating the Ace of Spades, but Brian Parsons did find the Ace of Spades. Brian donated half of his winnings to the Rotary Raiders.
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