Spotlight 12-27-11, Vol. 73, No. 45

Brighton Rotary Spotlight

Jane McManus, President

December 27, 2011, Vol. 73, No. 45

Guests:           Scott Clave, Phillip Stevens, Raider’s Ramp recipient; Marcia Ransom, Work Skills; Emily & Greg Parsons, Brian’s daughter & son.

Announcements:

Brian Parsons announced that his son Greg and his wife are expecting a baby—the first grandchild for Brian.  Congratulations!!

Michele Bouhana reminded members of the joint Rotary/Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive on Thursday, December 29^th from 12:30-6:15pm.  Volunteers to clean-up & load equipment are needed at 6:30pm, in addition to DONORS!  Give the gift of blood this holiday season.  Go to www.RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-Red-Cross to schedule an appointment.

Tickets for Tony n’Tina’s Wedding on February 25, 2012, are available for Rotarians and their friends, & will be available via the internet website www.BrightonRotaryEvents.org later this week or after 1/5/12 at Cooper & Binkley Jewelers. Large street signs have been placed around town—thanks to Mitch Zoldowski—and lawn & business display signs are available for members.  Five of the twelve sponsor tables have already been sold, and the $70 general admission tickets sales have begun. Contact Mark Sweatman or Beth Walker  (810-227-0656 or BethWWalker@aol.com) if you wish to sponsor or purchase tickets .

Bill Gartley alerted us that Interact will be holding a Practice ACT on Saturday, January 28^th.  Registrations can be made at the Brighton District Library or at Sylvan Learning Center.

Next Tuesday’s speaker will be Senior Pastor Dave Dummitt of 242 Church who will discuss their conversion of the former Brighton Athletic Club.

President Jane described her trip to the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing to see the 3.5 month tiger cubs that she has been watching on the internet via webcam.  While at the zoo, she noticed how Rotary had constructed and dedicated a building for the zoo.  Rotary is everywhere!

Save the date of January 21^st at 6pm for the Livingston Sunrise Rotary’s “Midnight in the Tropics” fundraiser to be held at the Johnson Center.  Tickets will be available soon and cost $50.  If interested in purchasing, contact Chuck Thompson of Livingston Sunrise Rotary.

Upcoming Events:

12/29/11    12:30-6:30pm  Red Cross Blood Drive at Community Center

02/25/12    6:30pm            Tony n’Tina’s Wedding at the Johnson Center, Cleary University

04/22/12                            District Conference in Holland, MI

05/5-9/12                           Rotary International Conference in Thailand

Program:

Program Host Brian Parsons introduced Marcia Ransom from WorkSkills Corporation.  WorkSkills is a non-profit that provides employment and training services for people with disabilities.  Celebrating 38 years in Brighton on Summit Street off of Rickett Road, the organization has become greatly diversified and successful, especially under the leadership of former Rotarian Rod Jones.  New ventures include providing home health care and janitorial services.  Studio West has opened behind Bagger Daves (in the former Country Squire site) off of West Street, and is an art studio celebrating the talents of WorkSkills members while utilizing the production facilities of the organization.  For the holidays, members made ornaments/bulbs using metallic paints and have sold locally created drawings and paintings.  The facility is open Tuesday-Sunday from 12-8pm, and future plans include art classes and featured artists.  Marcia Ransom is open for suggestions on how WorkSkills can continue to fulfill needs in the community so please contact her with your ideas at www.WSkills.com.

Progressive 50/50 Drawing $545 pot in week 6, 37 cards remain. Brian Parsons drew a six of clubs; Adrienne Knack drew the king of spades, and Tom Zizka drew the king of clubs.

Wishing all a Happy & Healthy New year!