Spotlight 7-1-14, Vol. 76, No. 24

Guests:   Mike Lenninger from the Red Cross, Mike Bourke brought as his guests his father Mike Bourke and his sons Michael and Patrick Bourke, Heather Spitler brought Camila Dos Santos (Rotary Exchange Student) as her guest, and Ed Bottum brought his son Joe Bottum.

Announcements: 

Mark Marker announced that last year we raised $533.26 in the “Pennies for Polio” jug drive.

Mike Lenninger announced that next Monday, July 7^th the Red Cross and Boy Scout Troop 355 would be holding a blood drive from 1:15pm – 7:00 pm at the Brighton Community Center.  Everyone is encouraged to give blood to save a life.

Jason Huntley advised us that there are still tickets available for the August 7^th trip to see “Ernie” at the City Theatre in Detroit.  If you would like to go, either email Jason Huntley or sign up on www.brightonrotary.com.

Jane McManus announced that the District is having a summer picnic on July 20^th at Kensington Park, the West boat launch.  For more information contact Jane McManus.  She also announced that the Ann Arbor North Brighton Rotary President Tamara Ward has challenged the Brighton Rotary to a wet tee-shirt challenge (with a twist).  More information will be forthcoming.

Carole Bullion-Mincy informed us that on Friday, July 11th at 6:00 pm the Humane Society Board will sponsor a car show at the Genoa Township parking lot.

Heather Spitler recently hosted a bon fire for exchange students, which included Rotary exchange students, exchange students from Brighton High School, and one outbound exchange student.  Numerous countries were represented at the party.

Piet Lindhout recently read the book “The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind” which is about a young boy who built windmills in his African country of Malawi.  The boy is now a man and continues to harness the wind through building windmill powered pumps, dynode and other equipment.

Nancy Johnson invited everyone to read this month’s Rotarian article about the new Rotary International President.  There will be a quiz next week.

Program: Due to the lack of electricity in the building, President Peggi Mintz’ program was abbreviated.  The Rotary theme for this year is “Light Up Rotary”.  Madame President Peggi Mintz engaged Rotarians to contribute to the polio fundraiser, in which $5.00 was donated by each Rotarian; in exchange the Rotarian had his/her pinkie fingernail painted with purple nail polish signifying those who have been vaccinated against polio throughout the world.  Rotarians raised $275.00 today for polio.

Peggi Mintz announced the “Top of the Mountain Dash or Crash” fundraiser which will be held on June 20, 2015 in partnership with Mt. Brighton.  The activity will be an obstacle course which will include a one mile kids’ run and a 5K (3.1 miles) run/walk for adults.  After the race there will be a beer tent and bands for entertainment.  The obstacles will be constructed by the Rotary Raiders and placed on the golf course.  On Friday, June 19, 2015 Rotarians will be able to preview the race course and maneuver through the obstacles.  A portion of funds raised will go to the Rotary Raiders.

As the new president of the Brighton Rotary Peggi Mintz is starting a new program which will allow Rotarians to get to know each other better.  Each week every Rotarian’s name will be put in a basket and two names will be pulled.  Those two people will find a time to meet prior to the following meeting and get to know each other better.  Then at the next meeting they will be asked to introduce and speak about each other.  This activity allows everyone to know more about their fellow Rotarians.  To start this off, Bob Murray and Ron Hagen will present on July 8^th.

50/50 Progressive Drawing:  Frank Mancuso, Patrick Bourke, and Mike Lenninger were unsuccessful at finding the Ace of Spades.  Today’s drawing was worth $210.00.