February 12, 2007
Today, February 12, 2007: President Lincoln's birthday. We used to celebrate both Lincoln's and George Washington's birthday (Feb 22) separately. Now we have one holiday (well, federal employees have a paid day off) that represents all presidents, even the ones not nearly as outstanding as Lincoln and Washington.
Today Captain Mike Randall from the Howell Fire Department is presenting Ashley, the Arson Dog. Ashley does not have a speech, but she will demonstrate some skills that none of us will ever have. Thanks to Jim, our Fire Chief and Master Fly Fisherman.
Board Members: Meeting at 1:05 today.
The Fundraising Committee meeting originally scheduled for today has been canceled. It has tentatively been scheduled for Monday, March 19 at 1 pm.
Upcoming Programs: February 19. Diana Serra from the Livingston County Red Cross will be the speaker.
February 26: Kim Dane will give us an update on LCC.
The Board of Directors needs your input: In recent years less that half of our members have attended the Annual Banquet (Dinner). It has been suggested that more members could attend if the banquet was held at noon. Please participate in our online poll by clicking on this link: Instant Survey: At what time of day are you more likely to attend the Annual Banquet on June 25?
Answers are anonymous. If the Club decides that noon is a better time, the Banquet Committee would as always find an appropriately elegant venue and the banquet would probably last 1.5 to 2 hours. Thanks for your help! "Things That Work" Membership Seminar There were over 100 Rotarians present at this conference on member recruitment and retention held at the Brighton Rotary building on Saturday. Howell Rotary members Carol Griffith, Kim Dane and Jim Gilligan attended with Kim and Jim each making separate presentations and also making one together. Jim Gilmore of the Sunrise Club did an outstanding job putting this educational event together. Probably the most important point made was: Get new members involved right away and keep everyone involved. Rotary Extra The 2006 football season is finally over. But there is one last story yet to tell about the fan for whom football never ends. This man had 50-yard-line tickets to the Super Bowl in Miami. As he sits down, another man asks if anyone is sitting in the vacant next to him. "No," he says. "The seat is empty." "This is incredible," said the man sitting there. "Who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the Super Bowl and not use it?" The man says, "Well, the seat actually belongs to me. I was supposed to come with my wife, but she passed away. This is the first Super Bowl that we have missed since we were married in 1975." "Oh, I am sorry to hear that. That is so sad. But couldn't you find someone else, a friend or son or daughter or neighbor, to take the seat?" The man shakes his head, "No, they are all at the funeral."