| A Flash from the Past Rotary Flashes of 06-25-2002 ROTARY FLASHES GREENSBURG ROTARY CLUB NO. 250 – CHARTERED OCTOBER 4, 1916 Volume 72, No. 52……………………………………………………..June 25, 2002 Inside This Issue Wise and Otherwise Next Meeting’s Program Listing Our Weekly Meeting and Birthday listings Announcements WISE AND OTHERWISE "Eggs and ham: A days work for a chicken, but a lifetime commitment for a pig." Tonight's invocation was given by Dr. Ken Rutter. He thanked God for the day and allowing us to slip away from the cares of the day to be in such a good Rotary environment where service above self has brought a century of positve enhancements to the community of Greensburg. He also thanked the leadership of our Club for their past year of service. Paul Harris Fellow presentations: Bill Ovitsky was presented a Paul Harris Fellow by his friend and neighbor Jim Harrold. Bill is a man who takes joy in being able to help his fellow man. He is on many Boards, Red Cross, helps every year with the special picnic for special kids, helps at the ARC fishing outing and the Arts and Heritage Festival. He has had a positive influence on many people throughout the years. Frank Cassell was presented a Paul Harris Fellow by Dan Krezenski. Dr. Cassell's educational background is very impressive, PHD from Northwestern, Masters, Professor of History, President of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg to name a few. He started the Smart Growth Program and is a scholar and a teacher. Upon accepting his recognition, Frank commented that the values, international dimension, public service and leadership of Rotary are the same ideals he finds necessary for a successful student of higher education. Incoming President Ed Nemanic took to the podium to honor our current President, Chuck Strobel. Ed thanked him for his sacrifices for the good of the Club. Chuck started the very informative "Rotary Minute" reading that occurs during each weekly meeting. His idea of a once a month meeting for the presentation of mini-autobiographies and the birthday celebration has allowed fellow members to become better acquainted. His support of the Service Projects and his representation at the District Conference is greatly appreciated. He has hosted foreign exchange students over the years and has donated newspaper advertising space to the Club so that members names could be presented to the community along with the projects we are engaging in. "Chuck Roast" Dick McNeel presented a speech on the importance and uses of salt. (For those of you who are unaware, President Chuck has a habit of pouring salt on the table and using a moistened thumb to taste it). References were made about Plato, Homer, legal tender and the association of wealth and salt. Dick called Chuck "salt of the earth" and then had him presented with a 50 lb. block of salt. (This roasting idea was conceived by incoming president Ed. Chuck took it all in stride. Remember Ed, it's only a year away for you). Tom Jack-a-mow-wits ribbed President Chuck about his occasional mispronunciation of names. He's heard Klingenberger, Neemanik, Kathy Doran and Creemeneez over the past year. Tom went on suggest that we all need to be given more creative nicknames. No one was immune from his barbs. He even cautioned Ed to make sure his new Board was better than Chuck's because he said "a Board is there to make the President look good…..and they failed miserably." On a serious note, the Club is very thankful for the leadership that Chuck has shown us over the last year. His generosity, time an efforts have helped our Club to remain the premier service Club in the community. Many thanks Chuck! President Strobel then took to the podium to thank the Club members, officers and the directors for a great year of service to our community. He said that he has been honored to be able to serve this Club as President. He offered his assistance in the future and wishes Ed Nemanic the best in the upcoming year. Chuck was presented with a caricature that was done by Lee Klingenberg. We are hoping that it will be able to be viewed at one of the next several meetings. MONDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Rotary Flashes of 06-18-2002
WISE AND OTHERWISE "Some people are fascinated by work. They can sit back and look at if for hours." Today's invocation was given by Cathy Daversa. "Lord of us all, You give us so much: sunlight, family, friends. You give us hands to serve and hearts to care. Teach us to share our talent and gifts with all Your people around the world. We give You thanks for Rotary that enables us to do this. In Your name, Amen." Sergeant At Arms Report (Michael Brewer) - We had no visiting Rotarians. We had a guest of a member: Rich Baric was a guest of Tom Sphon. MAKE-UPS – Bill Ovitsky (Youngwood/New Stanton), Elinore McMahan (twice at Hempfield Twp), John Hanna (Murrysville/Export) and Adib Barsoum (St. John, US Virgin Islands). WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER JOHN DICKSON. John said that he was very excited about being able to serve the community and felt that Rotary was a great way of accomplishing that goal. John has already provided the use of the Redstone's freezer for supplies for the Arts and Heritage food booth. Good to have you aboard. Welcome. TODAY'S ATTENDANCE WAS 56. This included 52 members, 3 guests and our speaker. ARTS AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL –Cathy Daversa, Mark Barnhart and Tony Martino, are still looking for several volunteers to sign up for a several hour shift at Twin Lakes Park. The dates are: July 4, 5 , 6, and 7. If you wish to have your company name displayed on the banner with other sponsors, please see Cathy. It only costs $100.00 to be listed on the banner that will be seen by so many throughout the festival. GET 'EM BEFORE THEY'RE GONE! – There are only 10 tickets left for the Pirates Game on Strike Out Polio Night (July 17th). Please see Mark Barnhart if you want a ticket. HIGH TECH BIRTHDAYS - Paul Hochendoner gave a new twist to the Birthday Table presentation. He produced a Power Point presentation for the birthday boys of June. A THANK YOU MESSAGE FROM DISTRICT GOVERNOR GEORGE WOOD – The DG thanked our Club for our contribution to support the joint hospitality suite at District Conference. He also thanked us for our support throughout his year of District Governor, saying "People like you stepping up to the plate helps make things run smoothly". PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING BLOOD NEXT WEEK. The Westmoreland County Chapter of the American Red Cross has a blood drive scheduled for Tuesday, June 25th and Wednesday, June 26th, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Four Points-Sheraton. Each year the Central Westmoreland Firefighters host this two-day blood drive to assist area hospitals during the Fourth of July holiday. Any questions can be directed to (724) 837-6273. THURSDAY FRIDAY
Rotary Flashes of 06-11-2002
WISE AND OTHERWISE "Never miss a chance to keep your mouth shut." Today's invocation was given by Rich Rosky. "Father of us all, we ask Your presence and Your blessing this day. Help us keep the pride and promises made in the days gone by. It is easy to sink back into lethargy and not be on guard for good. Keep us faithful to our standards and help us go the extra mile in upholding truth, being fair and in serving others through our lives and our Club. Amen." Sergeant At Arms Report (Christine Rizk) - We had no visiting Rotarians. We had a guest of a member: Rebecka Hower Hutchinson was a guest of her father Tom Hower. MAKE-UPS – None reported. TODAY'S ATTENDANCE WAS 49. This included 48 members and 1 guest of a member. ARTS AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL –Cathy Daversa, Mark Barnhart and Tony Martino, are still looking for several volunteers to sign up for a several hour shift at Twin Lakes Park. The dates are: July 4, 5 , 6, and 7.This is always a great time of fellowship and service. Funds raised will help with community projects and scholarships. It's also a great time to have the Rotary presence seen by a great number of our fellow citizens. To our newest members…this is a great project to get involved in! If you wish to have your company name displayed on the banner with other sponsors, please see Cathy. It only costs $100.00 to be listed on the banner that will be seen by so many throughout the festival. GET 'EM BEFORE THEY'RE GONE! – There are only 10 tickets left for the Pirates Game on Strike Out Polio Night (July 17th). Please see Mark Barnhart if you want a ticket. It was Mini-autobiography Day. Bobbi Stemmler-Guest was born and raised on a dairy farm near Kingwood, PA in Somerset County. She was the tenth child in her family. Her great-great grandfather was Christian Yoder and he was Amish. She was raised by her parents in the traditional Amish way. During her teen years she said that her family relaxed the strict ways somewhat and she was allowed to become a little bit more "worldly". She graduated from Rockwood High School in 1962. She married and moved to Monroeville and after ten years moved to Greensburg. She had two wonderful children and now two fabulous grand children from that marriage. She worked for Dr. Richard McNeel for five years in the dental profession. She then married a patient by the name of Dr. Ronald Stemmler. Her and Ron moved to Florida where she managed the Faculty Practice for the Orthodontic Department at the University of Florida Dental School. Her next career was in real estate. She then moved back to Greensburg and in 1983 Ron started the Computer CenterLine business. She continued in the dental profession until she purchased CCL from Ron in 1995. She lost her husband Ron in 1998 after his battle with cancer. During a meeting of the Westmoreland Hospice Bereavement group she met and then later married Ed Guest, who had lost his wife to cancer. She is now living in Scottdale. Her and Ed enjoy entertaining. Ed plays the organ and keyboard and Bobbi occasionally sings for nursing homes and churches. Bobbi is a Paul Harris Fellow. THURSDAY FRIDAY
Rotary Flashes of 06-04-2002
WISE AND OTHERWISE "There are some defeats that are more triumphant than victories." Today's invocation was given by Jim Steeley. "Lord, Thank you for the opportunity to come together again - to renew friendships – to make new friends – to share that which we have with others through the work of Rotary – and to be ever mindful that our work is in Your service. Amen." Sergeant At Arms Report (Frank VanHorn) - We had 1 visiting Rotarian: Tom Pearson from the Franklin, VA Club. We had two guests of members: Mike Buechele (Mary Clymer) and Ralph Hancharik (Ed Meadows). MAKE-UPS –Bill Kern attended the Jeannette Club. TODAY'S ATTENDANCE WAS 58. This included 54 members, 1 visiting Rotarian, 2 guests of members and our speaker. PRESIDENT'S DAY DINNER AT THE WESTMORELAND MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART – Tuesday, June 25th, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The cost is $15.00 for members and $25.00 for guests. This can be billed with your quarterly dues if you desire. The invitations have been mailed. Please respond to Ed Nemanic by June 21st. (There will not be a regular noon meeting on this date). President Chuck asked "that we bring a spouse with us…..preferably our own." Hey, it's his party. HIGHWAY CLEANUP PROJECT - Bill Taylor reported that the "crew" did a great job of making that stretch of our community a lot cleaner. There will be two more cleanups this year. Thanks to all involved. THE CLEARVIEW SCHOOL PICNIC was also a great success. Mark Barnhart thanked Jim Harrold and Bill Ovitsky for cooking over 400 hotdogs for the kids. Mutual Aid brought an ambulance for the kids to look at and learn about. ARC FISHING OUTING AT THE HOWER RESIDENCE – The annual fishing outing and picnic will be held on Thursday, June 27th. Please see Tom Hower if you are able to help out. This is another great event where Rotary serves members of our community. Tom says the pond is looking good and the bass are biting! The start time is 5:00 p.m., however, if you can come a little bit early to help with the final set up, it would be appreciated. ARTS AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL –Cathy Daversa, Mark Barnhart and Tony Martino, are still looking for several volunteers to sign up for a several hour shift at Twin Lakes Park. The dates are: July 4, 5 , 6, and 7.This is always a great time of fellowship and service. Funds raised will help with community projects and scholarships. It's also a great time to have the Rotary presence seen by a great number of our fellow citizens. To our newest members…this is a great project to get involved in! If you wish to have your company name displayed on the banner with other sponsors, please see Cathy. I believe that it only costs $100.00 to be listed on the banner that will be seen by so many throughout the festival. GET 'EM BEFORE THEY'RE GONE! – There are only 10 tickets left for the Pirates Game on Strike Out Polio Night (July 17th). Please see Mark Barnhart if you want a ticket. MEMBERSHIP PROPOSAL – The Classification and Membership committees, as well as the Board of Directors, have approved the following membership proposal. Unless there is written objection to the Secretary within 7 days, the following proposed new member will be admitted as a member of the Club: John R. Dickson Jr., President/CEO of Redstone Presbyterian Senior Care. John resides at 104 University Drive, Greensburg, PA. He is being proposed by Ed Nemanic. THE WESTMORELAND ROTARY CLUB will be presented with its charter on June 8th. Any member of our Club who wishes to attend this presentation should contact Ed Nemanic or Chuck Strobel. The Westmoreland Club meets at Bobby Dales. NEXT WEEK'S MEETING: Mini-autobiographies and the June Birthday Table. (This has been moved to next week due to the President's Day Dinner on the last Tuesday of June. Our speaker today was Lori Meyers. She gave a presentation on Baltzer Meyer. Literature that she distributed states "it was Baltzer Meyer who provided the educational and spiritual leadership for the German pioneers in Western PA during those early years in the Germanic community." Baltzer Meyer was a schoolmaster who traveled from Germany to Westmoreland County in 1749. He was also a lay pastor who probably traveled many miles to baptize children when he was not teaching. His record keeping has allowed the German heritage and genealogy not to be lost in the many years that have passed. The one-room schoolhouse where Meyer taught is currently being restored. The Baltzer Meyer Historical Society wishes to work closely with children so that knowledge and heritage can be passed along with pride to children of the next generation. The motto of the organization is "Local people preserving local history." There is a newsletter that is sent to members of the Society as far away as Hawaii and Australia. There is also the Paul Miller Ruff Genealogy Library that lists births, deaths and baptisms back to 1774. The library is open to the public for a minimal cost. A grant of $25,000 was received from the State, however, as always, additional funds are always needed. The Baltzer Meyer Historical Society works closely with the Chestnut Ridge Historical Society and the Westmoreland Archeology Society. The 158 acres that was set aside for education and religious purposes many years ago is now returning to its original purpose with the Hempfield and Harrold schools and the many churches in the area along Route 136…not to mention the one-room school house of Baltzer Meyer. THURSDAY FRIDAY
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