Rotary FLASH of 05-29-2007
THE FLASH for the Rotary Club of Greensburg PA May 29, 2007THOUGHTS TO PONDER FOR TODAY
“A great teacher never strives to explain his vision – he simply invites you to stand beside him and see for yourself.” The Rev. Inman
“One can never consent to creep when one feels the impulse to soar.” Helen Keller
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” W. Winchell
It was a glorious Spring day today outside and inside the Sheraton as Mary Clymer asked our club to begin its meeting in the unison pledge to the flag, and the many melodies that only our club can produce singing “God Bless America;” we needed the prayer of invocation that Chris DeDiana offered for us.
SGT. OF ARMS REPORT. Dennis Cremonese reported that we had 53 Rotarians in attendance (we were down 1 from last week – was that you?) and no visiting Rotarians.
He indicated that Mary must have given word to a privileged few that it was “Bring Your Spouse Day” as Joyce Rossman accompanied Carl; Joy Barsoum was with Adib; and Beth Cassell was with Frank. Eric Bononi introduced Nathan Recola to the club. Dennis in his creative way pronounced that it was Black and Red Day for the ladies – many of whom were so clad.
PAUL HARRIS FELLOW PRESENTATIONS were chaired by Bill Kern who prayed that the presentations would be in better harmony than our recent rendition of our song. After reminding us of the nature and work of the Paul Harris Award, Bill asked Frank Cassell to make the first presentation which was to his wife Beth. It was a fitting tribute to one who has given much to the community and world through her life. Beth spoke of the meaning of the PHF to her husband, and how much it meant to her. Frank and Beth will be retiring to Sarasota, Florida, and this was their last meeting with us. We wish them the very best and pray that God holds them in the palm of his hand. They both have made a wonderful imprint on our community for the future. THANK YOU BOTH!
The Second presentation was made by Carl Rossman to his wife Joyce. He spoke of her community involvement in the many places they lived from high school TRI HI Y to setting up programs for needy children. Joyce’s word to the club was that we needed to do things from our heart as volunteers.
Bill Kern had the last word by telling us that our Foundation gifts this year totaled $10,700. so far; over $100. per member. CONGRATULATIONS!
DEATH OF A FELLOW ROTARIAN was announced by Mary. Bob Cary passed away and a card was passed around for all to sign. Bob had been confined the last few years and was not able to make our meetings, but he had the Rotary spirit in his heart. We will miss that kind of spirit in our midst.
WQED TV Telethon sign up sheet was being passed around – we need 12 volunteers.
COMMUNITY DAY – Carl Rossman thanked those who worked and donated to the Rotary Booth for those days. The Walking Taco was a great hit! Thanks to Ray Charley for donating much of the material, and giving us a break on other needs; Dato for his great chili – and all the volunteers, especially Dick McNeel as our fearless LEADER!
OUR ARC FISHING EXTRAVAGANZA - at the home of Doc Hower will be on July 12 – and he needs us to sign up. A clip board was passed around. IF you did not get to sign up, he will appreciate a call to let him place your name on the roster. We need food servers, along with those who help our guests fish.
GOLF OUTING – June 11 – was emphasized by Dennis Cremonese for Chuck Anderson who was out on the golf course, of course. A special meeting June 1 for the committee was announced. June 4 deadline for money for the event – sponsors, etc. VOLUNTEERS are still needed, and if you show up at 10.10:30 the day of the event, they will be able to place you where you are needed.
There was also an extra word from Dennis – ever notice how he comes up with these? – about Frogs of all things, and it had something to do with Mary. You make the rest of it up. I think he did.
BOARD MEETING – JUNE 7 at The Boulevard - Bob Bloom will send out a reminder.
It will be Mary’s last board meeting as president – (but it still doesn’t go away, Mary, not yet….)
ROSTER CHECK – Bob Bloom asked that everyone make a final check on their listing for the club directory.
GREENSBURG KANSAS GIFT is up to $10,380. Mark Barnhart reported. GREAT JOB!
SKY FOERSTER from the World Affairs Council in Pittsburgh, and a fellow Rotarian from the Pittsburgh club spoke to us about our involvement in the world.
First, he highlighted the Paul Harris Fellows and the work of the Rotary Foundation. In particular, he lifted up a program of support for Nicaragua through Rotary which has been a project of the Pittsburgh Rotary. Supporting 2 clinics in Nicaragua initially, they have pushed a program to adopt a community there. They are seeking aid from other clubs, districts and the RI Foundation to the amount of $100,000. It will aid children, health concerns, education and supporting services. What a wonderful outreach!
The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is a nonpartisan organization promoting greater understanding of important international issues. They attempt to connect Pittsburgh to the world through programs for our communities and in schools. 2/3 of their effort is to Secondary schools in all of western Pennsylvania. He noted that every weekend there is a global press conference on KQV – 1410AM and if you don’t receive it on the radio, you can download it from the web at www.worldaffairspittsburgh.org They are programs worth hearing.
PARTNERSHIP WITH ROTARY is through the World Affairs Institute held yearly for high school students usually sponsored by local Rotary Clubs. We send students from Greensburg Salem; Hempfield; Central Catholic. The topic for this coming year for the youth will be “U.S. and China” on Nov. 15, a very timely discussion. We would be friends or foes in the 21st Century. He noted that on Nov. 14 there is a dinner with the speakers – who are outstanding scholars and participants in the world scene. If you are interested, contact him at the above web address.
This was a very short but terrific presentation – it drew us in.
The Four Way Test ended our Tuesday May 29 session of our club.
Rotary FLASH of 05-22-2007
THE FLASH for the Rotary Club of Greensburg PA May 22, 2007THOUGHTS TO PONDER FOR TODAY
“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: If there is any reaction, both are transformed.” Carl Jung
“The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true.” Quentin Crisp
“Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” James Michener
Our beginning today had a shift in it: President Mary Clymer announced the salute to the flag, the verse of “God Bless America” and the invocation by Chris DiDiana who threw the ball to Mike Lucotch who did very well indeed!
SGT. OF ARMS REPORT. Dennis Cremonese reported that we had 56 Rotarians in attendance with 2 visiting Rotarians, Cheryl Campbell from the Norwin Club and guest of Debbie Nye; and Tim Dingman from the Latrobe Club. We are glad to see everyone here. But there are some faces that we are missing. We hope to see them next week.
Our Prez reported that we would have no further students for the summer at our meetings; and that the Word of the Week has ended – and a big sigh of regret was heard throughout the land. However, she did it again – she did give us a word, and that was GRATEFUL. The Spelling Bee was held last Sunday, and she expressed her gratitude to those who made it happen by their constant energy. She lifted up the names of those who worked – and my shorthand did not take it down, sorry! She said that judges Karl Eisaman with whom no one would disagree for fear of a raise in taxes on their property, and Sue McFarland of the Trib did a great job, only to be topped off by the desserts prepared by Dato!
Frank Cassell was then called upon to make some remarks about the spelling bee.
He told us that 36 third grade students participated, having been through local spelling bees in their schools. He praised Mary for forging a relationship between Rotary and the School Districts. All of the students had received the Rotary dictionaries and really did well in the contest. Two young men were declared winners because the judges were running out of submitted words. There were 3 tied for 3rd place. Mary made a fine judgment call by declaring them tied for first and third places. Frank called our President extraordinary in all that she has done, and this project should be a “keeper” in the future for our Club and community. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL – AND TO PREZ. MARY!!!!!!!!!!
Bill McGrath was presented an outstanding Rotarian Award from the District President. A SPECIAL MINI BOARD MEETING was called to consider the Appeal for Greensburg Kansas; Scholarships; Rutter Scholarship, immediately after the four way test.
Gene James placed flyers on the tables about the SUMMER SOUNDS, the 2007 Greensburg free summer concert series from June 1 – Aug 31 – every Friday night in St. Clair Park at 7 p.m.
Dick McNeel asked for help on our Community Days Booth for Food, Fun, Frocularity and Fellowship. NEEDS HELP ON SUNDAY. THIS WEEK!! Call Him!
APPLAUSE PLEASE! Mark Barnhart announced that our club to date has raised $5250
from our membership for our sister club in Greensburg, Kansas that was devastated by a tornado. $5000. will be matched from our treasury so that we might send $10,250. (or more if there are other gifts from our members.) We had 53 members contribute to-date. He suggested that even though our District Governor did not award us the club of the year, that we really were responding in a superlative Rotary manner deserving of such recognition. Jeff Malloy pointed out that our club has led the district this year in giving to the Rotary Foundation as well. So who needs titles? We have the spirit!!
GOLF OUTING - Chuck Anderson reminded all that their money was due for the Golf Outing. Any further interest, please contact him. Also he was passing around a SPEAKER’S CALENDAR, and needs chairpersons for 6 of the months. How about you? A good way to do some service for your club.
WE CELEBRATED BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES! Once more Dennis Cremonese stood up to the mound and pitched a veritable shut out for us – and he was called in on short notice from the BULL pen. Someone said he had plenty of it!
Anniversaries celebrated: Ted McDonnell, 1 year; Mike DeNezza- 2 years; Mary Clymer, Rich Rosky, 7 years; Jeff Malloy, 8 years; Frank Cassell, Nelson Mayer, 9 years; Rick Nedley 10 years; Ed Nemanic, 12 years; Bob Cary, 21 years; Ray Charley, 23 years!
BIRTHDAYS: May 1: Ray Charley, Larry Plundo
2: Michele Bononi
4: Joe Codrick
13: Rick Nedley
19: Tom Headley…and a melodious version of Happy Birthday was sung as only we can harmonize!
MINI AUTO BIOGRAPHY BY DR. ROD BOOKER
(And here your editor apologizes for not being able to take short hand; you all should have heard this presentation. I know how much I have left out, and the particulars that were terrific…thanks, Rod!)
REMEMBER: GOD MORNING GOOD - three important words, we will come back to them. He asked us if we had ever been a minority all the time. Born in 1948 in Tarentum, his father left the family, and he was sent to live with his grandparents in Leechburg. In his high school, there were four black students, and attitude made a difference. He spoke of the four black students Jesse, Rod, Joe, and one other. One of them was the smartest kid in the class, but was not made the valedictorian- but he became a trauma surgeon; Rod was a musician, in drums, but was told he might drive a music van, but he ended in school administration, Joe was a football player, told that he might find a job in the mill, - ended up becoming Allegheny Ludlum’s Director of Personnel;
And the fourth young man received his PhD.
Rod told us that he was given a chance to go to college where he met his first black teachers and professors. He no longer had an excuse not to study, and finally transferred to IUP for his bachelor’s degree. He found a job in Hempfield Schools and worked there for 35 years, getting his doctorate from Penn State. He is now working for WCCC and Dr. Enders and is having fun.
He expressed appreciation to the club that judged him not by the color of his skin but by his ability and accomplishments. HE then – as a good teacher – made us do a little work by giving us a paper with “ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING”
He assigned a numerical # to each letter beginning with A as 1
Then he asked us to write ATTITUDE and give each letter the numerical equivalent.
Then we added them up – and came up with 100!
Attitude is 100%. It makes all the difference in the world. Then he took those three words, and said that when we get up in the morning if we say “Good Morning, God” it is a positive attitude; if we say Good God Morning – it is a negative attitude. IF you have a positive attitude it will show, if it is a negative attitude it will show! Consider!
THANKS, ROD – and again I apologize if some of the facts are twisted – thanks!
Mary announced that WQED is looking for some Rotarians for a phone a thon – and that our speaker next week would be Sky Foerster from the World Affairs Council.
Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Meeting adjourned.
Rotary FLASH of 05-15-2007
THE FLASH for the Rotary Club of Greensburg PA May 8, 2007IS IT THE TRUTH?
IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?
WILL IT BUILD GOOD WILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED?
Those were among the thoughts that Joe Peluso spoke to our newest member today as he reminded us all of the privileges and obligations of Rotary membership. Anne Peagler sponsored DAWN ROBERTS for membership in our club. She is the General Manager of the local Marriott Hotel. Welcome, Dawn! We will introduce ourselves to you, as we work together, play together, eat together in our Rotary fashion! We’re glad you are a part of us!
Our club came together today at the Four Points Sheraton with President Mary Clymer leading us. Invocation was given by Will Brown, and our Sgt. at Arms Dan Carr reported that we had 43 Rotarians in attendance and Bob Bloom had as his guest, daughter Amanda who is home from college. She always brightens our day!
President Mary announced that Bill McGrath’s mother in law had died, and a card was presented for all to sign. Our sympathy and love surround them during this time.
She also shared a thank you from the Westmoreland Museum of Art to the club.
Word Of the Week: a noun which meant “quick and swift” – began with s – do you know what it is? It is obvious your editor does not know how to spell it, nor could he find it in the dictionary under s. Can you?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dick McNeel – Our Community Days Sign Up Sheet needs your signature on a time slot to work. This replaces our Twin Lakes Festival Booth and is going to be much easier. BUT WE NEED HELP - Sign up now – or better yet, give Dick a call and tell him when you can be there. DON’T PUT IT OFF - DO IT NOW. Don’t even read further until you do! You’ll feel better, and so will Dick.
Chuck Anderson – OUR GOLF OUTING is in 30 days, and we need to get checks in for sponsorships and a listing of the foursomes. Sheet for volunteers for several areas of work, including watching for hole in ones. (We assume there will be many of those..) Again, give Chuck a call.
Rich Nedley – Placed on each table a CROQUET EVENT BROCHURE - there are still spaces available for tents and teams. Contact him.
Karl Eisaman – a little update on Greensburg Kansas. A town office now set up and functioning. Our town is sending a truck with supplies, and a fund is established through First Commonwealth Bank for our Greensburg citizens to contribute for this cause.
Mark Barnhart reported that our Rotary appeal to date has 22 members giving a total of $1775. Letters will be sent to the remainder of the club in an attempt to reach a goal of $5000. from our membership, and the club treasury will match it so that we may give $10,000. to the Kansas Greensburg Rotary for the need in their town. Mark reported that the Area Rotary clubs had set tents up in Greensburg KS so that the High School Seniors could have Graduation Ceremonies.
Ed Meadows spoke about the GSE Dinner which he, his wife, and Jeff Malloy attended. He presented a Club Flag from Turkey to our club given by members of that team of 5/6 with the oldest being 38. It was an impressive evening and exchange for all.
Before presenting our speaker, President Mary called for a brief Board meeting after the Four Way Test.
JEANIE MARTIN, STATE POLICE TROOPER presented a look at Defensive Driving by citing the 5 most common contributing factors to accidents:
1) YIELDING – especially at cloverleafs .
2) ADJUST SPEED TO CURRENT CONDITIONS - slow down when necessary
which includes darkness, congested areas, snow, etc.
3) TAILGATING – learn to ease off. At 55mph – it takes 255 ft to stop +33 ft if wet. At 65 mph – 330 ft to stop, 377 ft. if wet. She suggested we swallow our pride and let the person tail gating, get around us.
4) STAY IN CONTROL and PAY ATTENTION Cell Phone distracts; kids in back seat or even talking with others in the car.
5) IMPAIRMENTS – DUI; Narcotics- legal or illegal; Fatigue
Also she suggested we keep up with new laws such as the time to use headlights when our wipers are on, or when we can’t discern object over 1000 ft.
Remember that we are to pull over into a non adjacent lane if possible when we come upon a vehicle in a duty response area – accidents, break-down, police stop; fire or emergency vehicles. Use a careful prudent speed.
IT was a very worthwhile presentation – and served as a good review for all of us.
Our president led us in the 4 Way Test to close our meeting, and announced that our speaker next week would be Sky Forester from the World Affairs Council.
Thoughts to Ponder
“If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can’t be done.” Peter Ustinov
“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see.” Schopenhauer
“And in the end, it is not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.” A. Lincoln
Rotary FLASH of 05-08-2007
THE FLASH for the Rotary Club of Greensburg PA May 8, 2007
GREENSBURG TO GREENSBURG HELP ---- THE MOST SIGNIFICANT BIT OF BUSINESS AND OUTREACH in today’s agenda was a request to the club via Bob Bloom and presented by Mark Barnhart . The Greensburg Indiana club contacted us asking if we were going to help our fellow city of Greensburg Kansas in their time of real devastation and trial. They would like all the Greensburg Rotary Clubs in various states to combine their efforts. Our club is the largest. Rotary District 5690 was contacted, and told us that there is not a need for food or clothing, since no one is left in the town of 1500. Instead, we are looking to send financial contributions to the Rotary Club of Greensburg Kansas which will be held by the Witchita Kansas Club which has a 501C3 status, and made available to the Greensburg club when needed.
OUR CLUB DECIDED TO ASK FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY OUR MEMBERS, WHICH WILL BE MATCHED BY OUR CLUB. It was suggested that if our 100 members would each donate $100.and matched by our club, it would be a wonderful gift. Send checks to Mark Barnhart.
OUR ROTARY WEBSITE HAS A LINK FOR THE CONTRIBUTION FORM –
DEADLINE IS 2 WEEKS FROM TODAY.
Mayor Karl Eisaman told us that our town is in contact with the Greensburg Kansas Administrator and will be providing an opportunity for non Rotarians who want to help.
They are looking for ways to help beyond the policies of FEMA and Insurance Companies. Perhaps providing some trucks and supplies or whatever is needed.
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I WISH TO HELP THE COMMUNITY OF GREENSBURG, KANSAS
I WILL CONTRIBUTE TO AN ORGANIZED EFFORT OF FINANCIAL RELIEF BETWEEN THE ROTARY CLUBS OF GREENSBURG (PENNSYLVANIA, INDIANA AND KENTUCKY)
I, ____________________________________WISH TO DONATE $_______.00.
_______ I WILL ENCLOSE/SEND A CHECK (PAYABLE TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF GREENSBURG, PA
_______ HAVE THE TREASURER BILL ME ON MY NEXT QUARTLERLY STATEMENT.
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Cut and send the above donation form to Mark Barnhart, 505 East Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
THINK ON THESE THINGS:
“A friend is a gift you give yourself.” Robert Louis Stevenson
“One of the sources of pride in being human is the ability to bear present frustrations in the interest of longer purposes.” Helen Lynd
“If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.” Erica Jong
President Mary Clymer presided over our meeting today in her usual upbeat manner.
We saluted the flag, sang a verse of “God Bless America” and Rod Booker shared the opening prayer with us.
Sgt. of Arms Dennis Cremonese reported that we had 46 Rotarians in attendance, and 3 students from Hempfield High School. He also told us that the Rotary Club of Westmoreland was hosting a Golf Outing entitled “Mulligans ‘n Martinis” at Totteridge Gold Club on June 18, 2007. Brochures are available at the sign in desk.
STUDENT DRIVER OF THE DAY, JACK MOLDOVAN introduced our Hempfield Student Guests : Samantha Pedder, Mary Lynn Robosky, and Rosie Denning. They shared their accomplishments and dreams with us. It is always good for us to hear the hopes and aspirations of our youth. Let us encourage them in it. Mary presented each with a “4 Way Test” ruler. Thanks for driving, Jack!
WORD OF THE WEEK – or how much do you know? TERMAGANT – meaning,
“a nagging bad tempered woman.” Now many of us do not know anyone like that, but the truth is that our Mary had cause to be one – but wasn’t!- as she tried to get our forms to the proper place for the District Conference. She told us the sad saga of trudging through wind, rain, soggy slush to deliver our paper trail of accomplishments this year so that we might be considered for THE CLUB OF THE YEAR – the only problem is, that we weren’t. Instead, we got an “Outstanding Effort Award.” HOWEVER the District Governor Circle Awards went to Carl Rossman, Bill McGrath, Charles Anderson, Ed Meadows, Katy Doran, Jeff Malloy, Bill Kern… CONGRATULATIONS! Also, we had a District Literacy Award presented as well.
NOTE that there is a May 14 Dinner for GSE Team from Turkey at Mt. View – see Jeff Malloy for details and tickets.
THANK YOU – to our club from Greensburg Fire Dept. for our contribution in building a new soccer field at Mt. Odin.
AND – from Clelian Heights for $1900. toward a sensory room at their facility.
AND – for three Shelter Boxes ($2700.) in conjunction with Lakewood Ranch Rotary of Florida, and Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, Cornwall, England.
Greensburg hosted Exchange Student Ivana Pedriera (Brazil - 2002-2003) graduated from university last November with a degree in Public Relations & Marketing. She is currently working for a surfing sportswear retail company on Maui, Hawaii while applying to a variety of USA universities (including Penn State) for graduate school. Interested members may visit her website www.ivanaguima.multiply.com/ where the text may be Portuguese but the language of her smile is universal!
CLUB PRESENTATION was by A.J. Fergelec of Fergelec Heating and Cooling who took us through a literal check of a furnace with an eye to preventing carbon monoxide deaths. It was an eye opening presentation. Thank you!
NEXT WEEK: Mary announced that Trooper Jeanie Martin from the PA State Police would be speaking on defensive driving.
After the four way test, we went out on Route 30 to practice for next week. See you then.
Rotary FLASH of 05-01-2007
Greensburg Rotary Club FLASH, May Day, 2007QUOTES-OF-THE-DAY:
“You cannot go back and make a new start, but you can start now and make a new ending.” - Anonymous
"If you think you're too small to make a difference, you've obviously never been in bed with a mosquito." - Michelle Walker, artist
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The May 1, 2007 meeting of the Greensburg Rotary Club was called to order by President MARY CLYMER with the Pledge of Allegiance, “God Bless America,” and the Invocation by LEIA SHILABOD.
Sgt.-at-Arms, BILL McGRATH announced an attendance of 54 of 101 members with the following Guests: CINDY BANKOSH (Leia Shilabod), PATTY JACHIMOWICZ (T.J.), DAWN ROBERTS, MELIZZA MAZIAN and ALISHA HUBER (Ann Peagler).
Visiting Students from Greensburg-Salem HS, driven by CHUCK ANDERSON, were: ALEX KUBLER, KELLI DORAN, NATALIE BREEZDA and HEIDI SALTSMAN.
WORD-OF-THE-DAY: “malapropism,” a noun meaning “unintentional and humorous misuse of a word.”
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President MARY called a mini-meeting of the Board to immediately follow the day’s meeting and cancellation of the regularly scheduled meeting at UPG on this 1st Thursday of the month due to an abundance of projects and commitments. Board members who may have business that needs to be addressed during the month of May should bring it forward for mini-meetings on Tuesdays.
CESARE MUCCARI spoke on behalf of President MARY’s signature literacy project, the Spelling Bee on Sunday, May 20, Smith Hall, UPG from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Thirty-six 3rd graders from Aquinas Academy, Greensburg-Salem and Hempfield Area elementary schools will be competing. Seating for family and friends of the contestants will be limited, so it is necessary for Rotarians to make reservations via the sign-up clipboard.
CARL ROSSMAN called attention to the sign-up for volunteer shift workers at the club’s fund-raiser booth, May 24-27 Greensburg Community Days, particularly for that Sat. and Sun. In addition, members who may not be able to lend their hands may provide service by committing to either a $50 or $100 donation.
TOM HOWER announced the Annual Fishing Outing will be held July 12, sign-ups and additional information to be available in the weeks ahead.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES:
JEFF BRANTHOOVER led congratulations and accolades for the following month-of-April celebrations: GUY DAVIS (16 April), DAVE DELISI (30 April), MIKE DENEZZA (6 April), AL LAZAR (11 April), DOUG MARKS (22 April) and BOBBI STEMMLER-GUEST (30 April). Membership Anniversaries: JIM HARROLD (34 yrs.), REBECKA HUTCHINSON ( 4 yrs.), DATO KADAGISHVILI (4 yrs.), BILL KERN (9 yrs.), BILL McGRATH ( 4 yrs.), KEVIN METSGER (15 yrs.), DEBBIE NYE (1 yr.), JACK WAITE (12 yrs.), BOB WILSON (14 yrs.) and JOHN WOHLIN (16 yrs.).
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PROGRAM-OF-THE-DAY: “Financial Freedom for Senior Homeowners”
Our own TYLER COURTNEY presented a program of interest to all, especially members nearing or above the age of 62 or who have family within that age range.
“Reverse Mortgage” on one’s home can mean significant freedom and security to meet financial needs beyond age 62, helping provide necessary $’s for such expenses as supplemental medical insurance beyond Medicare, prescription, dental and eye coverage, Long Term care, home repairs, life insurance, investments, and etc. No longer a novelty but an accepted standard program for Senior homeowners, home equity is turned into cash savings which require NO monthly payments, NO use restrictions and require NO credit qualifiers.
Homeowners may get cash from their bank or mortgage institution for their home equity – in either a lump sum, line of credit or any combination of the two – to use in any way they choose. They retain ownership of the home for passing on to heirs or to sell at some future date and repayment occurs only when the home is sold, the owners relocate from that principal residence or the home is inherited from the owners. Often one’s largest financial asset, the value of the equity is calculated on the value of the home minus the existing mortgage and permits turning a non-liquid asset into a liquid account and still retain total control. How much cash can be realized depends on the age of the youngest person on the title, the appraised value of the property and the current interest rates.
Safe, smart and easy, the requirements are for the following: the homeowners to be at least 62 years of age with no more than 4 persons listed on the title; must be the primary residence, and must have received a certificate of having completed a consumer education course about the program. It is also acceptable for FHA home loans, condominiums and townhouses. Why would someone whose house is fully paid for be interested? They need the extra money and can enjoy a non-taxable income without the cost and inconveniences of selling and moving. Who should not be interested? Someone who has firm plans to sell their home in a few years, is under the age of 62 or who still owes too much on the current mortgage.
· Some Facts:
· The lender does NOT take over home ownership
· The loan does NOT put the homeowner at risk of losing the home
· The lender can NOT have the owner removed so the loan can be repaid
· No payments or restrictions, ever!
· No income or credit analysis required
· Proceeds are tax-free with interest accumulating during the life of the loan and due at the time of sale or being inherited
· Homeowner is obligated to pay property taxes, homeowners’ insurance and to maintain upkeep of the property
· Cash or income payment plan has no affect on Social Security or Medicare income Interest rates are adjustable, set by FHA or FNMA and do not affect the amount of money received
· Closing costs include standard fees and may be included in the use of the loan with additional home owner costs including only the appraisal and pest inspection
· Process from start (getting a counseling certificate) to finish takes approximately 45 days
· Anyone who happens to outlive the life of the original Reverse Mortgage Loan continues to receive payments based on that loan agreement with the lender being subsidized by FHA and the mortgage insurance
Anyone interested or wanting specifics for their own properties should talk to area banks and financial lending organizations.
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After suggesting a similar program for “reverse aging or reverse memory,” would be welcome, President MARY adjourned the meeting in the usual manner with the recitation of The Four-Way Test.
Respectfully submitted by Katy Doran