Rotary Club of Greensburg

A Flash from the Past

Rotary FLASH of 11-28-2006
THE FLASH for the Rotary Club of Greensburg PA for November 28, 2006

THINK ON THESE THINGS:
“I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me, and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.” Abraham Lincoln quoted in The Washington Post
“Beauty is the promise of happiness.” Stendhal
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.” A. Maslow
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Our Club Meeting today was started in an upbeat manner with President Mary Clymer presiding. We joined in the pledge to the flag, one verse of “God Bless America” and the invocation by Tom Headley.

Dennis Cremonese the Sgt. at Arms report from our new computer system, struggled over by Dennis and Bob Bloom: 52 members in attendance out of a membership of 105.
Our guests today included, Rod Booker, guest of Steven Ender: Rod is now associated with WCCC and we hope he will join with us in membership. Joyce Lock introduced Mike Dawling again to us, with the hope that he, too, would soon unite with our club.

. STUDENT GUESTS brought to our meeting by Rotarian Ted McDonnell were from Greensburg Salem High School. Toni Fontana hopes to attend University of Pgh and pursue Genetic Counseling; Christine Bullock wishes to major in Economic and International Business; and Danielle Waugh is interested in economics and math. She shared with us the fact that she attended the World Affairs Council and was sponsored by this club. She bubbled over with enthusiasm about the experience and hoped we would continue to sponsor others. President Mary said it correctly: It is a great big breath of fresh air to share the hopes, dreams and plans of these young people. Thanks for coming!

A PERSONAL WORD conveyed to Dr. Rutter by Mary was “It takes one to know one.”
It seems Mary’s next-door neighbor is Helen Williams, former organist at First U. Methodist and a great friend of Ken. He had spoken to Mary about her neighbor saying that she was a classy person – hence the remark! We all know that!

SYMPATHY WITH OUR LOVE is extended to Guy Davis on the death of his mother. A card was passed around for us to sign to express our thoughts and love to Guy.

W.O.W. is CRABWISE – meaning? – what else but “to move sideways” as in she ate so much turkey on Thanksgiving she had to walk crabwise to get through the door. Sorry, I can’t remember the sentence given to illustrate this word, so I had to make one up.
Now you think of some ways to use it in your conversation this week. Try it, it’s fun!

ROTARY BOARD MEETING will be Dec. 7 at Mt. View Inn, 5:30 p.m. – for members elect and present members, noting that this is a mandatory meeting.

Carl Rossman noted that DEC 12 is the CHRISTMAS DINNER and would we please sign up today, or return our invitation reply sent to each of us. Sooner is better than later.
SKI WEEKEND sponsored by our Rotary Club at 7 Springs in January is a family event, and Jeff Branthoover sent a sign up sheet around the tables today. If you missed it, call him.
OUR VERY OWN CLIP BOARD QUEEN Rebecka Hutchinson asked us to sign up first for the OPERATION SANTA CLAUS, DEC. 4 from 8 -3 – on clip board #1; Second, for our FAMILY LUNCHEON ON DEC. 26 at our regular meeting time with the number of children attending so the story tellers could have an idea of age range for their program. Clip board #2 was passed, but you can also call her. AND FINALLY, Clip Board #3 with a dire need for several slots to be filled for SALVATION ARMY BELLS on Dec. 8. We are to call her “Clippy” for short. Call her most anything, but just sign up!
PRESIDENT MARY called for a very sht. Board Mtg. after our session today.

PROGRAM TODAY - Birthdays and Club Anniversaries by Mark Barnhart
Our celebrants were, in order of seniority according to Mark:
Ted Herrington – who did proclaim that he celebrated his 85th birthday!
Don Waxter
Chuck Anderson
Pete Dochinez
Rich Rosky Jr.
Joe Petrillo
Becka Hutchinson
Club Anniversaries:
Mark Barnhart -35 yrs.; Karl Eisamen-24 years; Steve Ender-1; Paul Hochendoner-7; Kim Johnson-2; Ed Meadows- 10; Eric Sarn – 8; John Sproull -6; Don Waxter- 29; Jennings Womack – 15
Congratulations to all of the above! We appreciate their participation and their influence on our lives.
We also were treated to a presentation of Thanksgiving history by our renown funeral director. He shared some very interesting insights into our history – and if you don’t know about Squanto – make sure you ask Mark. Our life would never be the same without Squanto.

MINI BIOGRAPHY by Dan Carr.
Dan related to us that his introduction to Rotary came about by an association with Dr. Rutter as his newspaper carrier. It is amazing what our attitudes and relationships can bring about in our lives. Dan was born in Greensburg, he played the trumpet under Dr. Booker’s leadership in high school (only to find out that he hasn’t been keeping up with it – and Dr. Booker wants to talk with him about that…) You just can’t escape your past! He went to St. Vincent College, thought he wanted to be a doctor but hating biology, decided against it. Working at U.S. Steel he became interested in Math and computer science; so in his Junior year, he entered into setting up a business venture with a classmate, and thus began “Ethics Systems.” It is a basic computer agency – and Dan says they are still looking for their niche in the area computer business. Without a doubt, he will find it. We wish you well, Dan!

DR. BOOKER asked for a moment of our time. He related to us that the plea for monetary help to send some youth to Baltimore for an educational visit has changed some of their lives. He wanted to thank us for what we did. Again, President Clymer’s response was on the mark - it is wonderful to know that what we are doing is making a difference for those around us! Isn’t that what it is all about?

With that thought in mind, we closed our meeting with the 4 way test.
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? (We certainly hope so..)

OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
July 19, 2006: John Barth, , owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing, sponsored by Tyler Courtney.
Aug. 15, 2006: Joyce Lock, Mgr. 1st Commonwealth Bank, sponsored by Alex Lima.
Aug. 22, 2006: Leia Shilobod, Owner of InTech Solutions, Inc., sponsored by David Robinson.

Rotary FLASH of 11-21-2006
THE FLASH for the Rotary Club of Greensburg PA for November 21, 2006

H A P P Y T H A N K S G I V I N G ! ! !

THINK ON THESE THINGS:
“O Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” Shakespeare
“God has two dwellings—one in heaven and the other in a thankful heart.” Walton
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof—the world and all that dwell therein.” Psalm 24
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President Mary Clymer called the club to order today as we joined in the pledge to the flag, one verse of “God Bless America” and the invocation by Bill Kern.

Dr. Bill McGrath gave the Sgt. at Arms report: 49 members in attendance out of a membership of 105. He had our members introduce their guests: Carl Rossman presented his wife Joyce, his son Matt (who will be going to Afghanistan soon) and Penny Lackey; Tony Martino introduced Lisa McKewon . Gene James had his daughter Amanda with him; and Cathy Baumann presented Kelly Sidehammer and Jason Smallwood as her guests.
STUDENT GUESTS brought to our meeting by Rotarian Chuck Anderson were Katie Colbaugh and Jessica Mahady from Greensburg Central Catholic High School.
It is so much fun to enter into the accomplishments and dreams of the youth who share with us their aspirations.
PRESIDENT MARY began the announcement period with a salute to Pete Dochinez who was featured in a magazine for his accomplishments. We hope to hear more about this, Pete!
W.O. W. was BATTUE – and Mary spelled it out for us today – gave us a choice of definitions, the right one being “Beating bushes to drive game birds out..” but brother Tony had a different one, he said that he drank all battue ounces of the bottle of Jack Daniels.. wonder why he stopped there? Or did he? Does he really know?
Now the challenge is to use that word twice this week in your conversation – maybe a bit of the Jack Daniels would help.
ROTARY BOARD MEETING was announced by Carl Rossman as being on Dec. 7 at Mt. View Inn – noting that the new members are asked to attend. He also noted that DEC 12 was the CHRISTMAS DINNER and would we please return our invitation reply sent to each of us. Sooner is better than later. SKI WEEKEND sponsored by our Rotary Club at 7 Springs in January is a family event, and Carl will email information to you today.
Rebecka Hutchinson asked us to sign up for the FAMILY EVENT ON DEC. 26 at our regular meeting time with the number of children attending so the story tellers could have an idea of age range for their program. Clip board was passed, but you can also call her.
PALACE THEATRE EVENT was attended by Ed Meadows and he shared his delight in the “Music Man” presentation there by Stage Right including the whole Hempfield Band – but did they really have 76 trombones???? Inquiring minds want to know.
BELL RINGING needs a few more ding a lings to complete the score of people needed – Chuck Quiggle passed a sign up chart around – but you may also contact him.
PROGRAM OF THE DAY was introduced by the prolific Tony Martino. He introduced Deb Hall from Select Specialty Hospital and she spoke on “Patient Safety Authority” relating many facts to us about patient care and responsibility. Among many other things she noted that the high costs of infections in Pennsylvania Hospitals rose to $613.7 million dollars in 2004. She spoke about the problems in trying to standardize the reporting mechanisms of the hospitals on the Hospital Acquired Infections. She noted that thorough hand washing was still the best way to avoid spreading disease where ever we are. The Patient Safety Authority is trying to be proactive in stopping the spread of disease.

Rotary FLASH of 11-14-2006
THE FLASH for the Rotary Club of Greensburg PA for November 14, 2006

THINK ON THESE THINGS:
“Time does not become sacred to us until we have lived it, until it has passed over us and taken with it a part of ourselves.” John Burroughs in Pittsburgh Post Gazette
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close to success they were before they gave up.” Thomas Edison

CLUB MEETING
As we gathered, Mike Lucotch reminded us that ballots were to be passed out for voting for our new board members. They would be collected and results would be reported by the end of the meeting.
President Mary Clymer called the club to order today as we joined in the pledge to the flag, one verse of “God Bless America” and the invocation by Mike Lucotch.

Dennis Cremonese gave the Sgt. at Arms report: 54 members in attendance. Jim Steeley was the driver for our students today from Hempfield.
Guests included: Rotarian Jim Bassett from Murrysville, and Michele Bononi introduced for the second time Patrick Lenz, a prospective member.

WOW – Word of the Week - PERIPATETIC - meaning wandering around – which is what Mary’s mind must have been doing because she didn’t spell it for us. However, we are still challenged to use it several times this week. Have you bothered? She also reminded us that the distribution of the dictionaries to the students was coming up. Interested? See her.

ANNOUNCMENTS included BELL RINGING on Dec. 8 Lower lever of the former Kaufmann’s store at the mall – take time to sign up.
OUR SYMPATHY is extended to Rotarian Joyce Lock and family on the death of her mother. A card was available for our signatures to send to the family.
ROAD CLEAN UP was deemed a success by Ben Policastro as he thanked John Dickson for the refreshments he provided, and to Ed Nemanic for bringing his wife, Camille. Evidently that is the only way to keep him under control.
TURKEY TROT addicted Ed Meadows reminded us all that the 5K Race will be held on Thanksgiving at 9 a.m. He named some of those members who participate, and suggested that anyone with a new hip replacement should be there also. Good luck!
A GREAT BIG WELCOME BACK to Jim Harrold, who came to us germ free this Tuesday. We hope he will continue that way..we missed you mightily, Jim! Great to see you!
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING after our session today was called by the President.
The special news was that they had a topic to discuss; evidently a secret one.
ONCE AGAIN, MARY TURNED the meeting over to a distinguished leader who wasn’t there, and so it was the distinguished Tony Martino who took over. Our PROGRAM today was an update on the United Way by Nancy Kuckovich who shared some of the ways that the United Way Operations have changed over the years. Its focus is now to Change Community Conditions rather than just dividing donated money to its agencies. The goal is for $4 million dollars – 3.6 from donations plus matching grants.

CARL ROSSMAN announced the results of the balloting for the Rotary Board for the coming year. We elected Dennis Cremonese, John Kline, Michele Bononi and Bill McGrath. They will meet with the current board Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. at Mt. View. Congratulations, and we are glad you are serving the club in this manner.
Now it is up to all of us to support the club by our presence and our participation!

Carl also reminded us of the CHRISTMAS PARTY, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Greensburg Country Club. Entertainment will be by the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera troupe of children and youth.
NEXT WEEK’S PROGRAM: Deborah Hall will speak about “Infections.”

The President closed our meeting with the Four Way Test!

Rotary FLASH of 11-07-2006
THE FLASH for the Rotary Club of Greensburg PA for November 7, 2006

THINK ON THESE THINGS:
“Most people would succeed in small things, if they were not troubled with great ambitions.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Anger is never without reason, but seldom with a good one.” Ben Franklin
“ A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” William James

President Mary Clymer called the club to order today as we joined in the pledge to the flag, one verse of “God Bless America” and the invocation by Bob Wilson.

Dr. Bill McGrath gave the Sgt. at Arms report: 63 members in attendance out of a membership of 104. We have had 2 resignations from long time members of the club: Dr. Jim Thomas and Dr. King Hartman. We are truly sorry to lose them from our membership. We wish them the best!
Ted Herrington was the driver for our students today from Greensburg Salem: Brittney Fidazzo, Riley Jorgenson, and Ryan Merila.
Guests of our members included: Bob McDonald guest of Wayne Doyle, Patrick Lenz guest of Michelle Bononi, Cheryl Parsons guest of Kris Agarwal and Cathy Cherrington guest of Joyce Lock. We were also privileged to greet our exchange student from Chile: Camy Poblete and host mother, Lucy Hainan.

BOARD REPORT was given by secretary Bob Bloom.
Debbie Hepler resigned from the club, bringing our membership to 103. Bob issued a call to the membership to recruit quality people to replace our lost members.
The Board voted $100.00 to Operation Santa Claus for our area. The Holiday Party with arrangements by Carl Rossman will be at the Greensburg Country Club. Dr. McNeel is making arrangements with the Historical Society to house the records of our Rotary Club.

President Mary presented our high school students with the Four Way Test rulers after their presentations to the club. If we listen carefully, we realize the quality and eagerness of our local youth. We would do well to emulate them.

W.O.W. – (Word of the Week) was HYPNAGOGIC – a state of drowsiness. Mary urged each of us to use it several times this week. I dare you even to remember it!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
DEC. 12 is the date for the Christmas Party – MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
DEC. 26 PROGRAM is to be a family centered event with stories provided by Cesare Muccari and the Greensburg/Hempfield Library. Rebecka Hutchinson passed a sign up sheet around to record the ages of our children who might be attending. This is for the storytellers. If you are planning to bring children to the event, and did not sign up yet, please see Rebecka.
ROTARY HIGHWAY CLEAN UP is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. this Saturday. Meet at the Greensburg Country Club Tennis Courts. Ben Policastro is coordinating this event.
OPERATION SANTA CLAUS – needs volunteers to help pack the parcels on Monday Dec. 4 from 8-3. Mike Lucotch asked us to sign up on the folder he was circulating. He sighed as he let his pen go with the folder – never to see it again. Many good pens have been lost in these causes. He also reminded us that Dec. 8, Friday, was the probable date for ringing the Salvation Army Bells…so circle that date as well!

OFFICIAL CLUB BUSINESS – was the nominations for the slate of new Board Members beginning July 2007 for 2 years. He presented the following slate, asked for additional nominations, there were none and Mark Barnhart moved, second by Cathy Baumann that the slate be closed. Passed. Election will be next week.
The slate as submitted: John Barth, Michele Bononi, Dan Carr, Dennis Cremonese, John Kline, Bill McGrath, John Sproull.

A letter was read and circulated from David Delisi, accountant for the club who audited the books, and recommended that because of the growth of the work of the treasurer that a stipend be paid the treasurer to match that of the secretary. The letter was passed among the membership.

Program Chair was the distinguished Tony Martino who was not present, so it was passed to the distinguished Ed Nemanic to introduce our speaker for the day, Jim Toohey, President of St. Vincent College. He is the 16th President of that institution, and only the second lay person to so occupy the presidency. He came to St. Vincent’s from the staff at the White House where he headed the Faith Based Initiative Program for the President of the U.S. He also worked as lawyer for Mother Teresa. His presentation was engaging and you missed it if you were not there. Some of his goals for his presidency will be to make the student body more diverse, to welcome students of all faiths; 25 of his students will go on a mission to Brazil this year. He is planning to take students to Calcutta so that they can learn how to love until it hurts - as they visit the site of Mother Teresa’s mission. He invited us to visit the college – which will remain a college and not a university for the foreseeable future. He indicated that he is pleased to have his family living in Western Pennsylvania and its family environment. Welcome – and thanks!

The President closed our meeting with the Four Way Test!

OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
July 19, 2006: John Barth, owner of Ben Franklin Plumbing, sponsored by Tyler Courtney.
Aug. 15, 2006: Joyce Lock, Mgr. 1st Commonwealth Bank, sponsored by Alex Lima.
Aug. 22, 2006: Leia Shilobod, Owner of InTech Solutions, Inc., sponsored by David Robinson.

Rotary FLASH of 10/31/2006
Greensburg Rotary Club FLASH 10-31-06

QUOTES-OF-THE-DAY: “From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggety beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!” --- old Scottish saying

The October 31, 2006 Halloween Hat Day meeting of the Greensburg Rotary Club was called to order by the presiding bumblebee, President MARY CLYMER, with the Pledge of Allegiance, “God Bless America” and the Invocation by DAN CARR.

Sporting a hard hat, Sgt.-at-Arms DENNIS CREMONESE announced a membership attendance of 45 with guests MIKE SILVERTI (Murrysville Rotary), JO LANE CECCONI (Pete Cecconi) and PATTI JACHIMOWICZ (Tom Jachimowicz).

WORD-OF-THE-DAY: Jachimowicz (Jack-eh-mow-itz): Defined by T.J., himself, giving testimony on having a most difficult name to spell and pronounce: It was so difficult to learn between 1st and 2nd grade he forgot how to spell “Thomas.” (Special T.J. Announcement – being married to Halloween witch Patti has advantages since her magic caldron shows Penn State will not win another game this season.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

With 35 of our members wearing colorful and diverse hats, plus 2 guests and our visiting District Governor and his lady, there were a total of 39 cost-of-meals for a donation to Mom’s House. Pres. MARY presented a check in the amount of $500.00 to JO LANE CECCONI.

Plans for the Christmas Dinner Party meeting will be coming from CARL ROSSMAN in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned.

The club’s Board of Directors will meet at 5:30PM Thursday, November 2nd at UPG.

PROGRAM-OF-THE-DAY:

Wearing his Head Cheese hat, District Governor LEE BROWN used our day’s hat theme - the variety of hats worn in Rotary International – to address the activities, goals and plans for this Rotary International year, “Lead the Way” and our District year, “Humanity in Motion.” DG Lee called attention to Greensburg club members who are serving both club and District 7330. Pins for both RI and the District, along with the expanded edition of the District newsletter were available at the tables for each member. Everyone is encouraged to attend Foundation Dinner on November 11 and to plan for the 7300 and 7330 joint District Conference at Seven Springs May 4-5. 2007.

It is worth noting our Greensburg Rotary Club is actively pursuing several of the District’s focus projects:

LITERACY – Dictionaries presented to elementary school children, donated by our Club, with the donation of staff help from CESARE MUCCARI and laminated for longer durability by the library staff; hosting a Spelling Bee for 3rd graders in 3 area school districts

WATER – some members have made donations for sand filters for water purification

EMERGENCY SHELTER HOUSING - donations of approx. $3,000 for Shelter Boxes.

FAMILY OF ROTARY – Annual Picnic event

HUNGER – adopted a local food bank that will supply turkey dinners to 108 families for Thanksgiving

President MARY closed the meeting in the usual way with “The Four Way Test.”