The Rotary Club of Hillcrest - District 6630

Hillcrest Rotagram - December 2, 2008 Meeting

BULLETIN EDITOR:
Bill Burcham

NEXT WEEK: On Tuesday, December 9, our speakers will be Stacy Picard and Sister Rita Mary Welsh, OSU. They are partners and co-founders of SKG Advisors, LLC and will talk to us about "Strengthening & Sustaining Catholic Education."

COMING PROGRAMS: On Tuesday, December 16, we will hear from Eric Burgsman, Executive Director of Hillcrest "100" speaking on "Hillcrest 100: Service to Our First Responders."On December 23, our program will feature The Singing Angels performing "Angels at Christmas." On December 30, we will have our annual Holiday Reception at PDG Joe Skoda's home in Woodhawk.

THANK YOU: Our December programs are being sponsored by Michael J. Johns and Michael N. Johns and their firm, the Johns-Carabelli Company.

GUESTS: It was great to see Paul Menster again accompanied by his daughter Kim.

HAPPY/SAD BUCKS: Lynda Rossiter was happy that their trip to Michigan was uneventful but sad that there was no snow for cross-country skiing. Ed Sullivan was pleased to "be back," but not with the number of pre-surgical appointments he is going through. Paul Menster was very happy that his daughter was home for Thanksgiving. Joe Skoda reported seeing "a beautiful woman." He was referring to Karla Lindsey who had gastric bypass surgery and has lost 125 pounds. John Bosco is happy to be back from Nigeria. He helped to immunize 28 babies and had a photo to prove it. He reported that the Nigerians he met were very appreciative of the work of the Rotary Foundation. Brian Giallombardo reported that the bell choir in which he plays will be performing at the South Euclid-Hillcrest Methodist Church this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. All are invited. Mike Johns, Jr. was happy to see Paul Menster and his daughter at our meeting. He also feels good about it being the beginning of the holiday season.

THANK YOU NOTE: President Joe read a note from DG Fran Bayliss thanking us for our participation in the recent district fundraiser.

COMING EVENTS: Don't forget to sign up for the Singing Angels meeting and to invite other family members to attend.

HOLIDAY PARTY: The morning of Saturday, December 20, will be our holiday party featuring good food, fun, and Santa. Cost is yet to be determined.

THANK YOU BRUNCH: Sunday, December 28, will be our Taste Thank You Brunch at Appetites.

PLANNING MEETING: Save the date of Saturday, January 3, for our Strategic Planning Meeting.

MAYFIELD VILLAGE: Our speaker was Mayor Bruce Rinker, who explained the changing nature of the Village and the planning and good fortune that made all of the recent development possible. He used a powerpoint presentation to illustrate the points he was making. The mayor is concerned about what this economic slowdown will do to appraised values, and thus tax collections, in all communities.

Mayfield Village has 3400 people and is one-quarter Metropolitan Park District. He explained that communities need some industry or commercial development to pay for operating expenses, but that it's most important to try to separate them from residential areas. Mayfield has done that. They have 6,000 employees at Progressive on SOM and yet a buffer of city owned recreational land is between the commercial buildings and people's houses. That buffer includes a pool, wetland, soccer fields, and walking trails.

ROTABUCK WINNER: Lynda Rossiter