The Rotary Club of Hillcrest - District 6630

Hillcrest Rotagram - December 16, 2008 Meeting

BULLETIN EDITOR:
Bill Burcham

NEXT WEEK: On December 23, our program will feature The Singing Angels performing "Angels at Christmas." Members will be free, and each guest enjoying lunch and the program will pay $20. Those who choose to come for the program only will be $5.

COMING PROGRAMS: On December 30, we will have our annual Holiday Reception at PDG Joe Skoda's home in Woodhawk.

WELCOME BACK: It was good to see President Joe return to our podium still awaiting back surgery.

HAPPY/SAD BUCKS: Lynda Rossiter is happy that she had a chance to babysit her grandson again and that she now has her truck back. Bob Stabile was very pleased that "Ted agreed with everything I said." He also pointed out that when he comes north, he likes the people and not the weather. Ted Bilton admitted that he had agreed with Bob. George Schumacher (or Georgia Tucholka) enjoyed a family party last Saturday. Mike Johns, Sr. was happy about something, but I can't read my writing. Georgia Tucholka (or George Schumacher) said her/his son's engagement party was great. Joe Cicero said it was good to be back. He is also happy that his son has a girl friend who is not a relative and that we like. Now all we need is for him to find a job. Brian Giallombardo was pleased that his church's bell choir performed eight concerts at libraries and had an average of 50 attend each one. Mike Johns, Jr. reported that Kathy Mekesa was admitted to the hospital with what was suspected to be food poisoning.

APOLOGY: Your editor is sorry that Georgia's, George's, and Mike, Sr.'s contributions in the last section were so poorly explained. It seems I need a vacation or a handwriting coach, or both, since I can't read my own writing.

HOLIDAY PARTY: It will be on Saturday, December 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m. You are encouraged to attend even if you are not bringing children or grandchildren. I believe that the cost will be $15 per person, with kids under 6 being free. Please plan to pay as you arrive at the party.

OTHER DATES TO SAVE: Sunday, December 28, will be our Taste Thank You Brunch at Appetites beginning at 10:00.

Saturday, January 3, is our Strategic Planning Meeting. It is expected to last from 9:00 to 3:00.

CHRISTIAN UPDATE: Scott Mills reported that Christian, our exchange student, is doing better in school although biology is difficult for him. He's getting along well with the kids. Joe Wilson hopes to take him to Washington soon. Donations are being collected to help get a gift card for him.

HILLCREST 100: Our speaker was Eric Burgsman, Executive Director of the Hillcrest 100, a group which collects and preserves Donations which are used to support needy police and firemen and their families in the six Hillcrest communities. It was incorporated in 2004 and is a 501C3 nonprofit organization. They currently have a bank balance of $40,000. A number of other area communities have "100" organizations and some have considerably greater bank balances. The Hillcrest 100 has very few expenses other than the support they provide. Their trustees are all volunteers, so they only need to purchase items such as stickers and plaques and their website domain. They are not a social club and do not conduct fundraisers. During the last few years, they have provided $10,000 in aid to first responders. They are seeking memberships: individuals start at $35 and cost $500 for a lifetime membership. Corporate memberships begin at $250.

ROTABUCK WINNER: Joe DeLibero, who immediately donated it to the Hillcrest 100.