ROTARY CLUB OF POTTSVILLE – BULLETIN -November 16, 2011
Web Sites: CLUB: www.pottsvillerotary.com DISTRICT: www.rotary7370.org
PROGRAM – Rotary Foundation – Mary Sitcoske and Bill Parulis
Mary and Bill presented this week’s program to celebrate Rotary Foundation month and to remind us of the necessity to give and also the benefits others receive from our donations. As we know, Rotary’s goal is Every Rotarian, Every Year, meaning we strive for participation from each member annually. The most visible project Rotary has undertaken is the End Polio Now campaign. So far in 2011, over 400 million children worldwide have been vaccinated for polio. We have collected over $192 million of our $200 million challenge from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and are well on our way to receiving their matching grant.
Foundation does many other things besides fighting Polio. The program funds Vocational Training, like the Group Study Exchange. Since 1947 there has been over 40,000 student ambassadors worldwide participating in GSE. Foundation runs District Simplified grants and Matching and Global Grants. Our club recently applied for a Simplified Grant through the Service Committee chaired by Vice President Clint Del Valle to help refurbish Rotary fields. Internationally Rotary has granted over 2,700 Simplified Grants since 2003 and over 24,000 matching grants since 1965.
Rotary’s Every Rotarian Every Year goal is a $100 donation from each club member each year. The district asks each incoming President to set a Foundation donation goal for their club for the year. After not meeting our $100 per member goal for several years, the past few Presidents have submitted a goal based on an average of $50 per member for the year. The Pottsville Rotary club achieved that goal last year and thanks to a significant donation from a single member this year at the Bike ride to end Polio, we are already over the $50/member goal this year. However, the year is still young and now we are shooting for that $100/member average.
Some Rotarians give on their birthdays, as an annual reminder, while others like to give in November during Foundation month. Now is a great time to donate for 2011 tax purposes. Other Rotarians elect to be billed $25 quarterly, and that option is available by telling Treasurer Jim Cooksey.
In the words of President Andy at the end of today’s presentation, please “give ’til it hurts.”
Thanks Mary and Bill for a great presentation.
Birthdays - Ralph Jaeger – Nov. 13, Mary Sitcoske – Nov. 14
Foundation Donation - Thank you Mary for your birthday donation during Foundation month.
50/50 Winner - Clayton Ost had the winning ticket but not the winning card.
Projects Wanted - Frank Peron reported that Penn State Schuylkill is looking for some community service projects to be done on January 16 as part of Martin Luther King Day. PSU volunteers will have about 1 – 1.5 hours that day to serve. See Frank with ideas.
ROTARY BUSINESS
Holiday Party - The Pottsville Rotary Holiday party will be held Friday Evening, December 9 at the Pottsville Club. More information to follow. Our schedule for December is regular meetings on the 7th, 14th, and 21st. No meeting on the 28th because of the Holiday party.
Salvation Army Bell-ringing - The Club will again man a kettle for the Salvation Army this Christmas. The date is confirmed as December 10 outside of Boscov’s. The sign-up sheet has started at the Attendance table.
Thanksgiving Food Drive - the club will again be collecting food or monetary donations for the Knights of Columbus Food Drive. Checks can be made payable to Pottsville Rotary Charities and the donations will be split between the Knights of Columbus and the Salvation Army.
TASKS FOR UPCOMING MEETING
November 23
Attendance Table – HELP NEEDED
Greeter – Frank Peron
50/50 Ticket Seller – Pete Kietsock
Invocation – Pete Yasenchak
REMINDER – If you are scheduled for a Pre-Meeting Task, Please arrive 20 minutes before the meeting.
PROGRAMS
November 23 – Dr. Buddy Touchinsky – the New Christmas tradition
November 30 – HVD Wrap-up with Eric Lieberman
December 7 – Students of the Month
December 14 – PAHS Choir
December 21 – Avenues Choir
December 28 – NO MEETING
Please see Bill Parulis for scheduling programs.
MENU
Nov 23 Shepard’s Pie (salad)
Nov 30 Soup & Sandwich (dessert)
November Alternative – Fruit and Cheese plate
Dec 7 Ham Steak w/ side (salad)
Dec 14 Chicken Picatta 1 side (salad)
Dec 21 Fettuccini Alfredo w/ garlic bread (salad)
December Alternative – tuna salad platter
Call the Pottsville Club if you would like to order the current alternate
Please Email bulletin information to mjoyce@republicanherald.com
By Wednesday morning to be included that week.
