Monday, December 1, 2008

FALL 2008

November 13
Speaking was Mary Hajdukiewicz who took Barb Willard’s place as speaker. Mary informed the club about challenges of recruiting for the Mon Valley environmental Technician Training program from people who had had a hard time getting started in their careers.

November 6
We heard from Chris Robinson about the 21st Century Learning afterschool program that HHFI runs at Propel Schools. Children catch up quickly if they are behind in reading and participate in this program, which is funded by the PA department of Education.

Halloween at the Library saw Idella, Sr Marita, Gaye and Cathy Gillis helping
Anita and Vicki and the Library crew.. We also looked in on Mayor John Fetterman's 'digs' across at the Elks. Cute.
There was a small but steady crowd all evening . A young sibling trio won the bike John L. had secured and raffled.... see the cute photo of these siblings from June Way, Braddock, whose Grandmother brought them.

October 31 Braddock area Hallowe’en Party at the Braddock Library.

October 30
Garry Human and Jared Alexander were installed as the Club's Newest members today!

ALSOProduce to People;
Skip and I, John L and son Brad, Al Boss and Tom were there. We were outside, which was very warm by the end of the morning. Josh Murphy who spoke at our Club, ran a good distribution, over 500 families.....a crew from Channel 4 were there filming/interviewing to be compiled into a program in December (19th I think) to be a Food Bank Telethon. The producer interview Cathy, and then John L asked to be interviewed. We assured the producer that he was a good talker....I think he mentioned about our Dukes and Dames contests, and of course Sullivan Plumbing's collection contests.
We surmise/guess that perhaps 10 seconds might be used for the WTAE program in December!See you Thursday. (Skip and Garry Human are going to the Membership Seminar at Edgewood.)
October 23
Today we were doubly blessed to have two outstanding speakers.
First was Josh Murphy, subbing at the last minute for Gail Robbins whose mother is ill. He told us about the Food Bank and his work specifically with the Produce to People. It has spent $164,000 for food at the Braddock site, first Saturday of each month. This serves an average of 412 families, meeting the criteria of an income of $30,000 for a family of 4. Each month about 35-50 lbs. of food are handed out. Josh and the food bank are very appreciative of our hands on work, at the Blazing Bingo.
He invites more of us to come, anytime after 8 a.m. to help with this growing need. Next distribution is Saturday, November 1. Vice President Ron Gaydos, on behalf of our Club, presented The Food Bank with a $1000 check, AND then upon winning the $14, 50-50, Ron added this to Rotary’s contribution to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. All of these monies will help secure more produce as the demand for more assistance is increasing.

The second speaker, a guest of Paul Costa, was Ralph Kaiser, now with the WQED MultiMedia Board, seeking funds from government sources in Harrisburg and Washington DC.
He told about how he became involved in the political process, being a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature from Brentwood.
Al Boss, Jr., was presented with the Paul Harris Certificate. Al was honored by our club in June, but we were unable until recently to secure this handsome certificate.
Congratulations again Al for all your years of service above self in Braddock Rotary.

We welcome President Dave back from his hip surgery. Next week he returns to his work, part time basis. Nice to see you here Dave and doing so well !!

Guests today were: Josh Murphy, GPFB, Ralph Kaiser, WQED, Garry Human, USS, ET, and prospective new member; former Braddock Rotarian, Ted Schleifer, frequent guest from the Hermitage Rotary club and past President of Braddock Rotary. (Ted, why don't you rejoin us ?)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:John L Sullivan brought his Large Brown Box for the Annual Food Drive. This will be an ongoing challenge between the Dames and the Dukes, as to which group can raise the most non perishable food items between now and the end of the year.
HOLIDAY WREATH SALE. Sign up with Rose Miles or the sign up sheet at the next meetings. These are lovely wreaths, $20, made by Mele Brothers and Sister, here in Braddock. Thus far 50 orders have been placed. Be sure and get yours.
Next Thursday, October 30: Installation of new members!!
>>>ALSO Tom Michlovic will arrange for our annual Oktoberfest celebration. For newcomers, this is at our regular meeting, but with special food and drink.

October 2, 2008
Terry Griffin of the PA League of Young Voters spoke about engaging 18-35-year-old citizens, making them voters, and keeping them engaged until they vote once, twice, and more times (in separate elections!) so they become habitual voters who know the issues and that they can gave a voice.
Holiday Wreath sale, probably $20 for 18" holiday wreath. Last date will be 17 Nov., Dec 2 wreaths can be picked up at Mele Bros and Sister.

Oct 7, Membership Seminar, 6:30 to 8 45
Nov 19 Wed., Foundation dinner at Station Square. More details later.

Annual FOOD DRIVE to benefit the Food Bank. Sullivan Super Service will let us piggy-back on their food competition for the holidays.
The Dukes vs the Dames of Braddock Rotary will see who can bring the most non perishable food to fill the barrel at Grand View.

Also: Elaine of Grand View is collecting toilet supplies, and other ship-able items to the armed forces overseas.

Ron Gaydos announced enrollment opportunities for the Mon Valley Environmental Tech Training program with EPA funding, through the Heritage Health Foundation. More information is available at http://monvalleytechs.blogspot.com/.

Winner of the 50-50 of $10 was Deana Nell. Her guest speaker was Jesse Hayward Director of House Cross Roads, Hill District. He gave a great talk about life, career, and keeping it all in perspective.
Other guests were: Ted Schleifer, new owner of Lucas Funeral Home, Scot Heasely, 'Y' Director at the Wilmerding 'Y', ( guest today of Rose Miles,)Kim Sullivan and Kathy Costa.

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