Tarrytowns Rotary - Newsletter - Archive (Jan 28, 2009)

Dear Rotarians,

Last week’s historic Presidential inauguration brought a renewed call to public service by our new President. We were reminded that giving of ourselves through volunteerism will be a vital part of our nation’s recovery. As Rotarians, we are well aware of the importance of volunteering and as such, we are also well practiced in its implementation. Let us reaffirm our mission as Rotarians to continue the good work we do and seek to identify new and emerging avenues of service to our community as they become evident.

In the coming weeks as we approach our neighbors for their support for the Wine and Jazz through ads, donations for our silent auction as well as through ticket and raffle sales, let us remember to remind them of the impact of their help. Nearly ten thousand dollars in student scholarships as well as support for programs and agencies vital to the well being of those in our community who need assistance are the evidence of this positive impact.

Hopefully the ground hog will see whatever he needs to see that will bring about an early Spring. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY ! Don’t forget cards, flowers or candy ( Yes…it’s OK if you remember to brush & floss!).

Rotarily,

Joe

January found us with record cold temperatures and snow! Yet we were fortunate in that our meetings went on. We heard from Howard Cohen, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. We learned that while the cemetery is running out of land, they are planning for the future and do have enough acreage to last for the next 10 years. We also heard from Membership Co-Chair Andres Valdespino on the club's membership drive campaign for this year. Our goal is five new members. During this meeting Andres reviewed the guidelines for sponsoring a new member. Should you have any questions, please see him, David Holtz or any board member. And finally we had to cancel our last meeting of the month due to .... guess what ... snow! We hope to reschedule Heather Metcalf and her talk on the African Orphanage.

Breitbarth Update - The applications have been mailed and submissions will begin. We have also received two donations totaling $8,000 to the scholarship fund.

Community Service - Letters have been sent to all community service organization representatives to apply for a grant. The deadline is January 31, 2009.

The club will have the Wine & Jazz kickoff Wednesday February 4, 2009 at our lunch meeting. We need everyone there to learn how to get involved with this important fund raiser. Steve Byelick and Tom Basher will give a brief overview and hand out materials. Our event will be held Monday March 30, 3009. The venue will be Tappan Hill with Abigail Kirsch.

The Board of Directors of Rotary District 7230 15th Anniversary Gift of Life Inc Dinner Dance will be held Saturday February 7, 2009 at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown, NY.

The campaign is still running for the Foundation's Annual Program Fund. So far 14 of our club members have contributed. While the District goal is to receive $100 from each club member, the board feels any amount is fine. All donations go a long way when used collectively.

Rotary International campaigns such as polio eradication and clean water are two of the initiatives that rely on this campaign. Please send your check today to:

Be sure to note our club name on your check. Or see Jack Jolly for Every Rotarian, Every Year return envelopes.

Wine & Jazz - The date has been set for March 30, 2009. The venue is once again at Tappan Hill with Abigail Kirsch Please check with Steve Byelick on how you can help. Ads need to be sold for the journal. Items need to be collected for the silent auction. Tickets need to be sold. If everyone gives just a little time, we can make this another successful night.

Duck Derby - The big event is Saturday April 25, 2009 so mark the date on your calendars now!

Adoption have begun for the duck derby. If you need brochures, please contact Mimi Godwin, mag1126@optonline.net, JoAnne Murray, jmurray@ambins.com or Donna Puff, Donna_L_Puff@keybank.com for adoption papers and materials. The goal this year is to race 2000 ducks! So let's work together and get the ducks adopted!!!!

Jim Reiche is at home and enjoys hearing from us. Feel free to drop him a note or give him a call. He can be reached at:

Jack Doern is also at home and can use our prayers and support. Margaret has been in touch with his son and he advises that Jack says returning to Rotary is on his list. For those who would like to update him on what we've been up to, he can be reached at:

Can you believe we went through an entire month with no pictures? So how about a trip down memory lane to bring some smiles and think about the fun in store over the coming months.

Following is an update on our committees. If you haven't signed up for one, please see Joe or any of the chairs.

Members: Dave Cartenuto, Janet Byelick, Jerry Barbelet, Stan Biloon, John Keels, Mimi Godwin

Members: Joyce Stanton, Galina Pendill, Margaret Black, Norbert Fluhler, Jim McGough

Members: Tom Basher, John Belluardo, Chip Wagner, Margaret Black, Jack Jolly, Mimi Godwin, JoAnne Murray, Donna Puff