Elizabethtown Rotary Blog

Sponsor Ken Brandt on his Ride to the Big Easy

2011-05-03T22:20:00.000-04:00

INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF
MOTORCYCLING ROTARIANS (IFMR),

Motorcycle Ride to 2011 Rotary Convention in New Orleans

To Benefit POLIO PLUS

Members of IFMR are planning a series of motorcycle rides to the New Orleans Rotary Convention to raise awareness of and donations for Rotary's POLIO PLUS campaign. The eastern US group will be leaving from Albany, NY, on May 15 and plans to arrive in Baton Rouge, LA, on May 19 where it will rendezvous with other IFMR riders from other parts of the continent for a Grand Entrance into New Orleans on May 20. Riders are hoping to raise an average of $1/mile for the distance they travel to New Orleans. Proceeds will go to the POLIO PLUS campaign and help complete the $200 million matching grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help END POLIO NOW.

Be a part of this campaign by sponsoring my ride. Our trip to N.O. is 1156 miles so I’m requesting from each E-town Rotarian to contribute a penny a mile ($11.56). All Rotarian donations will be credited to their Paul Harris account if they provide their Rotary information.

More information about the ride or the POLIO PLUS campaign, contact me at 367 5223 or keystnken@aol.com

Rotarians in Action-- Mission to Brazil

2011-03-22T02:39:00.005-04:00

There is nothing I can add to this, except to say that my admiration continues to grow exponentially for Dr. Joe Rebman and all those Rotarian volunteers who took part in the latest medical mission to Brazil...

CLICK THE HEADLINE-- "Rotarians In Action--Mission to Brazil" and it will take you the blog record of the trip... the photos are stunning and the results are phenomenal.

Tom Labagh, PP

Celebrating our Foundation

2011-02-20T14:10:00.001-05:00

"Rotary International‘s masterpiece is The Rotary Foundation.…It transforms our most daring dreams into the most splendid realities.…The Rotary world and even the political world are already aware that The Rotary Foundation is the most generous expression of Rotarian generosity — a generosity that not only brings benefits but also brings help and cooperation to solve the problems that affect mankind.…Only God achieves the impossible, but The Rotary Foundation achieves the best that mankind can possibly achieve." — 1990-91 RI President Paulo V.C. Costa"

World Polio Day

2010-09-23T13:23:00.003-04:00

World Polio Day
Sunday, 24 October 2010 is World Polio Day as determined by the UN. Rotarians around the world are planning events in celebration of this day. In San Francisco, approximately 2,000 people are expected to walk the Golden Gate Bridge along with President Ray. A lighting of the Ferry Terminal with END POLIO NOW is planned for the evening.

For the week leading up to this event, The Rotary Foundation will be offering 2 for 1 recognition credit for every contribution of US$100 or more made to polio on-line. The opportunity is open to all Rotarians worldwide for one week.

Heart of Rotary - 2010 Update

2010-06-10T13:12:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to our 4 Way Test Essay Winners!!

2010-05-14T07:36:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Morgan Gizzi, Jenny Eurich, and Amanda Willison for winning the 2010 Elizabethtown Rotary 4 Way Test Essay Contest!! Below, copied from the website of Rotary District 5320 in southern California, is the ultimate 4 Way Test Essay as written by Herbert J. Taylor - the man who wrote the 4 Way Test.

The 4-Way test of the things we think, say or do

First...Is it the TRUTH?
Second...Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Third...Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP?
Fourth...Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

For many decades Rotary clubs and Rotarians around the world have used The 4-Way Test asd an instrument to develop respect and understanding among peoples. It is being used successfully around the world in business, government and schools as an effective measuring stick for conduct. Get in the habit of checking your thoughts, words and deeds against The 4-Way Test...and like the experience of others, it will help you become happier and more successful. Here is the story of The 4-Way Test by its originator.

STORY OF THE 4-WAY TEST
By Herbert J.Taylor (President of R.I. 1954-55 as shown in the above photo at Rotary's Fiftieth Anniversary) See end of story for more information about Herbert Taylor

Back in 1932 I was assigned, by the Creditors of the Club Aluminum Company, the task of saving the company from being closed out as a bankrupt organization. The company was a distributor of cookware and other household items. We found that the company owed its creditors over $400,000 more than its total assets. It was bankrupt but still alive. At that time we borrowed $6,100 from a Chicago bank to give us a little cash on which to operate.

While we had a good product, our competitors also had fine cookware with well advertised brand names. Our company also had some fine people working for it, but our competitors also had the same. Our competitors were naturally in much stronger financial condition that we were.

With tremendous obstacles and handicaps facing us we felt that we must develop in our organization something which our competitors would not have an equal amount. We decided it should be the character, dependability and service mindedness of our personnel. We determined, first, to be very careful in the selection of our personnel and, secondly, to help them become better men and women as they progressed with our company.

We believed that "In right there is might" and we determined to do our best to always be right. Our industry, as was scores of other industries, had a code of ethics-but it was long, almost impossible to memorize and therefore impractical. We felt that we needed a simple measuring stick of ethics which everyone in the company could memorize. We also believed that the proposed test should not tell our people what they must do, but ask them questions which would make it possible for them to find out whether their proposed plans, policies, statements or actions were right or wrong.

We had looked in available literature for such a short measuring stick of ethics but could not find a satisfactory one. One day in July of 1932, I decided to pray about the matter. That morning I leaned over my desk and asked God to give us a simple guide to help us think, speak and do that which was right. I immediately picked up a white card and wrote out The 4 Way Test of the things we think, say or do as follows:

1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build good will and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

I placed this little test under the glass top of my desk and determined to try it out for a few days before talking to anyone else in the company about it. I had a very discouraging experience. I almost threw it in to the wastepaper basket the first day when I checked everything that passed over my desk with the first question, "Is it the truth?". I never realized before how far I often was from the truth and how many untruths appeared in our company's literature, letters and advertising.

After about sixty days of faithful constant effort on my part to live up to the The 4-Way Test I was thoroughly sold on its great worth and at the same time greatly humiliated, and at times discouraged, with my own performance as president of the company. I had, however, made sufficient progress in living up to The 4 Way Test to feel qualified to talk to some of my four department heads. One was a Roman Catholic, the second a Christian Scientist, the third an Orthodox Jew and the fourth a Presbyterian.

I asked each man whether or not there was anything in the test which was contrary to the doctrines and ideals of his particular faith. All four agreed that truth, justice, friendliness and helpfulness coincided with their religious ideals and if constantly applied in business should result in greater success and progress. These four agreed to use the test in checking proposed plans, policies, statements and advertising of the company. Later all employees were asked to memorize and use the test in their relations with others.

Over the years steady progress was made in reaching the ideals expressed in the The 4-Way Test. From a bankrupt condition in 1932 our company within a twenty year period had paid its debt in full, paid its stockholders over one million dollars in dividends and was worth over two million dollars [Editors note: This was written in about 1952].

Intangible dividends from the use of The 4-Way Test have been even greater than the financial ones. We have enjoyed a constant increase in the goodwill, friendship and confidence of our customers, our competitors and the public... and what is even more valuable... a great improvement in the moral character of our own personnel.

You cannot constantly apply The 4-Way Test to all your relations with others in business without getting into the habit of doing it in your home, social and community life. You thus become a better parent, a better friend and a better citizen.

Editor's note: Herbert Taylor was born April 18, 1893 in Pickford, Michigan. He first became a Rotarian in 1921 in Paulis Valley, Oklahoma and served as president of that club in 1924-1925. In 1927, Herbert Taylor became a member of the Rotary Club of Chicago and held the classification of: Aluminum Cooking Utensils Distributor. He served as President 1939-1940. In 1944-46 he served as a Director of R.I. and Vice president, R.I. 1945-46 and President of Rotary International during the "Golden Anniversary" of Rotary in 1954-55.

A thought from Paul Harris...

2010-05-10T13:31:00.002-04:00

Paul Harris... January 1912... "He who pays the price of friendship by doing friendly service knows its value, and he would not barter one little spark of it for a whole constellation of the other. The most permanent friendships are born in service. May Rotary ever be a living protest against the words, "There is little friendship in the world."

...in the presence of greatness, gratefulness, and grace.

2010-02-25T22:46:00.012-05:00

In Memoriam: Dr. John W. Kreider, 1937 - 2010

To All Elizabethtown Rotarians--
the article at this link is a MUST READ! DON'T MISS IT!

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1266631805311740.xml&coll=1

Please, for your own sake, read the article highlighted in the link above about the recent Memorial Service for Dr. Kreider whose work with the Jake Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation has impacted the entire world, and probably saved thousands of lives who will never know of his service to them.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Each of us has had the privilege to cross paths, and perhaps even walk for a while down life's trail with men or women who inspire us to do more, to be better, to think nobly, to act selflessly. Sometimes we may never get to meet the people we hope to emulate, but learn about them from others. So it is with the great men of history, and such is the case with Dr. John W. Kreider.

Those of us who work on the committee to organize the Elizabethtown Rotary Golf Tournament have had occasional contact with the leadership of the Jake Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation. Their dedication to the cause is, without question, more than just a job-- it is a passion which inspires us to want to work harder, think bigger, act smarter and accomplish more each year to support them.

We have all had the opportunity to greet and hear various speakers from the Gittlen Foundation over the years at our club meetings. These have included Warren Gittlen and Dr. Keith Cheng, who have impressed us with their drive and commitment and knowledge about the vital need for proper research into the causes and treatments of a variety of cancers.

Few of us, if any, however, have ever met Dr. Kreider, and now, that possibility is gone. But from knowing and working with Warren Gittlen, we get a glimpse of the man who motivated and still inspires him and Dr. Cheng and many other researchers, doctors and students who knew him.

John Martin, II, summed up very succinctly what many of us have felt:

"Warren's responses and Dr Cheng's remarks [in the article] are why I am so enamored by these men and this cause. When I am with [them] I feel I am truly in the presence of greatness, gratefulness and grace."

We cannot walk with Dr. Kreider, but by following the leadership of those who have, we, too, can be motivated and inspired by his legacy. Now, more than any time in the past 5 years, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work harder than ever to make our tournaments successful this year, and I hope you will all join in this work.

Rotary's Younger Generation

2010-02-12T14:17:00.002-05:00

Prez Joe shared this link, and it is worth sharing with everyone!

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Online Edition- article on Rotary

It helped to answer the burning question:

WHY WOULD YOUNG PEOPLE FIND ROTARY MEMBERSHIP VALUABLE TO THEM?

Become a leader
Become engaged civically
Credibility in the community
Stature in the community
strengthening your network
worthwhile conversation with the "thought leaders" in the community
Live interaction with mentor-like relationships

That's a good start! Read the article and see what YOU can glean from it!

WHY SEND A SHELTERBOX TO HAITI?

2010-01-19T12:31:00.026-05:00

Rotarians are quick to respond to disasters, within 24 hours of the earthquake in Haiti the officers of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club were in discussion as to how to be the most effective from such a distance. The decision was unanimous. "Without a doubt, let's send a ShelterBox...no, let's send TWO!"

So, what's in a ShelterBox?

Look here: SHELTERBOXUSA
And watch this video on CNN.

And this video about the creator of ShelterBox.

And what is ShelterBox's relationship to Rotary, besides bearing

its emblem on the top and side of every box created?

Read this story, also on CNN.

And why is ShelterBox so special?

This report of quick relief action in Haiti through Rotary's partnership with ShelterBox, was excerpted from ROTARY INTERNATIONAL:

A ShelterBox response team of two U.S. Rotarians and one from the United Kingdom has already mobilized and delivered 1,700 containers of supplies to the affected areas. Another 1,600 will be dispatched from the U.K. to Port-au-Prince. Also, more than 100 Aquaboxes are being delivered to Haiti to provide safe water.

Claude Surena, a member of the Rotary Club of Petion-Ville and president of the Haitian Medical Asscociation, is sheltering more than 100 people in his damaged home in Port-au-Prince. He is also leading the efforts of the 17 Haitian Rotary clubs to ensure that the ShelterBox containers will be deployed effectively to the thousands left homeless.

CNN is following the path of a ShelterBox from its origin point in England until it arrives at a family or facility in Haiti

There are other ways to help provide for long-term relief through Rotary. One is through the Foundation by contributing to a donor advised fund. You can read more about that here to see if it is right for you:

HAITI RELIEF: DONOR ADVISED FUND

It is impossible to look at the television each night and not want to be there, to reach out, to lend a helping hand, to comfort the injured and console the grieving people of this small, greatly impoverished, but strong-hearted nation. So give of yourself whatever you can.. both in dollars and in prayers.

Austria is January's Featured Country

2010-01-05T09:41:00.004-05:00

Rotary has been established for a great many years in Austria. Austria traditionally was the border between East and West. It was therefore not unexpected that after the collapse of Communism, Austria should play a major role in establishing, encouraging, and support for Rotary which was establishing itself in the countries adjacent to it or in close proximity to it.

Both District 1910 & 1920 are heavily involved in Rotary in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia.

Our January tasting will be Wolfgang Gru-Vee (Gruner Veltliner) . Vinted at Wolfgang's award-winning wine estates on the shores of the Neusiedlersee in the heart of Austria's Burgenland province, Vienna Gruner-Veltliner (or "Gru-Vee") Wine is a perfect example of Austria's best-loved white wine varietal. Neither sweet nor exceedingly dry, Gruner Veltliner wines are by far Austria's most popular whites; as a result, nearly all of the grape's annual yield is consumed domestically in Austria. The shoreline of middle Europe's only steppe lake provides an ideal climate for Wolfgang's cultivation of these powerful wines.

Vienna is made with only the finest hand-selected grapes from a single Holle ("warm weather") vineyard. The wine is aged for six months in new oak barrels to achieve the famous taste upon which Wolfgang has built its reputation.

Perfect Attendance Update

2009-12-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

After 5 months have passed in this Rotary year, we still have 29 members with a PERFECT ATTENDANCE record! Congratulations!

Perfect attendance is a habit-- it doesn't come easily, and like anything, it takes practice to become perfect. If you haven't had perfect attendance, yet, the best time to start is NOW. Try for a perfect month. Then two. And build from there. We can't guarantee that perfect attendance will make you a better Rotarian, but it probably will. However, we are CERTAIN it will make US a better Rotary Club!

France is December's Featured Country

2009-11-30T19:57:00.004-05:00

In the International spirit that is Rotary, each Etown Rotary board meeting this year will feature a different country by way of a wine tasting. According to the French proverb, " In water one sees one's own face; But in wine one beholds the heart of another."

Our meeting on Tuesday will highlight France. The history of Rotary in France... In 1913, after some Rotary Clubs had been started in Great Britain, Paul Harris and Ches Perry decided to try a similar effort in France and they sent two 'missionaries' to Paris. The men chosen were Frank Mulholland of Toledo, Ohio PRI 1914/5 and Tom Stephenson of Edinburgh PRIBI 1927/8. However their mission was not successful, and in practice, the first club in France was the Allied Rotary Club which held regular meetings in Paris toward the end of the First World War. This was not really a French club since it catered primarily for the Allied Forces, based in or passing through the city. A second 'mission', Robert Withington of Philadelphia and Elmer Felt of Tacoma, Washington, arrived in Paris in September 1920. There they met a Dutch businessman A.Vonck, and with his help, three more prospects were gathered and on October 21, a further 13.

On February 1, 1921, Vonck was appointed interim President of the new organising committee for the Paris Rotary Club. On July 4, the Paris Rotary Club was officially constituted with 16 members.

Our December tasting this month will be Cotes Du Rhone Guigal 2007 Rhone. Guigal’s Côtes du Rhône Blanc is a blend of 55% Viognier with Rousanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc. Fresh and floral aromatics of orange blossom and white flowers, honey, stone fruit and tangerine. On the palate, fairly rich and creamy with apricot and white peach and some key lime. Solid acidity and minerality with a clean, polished finish.

Rotary Thanks on Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T19:55:00.000-05:00

Rotary Thanks for Thanksgiving...

I am thankful for all of the incredible blessings I have in my life of which Rotary is significant part.

I am thankful that in 1996, Beth Richardson asked me to come to a Rotary meeting and introduced me to Rotary... our Rotary sponsors have changed our lives.

I am thankful that we are making progress in curing cancer.

I am thankful that I never had to worry about my children being infected by polio.

I am thankful for our America's Promise mentoring program that brings together 8 year olds, 48 year olds, and 88 year olds in the joy of reading.

I am thankful for all of the Rotary friends, from other district clubs and around the world, who I've met on the Harrisburg, Kenya and Ecuador missions.

I am thankful that the Etown Rotary Student Loan fund and other scholarship funds help the youth in our community achieve their dreams.

I am thankful that my kids can learn healthy lifestyles on their field trips to the Byrnes Health Education Center and impoverished children in Haiti have the opportunity to be educated.

I am thankful for all of the people that work so hard selling Christmas trees to allow us to support great programs like GEARS, scouting, Hope Within, and emergency services.

I am thankful for all of the incredible Elizabethtown Rotarians ... ordinary people making an extraordinary impact on the world.

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving! Enjoy and cherish the precious time you spend with family and friends.

NEWS FROM ECUADOR

2009-11-09T01:32:00.004-05:00

President Joe has created a fantastic new blog to chronicle the medical mission to Ecuador!

Check it out and see what OUR Elizabethtown Rotarians are doing to help people see better!

And, oh, yeah...

...they are just happening to help build world peace and understanding all at the same time!

http://www.etownrotaryecuador.blogspot.com/

South Africa is November's Featured Country

2009-11-02T21:46:00.003-05:00

In the International spirit that is Rotary, each Etown Rotary board meeting this year will feature a different country by way of a wine tasting. According to the French proverb, " In water one sees one's own face; But in wine one beholds the heart of another."

Our meeting on Tuesday will highlight South Africa. The history of Rotary in Africa dates back to 1921 when the Rotary Club of Johannesburg, South Africa, was founded. In 1929, the Rotary Club of Cairo, Egypt, brought Rotary to North Africa, while a year later, it entered East Africa with the admission of Rotary Club of Nairobi, Kenya. The Rotary Club of Dakar, Senegal, established in 1939 was the first club in West Africa. Today, there are well over 20,000 Rotarians in 800 clubs in 51 Africa countries.

Our November tasting this month will be Faithful Hound Mulderbosch 2004. This wine is a red blend...: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Pertit Verdot, 8% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc.

This wine displays a deep ruby color. Blackcurrant, coffee, nutmeg, all spice, forest floor and mulberry aromas entice the nose. This follows through on the palate together with ripe plum, intense blackberry and voluptuous vanillins giving the wine great structure and complexity.

Congratulations Interact Club!

2009-11-02T21:33:00.004-05:00

Tonight was our celebration of our new Elizabethtown Interact Club! About 60 students, parents, Rotarians and guests gathered to officially inaugurate this new club.

Here are my words to the Interact Club...

I would like to congratulate you young people. In establishing this Interact Club you are joining a family of over 250,000 students and 1.2 million Rotarians internationally in the world’s oldest service organization.

Rotary International began on a cold February night in 1905 in Chicago when 4 businessmen met in order share fellowship and to “network “. They met on a regular basis and rotated from one person’s place of business to another, thus the name Rotary Club. Within 2 years, the Rotary Club had grown and established the idea of providing service to their community. The earliest service projects included buying a horse for a local doctor and providing public toilets in downtown Chicago.

Within decades the Rotary Club concept had spread internationally. Business ethics became a fundamental concept in 1932 when Rotary adopted the 4 way test. We still recite this at our meetings today. In the 1950’s Rotary adopted its official motto “Service above Self”.

In 1962, the first Interact Club was established in Melbourne, FL. Interact is a service club for high school aged youth, sponsored by an individual Rotary Club, but self governing and self supporting.

Interact’s name is a combination of the words international and action. Today there are over 11,000 Interact Clubs in over 120 countries. Interact membership is over a quarter million worldwide.

So why establish an Interact Club at Elizabethtown High School? Because I firmly believe that this generation of young people embraces the idea of service to others. I saw this over the summer when some of you attended the youth conference in New Orleans. As part of a community service component of the conference, our youth from Elizabethtown were told that they would attend a presentation about Hurricane Katrina. They decided that attending a presentation was NOT community service and took it upon themselves to blow off the program, go shopping to purchase food and drink, and serve it to the homeless people living in cardboard boxes under the freeways in downtown New Orleans. Taking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Powerade out into some toughest areas of a strange city in the hot and humid southern weather was truly Service Above Self in action.

I knew we really needed to harness and support this spirit of service in this generation here in Elizabethtown. After all, our theme for this Rotary year is “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”. These young people are our future and they are taking the idea of Service Above Self by the horns.

To the Interact Club, I encourage you to make this club everything you want it to be. Our Rotary Club will totally stand behind you and support your goals. Reach out to those in need. Work with youth in another country to develop a service project. Make friends and learn about the customs and culture of a faraway place. Serve the Etown School District and the Elizabethtown community. These are all possible. With Interact being part of the Rotary family, you have the tools and the connections to Change the World in ways that only you can imagine. No project is too big or too small. According to the saying by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” You have already taken that first step by starting this Interact Club, now enjoy the journey!

Highlights from October Meetings

2009-10-29T21:03:00.004-04:00

Wow! Where does the time go? October was a busy month and the 1st week of November is even crazier - Rotarily speaking.

Our October 9th meeting was an experiment. We conducted our traditional "Fireside Chat" as a meeting program. Normally, Fireside Chats are held in the evening, usually twice each year, and serve to introduce new members and their spouses to the ABC's of Rotary. We started the program right at 12:15 and finished just on time!! Highlights included a passionate reflection on the PolioPlus program by Ken Kreider and Dave Schmidt on the flipboard showing where our money goes. According to Dan - I AM THE BUSDRIVER!

October 16th - Roger found the joker for around $350 in the 50/50 pot. Ed Kaminski from the Housing Development Corporation spoke about affordable housing.

October 23rd - Our October Students of the Month, Stephanie and James, gave their talks. We welcomed our newest member, Cyndi Stoltzfus into membership. Ken Kreider who taught Cyndi at Etown College will once again be her mentor. Our program was Bea (or Bia) who provided us with a tour of Brazil and insights into her home country.

Now, in the next 8 days we have our annual District Governor official visit, our new Interact Club Charter Ceremony, our November board meeting, the Foundation Dinner, and Rotary Day at the UN for some while others of us leave for a 10 day Rotary Mission in Ecuador. We be Rotary Rockin!

Germany is October's Featured Country

2009-10-05T15:05:00.006-04:00

In the International spirit that is Rotary, each Etown Rotary board meeting this year will feature a different country by way of a wine tasting. According to the French proverb, " In water one sees one's own face; But in wine one beholds the heart of another."

Our meeting on Tuesday will highlight Germany. The first Rotary Club in Germany was founded in 1927 in Hamburg; it was the first German city to bridge the divide to the United States since the First World War. Here you can read the story about the Rotary Club Hamburg.
One year later, in 1928, the first Munich Rotary Club was founded as the fourth Rotary Club in Germany (after Hamburg, Frankfurt and Cologne), named Rotary Club München. The most famous member was Thomas Mann. It was only four years later, on April 4, 1933, that the celebrated author, at that time in exile in Switzerland, was removed from the list of members together with several Jewish and non-Jewish Rotarians who appeared politically unacceptable under Nazi rule.

In 1995 the first lady became a member of a German Rotary Club 90 years after Rotary had been founded in 1905 at Rotary Club Augsburg in Bavaria, founded in 1951.

Our Oktoberfest tasting this month will be a Carl Graff 2008 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese . Region: Mosel-Saar-Ruver, Germany.

" A little shy in the nose, but what an explosion in the mouth. A bit like a mini fireworks. Great flavors, plenty of acid. A heavy hitter, but very pleasant . Pale yellow color. Subdued aromas of ripe apricots and peaches. Flavors are more dominant. Citrus fruit with peaches and apricots. Pretty sweet on the mid palate. Still good acidity on the finish.

Zum Wohl!

October 2nd Meeting Recap

2009-10-05T11:57:00.002-04:00

Dave Halliwell led off with the Invocation.

Our September Students of the Month - Dorothy and Brad - gave their talks right after the pledge so that Hoop Coach Dolan could be present before he and Chris McCarthy scurried off to the EAHS Hall of Fame luncheon.

We also welcomed our October students - Stephanie and James - to their first meeting.

Susan Grubb, reigning 50/50 champion, had her ticket was pulled and was able to find the Ace of clubs. There was great rejoicing.

Bill Mummert was called on for the Joke of the Month. Sheriff Bart was in town today.

Ken Stoner, District 7390 Interact Chair, presented his talk on Interact and provided some good ideas on how to get our new Elizabethtown Interact Club up and rolling.

2009-09-26T02:05:00.009-04:00

The E-town Rotary Chicken Dance

Just in case you missed the meeting, or left your paper on the table, and you want to sing the song to your spouse, family, loved one or family pet, here, for the first time on any internet page, are the lyrics!

But first, here's a YouTube video to get that tune freshly implanted in your mind:

THESE LYRICS MATCH THE MUSIC IN THE VIDEO (sort of) SO YOU CAN START THE MUSIC AND SCROLL DOWN TO SING ALONG (if you dare!)

VERSE 1

I don’t wanna be a Moose.
I don’t wanna be an Elk.
I’m so happy to be in ROTARY.

I am not an Optomist.
I am not a Ki-wan-is.
I’m a member of E-town ROTARY.

When I hear the Four Way Test
I will try to do my best
While I’m serving our community.

I forget about myself
Working hard like Santa’s elf
As I work to sell each Christmas Tree.

CHORUS

Oh yes I love to go to Rotary.
I love to talk, and laugh and dine.
Because when I go to my meetings
I learn how we make… make E-town shine!

VERSE 2

Oh I’m glad I’m not a Lion
Singing Roar, Lions, Roar
Every month ‘cause that would be a bore.

Or a member of Sertoma
That would put me in a coma!
Or in a straight-jacket for sure!

Every week we hear a joke
Read what’s printed in the SPOKE
Pay the Sheriff’s “happy dollar” fee.

Listen to the President
Tell us where our money went
And sing our birthday song off key!

CHORUS

Oh yes I love to go to Rotary.
I love to talk, and laugh and dine.
Because when I go to my meetings
I learn how we make… make E-town shine!

VERSE 3

No, the Grange is not for me
And the Woodmen are too old.
You won’t find me in the B P W.

Jaycees are an active bunch
But they never meet for lunch
And they're way too young for me and you.

Etown Rotary’s just right
Selling raffles day and night
Hearing students talk about High School.

District Governors will tell
How they think we do so well
So we’re sure that OUR CLUB IS COOL!

CHORUS

Oh yes I love to go to Rotary.
I love to talk, and laugh and dine.
Because when I go to my meetings
I learn how we make… make Etown shine!

VERSE 4 (Starts slow and gets VERY fast!)

I’m not a Veteran of War
Nor a Northwest E M T
And I hear the Odd Fellows are dead.

We know the Masons are too secret
And they will not take in women
But Rotary is quite Co-ed.

We make money to fight cancer
and help students down in Haiti
Give to help our own Librarian!

There has never been a moment
I regretted my decision
To become an E-town Rotarian!

NO CHORUS

VERSE 5 (STARTS SLOW AND ENDS VERY FAST!)

This was written as a lark
Not to sing for Connie Spark
Just a little joke between two friends.

Someone thought it would be funny
But it's really very painful
And we should NEVER sing it again!

So let's cheer for Charlie's solo
Sing "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow"
And "cluck" to "Old MacDonald's Farm."

Shout out "Vive l'Rotary"
And our special "Happy Birthday"
Showing off our voices and our charm!

Lyrics Copyright (c) 2007 & 2009 Elizabethtown Rotary Club, Elizabethtown, PA

2009-09-26T00:39:00.004-04:00

September 26 Hi-Lites

Bill Mummert set the stage with a story about a $1600 pizza delivery, and then offered an invocation-- the moral of which was that if you spend that much on pizza, you need all the prayers you can get! Or something like that!

Charlie Cobaugh lead the club in the first two rousing verses of our newest "original" Rotary song! (A long story made short-- sometime prior to June 1st 2007, Joe made the casual remark that he thought it was possible to put Rotary words to ANY song, and one thing led to another so that he chose an absurd song, and I took up the challenge-- I found myself ignoring the speaker that day, turning over the placemat and writing Rotary words to... the Chicken Dance!) Otis Kitchen, who has just recently been seen conducting Handel's Water Music, went from the sublime to the ridiculous as he accompanied us in this effort. He found a slightly different melody than what we traditionally suffer at weddings, but the refrain was exactly the same and it worked. The "good" news is that we still have two more verses to go and President Joe warned us that we'll have another chance at it in the near future!

Will Kirkpatrick, District Governor Elect, and our speaker for the day, won the opportunity to select a card from the deck and we all cheered when he left the Joker among the 35 remaining cards. The pot thickens!

Dane Whitmoyer jumped into the Sheriff's saddle and quickly levied a birthday fine against.... himself! We sung for him, and rendered a "normal" birthday song for our lovely Gathering Place Mary who treats us all too well throughout the year!

Hooray for Ralph Detrick, PP, who brought a visitor and a completed membership application-- More about that next week, or, as they say on TV, "Film at 11." (which is funny, because they never show film on news broadcasts anymore-- it is digital video!)

Finally, Will Kirkpatrick presented his visual review of the Group Study Exchange Team's trip to Germany, where he served as Team Leader. We should all be so lucky! It looked to be an amazing chance to learn all about the German culture and community, and one thing we learned is that running a business there is a lot more expensive than here-- taxes, taxes, taxes and MORE taxes! I suppose that is the price of a worry-free government-subsidized life. Is that what we are in for here in the US? "Film at 11."

Highlights from the September 18th Meeting

2009-09-22T14:03:00.005-04:00

Harold Engle invoked, Charlie sang (some of us helped,) the 50/50 survived another ticket draw and now has only 37 cards left, Ken Kreider coughed up some Happy Dollars in honor of his 50th Wedding Anniversary, the jars for the Gates Polio Challenge were NOT on the table so we kept our pocket change for another week, Jeff Kline spoke of progress on the Christmas Tree Sale, and the next committee meeting at Hennigans, Sept 23 at 7 PM.

Kudos to Dan Brill for looking inside the club membership and coming up with another great program. The speaker for the day was our own David Schmidt who came dressed in a brown shirt. Not sure if that was a fashion statement, or marketing for a competitor, but he gave us a really good inside look on the trials and tribulations of the US Postal Service. Partnering with FedEx and UPS and other competitors is an important part of their service now, and is good business for everyone. Although the post offices are losing money left, center and right, the on-line business is booming. It was nice to get the straight scoop from someone who sort of works for a quasi-government agency. Thanks Dave for an interesting and informative presentation!

Highlights from the September 11th meeting...

2009-09-18T07:06:00.006-04:00

Charlie Cobaugh Invocated. God Bless America was sung. We recited the 4 Way Test.

We welcomed our first Students of the Month for this school year - Dorothy and Brad.

Bart's ticket was pulled for the second week in a row. Bart pulled the 10 of diamonds this time for the 50/50. There was great rejoicing. Bart is working on a flush.

Announcements were made about our Interact Club, America's Promise Mentoring program, the Christmas Tree sale and the Foundation.

Our program was Greg Grogan who provided an overview of the local real estate market over the past 2 years.

Highlights from the September 4th meeting...

2009-09-18T06:57:00.003-04:00

Tom Labagh Invocated.

Ken Brandt provided us with the Joke of the Month ("My dad works for PennDot...")

Bart pulled the 4 of diamonds for the 50/50. There was great rejoicing.

Announcements were made about the Purple Pinky Project at the fair, our Shelterbox deployment, Christmas trees and the Foundation.

Our program was Dutch Dobish who kept our business heads level with a review of methods of coping with the constant changes in the economy by tracking economic models and trends. He also answered questions about his career as a business coach, as VP of regulatory law with Rite Aid, and as an actor in the 1970's-- and of course, he dropped some famous and some forgotten names-- Uta Hagen (Tony Award winner for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?")... Paul Newman... you know... the salad dressing guy! (this paragraph courtesy of Tom Labagh!)

Chile is September's Featured Country

2009-08-31T20:09:00.006-04:00

Paul Harris and his wife Jean, arrived in Chile on 28 February, 1936, to attend the First South American Regional Conference to be held in Valparaiso. In a solemn session conducted by the RC of Santiago on March 3, Paul Harris said in his speech: "Happiness is to devote their lives in the service of our fellow Rotary and we sought a way to find such happiness" .

Our tasting will be a 2007 Chardonnay from Marques de Casa Concha in the Maipo Valley of Chile.

From NB Wines Blogspot:

Appearance: Straw yellow with streaks of green.

Nose: Freshly churned butter, Pineapple, Pear and peaches. Some other tropical fruits - papaya maybe? Floral notes also. Some oak and pepper integrated into the various fruit aromas. Deep/ Rich nose with a pile of stuff going on. Just Great.

Taste: Butterscotch and Vanilla, and Tropical Fruits- papaya again and Pear. There was nuttiness also that I didn't smell until I tasted the wine. Honey and pepper mixed in late in the palate to make a great and long finish. Highly textured and beautiful wine.

Overall- This was always a great wine, but in the past the oak notes were first on the palate and now they are last and mixed more with honey. This wine has really advanced over the years, more refined, especially when it comes to integrating the oak into the background of the wine. The one of the best Chardonnays, for that matter, one of the best white wines I have had.

Highlights from the August 28th meeting

2009-08-31T19:58:00.003-04:00

Highlights from the August 28th meeting...

Glen Erb Invocated. We all signed a get-well card for Jim Novinger.

4th Friday was President's choice for music. We sang "Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life".

Lois Herr pulled the 8 of spades for the 50/50. There was great rejoicing.

Bea came to her first club meeting. She brought Brazil magnets for everyone.

Scott Cvek was auctioneer and led bidding on humongous tomatoes, football tickets, a giant Huskie dog, and a box of golf balls.

Our program was Elizabethtown Bears new varsity football coach, Mike Cottle. Mike stresses that family and school come before football for his players. Good thing he's not coaching the maroon and gray from the neighboring school district! ;)

Purple Pinky Thanks!

2009-08-30T22:23:00.005-04:00

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Etown Fair and donated to our Purple Pinky Project! $781 was raised to help End Polio.

Thanks to all the Rotarians and Interactors who staffed the booth and helped with the project throughout the week !

Got Purple Pinky?

2009-08-23T08:51:00.004-04:00

Please visit our booth at the Etown Fair this week and support our efforts to raise $2000 for Polio Eradication!

Our Commitment

Not long ago, the world was paralyzed by the fear of polio. More than 125 countries were polio endemic, and thousands of families watched in anguish as the disease killed or crippled 1,000 people a day, most of them children.

In response to this suffering, Rotary began planning in the early 1980s for one of the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private entity.

In 1985, it launched PolioPlus, a multi million dollar initiative to immunize all the world’s children against polio. Rotary’s commitment was so great that the World Health Assembly resolved in 1988 to wipe out the disease that had killed and paralyzed for 5,000 years.

For the 20 years since, Rotary and its spearheading partners — the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — have worked tirelessly to rid the world of the wild poliovirus.

Thanks to the generous support of Rotarians worldwide, Rotary has been able to contribute nearly US$800 million to keep alive the dream of a polio-free world.

A promise to all children

Our Progress

Since 1985, more than two billion children have received the oral polio vaccine. Five million children destined to be polio victims are walking today and enjoying a better life because of global immunization. Reported polio cases have dropped 99.8 percent — from 350,000 a year in 1988 to fewer than 2,000 a year today — and only four countries — Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan — remain endemic.

Due to the efforts of Rotary and its global partners, the world is on the threshold of eradicating the wild poliovirus.

A lasting and extraordinary gift

Our Challenge

Although tremendous progress has been made, the world is not yet polio free. The poliovirus knows no borders; it can spread from an endemic country into polio-free areas. As long as one case of polio remains in the world, no child is safe from this deadly disease.

The greatest challenge in the battle against polio today is financial. Despite the enormous resources already committed, more money is urgently needed to reach the children in the four remaining polioendemic countries.

Recognizing Rotary’s resolve to eradicate polio and its extensive volunteer network, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded Rotary a US$350 million grant. In return, Rotary is committed to raising $200 million by 30 June 2012.

Together, Rotary International and the Gates Foundation will provide over half a billion dollars toward our priority goal of a polio-free world.

A realistic and manageable goal

Our Legacy

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to finish the job and eradicate polio. Consequently, every Rotary, Interact, and Rotaract club is being asked to organize a public fundraising event for each of the next four years to help meet this challenge.

All members of the family of Rotary, especially newer Rotarians, are also invited to join Rotary’s legacy by making a personal gift.

Eradicating polio means that no child ever again will be paralyzed by or die from the wild poliovirus. Additionally, the US$1 billion spent annually on polio could be used to address other public health concerns.

Now is the time to respond.

In 1985, Rotary made the historic decision to immunize all the world’s children against polio. A little more than 20 years later, the world is nearly polio free. With your help, polio will be defeated.

A chance to make a difference

Service Above Self

2009-08-21T23:05:00.005-04:00

I was reflecting on our motto "Service Above Self" and the Four Way Test as I was wondering if we, as a club, truly strive to make these ideals part of who we are, or if we just pay them lip-service.

I found this article published last Saturday in the Redlands Daily Facts by Jennifer Dobbs: http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/ci_13128894. I enjoyed the read and I enjoyed her comment that "Being a Rotarian is not for sissies".

We certainly have many members who do outstanding community service and contribute a lot of talent and treasure towards "doing good in the world." And many of them do it quietly and joyfully.

When I hear of someone who is upset because they didn't get the public recognition they thought they deserved, it concerns me. Is it Self Above Service or Service Above Self that is important to them? Being a Rotarian is not for sissies.

Service Above Self is an ideal. Something we need to continually strive for. Our human nature is to look out for #1. But something magical happens when Rotarians join together to Serve...It's the Service that becomes important, not the individual Self. I saw it first-hand on the Medical Mission in Nairobi last fall. Any Rotarian that truly engages in a project for service will feel this magic, and can't help but to reach the Service Above Self plateau.

As Jennifer Dobbs wrote, "Being a Rotarian is not for sissies. It costs money. There is hard work involved at times. And there is character required. Along with trying to live up to the motto of Service Above Self, there is also the Four-Way Test to live by. "

I had someone tell me that when you exercise, the pain you feel is the weakness leaving your body. What if we apply that concept to Rotary? Don't be a sissy... pump up your character, be a Rotarian and strive for Service Above Self. The pain you feel is the weakness leaving your soul!

Highlights from August 14th and August 20th Meetings

2009-08-21T22:42:00.004-04:00

Highlights from the August 14th and August 20 Meetings...

I continue falling behind as it was a busy week preparing for last night's picnic and next week's fair booth.

The August 14th meeting featured Roger's speech on "Sheep, Wolves, SheepDogs, and Border Collies". Roger contends that we, and everyone in history, fall into one of these categories. I'm perplexed because I've always considered myself an orangutan...so I'm not sure where I fit in.

Our meeting this week was our Family of Rotary "Welcome Bea" picnic last night. We had over 100 Rotarians, Interactors, friends and family turn out to welcome our exchange student. We also inducted Tom Reed, our newest member.

Bea received words of welcome and small gifts from Chuck representing Etown Borough, Amy representing Etown Schools, Ken for the college, Dave for the Village, Beth for the chamber, and DG Connie for the District.

Amazingly, even though is poured rain in the borough, we did not get any rain out at the Cassell Farm pavilion!

Highlights from the August 7th meeting

2009-08-12T09:52:00.003-04:00

It seems I'm falling behind getting these meeting summaries posted. Lots going on... which is great!... Interact Club organizational meeting was Sun nite, Membership Campaign meeting was Mon nite.. prepping for the arrival of our exchange student from Brazil and the welcome picnic next week.. The Etown Rotary Club is HOT HOT HOT. Anyway - here it goes...

Highlights from the August 7th meeting...

Marty Thomas-Brumme Invocated.

Charlie and Tess led some singing. Chuck Mummert was asked to provide The Joke of the Month ( a first Friday feature this year) and failed miserably.

Chris McCarthy stood in to do the 50/50 - Bill Mummert, for the second week, had the winning ticket and pulled the 4 of diamonds. There was great rejoicing.

Dennis talked Foundation, Bart talked Fair, Debbie Dupler spoke about new directories and Chris began taking photos for the new directories (and will continue during the coming weeks).

Our program was Bonnie Jess Lopane from Hospice of Lancaster County. It was great to hear that our own Kevin Dolan and Dane Whitmoyer are serving on their Capital Campaign board.

Spain is August's Featured Country

2009-08-02T20:02:00.003-04:00

Highlights from July 31st meeting...

2009-08-02T19:50:00.005-04:00

Here's the recap of the July 31st meeting....

Walt Heisey Invocated.

The Membership Committee declared the 5th Friday meetings this year as "Rotate at Rotary" Fridays. Everyone pulled their table assignment from a hat upon entering. I heard nothing but positive feedback about this.

Charlie Cobaugh sang numerous banana jingles. I'm not sure why.
Bill Mummert found a black facecard for the 50/50. There was great rejoicing.
Sheriff Kevin Engle raised a few dollars. He also did his impression of Barry Acker's golf swing - it took about 12 minutes (authentic). We "sang" happy birthday to Brenda.

We wrapped up the Golf MAJOR with Dave, Hob, and Ken W and heard Grandpa Simione's wonderful quotes.

Harrisburg Keystone Rotary President David Ritter spoke about and asked for support for the Ecuador Medical Mission. Etown Rotarians Ralph Detrick, Ken Wolfe, and Joe Rebman will be participating.

Bart began fair signups and the handing out of "Got Purple Pinky?" t-shirts.

Our program was our very own Chuck Mummert with the Assistant District Governor pep-talk.

2009 Golf MAJOR Wrap-up

2009-07-28T23:05:00.005-04:00

The Elizabethtown Rotary 2009 Golf MAJOR was a fantastic success yesterday!

A wonderful day of golf, fellowship, service, funds raised for cancer research, comedy, food and drink, and warm sunny weather will be remembered for a long time.

$30,000 was raised for cancer research bringing our total contribution over the past 4 years to over $100000! Anyone who heard Dr. Yun speak at the club meeting on Friday, will appreciate how our support of the Jake Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation is being put to good use and achieving results! The success that he has had with the sphingosine kinase inhibitor and shrinking down different kinds of cancer cells is unbelievably promising.

HUGE Kudos to Golf MAJOR chair Dave Schmidt who puts endless hours into this tournament and is responsible for its amazing success. Dave's vision, passion, and leadership continue to propel this event beyond expectations every year.

John Martin 2 was relentless in securing sponsorships. We had a total of 96 sponsors this year for the tournament, many of them thanks to John. Ken Wolfe puts a lot of work into the silent auction and it's proceeds continue to grow yearly. Thank you Ken!

Kevin Engle and Engle Business Systems (A Toshiba Company) were awesome as the major sponsor this year. Not only did Kevin contribute financially in a huge way, but he was present all day to kickoff both rounds and greet each golfer on Hole #1. As Tom Labagh said, Kevin was the perfect host!

Thank you also to all of the members of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club for their support in many different ways. I personally saw more than half of the club members at the tournament yesterday (yeh- I was counting) and I know there were many others who were unable to make it but provided sponsorships or helped the golf committee with planning. It is wonderful to see such an active club. Everyone I spoke with and thanked for being there was having a great time.

Congratulations Etown Rotarians for a job outstandingly done!

Highlights from the July 24th Meeting...

2009-07-25T10:04:00.004-04:00

Here's the recap of the July 24th meeting....

Pastor Fetter stepped in for the invocation.
I declared the 4th Friday of each month "President's choice" for the music selections. There was moaning from the masses. Having been to DisneyWorld a week ago, I chose "It's a Small World" and "Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah" to sing. In coming months maybe we'll do some Buffett or Springsteen.
Ken Brandt did his usual masterful job introducing guests.
Clair Baum found the 2 of spades (I think) for the 50/50. There was great rejoicing.
Harold Engle stepped in as sheriff.
Ken Brandt gave a inspiring report about his trip to the RI Convention in England.
Dennis Z spoke about the Foundation Pledge form.
Bart spoke about beginning sign-ups to work at the fair
Dave Halliwell handed out the veggies from last week's auction with bonus zucchini breads.
Dave Schmidt gave an extended history of the golf tournament and announced that we have raised over $100,000 for cancer research in the past 4 years. Awesome! We broke out THE BIG CHECK for a photo op after the meeting.

The Program was introduced by Warren Gittlen. Dr. Jong Yun, researcher at the Jake Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation, gave us an update on his latest research on the sphingosine kinase inhibitor and how it stops cancer cells. Fascinating stuff and amazingly promising as a treatment of cancer!!

Highlights from the July 17th meeting

2009-07-23T21:28:00.003-04:00

I've seen some Rotary websites and newsletters that give brief recaps of the previous week's meeting. I kind of like the idea as a way to create a running archive of the meetings for the year. Our new blog is a good place to put this... So here it goes. I was on vacation for the July 10th meeting, but here's my recap of the July 17th meeting....

Scott Cvek invocated.
We recited the 4 Way Test after the prayer.
Charlie and Tess led some "singing".
Steve Lane did a great job introducing guests (his first time!).
Bob Hollinger found the 8 of diamonds for the 50/50. There was great rejoicing.
Susan Grubb stepped in as sheriff and fined herself and others for not wearing their namebadges.
Dennis Z spoke about the Foundation Pledge form.
Kristi Baker from Junior Achievement spoke briefly and accepted THE BIG CHECK for our $725 donation this past year.
Dave rambled about the golf tournament and told us that Beatriz will arrive from Brazil on August 14th.

Chuck outdid himself for the monthly auction - Tom Labagh's standing bid scored one of the Rotary ties, Glenn Erb the other (donated by Rodney Fink), Ken Wolfe went pretty high for the Yankees-O's bustrip outbidding Bob Hollinger (donated by Barry Acker), Jim Novinger got the t-shirt donated by Lois Herr, and 10 members bid $15 each for a veggie selection donated by Dave Halliwell. $396.50 was raised for club programs!!! What a great month!

The Program was our own Lois Herr describing her trip around the world on the Queen Victoria. It was a fascinating journey!

One Week until 2009 Golf MAJOR

2009-07-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

We are less than a week away from the 2009 Golf MAJOR which takes place next Monday July 27th.

I am pleased to see that a majority of club members are supporting our effort to raise funds for cancer research by sponsoring, volunteering, or playing in the tournament.

There is still room for 2 foursomes in both the morning and afternoon rounds and there is still need for volunteers. Please contact Dave Schmidt by Thursday if you would like to play or volunteer to help in either round.

This Friday's program will be by Dr. Jong Yun, a researcher from the Gittlen Cancer Research Institute, to talk about the latest advances in cancer research that we are contributing to. I am told that Warren Gittlen will also be coming and will bring video of NBC's West Wing episode that highlighted research being done at the Gittlen Institute. This is sure to be an excellent program you won't want to miss.

2009 Golf MAJOR

2009-07-08T06:37:00.001-04:00

Elizabethtown Rotarians -

You should be aware that our 2009 Golf MAJOR will be taking place on Monday July 27^th at the Blue Ridge Country Club in Harrisburg.

The proceeds we raise from this event support both the Jake Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation and the Elizabethtown Rotary Melanoma Endowment at Hershey Medical Center. The money we raise goes towards cancer research and the annual melanoma symposium which brings cancer researchers together to share ideas, all here in our own backyard. Click here to see the Gittlen Foundation newsletter to see the details of the research we are supporting.

The support for our event continues to grow every year. Just take a look at this amazing list of sponsors http://www.elizabethtownrotary.org/GOLFSPONSORS.cfm . We have over 280 golfers registered to play already and the registrations continue to come in.

The success of our Golf MAJOR has reached levels unsurpassed by any other charitable golf tournament in our community. As an Elizabethtown Rotarian, I encourage you to join your fellow Rotarians and be involved in some way with this great fundraiser.

Ways you can be involved -

Golf or encourage someone to golf
Be a business sponsor or secure a business sponsorship
Volunteer as a helper at the event
Assist the organizing committee
Come to the post-tournament comedy show on Monday night and/or encourage friends to purchase $10 tickets
Provide a small memorial donation or be an individual sponsor

There is still time to get involved! Please contact Dave Schmidt (David.A.Schmidt@usps.gov) or John Martin II (ssmartin.4@comcast.net) to get involved in any of the areas above. A volunteer signup sheet will be circulated at the next couple of meetings if you can work the event in the morning or afternoon.

Be proud to be an Elizabethtown Rotarian! This golf tournament ROCKS! in many different ways. Get involved, do good, and help find a cure to the myriad of terrible diseases we call cancer.

Joe

New Zealand is July's Featured Country

2009-07-07T07:38:00.001-04:00

Rotary Foundation Goals

2009-07-07T05:25:00.001-04:00

In the magnificent history of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club written by Ron Stratton in 2001 there is a list of 93 members and friends of the club who had become Paul Harris Fellows through our Club. At that time, our total giving to the Foundation had reached $128,870.

As of May 21, 2009, our club is credited with a total of 120 Paul Harris Fellows and $211, 897.31 in total giving. In just 8 years our club members have managed to give $$83,000 to the Rotary Foundation. That is an amazing record, and we ought to be proud of our collective generosity.

But here are some other interesting statistics that tell the story in a different way. The total contribution has come from 67 current members of our club and 121 contributors who never were, or are not now members of our club.

The most surprising statistic, to me, is that there are 19 members of our club who have NEVER made a single contribution to the Foundation. That's 20% of our members, or one in five.

And so I want to salute President Joe Rebman for making one of his key goals for next year 100% participation by our club members in this major charity effort of Rotary. Every member of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club will be asked to make a committment to become a Sustaining Member of the Foundation by pledging to give $100 per year, which can be added to your quarterly dues and meals billing.

Think of it this way: when you go to church, you contribute to the benevolences of your congregation or denomination. That is what helps define you as a member of that church community. And it should be no less in Rotary. The most important programs of humanitarian aid and world service of Rotary International are conducted through its foundation-- if Rotarians don't support it, how can we expect others to follow our lead? EVERY MEMBER, EVERY YEAR!
A VERY WORTHY AND ACHIEVABLE ROTARY CLUB GOAL!

--Tom Labagh, PP

The Rotary Bell

2009-07-04T09:50:00.002-04:00

The

Rotary

Bell

The Rotary Bell has both form and function.

Its practical use is for the President to signal certain times in our meeting. When it rings at the opening of the meeting, we automatically stand for the pledge to the flag and the invocation. When it rings in the middle of the meeting, we become silent to hear the program.

When it rings at the close of the meeting it sends us on our way to serve our community.

More than this-- it is a symbol of the regularity and timeliness of Rotary. It represents the simple orderly manner in which we conduct our business.

It demands... it deserves... our respect.

-Tom Labagh, PP