May 26, 2016

Selinsgrove Area Rotary Club

Be a Gift to the World

Vol. 88, No. 45     President – Mike Piecuch     Editor – Dottie Anderson

Next Meeting: June 2, 2016 – Speaker will be Bill Braasch from First Trust Portfolios on the topic “Reasons to Be Bullish” – Economic and Capital Market outlook for 2016. Host is Mike Damiano, greeter is Pat Pinkowski.  11:45 a.m., SVCC. REMINDER – IMPORTANT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING BEFORE REGULAR MEETING, STARTING AT 11 A.M.

May 26, 2016:  Twenty-eight Rotarians were present as J. Donald Steele, a member of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission, spoke about the research, work and recommendations from that commission. Research makes it clear that human healthy brain development occurs from the first month of life to about age 6, and early childhood education needs to become a priority. It will increase the likelihood of college graduation and development of useful persons for the workforce, while lessoning likelihood of becoming involved in criminal acts. There is a disconnect between amount of public spending and healthy brain development. Given the trajectory of our workforce (number of baby boomers reaching retirement age vs. number of persons in line to replace them) makes it essential that the state and country pay attention to preparing all to be productive members of society. Bill Clark was the host and Brian Neitz the greeter.

Announcements: Plan ahead – Installation of 2016-17 Officers and Directors is scheduled for June 23, all officers and directors are urged to plan their schedule so they can be in attendance *Donna Schuck thanked all who made the croquet tournament a success – as did John Stokinger. It was a good day. A full report will be made to the Club on June 16. Meanwhile date for next year is May 20, 2017.**As arranged by Dave Lawer, the flag display for Memorial Day is up at Rotary Field, thanks to all who contributed. Memorial Day end of parade ceremony will take place at the field about 11a.m.***John Fischer distributed Golf Tournament (24th annual) brochures. Date is 9/12/16 with proceeds benefiting the SACF and The Selinsgrove REC.

Sargent at Arms: Marv Rudnitsky collected happy fines as follows: himself (Donna, John, Dave and speaker); Mike Flock (speaker and pension and plans for REC); Bill Clark (speaker and croquet committee); Pat Pinkowski (croquet success and grandson’s high school graduation tonight); Melissa Laniewski (tournament, daughter’s promotion and move to VA.); John Fischer (JD, despite no golf tournaments); Bob Soper (croquet, speaker, Dave and flag display); Tom Gates (croquet and 2nd place win for the library); Art Bowen (croquet, grandkids events, Don Steele and EITC contribution to Econ. PA); Mary Peterhaensel (tournament and fun); Jerry Rhoads (same); Joyce Anderson (Don and United Way Board membership, flag display, croquet, grandson’s badges and granddaughter’s trip to France); John Stokinger (refs and croquet support); Charlie McCuen (attending scholarship event and Dave Lawer presenting Rotary and SACF scholarships, and croquet fun); Konrad Kempfe (speaker); Sarah Manaval (kids done school); Cheryl Stumpf (croquet and beach house); Dave Bet (flags); Dave Lawer (speaker, veterans, granddaughter in states) and Earl Ferster (++15, tournament, new Norry Bank in Selinsgrove, and speaker).

Future Programs:

June 9 – Speaker will be PDG Karen H. Teichman, E/MGA, on the 100 years of the Rotary Foundation Celebration,  Hal Dunkelberger is the host, SVCC, 11:45 a.m.

June 16 – Mallet Madness – what’s next – 5/20/17. Donna Schuck and John Stokinger. Mary Peterhaensel is the greeter, SVCC, 11:45 a.m.

June 23 – Installation of 2016-17 Officers and Directors. Outgoing President Mike Piecuch will share reflections on his year as President, and incoming President Mary Peterhaensel will have the opportunity to share goals for the coming Rotary year. Dottie Anderson is the Installing Officer.

June 30 – Speaker is Jamie Hill, President of the Down Syndrome Society of the Susquehanna Valley. Her husband, Steve, will also be in attendance. John Fischer is the host, Jared Roush is the greeter. SVCC, 11:45 a.m.

Birthdays:  June 24 – Pat Pinkowski

Quotation:  “Events have brought our American democracy to new influence and new responsibilities. They will test our courage, our devotion to duty, and our concept of liberty.”  Harry S. Truman