President Mike Markovitz brought the meeting to order at 12:15 PM at Purkey’s Pink Apple with Mary Tempest leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Dave Wilson giving the Invocation.

 

 

TAHS Chorus – Christmas Melodies
Trixie Gay – guest of George Gay
Lewis Marcho  - guest of Tom Kukuchka
John and Andrew – exchange students
Chelsea English – prospective member

 

 

There was $4,100 collected by John Hovan for Operation Smile from 14 Rotarians and 4 non-Rotarians.

 

 

Pres. Mike announced the results of the election of Officers and Directors that took place last week at the Annual Meeting and the Flash Meeting. Voting was completed with a unanimous acceptance of the proposed slate of candidates (both meetings).  Pres. Mike offered his congratulations to all.

 

There will be a Board of Directors and Foundation Quarterly Board Meeting on Tuesday, Dec 18 at 7:30-8:30 am at Towne and Country Grille.

 

At next week’s Noon Meeting (Dec 20) will be our Christmas Ugly Sweater Contest. We had some really good entries last year!  Let’s see how creative people can be. Prizes will be awarded for the top three sweaters!

 

Remember there will be a Flash meeting next week, Dec 20 at 5:30 pm at Bogey’s Restaurant.

 

 

 

Our Annual Holiday Event is scheduled for Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Shadowbrook Resort from 5:30 - 9:00 pm with a buffet dinner. Cost will be $30 per person.  Please sign up or let Ann Way know that you are planning to attend.  There will be some social time followed by a buffet dinner. If the weather cooperates, there will be entertainment following our meal by Jim Welch and fellow musicians.

 

Kiwanis will be combined with us and we will invite non-Rotarians who helped at the Festival.

 

 

Pres. Mike Markovitz presented Jeannie Brady with her Paul Harris +5 pin.

 

Jeannie Brady receiving her PH +5 pin from Pres. Mike

 

 

John – Went to NY with the other exchanges students from District, visiting Rockefeller, Times Square, World Trade Center Memorial, Central Park, and they rode the subway. His team won their basketball game on Monday.  The exchange students also went to Wellsboro Dec 1 & 2 for Xmas in Wellsboro.

 

Andrew – got a cold in NY. He is having a good time with the wrestling team and they won last week.

 

 

DGE Karen DeMatteo sent a message to Current Club Presidents and President Elects for 2019-2020: Presidents Elect for 2019-2020 will have a Meet and Greet mixed with some fun, food, bowling, and a little bit of training on December 27, 2018 at 6:30pm at Chocko’s Family Bowling Center – 195 North Wilkes Barre Boulevard – Wilkes Barre, PA 18702

 

Message from District Governor – Roger Mates:

To the Members of the Rotary District 7410,

This past Saturday tragedy struck Neil and Kim Miller and their family, when a house fire erupted in their home on Main Street in Dalton. The fire started somewhere in the basement, near the gas main, which caused a huge explosion. Due to the gas line, the fire was extremely difficult to put out, and burned all afternoon. Their son Jeremy, one of Jackie’s former students, a disabled young man, confined to his bed, and unable to walk, was trapped in the fire and died. Their home was completely destroyed, as were all of their belongings.  For the past few days the Millers and their two surviving children, along with their dog, have been living with us. They have lost everything!

 

While the home was insured, it will take time to sort things out. Their immediate needs are great and the eventual insurance proceeds can only go so far.  It is in these times of tragedy that Rotarians can shine and show the world what community service is all about. I ask all of you to consider contributing to their go-fund-me site on Facebook. It is available via my Facebook page. If you are not fans of FB, please consider bringing your contribution to your next meeting.

Thank you for your help.

 

Yours in Service,

Roger Mattes

 

The Club membership agreed that we should send them a check for $100 from the Club.

 

 

Weekly newsletter will resume next week. 

 

Thank you to everyone who visited, sent cards or called to see how I was doing post total hip replacement surgery.  Your kind thoughts, gifts and concerns were much appreciated.

 

 

Prior to adjournment, Mary Tempest led the recitation of the 4-Way Test by the attendees.

 

 

There are 110- 115 students in the full TAHS chorus. Tara brought 15 students with her to provide us with holiday entertainment.  

 

They have their holiday concert Monday Dec 17 at 6 PM at TAHS plus the percussion ensemble will perform.

 

Members of the TAHS Chorus