Rotary Club of Beavercreek

Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the November 20, 2009

President Jack Henderson opened the meeting at 12:06. He welcomed the guests and members and thanked all those who had helped in various capacities.

Denny Jarvi gave the invocation, asking for the opportunity to serve Rotary and giving thanks for the camaraderie.

Secretary Ed Low reported 9 guests, 2 visiting Rotarians, and 36 members for a terrible 50%. Prospective member Marty Richards was in attendance.

Denny Jarvi acted as Sergeant-at-Arms this week. He said that today is Black Awareness Day in Brazil, on this day a ship was sunk by a Sperm Whale, and in an attempt to promote a French newspaper, the Tour de France was begun. Back issues of the Rotarian Magazine, going back to the early 1900's, can be found on the Rotary web site. He ended with a "Little Johnny" joke.

Sandy Watson accidentally drew three cards, none of which was the King of Hearts. She did, however, draw a dollar fine. The pot continues to grow.

In Happy Bucks Tom Welsh reminded the men in the club of the Ugly Tie Contest which will take place on Jan. 8th. Colin Kowalski will be spending Thanksgiving in St. Thomas, Ed and Fran O'Shaughnessy will spend it in Tokyo with their son, Jerry Smith's son is being married in Jamaica, Phil and Marvin Sparks' father will celebrate his 88th birthday, and Ed Low was happy that someone finally let him out into traffic.

In announcements, Dan Tobias thanked the nominating committee, comprised of: Eric Marcus, Denny Jarvi, Jim Rudd, Brian Lampton, and Dan for the fine slate of candidates for the Dec. 4th election. For president elect it is Barb DeMarey, running unopposed, for treasurer it is Larry Dryden and Paul Stecker, Jr., for secretary it is Jerome Demmings and Jonathan Hebrank. The Directors at Large up for re-election are John Turner and Tom Welsh. Jack Henderson reminded everyone to volunteer for the various jobs each week, Scott Hadley said he would be bringing the sign up sheet next meeting for the Christmas Basket delivery on Sat., Dec. 19th, and Mike Zwick introduced Chris Collins, the Voice of Wright State Raiders, who stated that anyone wearing Raider's gear would be able to get into the Raider's Represent game on Nov. 24th for free.

 New Members

Brian Lampton inducted Kent Anderson, Bill Dye, and Greg Hull. Congratulations!

	Kent Anderson - Born and raised in Fairborn Ohio Kent earned a bachelors degree as a double major from the Wright State University in history and political Science. He also attended Washington Lee University School of law in West Virginia and later earned his masters degree from the University of Dayton in public administration.  One of his early Dayton Chamber of Commerce experiences was back in the late 70’s he was asked by the Chamber president to create a leadership class because the Chamber and city of Dayton was seemingly short on leaders.  He found that Atlanta Georgia had a leadership class and after traveling their he the second leadership class in the US, still known today as leadership Dayton.  He was also a Chief fundraiser for the Red Cross for 13 years in this area.  His current occupation is also his hobby.  He owns and operates a company called P4A.com.  This is a web site that provides research links and a huge data base for folks interested in valuating antiques, old toys, ceramics, silver, and such.  He has been a history buff for many years and specifically enjoys the late 18th century.  He also collects antiques.  He is an avid reader and considers himself a political junkie.  Kent has never been married and so he brags he has never been divorced.  Kent was a Dayton Rotary Club member for several years sometime between 1975-and the mid 80’s. Jerry Smith is his sponsor and Kent will be pinned by Jerry
	Bill Dye - Bill re-joins us for good this time.  Bill is the owner operator of a string of (two) automotive repair shops in the Miami valley area.  Born and raised in Riverside, Bill now makes Beavercreek his home.  Bill’s father was a mechanic and that is where his first job was at what they used to call a full service gas station.  In 1981 he bought the then Penzoil station from Jim McClay and changed it to a Gulf station.  At the same location, he no longer sells gasoline, but he can rent you a car or truck, and perhaps soon, sell you a trailer.  He has a shop in Kettering on Woodman drive also.  His hobbies include traveling, woodworking and well…..cars.  He married his accountant Kathy and has 7 children.  Aaron and Heather are the babies he recently adopted.  Becky Pfister is his sponsor (again) and he will be pinned by Dan Tobias.
	Greg Hull -  Greg is the owner of Northern Light Group a real estate firm on Vine St in Xenia. Greg was born and raised in Xenia Ohio and currently resides in Beavercreek.  His real estate firm is located in Xenia.   He started much like most real estate agents begin, as a part timer back in 1979.  His other job was an assistant manager at ITT financial services.  It wasn’t until 1985 when he made the leap to go full time in real estate.  He attended Eastern Kentucky University and earned a bachelors degree in Business.  He also started a new chapter of the Sigma Pi fraternity there with some help from Mike Hartsock.  He is a proud father of two, his Daughter Lindsay, a Beavercreek graduate now studying physician assistants at Emery University in Atlanta, and his son Justin who played safety for Beavercreek now attending Ohio University.  His son, following dads lead, is starting a new Sigma Pi chapter in Athens.  Greg likes to golf, and travel mostly to Lexington Kentucky and loves boating at Ceasars Creek.  His brand new wife Donna is currently taking real estate classes to obtain her license.  Greg’s sponsor is Roger Bush and he will be pinned by Roger.

 Program

Earl Morris, Executive Director of Honor Flight made a return visit to the club. The total number of veterans who have participated so far is 15,996. This year alone there have been 18,000 and there are 9,500 on the waiting list. Unfortunately, 700 have died while waiting to make the trip. The cost to send one veteran is $250. A cheap way to thank someone.

Honor Flight has been expanding rapidly. There are now 89 hubs in 34 states. Even the White House is aware of the program.

Earl recently received a call from the staff there to ask if there was any way to get veterans to Washington so that they could accompany President Obama when he went to Normandy to commemorate the storming of Omaha Beach. They were able to accomplish this for them.

The purpose of taking World War II veterans to Washington to see their memorial has been expanded. Now all terminally ill veterans, no matter for which war, go to the head of the list.

They can see the Korean War monument, the Viet Nam Wall, or just be thanked for their service.

The flights for these terminally ill patients are called TLC flights. This stands for Their Last Chance. On the last flight there were 10 of these soldiers.

They have found that anyone who makes the trip and sees their memorial and sees how cherished they are by the nation, is changed. This is especially true for those suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The motto for Honor Flight is " We all can't be heroes, some of us stand on the curb and clap".

Nick Apple led the pledge to close the meeting.

Minutes of the November 13, 2009

President Jack Henderson opened the meeting at 12:06. He welcomed the guests and members and thanked all those who had helped in various capacities. He said it was a Rotary first for him because all the openings on the volunteer sheet had been filled in this week.

John Webster gave the invocation, reciting a poem about veterans and the service they have given to our country.

Secretary Ed Low reported 5 guests, 2 visiting Rotarians, and 43 members for a reasonable 58%. Prospective members Kent Anderson and Ann Biedenharn were in attendance.

Colin Kowalski acted as Sergeant-at-Arms this week. He gave a brief weather and sports report and said that Mike's Car Wash provided free car washes to every veteran who came in on Wed., Veteran's Day. He read a clipping from the base paper about favorite healthy foods, but was astonished to read that Lee Schatzley had given his favorite as medium rare filet with all the trimmings. Colin didn't feel that this could actually count as healthy food, although a great choice.

Denny Jarvi drew the nine of Diamonds, failing to win the pot. It continues to grow.

In Happy Bucks Eric Marcus reported that it was Rotary Foundation Month and he urged everyone to become a sustaining member, Dave Fleming apologized for not making the annual Pig Roast as he was on a houseboat in Arizona. Dave then proceeded to bring the room to hilarity by donning a hat with artificial hair. Stan Herr was thankful that Eric's message about being a sustaining member was so short, as the last two club's he visited to make-up had half hour programs on the subject.

In announcements, Jerome Demmings  asked for a volunteer to act as club chaplain for the rest of the year. The person needs to find someone to give the invocation each week.

 Program

Our program this week was presented by Col. Mike Jackson, retired, and Tara Dixon-Engle. They are the National Chairs of Operation Welcome Home and were Directors of the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

In addition they have co-authored 3 books: Naked in Da Nang, Neil Armstrong: One Giant Leap for Mankind, and Wright Brothers: First in Flight. They had the books for sale after the program. All the proceeds go to Operation Welcome Home.

While a Lieutenant, Mike served as a forward air controller in Vietnam. Thirty years later he realized that while soldiers today are welcomed back by parades and well wishes, those who served in Vietnam had faced an entirely different reaction. Chants of "baby killer", people spitting on them, and generally being made to feel shame for having served their country.

Mike felt that something needed to be done to rectify the situation. Operation Welcome Home was born.

Vietnam veterans were just as patriotic as the "Great Generation" or Civil War veterans, but they had never been thanked.

Mike and Tara set out to find a way to show them appreciation for their efforts. The first national event was held in Las Vegas on Veteran's Day in 2005.

It was a 4 day celebration with a two and a half hour parade, a special light show, and featured Ann Margaret who donated her time, just as she had during her USO trips to Vietnam.

The parade started with about 300 veterans, but as they marched, people wearing Vietnam hats or jackets joined in to the applause and shouts of well wishers.

There have now been 50 to 60 local Welcome Home celebrations and another national one is planned.

They have also established the American Veteran's Institute and are working on the Improved Pension effort. They would like to establish a veteran's Hall of Honor in Dayton at the VA center. There are football Halls of Fame, Rock & Roll, Baseball, etc., but nothing for veterans.

Finally, after 40 years, Vietnam veterans, "thank you and Welcome Home".

Bill Tuxhorn led the pledge to close the meeting.

Minutes of the November 6, 2009

President Jack Henderson opened the meeting at 12:10. He welcomed the guests and members and thanked all those who had helped in various capacities. He then asked all the veterans to stand and be recognized.

Jerome Demmings gave the invocation, giving thanks for Rotary and asking a blessing upon our soldiers and the veterans who have served in the past.

Secretary Ed Low not being present, President Elect Dan Tobias reprised his role as secretary and reported 8 guests, 5 visiting Rotarians, and 41 members for a mediocre 55%. Prospective members Kent Anderson and Greg Hull were in attendance.

Denny Jarvi took the podium as sergeant, reporting that there were only 49 shopping days left until Christmas. He then informed the club of several facts about Maple trees, candy, and polar bears. Some of the more intriguing facts were: slugs have 4 noses, butterflies use their feet to taste, and cats sleep 16 hours a day.

Lee Schatzley had the lucky number, but his 4 of Spades fell short of the King of Hearts to win the $910 pot. It continues to grow.

In Happy Bucks Eric Marcus said that he had received a postcard from exchange student Ava, thanking him for taking her to an Ohio State football game, Phil Sparks was delighted that he was building a home for a buyer and had another possibility for after the first of the year. He was also happy about the extension of the first time buyer incentive. Jack Henderson was happy that Phil was at the meeting, John Webster reported that his granddaughter had received the Mason Rotary Club's Rotary Royalty Award for Leadership. Her brother had received the same award when he was in high school. Denny Jarvi congratulated both Scott Hadley and Brian Jarvis on their successful political campaigns, Scott Hadley was just glad the election was over and for the outcome, and John Webster was delighted to not have to listen to Issue 3 spots on TV any more.

In announcements Eric Marcus presented a check for $1,000 to the club, which represented a grant from Rotary International for our literary project, he also said that November is Foundation Month and he asked that every member become a sustaining member to help with the various projects that Rotary performs. He also reminded the club of the credit card that would provide $50 for our treasury. Jay Tieber has a Veteran's Day Film Festival with guest General Dick Reynolds. The film is titled Liberty & Freedom and will play at the Neon Theater and the Engineer's Club. He has an underwriter for next year. The film is free, but donations are accepted. Dr. Bruce Brumfiel announced that this is the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Good Shepherd clinic in Belize, Bob Wilda said that there was a free concert at the United States Museum of the Air Force by the Band of Flight, and Jack Henderson reminded everyone to sign up for various duties and he announced the resignation of Rick Kump.

The speaker did not show up and has been rescheduled. In his place, Jack had several of the veteran members tell stories of their service experiences.

 Program

Jerome Demmings led the pledge to close the meeting.

Minutes of the October 30, 2009

President Jack Henderson, once again able to chair the club, opened the meeting at 12:10. He welcomed the guests and members and thanked all those who had helped in various capacities.

Marvin Sparks gave the invocation, speaking of the heritage of our nation and of Rotary. He gave thanks for the service that Rotary offers. 

Secretary Ed Low reported 4 guests, 2 visiting Rotarians, and 41 members for a mediocre 56%. Prospective members Ken Anderson, Bill Dye, and Greg Hall were in attendance.

Brian Lampton took the podium and gave a very brief weather and sports report. Tonight is Beavercreek High School's last football game of the season. He reminded everyone that next Tuesday is election day and asked a trivia question. What high school did the University of Dayton lose to?.....Xenia High School, very early in the 1900's. He also congratulated Mark Thomas and Ed O'Shaughnessy on their election to the chamber's board of directors. 

In Happy Bucks Nick Apple said that in 1973 he welcomed Captain Tom Moe back from serving overseas and now Tom is being inducted into the Ohio Veteran's Hall of Fame, Mick Lundy is not happy that this is the last football game of the season, but is happy about the great group of seniors, Jack Henderson has been absent for the last two weeks from the club and he said that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, but he is feeling fine, it is not malignant, and he doesn't have to be checked for the next 3 months. Jerome Demmings was delighted that he and his wife have finally moved into their new home.

Bob Wilda sold himself the winning ticket for the drawing, but failed to pull the King of Hearts. The pot continues to grow.

In announcements Dan Tobias said that the nominating committee would be meeting today to draw up a list of candidates, Paul Hemmeter was delighted to wrap up the ticket sales for the raffle for the Greene County Foundation. He said the sales resulted in $500 for the club and that Roger Bush was the top salesperson. He also asked that anyone who wins a prize in the drawing let Jack or himself know. Lee Schatzley made a political request and Jack Henderson reminded the club that under the new by-laws the president will be elected by a direct vote of the membership, rather than by the board. Ed Low announced that Walnut Grove Country Club would be serving a Thanksgiving meal from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm if anyone was interested.

Program

Larry Hansgren, the Voice of the University of Dayton Flyers presented the program this week. Larry not only announces basketball, but also football and does the news each morning.

He started with a joke and a story of having hit a deer on his way back from a recent game in Indiana.

He said that a positive attitude was important, but not sufficient for success. You have to have a plan.

U.D.'s recruitment program and success on the court are because of Coach Gregory's 4 step program.

1. Reach out to former players, don't let them be just a name or a picture on the wall. Get them involved.

2. Go fishing in the same pond that everyone else is. Don't ignore the schools where other colleges are recruiting...get in there too.

3. No hip pocket programs. Don't accept recruits who only want to go to U.D. because they have no other choice. Be sure they really want to play here.

4. Only recruit players who are better than the existing players. You can't improve if you don't build upon what you already have.

The university has a lot of tradition, good facilities, and a good fan base. It will only go up from where it is now.

Jim Rudd led the pledge to close the meeting.

Date Page last updated: November 20, 2009