Captain Musgrove is no stranger to the Austintown Club. He said a special thanks to Austintown Rotary for having him as a member and for ringing the bells for the Army.
The meeting was called to order by President Michael Cafaro, invocation and pledge by Gary Reel.
GUESTS: Beverly Flowers from Christoff Management on her third visit.
Ron Carroll, our song leader, led us in singing "Jingle Bells". A wonderful reminder of what's around the corner.
DECEMBER IS: FAMILY OF ROTARY MONTH
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
· We ring Salvation Army bell at Santisi's on December 6, from 8 to 8 p.m.
· Rotary Christmas Party December 12 at Mojo's on Mahoning Ave., 6 p.m.,signup sheet passed around, also would be good time to bring a prospectivemember, collecting toys ($10.) for Akron Children's Hospital.
· Immaculate Heart Church is having a benefit dinner for Officer Ross Linert onDecember 14 from 12-6, followed by a holiday concert and basket raffle at 7,asking for a $6 donation.
· December 4 is the Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:45 at Wickliffe Park.
· Our 40th Anniversary party will be January 31 at Fifth Season Banquet Centeron Rt. 46, hoping to have many past Presidents, past members, spouses, andfriends of Austintown Rotary that night, mark your calendars. Melissa Crowleyis chairing that night, so it will be a nice event.
· Reverse Raffle is March 7, 2009 at Maronite Center. Be ready to sell tickets.
· Gary reported the the Interact Conference November 15th at Salem Community Center was a lot of fun and a complete success. We sent 4 students and 2 advisors. They will be selling candy for a fundraiser and will help with Rescue Mission. They will be ringing bells December 13 at Santsi's. Two students will be going to the RYLA Conference.
· Mike reported that the Phantom's Game was exciting. They are in a battle for 1st place. 5 Rotarians attended.
· December 15th will be a special meeting on the Reverse Raffle. This is important.
· Membership drive: We will purchase 5 tickets to the Hall of Fame in Canton for the event sponsored by Canton Rotary next August. The member who brings in the most new members will receive a special prize in addition to the tickets.
· NO MEETING DECEMBER 29th.
FELLOWSHIP:
Robin fined anyone not wearing a pin or badge. Melissa paid. Also all those who watched the Browns game had to pay. She got lots of money!!!
RAFFLE: Racheal Solida took the little prize but did not draw the Queen.....again!!
PROGRAM (continued): The kettle drive started the first week in November and the Salvation Army is constantly looking for volunteers to man the kettles. Ivan thanked Frank Santisi personally for letting the ringers go indoors. The Army services children to people in their late 50's who are hurting and need their help. Although the Austintown branch is closed due to cost-cutting, the Army is still serving the area. The need is still here. They are getting ready for the toy distribution and have set up shop at the Austintown Plaza. Getting the toys and gifts ready is another big job and they need all the volunteer help they can get. They served 1154 people in three hours the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Lots of help is needed all year long and not just at Christmas. They need volunteers. The Thrift Store is accepting clothing and other items at the store on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown, and also at 1501 Glenwood Avenue. Contact Captain Ivan Musgrove at 330-746-8405 if you wish to volunteer.