December 31, 2002:  The last meeting of the year featured Russell Rauch, Deputy Chief of the USC Volunteer Fire Department.  Russ spoke to us about the new fire station that became necessary to house the new, longer fire trucks required to adequately protect the community.

December 17, 2002:  We had a wonderful Holiday Dinner at the Valleybrook Country Club.  Over $1400 were contributed to the RI Polio Eradication campaign.  We also had a record collection of $102 by our Sergeant-at-Arms, T.A. Ward.

December 10, 2002:  Rick Futrell, Executive Director of the Washington City Mission and member of the Washington, PA, Rotary Club, spoke to us about the Mission that provides 20,000 nights of shelter and 90,000 meals to homeless and needy people in the Washington area.  The mission was able to acquire additional shelter space for women and children recently and has successfully returned many people to productive, self-supporting lives.

December 3, 2002:  Rotarian and newly-elected U.S. Representative Tim Murphy spoke about his first experiences preparing for his new responsibilities.  He will be sworn into office in January.  Congratulations, Tim, on winning the election.

November 30, 2002:  The Rotary SHIM Shuffle was a great success!  Thanks to Mike Lloyd who organized this 5km (3.1 mi) run and walk that netted over $3,000 for South Hills interfaith Ministries (SHIM). 

November 26, 2002:  Bethel Park Police Chief John Mackey spoke about his program to fight drug abuse in the Bethel Park school district. He has started a program using trained dogs to identify lockers of suspected drug users.  Bethel Park Police also has established drug awareness programs for parents and students.  Bob Hackett introduced our speaker.

November 19, 2002:  Dave Hicks introduced Lynn Foltz as our guest.  Lynn spoke to us about "Palliative Care".  The goal of Palliative Care is to achieve the highest possible quality of life  at a time when medical expectation is not a cure and the primary aim of treatment is no longer to prolong life. Palliative Care responds to physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both for patient and family.  For more information call UPMC at (412) 629-4834.

November 12, 2002:  Our guest was Janette Burke.  Jan work with H&R Block during tax season and spoke about recent changes in the tax code. She covered specific issues regarding changes in the exemptions and potential changes in tax rates.  Scott Churchill introduced our guest.

November 5, 2002:  Club Assembly.  The Chicken Barbeque netted over $21,000 - Mike Giglotti, Sr. led the team that sold most tickets.

October 29, 2002: The Rabbi Alex Greenbaum of Beth El Congregation spoke to us about Judaism and its teachings about Business Ethics.  Judaism has an ultimate respect for business and being honest in your business is an important trait for every jew.  The Rabbi and his family reside in Mt. Lebanon.  Marshall Goldstein introduced our guest.  Also attending were Mickey Beyer, mother of Susan Hicks, Sandy Goldstein, and Ken Meislein. 

October 22, 2002: Dan Horgan, Executive Director of America's Promise - Allegheny County, spoke to us about his organization that offers outreach, training and development as well as community organizing for young people.  America's Promise, founded by General Colin Powell, offers a variety of service initiatives to youths including the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council and Allegheny County's Promise Fellows.  Greg Peterson introduced our guest.
MaryAnn Scott from the Oakland Rotary Club spoke to us about the Rotovax Program, a flu immunization initiative for residents over age 55 and other individuals at high risk.  Rotary sponsors procurement of vaccine, while various EMS services provide staff to deliver the immunizations. Dates are November 7/8 for Bethel Park, November 13 for Upper St. Clair.
Jim Murphy from the Rotary Club in Rochester, NY, joined us as Scott Crozier's guest.  The Rochester Club helps organize an annual LPGA golf tournament that raises $500,000 for two camps for challenged kids.

October 15, 2002:  Judith Lorigan from the Bethel park club joined us to speak about the Vietnam School project.  Donations from 23 local clubs (including ours) and matching funds from the East-Meets-West Foundation were used to build a 7-room schoolhouse for 550 students outside DaNang.  Furniture and other equipment were donated by a club in California.  Judy showed us pictures from the dedication in April 2002 - it was impressive to see the results of Rotary service in this community. 

Ed Harmon from the Evening Club also joined us.

October 8, 2002:  The Rev. Michele Sante and Teacher George Hotas from Malawi with Ted Kyle from Westminster Presbyterian Church were our guests. Malawi is stricken by three years of drought that has caused hunger and suffering among the population, along with an AIDS epidemic.  There is also concern about the Islamization of Malawi that is fueled by Libyan money.  Westminster Church has a partnership project with the Church in Malawi.
Linda Serene spoke about the Pittsburgh Symphony Community Outreach program that aims to get students, young musicians and members of the metropolitan Pittsburgh communities interested in the orchestra. Music Director Mariss Janssons has brought the Symphony to a new height in performance, and Pittsburghers are proud to have such a fine orchestra in their city.

October 1, 2002:  Our guest speaker, Ed Lynus, gave us a status update on the Boyce-Mayview Education Center progress. 70 acres on the north end of the property are slated for active recreation and education while the remaining area will be preserved in its natural state. In phase 1, trailers will be set up for classrooms and a laboratory.
The Chicken Barbeque was a great success with close to 2000 dinners served. 
Jim Howell attended as our guest from the Dormont/Mt. Lebanon Club.

September 24, 2002:  Our Chicken Barbeque is this Saturday, September 28.  Preparations are in full swing, and we are looking forward to a great, successful fundraiser.  Over 40 organizations benefit from the proceeds from this event!

September 10, 2002:  On Saturday, September 8, the Bethel Park Police information Kiosk was unveiled in the South Hills Village mall.  The Kiosk was sponsored by several area Rotary Clubs.
Preparations for our Chicken Barbeque are in full swing - sales are going well at over $15,000 in tickets sold. Ed Harmon from the evening club joined us as our guest.

September 3, 2002:  Dave Brewton from the East Liberty Health Ministries joined our meeting and received a $500 matching donation from our club.  The East Liberty Family Health Care Center's mission is to witness to God's love, known in Jesus Christ, by offering quality, whole-person health care to all, especially the poor.

August 27, 2002: Louis Picconi from the Bethel-St. Clair Evening Club spoke about Rotary International's motto and goal for 2003 to help eradicate Polio in the world.  During the last years, the campaign has been extremely successful in reducing the number of infections and created dozens of new, certified polio-free countries.  RI is helping to finance the campaign, but most importantly, Rotarians volunteer their time and effort to actively organize and staff the immunization campaigns.  For more information, see PolioPlus

August 20, 2002: We had several guests today: Hap and Jane Mills visited from the Rotary Club of Stuart, Florida, where Hap is the Past President and Jane serves as the Club and District 6930 Secretary.  Russ Davis came from the Downtown Club to speak about the Ducky Derby fundraiser held September 8.  First Prize is a vacation in Duck, NC.  Our Club has committed to 150 ducks at 10. 
Dr. Tim Steinhauer, Principal of Ft. Couch Middle School, Nancy Rose, Principal, and George Spalaris, Assistant Principal of Independence Middle School in Bethel Park came to hear Elaine Parks of Caring Habits of the Month Adventure speak about her organization that is working to reduce violence in schools by introducing a new caring habit each month.  "Branding" and other marketing techniques are cleverly applied to remind the students that caring for each other is much more valuable than confrontation that leads to violence.  The habit for August: "Re-examine your values";  September is "Do your best".

August 13, 2002: Mike Giglotti, Jr. introduced Aileen Walters from the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Aileen gave a presentation on the MS Society organization and their MS 150 Mile Bike Ride fundraiser event.  Mike Giglotti competed in the bike ride and helped raise funds for the MS Organization.

July 30, 2002: Our speaker was Chris Buda from Young Life Interfaith Ministries.  Chris spoke to us about young adults and their relationship with religion.  Pat Findle introduced our speaker.

July 23, 2002:  J. Brett Harvey, President and CEO of CONSOL Energy, Inc., joined the meeting as our guest.  Brett spoke about CONSOL's role in the U.S. energy market and in the local community, where it employs almost 3600 of its 6700 employees.  CONSOL began operations in 1864 and leads the United States in production of coal from underground mines.  CONSOL is also an important natural gas producer in the eastern states and recently added an electricity generating joint venture to its portfolio. Mike Giglotti, jr., introduced our guest.

July 16, 2002: Kathy Crawford, District Governor, Elaine Parke from the Pittsburgh club and Bob Dornenburg, Assistant DG, were our guests.  Alan Axelson introduced Kathy as the new District Governor and Kathy spoke about her program for the district.  Kathy has in excess of $50000 of District funds available for matching funds, Paul Harris Fellowships, $1000 CAP grants, community projects etc.  Alan presented Kathy with a Gold Star and, inviting her to help at our Chicken Barbeque, handed her a set of grill tools.
Elaine Parke introduced the "Caring habits of the month" program that has been very successful at area schools reducing violence among students.  The program received the Governor's Award for Prevention of Violence two years in a row.  There are 12 Golden Rule - Habits, one for each Month.  July's motto is "Become Involved".    

July 9, 2002:  Our guests were Bob Dornenburg, Assistant District Governor, and Bill Wyman, President of the Ridgefield, CT, Rotary Club.  Bill is a native of Bethel Park and enjoys returning to his old neighborhood and visiting the local clubs.  President Alan Axelson outlined his program for the coming year that will include several new service projects and participation in the annual District 7300 "Ducky Derby" fundraiser on September 8.  Alan honored Ed Hanke by awarding him a Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding and continued service to the community and to our club.  Congratulations, Ed.

July 2, 2002:  We celebrated with a great family picnic at the USC Recreation Center - thanks to Mike Giglotti jr. and Scott Churchill for organizing this.  We played Boccia and Volleyball and enjoyed great food and even better homemade desserts - thanks to all the families who contributed. 

June 25, 2002: Frank LaValle presented the “Service Above Service Awards” to outstanding volunteers and honor roll seniors Jessica Gipson from Upper St. Clair HS and Lara Kovell from Bethel Park HS. Each received a $500 check and a plaque commemorating the award.  Jessica will be studying special education at New York University.  Lara will attend Case Western studying Chemical Engineering. Both Jessica and Lara attended the meeting with their parents and gave presentations detailing their numerous volunteer projects and activities. 

June 18, 2002: The fifteenth annual "Changing of the Guard" banquet and dinner was held at Valley Brook Country Club.  Joe Kiernan passed the gavel to Dr. Alan Axelson, who was instated as our fifteenth club president.  Joe looked back on a successful and productive year with many exciting service projects, seven new members and a sad good-bye to charter members and past presidents, Andrea and Jack Barnes who are planning to enjoy retirement in Maryland.  Joe presented both Andrea and Jack with a Distinguished Service Award.  Congratulations, Andrea and Jack!
Alan is excited about the coming year under the challenging new motto, "Sow the Seeds of Love".  He is looking forward to new projects under the guidance of our younger members and with the support of our new Board of Directors.  May this year build on the momentum of the past year, and let us strive to live out the mission of Rotary!
Thank you, Joe, and we wish you well, Alan.

(Click the picture to view full size image)

June 11, 2002:  Today's speaker was Mr. Henning Joswig, a mining engineer from RWE-Rheinbraun AG in Germany.  Henning and four other young professionals participated in a four-week group study exchange between District 1870 in Germany and District 6740 in eastern Kentucky.  The trip was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grevenbroich, north of Cologne. 
Henning gave us an overview of his program, during which he stayed with 9 different host families and visited many rotary clubs in the eastern KY area.  The program also included visits to industrial facilities, coal mining operations and other area attractions.  The group shared their perspectives from different professions with their hosts and gave presentations to the clubs they visited. Henning presented our club with a flag from the Grevenbroich club.  Jürgen Brune introduced our guest.

June 4, 2002:  Kathy Crawford, District 7300 Governor-Elect, was our guest.  She and Alan Axelson reported on the District Conference they attended this past weekend.  With the help of participating clubs, the district is organizing a duck race on the Allegheny River on September 8 as a major, franchised fundraiser.

May 28, 2002:  Our speaker was Ann Billak, Marketing Director for the Master Builders' Association and Past President of Christmas in April Pittsburgh.  Christmas in April is an organization that helps disabled, elderly, low-income homeowners with safety improvements and repairs to their homes.  Projects are planned by builders and take into account individual needs.  It costs $2,500 to sponsor reconstruction for a house, but with the help of volunteers, about 5 times this amount is returned in services to the community.  The work is done in one 8-hour day and the results are stunning.
Pat Findle introduced our speaker.

May 21, 2002:  Jim Yusko introduced Jennifer Salibrici as our speaker, a Water Pollution Biologist with the Pennsylvania DEP.  Jennifer spoke about the spread of the West Nile virus and the precautions taken to prevent it from polluting our drinking water supply.  The virus is spread by mosquitoes and causes encephalitis in  humans, other mammals and birds.  First infections in the US have been observed in 1999.  Since then, the virus has spread westward and has recently been found in Pennsylvania.

May 7, 2002: Bob Hackett introduced FBI Supervisory Special Agent Wells Morrison.  Agent Morrison was the agent in charge at the Somerset plane crash September 11.  He praised the excellent cooperation of all federal, state, and local agencies and help organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.  State-of-the-art technology was used to identify the remains of the victims.

May 4, 2002: We had a great evening at the Rotary Progressive Dinner.  Thanks to Donna Kiernan and Lisa Churchill for organizing the event, all host families (the Pearsons, Churchills, Procaccinis, Wards Manalos and the Polacheks) for preparing wonderful hors-d'oeuvres, dinners and desserts and all members ant their spouses for an enjoyable and memorable night. 

April 30, 2002:  Our guests were Sarah Widowiak, junior at Bethel Park High School, and Massod Memarzadh, senior at Upper St. Clair High School, together with Ed Harmon from the Bethel - St. Clair evening club and their friend, Vanessa Day from Upper St. Clair High School.  They and fellow students participated in the annual Ethics Symposium and Youth Leadership Conference, sponsored by Rotary.  Guidance was provided by Rotarians Susan Hicks and Frank Lavalle.  The students spoke about their experience in debates about ethical problems in medicine, the media and in advertising.  Part of the Youth Leadership Conference was a meeting with foreign exchange students from Scotland and France.

April 28, 2002:  Mike and Mike Giglotti and their family and friends, together with Jürgen Brune, worked at Camp Kon-O-Kwee staining siding on a large lodge and two cabins. Mike Lloyd worked on audio stations for a nature trail for children with special needs. 

April 23, 2002: Welcome and Congratulations, Mike Giglotti, jr. as a New Member! Mike and his Father, Michael A. Giglotti, make the first Father-and-Son-Team in our club.

Kathy Zurku introduced our guest, Upper St. Clair Township Manager Douglas Watkins.  Doug brought us up-to-date on current township issues ranging from sewer system maintenance to outdoor recreation.  He reported that a new, state-of-the art playground was built at Tustin Park on Lesnett Road, the design for the Boyce-Mayview park and the Environmental Education Center is nearing completion.  Two proposals are in for an Aquatic Center.  Baker Park is next on the list for renovation.  Deer management is not as effective as was hoped - there are still numerous deer killed in traffic accidents, particularly on Rt. 19 and on Mayview Road.

April 16, 2002:  Welcome and Congratulations, Patrick Findle, jr. as a New Member!

Andrea Barnes introduced her guest, Wayne Freund, Hearing Officer for the Allegheny County Board of Property Assessments Appeal and Review.  Wayne is a realtor and licensed instructor for pre-license classes and continuing education for realtors.  Wayne suggested to look at comparable objects when reviewing the assessed value of real estate.  An appraisal, prepared by a professional, licensed appraiser, is helpful in the appeals process.

April 9, 2002:  Our guest was Neville Nichols from the Glenferrie Rotary Club, District 9800, in Melbourne, Australia.  Neville gave us an overview of "Rotary in Australia and Around the World", their service projects and fundraising events.  Interesting:  In Australia, the Paul Harris Fellowship is awarded based on merit and it is an honor for long-lasting dedication to Rotary.

March 26, 2002:  Lt. Col. Brian Schill and Capt. Jack Barnes from the 171^st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard gave a presentation on their duties in support of Homeland Defense and US Air Force refueling operations.  The fleet of KC 153 air tankers is being modernized with state-of-the-art cockpits and equipment.

March 21, 2002: Welcome and Congratulations, Jim Yusko, as a New Member!

Mike Giglotti and his wife, Barbara, organized an Easter bunny surprise for about 40 children at the St. Francis Early Learning Center in Bethel Park.  The bunny (Mike) and his helpers, Bob Hackett, Roy Werner, Scott Churchill and Jürgen Brune distributed wagons and wheelbarrows filled with toys and books.  A special thanks to Barb Giglotti for organizing the wonderful presents.  Many parents sent thank-you notes. 

Impressions from the Easter Party: (Click the picture to view full size)

March 19, 2002:  Kent Tekulve, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and now Executive Director / Pitching Coach for the Washington Wild Things, spoke about the Wild Things and the Frontier League.  The Frontier League is a Minor League of professional teams that are not affiliated with major league teams yet give young baseball talents an opportunity to play professionally and display their skills to a large community of fans including major league scouts.  The Wild Things play in a new ball park off of I 70 in Washington, PA.  Tickets are reasonable and great seats are still available.