Dear Rotarians and Friends,
 
It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter with cold temperatures and a light dusting of snow.  The forecast predicts more of the same for the next few days and it reminds me to get my Christmas list completed. As we complete our tasks for Christmas, I know we all keep in mind the less fortunate in our midst.  Again this year we have provided gifts cards for the Rocky River Assistance Program and this weekend, Friday evening and Saturday morning, we will be helping with the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation Food Distribution.  Come on out Saturday about 9:00 AM for camaraderie and the good feeling you get helping others.
 
This week at our meeting we are pleased to be swearing in our newest members, Bob Hamed and Kevin Beirne.  Bob is Mike Hamed’s father and he’s happily retired.  Kevin is an active father with several young children and he’s engaged in the Commercial Insurance business.  Please make an extra effort to attend the meeting and welcome them into our ranks.  Let’s make their commitment to Rotary meaningful and productive by helping them get involved in our activities.  Think about who else you know that would be a good candidate to belong to Rotary.  As you sell Rotary, it’s important to remember you’re a member in the world’s largest service organization and as such, welcome to any Club in the world.
 
Our deepest sympathy to Bill Minnich and his family at the loss of Susan, his wife and best friend for 60 years.  There will be a memorial service on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 2:00p, in the Chapel at Rocky River United Methodist Church.
 
Our Interact youth at Lakewood High School did a great job with their Shelter Box Fund Raiser.  They made their goal and along the way garnered some well deserved attention from the local news outlets.  Our exchange student, Maria, was very active in the project and, of course, our thanks go to Kirsten Senger, the Club’s adult leader.  Kirsten is a tireless leader and advocate for the Interact youth at LHS.
 
This week our guest speaker is Simon Peck from the Case Weatherhead School.  The following week is our Christmas caroling program with Charles Eversole of the Singing Angels and not to be missed book exchange.  So dig around your collection, select a book, wrap it and bring it to the meeting.  See you on Wednesday.              
 
Chuck
440-463-1100