President Liz Quinn opened the meeting today and welcomed all of us as she led us in the Pledge.  Ben Schlesinger led us in “America the Beautiful” and Father Bill Hague gave his inspirational prayer.

Guests today included:

• Sue Kirk introduced Ken Hartman, Director of the BCC Regional Services Center or as Sue Kirk says, “Ike Leggett’s eyes and ears in Bethesda.”
• Johnathan Davis introduced Ryan Smith, Membership Director of the YMCA.  Ryan will probably be taking Johnathan’s place in our Club.
• Chris VanderMoortel introduced the cutest lady present – his daughter Emma.

Announcements:

 Dick Ruprecht really came through with the Carnival of Chocolates.  He not only arranged drivers for the desserts, but was able to present a $1,000 check to the Dwelling Place from the Club at their event.  Jeanne Smith for her organization of the Children's Inn Mexican Fiesta on Sunday.  Although we didn’t have many volunteers, the evening was a success with the Taco Bar and decorations.  Liz Quinn showed a Thank You card from the Inn made by one of the children. Sad News (but good for Johnathan!) is Johnathan Davis will be leaving the Club and taking a position as the Executive Director of a large YMCA in the Philadelphia area.  This is a great opportunity for Johnathan, but a sad time for Kiwanis.

Upcoming Events – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Saturday, March 8^th:  Governor’s visit at Leisure World.  If you would like to attend, contact Kelly Boswell.  There will be no walk-ins!

Saturday, March 29^th:  Mid-Winter Convention at Leisure World.  All invited.  Liz Quinn has tickets available for the Caring Corner (all funds go to the Pediatric Trauma Unit at Children’s Hospital).

Saturday, April 26^th:  9AM – Spiritual Aims Breakfast at Leisure World and from 8AM – 5PM:  Rebuilding Together Project Day. Bob Quinn will be our Captain and sign-ups will be forthcoming. 

Sunday, April 27^th:  Division Fundraiser at Olney Theater – “1776

Saturday, May 17^th:   Division “FAMILY K DAY” at Camp Friendship

Friday, September 12^th:  35^th Annual Golf Tournament

Happy Dollars:

Bob Quinn:  HD for Jeanne Smith and her great organization at Children’s Inn.  It was such a great success and we had a great time, although few Kiwanians were there.  Another HD for Dick Ruprecht and his incredible last minute organizing of the desserts for the Carnival of Chocolates. Dick Ruprecht:  HD for the success of the Homeless Walk in November and how much the Dwelling Place and Bethesda Cares gained from it. AND, one for Thomas Quinn volunteering to help drive desserts to the Carnival. Chris Van derMoortel:  HD for being grateful to be back!  Ben Schlesinger:  his son is engaged!  Ernest Duran:  two happy dollars for being back!  Johnathan Davis:  for his last day being the 21^st of March and THANK YOU!  Jim Aylor:  for his first two lifetime pledges for the Miracle League. – Yeah Jim! 

Speaker:

Sue Kirk introduced Russ Hammel, Commander of the Bethesda District of the Montgomery County Police.  He and his wife, a homicide detective, are life-long residents of Montgomery County.  He is a graduate of Good Counsel.  He so graciously stepped in at the last minute for Chief Tom Manger, who was called away on a family emergency.  Commander Hammel gave an incredible update on what’s happening in our county – law enforcement wise. 

• This morning the United Bank in Bethesda was robbed.  A very vivid picture of the thief was taken and he expects conclusion very soon.
• Montgomery County is one of the 50 largest policy departments in the US, yet we only have 1.26 officers per 1000 residents.  One half the national average. There are close to 1 million people in MC.
• The organizational chart for the County is:  One Chief, Tom Manger; 3 Assistant Chiefs (Field Services, Management Services and Investigative Services); 6 Commanders for each district (Rockville – District 1; Bethesda – District 2; Silver Spring – District 3; Wheaton/Glenmont – District 4 ; Rockville, Montgomery Village – District 5; Germantown – District 6) plus SAT (Special Assigned Teams) to each district for Internal Affairs, Family Crimes and Special Focus. (i.e. vice).
• Commander Hammel never worked vice, as he said, "his wife wouldn’t allow it."
• Last time citizens were surveyed, Crime was their #1 concern.  There has been a slight increase in robberies, especially auto thefts (thefts of things from cars).
  • Homicides:  2006-15; 2007– 9; 2008-5 so far.
  • Rapes (reported):  138 in 2006; 137 in 2007
• Commander Hammel told a story about one burglar who has been robbing for 30 years  - gets arrested constantly, but always seems to be released.
• Regarding Gangs in Montgomery County:
  • 36 known gangs in the County
  • 1100 known members
  • Last year 374 countywide gang incidents.

Hammell suggested that we visit: www.crimereports.com and see reported crimes in the County. Just note that they are listed by where they were reported, not by where they were committed.  A gracious thank you to an interesting presentation and many questions followed for Commander Hammel.

Ernest Duran won the 50/50 which hopefully will inspire him to come to luncheons.

Elizabeth Quinn, Editor for the Day