The September 15 meeting was opened by President Jim Leder.  Jeanne Smith, past President  lead the Pledge and Bob Gradle lead singing our patriotic song.  Rev. John Walker offered the prayer. Thirteen people were present.   Guests introduced were Carla Larrick, Vice President of Operations at Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA and speaker Rich Schiffauer, Speaker will be Rich Schiffauer, who has 33 years experience in the human services field working in a variety of capacities with a variety of populations. Mr. Schiffauer is the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services ex-Officio representative to the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs.  His talk will be on Information About Efforts to Serve Veterans..

Special Announcements:

At the last DCM meeting of the year, Robert G. Brewer was named by President, Jim Leder, as our club's Unsung Hero.  Known as Robby, he practices law in Bethesda at the firm of Lerch, Early and Brewer.  He joined our club in 1978 and follows in the footsteps of his famous uncle, Scott Brewer.  However, Robby established his own footprints as a member in the community.  He has held all offices with honor and distinction.  He was the driving force in the establishment of The Imagination Stage, in Bethesda.  He also serves on the Lazarus Leadership Program and has served as President of the Bethesda Chamber of Commerce.  He has fulfilled the duties of Trustee to the Bethesda Kiwanis Foundation.  When we formed the Trustees for the Miracle League, Robby was one of the first to accept the position as one of the Trustees--way back in 2006.  His legal expertise, his council and the advice is the main reason the Miracle League was built.  In addition, due to his efforts the Washington Nationals became our prime sponsor.  He is indeed our club's UNSUNG HERO and for all his fine accomplishments, a brick will be placed in the plaza of the Washington Nationals Miracle Field.         

Everyone was reminded to attend Wheaton-Silver Spring's 10th Annual Pancake Breakfast held on Saturday, October 13 at Wheaton High School Cafeteria, 12601 Dalewood Drive from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.  All the pancakes and sausages you can eat.  Pat Tiede is selling tickets for $7 each.  Let's get several people to attend and support this fun event.  Pat also has tickets for The Comedy Night Fundraiser being held at Holiday Inn in Gaithersburg on Wednesday November 2.  $40 will pay for an excellent dinner and comedy show along with 50/50 Raffle and Silent Auction Event.  Cash bar is available.  The funds raised will support The Miracle League.

Happy Dollars:

Bob Cressy HD for the successful DCON held in Williamsburg, Virginia.  The 2012 meeting will be held in Reston, Virginia.  Bob also commented on the health of two past Kiwanians -- John Durfee and Bob Vigderhouse.   John Walker HD for his oldest granddaughter who is getting married.  Jim Leder HD for Robby Brewer, our club's Unsung Hero recognized at this month's DCM Meeting.    He also mentioned the hard work of Marlayna Proctor, Jeanne Smith and Pat Tiede.  Ben Schlesinger HD for our speaker, Richard Schiffauer and all the fine work our club does.  Pat Tiede HD for Jim Leder who received a lifetime membership in the Capital District Foundation.  This was given an the DCM meeting on September 12.

Speaker:

Program Chair, Jeanne Smith, introduced our speaker Richard Schiffauer, Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services -ex-officio representative to the Commission on Veteran's Affairs.  There are over 75 different organizations to make sure that services for veterans are coordinated.  The Commission's mission is to advise the County Executive and Council on the status of programs and services in the state and county related to the needs of veterans and their families.  Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from September to July.  Visitors are welcome.  It was suggested by our group and wounded veterans might like to become involved in the Miracle League baseball teams. 

     President Leder with Speaker Rich Schiffauer

The 50/50 was won by Bob Gradle. 

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The September 22 meeting was opened by President Jim Leder.  Marlayna Proctor led in the Pledge, Scott Brewer started the song and Rev. William Hague delivered the prayer.  Our guest speaker Janet Edmunson was welcomed as well as prospective member Victor VanDeMoortel.  Sean Ross found us on the website and also joined us for lunch.  Jim got really serious with the following: 

If you can start the day without caffeine. If you can get going without pep pills. If you can always be cheerful ignoring aches and pains. If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles. If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it. If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time. If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when through no fault of yours something goes wrong. If you can take criticism and blame without resentment. If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him. If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend. If you can face the world without lies and deceit. If you can conquer tension without medical help. If you can relax without liquor. If you can sleep without the aid of drugs.     ...then you are probably the family dog!!

Announcements:

• ·        September 26, Monday – FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING, LEGAL SEAFOOD  6:30 pm

• ·        October 4, Tuesday – BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING.  6:30 pm

• ·        October 11, Monday – DCM – Leisure World, 6:30 p.m.

• ·        October 13, Thursday – INDUCTION OF OFFICERS LUNCHEON @ Tragara – Dave Benway 12 Noon

• ·        October 15, Saturday – Wheaton-Silver Spring 10^th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast – 8 am-11 am $7

• ·        October 22, Saturday – Potomac Day Parade, booths, fun for all – 8 am

• ·        October 23 – Sunday – NIH CHILDREN’S INN DINNER – 5 pm

• ·        October 27, Thursday – KIWANIS LUNCHEON @ TRAGARA – Speaker Vivian Bass

• ·        November 1, Tuesday – BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. 6:30 pm

• ·        November 2, Wednesday – FUNDRAISER FOR MIRACLE LEAGUE – Comedy Night with Dinner – Gaithersburg Holiday Inn $40

• ·        November 10, Thursday – KIWANIS LUNCHEON @ TRAGARA - 12 noon

• ·        November 11, Friday – VETERAN’S DAY EVENT - Woodmont Triangle - 10:30 am

• ·        November 22, Tuesday – JOINT MEETING WITH ROTARY @ TRAGARA @ 12 noon

• ·        November 24, Thursday – YMCA TURKEY CHASE

• ·        December 8, Thursday –Christmas Party @ Alfio’s – 6:30 pm

                        Miracle League Fall Schedule_________________ 

 

Saturday, October 1	1 - 3 pm
Sunday, October 9	10-12 noon
Saturday, October 15	10-12 noon
Saturday, October 22	10-12 noon
Saturday, October 29 or 30	pending to arrange with Nationals

Rain  policy:  Cancel by 8 am day of game - 240-777-6810

 

Happy Dollars:

 

Scott Brewer HD for the Miracle League games.  Jim Leder HD to be a Kiwanian.  Victor VanDeMoortel HD to be reconnecting with club and happy to hear our speaker, Janet Edmunson.  Jeanne Smith HD for all the assistance Marlayna Proctor has given to the club, Miracle League and personally to her.  Sean Ross HD to be welcomed by the club as a guest and he is almost finished with his chemotherapy.  Pat Tiede HD for our guest speaker Janet Edmunson who traveled from Maine to be with us today.

 

Speaker:

Janet Edmunson is an inspirational speaker, writer and health promotion professional who is dedicated to using her life experiences and inner values to support the growth and self esteem of the people her life touches. Janet took care of her husband, Charles, during the five years when he was fighting a degenerative neurological disease. During that time, she also helped Charles write his book titled Paradoxes of Leadership. Her new title, Finding Meaning With Charles, highlights the life lessons and the caregiving affirmations that Janet discovered as she cared for her husband over that five-year time span. Janet has over 30 years experience in the health promotion field and a master's degree in exercise science from Georgia State University. Recently retired as the Director of Prevention and Wellness at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Janet led a team of 20 to support the company's promise to "always put our members' health first." The programs and initiatives she supervised encourage their 3 million members to adopt healthy lifestyles, supported nearly 700 employers in offering worksite wellness programs for their employees and provided tools to over 4,000 primary care physicians to promote preventative health.

 

Janet spoke of daily affirmations that assist us all in coping with difficult situations that pop up throughout our lifetime.  On her bookmark that she passed out to everyone, the following statements appeared:  "Feel all of life's emotions."  "Let the love flow even when all else is lost," and "Hold on to your passions, because they are the essence of who you are."  Janet asked us to write down our "Mission" and to live by the mission every day--what do you want your life and work to be all about?  Any goal you set will be tested but remind yourself that you have a reservoir of strength within you.  Janet remarked about Kay Yow, a North Carolina State women's basketball coach from 1975 to 2009.    She coached the U.S. women's basketball team to an Olympic gold medal in 1988 despite being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987.  She said, "when life kicks you--let it kick you forward."  She did that until her death January 24, 2009.  Sometimes it is important to share with others.  Disease makes you better, not bitter.  A very inspiring and emotional presentation that was well received.

 

 

Pat Tiede,  Editor

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