KUDOS, or WAY TO GO GAL

We are extremely proud to report that our past Madam President (MP… or in Rotary speak … PP), Gladys Maharam, has been honored by Pin’s School of Information Sciences. Gladys received the school’s 2007 Professional Achievement Award to honor and recognize her outstanding support and service to the University, the School and the field of library and information sciences. Gladys was honored at a reception held during Homecoming Weekend on Friday, October 19th.

FUND RAISING PROJECT - 2007 PITT FOOTBALL POOL

What a week for Joe Muzurak! He’s won the weekly Pitt Pool for a third time with two in a row! Pitt edged past the Syracuse Orangemen and Joe snagged a couple of bills with his third block (Pitt - 8, opponents - 4). So far, Joe used 3 separate blocks for his 2007 pool feats, possibly a new record for us. Fm getting tired of congratulating him!

Thank goodness Pitt will take a breather this weekend, maybe Joe will let us have a chance to bag a few bucks in one of the 3 games left to play. Hey Joe, don’t be greedy, save something for the rest of us, huh?

WORLD AFFAIRS INSTITUTE

The 2007 World Affairs Institute, the 37th annual Institute and a joint venture of Rotary International (Districts 7300, 7280, and 7330) and me World Affairs Council, will occur on Nov. 15th, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This year, the topic m consideration is “China and the U.S.”. It’s time to award scholarships to the high school students.

ROTARY FOUNDATION PROGRAMITE

Proceeds help advance Foundation goals in onr area by funding scholarships to scholars anywhere to our local schools and to our students going elsewhere.

An evening with The Foundation is scheduled at the PAA on Nov. 16th beginning with a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Reservations are $45 / person and are being handled by Dr. Jose Ravano, 130 Carrie Ann Drive, New Kensington, PA. Checks should be made out to District 7300 Foundation Seminar.

Don Sashin is looking to have a table of Oakland Rotarians with which to enjoy me eve. Call him just a soon after you’ve contacted Jose Ravano and set your reservations. Tell Don you’re joining with him by calling him on his cell phone.

DISTRICT 7300 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The 2008 District Conference will be held on May 16-18,2008 at Bedford Springs Hotel. This grand dame of facilities recently underwent huge renovations and is at her sparkling best condition. Because of the renovations and its reputation for delicious dining and gracious accommodations, DSG Dennis Crawford suggests you consider registering for the Conference as soon as possible. The ’sold out’ sign may be hanging out early next year! Expect to find registration information in the mail in the first quarter of 2008. Now is the time to ‘pencil in’ your calendar to prepare for it.

LAST WEEK AT THE MEETING

Lila De Haver introduced Macrina Lelei, Associate Director of African Studies for Pitt’s School of Education. Ms. Leiei discussed the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, a framework for developing countries, and how the world will or will not meet them within the determined time frames.

As an aside to Ms. Lelei’s chithat with us, we found that our meeting provides more common ground for discussion and friendship man what one might expect. Julius Kitutu, sitting to the right of Ms. Leiei found out that she attended the same university at the same time in Africa as he did. Both persons hail from Kenya and now they both found their post-graduate schooling and their career paths at Pitt, some coincidence, huh? In addition, Seth Spaulding, sitting to her left, was her instructor in graduate school. Apparently, either he passes his expertise to his students well or Macrina was especially receptive to what he teaches as she incisively and effectively noted the gains, losses and incompletions the UN countries had attained thus far toward their goals for developing nations.

The UN created the Millennium Goals in 2000 and set a target date for completion by 2015. They include the elimination of extreme hanger, establishment of universal primary education, promotion of women’s equality, reduction of child mortality, improvement of maternal health, the combating of aids/HIV and malaria, ensuring environmental quality and the development of global reaction to these goals. So far the report card
for the developed world and most of the African countries barely makes a C-.

For the developing nations, ageless habits and tribal customs block many efforts of them to grow and mature. Also, caste conditions and greed deprive most of the population from participating in the development and use of the natural resources of me continent In many instances, the modern world, while recognizing what mast be done, can’t succeed because of the powerful problems that politics and religion pose to obstruct the introduction, of modem ideas, technology, education and medicine to this huge portion of the world’s population. It will take the efforts of good, intelligent people, like Macrina Leiei (and Julius Kitutu, among so many others) to turn the tide. Isn’t it good that our organization, Rotary International, does what it has and will do to assist?

Much thanx to Lila for bringing Macrina and to Macrina for her incisive discussion of what needs to occur to make our world a better place.

SPEAKERS’ SCHEDULE

Jeff Stambaugh advises that George Dieffenbach, Pitt Women’s Tennis Coach will be the speaker on Nov. 8th. Be there!!

Please review the following and start considering possibilities. Check for your name and line something up, then let Joe Mozurak know what’s.

11/15 - John Wilds, 11/29 - Georgia Petropoulos 12/6 - Paula Shaffer, 12/13 - Seth Spaulding, 12/28 - Julias Kitutu, 12/27 -’Get to Know You’ Session

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S OFFICIAL VISIT

Well the BG (Big Guy), District Governor Denny Crawford came and chatted with us last week with his legate to our club. Assistant District Governor Herb Ferguson- Initially Denny and Herb met with the board and club administration prior to the lunch meeting, where they reviewed the District’s and Rotary International’s priorities for 2007-08. We also had an opportunity to go over some of our initiatives, in place or contemplated, ft was a fairly brisk, no-nonsense meeting culminating with a proposal from our Literacy gum, Gladys Maharam in response to one of RI’s foci for the year. Her enthusiastically met proposal is more fully described below.

During the luncheon meeting, DG Crawford expanded upon many of the doings of the District and many individual clubs suggesting that District Rotarians work together supporting other club’s efforts to make a good year for all. Membership is of high priority- North American membership rolls are down while club are being formed or are expanding in the emergent worlds of South America, Africa and Asia. Polio is dog-gone near beat; with only a few countries still at risk. However, vast amounts of RI Foundation cash, reserved for polio elimination, will be spent in the next months to finally whip it into total submission. Since Rotarians pump cash into the Foundation, we can’t hold back at this brink of success.

The Rotary Foundation is high on the ‘must do’ list for RI and DG Crawford complimented our members for their commitment to be sustaining participants over the years. We also have a high degree of Paul Harris Fellows in our midst. More can be done though, and The Foundation is highlighted in a couple of following items in this rag.

Overall, it was a pretty good meet ‘n greet, even though we could’we had a few more members present to give DG Denny a better remembrance of our club.

FUND RAISING PROJECT - 2007 PITT FOOTBALL POOL

If s happened again! Two-fers are abounding! Last week, Sharyn Fleming scored the 1st two-fer of the year, now along comes Joe Mozurak with his 2nd win of the season. Louisville Cardinals broke out of the gate early with a couple of scores before Pitt started to climb back. It was close at the end with Pitt at the goal for the tie or win before a frosh blooper gave it to the opponents, smashing our hopes with a 24-17 loss. Cumulative scoring for the year landed on Joe’s block (Pitt — 8, Opponents —7). At least Joe used a second block for his win (Sharyn’s single block made her a two-timer). Oh what are the non-winners going to do about it? Congrats Joe, don’t spend it all in one place. Pitt has four more games and we have four more chances to grab the golden ring- I’m wet with anticipation, aren’t you?

WORLD AFFAIRS INTSITUTE

The 2007 World Affairs Institute, the 37th annual Institute and a joint venture of Rotary International (Districts 7300, 7280, and 7330) and the World Affairs Council, will be occur on Nov. 15th, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This year, the topic in consideration is “China and the U.S.”.

ROTARY FOUNDATION PROGRAMITE

This function was highlighted by DG Denny Crawford. Proceeds help advance Foundation goals in our area by funding scholarships to scholars anywhere to our local schools and to our students going elsewhere.

An evening with The Foundation is scheduled at me PAA on Nov. 16th beginning with a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Reservations are $45 / person and are being handled by Dr. Jose Ravano, 130 Carrie Ann Drive, New Kensington, PA . Checks should be made out to District 7300 Foundation Seminar.

Don Sashin is looking to have a table of Oakland Rotarians with which to enjoy the eve- Call him just a soon after you’ve contacted Jose Ravano and set your reservations. Tell Don you’re joining with him by calling him on his cell phone.

LITERACY PROJECT

Gladys Maharam generated discussion about a possible Literacy Project several weeks ago at a meeting. Last week she ‘put all her ducks in a row’ by presenting a well-prepared paper on it that was passed unanimously by the board with a budget of $1200+. The project involves presenting good dictionaries to all 3rd graders in schools of the Hill District. The books will be purchased with an assist from using Carnegie Library’s discount with the publisher and with any other discounting the publisher may provide. A District grant may be employed too. Each dictionary will have citations in them noting Oakland Rotary’s sponsorship. We will be reporting on this project over the next several weeks as it is moving toward completion. Thank you Gladys for your action on this project; any help you may need will be given, we assure you!

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

Three weeks ago. Bunt Singh discussed several methods by which we could aid The Foundation (as reported in the ROTOGRAPH last week). One of the ways, a Benefactor Gift Pledge, was erroneously noted that once you complete the pledge, it becomes a codicil to your will. I mixed two different concepts of giving with that report. The Benefactor Gift Pledge is a personal commitment to be honored sometime before or after death by you or your heirs. There is no legal requirement for your heirs to comply with the pledge other than to honor your commitment It is less of an obligation than naming The Foundation .in your will. In either case, though, you will give a precious donation to support a tremendous entity. Please consider The Rotary Foundation in your giving.

SPEAKERS’ SCHEDULE

Please review the following and start considering possibilities. Check for your name and line something up, then let Joe Mozurak know what’s up. Changes made last week are shown below in bold type.

Note: Jeff Stambaugh advises that George Dieffenbach, Pitt Women’s Tennis Coach will be the speaker on Nov. 8th. Be there!!
11/1-LBadeKlayer 11/8-Jeff Stambaugh, 11/15-John Wilds, 11/29-Georgia Petropoulos 12/6- Paula Shaffer, 12/13 - Seoi Spaulding, 12/20-Julius Kituta, 12/27 -’Get to Know You’Session

Ambridge Rotary’s Pie & Dumpling Sale
The club is selling frozen pies and apple dumplings for any of the upcoming holidays. Orders must be placed by Nov. 5th.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S OFFICIAL VISIT

The visit is scheduled for this week, October 25th with a Board meeting set for 11:15 a.m. As noted in the last published ROTOGRAPH, it should be a matter of personal pride in your membership in Oakland Rotary that the club is WELL represented when the District Governor comes a-calling. Having a solid representation of members at this meeting is the best way for all members to take pride in our efforts of the past and offer vision for a better future, one that is heavily laced with doing the best work of life - service to humanity. Don’t disappoint yourself, fill the joint with enthusiastic involvement and make an extra effort to nosh with the rest of us on October 25 and show the Gov we care about Rotary.

FUND RAISING PROJECT - 2007 PITT FOOTBALL POOL

Because there was no ROTOGRAPH last week and Pin. played Navy on Wednesday, Oct. 10, we did not report on the results of that game. The game stunk with Pitt losing 48-45 in overtime, but M. Bonach didn’t give a hoot as she holds block Pitt -7, Opponent -6. Therefore, Paul Solyan’s sale to M.Bonach brings her 200 clams.

Now, last Saturday, Oct. 20th, Pitt faced the 23rd ranked Cincinnati squad and showed a changed team. Pitt took their measure 24 to 17 and !o and behold, Sharyn Flaming got her second win of the year for her block (Pitt -1, Opponent -3). What makes this win even more interesting is that Sharyn’s block was the last block available prior to the beginning of the Pool and Sharyn purchased it to complete the grid. She must be one savvy lady! Then again, she and hubby, Art, have had a lucky year so far, what with his grand prize take at their church festival and all. We just don’t want her to expand her wins anymore this year, especially not from THAT block, huh?

For the rest of us, Pitt has five more games making five more chances to grab the golden ring. Hey, ain’t this fan or what!

WORLD AFFAIRS INSTITUTE

The 2007 World Affairs Institute, the 37th annual Institute and a joint venture of Rotary International (Districts 7300, 7280, and 7330) and the World Affairs Council, will be occur on Nov. 15th, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This year, the topic in consideration is “China and the U.S.”. High school students within the club’s service area can be selected to be delegates to the Institute for $75 each. Within the next few meeting, our club will determine the number of delegates we will support this year.

ROTARY FOUNDATION PROGRAMITE

An evening with The Foundation is scheduled at the PAA on Nov. 16th beginning with a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Reservations are $45 / person and are being handled by Dr. Jose Ravano, 130 Carrie Ann Drive, New Kensington, PA. Checks should be made out to District 7300 Foundation Seminar.

Don Sashin is looking to have a table of Oakland Rotarians with which to enjoy the eve. Thus far he cajoled 5 to be with him this evening. Call him just a soon, after you’ve contacted Jose Ravano and set your reservations. Tell Don you’re joining with him by calling him on his cell phone.

THIS’N THAT

MP Carole Ladik noted several events occurring around the District that may pique your interest. All announcements were taken from the latest District Newsletter, DENNY’S DIALOGUE and includes:
Monroeville Rotary’s Annual Gala Dinner, to be held at Edgewood Country Club on Nov. 3rd. For $125 / couple, a spectacular social session and supper is planned. This is the 11th year for the event which has resulted in over $250,000 in charitable support.
Ambridge Rotary’s Pie & Dumpling Sale. On Nov. 21st, the club is selling frozen pies and apple dumplings for any of the upcoming holidays. Orders must be placed by Nov. 5th.
North Boros Rotary Fashion Extravaganza set for Oct. 28th, at Shannopin Country Club.
Lawrenceville Rotary’s Steeler Bash on Oct. 28th at the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern starting at 11 a.m. $20 gets you food and drink.

YMCA RAFFLE

Usually we don’t push member’s projects in this rag, but because it’s the Y and because it’s Lila de Klaver’s baby and because it’s a truly unique raffle, I just have’ta. 1000 tix to be sold at $100 each with the winner decided by the PA Daily Number (evening number) of Dec. 1st. The winner takes all of the following: 4 club Steeler regular season game seats for 2008-09, transportation within 25 miles to Heinz Field, $200 gift certificate for dinner after each of the 8 games, and $100 spending cash at each game. Contact Lila de Klaver for additional information and tix application.

TWO WEEKS AGO AT THE MEETING

Bunt Singh, our Rotary Foundation Chair discussed the various facets of The Foundation with us on Oct. 11th. While most of us have become Paul Harris Fellows over the years and all of us are building sustaining Fellowships for the last several years, it is always good to get reinforcement on the elements of this global Rotary charity. Bunt’s talk was appropriately timed as this month’s issue of THE ROTARIAN also focused on the Foundation and its fine works. Bunt is really excited about using the Benefactor Gift Pledge method of giving to the Foundation. The painless ease to do so and huge results that may be obtained from taking a few simple steps and adding The Foundation to your will is something we should definitely look into. Bunt, always the facilitator, asked that I include the pledge format with this ROTOGRAPH. Please consider taking action on this, it’ll make the world a better place for you and yours well beyond you.

Thanx Bunt for your great knowledge of the area of Rotary you hold so dear. The Rotary Foundation and your persistence in making sure we are fully aware of its magnitude and benefits to the world.

LAST WEEK AT THE MEETING

Joe Mozurak seemed to have the same premonitions that Bunt exhibited the week before when he discussed the Stock Market comings and goings with us. Little did he know we were in for a significant drop in indices within hours of his chat. Joe gave us good data supporting our belief in the US economy and our participation in it through various saving instruments. Dawg gone it though, while my future may be intrinsically tied to the health of the market and my knowledge of it’s ups and downs, it sure can be complicated without guys like Joe to help us wend our way to security. Thanx for your insights, Joe, it was a good show considering the ‘improv’ job you undertook.

SPEAKERS’ SCHEDULE

Joe Mozurak delivered a schedule of future speaker assignments. Please review the following and start considering possibilities. Check for your name and line something up, then let Joe Mozurak know what’s up.

10/25 - Georgia Petropoulos, 11/1 - Bunt Singh, 11/8 - Jeff Stambaugh, 11/15 - John Wilds, 11/29 - Gladys Maharam, 12/6 - Paula Shaffer, 12/13 - Seth Spaulding, 12/20 - Julius Kitutu, 12/27 - ‘Get to Know You’ Session

FUND RAISING PROJECT - 2007 PITT FOOTBALL POOL

For those who wait to have their blocks hit on any of the last 7 games of the season, this week was a brief respite. Pitt plays Navy Wednesday (right after you read this). Reserve tomorrow nite and either be at the field or tune the telly to ESPN at 8p.m. The last lucky block was Pitt - 2, Opponents - 8. Just add Wednesday’s final score to these and you’ll be prepared to crow about your win at the next meeting. Go Pitt!!!!

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S OFFICIAL VISIT

The visit is scheduled for October 25th with a Board meeting set for 11:15 a.m. This meeting would be a perfect opportunity to re-commit to the basic premise of Rotary (please note the heading above). It should be a matter of personal pride in your membership in Oakland Rotary that the club is WELL represented when the District Governor comes a-calling. Having a solid representation of members at this meeting is the best way for all members to take pride in our efforts of the past and offer vision for a better future, one that is heavily laced with doing the best work of life- service to humanity. Don’t disappoint yourself, fill the joint with enthusiastic involvement and make an extra effort to nosh with the rest of us on October 25 and show the Gov we care about Rotary.

WORLD AFFAIRS INSTITUTE

The 2007 World Affairs Institute, the 37th annual Institute and a joint venture of Rotary International (Districts 7300, 7280, and 7330) and the World Affairs Council, will be occur on Nov. 15th, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This year, the topic in consideration is “China and the U.S.”. High school students within the club’s service area can be selected to be delegates to the Institute for $75 each. Within the next few meetings, our club will determine the number of delegates we will support this year.

ROTARY FOUNDATION PROGRAMITE

An evening with The Foundation is scheduled at the PAA on Nov. 16th beginning with a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Reservations are $45 / person and are being handled by Dr. Jose Ravano, 130 Carrie Ann Drive, New Kensington, PA. Checks should be made out to District 7300 Foundation Seminar.

Don Sashin is looking to have a table of Oakland Rotarians with which to enjoy the eve. Thus far he cajoled 5 to be with him this evening. Call him just a soon after you’ve contacted Jose Ravano and set your reservations. Tell Don you’re joining with him by calling him on his cell. If Don has to get a table for 15 or 20, so be it. Lets see, the PAA could probably put a table that size near the entrance to the shindig. That way, the entire District would know that Oakland Rotary supports The Rotary Foundation to the max!

APARTMENT NEEDED

Rotary District 7300 advised that a family from a faraway place is dire need to be close to Children’s Hospital for the next several months so a member may receive the best medical treatment available in the world. They are looking for a famished apartment in Oakland or its surrounding area. If you think you can fill the bill, let Past MP Gladys Maharam know and she will be most happy to be the interlocutor between you, the District and the family.

RAFFL-ETTE (DEFINITION \ RA-FELL-ET \ n. An entity designed by Jeff Stambaugh to aid The Rotary Foundation)

In a last-minute e-mail message, Jeff offered to raffle off 2 tix to the Oct. 7th performance of the Pittsburgh Pops at $10 a chance. He got several takers to join with him in his unique venture and after just a little organizational deliberation held the event at the end of last week’s meeting.

First of all, we must congratulate Jeff on his inspiration to aid The Rotary Foundation in this manner, and secondly, I want to thank him for the opportunity to partake in an absolutely enjoyable concert. Marvin Hamlisch and the Symphony Pops were truly in a rare form and played to a packed house (even though ‘Da Stillers’ were also playing nearby at the same time to a packed joint). While missing a brilliant game (or so I’ve been told), Marvin kept the musically inclined audience fully informed of the latest scores (both of the many Broadway tunesmiths he highlighted and of the battered but unbroken Kings of the Pigskin). Jeff, my wife and I’ll remember the day for a longtime and I sure got the better end of the stick between The Foundation and me. Thank you for your Rafflette.

LAST WEEK AT THE MEETING

The absent PM, Carole Ladik, with aid of the ‘closing skills’ of Past PM Gladys, brought Dr. James Kelly of Carlow University to us last week. Dr. Kelly is the Director of Field Education in the Department of Social Work at the school.

Jim discussed his work with the Geibel Institute of Social Responsibility and Justice of the school that carries on and promotes the missions of the Sister of Charity. We know the Sisters of Charity from their work in hospitals and schools in the Pittsburgh area. Their work here is but a small dart in their medical and educational missions around the world. Since the orders’ membership is dwindling worldwide, it is up to their lay friends and sponsors to meet mission goals and dreams. The Institute is currently mightily involved with efforts to end the global phenomenon of human trafficking that includes slave labor and the sex trade. While often “below the radar”, sexual tourism to areas of the world (including the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe) is rampant and is especially abhorrent.

Much of the Institute’s work is not merely one-sided, as became apparent at the initial Institute Conference last year. After participants determined they would create special needs centers in Peru to treat severe human disabilities, it was found that Peru not only could learn from us but that we could learn from Peru. That country is better at family involved care of the disabled than we are. Therefore, Project Peru is a mutual exchange of nursing students and professionals learning from each other.

Dr. Kelly cited numerous other examples of the work of the Institute and how each effort meets and enhances upon the missions of the Sisters of Charity from their beginnings in Ireland. We thank Doctor James Kelly (and both Gladys and Carole who got him to us) for making us aware that there is so much work to be done here and throughout the world in the Service to Humanity that Rotary is just breaking the surface. K is a total lacking on our part that there is so much has to be done and so little time (and implementing people) to do it.

SPEAKERS’ SCHEDULE

Joe Mozurak delivered a schedule of future speaker assignments. Please review the following and start considering possibilities. Check for your name and line something up, then let Joe Moznrak know what’s up.

10/18 - Gary Darlington, 10/25 - Georgia Petropoulos,
11/1-Bunt Singh, 11/8 - Jeff Stambaugh, 11/15-John Wilds, 11/29-Gladys Maharam,
12/6 - Paula Shaffer, 12/13 - Seth Spaulding, 12/20 - Julius Kitutu, 12/27-’Getto Know You’Session