Club Meeting
April 4
Our savvy President George
Brookhart called the meeting to
Order. All were well greeted by
Susan.
We were wonderfully lead in song
by Woodlawn Rotarian Kacy Conley
in American The Beautiful. What
a fabulous voice she has!
Brent lead us in sober prayer
for wisdom for our leaders and
other good thoughts.
GUESTS: Rick Martel has
submitted an application for
membership. Guest Emeritus Alan
Ray also joined us.
Occasional Guest Kit Valentine
from The Patapsco Valley
Heritage & Greenway visited to
tell us about the 4/14 stream
clean-up and MAY 6, 2007 annual
Garlic Mustard Challenge and
other environmentally supportive
actions like tree plantings.
INDUCTION: George
Brookhart gladly inducted
another new member, Rosemary
Wright. Rosemary looked quite
stunning with her Rotary New
Member package.
BUSINESS UPDATE:
BOOK FESTIVAL: Friday,
April 27,2007 Catonsville
Library 6:30 to 9:00 PM. We’ll
have food, wine, music, poetry
and at least a dozen authors,
including former Baltimore Colts
legend Lenny Moore, with books
to sign. Michael Collier, a
local Catonsville resident and
former State of Maryland Poet
Laureate, will also be there and
read a poem. Bruce is accepting
bottles of wine for the event.
SATURDAY, April 28, 2007 Used
Book Sale. Used books can be
dropped off at the Catonsville
Chamber of Commerce office on
Frederick Road. We have 3
sponsors including Bruce and
George and would like a couple
of more. Flyers are
forthcoming. Proceeds will
benefit the Library and the
Catonsville High School magazine
The Ellipsis.
HAPPY DOLLARS: Joe was
happy to report that he has the
go-ahead for the dance to
benefit the CCBC Foundation at
the CCBC Gym on October 20,
2007. the funds are used to
provide emergency aid to
students. He expects at least a
thousand people to attend. Last
year, 1100 attended. Joe also
was happy to say that he was
enjoying the soundtrack of
Jersey Boys, the uplifting music
of Frankie Valle and the Four
Seasons. Joe is also
appreciative of Spring in
Catonsville.
George is somewhat happy to have
returned from a great trip to
Florida. He also reminded us
that April 23 is the Taste of
Catonsville at Rolling Road Golf
club. 16 restaurants will be
featured.
Dawn was pleased that her
stepfather Dick Mitchell has
retired from his position as a
Trial Attorney with the US
Department of Justice Tax
Division. Many of the finest
attorneys have practiced in that
Division.
Bruce was happy that Ohio State
University has the second best
football and basketball college
teams in the US.
Cal was happy with the visit of
his younger brother who is
recovering from a serious brain
injury several years ago.
Kit Valentine was presented with
a nifty Rotary emblem emblazoned
flashlight. He is happy that his
brother-in-law is recovering
from a quadruple by-pass
operation.
SPEAKER: Joe introduced
the lovely Kacy Conley (she of
the fabulous voice) who is the
director of Urban Service
Programs Division YMCA of
Central Maryland.
Conley has a long history of
success in a variety of
positions in the YMCA beginning
in the DC area. She is a
resident of the Woodbridge
Valley neighborhood in
Catonsville where she resides
with her husband, son who is at
Catonsville High. Her daughter
works in a law firm and one son
is a First Lieutenant in the
Army Infantry stationed in
Hawaii.
Conley is a Past President and
member of the Woodlawn-Westview
Rotary Club which is having a
fundraiser on April 26, 2007 at
Martin’s West with their Service
Above Self awards. Conley is the
Program Chair.
Conley provided us with
bookmarks from the YMCA listing
the Building Blocks for Life
which is a list of values the
YMCA instills in children
attending their activities and
events. She described the after
and before school programs which
have 3 components – Academic,
Homework Assistance, and
Enrichment. These programs are
provided in 14 schools, Monday
thru Friday from approximately
2:30 to 6 PM. Volunteers are
needed primarily 4 – 6 PM.
Conley related an excellent
story about a woman walking her
dog near a bus stop with middle
school students. She urged all
of us to become involved with
teens.
Volunteers are also needed for
the YMCA Youth in government
program where youth take the
place of legislators and
Executive branch officials for a
day. This successful program has
been occurring for 60 years. The
YMCA also has a Judiciary
Program.
Joe Loverde announced that the
Joe and Cindy Loverde Foundation
awarded its first check in the
amount of $1,000 to the YMCA
Urban Services for art supplies
and field trips. At our meeting
Joe made a commitment that the
Foundation would help sponsor a
trip to the Halloween Haunted
House at Rolling Road Golf Club
on Oct. 29, 2007. The Loverde
Foundation will provide bus
rides for children to/from the
Club and snacks as well as the
admission fees. What a wonderful
announcement!
50/50 – Susan was
specially happy to win the 50/50
and then, to pick the two of
hearts!
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary Susan (and US
Department of Justice Tax Division
alumna)
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Club Meeting April 11
Our debonair President George
Brookhart called the meeting to
order. We were greeted by wholesome
Brent. Bruce inspired us with deep
thoughts expressed in poetry.
GUESTS: Joel Carpenter, an
attorney whose practice is located
on Baltimore National Pike, once
again graced us with his presence.
Craig Witzke, a property manager,
and son of Russ, kindly joined us
for breakfast. Ellie McIntyre who
works with George also visited.
Photographer Jim Lister who is
currently serving as the Interim
Executive Director of the Chamber of
Commerce also attended.
Several folks from Whalen Properties
supported the Speaker: Mike Mohler
and Tom Whalen (audio visual aide
extraordinaire).
Business Update: Bruce
passed around a sign-in sheet for
help on Friday and Saturday with the
Book Festival. We have 15 authors
who will attend including (drum
roll) former Baltimore Colt Lenny
Moore who will be available to sign
his book All Things Being Equal.
Wine can be donated to George to
keep for the event. Half of the
proceeds will go to the Friends of
Catonsville Library and half to The
Catonsville High School literary
magazine The Ellipsis. Sponsorships
are $200 each. Flyers are being
printed soon (tomorrow). During the
meeting we were very fortunate to
have our final sponsor volunteer –
WHALEN Properties. Very cool. Bruce.
PINS are in – Rotary folks being
friendly. $2 each. Richard has them.
BOARD meeting next Tuesday, April
17, 2007 at Café On The Grove 7:30
PM. All are welcome.
Happy Dollars: Susan was so
relieved that George is not the
father of Anna Nicole Smith’s baby.
Rosemary was glad to have her
daughter recover from surgery with
her for 6 weeks; and glad that she
had recovered and was able to leave
for home.
Tom was happy to return as he has
been absent. He was in SC painting
in the hot weather and his wife was
hurt and needed a driver. Since
Easter, Tom and his grandson are
trash-talking video games.
George was happy to have spent time
with his 2 oldest grandchildren
going to museums and out for dinner.
Steve Whalen, a previous Guest, was
happy to announce the birth of his
first granddaughter, Abby. He was
also happy to have spent time with
his two grandsons who are 3 and 4
and he was also happy when their
parents retrieved them.
Sherry was kind enough to say that
my meeting minutes make her smile;
and, she will be happy to see more
women interviewing Catonsville High
School students on behalf of the
Club next year.
Joe is happy that Maryland schools
are on spring break and his commute
from Columbia has been easier. He
was also happy to have learned in
the nick of time that Whalen has 3
grandchildren.
George was happy to remind us about
the Taste of Catonsville at Rolling
Road Golf Club on April 23, 2007
with 15 restaurants providing
“tastes”. Tickets are $30 in
advance.
Richard happily watched the end of
the Maryland legislature and noted
how they passed a law banning
cigarettes in bars and restaurants
and passed a law raising the tax on
cigarettes.
SPEAKER: STEVE WHALEN was
introduced by Joe Loverde. Whalen
has been a real estate developer for
25 years and successfully developed
over 300,000 square feet of office
space, much of which is in South
West Baltimore. He also developed
Foxhall Farm in Catonsville. Whalen
was born and raised in Catonsville.
He is 56 years old and has 3
children and 3 grandchildren. Whalen
graduated from Loyola High School in
1967; and in 1970 from Notre dame
with a degree in Economics. He
obtained his MBA from George
Washington.
Whalen described his latest project,
The Promenade near the Beltway and
Wilkens Avenue in Catonsville. Over
the years residents would complain
that he wouldn’t build a project in
his own backyard; Whalen joked that
in fact, he built the Foxhall Farms
development in his front yard.
Whalen has owned the land for The
Promenade for over 20 years waiting
for the right project. He is in the
process of acquiring additional land
from the State. He described both
the Ehrlich and O’Malley
administrations as being supportive
of the project.
In addition, many local
organizations have indicated their
support for the project along with a
number of elected officials
representing local districts.
The Promenade is described as a
major mixed use facility – retail,
Class A office space, entertainment
– arts, cinema, theater, music, and
residential space, perhaps up to 250
residences. Recreational facilities
for the community are also planned.
Two hotels are contemplated.
Hopefully the project will be
underway in 2 years, and it will
take 2 years to build out. The motto
for the project is:
Live Work Play
Dine Shop Stay
Whalen described an impressive array
of talented players in the project.
The charts he showed us showed a
significant fiscal impact during
construction and thereafter as well
as a large number of new jobs.
Whalen described the liquor licenses
that have been acquired and are
targeted for acquisition for the
project.
The parking spaces for the project
are mostly underground rather than
being so spread out for a better use
of the land. The buildings planned
would also have terrific views as
they would be the tallest buildings
in SouthWest Baltimore.
50/50 Drawing: Russ Witzke
was the big winner.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary Susan
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Board Meeting
April 17
Unforgettable President George
Brookhart called the meeting to
order.
BOOK FESTIVAL – Authors Night
THIS FRIDAY April 27.Steve, John,
and Bruce are going to move books to
the Library on Friday afternoon.
George will set out the books from
his house to be transferred. Richard
will provide change for the Used
Books Sale. We’re not going to have
a raffle. We may have door prizes.
Tom will get the Rotary banners to
the Library. Richard has the Rotary
tablecloth. Bruce will be in Chicago
at the end of the week – he can be
reached on his comcast email.
FROM EVERYONE – we need
ticket sales, and some more wine
bottles.
Membership – Rick Martel has
been voted in. We have his new
member package and will induct.
Regrettably, Reggie has resigned. We
don’t know what happened to Bruce
Siddens. Doug Scriba made Susan a
promise he would come to a meeting
by the end of the month.
We discussed two kinds of possible
new membership packages – Family and
Corporate memberships. There were
several vague ideas as to how each
could be implemented discussed. The
club membership will be asked
whether we should continue.
PRESIDENT’s REPORT – The
Arbutus Business and Professional
Association has an Auto Show at UMBC
on 8/19/07. We will discuss having a
hot dog stand there.
George would like to schedule a
regular Wednesday breakfast meeting
at The Children’s Home so that we
can better understand their needs.
We have been generally discussing a
garden project there.
TREASURER’s REPORT – As of
4/16/07 the Club has $10,905. $280
is from Author’s Night tickets.
$7,720.122 is payable to the
Foundation from the PayPal account.
So the real Club balance is
$2904.88. We will use $1500 to pay
Café on the Grove for breakfasts,
and $300 for our Internet account.
$1500 in dues are outstanding.
The Foundation has $20,477. There
are Accounts/Receivable of $2500
still due from the Bull Roast.
$1910 is payable to CEFM from 2006
Bull Roast and $18,500 from 07 Bull
roast. We are also holding $2150 for
the Loverde Foundation. In summary,
the Foundation has about $7363.
We have Rotary Club brochures to
display at the Book Festival and the
Taste of Catonsville.
Dominican Republic Project –
after the Book Festival, Bruce and
the International Lane will be able
to focus on selecting a project.
Other: We will ask Chris
Jones to help us create an email
distribution list of former members
so that we can keep them informed of
events as many do regularly attend
our activities.
The Board does no believe the Rotary
4 way Speech Contest is a good use
of our time, energy and resources at
present. Cal will be consulted as to
whether we do it again next year.
SPEAKERS – Joe Loverde will
take over scheduling speakers July
1. Joe would like members to assist
in introducing our speakers. As Joe
has set an excellent example for
introducing speakers, we will have
to measure up!
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary Susan
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Club Meeting - April 18
Our congenial President George
Brookhart called the meeting to
order. We were greeted in excellent
fashion by Rosemary Wright. Larry
Aaronson led our Devotion.
BOOK FESTIVAL – This Friday,
April 27. Flyers are available. You
can still bring wine and books to
donate on Wednesday.
HAPPY DOLLARS: Joe is happy
that he and Cindy would celebrate
her birthday at Tersiguel’s. He was
also happy to report that the CCBC
President has approved the
Foundation dance for this October to
raise $ for emergency student aid.
And, Joe was delighted to report
that our handsome President has
agreed to be a MAJOR Sponsor. Joe
was also grateful for generous
donation for the community
Thanksgiving dinner to be held on
11/22 at The Rice Auditorium from
Russ Witzke.
Brent reported that his son Colin,
stationed in Fallujah, Iraq
reported that he is impressed with
the Marines serving there (and
Colin, a proud naval officer, has
never been complimentary of the
other armed services).
Tom happily reported that his young
grandson hit 2 homeruns in a recent
game – the first was the usual kind
of that age – 4 fielding errors on a
ball hit in the infield; the second
was the real thing – out of the
park! Tom also reported on playing
golf with his rascally brother
(clubs thrown, stepping on
opponents’ balls etc.)
Steve was happy to report
celebrating his mother’s 100th
birthday. Regrettably, Steve was
teaching and directing at the
University of Iowa when 6 people
were shot on campus. He is available
to talk about the recent Va. Tech.
tragedy. Steve also reported that
the Bani DR Club with whom he has
been emailing conveyed their
sympathies.
Rick reported that 2 Catonsville
youth at VT survived. Justin Klein
was shot in the arm and the leg and
is recovering.
Susan was happy that another young
man from Catonsville, Mitch Buell,
also survived the VT massacre.
Russ was cautiously happy that he
would soon be celebrating his 44th
wedding anniversary.
George was happy to report that his
eye laser surgery has been
successful and he is no longer
wearing glasses. He also reminded
us of the fabulous Taste of
Catonsville on Monday, April 23 from
5 PM to 7:30 PM.
Richard related a funny story about
Justin Klein and his son Mark
playing in Harry Eck’s pond as young
boys. Richard is also happy tax
season is over.
GUEST SPEAKER: Joe
introduced Eddie Applefeld, a local
media figure (WCBM 680, WVIE? 1570
AM and WNST? 1570) and well known
member of the Hoi Polloi. Eddie
hosts a radio show, and a local TV
show (he needs restaurant
suggestions to feature), and does
many charity events. (Joe has asked
him to emcee the Bull roast – a
FANTASTIC idea.)
Eddie began by asking us media sort
of trivia questions for which he
awarded prizes. He also explained
the difference between advertising,
promotion, publicity, and public
relations. He recommended various
ways to set our Club’s message apart
from the other charities and
community groups vying for
fundraising $. He suggested we
establish relationships with the
media and to tend those
relationships.
There was a discussion of appointing
a Club spokesperson to identify to
the media so that they would have a
“go to” person for info on the
Club.
Next Week’s Meeting is a Club
Business Meeting.
50/50 WINNER – someone
definitely won.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary Susan
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Club Meetings April 25
Our valiant President George
Brookhart called the meeting to
order. We were greeted by Rosemary
Wright wearing a lovely lavender
sweater. Russ offered thanks
sincerely.
GUESTS: The distinguished
Alan Ray stopped in for breakfast.
HAPPY DOLLARS: Joe was
happily on his way to Las Vegas to
see Phantom of the Opera among other
cultural activities. Joe expressed
everyone’s relief that Richard did
not break any bones in his recent
fall.
Ed was happy that he and his buddy
had a fabulous trip to an antique
car museum in Hershey PA. It was
revealed that Ed’s first car was a
1950 Plymouth coupe.
Larry was twice as happy as usual –
1) because his 2 year old
granddaughter was a good baseball
fan at an O’s game and 2) the
Chamber of Commerce has lowered its
standards and invited the renowned
Professor Aaronson to join the
Chamber of Commerce.
Alan was happy to report that he had
enjoyed a recent visit from his wife
Pamela’s sister and husband who hail
from Oregon.
Bruce Siddens was happy to report
that Sam’s business has increased 8
% and some other good news. He also
announced the DONATION from SAM’S of
cheese for our Authors’ Night.
Brent also was happy about
something.
Tom was happy to be headed for
Florida this weekend. He was also
proud to report traveling by
motorcycle to an O’s game where he
garnered privileged police parking.
Cal was happy that Russ and George
had talked to Mt. DeSales students
about the real work world. Cal also
reported picketing the Turkish
Embassy with his family to protest
the massacre of Armenians from 1916
– 1922. A chant by the picketers –
Turkey Run, Turkey Hide, Turkey
Guilty of Genocide – was recounted.
Richard was happy that in falling
flat on his face (not the first
time!) Richard relished relating his
meal at another Great Chefs
Fundraising Dinner which, with a
Silent Auction, raised $570,000 for
the Family Tree Foundation.
Dawn was pleased to report her
mother’s 15th anniversary
of being diagnosed with breast
cancer which she has survived.
INDUCTION: The entire Club
was extremely happy to watch Bruce
Siddens and Rick Martel join the
Club as both are excellent examples
of Rotary’s motto “Service Above
Self.”
INTERNATIONAL LANE: Bruce VD
discussed plans for the upcoming
Book Festival. Ticket sales are
needed. We have 30 sold; we are
well short of our goal of selling
100. We have 15 authors attending.
Saturday will be the used book sale.
More volunteers are needed Saturday
morning and Saturday afternoon.
Bruce sent a press release and an
item about the Book Fair was in the
Catonsville Times column of ?B.
Simon. Someone is to bring a
camera. Alan Ray reminded everyone
how much he and Pamela enjoyed
attending last year.
Thanks to Steve Arum’s assistance in
having correspondence translated, we
have established solid contact with
the Bani Rotary Club in the
Dominican Republic. Our goal is to
identify a service project. We are
trying to get Oriole Miguel Tejada
involved to assist with fundraising
and publicity. Next year, we may
protest Turkey with Cal.
VOCATIONAL LANE: Cal said
that the 2007-2007 projects have run
their course and are now recorded in
the history books. The Dictionary
Project was successful. Mock
interviews are completed. The 4 Way
speech contest is finished save
mailing the check to the student
winner.
NEW BUSINESS: Eco-friendly
(‘Green”) George suggested a project
cleaning up some part of Catonsville
or getting involved in a
beautification project or
establishing or expanding a garden
at The Children’s Home.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Richard
reported that many members had taken
advantage of the decreased dues for
people paying quickly. Most members
promptly paid the $100. The Club’s
balance is approximately $3231.50.
Members can ask Richard specific
questions or receive a copy of his
latest QuickBooks printout in the
mail.
As he requested, Susan provided
Richard with a Sales Tax Exemption
application form so that we may
avoid payment of sales tax next year
at Martin’s. The Club Foundation has
about $32,004.24 some of which is
the Loverde Family community Fun and
some of which is earmarked for
grants to the Catonsville Emergency
Food Ministries.
We are well along the way to our
goal of putting $5,000 in a CD to
earn money for us.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: John
galley hasn’t started working on the
Arts & Crafts Festival yet.
The YMCA 5 K Race is scheduled this
year for 9/29. 2006 750 runners.
Goal for 2007 1000 runners.
Matthew’s 1600 has agreed to be the
start/end again.
MORE NEW BUSINESS: Joe talked
about his Thanksgiving feast for the
homeless planned for 2007. He
estimates raising about $8,000 for
costs. The Loverde Family community
Foundation Website has all the
details.
GUEST BARTENDERS - There was
a general discussion of the fun we
have at these events and how easy it
is to raise a little $ for good
causes. Bruce was willing to follow
up.
LEASDERSHIP: Although George
will be a very difficult act to
follow as President, we are hopeful
that everyone in the Club who has
not served as President will get in
line and replace him some day. Susan
and Richard are also hoping for
replacements sooner. Please consider
volunteering to serve as Chair of
any of our 4 Service Lanes –
Vocational, Community, Club, and
International.
50/50: Rick generously
donated his winnings to the Club.
Tom won the Bonus Drawing of Tickets
to Mosaic’s Fundraising/Awards
Banquet at Martin’s West which were
most graciously donated by Joe
Loverde.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary Susan
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