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Commander Michael A. Giardino, U. S. Navy (retired) is a high energy leader, planner, team builder and communicator with 26 years of sound, effective decision-making and problem-solving experience in complex, demanding environments. Mr. Giardino has a well documented history of accomplishments in guiding diverse organizations to meet highly challenging goals, improve organizational performance and manage scarce financial resources while providing the means for individual team members' growth and achievement. Mr. Giardino returned home to Monroe County after retiring from military service. He was appointed and, by unanimous vote, confirmed, as Director of Aviation for Monroe County, New York.

If you plan to bring a guest to this Tuesday's luncheon please contact the Rotary Office, 585-546-7435.

The "buzz" after yesterday's meeting was an overwhelming sense of confidence in the new administrators that RCSD Superintendent Dr. Bolgen Vargas has put into place.  Each of the three women displayed an air of confidence and comfort in their new roles and the passion they have for making a difference came shining through.  One coming out of a comfortable retirement, one coming out of a secure job in the  State Education Department and moving to Rochester, and one taking on the challenge of having no experience in school administration.  Courage, Passion, Commitment and Confidence.  Sounds to me like characteristics that are vitally needed to turn around the performance of the Rochester City Schools.  And, what about the courage of Dr. Vargas to seek these people out and convince them to join the RCSD?   Very impressive! As I have said before, we need effective and innovative leadership in the City School District and from what we saw yesterday, this team of highly qualified professionals deserve our full support.  

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Because Tuesday's meeting was all about the City Schools, it was wonderful to have two of our most committed School #8 volunteers recognized as our "Tootsie Roll Bright Spot" winners.  Pat Coakley and Warren Bastian were honored for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to support our Scholarship Candidates, providing transportation to Rotary events, organizing field trips, and being "beacons of light" for all the kids at Roberto Clemente School #8.  Leadership is example, and what fine examples these two Rotarians present.

Please, send in your nominations for a Bright Spot award to Beth Cross-Wilhelm and myself.  There are so many deserving members and we just love giving away the Official Candy of the Rochester Rotary Club!

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OOPS! At Tuesday's meeting we had "Thinking of You" cards on the tables for Harry Blaeser and Tim Cook. A nice thought BUT I forgot to mention why we were sending them notes. In Harry's case, he is commencing in-home Hospice this Friday August 31^st. Visitors are welcomed but please call ahead. The many notes that you wrote at the meeting will mean the world to him. Regarding Tim Cook, his father died quite unexpectedly late last week and I was supposed to suggest a short note of sympathy might be in order. My apologies for the confusion.

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Sad News.  Mary Alhart's mother, Anna DelCorvo died on Tuesday evening, August 28^th.  Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with Mary, Don, and their entire family as they face this difficult time.  Losing your mother at any age is a most difficult passage in life, and we hope that Mary finds comfort in the love and support from all of her friends at Rochester Rotary.

The Rochester Rotary Club's first community service team project is to contribute to the success of Foodlink's Festival of Food - the largest food, beer and wine tasting event in Upstate New York. The event will be held on Monday, September 10, 2012, at the Rochester Public Market. We need 10 to 15 Rochester Rotarians to volunteer from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. Family, friends and guests also are welcome (minimum age is 8 years old / Foodlink prefers 16 and up). Volunteers can expect to sell and collect tickets at entrances, hand out bags containing plates and cups, or act as "runners" to keep 100 vendors stocked with food, beverages and ice. Please contact Bob Attardo at 987-2884 for more information and to volunteer.

This year's Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner is set for Sunday, November 4th, 2012 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The reception will be from 4-5pm and dinner will be from 5-8pm. 

          

On Wednesday, September 26, we will play our 11th annual golf tournament against the Guelph Rotary Club in Niagara Falls, Canada at the Niagara Parks Whirlpool Golf Course.  Any Rotarian is welcome to play.  The competition is a two person, better ball format (two Rochester Rotarians against two Guelph Rotarians with 100 % handicap.)  Don't have a handicap?

We'll create one for you.  Don't have a partner?  This is the way to meet another Rochester Rotarian, and we'll match you up!

This is a fellowship event, not a fund raiser.  It is followed by an adult beverage or two, a great dinner, and home by 8-8:30. The total cost is around $100.00, and the fellowship is great!!  I guarantee you'll enjoy yourself, no matter how you play!

Interested, or interested in finding out more about it?  Give me a call at 586-9228 or e-mail me at richardbayer01@aol.com 

Dick Bayer

Do you know a friend or business colleague who would benefit from being a member of the Rochester Rotary? Bring them to a luncheon and propose them for membership! It is simple; visit our website at www.rochesterrotary.org and download a proposal card under "Club Committees". 

If you have any questions about membership, please contact Linda at the Rochester Rotary Office at 585-546-7435 x 201 or either committee co-chair, Mary Lewis Consler or Steve Abramson.

September 2-Ralph Fornuto
September 3-John White
September 7-Tom Arcuri
September 9-Sergio Esteban
September 10-Kathleen Pringle
September 10-Bill Shaheen
September 12-Bob Guilfoil
September 13-Dan Meyers
September 13-Betty Strasenburgh
September 18-Tay Keller
September 19-Paul Law
September 20-Sean Kelly
September 20-Jeff Halik
September 23-Jerry Archibald
September 26-John Bartholomew
September 26-Dave Mack
September 28-Mimi Bacilek
September 28-Bob Wiesner
September 28-Ira Korn
September 30-Amanda Galley
September 30-Mat Adams

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