PITTSFIELD ROTARY CLUB District 6460 13 September 2006

"FIRE-SIDE CHAT".....(probably without the fire...) September 28 at 6:30 P.M. at Violet Shulman’s....for ALL new/ lst/ and 2^nd year Rotarians....or any other Rotarians who have never been to one, or those who would like to attend......also POTENTIAL Rotarians ........

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what Rotary is, and can be for you.....at a Rotarian’s home that was really designed for such an occasion, and hosted by a Rotarian who has lived what Rotary stands for, both as a ‘Rotary-Anne’, with her husband...who was an outstanding Rotarian, and by her personal example in our community over the years......

Don’t miss this opportunity... You can still sign up at the Wednesday, September 20 meeting.

Visitor: Paul Lyell, Chiropractor, with Mark Meleski

Hope you didn’t miss the open house at Mid-west Chiropractic to introduce Dr. Lyell and Dr. Bradburn......

President Anne Revis reported that our project at Illini should soon be finished...weather permitting.

Program: Becky McCartney introduced Brian Ganz, Area Director for Big Brother/Big Sister.

Brian, while at MacMurray College, had an internship with Big Brother/Big Sister program. He became enthused with the volunteers enjoyed being a Big Brother, or Big Sister.

It is more than just being a friend, or companion......It’s helping kids become good citizens, changing their lifestyles and helping to turn them into productive citizens.

Locally, BB/BS started in Morgan County in 1961. (Nationally, it started in 1905.).....paid personnel started in 1971, with funding through the United Way. 10 years ago, only 75 matches were made. Last year, 125 matches were made.

Morgan County merged with Adams County in 2003, and in 2004 added Brown and Schuyler County and in 2006 Cass County was added. They would like to add the other non-participating counties in the Western Illinois area to their program.

Big Brothers/ Big Sisters have advisory councils to help raise funds and advise on needs. No government funds are used. Costs about $1,000.00 per match.

Several programs are available. The traditional, which is underwritten by the community.

One, with couples who can share the experience together....others are possible

They would like to come to Pike County..... The governing board is made up from all the served counties ...would like to have some board members from the unserved areas.

Children are most often recommended to the program by their parents, who seek a better life for the. Teachers and churches also nominate....

Don’t forget to sign-up for the "Fire-Side Chat"!!!!!!