Newsletter - Archive  Jun 25, 2009

print this page

"All the News That's Fit to Print...

And Some Not So Fit"

New Beginnings

June 25, 2009

...and so begins the Rotary year 2009-2010 as new Club President Joe Brand rang the bell to call the club to order.  After last Saturday night's Demotion Party Joe adorned with his Rotary Bling ran the meeting without missing a beat.  New Rotary International President John Kenny's theme for the year is "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands"

President Joe Brand starts our new Rotary Year

Our morning began with an invocation by Eric Sense our new Sgt-at-Arms, followed by Steve Stern leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and then a rousing version of Zippity Doo Dah which once again nicely demonstrated the limited vocal talents of the group, but it left everyone smiling.

We were joined by our special guest, former District Governor, Lane Calvert who is serving as our District Youth Chairperson.  He is excited about working with Villa Park's and Lutheran's Interact Clubs and reported that Christine Villaforte, from VPHS is the Youth Governor again this year.

He expects a big year from Rotaract with Nate Trimmer as Rotaract Governor.

Steve Kawa was named our Rotarian of the Year for 2008-2009 for his outstanding performance of his duties as treasurer, and his help on numerous projects this year.  Congratulations Steve you have been the epitome of Rotary's Motto of: "Service Above Self" this last year and the club is greatful for your service and positive "can do" attitude.

Steve Kawa with his Rotarian of the Year Award

There were lots of birthdays and anniversaries this week-

Happy Bucks:

Lesslie Giacobbi and Pam Dunn  commented about the Demotion Party and last year's accomplishments-  Thank-you

Jim Brodsky welcomed his 13th Grand child last week

Bob Kreisberg- moved his offices to Villa Park and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with Peter Giacobbi

and reported he had an out of body experience shooting an incredible round of golf.

Steve Kawa thanked the club for naming him Rotarian of the Year 

Bryan Nash- visited the Rotary Club of Paramount - who agreed to sponsor 3 campers to the upcoming Camp To Belong event this July; Fullerton South' Club may also sponsor additional campers and Quicksilver is having a silent auction to help sponsor the event.

Our Speaker this week was our own Lesslie Giacobbi who explained the historical events that has led up to the current credit crisis and how it is impacting the local housing market.

One telling statistic is that housing prices are at the low prices we saw in 2002, but they will not return to the high prices seen in 2005 until 2019.  Meanwhile, even though prices are low and mortgage rates are low it is difficult to get a mortgage without putting down 30%  and having significant cash reserves.  Lesslie got in a  well natured ding on Ron Accornero by pointing out he was the source of all our problems---all in good fun; Ron wants equal time, but Lesslie reminded him that he spent his time talking about the healthful effects  of the "Chinese Diet". 

Lesslie wins this round on points.

Lesslie Giacobbi

Joe rang the bell to end this round.....to be continued next week

Great Job Joe!!!  Done with style, grace and lots of humor.

Jay