Program 5/5/15: Big Rewards, Small Steps

Angela Chapman, a member of our own Rotary club, introduced us to a new initiative of the YMCA, titled: Big Rewards, Small Steps, that seeks to enable people, who are bordering on suffering from Type-2 diabetes, to prevent the actual onset of diabetes. Ms. Chapman emphasized the expense of treating diabetes and how this illness shortens people's lives significantly. It was encouraging to hear how the YMCA program is much more than mere disseminating information. Rather it engages the participants in small groups to make real life changes that they can perpetuate far beyond the span of the program. The goals set for participants are reachable yet meaningful.

The Backpack Program visits the Rotary Club

On January 13th, The Rotary Club of Lake Hickory welcomed Amanda Freeland with the Catawba County Backpack Program to their lunch meeting to talk to the club about their program.

The Backpack Program works with schools throughout the county to provide children with a backpack filled with food every Friday throughout the school year. The program seeks to assist children who participate in the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Program or families who temporarily find themselves choosing between food and other living expenses.

To learn more about the Backpack Program or to donate online, visit http://www.catawbacountync.gov/dss/backpack/

Western Piedmont Symphony presents to Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Lake Hickory received a presentation from Dr. Martha Hill, Interim Executive Director and Laura Generous, Business Manager for the Western Piedmont Symphony at their January 6th, 2015 meeting.  Martha and Laura spoke about the symphony, its current season and upcoming events, as well as the overall impact arts organizations like the symphony have on our area. Dr. Hill is also a current member of the Rotary Club of Lake Hickory.

You can learn more about the Western Piedmont Symphony by visting their web site at www.wpsymphony.org or by "liking" their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WesternPiedmontSymphony).

Rotary Club of Lake Hickory elects new officers

The Rotary Club of Lake Hickory held elections for new and renewing club officer positions on Tuesday, December 16th.

Pictured are, left to right, Angela Chapman (Second Vice-President, to be President in the 2017-2018 year), Nancy Meek (Director), Roseanna Brown (Director), Alan Barnhardt (Secretary) and Jack Wade (Treasurer).

Congratulations to our incoming club officers!

Maiden ROTC presents to Rotary Club

The Air Force ROTC program from Maiden High School gave a presentation at the Rotary Club of Lake Hickory's December 16th club meeting.

The ROTC program at Maiden High School is led by Colonel Eric Steward (pictured to the right), who spoke to the club about the program, its requirements, and the goals he holds for each of the students.

Some of the cadets also spoke about their experiences, including Cadet Lt Col Logan Stewart (grandson of Rotary Club member Tom Stewart).

Pictured, Left to Right: Cadet Major Will LaBoy, Cadet Lt Col Logan Stewart, Cadet 2nd Lt Amanda Combs, and Cadet Major Chris Rice.

You can learn more about the Maiden High School ROTC program by visiting their web site at this link.

November 25th Program: "From Russia With Love"

Rotarian Bob Shaffer arranged the program for the club's November 25th meeting by bringing in Marina Favreau, owner of "Marina's Taste of Europe", with her talk "From Russia With Love".

Marina, born in the Ukraine while it was still a part of the Soviet Union, talked about her love of food and cooking, and how important it is for us to experience the food of other cultures.  Marina talked about her background growing up in the Ukraine, then moving to New York, to then come make North Carolina her home.  She recently opened up "Marina's Taste of Europe" in the Viewmont area of Hickory (across from Village Inn Pizza).

The Salvation Army and Boys & Girls Club present at the November 18th club meeting

The program for the club's November 18th lunch meeting was arranged by club member Rob Setliff.  Rob played a fun video about the Salvation Army to remind the club that the holiday "bell-ringing" activity is coming soon.  The Rotary Club of Lake Hickory has a long tradition of helping ring the bells to raise money for the Salvation Army during the holidays, and will continue to do so in 2014.  Rob shared with the club the economic impact the bell-ringing has on our community and the nation.

The program then turned to Thomas Propost, a high school senior, who told the club about growing up with an alcoholic, abusive father and the amazing effect the Salvation Army - and specifically, the Boys & Girls Club - had on his life.  His life is now positive and on the right track, and he thanks the Boys & Girls Club for their support.

To learn more about The Salvation Army in Hickory/Catawba County, visit their web site at: https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/hickory/.

Club Meeting focuses on the Rotary Foundation

During the November 11th, 2014 meeting of the Rotary Club of Lake Hickory, the program was delivered by club member and District Assistant Governor Bill Loehr.  Bill spoke to the club about the Rotary Foundation and the work the Foundation is able to do with Rotarian support.

The Rotary Foundation makes it possible for Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by supporting projects that improve health, support education, and alleviate poverty.

The Annual Fund is the primary source of funding for Foundation activities.  Rotarian contributions help the organization carry out a broad range of local and international projects.  Every Rotarian is encouraged to participate in a Foundation project and contribute to the Annual Fund every year.

For more information about the Rotary Foundation, visit www.rotary.org.

Carolina Cycle Challenge benefits pediatric cancer research

The Carolina Cycle Challenge was held on Sunday, October 5th... read the article from the Hickory Daily Record about this event and Rotary's involvement!

http://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/cycle-of-caring-community-gathers-for-carolina-cycle-challenge-to/article_dc84a20e-4cca-11e4-b015-001a4bcf6878.html

City of Hickory presents at October 1st Rotary Club Meeting

Our speaker at Tuesday's Rotary meeting was David Leonetti with the City of Hickory's Community Development. He told the club about some of the City's grant programs and their affect on the City.

Watch the video below the City of Hickory had produced to educate people about the various grants and initiatives available for people looking to renovate old buildings in town.