The Bulletin -- November 25, 2009 (#1018)

CONGRESSMAN BILL OWENS MET WITH ROTARIANS TO DISCUSS HIS NEW ROLE AS MEMBER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. CONGRESSMAN OWENS SUCCEEDED JOHN MCHUGH WHO IS NOW US SECRETARY OF THE ARMY.

Program: Congressman Bill Owens -- Post Election Round-up.

Congressman Bill Owens told Rotarians he was very proud to have his grandchildren on the floor of the house as he was sworn into office. He has learned an immense amount about this district and politics. Congressman Owens has become aware of the many competing goods and issues in our congressional district. He still believes jobs and the economy are the most important issues at this time.

There is a need for bipartisan discussion about the issues, and both parties have to come together in order to achieve resolution. Congressman Owens said he was appointed to two committees: Armed Services and Customs & Immigration. There is a great amount of information and data available to him. He is taking the opportunity to become “schooled ” on the issues regarding these committees.

Congressman Owens will be independent on his votes and is willing to hear from his constituents on their views. He assured the Rotarians he is going to work hard to bring jobs to the district. He said he likes to keep an open mind before making decisions. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and to enjoy their families.

Q: Jack Prim asked his view of the Health Care Bill.
A: There will be very difficult conversations over the next several weeks.

Q: A. J. Ford wanted to know if he believed the statistics he has heard — that 5 million jobs could be lost if the Health Care Bill was enacted.
A: There is a great deal of information to go through before these suppositions can be determined. Congressman Owens said he believes there is a lot more to lose if we don’t have a Health Care Bill.

Q: Kevin Killeen asked if he will still be a “nice guy” a year from now.
A: I’m not going to be a blue dog. The caucus I joined was the Irish caucus!

New Member Talk: Jack Helfgott grew up on a poultry farm in Rhode Island. He was active in the Boy Scouts and is proud to be an Eagle Scout. Jack was also in the Order of DeMolay and played basketball. After high school, he spent his freshman year of college at Boston University then transferred to the University of R.I. He graduated with a B.A., majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. After college, Jack moved to St. Petersburg, Fl and attended Stetson University College of Law for three semesters. Jack said, “At that point, the college and I came to the mutual decision that I might be better suited to a career that did not require a Juris Doctorate.” After law school, Jack worked at a variety of jobs that included armed guard at a nuclear power plant, dump truck driver and heavy equipment operator, and assistant Pari Mutuel Manager at the Plainfield Greyhound Park. He found his calling when he was hired by Roadway Express in 1987. He met his ex-wife and moved to the Boston area when she was seven months pregnant with their first daughter, Emma and five years later had their second daughter, Annie. In 1998 Conway offered Jack a chance to manage their Plattsburgh, NY facility and he moved north. They quickly fell in love with the North Country and all of the wonderful activities that are available. Jack experienced several life changes including a divorce, leaving Conway for Old Dominion Freight Lines, in Williston, Vt., and changing jobs again to become Business Manager of Yipes! Auto Accessories/ Signs and Graphics. He has a wonderful girlfriend Jody Gibbons and is happy to be part of Rotary. Below: Jack Helfgott

This Week:
Thanks is owed to Cornelia Forrence and C.J. Soper for filling up the Belling Ringing schedule for the Salvation Army. Thanks also to the volunteers who will give their time.
On Dec. 9 there will be collections for three causes: Salvation Army, area nursing homes and the Christmas Bureau.
First Thursday will be held at Irises on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.

Visiting Rotarians: None

Visiting Kiwanians: Tim Kramer, Allan White, Tom Konlin, Kimberly Kliest, and Theresa Bennett.

Guests: Marshall Mundy (Stevens Mundy), Sue Laveque (Al Folsom), David Bray (Bob Parks), Amanda Palmer (Jack Prim), Elaina Nunn (Ellie Murray), A.J. Ford (MaryAnne Bukolt-Ryder), Congressman Bill Owens (Colin Read).

Bonnie’s Bucks:

• Stan Supinski announced the birth of his 8th grandchild.
• Theresa Bennett said Gordon Hazel sends his Thanksgiving blessing, as he is unable to attend today.
• Kevin Killeen announced the Moriah Vikings football team made it to the finals and thanked the Press Republican and Bob Parks for the article on the Lineman.
• Peter Cadieux corrected Jack Helfgott once an Eagle Scout always an Eagle Scout.

Fines: Al Folsom paid a $10 fine because his guest’s cell phone rang.

50/50: Ewa Jankowska pulled the 2 of Hearts and won the pot of $1,153! She announced she will be splitting the pot – half for her husband and half for the Bookmobile!

Another Candle Burning For: Al Folsom (11/29) and Sybil Kiroy (12/2).

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