Rochester Area Jaycees Newsletter

Keith Lakatosh, President, 248-854-8446

What does it mean to be lucky? Is it some cosmic anomaly that seems constantly out of reach? Well sometimes maybe, but more often than not, luck is something that is planned for and acted upon. It was the famous Roman philosopher Seneca that said “Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.” I like this quote because it makes luck something I can have influence over. Now I’m not talking about luck in the form of beating some statistical improbability, like winning the lottery. I’m referring to luck when it comes to the everyday things we do in life.

In order to have true influence over your “luck,” you have to be prepared. I want to talk about some ways that the Jaycees can help you prepare for the opportunities that produce “good luck” in your life.

For many people, the mere thought of speaking in front of a group of people is one of the most intimidating things they would ever have to do. I know a number of people that in a casual setting have very little trouble conversing, but when placed in front of a group of people they become nervous piles of goo. The Jaycees offer and encourage members to attack this insecurity head on. We provide opportunities to speak up during General Membership Meetings (GMMs) and the Jaycees offer quarterly speak up competitions at our state assemblies. These skills are important, because no matter what your profession, chances are there will be opportunities for you to present an idea to an important audience, whether it is a perspective client or the leadership in your organization. The Jaycees prepare you in a safe and constructive setting to increase the chances to capitalize on those opportunities.

The Jaycees are committed to leadership development. In order to know what that means we need to define what the characteristics of future leaders are. For most fortune 500 companies, the model leader is one who is a self-starter and a strong motivator, essentially an entrepreneur for his or her organization. Why is this relevant? The Jaycees provide chances for members to organize a variety of events. They range in size and scope and involve several levels of coordination. However, the most common thread for all our projects is that they require self discipline and effective planning. Now, I will not guarantee that all projects will go off without a hitch, or without a wide range of curve balls, but wouldn’t you rather learn how to deal with those unexpected problems in the Jaycees than on the job? I like to think the Jaycees teaches its members how to be good planners and entrepreneurs through encouraging them to run projects and learn the project life cycle.

I would love to share with you how the Jaycees have enhanced my life, both professionally and personally. However, that is self serving and unique to my own needs and experiences. I would instead ask you to look internally and examine what your goals are and how the Jaycees may be able to prepare you to achieve those goals. While we are a service organization and strive to make our community a better place to live, our main mission in the organization is to develop future leaders. I wish you the very best and hope your future opportunities bring you the best of luck!

Jocelyn Moellering, Individual Development VP, 248-383-5623

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2010 @ 6:00 PM

Come learn how to rock like a true hero at the Rock Band Hero Training at the Moellerings’ on Saturday, March 13. Learn tips and tricks for success on guitar, vocals, and drums, even if you’ve never played before. Experienced players can also learn more advanced techniques for playing on harder levels and getting the highest scores. We’ll keep track of your scores on each instrument to show your improvement over the course of the evening. One of your hosts, Jocelyn, has won several Guitar Hero competitions. Hope you can join in the fun! We’ll have pizza and pop (please bring about $5 to contribute) and feel free to BYOB.

DIRECTIONS TO THE MOELLERINGS’

Kaitlin Schaefer, Community Director, 973-960-9009

March is National Reading Month! Do you have any books in good condition just sitting around your home looking for a new home? Did you buy a guilty pleasure romance book to read but never got to it? How about all those books you bought for your English 101 course at school that were never even opened? Please bring any good-condition books you have to the March GMM for our monthly collection drive. The books will be donated to an organization accepting book donations. If you have any questions please email Kaitlin Schaefer at [email protected]. Also, if you know of any schools or community organizations that may be willing to receive our book donation, please let Kaitlin know.

Lindsey Lee, Membership VP, 586-202-5000

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2010 @ 6:30 PM

The Roads are bad, it’s cold outside and cabin fever is kicking in. Are you longing for warmer weather and the open road!?! Are you feeling the need for speed and the wind in your hair!?! Then come join the Rochester Area Jaycees at Race Rochester on March 19 as we race for the Mini Fast & Mini Furious title.

We can’t change the weather, but we can turn up the heat on Race Rochester’s 8-turn indoor go-kart track, located on Tienken Rd just east of Rochester Rd. The cost is $15 for a 10-minute race, in heats of up to 7 drivers (double-seaters available for families). Start your engines at 6:30 pm and put the pedal to the metal for some fast fun. Food and drinks are allowed (no alcoholic beverages) for some tailgating good times as we cheer drivers to the checkered flag. Bring your family, bring your driving glasses, and bring it on!

For more information check out Race Rochester on the web at www.racerochester.com or call Chairperson Lindsey Lee at 586-202-5000.

DIRECTIONS TO RACE ROCHESTER

Keith Lakatosh, President, 248-854-8446

I would like to give a special shout-out to our 2009 President Jason Matz for the recognition he received on behalf of the Rochester Area Jaycees for their accomplishments last year. Jason received the very special honor of receiving a Presidential Medallion, one of only 50 given out during the year by the Michigan Jaycees President. He was also identified as one of the top 20 Presidents of the Michigan Jaycees. Come to the General Membership Meeting to see the many awards and accomplishments we received at the year-end convention February 20th.

Michael Webber, Community Director, 248-375-0858

TUESDAY, MARCH 30 & FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010

The goal of our annual Senior Easter Baskets project is to bring a little joy straight to the doorsteps of home-bound seniors in our area. On Good Friday (April 2), we will fan out across the city and deliver bags full of food, candy, and household items to recipients of the Older Persons Center Meals on Wheels program. All members are invited to contribute to this rewarding project by participating in the assembly or delivery of the bags. Assembly will take place on Tuesday, March 30, at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Hills City Hall on Avon Road. The bags will be available for drivers to pick up at the assembly event or through delivery to you prior to Friday, April 2. Call Michael Webber, Senior Easter Basket chairperson, for further details at 248-375-0858.

DIRECTIONS TO ROCHESTER HILLS CITY HALL

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010 @ 7:30 PM

The second Thursday of every month, we have a GMM to go over upcoming projects. This month, we will be collecting gently-used books for our monthly community donation. Our meetings are held at the Rochester Community House which is located at 816 Ludlow in downtown Rochester. Ludlow runs north off University Drive (Walton Blvd), approximately one half mile east of Livernois (or one half mile west of Main Street/Rochester Rd). We encourage you to come early and mingle before the meeting.

DIRECTIONS TO COMMUNITY HOUSE

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010 - LANSING, MI

Every March, the Rochester Area Jaycees travel to Lansing to participate in the Michigan Jaycees Model Legislature project. In this project, we conduct a legislative session in the House Chamber of the Michigan State Capital. This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, March 20^th.

We will spend the day at the Capital learning about the legislative process through debate on actual bills currently before the legislature. You will have the opportunity to sit in the representatives’ chairs and elect your own party leaders. You’ll learn and practice parliamentary procedure and caucus as a party just like your elected officials.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives. The Jaycees are one of only a few organizations permitted to conduct a mock legislature on the actual premises of the state capital. Be sure to invite your friends and family to join you in taking advantage of the exclusive privilege to experience the process that creates the laws that govern us every day. Space is limited, so sign up early.

Contact project chair Dan Hauser for further details, to sign up, and to make carpooling arrangements at [email protected] or 586-703-4881.

Lindsey Lee, Membership VP, 586-202-5000

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 @ 6:45 pm

MAKIMOTO SUSHI BAR & ASIAN KITCHEN - 2741 UNIVERSITY DRIVE, AUBURN HILLS

Going crazy with the games? Whether it be the team, the rival, the refs, or the significant other, take a time-out with the Rochester Area Jaycees on March 24 at 6:45 pm, as they break away from the typical tailgating cuisine. Makimoto Sushi Bar & Asian Kitchen was voted Best Sushi in 2009 by the Oakland Press and is located on University Dr. just East of I-75.

DIRECTIONS TO MAKIMOTO SUSHI BAR

MONDAY, MARCH 8 , 2010@ 7:00 PM - MOELLERING HOME

The Monday before the second Thursday of the month (the GMM), the board meets to go over the business of running the chapter and projects. This meeting will be held at Dan & Jocelyn Moellering’s home at 788 Francis St. in Rochester Hills at 7:00 pm. All members are welcome to attend to discuss any project that is planned or that they would like to have added to our existing programs!

DIRECTIONS TO THE MOELLERINGS’

Julia Webber, Community VP, 248-613-6875

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM - DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER

Our state’s unemployment rate is 14.6%, the worst in the nation. Michigan shed 276,000 jobs in 2009. Last year was a challenging one for many in our area, and although economic data began to stabilize in the latter half of 2009, the structural changes to Michigan’s economy will continue to test job seekers. Job hunting, an ordeal in any circumstance, has become extraordinarily difficult and the challenge faced by our community is reconciling the large field of job seekers with the few positions that are available.

The Rochester Area Jaycees are tackling this challenge directly by conducting the MI Earth Day Green Career Fair. The event will take place in Downtown Rochester at the corner of Third and Water Streets on April 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the annual MI Earth Day Festival. At the career fair, job seekers will have the opportunity to connect with various green companies, government agencies, and educational institutions.

If you have any questions about the Green Career Fair or if you are interested in joining the planning committee, contact co-chairs Jason Matz ([email protected]) or Julia Webber ([email protected]).

Lindsey Lee, Membership VP, 586-202-5000

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010 @ 6:45 pm

CRUST PIZZA & WINE BAR - 2595 S ROCHESTER RD, ROCHESTER HILLS

Curious about whom the Jaycees are? Want to find out what it is the Jaycees do? Meet the Rochester Area Jaycees at Crust Pizza + Wine Bar 6:45 pm, March 29 to take an in depth look at who we are, what the Jaycees stand for, what projects the Rochester Area Jaycees do, and to answer any questions about the Jaycees and the Rochester Area Chapter.

DIRECTIONS TO CRUST PIZZA & WINE BAR

Jocelyn Moellering, Individual Development VP, 248-383-5623

“Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.” -Doug Firebaugh

This month, I wanted to share a quote with you in hopes that you choose to arise each day with the desire to do more, be more, and inspire more. So much of our daily routine involves “just getting through” the day, and this is often our only goal. What has to get done today? While staying on top of daily chores, errands, and tasks is important, it might not bring the fulfillment you seek in your life. Consider adding something “that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.” This can be something small, even a kind word or action to a friend, family member, co-worker, or stranger. It can also be something bigger such as being an active volunteer in your community. What’s amazing about doing these kinds of things in our daily lives is how they impact our thoughts and emotions, thereby directly affecting our well-being. Dave Matthews said “if you give, you begin to live.” Give to others, give to yourself, and begin to inch yourself “closer to a better tomorrow.”

Kaitlin Schaefer, Community Director, 973-960-9009

Thank you to all who attended the February GMM and helped put together Valentine-themed bags for the Hearts for Seniors project benefiting the recipients of the Older Person’s Center’s Meals on Wheels program! Together we stuffed over 100 bags! The bags were delivered to the OPC on February 12 and were to be distributed to homebound seniors on February 13… just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Dan Moellering, Management VP, 248-805-1326

We met on February 18 as a committee to discuss some of the technology concerns and ideas we have as a chapter. I wanted to share some of what we talked about and I would appreciate any thoughts you have on these matters.

1. We’re looking into using either Google Voice or another online service (such as my1voice.com) to manage our voice mail. We’d like to be able to have all our voice mail come to a centralized online location where multiple people can hear the messages. Also, we’d like to be able to forward the Jaycee hotline phone to a particular member’s phone during large projects.

2. We’d like to better utilize our online photo album on Picasa by having all members contribute photos to it from various events and to link to the album on the newsletter and website.

3. We need to update the content of our website so that it is more up-to-date, accessible, and approachable. We’d also like to update the look and graphics to be more seamless with the new newsletter format.

4. We need to make a decision on how we want to utilize our existing Facebook group, including using it to promote events and linking to it from our website.

5. We need a way to keep our multiple address books updated. We have various address books on our hotmail and evite accounts that need to be constantly updated. We’d like to have a standard operating procedure for adding new people to an address book and who is in charge of keeping everything up-to-date. We are considering having a centralized list in Excel that we keep updated and then people would use that information to create customized contact lists.

6. We have new email addresses for our board members at @rochesterareajaycees.org and we have our existing hotmail forwarded to [email protected] . We’d like to gradually migrate accounts (like evite) to our new email address and all future publications to use our new email address. We’d also like to migrate our existing google calendar to our new domain.

Kaitlin Schaefer, Community Director, 973-960-9009

Thank you to all who participated in this collection at February’s GMM by donating gently used purses and bags! We collected over 20 bags and have gotten them to the Senior Center for Eastpointe. Your donations will be used for the Center’s “Purse Pantry” project and will allow Seniors to swap their used and deteriorating purses for newer ones. This project is an ongoing project for the Senior Center, so if you were not able to bring your bags to February’s GMM and would still like to donate them, please contact Kaitlin Schaefer at [email protected].

Jocelyn Moellering, IDVP & Newsletter Editor, 248-383-5623

A little history on this much-celebrated holiday — enjoy!

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest productions, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Russia.

In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick’s Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world. Last year, close to one million people took part in Ireland ’s St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows.

Chicago is famous for a somewhat peculiar annual event: dyeing the Chicago River green. The tradition started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river—enough to keep it green for a week!

Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only 40 pounds of dye are used, making the river green for only several hours. Although Chicago historians claim their city’s idea for a river of green was original, some Savannah natives believe the idea originated in their town. They point out that, in 1961, Savannah mayor Tom Woolley had plans for a green river. Due to rough waters on March 17, the experiment failed, and Savannah never attempted to dye its river again.
(source: history.com)

Lindsey Lee, Membership VP, 586-202-5000

FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010 @ 6:30 pm

CJ MAHONEY’S - 3260 S. ROCHESTER RD, ROCHESTER HILLS

Join the Rochester Area Jaycees at CJ Mahoney’s, 6:30 PM, on April 16 for some post-tax stress relief.

DIRECTIONS TO CJ MAHONEY’S

By: Heather Lakatosh

Nutmeg is her name,

She is a precious gem.

Sometimes she steals things,

Like a hair tie or a pen.

It’s okay because she’s soft,

And she always makes you smile.

Even if you’re allergic,

You can hang with her for a while.

She doesn’t like clowns,

But she sure likes to sleep.

Her tail is super fluffy,

She is the envy of most sheep!