2016 December Bulletin

 

Good-bye 2016 – Welcome 2017

As we come to the end of a very successful Exchange Club Year, we look forward to a new year filled with fun, challenges and successes.

A Christmas Message from the President…

Dear Butte Exchange Members,

It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.
(Mother Teresa)

Mother Teresa undoubtedly walked the walk of unselfish service. When we give of our time, we give a little of ourselves and a part of our life to someone else. As I reflect on what makes the Butte Exchange Club so vibrant and successful, I believe it is the generosity of the membership giving the most precious gift of time. Time in the unselfish service of others is what defines Exchange Club members.

The world needs Exchange now more than ever. Our premier service organization was founded over a hundred years ago based on the premise and promise of “sharing good ideas for a better community.” As we continue to work to improve the lives of people and create a better community, we should all be grateful that our membership has evolved with the ever-changing world in which we live and work. Our membership of over ninety members is comprised of people of all ages. Many service organizations have declining enrollment, but being able to attract young professionals (many with busy families) makes the Butte Exchange Club the envy of struggling service organizations.

All manner of service is worthy and valuable. Service in the Butte Exchange Club can mean different things — some participate on committees, some faithfully attend the weekly luncheons, and some serve on the board of directors identifying the philanthropic projects worthy of our support.

Our members give of their time and service in many ways. The following summarizes the activities and accomplishments of our committees:

• The Spirit of Christmas Committee members ensure that needy children in the community receive gifts wrapped with the love of Exchange Club members.

• The Child Abuse Prevention Committee raises awareness through our Fun Run in the spring. This year members of the committee have worked in partnership with Big Brothers/Sisters and the Child Evaluation Center by teaching Safe Touch classes in our elementary schools.

• Our Civic Improvement Committees beautify Butte by planting and maintaining a flower garden in uptown Butte, picking up highway and road garbage, and identifying the Carousel project at Stodden Park not only for our day of service commitment but on an ongoing basis. By lending a helping hand and providing sweat equity, the Friday morning garbage guys/gals are volunteering at the Carousel during the winter months.

• Our Americanism Committee projects are brought to this community with great enthusiasm and passion. GiveAKidAFlag, the Freedom Shrine, and the Field of Honor are testimonials to our commitment to our love of our country.

• The Social Committees organize fun fellowship activities for all to enjoy. The Steak Fry, the Philipsburg Theatre Trip, the Kippen Cup Golf Tournament, and the September Pool Party brought us together to get to know each other better and appreciate the richness of our membership.

• Our Youth Leadership and Scholarship efforts—Student of the Year, the ACE Scholarship, and the Butte High School Excel Club—continue to make a difference. By recognizing, guiding, and supporting our youth, we are investing in the future of our community and country.

• Members of the FunRaiser Committee spend an enormous amount of time planning and preparing for our annual gala to fund our community projects and provide a good time for all.

• Last but not least, there are many dedicated members who just do the many activities that make things happen at our Club, whether that is finding great speakers for our lunch meetings, facilitating the weekly lunch meetings, delivering left-over lunch to the Rescue Mission, sending out weekly messages about our speakers and upcoming events, producing our monthly newsletter, maintaining our web site, writing press releases, recruiting new members, and reporting our programs of service to National Exchange.

In whatever way you choose to serve Exchange, I sincerely thank you for your ongoing commitment to our community, our Club and our members. At this special sacred season, I hope you take the time to reflect on the many blessings of your life and the privilege to be of service to others.

Dale and I extend our very best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year to you and your families!

Linda Corr-Mahugh, President
Butte Exchange Club

UPCOMING

Speakers

01.03.17 Mary McMahon – Musical – 100 Anniversary of Mine Disaster
01.17.17 Student of the month

Events

Friday morning’s Exchange Club work crew will be working at the new Carousel (3100 Harrison Ave). Interested volunteers should meet every Friday morning at 8:30 AM. There are also general public work hours every Sunday 12 noon to 4:00 pm. If there are any questions club members can call Pat Cooney (490-8490) or Jim Stilwell (490-5741).

Mark your calendars for this year’s fundraiser to be held on February 24th, 2017. The theme will be Mardi Gras. If you have a silent or live auction to donate, please contact Doug Rotondi (djrotondi44@gmail.com). Watch the weekly updates for further details. (Update provided by Brad Cederberg)

The 99th National Exchange Club Convention will be held in Jacksonville, Florida July 13 – 15, 2017. Additional information available in the Winter 2017 Exchange Today Magazine.

PAST EVENTS

• Turkey Shoot – Exchange Club Members enjoyed a great meal and wonderful Christmas message provided by Doug Cameron to put us all in the spirit of the season. The program was followed with a Turkey Shoot. Proceeds from this event were donated to the Butte Rescue Mission.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The FunRaiser Committee will be meeting  at Quarry Brewing soon. More information on the date and time of the next meeting will follow.   Contact Doug Rotondi (djrotondi44@gmail.com) with questions.

• If you have any ideas for speakers at our weekly meetings, please contact Holly McCamant (hollymccamant@yahoo.com) or Doug Rotondi (djrotondi44@gmail.com).

• The end of the year is the perfect time to thank the great members of Exchange for all you do for the club and the community. A special thank you to our Board, Officers and Committee Chairs. Thank you also to our ministerial group for providing our weekly blessings and our Thanksgiving and Christmas messages. The club is so lucky to have such dedicated, hardworking members. Thank you all for making 2016 a great Exchange Club Year.

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2017 AND 2018

Class of 2017
Joann Bracco
Julie Brandon
Tom Daniel
Angie Hasquet
Barry Kippen
Dusty Rhodes
Jim Stilwell

Class of 2018
Chad Boothe
Doug Cameron
John Chioutsis
Pat Cooney
Dale Mahugh
Lyza Schabel
Lynn sullivan

COMMUNICATIONS

Update and Reminder

The Communications Committee would like to remind you that we rely on committee chairmen and all club members to send us meeting announcements, stories and photos since we cannot be present at Club events. Please use your cell phones and capture some fun photos to send us.
Please send all details on upcoming events & speakers to: info@butteexchangeclub.org
If you have taken photos at Club events that you want to share, please send them to:info@butteexchangeclub.org (cell phone shots are OK)

Need help? Call: Elyse Lewis –Public Relations Chairman – 565-0801

Bulletin Editor – Penny McElroy
Mobile: (406) 490-1946 Home: (406) 494-2731
E-mail: pamcelroy7@gmail.com