PROGRAM: Tom Corbett took the oath of office on January 18, 2005 as Pennsylvania's 25th modern Attorney General, dedicating the resources of the Office of Attorney General to make the Commonwealth a safer and better place for families to live, work and grow. Declaring that "public safety is the single most important service that government can provide," Attorney General Corbett quickly identified the most serious threats facing Pennsylvania's communities and developed a series of new programs to address them. 

Corbett created the Attorney General's Child Predator Unit to identify and capture Internet predators before they can harm children, as well as to educate kids and parents about online threats.  Since it's creation in January 2005, the Child Predator Unit has arrested more than 120 suspected Internet predators. Tom Corbett created a Public Corruption Unit to investigate and prosecute cases involving public officials and government employees - stressing the importance of the Attorney General as "watchdog" to protect the citizens of Pennsylvania from abuse of power, government corruption and the criminal influence of gambling.

Protecting Pennsylvania's senior population from fraud and abuse is another priority for Tom Corbett.  The Commonwealth has the 3rd largest percentage of seniors in the U.S., making Pennsylvania a prime target for criminals and scam artists. The Attorney General's Elder Abuse Unit brings together enforcement and educational resources to best serve this vulnerable group. Tom Corbett is also dedicated to vigorously fighting illegal drugs, working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement to halt drug trafficking into Pennsylvania and reduce the drug-related crime that endangers communities across the Commonwealth.

A life-long Pennsylvania resident, Attorney General Corbett has been a key advisor to U.S. Presidents and Governors. He has a long and distinguished career serving the citizens of the Commonwealth, making a significant impact on the lives of Pennsylvanians through his work on issues of criminal justice, victims' rights and drug and alcohol prevention and rehabilitation. Tom Corbett's experience as a criminal prosecutor began in Allegheny County, where he served as an Assistant District Attorney, focusing on the prosecution of rape and homicide cases. In the early 1980's, Tom Corbett served President Ronald Reagan as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, specializing in prosecuting organized crime and drug cases. He was also named as one of the first members of President Reagan's National Drug Task Force.

Following several years of private law practice, Corbett was called back to public service in 1989, when President George H. W. Bush appointed him to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. In the 1990's, Tom Corbett provided criminal law and policy expertise to then-Congressman Tom Ridge, later filling several key roles in Governor Ridge's administration.  Corbett planned the Governor's successful special session on crime and was appointed to chair the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, shaping criminal justice policy and working to improve drug and alcohol prevention and rehabilitation programs across the state.

Tom Corbett's current role as Pennsylvania Attorney General is one with which he is very familiar.  In 1995, Corbett was named by Governor Ridge to complete the term of former Attorney General Ernie Preate, working to re-establish public trust and integrity to the Office of Attorney General. During that time, Corbett created the Insurance Fraud Section and reformed the statewide Drug Task Force, which resulted in more efficient and successful prosecutions of drug crimes in Pennsylvania.

In 1997, Tom Corbett again returned to private practice, forming his own law firm, Thomas Corbett and Associates, which specializes in consultation and government relations. He continued that private practice until his election as Pennsylvania Attorney General in November 2004.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett served his country as a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 28th Infantry Division from 1971 until 1984, rising from private to captain.  Corbett received his undergraduate degree from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania, and taught civics and history in Pine Grove Area High School in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. In 1975, he received his law degree from St. Mary's University Law School in San Antonio, Texas.  Tom Corbett and his wife, Susan Manbeck Corbett, are the proud parents of two children: Tom, a video game producer; and Katherine, a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney's office.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS / MEETING LOCATIONS:             
October 13        NO MEETING

October 20        Senator Jeffrey Piccola, PA Senate
Hilton

October 27        John Morganelli, Candidate for PA Attorney General
Hilton

For complete programming go to our website: hbgrotary.org and click on calendar. NEWS AND NOTES:  

• Please attend the Apple Harvest Pancake Breakfast on 10/11 at the Harrisburg High School and send in your ticket money.

• DISTRICT INFO: 
-- Joining Hands in disaster response a joint mission of Rotary District 7390, and Evangelical Lutheran Churches from the Lower Susquehanna Synod and Northeastern Iowa Synod has been helping families in the Biloxi, Mississippi area rebuild their homes and lives from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. If you would be willing to help us in this project please contact Peg Sennett at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - 717-630-8281 or Randy Sibert at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - 717 576-6115.  On behalf of the people of the Gulf Coast area, we thank you for your consideration.
-- RI/UN Day on November 8, 2008. Final day for registration- October 24th.  Look at a previous RR or see Linda for details

For more information contact District Initiatives chair Diane McNaughton or Linda.
For meeting cancellations due to inclement weather.... Tune to ABC27-TV
or check your e-mail or call the Rotary office at 234-1208.

ATTENDANCE:
LAST ROTARY MEETING:  9/29/08      60 %                      
Rotarians   75    Active Specials   9   Guests  7 Visiting Rotarians 2    = 93

Minutes by Tom Weber: 
President Barry Ramper gaveled the meeting to order.  John Griner provided the Invocation and Marion Alexander led the group in a rendition of, “God Bless America.”

President Elect, Carolyn Dumaresq, introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
            Jewel Cooper, Diane McNaughton, and Doug Pieper all brought guests.
            Janis Creason was visiting from the Colonial Park Rotary

Committee Reports:
Carrie Wissler Thomas, discussed “Rotarians in the News”

Gib Parthemore, on bended knee pleaded for more donation items for the silent auction to be held at the pancake breakfast.  If you have not already done so, find something of value and contact Gib.

Jewel Cooper Introduced Toni Gilhooley, and Harry Yaverbaum introduced Judy Hirsh.

The club was then engaged with the political aspirations and backgrounds of these fine women.
Toni Gilhooley, candidate for the United Sates Congress in PA 17th District.  Judy Hirsh, candidate for PA Senate.