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It was a great day to be a Rotarian, welcoming fellowing Rotarian Carl Dickerson from the Cantonment Rotary Club in Florida. Carl founded Dickerson Literacy Initiatives and shared about Rotary International Projects in Costa Rica.

Dickerson Literacy Initiatives, LLC (DLI) is a specialized consulting company that designs literacy projects. We work with individuals, businesses, literacy foundations, churches and civic organizations to create and develop literacy projects which benefit children. Our projects support literacy, encourage a love of reading, raise awareness, strengthen and inspire community unity through collaboration. DLI donates well written and beautifully illustrated new books to support the reading initiative set forth in each literacy project. Age and culturally appropriate titles are carefully selected and approved for donation to school libraries, classrooms and given directly to children to create home libraries.

DLI projects include:

Reading to and with children
Encouraging a love of reading
Creating opportunity and special memories with role models
Strengthening the communities we serve
Collaborative structure and design to make a significant impact
Initiatives to raise awareness and create unity
Sustainability
Fun and memorable presentations
Improving reading proficiency
Promoting the continued growth of Rotary through collaboration
Marketing for our sponsors and all those involved
Preventing the Summer Slide
Special events around National holidays with educational resources
Donating new, high quality books to support a reading initiative
Investing in our most precious resource, children

Today's illustrious Sergeant was Bill Rieth, raising funds that support our local not for profit partners through Rotary Grants made in the spring.

Bill shared some incredibly important information about some September holidays... Including:

Beard Day! For thousands of years guys all had beards. There were no shaving kits or shaving cream. The idea of shaving didn’t start until around 4,000 B.C., when a rudimentary form of shaving cream was developed by Sumerians in Mesopotamia (located in present day Iraq.). The cream was made from animal fat and ash!
Fortune Cookie Month! Fortune cookies most likely were created by a Japanese man named Makoto Hagiwara in 1914 in San Francisco. Hagiwara owned what is now called the Golden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden, where he served tea and fortune cookies.
National Stupid Question Day! Teachers say there is no such thing as a stupid question.... but maybe there are exceptions. In honor of National Stupid Question Day, enjoy these thought-provoking ponderances:
- Why do people push harder on a remote-control button when they know the battery is dead?
- Why do they call it “getting your pet fixed” if afterward, not everything works any more for your pet?
- If a kid refuses to sleep during nap time, are they guilty of resisting a rest?
- If you try to fail, and succeed, - which have you done?
- What is another word for “thesaurus?”
- Why is it that if you donate a kidney, people love you. But if you donate five kidneys, they call the police?
- Do zombies eat brains because they’re hungry for knowledge?
- If corn oil is made from corn and vegetable oil is made from vegetables. What is baby oil made from?

Rotarians are an integral and engaged part of our community! The following is a running list of events represented by Rotarians from the Elkhart Rotary Club. If you’d like more information, contact the Rotarian from the event or email elkhartnoonrotary@gmail.com and your message will be forwarded to them.

September 27, 4 p.m. Life Enhancement-Literacy Link “Read With Me’ session with the Red Ribbon Rookies. Location: Prairie Street Mennonite Church, 1316 Prairie Street, Elkhart. We could ALWAYS use more Rotary Readers! Contact: Jim Snodgrass
September 28, 6 p.m. Page to Stage District 6540 Grant Project with the Elkhart Public Library! We will be performing at the Elkhart Public Library Atrium. Come watch the show for FREE or maybe come early to help us set up as we transform the Library into a Magical Garden Set for these talented youth to edu-tain us all! WE REALLY NEED VOLUNTEERS for this event: 3-4 people to help with set up, handing out programs, and selling concessions (5-6:15 p.m.) and another 3-4 people to help sell concessions and tear-down/clean up (6:15 – 7:30ish). Those interesting in helping should contact Lisa as soon as possible.Contacts: Julie Cotton and Lisa Guedea-Carreno
September 29, gates open at 4 p.m. Five Star Life presents Horses & Heroes. Bust out your cowboy boots and get ready for an evening full of equine demonstrations, live music, food, drinks, face painting, crafts for the kids, and more! Bring your kids, grandkids, family and friends! All proceeds raised will support Five Star Life's Equine Program. Location: Summit, 14260 US 12, Union, MI 49130. For more info and to RSVP visit https://form.jotform.com/232145026918151 Contact: Larry Knight
October 6-7, 6-9 p.m. Garden of Villains. Heroes and Villains invade Wellfield! Presented in partnership with the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, this Halloween-themed event combines the natural beauty of Wellfield with your favorite superheroes and villains and the fun of trick-or-treating. Full details and tickets at: https://wellfieldgardens.org/garden-of-villains-at-wellfield-botanic-gardens/ Contact: Eric Garton
October 7, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Freedom Walk. Join the Goshen Rotary as they partner with Destiny Rescue to walk our way to rescue kids from sexual exploitation and human trafficking and help them stay free! Location: Goshen High School Track, 401 Lincolnway East in Goshen. Info and registration at https://freedomwalkgoshen2023.funraise.org/ Contact: Terri Rickel
October 8, 2-4 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Reception for Jim and Vernease Pyles - long term Elkhart residents and Morning Club Rotarian charter member. The Pyles are moving to North Carolina after a long and distinguished career as part of the Elkhart community, Jim with Miles Laboratories, and Vernease with Elkhart Community Schools Medical staff. Friends are hosting an informal reception in their honor. 200 East Beardsley Ave. (adjacent to Ruthmere Mansion). Contact: Andy McCaskey
October 14, 7 p.m. Elkhart County Symphony and Goshen Theater present the concert version of Meredith Willson's "The Music Man". For more information and tickets visit https://elkhartsymphony.org/ Contact: John Hill
October 21, 9 a.m. Elkhart Rotary Club County Road 6 Cleanup! Meet in the parking lot at 3414 Co Rd 6, Elkhart, IN 46514. Signup with/Contact: Tom McArthur
October 21, doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. The Center for Community Justice (CCJ) invites you to the Restorative Justice Award (RJA) Dinner, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the first Victim Offender Reconciliation Program in the United States. Location: Matterhorn Conference Center. For more information and tickets visit https://www.centerforcommunityjustice.org/ Contact: Irwin Larrier
November 16, 5:30 p.m. Social, 6:15 p.m. Dinner. District 6540 Foundation Fundraising Dinner at the Crystal Ballroom in Elkhart. The event is seeking silent and live auction items, donations, and sponsors. Guest Speaker is John Smarge, Rotary International Director 2010-2012 and RI-USAID Partnership Steering Committee 2021-2024. Contact: Terri Rickel

Rotary September 18, 2023 - Mark Mow, Interim Superintendent ECS

On Monday we welcomed Mark Mow - Interim Superintendent of Elkhart Community Schools. The School Board approved Mow as interim superintendent in July. He replaces ECS superintendent Steve Thalheimer, who departed the district in June. Mow previously served as the district’s superintendent form 2002 until his retirement in 2012. He began with Elkhart Community Schools in 1970 as a middle school science teacher and served in multiple administrative position before becoming superintendent in 2002. Mow also served as interim superintendent for the district from July to December 2018.
Mark shared the district is beginning their search for a new superintendent, the challenges and opportunities we face not only a school district, but as a community.

Today we welcomed two NEW ROTARIANS to our Club!

Priscilla Brown of Beacon Health Foundation and Natalie Evans of Crossroads United Way were inducted and provided brief introductions of themselves from the podium. We look forward to getting to know Priscilla and Natalie better and thank them in advance, for their service to our community.

September 21, 5 p.m. at Elkhart Rotary Club Thirsty Thursday! Jackson Rooftop. Contact: Peter Norton
September 21, 3-6 p.m. “Demystifying Digital Transformation” Bring Technology to Your Operations. Join manufacturing and technology experts as they break down the myths and obstacles to integrating Industry 4.0 technologies into your organization. It is easier than you think! This event is open to all manufacturers and entrepreneurs, regardless of size and capabilities. To learn more, visit: https://loom.ly/WvhKiaU. 3-3:30 p.m.: Networking; 3:30-5 p.m.: Presentations from industry experts; 5-6 p.m.: Cocktails and Q&A. Location: LEX 530, 530 E. Lexington Avenue, Elkhart. Depending on your organization, the right attendee might be: -Decision maker of factory floor production; -Company leadership; -Plant/Operations manager; -Technology specialist. Contact: David Damerow.
September 23, 9 a.m. 2nd Annual Larry Roberts and Bob Lindahl Bike Ride; location: Studebaker Park, 1020 McDonald St, Elkhart, IN 46516; Help raise awareness and money for a cure for Multiple Myeloma. The ride goes along the new River Trail to the Maplehart into Goshen connecting with the Pumpkinvine to Mooys, an Amish Ice Cream shop located about 6 miles northeast of Goshen on the Pumpkinvine. Total distance is about 36 miles but shorter rides are also an option. Contact: Don Stohler
September 27, 4 p.m. Life Enhancement-Literacy Link “Read With Me’ session with the Red Ribbon Rookies. Location: Prairie Street Mennonite Church, 1316 Prairie Street, Elkhart. We could ALWAYS use more Rotary Readers! Contact: Jim Snodgrass
September 29, gates open at 4 p.m. Five Star Life presents Horses & Heroes. Bust out your cowboy boots and get ready for an evening full of equine demonstrations, live music, food, drinks, face painting, crafts for the kids, and more! Bring your kids, grandkids, family and friends! All proceeds raised will support Five Star Life's Equine Program. Location: Summit, 14260 US 12, Union, MI 49130. For more info and to RSVP visit https://form.jotform.com/232145026918151 Contact: Larry Knight
October 7, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Freedom Walk. Join the Goshen Rotary as they partner with Destiny Rescue to walk our way to rescue kids from sexual exploitation and human trafficking and help them stay free! Location: Goshen High School Track, 401 Lincolnway East in Goshen. Info and registration at https://freedomwalkgoshen2023.funraise.org/ Contact: Terri Rickel
October 8, 2-4 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Reception for Jim and Vernease Pyles - long term Elkhart residents and Morning Club Rotarian charter member. The Pyles are moving to North Carolina after a long and distinguished career as part of the Elkhart community, Jim with Miles Laboratories, and Vernease with Elkhart Community Schools Medical staff. Friends are hosting an informal reception in their honor. 200 East Beardsley Ave. (adjacent to Ruthmere Mansion). Contact: Andy McCaskey
October 14, 7 p.m. Elkhart County Symphony and Goshen Theater present the concert version of Meredith Willson's "The Music Man". For more information and tickets visit https://elkhartsymphony.org/ Contact: John Hill
October 21, doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. The Center for Community Justice (CCJ) invites you to the Restorative Justice Award (RJA) Dinner, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the first Victim Offender Reconciliation Program in the United States. Location: Matterhorn Conference Center. For more information and tickets visit https://www.centerforcommunityjustice.org/ Contact: Irwin Larrier

Elkhart Rotary Club at ETHOS - Monday, September 11, 2023

Today we took the show on the road to ETHOS Innovation Center! The club gathered for a brief business meeting and delicious boxed lunches from Matterhorn before learning about ETHOS Innovation Center and their ETHOS in a Bag program, culminating in a hands-on project to help stock the ETHOS in a Bag kits. And to #CelebrateCommunity, today we also welcomed members of the Elkhart Luncheon Optimist Club who joined us at ETHOS and our service project in order to further a spirit of cooperation and community among our area service clubs.

ETHOS' Core Values:

Entrepreneurship: ETHOS fosters a culture of STEM innovation and healthy risk-taking to allow for success.
Innovation: ETHOS believes in staying curious, adventurous, and creative in all pursuits.
Community: ETHOS is focused on being a asset in promoting STEM learning and careers in our community.
Relationships: Relationships are key in helping learn, play and connect STEM to the world.

Megan Baughman, CEO, presented a thorough overview of the ETHOS in a Bag program, complete with handouts on the tables.

ETHOS in a Bag is a take-home STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) series aimed at families with children between K-6th grade. Each bag contains activities that expose children to STEM concepts in real life and the community, by following along with videos on Youtube Live!

After lunch, club members volunteered to help prepare ETHOS in a Bag kits in their expansive onsite warehouse.

Learn more at: https://www.ethosinc.org/about-the-program.html

August 28, 2023 - Cory Hildebrandt and Matthew Anderson - AI/ChatGPT

Today we welcomed attorneys Cory Hildebrandt, Associate, and Matthew J. Anderson, Senior Associate from May, Oberfell, and Lorber and they shared some of the challenges and strengths of AI/Chat GPT.

AI is not a single technology. It exists in many different forms through different functions and applications. Some examples of AI include:

Natural language processing (NLP), Logical AI/inferencing, which creates decision trees based on user input, such as online tax preparation programs.
Machine learning, which is AI that learns from its past performance, such as predictive text.
Artificial neural networks, for instance, used in image recognition technology.
Machine perception and motion manipulation, for instance, used in industrial robotics.
Generative AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, that often utilize large language models (LLMs)

AI technologies can be used to perform various functions, including:

Content generation, including text, video, audio, and computer code/
Expertise automation.
Image recognition and classification.
Speech-to-text and text-to-speech conversion.
Text analytics and generation.
Voice-controlled assistance (like Amazon Echo and Google Home).
Language translation

CHALLENGES

A recent case, Cruz v. Raymond Talmadge d/b/a Calvary Coach, involved a GPS device, which is a common AI-driven device. In Cruz, the plaintiffs were injured when a bus struck an overpass. The plaintiffs brought claims against the manufacturers of the GPS devices used by the bus driver based on traditional theories of negligence, breach of warranty, and strict liability. The plaintiffs alleged that the devices were defectively designed because they:

Directed the driver to follow a route under an overpass that was too low for the vehicle.
Failed to warn the driver of the dangerous situation created by driving underneath the overpass.
The plaintiffs claimed that their injuries were foreseeable because faulty directions onto height restricted roadways by GPS devices have resulted in numerous bridge strikes. Additionally, plaintiffs claimed that feasible alternative designs existed because the device manufacturers had the data necessary to give users information about height restrictions.

The Cruz plaintiffs based their claims on traditional product liability principles. Given the semi-autonomous nature of the GPS devices at issue, the plaintiffs' claimed injuries could be traced back to:

Design components that were developed by specific companies and substantially unchanged from the time the devices left the companies' control.
The companies' alleged failure to adequately warn about foreseeable dangers of their products.

However, applying product liability concepts is less straightforward when the product at issue incorporates more fully autonomous AI technology. For example, in cases where fault cannot be traced directly back to a human actor, the law must determine

Whether to consider the AI product itself to be the actor and, if so, the applicable standard of care governing the AI (for example, a reasonable human versus a new "reasonable machine" standard).
How to treat foreseeability when an AI product is intended to act autonomously. The use of AI raises questions not only about what is foreseeable for AI, but also whether humans might eventually be held to a different standard, especially in cases where AI was available to perform the task.

Creating and using AI and related technology, such as computer hardware, can present unique intellectual property (IP) issues regarding:

Protection of AI through IP
Ownership of AI IP
AI IP infringement

About May, Oberfell, and Lorber
Based in Michiana since 1856, the full-service law firm of May Oberfell Lorber provides a broad range of legal experience. From individuals, to companies large and small, to firms outside Michiana needing an accessible local partner, we use a responsive team approach at competitive rates. Blending a passionate commitment to the local community with a full spectrum of legal services, we fulfill our promise of principled, professional service to our clients.

About our Speakers

Matt joined May Oberfell Lorber in 2020. For over fifteen years, he has handled all phases of litigation in large markets, including Chicago and Indianapolis, and has successfully argued for reversals in the appellate courts of Indiana, Michigan, and the Seventh Circuit. Matt has extensive experience in personal injury matters, appellate law, litigation, medical malpractice, and domestic and family law and continues to focus his practice in these areas: Personal Injury, Litigation, Appeals & Appellate, Medical Malpractice, Labor, Employment & Worker’s Compensation, Family & Domestic, and Professional Affiliations. He is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, St. Joseph County Bar Association. Matt has a B.A. in French and Russian from the University of Notre Dame, cum laude 2000, a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, 2003. He is a South Bend native, Adjunct Professor at IUSB, and has Studied abroad in France, Russia, and Singapore

Cory joined May Oberfell Lorber in 2021 as a summer associate. While attending Michigan State College of Law, Cory worked as an intern in the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office and took part in the Fresh Start Fridays expungement clinics. Prior to attending law school, Cory received a Bachelor of Science in Finance and worked professionally as a Relationship Manager for several years. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the world with his wife and their two kids. His practice areas include: Corporate and Business, Banking and Finance, Litigation, Labor, and Employment & Worker’s Compensation. Cory's Professional Affiliations: Indiana State Bar Association, St. Joseph County Bar Association. Cory has a B.S. in Finance, Indiana University Judd Leighton School of Business and Economics, 2016 and J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law, 2022. Cory is a South Bend native, a proud father of twins, and enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and grappling sports.

Elkhart Rotary Club August 21 - Tami Hicks, Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County

Today we welcomed Tami Hicks, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County.

Hicks joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County with more than 17 years’ experience in the field of public education. She was the principal at Model Elementary School in Goshen, where she led professional development, developed a social media presence for her school to increase community engagement and served on the district safety committee. During her tenure, she worked collaboratively with her team in the creation of the Kid Mayor program for all fourth-grade students in partnership with the City of Goshen. In 2021, Hicks was named Indiana Elementary School Principal of the Year for District 2. Prior to being principal at Model, she was assistant principal at Goshen Middle School and an instructional coach and teacher for Goshen Community Schools.

As CEO, Hicks replaced Kevin Deary, who retired after serving in his role for 28 years. Hicks’ responsibilities include leading the organization’s strategic direction, oversight of organizational operations, financials, programming, brand reputation, talent recruitment, resource development and stakeholder relationships. The CEO also serves as the organization’s primary ambassador and lead communicator.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County began operations in 1956. The Clubs offer programming and service opportunities for children & teens to reach their full potential within the community. Each day, the Clubs provide powerful relationships with the youth they serve and open avenues of opportunity for young people across their community by offering safe places where young people can learn, grow and succeed.

Each day, they welcome more than 1,500 youth between the ages of six and 18 to their Clubhouses. As soon as our club members walk through our doors, they enter an environment of stability, consistency, and physical and emotional safety. Each day they build deeply powerful relationships with the youth they serve and open avenues of opportunity for young people across our community. B&GCs offer safe places where young people can learn, grow and succeed. They provide a quality Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters their doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, equipped with the skills needed to have a successful life, and demonstrating good character and citizenship.

Rotary Foundation Chair and Club Secretary Howard Edwards presented Honorary Rotarians Mike and Jenny Nolan with Paul Harris Fellow awards. Mike and Jenny have been Interact Club liaisons for many years in service to the Elkhart Rotary Club and the many high school students who's participated for the past years, including chaperoning the club's annual trips to Costa Rica.