Richard Aguirre, from the Center for Healing and Hope,
Addressed the Club
Thanks to Peter Norton, who filled in for President Ann McCuistion, who is up to her neck in tax returns.
Peter welcomed Terri Rickel to the podium to provide some thoughtful words, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Four Way Test.
Tom Neat and Sarah Rice were greeters and Jim Welsh introduced today’s guests: Visiting Rotarian Nancy Keller from the Concord Rotary Club, Eric Morrow (Bill Templin), Teresa Swanson and Julia Schiochetti (Tony Warning), Jeff Zimart (Tom Shoff), Fred Mock, Jen Lehman (Ashley Molyneaux), Sam Roney (Joe Gold), and it was great to have Marie Drake in attendance today. Chris Pollack introduced our visiting high school students.
Announcements:
*Membership Chair Merritt Dilts encouraged participation in the committee and the importance of bringing guests;
*Tom McArthur reminded everyone about our upcoming County Road 6 Cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, beginning at 8 a.m. - - contact Tom if you’d like to sign up to help. Tom also mentioned that our club will become an active member of the Acts of Service.com movement, helping to provide volunteer opportunities for Rotarians to serve in the community and further our Mission.
*Sara Rice announced that Ken Pletcher will be this year’s recipient of the Ivy Tech Honorary Degree, bestowed on May 11 at Ivy Tech Commencement at the University of Notre Dame; Rotarians are welcome to attend but must RSVP through Sara.
*Terri Rickel announced that Rotary is helping to provide shoes for underprivileged children - - you can make a cash donation to Terri to purchase shoes or you can give a new pair of shoes. See Terri ASAP as the shoe donations are headed to Indianapolis this Friday for the state conference.
*Special announcement: This year’s district Rotary Foundation Dinner will be held in Elkhart at the Crystal Ballroom on October 5. More information to follow - - if you’d like more information or to help plan the event, contact our Foundation Representative, Doug Risser.
Our Club inducted a new member today: Jeff Zimat. Sponsored by Tom Shoff, Aileac Deegan performed the induction pledge. Welcome, officially, to the club, Jeff!
Doug Risser and Howard Edwards presented four new Paul Harris Fellowships:
Ron Ringenberg – PHF+1, Sherm Hansen – PHF+3, Terri Rickel – PHF+8, and Jim Rieckhoff – PHF+8. A wonderful philanthropic example being set by our club members!
Ron Ringenberg – PHF+1, Sherm Hansen – PHF+3, Terri Rickel – PHF+8, and Jim Rieckhoff – PHF+8. A wonderful philanthropic example being set by our club members!
F
ill-in Sergeant Matt Lentsch, pinch hitting for absent Sergeant Kyle Hannon, made short work of raising funds for a great cause - - awarding grants to area not-for-profits. Matt may have sent a new record, approximately 50 seconds at the Sergeant’s podium! Nice job, Matt.
Stuart Barb introduced our speaker for the day: Richard Aguirre, representing Elkhart County HOPE (Helping Our People Everywhere).
HOPE is a part of the Center for Healing & Hope in Goshen and is committed to matching volunteers and resources with people in our communities who have needs. HOPE is a network of businesses, churches, educators, non-profit organizations and individuals who are ready to step in where there are needs. People who are struggling with the challenges of current policies and laws are the ones we are striving to help. Their goal is to continue making our communities places where people feel welcomed and valued and where they can contribute their best potential for the good of all. Richard provided great information about Elkhart County’s Undocumented Immigrants.
To learn more about Elkhart County Hope, visit http://chhclinics.org/hope-network