Today we had the pleasure of inducting a new member to our club, Elkhart Community Schools' new Superintendent, Dr. Larry Huff. Dr. Huff was sponsored by Jim Rieckhoff, President Julie Cotton and Membership Chair Eric Garton did the induction.

Dr. Huff assumed the role beginning March 1, 2024, when he succeeded interim superintendent Mr. Mark Mow, who is assisting in the transition through the end of June 2024. Dr. Huff is a former Teacher and Principal with a bachelor's degree from the University of Indianapolis, a Master's degree from Marian University in Indianapolis and a graduate of the Indiana Aspiring Superintendent Academy. He earned is doctoral degree from Oakland City University with a focus on school superintendency in December 2020. He is Certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention and a 3-time recipient of the Pike’s Superintendent Above and Beyond Award. As Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Huff has provided district-wide leadership for all aspects of teaching and learning for the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township near Indianapolis.  During his time as Chief Academic Officer, Pike Township experienced increased student performance in IREAD-3 and ILEARN student achievement. Additionally, Pike Township increased its graduation rate to 96.2% for the 2022-23 school year. Dr. Huff has been driving success in the Pike Township Schools by developing academic vision, curriculum, professional development of faculty, data analysis and compliance.  He collaborates with all departments to support principals and teachers in the area of instructional leadership. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Huff to our Rotary Club and to the community.
 

Congratulations, Tom Pletcher, for receiving a Paul Harris Fellow PLUS 8 Award through your ongoing support of the Rotary Foundation. Also receiving awards today, but not present: Dean Leazenby and Tina Weldy, each receiving their first Paul Harris Fellow award. Thanks to ALL who support the Rotary Foundation. 


Today we welcome Anthony Tocci, DACdb software and IGNITE App Trainer as we present our Elkhart Rotary Club IGNITE app rollout to members

IGNITE is an phone app for our new (still transitioning) customer relationship software called DACdb that will manage our membership. The IGNITE app provides ease of use for civic organizations by not only helping manage their organizations, but by making member engagement more accessible. Members can pay their invoices, make donations, log service hours, add service projects to their calendars, send service selfies and so much more from this simple and clean app. Leaders can communicate one on one or broadcast messages to an entire group. While at events, members can connect with each other by scanning QR codes to save contact information. Member engagement has never been so easy!

Here's a link to DOWNLOAD LOGIN INSTRUCTIONS for IGNITE APP - or you find them on the "Important Downloads" Section of the homepage: https://elkhartrotary.org/


Running List of Rotary Event Announcements
Rotarians are an integral and engaged part of our active community! Here’s a list of upcoming events represented by Rotarians from the Elkhart Rotary Club. If you’d like more information, contact the Rotarian listed for the event or email elkhartnoonrotary@gmail.com and your message will be forwarded to them. Are you a Rotarian with an event to share? Put it in the format below and email to Eric Garton, he’ll add it to the list.

 
  • May - Read United Volunteers needed in Elkhart Community School Classrooms: https://volunteer.crossroadsuw.org/opportunities/OkZA24IrVO Contact Natalie Evans.

  • Friday May 10, 7:30 p.m. Oaklawn's Got Talent at The Lerner Judges have selected four finalists who will wow you while we raise funds for local mental health and addiction treatment – and YOU vote for who wins! - Elkhart Rotary President Julie is a finalist! - audience votes pick the first place winner! More info and tickets at https://oaklawn.org/ogt/. Contact: Julie Cotton

  • Saturday, May 11, Race starts at 10:30, events and festival through 3:30. Dogapalooza at Oxbow County Park. Join the Humane Society of Elkhart County (HSEC) for a timed trail run/walk in a pleasant natural environment. Runners, walkers, and their dogs will be gathering to enjoy time together, activities, great music, and sharing with others. After the race is over, stay a while for Elkhart County Parks’ Dogapalooza! Enjoy dog-themed vendors and activities, great food trucks, a beer garden, and so much more! Info and registration at https://elkharthumanesociety.org/pfac-at-dogapalooza/ Contact: Rob LaRoy

  • Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m. Girls on the Run 5k. Location: Trinity United Methodist Church, 2715 East Jackson Blvd., Elkhart. Volunteers help ensure our end-of-season 5K Celebration is possible. If you’re interested check out the details at https://www.girlsontherunmichiana.org/5k-elkhart and sign up today. Contact: Julie Cotton.

  • Saturday, May 11, Postal Food Drive “Stamp Out Hunger” Volunteers Needed to volunteer with United Way to collect food or help at Post Office with distribution to pantries: https://volunteer.crossroadsuw.org/opportunities/X7AJNJXPO2 Contact Natalie Evans

  • Thursday, May 16 at 5 p.m. Thirsty Thursday - come enjoy a drink and fellowship with fellow Rotarians and guests. Come on, come all, drop in 5-6 p.m. Location TBD Contact: Peter Norton

  • Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Plant Sale at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. The plant sale offers a variety of perennial and annual plants, vegetables, vendors, plant supplies and more! Enjoy FREE ADMISSION to Wellfield Botanic Gardens during the plant sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. that day.

  • Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. Elkhart County Symphony. ¡FIESTA SINFÓNICA! Featuring LALO CURA at the Lerner Theater. Repertoire: Marquez, Danzon No. 2; Bernstein, Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Info and tickets at https://elkhartsymphony.org/. Contact: John Hill

  • Saturday, June 1, 7 p.m. Stand-Up for Church Community Services. Join us at the historic Bristol Opera House for an evening of crazy funny comedians -- headlined by Mike Armstrong! Mike has appeared on HBO, Fox, and CMT and will be forever known as the Ex-Cop on the Bob & Tom radio show. Hosted by Corey Mann, the event also features comedians Michael Downing, Elise Davies, and Scott Callahan. Doors open at 6 p.m. Visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/36247/production/1192983 for details and tickets Contact: Keith Sarber.

  • Thursday-Saturday, June 6-8, Elkhart County Quilt and Fiber Expo Thursday & Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for full details visit: https://elkhartcountyquiltfiberexpo.org/ Contact: Susan Ginther. 

  • Friday, August 16, The Great Cardboard Boat Race. Registration Opens May 1! Volunteers needed for August 15 Set Up & August 16 Race Day Volunteers Needed: https://volunteer.crossroadsuw.org/opportunities/yRy7zguZ16. Contact: Natalie Evans