Elkhart Rotary Club Meeting October 14, 2019

Posted by Eric Garton on Oct 14, 2019
Welcome to the Elkhart Rotary Club Meeting on October 14, 2019; Today was a very special day at Rotary that included the presentation of an award to a local hero as well as a forum to learn more about our Elkhart Mayoral Candidates Dave Miller and Rod Roberson.
 

President Candy Yoder opened the meeting and introduced Ashley Bowen who read a thoughtful and timely poem, "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost,  led the Pledge, and Four-Way Test.  

Today's guests included: Stephanie Anderson, Tom Butler, Jan Faloon, Janet Evanega, Steve Gruber, Shane Osowski, Jerico Wisnell, Elijah Wisnell, Mike Bennet, Tanzie Nielson, Matthew Bryant, Jean Gill, G. Gill, Brad Billings, Sue Neat, Kris Losch, Mike Losch, Bruce Carter, Jason Fink, Meggan Fink, Bob Thatcher, Diane Grotrian, Mark Grotrian, Jackie McDaniel, Terry Lilley, Lindsay Sell, Captain Aubrey DeBaar, Gonzalo Canveres, Paul Nichols, Zanzer Anderson, Carol McDowell, Arvis Dawson, Patti Cripe, Frances Ringenberg, and Dani Messick from the Elkhart Truth. Welcome to ALL, we hope you can all join us again some other time!

Today's meeting began with a special presentation.  On August 25th, 2019 Mrs. Diane Grotrian was enjoying lunch at the Elkhart Rotary’s Annual Taste of the Garden’s event when Diane began to choke on a piece of food. Diane knew what needed to be done so she stood up went around to the back of her chair and began to attempt to self-administer the Heimlich maneuver, either the chair wasn’t sturdy enough or Diane couldn’t produce enough force but she was unsuccessful, Diane went to the ground. Fortunately for Diane, Ben Decker was walking by, seeing Diane on the ground he asked the on-lookers “what is going on here?” The on-lookers said “she’s choking” Ben also knew what to do and knelt down, sat Diane up and administered the Heimlich maneuver and the piece of food flew from Diane’s mouth, Diane was breathing again. In honor of Ben’s actions that day the Elkhart Rotary club presented Ben Decker with the Rotary Life Safety Award. To see the video, CLICK HERE

Ongoing reminders and announcements for October 14:

  • Thanks to all who supported the County Road 6 Cleanup this past Saturday; and we all wish the event organizer, Tom McArthur, a speedy recovery from an unexpected health issue over the weekend. 
  • Reminder for Thursday, October 17: Susan Ginther is leading an Elkhart Rotary International Service Project Opportunity called "Dresses for Girls in Guatemala". You are invited to attend on Thursday, October 17 from 5-8 p.m. at 620 Verdant Drive in Elkhart, to participate in sewing dresses from kits that will be provided. Our goal is to have 30 dresses complete and ready to send by Christmas, delivered to the Guatemalan village of San Gaspar de Chajul. This effort can be a life changing experience for the girls who'll receive these gifts. And if you can't attend (or don't know the first thing about sewing), you're welcome to provide supplies from a wish list on the sheet attached below, or you can always provide a monetary gift to help with the cost of supplies or shipping. Thanks for your help with this international project.
  • Additional Reminders:
    • Doug Risser: upcoming friendship exchange that will take place March 1-14, 2020 to Sao Paolo, Brazil. For more information contact Doug directly.
    • December 6 is the Salvation Army Gala - - If you're interested in attending, contact Peter Norton. The Elkhart Rotary Club is being honored this year by Salvation Army and the club is considering filling a table to support the event.
Today's Sergeant was Doug Thorne who gave an expedited Sergeant Service - two simple questions (either answer, you paid!).
  1. Stand if you've NOT decided who you're going to vote for in the Mayoral race.. ONE person stood, everyone paid.
  2. Stand if you're supportive of a mayoral recall... no one understood the question, you paid either way. 
Nice job of FUNdraising today, Doug! Rotary fines are collected weekly and are pooled into a fund throughout the year. In the spring more than $10,000 is distributed as grants to not for profit organizations around our county. Thanks, All, for your contributions!
 
Today's Mayoral Forum featuring Candidate Dave Miller and Candidate Rod Roberson was moderated by the Honorable Jim Rieckhoff, timekeeper was Mandy Leazenby. For Facebook Video of the Event, CLICK HERE - - forum begins at 9:30
 
Continued best of luck to each candidate along the campaign trail; and don't forget to vote on November 5!
 
About Rotary:
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, community leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and act to create lasting change – across the globe, in our local communities, and in ourselves. The Elkhart Rotary Club was founded in 1917 and serves its community through volunteerism, providing grants to not-for-profit organizations, sponsoring, and participating in service projects such as ringing bells for the Salvation Army, roadside trash collection, and are the originators and sustainers of Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Elkhart Rotary Club’s membership consists of approximately 150 dedicated individuals from various professional backgrounds and diverse interests. Membership in the Elkhart Rotary Club is by invitation. We welcome guests to attend any of our meetings and hear from our great lineup of weekly presenters.
For more information on the Elkhart Rotary Club, visit elkhartrotary.org or email elkhartnoonrotary@gmail.com. Like and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook/ElkhartRotaryClub to stay current on meetings, upcoming events or speakers, and initiatives in the community.
 
Upcoming Meetings and Programs:
Join us for our next meeting:
All meetings are at noon on Mondays at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis St. in Elkhart IN, 46514. In months that include a FIFTH Monday, the Elkhart Rotary Club holds an alternative meeting or activity.