Photos
from the meeting
by Bruce Smith |
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The Foghorn for May 11, 2006
Guest Editor Pat Boy
The Editor is busy with what he calls a “Hallmark”
day. President Bruce Zahn called the meeting to order at the
Yacht Club. Lunch was yummy, with roast beef, gravy, mashed
potatoes, green beans, salad, and cookies. It seems that every
time we meet, there’s a different configuration of tables
and food service. Maybe they want to keep us on our toes?
Tony Deek has been out for a while (does anyone
know if he’s sick?) so Pastor Dave Matevia gave the invocation.
Announcements included the STRIVE picnic on May 22 at 5:00 pm
at Friendship Gardens. Please let Suzy Vance know if you’re
coming and what you would like to eat: steak, salmon, hamburgers,
or brats.
Jim Welborne reminded us that the installation
of officers will be at dinner on Thursday, June 29, 6:00 pm
at Creekwood Inn. He will be getting us a map of how to get
there (with the current construction on US 35, “you can’t
get there from here” is an understatement).
Suzy received a wonderful thank-you letter from Faye Stokes,
one of the scholarship winners. Looks like the committee made
a good choice.
Jim Welborne was Sarge for the day. The birthday
table included Tom Swirski, Norm Ryding, Rhett Fagg, and Deb
Koller. No determination was made on whether or not there were
any impostors at the table, and they had no program, but I don’t
recall any fines being imposed. Jim, are you slipping up? Or
was Deb Koller’s presence as a visiting Rotarian a distraction
from the routine?
Scott Pollock was a visitor from the Valpo club.
Deb Koller gave $10, because she knew she would be” fined
anyway,” and also for thanks to the members of the scholarship
committee who stepped in when she left. Her new office in “Cuhpeppa”
Virginia (Culpepper to us Midwesterners) is located down the
street from the prison and there is also a bordello two doors
down. And she complained about the bus depot be next door here!
Bob Rose brought the students of the month from
Michigan City High School. Colin Larson is a senior who plans
to attend IU Bloomington to study chemistry and then go to med
school for plastic or cosmetic surgery. Tyler Stahl is also
a senior, and he plans to attend Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne
to study business administration and to play soccer. He hopes
to attend Valparaiso University for Law School after.
Dolly Marshall brought a shadow from the past.
Tim Bietry helped out with the Christmas book program this year
and she thanked him for it. Suzy and Pastor Dave welcomed Tim
as well. Tim said that the Alinsky Award will be publicized
in May, and the winner will highlight the quarterly meeting
of the Chamber of Commerce. and it would be the highlight of
the meeting.
Dale Engquist said that Ed Merrion just spent
the weekend with Dale’s wife in Boston and they had a
great time. Ed gave $1 for it, explaining that it was for Boys
and Girls Club. Suzy Vance asked “Just a dollar?”
Ed said it was for the 100th anniversary of the club, and he
specifically thanked Dave Lawson, Bill Carlisle, and the Bensz’s
for their help. Dave was one of the founders of the club here,
and many others helped.
Dave Matevia’s daughter just finished her
second Master’s degree and is now moving on for her PhD.
Ed Merrion’s daughter Patty qualified for the 400m run
at Notre Dame. Rhett Fagg said it was nice to see Deb Koller
again. He also said one daughter is finishing her Master’s
in Psychology, the second is finishing her Bachelor’s
in Chemistry, and he finally got the third one moved out of
the dorm and back home for summer vacation.
Dr. Houck’s granddaughter just graduated
simultaneously from college and high school. She was part of
a dual-enrollment program in Florida. He also reminded us that
the Gardens will be opening on Saturday.
Dennis Boy gave $3 for Deb Koller, and said he
was the reason she left town. He explained the note he sent
her about becoming suicidal after Bethlehem’s stock became
worthless. Deb had advised Dennis not to buy the stock. All
“correspondence” had to become part of Dennis’
file, and Deb had to explain the suicide letter to the auditor.
Way to go, Dennis!
Suzy gave for Deb. Bruce Smith gave for Deb, and
also for Colin, who he said would be very successful at anything
he wanted to do. Ron Bensz is selling bricks for dedication
in the wedding area of International Friendship Gardensh - $100
for a regular brick and $250 for an 8x8 brick. Bruce Zahn said
he could spray paint some cardboard for $10.
Dave Matevia gave for Deb and for one of the students (I didn’t
get the name) who was a former graduate of St. Paul.
Sarge fined everyone who has not signed up for
the invocation yet, and everyone who has not yet donated to
Polio Plus.
Bryan Potratz had ticket #829, but he only drew
the King of Hearts. Better luck next time!
Although it was a fellowship meeting, Susan Pound brought Judy
Hanish to speak about the LaPorte County council on literacy.
The Literacy Council began in 2003 with 3 agencies: Baby Talk,
Even Start, and Safe Harbor. There are now 19 organizations.
Early childhood learning and tutoring for children and adults
are part of the council’s focus. They help 3-5 year olds
to prepare for Kindergarten. They partner with Dunebrook, and
are starting a program in LaPorte for Hispanic children and
will also teach English to their mothers.
There are currently 150 tutors volunteering in
Michigan City. One serious concern is that 3rd graders won’t
leave 3rd grade without reading at a 3rd grade level. Judy asked
if anyone knew why this was important, but no one answered.
It was too obvious. The schools don’t teach reading after
3rd grade.
The council donates books to the children’s
wards in hospitals, and are working with special needs children
at Barker Woods. They also partner with MCAS and a current program,
“Rainbow on Your Plate,” which stresses balanced
nutrition.
Suzy Vance said that the incoming District Governor
for Rotary is asking all Rotary clubs to have each member bring
3 books, and we need to coordinate to find where we will donate
those books.
Other questions from Rhett Fagg and John White
involved learning disabilities and labeling kids as “special
ed” instead of working with them on their individual problems.
Judy said teachers are now using a program called “Wilson
Learning” to address these issues. Ron Bensz asked about
people who can read, but can’t do math? Judy said they
also tutor in math.
Judy said that about 80% of the brain is developed
by age 2. This is what makes programs like Baby Talk so important,
especially when the parents are not readers.
Dennis said that as a child, the first books he bought were
comics and Madd Magazine. While no one was particularly surprised
by this, comic books can be valuable tools in making reading
interesting.
Next week, Jim Dworkin will speak about economic
development and paying for education.. Jim Welborne will give
the invocation, and Ed Lysaught will be Sarge. Tim Gartland
is being published again as a new member. He was approved by
the board, and will automatically become a member if no one
remonstrates before next meeting.
See you next week.
Pat
