Photos
from the meeting by
Bruce Smith. |
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Foghorn
March 6, 2008
Carolyn Saxton, Editor
President Pat Boy called the meeting to order with a small crowd present. (Editor’s Note: Was everyone sick, or as Past President Jim Welborne commented, just avoiding his program?)
Announcements
President Pat announced that on March 13 students from MC High School would attend the Rotary District World Affairs Conference at Valparaiso University. President Pat said that a minimum of 20 students would be going, and two volunteers to act as chaperones are needed.
She also announced that on April 17 members of the Group Study Exchange, this year 4 Australians, would attend the Michigan City Rotary Club luncheon. The program that day will be the Club’s assembly. Pres Pat said that the Chesterton Rotary Club is hosting the GSE team, but that our Club is looking for various activities and sites where the Australians can be taken on the 17th when they spend the day with us.
Suzy Vance reported that STRIVE will meet on Monday March 10 at 5:30 at St. John’s Church where previous STRIVE members, who are now college graduates, will be presenters. Maggi Spartz reminded everyone that scholarship applications for the Unity Foundation are due April 3.
John Regetz reminded everyone of the membership contest and reported that the Club has 6 new members so far this year.
Jim Scott missed his name backwards in last week’s Foghorn and also missed out on the Top Dog gift certificate. Bruce Smith distributed photos from a 1988 Rotary event.
During the announcements, the ring tone of someone’s phone (was that Julie Wozniak?) could be heard. Isn’t that a fineable offense?
Sarge
It was a convoluted day for the Sarge. Rod Benz was originally schedule for the position but he passed it on to Curt Cipares, who it turns out was sick and was not avoiding Past Pres Jim’s program. Since Jon Bausback happened to arrive early for the meeting he was pegged to step in as the third ringer. Although our numbers were small, there were a lot of personal accomplishments to announce.
There were no guests or visiting Rotarians, and Marquette High School evidently didn’t have its act together, because the students were not ready for pick up by Steve Hornyak, who got out of his sick bed to get them. (Editor’s Note: Evidently it was a convoluted day for the High School, too.) Bob Esor celebrated a birthday and in lieu of a birthday song from the group, he had a mournful tone as he chipped in some of his own dough. Andy Sperling was avoiding the birthday fine and was absent...you will pay up Andy regardless of whenever you finally return.
Your Editor thanked Bernie Scott and Julie Wozniak for filling in for her last week, but went on to add that it took 2 people to fill her tiny size 6 shoes. She also reminded everyone of the First Friday@5 planned for this first Friday in March, noting the theme was “Luck of the Irish” with an authentic Irish band, and Guinness for the “stout”-hearted.
Bernie Scott reported the hilarious story of his granddaughter who wanted pink water for her bath and used red food coloring to color the water. She still looks like a pink Easter-egg...and who knows how the tub turned out.
John Lake tossed in a buck for Brett Favre’s retirement and also told of the road trip that he took with his brother and Ed Lysaught for a golf trip. He accused Ed of not meeting Rotary’s first commandment of “Is it the Truth?” because of his high handicap and low score. Ed was not at the meeting and unable to defend himself.
Doc Houck reported that Friendship Gardens will be open for the running of the sap, and Pres Pat announced that Michiana Resources would be hosting their trivia contest for those “in the know.” Maggi Spartz reported that John Regetz bought her breakfast this week (Editor’s Note: Watch out, Maggi, he is out for something!), and she complimented the recent event held by the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra. Steve Hornyak reported that the Symphony would have its Pop Concert in April.
Mike Hackett reported that his cholesterol had been 240 and he began a workout program to avoid medication. In the past few months he has lost 21 pounds and will know the effects on his cholesterol in a couple of months when he has the test repeated. (Editor’s Note: Mike, looking good...I noticed your weight loss when you were at the check-in desk!) Mike also tossed in a few in honor of his daughter’s new driver’s license and his youngest daughter’s prowess in a math competition. Bruce Smith chimed in his two cents to recognize his daughter’s swimming achievements where she competed against 70 girls in her age class. (Editor’s Note: Kudos to both girls!!)
Mary Wright recognized her daughter’s membership with the Junior Honor Society (Editor’s Note: Remind me to tell you my story about my experience with the Honor Society...that is all I will put in writing). Mary also reported that her son’s hair has finally been clipped and that she has raised $425 of the $1400 she needs to participate in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk (and $110 of the $425 came from Rotarians).
Dale Engquist announced that he was leaving the meeting early to go look at land for possible park use. He also announced that the Michigan City Boys and Girls Club was awarded $5000 from the new super Wal-Mart and that students from the Club would have their photography on exhibit at the Lubeznik Center. With help from Carolyn Saxton, he reported that the exhibit, called Image Makers would be displayed during March in the NIPSCO Education area at the Center. Carolyn added that a previous winner from the competition went on to win recognition at the national level.
Jim Bell reported that he had written the News Dispatch asking for reinstatement of one of the editorial writers (former club member Leonard Woolsey). The writer’s column was brought back and then later Jim was referenced in the paper as “Bill Bell.” One step at a time, Bill...er...Jim.
Your Editor and Jim both had stories about the importance of security when staying at hotels. Always...always...always use all of the latches to secure yourself in the room and never...never...never leave valuables unattended when you are not in the room.
Rhett Fagg had the lucky ticket to pull one of the jokers for $100 or the Queen of Hearts, which is now worth $731. He pulled the 10 of clubs and walked away with only $5.
Program
As mentioned above, Past Pres Jim Welborne gave a presentation on the Rotary Club’s website and termed himself as a non-traditional speaker. Jim reviewed the various tabs and information, remarking that anyone can add or change their own personal information on the membership list. He said that, for privacy, the site is coded so that googling a member’s name will not direct you to this site.
If a member is looking for membership information on the Rotary International site, a membership number is required. That number can be found on the Rotarian (RI magazine) label or by contacting Dennis Boy. General information on the RI site does not require a membership number.
Jim also reminded everyone that Rotary license plates could be ordered when a member’s automobile license plate is due for renewal. Of the amount paid for the license, $25 is contributed to the individual’s Club. Information on obtaining the license may be found on the Club’s website.
Thank you, Jim, for your non-traditional speech for our traditional Club.
Next Week
Student pick-up – C. Cipares, MCHS
Invocation – J. Welborne
Sarge – Rod Bensz
Speaker and Sponsor – Club Assembly, no speaker
Spot your name backwards in this
issue and win a free lunch at Top Dog. See Carolyn or Dennis
before the Sarge Program at Thursday's meeting.
10 MAR St. John Church, Panel Presentation by 1st generation College Graduates
21 APR St. John’s, RYLA Report -- Staying atop of Your High School Experience
19 MAY International Friendship Gardens, Topic TBA
22 MAY Lunch with Rotary
