Club Contacts Board Officers: President: Pat Boy President-Elect: Mike Hackett Vice President: Bryan Protratz Secretary: Dennis Boy Treasurer: Pat Harris Past President: Jim Welborne Committee Chairs: Rita Daygs, International Service Tom Keene, Sargent at Arms Larry Middleton, RI Foundation John Regetz, Membership Terry Sammann, Club Administration Jim Welborne, Club Foundation Julie Wozniak, Public Relations Photos from the meeting by Bruce Smith.

Foghorn
April 24, 2008

Guest Editor Suzy Vance

Announcements
Wow – there were almost more guests than Rotarians thanks to Lance Werner, Dennis Boy, Maggi Spartz and Bruce Smith.  And our own Deborah Koller returned for a visit – so glad to see her!

Pat Boy brought the meeting to order.
Bill Gertner let us know that Mary Wright’s son, James Writt, had been attacked by three young men as he walked to a local store in Griffith to buy his dinner.  He is now recovering in the hospital.  They have not caught those who did this.  Our prayers and supportive thoughts go out to Mary.  Should anyone wish to support this family with donations for medical services or just well wishes, the editor of this newsletter has her address.

Larry Middleton announced his request for contributions to EREY – Every Rotarian Every Year donations.  Make your donations to him now!

Carmen announced that Steve Hornyak is still recovering from his stroke and would welcome visitors (in the hospital AND when he gets home) – he’s a people person – he would even welcome Dennis!

Sandy Smith announced today was the Pig Accounting Day.  Of course, anyone who forgot their Pig could write a check – always welcome!  Next week the winner who produced the most change this past month will be announced.

Terry Sammann asked Rotarians to sign up for the Port-o-Pit Chicken Sale on May 9 – sign up early and get the schedule you want.

Curt Cipares reminded everyone of the opportunity to volunteer at the Zoo Cleanup Saturday May 3 – beginning at 8am.

Dolly Marshall reported that the 5 students who went to RYLA loved it – described it as “Life-changing!”  We will hear more when the students come to report.

Dr. Jim Jensen, a sight for sore eyes, gave $20 to the local foundation.

Pat Boy shared the GSE flier and flags from our recent Australian visitors.

Jim Bell presented a flag from Escondido, California where he made-up recently.

Bob Rose encouraged Rotarians to go watch the Michigan City High School Tennis Team in their contests – they really are quite extraordinary.

Sarge
Sarge Welborne asked Terry Sammann and Ecurb Htims to collect.

Students from Michigan City High School shared their talents and ambitions:

1. Dannielle Herald – French Horn in the band and orchestra, plans to go to Indiana University and major in music
2. Ryan Criner – the Soccer Captain and an Eagle Scout, intends to attend college in Austin, Texas or Indiana and to become a physician.

Lance Werner was acknowledged for inviting so many guests from the South Shore RR that the audience wondered if the trains were running today.

Sarge Welborne fined all Rotarians who were not attending the Zoo clean up and all those who were not attending the District Conference.

Larry Middleton paid for the birth of his son’s second daughter.  Mike Hackett paid to tout the Drama Club presentation put on by 1st – 5th graders at Elston Middle School.  Bob Rose paid for all the help he got from the Smith Brothers, who helped him launch his perfect condition Corvette last weekend.  Ron Bensz paid $20 for being gone so long.  Maggi Spartz traded honors with Ed Merrion at a North West Indiana Housing Summit.
Maggi Spartz also reminded Rotarians of the celebration coming up Saturday of Unity Foundation’s 15th year.

Guest Evelyn Baker had the ticket to draw the Queen of Hearts (worth more than $900) but drew the King of Spades instead.  The pot now stands at $937, with only 17 cards left in the deck.  Bring your dollars this week on this 50-50 drawing.

Program
Lance Werner introduced Norman Carlson who presented a program on South Shore RR – 100 years.

Originally intended to connect Cleveland and Chicago and originally funded by Cleveland investors, this rail service (both freight and passenger) has been through thick and thin, feast and famine.  The good news is that it still runs today with increasing crowded conditions because of gas prices.  New double-decker cars are expected to arrive by the end of the year.

And that’s the news from the Rotary Club of Michigan City, Indiana where the men are all handsome and the women good-looking.

Next Week

Student Pick-up – T. Sammann
Invocation – T. Sammann
Sarge – M. Hackett
Speaker & Sponsor – Alternative Energy Update, Prof W. Tyner, Purdue Lafayette (D. Boy)

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.

Invocation Schedule
(To volunteer, please contact Julie Wozniak.)

01 MAY – T. Sammann 08 MAY – M. Hackett

15 MAY – R. Fagg 22 MAY – J. Hollingsworth

29 MAY – S. Pound

Sergeant-at-Arms Schedule:
(To volunteer, please contact Tom Keene.)

01 MAY – J. Wozniak 08 MAY – E. Lysaught 15 MAY – T. Keene

22 MAY – J. Bausback 29 MAY – T. Sammann 05 JUN – L. Middleton

12 JUN – J. Neff 19 JUN – D. Engquist 26 JUN – S. Pound

Student of the Month Driver Schedule (Jim Bell, Coordinator)
1 = Duneland Lutheran (874-5103), 2 = Marquette (873-2044), 3 = M.C.H.S. (874-5103)

01 MAY – T-Samman-2

08 MAY – B. Rose-3

STRIVE Calendar(Suzy Vance,Chair, All Dinner/Meetings, Monday, 5:30-7:30 PM )