Notes from Rotary Meeting of February 11, 2013
President Deb Varnak called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test of Rotary. Marv Goad offered the prayer.
Happy $$’s – Brad Hindsley, Mike Sutton, Bonnie Miller, Mitch Feikes, Mike Arnett.
Sergeant-at-Arms – President Varnak acted as Sergeant today (with Neil Mangus wielding the collection basket) and raised money for the club by asking questions about Spire Restaurant’s Brad Hindsley's effort to create the world’s largest BLT this past weekend. We all paid to learn that 80 volunteers used 227 pounds of bacon and 30 pounds of salad greens to make the sandwich which was 364 feet 2 inches long. In addition to seeking Guinness Book of World Records recognition, the effort was a fundraiser for various non-profit agencies.
Board of Directors meeting decisions – President Varnak announced the following decisions made at the February 6 board meeting.
Rotary Youth Exchange student – The Board decided against hosting for the current year.
RYLA – The club will sponsor a high school student for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy) and Marv Goad is coordinating.
Fund raisers and service projects – For the coming year will be focused on the Rotary Ramble Grocery Scramble and the Ice Fishing Derby. Both events hold promise for continued develop and growth. The club will continue to have a booth at the Sunflower Fair.
Meal Cost – Effective March 1 Best Western intend to increase the cost of the meeting meal from $9 to $11. Deb Varnak is working to negotiate with them to minimize this increase in some way and will keep the club posted on success.
Spelling Bee – Stacey Moody, the club’s representative to the La Porte County Literacy Coalition, announced the annual Spelling Bee to be held at the Silver Palace on March 21, beginning with cocktails at 5:30pm followed by the Bee at 6:30 PM. Stacey needs volunteers for Rotary’s team. Contact her or President Varnak to volunteer for Rotary’s team.
Program – Jim Dermody, Superintendent, New Prairie United School Corporation
Kregg Van Meter, coordinator of the after-school program for New Prairie schools, introduced Mr. Dermody who spent 21 years as a classroom teacher, 9 years as Principal, and was also an Assistant Superintendent for La Porte Community Schools prior to returning to New Prairie in 2010. Consolidated in 1968, the New Prairie school district is a geographically large and diverse district, with townships from both La Porte and St. Joseph Counties. Its enrollment of 2854 includes three elementary schools, a middle and high school. Mr. Dermody focuses on creating a culture of excellence throughout the school system. He also focuses on doing what is best for the students, in terms of academic excellence, extra curricular offerings, and instructional technology.
Rotarians in attendance were: Mike Arnett, Judian Breitenbach, Bert Cook, Mitch Feikes, Ron Gigliotti, Marv Goad, Judy Hamilton, Bill Hedge, Brad Hindsley, Norm Juday, Neil Mangus, Bonnie Miller, Stacey Moody, Mike Rosenbaum, Keith Schwingendorf, Mike Seitz, Vern Sikora, Mike Sutton, Kregg Van Meter, Deb Varnak. Guest/Prospective member: Cindy Preston, Wells Fargo Bank (guest of Judian Breitenbach). Visiting Rotarians: Mick Faloon (Elkhart) and Rich Schweitzer, and wife Gerrie, (Crown Point). Guests: Tyler Kuzus and Nick Tobar, La Porte High School students.