Notes from Rotary Meeting of June 24, 2013
President Deb Varnak called the meeting to order and led members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test of Rotary. Mike Sutton offered the invocation.
Leigh Morris led in singing “R-O-T-A-R-Y”.
Sergeant-at-Arms – Dale Parkison raised money for the club with trivia questions about the recent summer solstice and supermoon.
Happy $$’s – Vern Sikora, Deb Varnak, Ron Gigliotti, Andy Serafin, Mitch Feikes, Judy Hamilton, Ted Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Mike Rosenbaum.
New Member Induction – Leigh Morris inducted Dr. Joseph Rosenblum into Rotary membership. Dr. Rosenblum’s practice is Concierge Cardiology. In his induction remarks, Mr. Morris identified joining Rotary as a “life-altering moment”. Each Rotarian has been identified as a leader in his/her vocation. He also said that because of their commitment to their profession and to community service, “Only busy people are eligible for Rotary membership.”
New Banner – President Varnak called attention to the banner honoring La Porte Rotary as the Home Club of District Governor Christina Dougherty for the 2013/2014 year.
Rotary International Foundation – Leigh Morris, chair of the club’s Foundation giving, congratulated the club on achieving “Every Rotarian Every Year” status for the 2012/2013 year, with 100% of members contributing a total of $7641 (an average contribution of $169.80 per member).
Airport Dinner – July 22 at La Porte Municipal Airport. Ed Volk has asked Sean White from Indianapolis to be our speaker. More information about the speaker will be forthcoming. This will be a joint meeting with the Michigan City club.
Program – Rotarians provided updates about their businesses, community events, or Rotary events. Andy Serafin reported that his father-in-law, retired Rotarian Elmer Sult, recently celebrated his 98th birthday and is enjoying his new home in Florida. Fran Milo has sent word that her husband Tom is recuperating at home after heart surgery and is eager to resume his active schedule. Mike Sutton invited all young people to Liberty Bible Church’s first free movie “The Avengers” to be shown Friday, June 30 at 6:00 pm at the church’s meeting site (the former La Porte theater).
Meeting for Monday, July 1 – New President Tyler Smith will outline his goals and plans for the 2013/2014 Rotary year.
Presentation – Incoming President Tyler Smith presented to outgoing president Deb Varnak the Rotary President’s plaque and the past-president’s pin. Members gave Ms. Varnak a standing ovation in appreciation for her leadership and in recognition of her accomplishments during her presidential year.
Rotarians in attendance were: Mitch Feikes, Ron Gigliotti, Judy Hamilton, Bill Hedge, Beth Irwin, Yvonne Lindborg, Leigh Morris, Dale Parkison, Mike Rosenbaum, Dr. Joseph Rosenblum, Andy Serafin, Vern Sikora, Tyler Smith, Mike Sutton, Ted Taylor, Thor Thordarson, Deb Varnak. Visiting Rotarian: Andy Taylor (nephew of Ted Taylor) from the Valparaiso Club. Guest: Jonathan Galt, guest of Mike Sutton.