Pat Hart exceeded expectations as “Acting President for a Day” by profoundly calling the meeting to order.   The prayer was provided by Teri Dreher and Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tony Collins.  Pat offered the old standby song “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain”.

 

Guests:  Dan Lutter¸ guest of Dave Potts.

 

-Steve Risely said to get the winter fundraiser items in to him as soon as possible.  He thanked those who have contributed already.

 

-Doug Fendon offered a “Save the Date” for the winter fundraiser on February 23^rd at Independence Grove Forest Preserve, with Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville style attire.

 

-Doug Fendon announced new membership drive team changes.  He deleted one team and assigned those members to new teams and assigned captains to those who had not already designated a captain.  He passed a handout with running totals for each team.

 

-Rick Mittleman suggested as the progressive raffle is getting larger (above $1,000) that the club should limit the competition to members only.  The was some discussion but no decision to my recollection.

 

-Tucker Olsen announced the next board meeting will be Tuesday at 5:30, Mickey Finns.

 

-Elliott Pinzel thanked those who had participated with the recent mobile “Feed My Starving Children” food packing event at Tom Miller’s business.  He said he had fun with his kids.

 

-Steve Risley announced his son’s marriage in Lexington, Kentucky.  The couple are celebrating in Jamaica.

 

- Rich Schoeneman announced his retirement from the Center Club in December.  

 

Fun and Frolics: 

Dennis Kratohwil had each team to select a member to  come forward and hold a pitcher of water for as long as possible.  Greg Hill dropped first, followed by Doug Fendon.  Rich Schoeneman and Scott Hezner were ruled a tie.

 

Club member Teri Dreher discussed Rotary Global Grants and how they have affected her interest in serving the children of Africa.  She has been serving Africa since she joined Rotary 10 years ago and she feels the more one does for people the better. Teri has been to Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa and she’s had three global grants approved.  Each has facilitated a Head Start for children in 25 early childhood development facilities.  They now use grannies who are trained through an 18 month curriculum to support the kids. 

 

Lack of nutrition is a major problem and results in poor learning.  The club grant of $7,500 is matched by the District and 5 other clubs, plus Rotary National adds to his amount culminating in about $50,000 total grant.  The money is put to good use, but corruption has complicated this service in some countries.  In these countries people are either rich or poor. 

 

Teri talks about the power of one, about the child who believed in himself.  She says education is the way out of poverty. This a calling for Teri and says most of the money goes for building infrastructure. KFC provides donations of two meals/day and Feed My Starving Children provides food care packages as well.  Pharmaceutical companies assist with education and medicines.

 

Raffle:  $35 in the daily won by Bob Zamor.  With $1,060 in the progressive, Scott Hezner did not pull the ace of spades, so the pot rolls again.

 

Closing:  Closed with the Four Way Test, and the closing gavel by Pat Hart.

 

Attendance:  25 members, 1 guests.

 

Next Week:  Tim Dempsey is scheduled for Greeter and Prayer, and Ron Lapins for Fun and Frolics.  The program will be Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain, by Dr. Ryan Winslow.