Helping those without find Home.
The August 2, 2018 Chickasha Rotary Club meeting was called to order by President John Gorton.  Prayer was led by Rot. Tom Rose and pledged by Rot. Ed Stanton.  Rot. Mitch Williams led the club in a Phil Collins tune, "Another Day in Paradise".  Catering was provided by Jimmy's Egg.
 
The Rotarian of the Day was Cassie Ersland who introduced April Heiple, the Executive Director of Food & Shelter of Norman.
 
Pres. John Gorton calling the meeting to order.
 
The Sunshine report provided by Rot. Brad Duvall
 
  
As you can see, there was an informal passing of the coveted Sgt of Arms vest from Rot. Chris Mosley to Sgt. of Arms Brad Duvall.  Once fully 'vested' into his title, Duvall was on the prowl for fines.  Rot. Ed Chamberlain was the first to give to the cause.
 
Visiting guests for the meeting were:
 
Rot. Cody White and his guest Tyler Grace
 
Chris Long and his daughter, Emily Long the 2018 Watermelon Queen
 
Rot. Ron Sanders introduced the 2018 RYLA Campers.
Faith Terry, Carleigh Elliott and Blake White.  All three campers gave their statement on the high quality of the RYLA camp.
 
Special guest was the 2018 Rush Springs Watermelon Queen, Emily Long.
 
    
Emily provided information on the 2018 Watermelon Festival.  She also brought three watermelons for auction.  The two Royal Jubilee melons were both sold for $60 each to Rots. Pauline Garrett and Ann Arnold.  The Red Diamond melon was sold to Rot. John Mosley for $50.
 
Rotarian of the Day Cassie Ersland introducing her program.
 
April Heiple with Food & Shelter
 
April Heiple is the Executive Director of Food and Shelter, Norman, Oklahoma’s soup kitchen and homeless services center.  Throughout her 19 years in human services, April has developed a great passion for helping people overcome struggles related to poverty and victimization. 
 
April graduated from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 2002 with a bachelor of science in Psychology.  April moved to Norman for graduate school in 2002 and completed a Master of Human Relations in 2005 and subsequently a Master of Public Administration in 2010 both from the University of Oklahoma. 
 
April has worked with many different state and local organizations including Women’s Service Center here in Chickasha.  She traveled the state in 2007 interviewing hundreds of victims of crime and authored a state-wide assessment of victims services resulting in better, more research based services in Oklahoma.  She was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to serve on the state task force to end sexual violence and has been honored by multiple organizations for her activism and leadership. 
 
She is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Norman and in the same year was honored by her alma mater as Distinguished Alumni.  She is very proud to be an active member of the Cleveland County Continuum of Care; a group working collaboratively to end homelessness in Norman.    
 
April and her husband Greg have 4 amazing children; Kaetlyn, Zach, Xander and Mia.  Her favorite color is yellow.