SPIN FOR JUNE 19, 2017

DON'T MISS THIS!

June 19

David Maynard

Life Lessons Growing up at NASA

June 26

Bruce Kingsbury PhD

Wetlands: Jewels of the Forest

July 3:

NO MEETING IN OBSERVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY

July 10

President Tim Gibson

State of the Club Address

(AT THE FORMER WOMEN’S CLUB ON W WAYNE)

July 17

District Governor Lisa Waterman

July 24

Cheryl Ferverda

Soaring Hawk Raptor Rehab

July 31

Zach Lear

Fitness at Any Age

The Spin Information and Speakers were provided Jane Wilks, fwrotarysecretary@gmail.com

The Spin was organized and posted by James Cress, rotaryclubfwspin@gmail.com

Meeting of June 12, 2017

Kelly Updike, SPIN editor

Happiness is a warm puppy

With a well-behaved yellow Labrador by her side, Vicki Heckman described the many benefits of the Canine Companions for Independence training program.

Serving as an official volunteer Puppy Raiser, Heckman trained Owen, the Lab, for 18 months before he was sent for further training. Although he became a Change of Career dog – he was part of the 60 percent of dogs who do not graduate from the strenuous program – Owen is now a beloved and very well-trained family pet with the Heckman family. The family is awaiting word on Jack, their second dog who is currently doing well in the training program. The Heckmans now are caring for 11-week-old Monroe at home.

Heckman became interested in Canine Companions while working as a nanny for a family that volunteered for the organization. “I’m a big believer in active volunteerism,” she said. “We wanted to put our time, love, energy, skills and money into a puppy that would change somebody’s life.” Heckman added that her children are involved – daughter Kate also attended the club meeting – and learning how to give to others.

Canine Companions began in 1975 and currently has 2,111 working teams throughout the country with a dog placed in their care. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., the organization sends dogs to be trained by Puppy Raisers for 18 months. The dogs then go into more intensive training for an additional six months. If they make it all the way – and only 40 percent do – they then undergo a two-week program and are matched with their new owner. The Puppy Raisers get to pass the leash to the new owner at graduation.

The organization uses only two breeds, Labrador and Golden retrievers, in its program. Puppy Raisers provide socialization experiences for the dogs. They pay all the puppy’s medical, travel and training costs, including weekly obedience classes. And they train the puppies to learn 35 commands. Monthly reports also are submitted to headquarters.

“This is a program for people with patience,” Heckman said. And is it hard to give up the puppies after 18 months of care and love? “YES!” she said, “we are really attached to the dog. It’s very difficult; many tears were shed. It’s a very emotional process.”

The dogs are trained to be service dogs, hearing dogs, facility dogs, skilled companions and assistance dogs for veterans. They are trained to pull wheelchairs, pick up objects and give them to their owners, turn on/off light switches and even get items from a clothes dryer. Through Canine Companions, the dog owners become empowered and independent.

For more information, go to cci.org.

Second time around

Rotarians applauded the philanthropy of Rick Zolman, who was recognized for his second time as a Paul Harris Fellow. This honor is bestowed on a club member who generously donates at least $1,000 to Rotary International.

Flag Presentation

Dave Kaverman presented the club with a flag from an Asheville, North Carolina, club. Dave reported the city has five Rotary clubs and that the Asheville West club, with 13 members, has won numerous honors, including Rotary’s small club award.

Sing out

Irene Walters said the Rotary Singers performed the Fort Wayne version of “15 Miles on the Erie Canal” for the Sweet Breeze canal boat inauguration. The group was so good the song will be recorded and played as people board the boat.

We’re This Close

Participate in the Ninth Annual 5K Run/Walk to Eradicate Polio on August 19th at Shoaff Park. Registration is at 7 a.m. with the kid's mile fun run at 8 a.m. The 5K is at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $25 for registrations by July 29th ($22 if you are a Fort Wayne Running Club member.) and $30 afterward. Free T-shirt is included. Register at www.getmeregister.com and click on the like to this race. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Rotary Happy Hour

June 20

5:30 to 7 p.m.

Rudy's

409 W. Brackenridge St.

Cost is $11 for a drink ticket and appetizers

Dues Notice!

To better manage the annual dues increases set by Rotary International, the board will be implementing a dues increase from $180 to $185 each half year starting July 1. This is the first increase in five years. The Rotary Foundation contribution remains at $50 and lunch is still $10. FYI that dues can now be paid monthly via automatic debit; see Jane Wilks for information. Dues statements will be emailed this week.

Peace, Love and the Power of Rotary

Honor our own flower child, outgoing president Candace Schuler,

by attending the June 27 annual meeting at Bergstaff Place, beginning at 6 p.m. RSVP by June 19 (invitations are being distributed now) to Jane Wilks. Cost is $40.

Meeting Location Change!

There is a daytime TinCaps game on July 10,

so the club meeting will take place at the

University of Saint Francis Business Center

826 Ewing St.

This is the former Woman’s Club.

Free parking for July 10 meeting – location change

There is a daytime TinCaps game on July 10, so the club meeting will take place at the University of Saint Francis Business Center, off Wayne Street and next to Klaehn’s Funeral Home. This is the former Woman’s Club. Free parking is available at Trinity English Lutheran Church.

Join us for a day trip to see the

Cincinnati Reds take on the Chicago Cubs!!

When: Saturday, July 1, Bus Leaves at 11:00 AM | First Pitch 4:05 PM

Where: Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, OH

Prices: $80 per person – includes, ticket, bus fair, sandwich, chips, drinks, and PRICELESS memories with Rotarians, friends and family!

Want to Buy a Ticket? Reach out to Allie Braun, alliebraun1025@gmail.com or

Justin Libey, justin.libey@oldnational.com.\

Going, going, …

Only nine tickets remain for the bus trip on July 1 to the Cubs-Reds baseball game in Chicago. Tickets are $80.

See Allie Braun for information.