Notes from last Friday’s meeting:

Hesston Lauver provided our opening prayer, and Gene Stutsman led our singing of “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Jingle Bells,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” and “Smile.”

Rick Yoder introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.  Guests included Dave Roose and Chris Yachs.  There were no visiting Rotarians. 

Student Rotarians from Goshen High School were on-hand last Friday.  Student Rotarians along with their noted high school highlights were welcomed as follows:

Katia Gutierrez                         Marching Band State Competition

Drew Marlowe                         Senior Night with Football Team

Sara Breniser                            Softball Sectionals

Jason Zoenga                           Marching Band at Semi-State

Josh Haines                              Serving as a Computer Tech at School

Jamie Stickel provided more information about the Rotary mission trip to Costa Rica coming up next year.  The trip to furnish an eye clinic and provide eyeglasses is planned for February 24 through March 3.  It is expected that the services will be provided in the southern part of Costa Rica near Panama.  He indicated that travel costs at the present time are reasonable.  Seven doctors so far have signed up to participate, along with two IU professors.  If you are interested, contact Jamie Stickel.

Steve Fidler led our Happy Dollars.  The current contributions will go toward eyeglasses for the eye clinic trip to Costa Rica.  Those making announcements and contributions included Steve Fidler, Bill Davis, Kathy Brewton, Diane Woodworth, Sharon Risser, John Liechty, Robin Yoder, Jeff Longenbaugh, Danielle Thompson, Everett Thomas, Hesston Lauver, Rick Yoder, Mark King, Bill Bonning, Dave Roose, Dave Daugherty, Olga Stickel, Darryl Riegsecker, John Fidler, Phil Straw, and Bob Cripe.  My apologies if anyone was missed.

Arlin Hunsberger introduced the Goshen College Rotary Scholarship recipients.  Each of the students thanked the Club for allowing them to participate with Goshen Rotary this last semester.  Thank you also to Arlin Hunsberger for coordinating the Goshen College scholarship recipients. 

Sharon Risser announced that out 100^th anniversary recognition will take place on February 8 at the Spohn Ballroom.  The Rotary International President, Barry Rassin, is expected to attend.  The night will feature a Bahamas theme and will be a joint meeting with the Warsaw Rotary Club and the Goshen Rotary Club which Clubs are both celebrating 100^th anniversaries this year.

John Liechty introduced our program provided by his daughter, Jenna Liechty Martin.  John noted the significant contributions made in our area by the late Robert Hartzler who not only helped to found Greencroft and Oaklawn but also Camp Friedenswald.  Camp Friedenswald is located on Shavehead Lake in Southern Michigan.  It was founded in 1949 with the purchase of the camp at $3,500.  The camp now has 365 acres for its operations.  Jenna Liechty Martin is a Bluffton College graduate and has served the last five years as Director at Camp Friedenswald.  Jenna noted that “friedenswald” in German can be translated as “peaceful woods.”  The camp, in addition to its regular operations, also sponsors a leadership program for its staff.  The camp has 15 year-round staff and an additional 25 seasonal staff for the summers.  Daily summer camp activities include swimming, arts and crafts, nature hikes, and campfires.  The camp actually features an old growth red oak forest along with the habitat for an endangered butterfly species knows as the Mitchell’s satyr butterfly. 

The camp’s purpose and mission are centered around serving as a place for retreat, reuse, and reconnecting with nature and to help facilitate peace, justice, and reconciliation.  The annual summer camp activities are only part of its work.  Camp Friedenswald also features outdoor education, church retreats, Notre Dame student groups, and intercity-featured camps.  From its dining hall, chapel, and cabins, it has developed a sustainability plan led by Amy Hoosier.  Amy Hoosier was also on-hand to discuss the sustainability plan which focuses upon the relationship between the people, planet, and profits.  The sustainability plan is furthered by education that the camp provides to its campers, students, and guests.  Reducing waste through composting and recycling and reuse activities has significantly reduced the disposable waste from the camp.  Energy use has also been significantly reduced through LED lighting and other efficient energy use.  The sustainability plan is just another aspect of the camp’s effort to connect people with God and nature.  Thank you to John Liechty, Jenna Liechty Martin, and Amy Hoosier for the look into the purpose and operations of Camp Friedenswald.

Quote for the week: “Maybe it was the challenge of flight, the opportunity to fly, the competition of summer camp, and the inspiration and discipline of West Point.  I think all of those things helped me to develop a dedication and inspire me to get ahead.”  – Buzz Aldrin

 

                                                                                    Until next time.