Year End Celebration

What a whirlwind of activity last Thursday.  It was a great day to be a Rotarian.   We started things off at noon, on the square, for the clock dedication.  Over 25 Rotarians were present and we had about another 25 guests.  Straight up noon the clock started to chime and Greg prepared to dedicate the click and thank the  people who made it possible. Ron, Henry and Betty Bartly took photos.  Recognition was given to the contractors, town employees and county employees helped erect the clock.  Things were wrapped up at the square in short order and preparation for the year end party was soon to commence.  

At 4pm Jenny, Flory and Suzanne started to orchestrate other Rotarians in setting up for the year end party.   Blowup palm trees needed air, tables needed set up, and beer that needed chilled.  Jenny,  Flory and Suzanne make it all look easy. Rotarians and spouses started to gather a little before 6pm bring side dishes and desserts to share. The Blanton House is an ideal backdrop for our party.  Members mingled on the back patio while Chas played music.  Shared Blessings cooked our pork steaks for us and were given $1000 for their Food Pantry along with donated items from the Rotarians.   Amy Elliott kicked things off at 7:45.  Neal inducted two new members and received the Lois J Arnold award for his work this year on the Membership Committee.   Ron and the new board were installed for the 2013-2014 year and Greg was thanked to his service to the club.  Ron recognized his new committee chairs and the meeting was adjourned back to the patio to clean up the left over beer and wine.

It was a good time for all until someone broke the bottle opener. But, like a good neighbor, Mike P. was there with his shoe.  I wish I had a picture of him in action. Folks, that is just something you will have to see for yourselves.

T. Rex Time

Severe weather could not dampen the inspiration that is Thaddeus Rex and the Avon, Plainfield and Danville Rotary clubs. Over 75 guests and Rotarians braved the cold and snow to make it to the Royal Theater on Thursday night. Thaddeus took to the stage at 7pm and was introduced by Greg VanLaere, president of the Danville Rotary Club.The message of the evening was inspiration. The theme Thaddeus laid out was know your audience and be passionate about what you believe in. It was a great event.

With an evening joint meeting with the Avon and Plainfield Rotary clubs, it freed up the ability for some Danville Rotarians to invade the Brownsburg Rotary Club.  Charles, Greg, Henry, Neal, Dave, and Charlie attended the noon meeting at Dawson's II.  With our club meeting on Thursday, we do not have the opportunity to visit Brownsburg very often.  It was a pleasure to catch up with fellow Rotarians. 

All About Football

Ron Monts was the program chair last week.  Eric Ivie was our speaker.  Eric is a contributor to Yahoo Sports and is the owner of Red Zone Writing.  Eric is covering all sports, but has a niche for Arena Football.  Eric gave us a brief overview of what Arena Football is and how it is different from playing in the NFL.  Suzanne was very interested in hiring Eric to manage her Rotary Fantasy Football Team.  Eric has press passes for most Arena Football games.  The games run from March to August so that they do not overlap that of the NFL.  Most players are paid about $400 per game with a $50 win bonus.  Most of these guys play as a second job.  You can learn more about writing, football or Arena Football by following Eric from his website.

Congratulations to all Rotarians for bringing guests to our Rotary meeting this week.  Visitors included:  Mike Larr (Huntington Bank), Duane Lane (Lane Reality and LPM Properties), Luke Stevenson (Running for School Board), and Mandy Shelly (Danville Chiropractic).  Please get an application to each of these individuals if they have an interest in joining.

This Labor Day weekend was all about football.  A few Rotarians and their spouses attended the Purdue football game.  There was a visit from Purdue Pete and Olympic Gold metal winner, David Boudia.  A big thank you to Charlie and Jennifer Jones for their hospitality before, during and after the game.

Don't forget that all Rotarian are able to attend the board meeting that will be Thursday morning at 7:30am at Court House Grounds.  It counts as a make up.

Yes, the hat says Miller Time... LOL!

Suzanne and David Whicker, Steve Steinway and Charlie Jones

Purdue Won 47 - 6 against Eastern Kentucky

Suzanne and Charlie with David Boudia

I am all EARS

There is more or less corn in Indiana.  Jon MeDugle was Thursday's program chair and introduced Doug Whicker.  Doug is one of the Whicker boys.  And his family is well known in the county and the Ag business.  Doug talked to us about the challenges of the farmers during this drought.  It is not just about lower yields, but also what corn there is has been infected with viruses that can get a whole truckload of corn rejected at the elevator.  The red in the corn in the picture on the left is an example of this virus in the corn.  Doug went on to answer questions from Rotarians about the drought, farm insurance, and yield.

Saturday night, Rotarians fulled the streets of Downtown Danville to enjoy the sound of Hoosier Beetles.  Headliners Timm Grimm and Jenny DeVoe rocked the show.  Frozen bananas were wonderful treats for the show goers. Rotary is always well represented at these events.

You can go online to register for the fall District Conference in West Lafayette.  Go to www.rotary6560.org

Aug. 23rd, Gary Frey, District Membership Chair, will be our guest speaker.  Gary will give us update about the District and what other clubs are doing to attract quality Rotarians.

Growing Organically

The title of the blog post speaks to the two main factors of todays meeting.  First, Neal Pearcy gave us the Membership Minute and had Flory talk about how to invite and recruiting new members to our club so we can "Grow". 
Second, Kathy Stamper talked to the club and shared with us the history of the Danville Farmers Market and the aspects of "Growing" organic foods on her family farm.  Kathy introduced heirloom tomatoes to the farmers market.  Kathy is currently the Market Master for the market and has been with the market since its inception. 
There is still time to order you Danville Rotary shirts. 
There is still room on the crazy train that is headded to Conner Prairie on Aug. 4th to see Don McLean's American Pie.
There is a strawberry dipping party this evening at Tracie's house at 7 pm.  Please join us in helping out for the concert on Saturday.  Michael needs someone to help set up at 4 on Saturday and we need shift help from 9 to 10pm. 

Happy Year End Party

The meat has been rubbed.
Last night several Rotarians joined forces to season some pork steak with Doc Crowley's seasoning.  Some of us also tried out the beer and wine selection for Thursday to make sure that it was up to the high standards of fellow Rotarians. 
Remember: If you are a Paul Harris fellow, please wear you pins and badges to indicate you are a Paul Harris fellow.
We are going to have some fun. Can't wait.

Son of a Beach

Yes, the editor is on vacation.  However, due to his deep respect for each of you and for Rotary, I press on.  (I am writing this while lounging on the beach.  Pictures included). 

Marty gave a readers digest version of his ten minutes of fame.  But really, we wanted to listen to his speaker.  Secretary of State Connie Lawson was our guest.  She talked about her new appointment to the SOS office.  Connie is responsible for voting, business id's, car dealerships and investor protection.  (guess that makes her Rex and Greg's boss...lol).

There are several people who are looking to fill her Senate seat, including our very own Dennis Dawes. 



Last week was a Rotary Week.  It started with PETS and the District Conference.  Then last week I visited the Avon Club and the Plainfield Club both on the same day.  Greg Zusan is the President Elect (Pictured below).  One Wednesday morning he was running the show.  The Avon Club does not have a meal and they meet at 7:00am.  You have to love Rotary to make it there on time.  They meet at the Avon Town Hall.

Then off to Plainfield for their lunch meeting.  Charlie Jones was also in attendance.  You have to watch the video of their greeting of Charlie.  You can watch it here.  The program for the Plainfield Rotary was one of their members and his wife.  They taught the club to Polka and other Austrian dances.  The Plainfield Club meets at the Sugar Grove Senior Living Center on Wednesday.  They eat at noon.  

While I am lounging on the beach at Tybee Island, Ga.  I will be attending the Downtown Savannah Rotary Club.  They have a breakfast buffet that I hear is real good.  I will take some pictures and blog about what they are doing since I will not be able to attend our regualar meeting.  Toes in the sand!!!!

Rotary Ag Day

Editors Note:  I just wanted to thank each of you for taking the time to read our Rotary Blog.  I hope you enjoy it each week.

Ag Day
Welcome to all Farmers.  We had a good turn out at the Ellis Park Train Station for Ag Day or Farmers Appreciation.  Some of the Farmers were:  David Whicker, Phillys Palmer, Jim Loughmiller, JD Mendenhall, Cathy Stamper, Rex Parsons, and Charles and Theresa Brown.  This is not a full list, just the names I was able to remember.  Sorry to leave anyone out.  We were very happy that these folk took the time to share their time with us.  The Danville Rotary Club would like to formally thank all farmers for the work that they do.

Other guests included:  Interactors:  Gary, Lornezo, Gabe, Elliott and Plainfield Rotarian Mike Miller.

Henry Wallis introduced our speaker, Amber Wolfe from AgrAbility.  Amber is a Project Coordinator for them.  AgrAbility is an organization designed to help farmers with disabilities continue farming.  They specialize in Arthritis help.  They will work to keep farmers farming.  They are receiving funding from the USDA now.  50 million battle Arthritis and mostly women are effected.  Amber suggests getting checked out by your doctor if you have problems with your joints not your vet.

Jayson Marksberry and Mike Miller both talked briefly about the tornadoes and destruction in Southern Indiana.  Jayson got the word out to the club last week that he had alread made a relief run to Henrysville there weekend before.  Jayson let us know what supplies are still needed and that he was collecting those donations with the help of North Salem State Bank.  (As of Monday at 10am, I am still waiting on word from Jayson for an update on how things went over the weekend.)

Your Chance to Help!
Mike Miller spoke about the opportunity for each club to help on a District Level.  Here is a excerpt from the District Website:

Register to Help With Tornado Relief
Description:	Our group will be doing tree and debris removal. Please dress appropriately. Leather gloves, boots and rain gear are strongly recommended. We need three additional chain saws and four-wheel drive vehicles are also needed, if possible. The Rotary Club of Danville generously equipped our trailer with one chain saw already. The Salvation Army is providing our team with overnight accommodations, if needed, at the Country Lake Christian Retreat Center, (approximately 15 miles from Marysville.) You may work one day or all of them, whatever your schedule or physical limitations permit. Please join us if you can. Our plan is to meet at 8:00am on Thursday, March 15that the Cracker Barrel at the Scottsburg exit (mile marker 29A.) From there, we will drive to Marysville to Fire Station #2 on Nabb Marysville Road (approximately one mile SE of Marysville.) Please check-in there upon your arrival for a work assignment. If you have questions or concerns, please call Mike or e-mail Mike directly. His contact information is as follows: Mike Miller CPCT/BAT Drug and Alcohol Testing LLC 317-664-0188 cell 317-243-5468 office drugtesting@att.net
Location:	Our plan is to meet at 8:00am on Thursday, March 15that the Cracker Barrel at the Scottsburg exit (mile marker 29A.) From there, we will drive to Marysville to Fire Station #2 on Nabb Marysville Road (approximately one mile SE of Marysville.) Please check-in there upon your arrival for a work assignment.
Event Date:	Thursday March 15, 2012  to  Sunday March 18, 2012
Start Time:	8:00 AM

Follow this link to Register to help out.

March Madness!!!!

Brackets and more brackets.... Join the CVB in the Pizza Playoffs.  Cast your vote today.  Our club is planning on sampling some pizza from some of these local contenders.  Stay tuned for more information.  But, today you can vote, in Round !,  for your favorite pizza hangout until 8pm.  Starting at 8pm you can vote in Round 2.  Follow the link and cast your vote today!  

This Close... Polio

We are this close to riding the world of Polio.  Did you know that the Gates Foundation provided an additional 50 Million dollars to fight polio.  There were no strings attached.  We did not need to provide matching funds.  Once polio has been eradicated, the world will reap substantial financial, as well as humanitarian, dividends due to foregone polio treatment and rehabilitation costs.  Depending on national decisions on the future use of polio vaccines, these savings could exceed 1 billion er year, savings that can be used to fund other public health priorities.

For more information, visit Polio Here

Hope Farm

JR Hackleman briefly updated his 10 minutes of Fame.  He introduced the owner of Hope Farms.  They work to help people with special needs learn how to walk, communicate, and interact with horses.  Hope Farms was one of the largest events during the special Olympics this year.   They work with people from age 7 thru 70.  Working with therapists since 2000, they have also done Make-a-wish programs.  Funded with private dollars and United Way funds.

Announcements:  We have many thing happening on Feb. 9th.  1) Our regular scheduled board meeting with be on the 9th.  This has been changed from the 2nd.  Please make a note of it and we will see on at Courthouse Grounds at 7:30am on the 9th.  2)  On the 9th, we need you to please be at Mayberry at 11:45 to start to eat.  We will have the District Speech Contest start right at Noon.  3) Following the Speech Contest, we will depart for Apple for Teacher.  Those of you that signed up to help with this will proceed to your designated school to pass out apples.

Lyn Larison has the program next week.  He is bringing in a local motivational speaker.  You will not want to miss next week.