Keeping on Schedule

Last week was a busy week.  We hosted two speakers for our regular meeting.  Congress man Todd Rokita was our first speaker of the meeting.  Todd talked about the Republic and tthat what we have may be in jeopardy.  Ben Franklin said, "What your have here is a republic, if you can keep it."  Todd thinks that we are in for some issues.  Mr. Rokita called for a Cultural change.

Following the Congressman was John Crane introduced by Eric Oliver.  Sagamore Student Leadership is a faith based organization that helps to develop leaders in high school and college.  John mirrored what Congressman Rokita said, "Doing nothing is no longer an option."  John's organization knows that helping kids develop skills that they already have and provide faith based leadership can make a difference to communities in the future.  John said that leadership is a neutral quality, it can be used for both good or bad.  They are working on the GOOD!

Tracie announced a change from our regular basket that is put together for the District Conference.  Tracie took up a collection for the purchase of a Kindle.  The Kindle would be the centerpiece of the basket and would also feature other local books, wine and other goodies.  A collection was taken to offset the cost of the Kindle.  We are really proud of the club for coming together and covering the full cost.  Thank You!  Tracie will have the basket on display this week at Rotary.  Special thanks to Tracie to putting this together again this year.

I will miss you all this week.  I will be in Terre Haute for work.  Michael Williams will get some on the job training.  See you next week.  Greg

Saving Money Feels Good

This past week seems so long ago now.  Seth teased us with access to free money.  His promises were as empty as his Fantasy Football Lineup.  No really, Seth introduced Monte Chamberlin from Cost Stewardship.    Monte said that there is not free money, but there is easy money.  Monte's organization has been able to flourish by helping the little guy gain economies to scale by pulling together the purchasing power of many little guys to get better deals for their clients.  Monte said that businesses need to get revenues up and expenses down in order to grow.  He helps on the expense side.  Cost Stewardship has helped many Not for Profits to find that they are paying taxes on their utilities and has helped them get a refund of those tax dollars that they did not know that they could save.  Cost Stewardship has branched out to help other For Profit businesses also.  It was a very interesting.

The week ahead.  This week, we will be having two speakers.  I will be starting the meeting promptly at Noon.  You will want to make sure that you arrive a few minutes early and get a good seat.  Congresman Todd Rokita will kick us off at Noon followed by Eric Oliver with the regular program.  In an effort to get out information about the Danville Rotary Club.  It is possible that some members of the media could be in attendance also.  Just wanted to make you all aware.  See you Thursday!

Sweet Smell of Success

The 2012 Bake sale is in the books.  Our Rotary Club held it's annual Bake Sale to raise money for our Rotary Scholarship fund.  For many years, the Rotary Scholarships have been helping to fund the educational needs of graduating seniors.  Recipients can apply during their senior year at Danville Community High school   The scholarships are then paid after completing their first semester of college.  This years sale was a success and we are still accepting donations for our scholarship fund.  Please, if you were unable to attend, consider making a contribution.  Any amount would be beneficial.  You can make the check payable to the Danville Rotary Club Foundation.  You can give the checks to Ron B., Henry, Suzanne or Greg.

The evening was beautiful weather.  Suzanne and Dave Whicker were gracious hosts again this year.  There was plenty of time to socialize before the sale.  As bidders arrived, our inventory of desserts grew.  There was a surprise gift that was dropped off, but more about that later.  Once Stephenie and Brandon arrived following a Danville win for the 7th grade boys football game (hint... Happy Dollar), things began to rock.

Stephenie, Brandon and Jerry got us kicked off to a bang.  The first item went for over $100.  Most items that evening brought over $100 for our cause.  We have learned over the years, that some beer and wine before the auction helps loosen the purse strings.  Chief Gill was the high bidder on the mystery gift that was dropped off.  There is just something funny about the cop getting a box of donuts.  Pies, cakes and cookies were all well represented.  Even though Rex and Sharon were unable to attend; they sent their proxies.  Flory and Jim Phillips were bidding on their behalf.  We are happy for all donations, no matter who was bidding.

How many Pollocks does it take to provide entertainment for a bake sale?  Just one, and we are happy that Jerry brought his energy and good spirits.  Thank you Jerry for helping and thanks to Stephenie Brandon and the Whickers.  And a very special Thank you to our bidders.

The shirts that were ordered have arrived.  We will have them at the meeting this Thursday.  Please make sure that you pick up your shirt and settle up with the treasurer.

Reminder:  There is a board meeting this Thursday morning at Court House Grounds at 7:30am

Visit from our District Governor

District Governor Craig Sherman is wrapping up this last few club visits for 2012-2013.  Thursday was his visit at the Danville Club.   DG Craig made several observations to the club about Rotary.  He suggested that we look at Rotary as a business.  A business that has its members and members of the community as its customers.  We customers get good service they tell everyone.  And people speak loudest about what they believe in.  Believe in Rotary and share the good news.  Rotary is a benefit to others beyond its own members.  Craig suggests that we all tell our Rotary Story.  Telling our story helps to close the gap between what we know about Rotary and what the public knows about Rotary.  Craig ended with encouraging us to continue to support the Rotary Foundation and the fight to end polio.  Check out www.endpolionow.org

This weeks meeting will not be a noon meeting.  Instead, you and your spouse, neighbor, sister, cousin, or co-worker are invited to share in our Annual Bake Sale to support our Scholarship fund.  Our scholarship are given to Danville Community Highschool Seniors.  These kids can really use our support.  Brad will be supplying the BBQ and Rotarians are asked to bring a side to share and a fabulous  Baked good that will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  We promise to only run up the bid on most of you.

Be looking for a Fantasy Football update Tuesday or Wednesday from the "Cromissioner"  Rumor is that he is having a hard time keeping his EYE on the BALL.

Ryland is on a Roll

A big Rotary welcome to our visitors this week.  Mark Phillips, Chelsie and Sofie.  This coming week, we will have Craig Sherman, our District Governor, and Wilma Shackelton, our Assistant Governor, attend our regular meeting on Thursday.  We welcome them to our club as well.

John Battershell was the program chair this week.  John asked one of our newer member to speak in detail about her business.  Carrie Ryland the owner and operator of Better Beginnings Child Care.  Carrie spent time work for Galyon's before the buyout.  Following the buyout, she spent some time working for fellow Rotarian Doug Catt.  Carrie said that since Doug spent days on end crying like a baby over missed putts and  in general acting childish, she should start a daycare and Doug could be her first assignment.  (Love you Doug.... Just kidding).  Carrie has had a passion for helping children and their parents giving them a "Better Begining."  Carrie has been working with John to renovate buildings for her child care business.  Opening in Oct. 2012 will be Carrie's largest adventure. Her building will open and end the end be able to accommodate 144 kids.  Better Beginnings is focused on child health and early childhood development.  Some of our best programs have been giving by Rotarians, and Carrie, lived up to this same hype.  Good Job.


The sign up sheet went around this week for the bake sale.  There were a number of people who signed up to bring a side to share during the dinner.  If you have not signed up, you will have a chance to Thursday.  We are expecting a good turnout and plenty of sweet stuff to bid on.  The bake sale is on the 27th at Suzanne's house.  

Here is a little treat for those of you that have been so good as to read the blog all the way to this point.  I got an e-mail from Rex and Sharon Dugan that said the Jerry Weed had made it big time.  Not only is is known around the world for the work that he does in fabrics, but he also has a famous Sweet tea named after him as well.  Just might have to get me a glass.

Is it the Truth? If not, Mike will catch you.

Flory Phillips was our speaker host for this week.  Flory and her husband Jim are very active in many different clubs.  Church clubs to investment club and everything in between.  I think they just like to socialize and I am glad they do.

Flory's speaker and guest was Mike McCarty and his wife Trish.  Mike started a business in Danville that does detailed background checks. Mike said that he started the business in Danville because of the quality of life and the things that Danville has to offer.  Mike praised his employees at being good at what they do and how they treat Safe Hiring Solutions clients.  Mike said that he might be the only business on the square no one has heard of, because most of his business comes from outside of Indiana.  Most of Mike's family is in Law Enforcement.  Mike said that this is just a natural fit for him.  He had the idea a few years ago after seeing that backgound checks were just coming back with limited information.  Safe Hiring Solutions digs deeper to help their clients know who they are hiring.  Last month Safe Hiring Solutions did 11,000 background checks.

This weekend was Fair on the Square. There were a number of roaming Rotarians around the square. It is always great to get to see and speak to fellow Rotarians. 

September 27 is the date for one of our clubs biggest FUNraisors for scholarships.  Our Bake sale will be held at Suzanne Whickers home and will start at 6pm. Brad is supplying the BBQ. Please bring a side to share, a baked good to have auctioned off, your spouse and your checkbook.  Actually you can leave the checkbook at home if you would like us to bill you using Paypal.

We will be staffing a water station for the Hendricks County Half Marathon on Saturday, September 22. We need 4-5 volunteers to assist with this. We will be responsible for set-up, clean-up, handing out water and gatorade to participants, and promoting good energy and excitement.
All materials will be supplied by the Parks Department. We will need to arrive by 7:15 a.m. to set up. I would expect it to be complete in approximately two hours.  You can e-mail Heath Allen if you would like to help out.

Amy had mentioned that our water project in Mexico got some traction on Rotary.com.  Here is a like to the story.  LINK

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