Marcia Made It

Today our Assistant Governor, Wilma Shackleton, attended our meeting.  Wilma had nice things to say about how our club is ran and how much fun we all have.  We had three interactors in attendance.  John Dryer, from the Plainfield club, was a guest as well.  Jade Gruner had a guest too, Nate Mishler.

Marcia was our host and speaker today.  She was informed that she was the host about 10 minutes before she was on.  She pulled out all the stops and nailed it.  If you don't know, Marcia has a lot to say about everything.  This is because she is part of almost everything.  Her roll at the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Counsel make her in the know.  She shared information about the events of the night before at the Chamber of Commerce Community Award Banquet.  Rotarians were plentiful.  Bob Pearcy was nominated for Senior Citizen of the Year and Jennifer McPeak won the Business Leader of the Year Award.  When Marcia changed hats, she told us about things that the town are doing with sidewalks and building that is happening on the eastside of town.

Next week will be our Christmas Luncheon.  It will be held at Westbridge Church on Mackey Road.  Then on the 27th we will be having our Board Election.  There is still room for Rotarians that might want to join us in Naples for the Ziggy Dicks BBQ Festival.

Special Thanks to NSSB for pulling off a great food drive.  There will be some happy families that will be needing this food.  Please consider continuing to support the local food pantry   They are in need of food all year long.

This weekend is a very special weekend.  This weekend the "Cromissioner" and I go head to head again for the second time in Fantasy Football.  For the keeping score at home, I was the only Male to put the hurt on Seth.  I think this calls for a game day by game day report.  As I write this before the Thursday game we each have one player playing tonight.  I am projected to get 147 points and Seth 146 points.  It will be close, but I am sure that when the chips are down, his ego will be totaled just like his Van.  If you would like his point of view, you will have to ask him since he stopped writing.

Take Out the Papers and the Trash....

 It has been a long two weeks.  Very happy that everyone had a great Thanksgiving.  Not wanting to miss out on a week without Rotary, a group of Rotarians went and crashed Greencastle's party (Club Meeting).  Greg, Henry, Michael and Chas did a make up the day before Thanksgiving.  Chas was originally from that club and was kicked out upon arrival (welcomed warmly).  We were all able to make new friends quickly.  Last weeks visitors to our club were:  Jimmy Pearcy, Jamie Bohler Smith, Alayna Bolen, Judy and Kelso Wessel.

Jenny Pearcy was our speaker host this week.  Tim Franklin from Waste Management was our speaker.  Tim and his group keep the Cumins Diesels humming along at the facility.  Most of these engines are running 24 hours a day.  Methane gas is recovered from the trash and used to power the engines that supply electricity back to Hendricks Power.  Waste Management is a good stewart of their land and a great community partner.  The site was opened in 1971 and is 982 acres.  They are responsible for our community softball and soccer fields as well as  model airplaine field and trap and skeet shooting area.

 This weeks host is Debbie Konter and then Marcia Lynch.

Announcements:  

Rex is still looking for volunteers to help with the Ziggie Dick BBQ event in Naples, Florida in Jan.  This is a real good time.  It brings your closer to Rotary and it is Florida in Janurary.... need I say more.  Rex has room on the boat for the Rotarian going.  You will be responsible for your airfare, but your lodging is taken care of.  And there is plenty of great BBQ to eat.  Rex has room for 3 couples or 6 Rotarians.  Flights to FL are about $246 round trip on Airtran.  (Check with your CPA, this may be Tax Deductable.)  I went last year and had a great time.  There are places to eat within walking distance from the Marina.  Rex is a great host and it really is a great time.  Let's fill up the boat.

Jamie Bohler Smith was in attendence this week presenting a check to our club for our clock project.  This was the first Beautification Grant that had been handed out by the Downtown Partnership.  The grant was for $5000.00.  This will be put to immediate use.  Rotarian John Battershell has been a great negotiator with the company that we are getting the clock from.  It is built in Cincinnati.  We are trying to same some money on shipping.  John has a truck and we need a volunteer to travel over there to help pick it up.  If you are interested, please let me know.

Board Meeting this week.  Thursday morning at 7:30am at Court House Grounds.

Rotary Shirts.... If you ordered one, please pick it up.  If you don't remember... check with us.

We will be having board elections in the next two weeks.  Stay tuned.

Running Theme

The Double Secret meeting was a success. It was great to break out of our shells and regular seats and have a little fun. If you missed it, then you missed 1) what Rotary is about 2) what makes our club so great 3) that a number of Rotarians joined Rotary for the same reason and 4) that Dave Coleman believes in Extraterrestrials. (Just ask him.)

Neal Pearcy started us out with a Membership Minute that really hits home about what Rotary is and how and why we should spread the word.  The reality is that most of us don't know what to say when we are asked, "What is Rotary?".  Neal will be educating us over the next few months to help us answer these questions.

As we went around the room getting to know our fellow Rotarian better. I see a running theme emerge. Most people joined rotary for some form of business networking reason but became a Rotarian when the witnessed all the good work that is done in our community.  Our club has raised and distributed over 100 thousand dollars to local students in Danville. Most of what we do revolves around serving our community and the students in our community.

Three of our Interact kids joined us for lunch. They were Kelli Snodgrass, Jayden McBride, and James Thorpe.  We also had John Drier from the Plainfield club visit our club again this week. John announced that the Plainfield club will buy breakfast if you help with their cleanup day that is coming up.  Jane Hazelton also visited the club. She is with the Danville Public Library.

The dates for the Naples BBQ event are January 4th and 5th.  Flights leave after Rotary on Thursday and you can have your choice of return flights. Saturday, Sunday or after the Naples club meeting on Tuesday. Rex has room for 3 couples or 5 Rotarians.  I already have a response from one Rotarian that wants to go. Email me and I will let Rex know.

Myself, Michael Williams and maybe Henry are planning to visit the Greencastle Rotary Club on Wednesday since we are not having a meeting this week due to Thanksgiving.  We have room for one more in the truck.  If you would like to join us.... Please e-mail me.

As we round out this Thanksgiving week, I want to say that I am thankful for each of you Rotarians.  You make me proud to be a Rotarian.  I really enjoy seeing each of you each week.  Thank you for making our club great.  Proud to be your President.  Greg

Miller Time

Have you heard of Rotary Direct?  It is Rotary's recurring giving program.  Rotary Direct saves.... Time, Money, and Lives.  Sign up today at www.rotary.org/contribute


The Interactors met Thursday morning.  Michael and I attended.  There were 10 Interactors and Mya Williams.  There are some projects that the Interactors are working on that will need our help.  We will keep you posted.  Four of the Interactors attended our regular meeting today.  They are Sierra Summers, Tara Blackard, Heather Siller, and Shailyn Ennis.  We also had a visiting Rotarian from Plainfield, John Drier.

This week Dennis Dawes was the speaker host.  Dennis introduced Pete Miller after giving his 10 minutes of fame.  Pete was elected as last Tuesday for the position that he took over with the vacancy from Connie Lawson taking over the Secretary of State position.  Pete's position is that he is more effective if he knows the people of the community.  He asked that the community keep him accountable.  Pete worked to cut costs and duplication while working under Mitch Daniels.  You can contact Pete through Dennis Dawes.




Neal and I attended the District 6560 Success Seminar on Saturday.  As always, there were many different clubs in our district represented at the Seminar.  These clubs are all looking to get better.  There were three major portions of the event.  They were: Membership, Foundation Certification for 2013-2014, and Public Relations.  Neal attended the membership portion and I got our Foundation Certification so that our club can qualify for grants during the next Rotary year.

Don't forget that this comings week is a Double Secret Meeting.  It would be best for ALL Rotarians to attend this meeting.  Just a reminder that we will not be having a meeting on Thanksgiving.

Right now it is Sunday and I am in trouble.... Dusti and I play each other in Fantasy Football.  Someone is going to win, and someone is going to lose.  Either way I look at it.... I will be the loser.  This is not good. (Wednesday Fantasy Football update:  Dusti and I tied... all is right with the world).

Mental Health Day

The Danville Rotary Club Board met Thursday morning for a strategic planning session to provide guidance for both current projects and the future of the club.  Thank you to the board for providing important input into this process.  Part of what makes our club successful is the dedication of all its club members. Thanks to everyone.

Bob Murer was our speaker host today.  He introduced Tammi Jessup of the Mental Health Association.  Tammi said that 1 in 4 people suffer from some form of mental health issue.  Part of the Mental Health Associations mission in to educate adults and kids.  Tammi introduced Sandy Brown and Diane Murer as educators of kids.  Sandy and Diane put on a puppet show about anti-bullying.  They also have programs for Autism and Alcoholism.  They put together programs to educate kids using these puppets.



We were happy to have the Mental Health Association as guests.  We also had four interactors visiting.  They were Brenna Kincaid, Claire Hazelton, Alayna Bolen and Melissa Rudie.  Melissa is the communication chair for the Interact Club.

Terry K. was recognized for bring in a new member to our club.  We are excited to grow our club.  Neal Pearcy and I will be attending a membership seminar this coming weekend.  Thanks to Neal for taking the lead for membership.

Tomorrow (or today, depending on when you are reading this) is election day.  Before you vote, you should take a second to read the "Cromissioner's" blog.  There is suspense, drama, the occasional grammatical error... all the things that make up a good political campaign.  Seth points out certain weaknesses (ie, Amy's starting quarterback, my eye sight, and democracy).  You have to check it out.  Click on the tab at the top of the page and enjoy.    

The Big Picture

Dr. Ward

Denis Ward was our speaker host this week.  There are some big things happening at the school.  Changes that include a pilot program for Customized Mass Learning.  Denis introduced Matt Vandermark and Karen Perkins, both Danville Community School Principles.  Matt and Karen gave us the "Big Picture" of what the programs are about.  They are trying to provide the best learning environment and maximizing each of the children's potential.  The program has been working very well and the school will be in a position soon to determine how they proceed from here.

Visiting our club today was Troy Gill, Kelso Wessel, and Betsy Bassett.  Troy is a project manager for Danville Heat and Cool, Kelso is a visiting Rotarian from Loundon, Ohio, and Betsy Bassett is the owner of a new shop coming to Danville called The Beehive.  We also have the following interactors at lunch:  James Thorpe, Amanda Cooper, and Sara Hill.

Yes, I am sure Tracie "Can do it!"

Speaking Easy!!!

This weekend was a "Big Picture" Rotary event.  The 2012 - 2013 District 6560 District Conference.  Danville Rotary Club attendees were:  Greg VanLaere, Suzanne Whicker and David Whicker, Tracie Shearer and Danny Shearer and Flory and Jim Phillips.  Held at Purdue University, a number of speakers shared with us information about food quality, agriculture in Afghanistan and womens health.  Tom Turpin even served us up gourmet meal worms.  Friday evening was capped with a costume party.  Our own Tracie and Flory were got into the swing of things in their outfits.  It was great to visit with some old Rotary friends and make some new ones.  On Saturday, there were breakout sessions that all Rotarians attended.  Learning about the Rotary Foundation, RYLA and Strategic Planning.  Greg VanLaere was one of the speakers sharing his experience attending the International Conference.

In the end it was a great time had by all and another conference is the books.  I was able to spend the conference learning to run the AV equipment for the District.  Here was my view for the weekend.

Dual Laptops and a Mixing board.... Oh my!!!!

More Out of Rotary

I know that you were thinking that you were going to go a week without hearing from me.  I missed you all last week, but I am planning on getting my Rotary fill Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  I want to thank Michael Williams for filling in last week and getting it done.  Hope to see everyone tomorrow.

Want to get more out of Rotary.... Here are three things that you can do to enhance your Rotary experience.

1)  Sit with someone that you don't know at our regular meeting.  This goes for both new and older members.  Everyone must understand that it can be challenging to break into a group that always sits together each week.  The thing that I find about Rotarians is that we each have a common background and have a lot to talk about.

2)  Visit another club.  All clubs are not created equal.  Visiting another club will help you appreciate your home club and will introduce you to others in Rotary and other Rotary ideas.  There are three other clubs in the county.  You can visit our District website for more information about local clubs.  You can visit the website for times and locations of meetings.

3)  Participate in a District or International Conference.  This weekend will be District 6560's 2012-2013 District Conference.  We will have speakers from Pakistan, the "Bug" Man (Tom Turpin) and Purdue's Head of Nutrition Science, Connie Weaver, Ph.D.  There will be breakout sessions with topics ranging from Social Media to Water Projects to Disaster Response.  These are things that each Rotarian should experience once.  If you have not attended a District Conference, you should set a goal that in the next two years you should plan on attending.  You also get to meet other Rotarians from other clubs with out having to travel to each individual clubs.

Each of these are ways to deepen your Rotary experience.  It is a step out of your comfort zone, but it is well wirth the step.  See you soon.