CONCORD ROTARY CLUB

On July 11 Joseilyn Acosta, daughter of club member John Acosta, gave a presentation on the Theta Phi Alpha sorority at IUSB, of which she has been a member for one year. Acosta is also a charter member of Gamma Phi. The Theta Phi Alpha chapter opened in 2011. Theta Phi Alpha recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and was founded in the University of Michigan Ann Arbor by Father Edward K. Kelly.

Acosta is an elementary education major with a minor in education at IUSB. She said Theta Phi Alpha has three main philanthropies: Catholic beliefs, feeding the homeless and supporting Glenmary Home Mission efforts. Some of the events the sorority helps with are the annual Comcast Care Days, clean up communities, Mr. B&G Pageant and several others. They also place a high regard on education. The values of the sorority are justice, wisdom, loyalty, faith, honor and purity.

Acosta said she became very involved in her sorority after she realized the quality of young women who were associated with this group. Many of them are in education, nursing, psychology and other undergraduate studies. Acosta proves that there are many very fine young people in the communities who share some of the values of Rotary.

July 18 guests were speaker Wayne White, his friend, Nancy Aydelott, Phil Straw of the Goshen club and Dr. Emily Stout, who was accepted by the board to be a member of the club.

Dr. Rick Nelson opened with a moment of silence to honor Rotary International. Tim Ritchie led the Pledge and Four-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say and Do.

Wayne White, U.S. Air Force retired, gave an account of his book “World War II: An Airman’s Story, ‘It Wasn’t My Time.’” This book is an account of the close calls and harrowing experiences that took the lives of many men. But for White, “It wasn’t my time.” The book takes place from the beginning of the war while Hitler was taking over Europe. Negotiations with Hitler failed. Sixteen million servicemen were deployed and 16 million service people were stationed at home. White was in basic training learning to take orders and preparing for his personal orders when he was sent to Denver to learn how to be an Air Force photographer. After six weeks of training he was sent to New Mexico to meet with six men and a pilot from Texas. They were awaiting their plane, which was heading for Dakar, Africa. During that time they saw their airplane leak fuel over the flames of the engines, lived on pineapples for 11 days and performed many bombing missions. Some of these missions were so dangerous half of the men never returned.

DELTA THETA CHI SORORITY, INDIANA ETA CHAPTER

Officers met July 17 at President Carol Larson’s home for the purpose of completing committee and meeting agendas. A review of future national and province conventions was given as well as updates of contact information for national and province officers. Officers also reviewed duties of each position with reminders that help is always available when questions arise. Refreshments of fresh fruit, ice tea, pop and water quenched the palates of those attending.

The first business meeting will be Sept. 11 in Goshen.

ELKHART BREAKFAST OPTIMIST CLUB

Fifteen members were present at the July 17 meeting.

Rich Horner shared highlights of his motorcycle trip to Alaska with former member Dick Whitcraft. The pair left Elkhart June 27 and trailered their bikes to Billings, Mont. From there they toured Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. It took them five days to get to Alaska, and Horner said the roads were awful. They experienced a lot of cold and rain. They spent one day in a cycle shop getting service and another in the shop after Whitcraft’s broke down. They had planned to travel around Alaska before returning but missed the ferry schedule and decided to abort the trip after arriving in Fairbanks. Horner said they rode 6,006 miles in 10 days. Horner checked his bike into the bike hospital to repair the damage when he returned. One of the stories he shared was getting hit in the helmet by an owl. The bird flipped over Horner’s head and fell to the ground.

Stan Glanders fined Gary Toland for not shaving, the universal sign for being on vacation; Kathy Dardis for driving a red convertible, universal sign for having a midlife crisis; Randy Yohn for wearing his shirttail out, universal sign for being retired; Stephanie Love for being late; Horner for some of his side stories about his trip; and Glanders telling one of his black bear stories. Prudy Holzhausen just wanted to pay a dollar.

Upcoming: Tuesday, regular meeting; Aug. 3-5, Indiana North Optimist Convention at Bear Creek; Aug. 7, vote on bylaw revisions and Night Out Against Crime from 4 to 9 p.m. on the plaza; Aug. 10, Elkhart Has Talent at the Lerner; Sept. 29, installation banquet

Meetings are at 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays at Pumpernickels.

Information: Prudy Holzhausen at 264-7172

ELKHART COUNTY AFTER FIVE WOMENS’ CONNECTION

Join the club for dinner and a program at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 7 at Stone Soup Emporium/Bonnie & Clyde’s Soda Shop, 110 E. Vistula, Bristol. You will have the opportunity to hear some details about this set of shops and browse the wide selection of handcrafted items and antiques. Sherry Miley of Carmel will speak. She is a vivacious teacher with a unique heritage.

Information and to make a reservation: Genie at 293-8770

ELKHART LIONS CLUB

On July 18 the club hosted Wayne Madden, International president, and members of 12 area clubs at a special meeting at Elcona Country Club. Madden, who is from Auburn, is the first Hoosier in 70 years to serve as LCI president. He spoke with pride of the 1.35 million Lions and the services they provide to their communities, urging members to remember the Lions heritage while shedding some traditions in order to become agents of change. He cited LCI’s One Shot, One Life partnership with the Gates Foundation to provide measles immunizations to those most at risk. As part of his “A World of Service” theme he urged Lions to participate in the Reading Action Program to promote literacy. For the first time since becoming international president, Madden installed a new member, Ian Robinson of the Elkhart Lions Club.

In other business, Ann Kalman, president, presented Karin Frey an award from LCI for sponsoring at least two new Lions.

Upcoming events: Aug. 11, Eyeglass Wash-a-Thon; Sept. 29, Chicken BBQ

Upcoming programs: Aug. 8, Tim Farwig, Advancements in Umpiring

Meetings are at noon Wednesdays at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center and are open to the public. There will not be a meeting this Wednesday.

Website: www.elkhartlions.org

ELKHART MORNING ROTARY CLUB

Mike Crabill announced July 19 that the foundation dinner will be Sept. 28 at the Lerner Crystal Ballroom. Burne Miller announced Elkhart Morning Rotary has the highest attendance percentage in the district. Bob Girard, sergeant-at-arms, quizzed members on a wide variety of information from the Rotarian magazine.

Gordy Young spoke about his experience in broadcasting, WNIT and “Experience Michiana.” Young started in broadcasting in 1978 in the Wisconsin Dells. He was in weather forecasting for 20 years. Young has enjoyed his transition to the more community-driven WNIT and had wonderful things to say about all of the programming. “Experience Michiana” has been on the air since March 19 and will be taping its 100th episode soon.

Upcoming: Thursday, Denise Polachek, Elkhart Chamber development vice president, Leadership Academy; Aug. 9, Scott Franko, US Signcrafters president, Building Impressions; Aug. 23, Mary Eastman, Wabash Electric, new alternatives in lighting .

Meetings are at 7 a.m. Thursdays at McCarthy’s on the Riverwalk. Guests are welcome.

Information: Kristi Bly at 312-0822 or outdoorkristi@gmail.com.

ELKHART NOON KIWANIS CLUB

Marcy Dean of the Potawatomi Zoological Society was the speaker at the July 17 meeting. An interclub from the North Webster Kiwanis Club was present.

Doris Stevens was the greeter. Neal Thomas entertained as the K-comedian, and Steve Brown emptied their pockets a little bit as finemaster. All fines benefit Riley Hospital for Children and the new Kiwanis International World Wide Service Project, ELIMINATE, which seeks to eliminate neonatal and maternal tetanus throughout the world.

New officers for the 2012-13 program year beginning Oct. 1 are Jennifer Castaneda, president; Kirk Elliott, president-elect; Pat McCullough, vice president; Bruce Beyler, secretary; and James Spitters, treasurer. Tammy Yowell, Shaun Mawhorter, Ryon Wheeler, Ralph Bradley and Caleb Stanton were elected as board members.

Upcoming events: Sept. 17, golf outing at Christiana Creek. Cost: $50 per person or $200 per team of four. Contact Doug Ganger at 875-5117 (work) or 202-7438 (cell) if you have questions.

Upcoming program: Tuesday, Bill Reese of United Way

Meetings are at noon Tuesdays at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center (Between the Buns) and are open to the public.

Information: Doug Mulvaney at 266-8500 or douglas.mulvaney@frontier.com

ELKHART ROTARY CLUB

Dick Brotherson worked the fellowship table and spent 45 minutes introducing visitors and guests at the July 23 meeting.

“One-Leg Bob” Shultz, sergeant-at-arms, quizzed members about prior British Open tournaments held in the 1800s. Brian Smith was the only one who answered correctly. The Sergeant’s Committee raises more than $ 18,000 a year in “fines,” which are then donated to local charities.

Eric Amt, Wellfield Botanic Gardens director, gave the club an update on some of the new gardens installed this year and plans for upcoming projects. Save the date Aug. 25 for Taste of the Gardens. For more information visit www.wellfieldgardens.org

“Like” the club on Facebook: search for Elkhart Rotary Club.

Upcoming: Monday, Dr. Aaron Schavey of Bethel College, “Occupy Wall Street and Income Inequality”; Aug. 6, “Who really runs Elkhart?”

Meetings are at noon Mondays at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference.

Information: Visit www.elkhartrotary.org or call Tom Shoff at 293-5530

ELKHART WOMEN’S CONNECTION

The Back to School Service Project luncheon was with Darrell Peterson, Lifeline of Elkhart director. Lifeline is providing a safe haven for kids of Elkhart’s inner city. Life skills are taught with mentors for third graders through high school. Meals and activities are also provided. The club will be collecting items for their backpacks and afterschool snacks. Bring items to the luncheon. The salad bar at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center begins at 11:45 a.m., with a buffet luncheon at noon. Cost: $9 inclusive. Childcare is available. There are no club dues. The speaker will be Sherry Miley from Carmel. She is a vivacious teacher with a unique heritage. All teachers are asked to come. RSVP to Margie at 307-0405, Linda at 522-3660, or e-mail ElkhartWomensConnection@gmail.com

GOSHEN ROTARY CLUB

Members gathered July 20 for their annual Elkhart County 4-H Fair meeting in one of the corporate tents by Gate 5. Nelson’s Golden Glow provided the chicken, sausage and salads.

Gene Stutsman emceed the event, leading in song and introducing members to various fair “royalty,” including the fair president, vice president, past presidents, 4-H queen, senior queen and elected officials.

Members received a good introduction to the 4-H program. Thousands of kids are involved in some way in 4-H every year. The program has wide appeal and influence.

For the rest, it’s about the food and the entertainment. Peggy Miller gave a good run-down of grandstand shows. There was something for everyone.

Sadie and Gwen Gustafson-Zook, a talented and warm mother-daughter singing duo entertained.

INDIANA SIGMA CHAPTER, DELTA THETA CHI SORORITY

Members met July 19 at Bev Walters‘ home. Walters served a luncheon before the meeting.

Bev Tudor, educational director, introduced Jeannie Stuckey, a member of the Elkhart County Club House in Goshen. The Club House membership is open to those 18 years or older with a history of mental illness. If you attend for three days, you are a member free of charge. There are 300 Club Houses nationally and 100 of them in the United States. Groups are invited to tour the facility and have lunch there.

Barb Parker, Celaeno Province president, informed the chapter of its incoming duties and time schedule.

Sigma Chapter is now an afternoon chapter meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Information: Bev Walter at 262-8368

MAPLE CITY KIWANIS CLUB

Dave Kurtz greeted 26 members and two guests on a rainy July 19 morning. Tim Yoder and Jill Nofziger were guests.

Member Janet Buccicone shared her recent experiences attending the Kiwanis International Convention in New Orleans in late June. Highlights were the workshops she attended, hearing Branford Marsalis perform, hearing James Carville and Mary Matalin disagree, and meeting Alan Penn, outgoing International president. The closing session was “awesome” according to Buccicone. Next year’s convention will be June 17-20 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Jim Bare updated the club on his bicycle ride in August to the Kiwanis Indiana District Convention near Florence to raise funds for the District Project – PATH to a CURE, in support of diabetes research at Riley Children’s Hospital.

Upcoming: food booth at First Friday in Goshen

Meetings are at 6:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Goshen Salvation Army. Guests are welcome.

Information: Tom Kercher at 533-2048

MICHIANA MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

Thirty members met July 16 in Goshen. During the brief business meeting the membership voted to suspend the 2013 Garden Tour and form a task force to review the procedures and investigate the options for the resumption of the tour in 2014. The remainder of the meeting was spent setting up Ag Hall for the fair.

The next meeting will be the annual Garden Tour Appreciation Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28 in Ag Hall at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds. Reservations are required.

WILLIAM TUFFS CHAPTER, NSDAR

Earlier this month Sarah Downing and Nancy Ritchie represented the chapter at the state convention in Indianapolis. Downing was elected state treasurer and Ritchie was appointed state \program chairman. Marilee Kilbert and Catherine Reedy, vice regent, also attended.

Downing also attended the NSDAR National Convention in Washington, DC, where she was named 2012 Indiana Outstanding Junior.

The DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education.

Information: Regent Sherry Welty at swell@bnin.net

Email: jkaylentz@aol.com

Fax: 294-3895

Mail: The Elkhart Truth, Attention: Clubs and Organizations, P.O. Box 487, Elkhart, IN 46515

Drop-off: Elkhart newsroom, 421 S. Second St.

Deadline: Noon Tuesdays

With each submission please include:

• Brief recap of most recent meeting and details of scheduled events for members and the public

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