ELKHART BREAKFAST OPTIMIST CLUB

Mike Whicker, president, gave the Sept. 25 program, using the time to individually share the contributions each member has made this year to make his presidency a success. Whicker also provided a PowerPoint presentation of pictures he had taken throughout the year. Members gave Whicker a standing ovation for his leadership.

Whicker’s occupation is home services, also known as handyman. His normal uniform is jeans and a casual shirt. This year, he wore a tie to every meeting. To show their appreciation, the entire membership wore a tie to the meeting.

An additional $35 was raised for HUGS, bringing the total to $175.

Randy Yohn awarded the handshake award to Whicker for the great year.

Upcoming: Oct. 19, regular meeting followed by board meeting (this will be a new format); Dec. 1, Breakfast with Santa

Information: Prudy Holzhauzen at 264-7172



ELKHART COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Members met Sept. 20. Coroner John White presented, “What the genealogist can learn from autopsy reports,” explaining what is in a coroner’s report and illustrating the talk with his experiences.

The next meeting will be Oct. 18 with Lisa Ellam presenting “Using Social Media to Help the Genealogist.” All meetings are free and open to the public.



ELKHART LIONS CLUB

At the Sept. 26 meeting, Ann Kalman, president, shared advice given by former Lions Club International presidents at the USA-Canada Forum, which she and Marty Juel, second district governor, attended. Kalman also recognized members for their participation in club activities, acknowledging all those present.

District Governor Ann Haffner of Syracuse thanked the club for its nearly 89 years of service to the community. Proud to be a Lion, she described Lionism as being “part of a group of caring individuals banded together to do what we can’t do ourselves.” She encouraged Lions to attend district cabinet meetings, the annual mid-winter conference and other leadership training. Haffner spoke of LCI’s President Wayne Madden’s platform, particularly citing his Reading Action Program.

Upcoming events: Oct. 27, cabinet meeting in New Paris; Nov. 1, board meeting; Nov. 5, Lions Club International board reception in Auburn

Upcoming programs: Wednesday, Ryan Wheeler, Boys & Girls Club assistant director; Oct. 17, Matt Schuld, Five Medals Reenactment Weekend; Oct. 24, Joe Hart, South Bend Silver Hawks; Oct. 31, Craig Johnson, RV Tech Source; Nov. 14, Bart Fore, Work One of Northern Indiana

Meetings are at noon Wednesdays at Christiana Creek Country Club and are open to the public.

Website: www.elkhartlions.org



ELKHART NOON EXCHANGE CLUB

Scott Garvey of the Elkhart Police Department, Brad Cook of Legacy Heating and Air Conditioning and Darryl Searer of the RV Hall of Fame were guests at the Sept. 25 meeting.

Dan Browning explained why he joined the club: He has always had a place in his heart for outreach to children, and the club projects match that.

Gary Secor introduced Dr. Jeff Eck. In addition to being a local doctor, he is known as “The Rod Father.” Eck is the captain of a charter fishing boat on Lake Michigan. He reported fishing on Lake Michigan is always an adventure because you have to adapt to three key elements: location, presentation and the fight. Eck studies the fish to understand what they are like. He described how they react to different water temperatures and how the different colors of lures are more effective with different species. He also shared example of proper safety equipment.

Lori Faltnski presented the Bontrager Award plaque to Sheila Gordy on Oct. 2 for all her Student of the Month work. It has been a great program of the Exchange, and Gordy put a lot of work into it. Shannon Klein is now in charge of Student of the Month, so a Bontrager could be in her future.

Jim O’Brien presented Lisa Adams with her official membership pin and certificate. He said the club is more than 70 years old thanks to new members like Adams.

Klein was the fickle phantom of fellowship and gave the handshake dollar to Jeff Drummond because he had given her some honey. Then she fined everyone because nobody knew that a cell’s function determines its size.

Carrie Zickefoose, Elkhart County Women’s Shelter director, spoke. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The shelter provides residential services and support services for many women in the community. It provides a safe haven when abusive situations threaten women. Through support and counseling, it helps women break the cycle of abuse. It is working with hair salons to help stylists recognize the signs of abuse. On Oct. 14, a Service of Light will feature speakers and more. The event is at 6 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 20076 C.R. 36. The shelter is always promoting its crisis hotline at 294-1811.



ELKHART ROTARY CLUB

Jeff Peat presented Ron Ringenberg with a Paul Harris Fellow award at the Oct. 1 meeting. Michael Kemp and Piyas Bandyopdhyay were welcomed as new members.

Alex Brosh, Mellissa Dawson, Courtney Castleman and Carl Jacobson were introduced as student guests from Central High School.

Dave Dygert, sergeant-at-arms, fined Jeff New for wearing a toilet seat around his neck, Peat for appearing on a billboard and Don Krabill for texting during the meeting. The Sergeant’s Committee raises more than $18,000 a year in “fines,” which are then donated to local charities.

Jackie Walorski, Republican U.S. House 2nd District candidate, spoke about the successes Indiana has achieved while she was serving as a state representative. Pro-growth, pro-jobs and shrunken government, Walorski helped pass common-sense legislation and helped create the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Walorski pledged to vote to repeal ObamaCare. Walowski has the largest volunteer network, second to the governor’s race. She promised to continue to be bipartisan. Information: www.standwithjackie.com.

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

Upcoming: Monday, Brian Wiebe and Brian Smith, Horizon Education Alliance; Oct. 15, Brendan Mullen, Democrat candidate for 2nd Congressional District of Indiana.

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

Information: Visit: www.elkhartrotary.org or call Tom Shoff at 293-5530 or email tom@shoff.com



FOUR ARTS CLUB

The club held its first program of the season on Oct. 1. Susan Arneaud introduced Bob Milne, considered to be the best ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist in the world. He entertained members and guests by his unbelievable piano playing and colorful historical narrations. Milne’s natural ability to hear and play music goes back to his early childhood. A French horn player in high school, he went to the prestigious Eastman School of Music at the age of 17, then became assistant first horn in the Rochester Philharmonic at age 19. During that time, he taught himself to play piano totally by ear. After symphony concerts, students would gather in local places around town. When the piano player didn’t show up at a sing-a-along saloon one night, Milne “filled in.” He was hired on the spot. He continued playing the horn until age 21, then became a full-time piano player in the Detroit area, playing seven nights a week for 25 years. Milne now plays worldwide every year and is an active “Musical Ambassador” for the U.S. State Department. In addition to recording more than a dozen CDs, he has published two books and a collection of music portfolios. Milne has been featured in several video productions, including the Library of Congress Oral History Archives.

The next program will be Nov. 5 at Christiana Creek Country Club. Lori Borgman, an author, columnist and speaker who reminds us of the lighter side of the stress we experience during “Holidaze” — a time bound by family celebrations, holiday traditions and not-so-surprising accompanying antics, will speak. Tea time: 12:15 p.m., program at 1 p.m.

Information: fourartsclub.com



FOUR WINDS GARDEN CLUB

Members met Sept. 18 to work on projects for and to discuss the Oct. 27 Scholarship “Auction for All Seasons” at Bethel United Methodist Church. Barbara Heeter gave the Horticulture Minute on the topic of heirloom plants. Jan Adamson and Kathy Crain co-hosted.

Judy Cook reported on her meeting with Eric Amt regarding the Wellfield Botanic Gardens. A committee was formed to discuss plans for the spring fundraiser to support the Gardens. Cook also reported the North Central District Fall Meeting will be Oct. 24 in LaPorte.

The Oct. 16 meeting will be at Bethel United Methodist Church and will continue to be devoted to preparations for the auction.

Most meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at the church. New members and guests are welcome.

Information: Amy Traxler at elkshart@comcast.net



GOSHEN NOON KIWANIS CLUB

Karen Smith introduced guests Jim Weaver, Carol Davis, Chaney Bergdall, Tim Martin, Joel Richard, Dixie Robinson, Tom, John and Margaret Lehman, and Danielle Thompson at the Sept. 25 meeting. Joel Richard and Tim Martin were inducted into the club.

Jackie Walorski, Republican U.S. House 2nd District candidate, gave a brief outline of her background and her reason for running for Congress. She emphasized the importance of government officials working together if they want to get things accomplished. Walorski talked about the economy and the need to decrease the deficit and of bringing “Hoosier Values” to Washington.

Meetings are at noon Tuesdays at Maplecrest Country Club and are open to the public.

Information: Jason Lehman at 596-7284



HUGS PROJECT CLUB OF ELKHART COUNTY

Nancy Mast led volunteers in sewing and packaging cooling ties for soldiers overseas Sept. 24. Many other volunteers worked on packaging other items. Deb Tipton led the packing and shipping Sept. 20, shipping out 32 boxes. The shelves became pretty bare when shipping was finished.

The club is in need of people to knit for the troops, stick deodorant and other hygiene products. Many other items are needed. Also, it can always use donated yard goods. It is still taking donations to buy fabric to make the quilt that will be raffled off later. More volunteers means more for the soldiers. They send back thank-you notes to let members know how much it means to them to know they are being supported at home. Call if you have items to donate.

HUGS’ desire is to put a “HUG” (neck cooler) around the neck of every American military member serving in the Middle East. Along with the HUGS, other needed items are packaged and sent, each box filled with HUGS and other needed items.

HUGS meets the second and fourth Monday of each month. Two sessions are held: from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Packing and shipping are done at 9 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Workshops are held at River Oaks Community Church, 58020 C.R. 115, Goshen.

Information: Nancy Mast at thpelkhart@frontier.com or call 293-2810



INDIANA ETA DELTA THETA CHI SORORITY

Indiana Eta and other Indiana chapters met at Charley Creek Inn in Wabash for their annual fall board meeting. Business was conducted before a buffet luncheon, followed by the educational program “Frances Slocum, a Woman of Two Cultures,” presented by Juanita Rapp, first-person presenter of life stories of persons found in Indiana or U.S. history. Karen Kammer, Delta Theta Chi national president, and Sharon Osterberger, Sterope Province trustee, both from Hamilton, Ohio, were also present. Those who arrived early were able to visit historic sites around the area, and it is notable that Wabash was the first electrified city in the world. And how many are aware that Wabash was the home of Mark Honeywell, the perfector of a hot water heat generator? Honeywell merged with a Minneapolis company and eventually became Honeywell International.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Jane Sickman‘s home.



MAPLE CHAPTER, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS

Fifteen members attended the Sept. 13 meeting at the Everence office in Goshen.

Rose Marie Killian, Indiana Division vice president of IAAP, spoke, focusing on the principles of leadership. She also gave keys on how to be better leaders in the organization and in communities and personal lives. The theme for the International Association this year is “Be the One.”

Sandra Berry was welcomed as a new member. She comes from the Kalamazoo, Mich., chapter.

The Maple Chapter was recognized as a “Chapter of Excellence” at the International Convention and Education Forum (EFAM), held in Grapevine, Texas, in July. Two chapter members, Marlene Slaubaugh and Denise Goveia, were also recognized as “Members of Excellence.”

The Indiana Division IAAP will host the Indiana Professional Education Conference (IPEC) on technology on Nov. 10 at Columbus.

The Oct. 18 meeting will be at Everence with member Tara McLean presenting the program “Developing Goals/Objectives/IMPACT.

Information: Marlene Slaubaugh at 533-9515, ext. 3248



MIDDLEBURY GARDEN CLUB

Three members of the Junior Garden Club at the Middlebury Boys and Girls Club were given awards at the Sept. 20 Garden Club meeting at the Middlebury Public Library. Judy Markham, co-president, presented the awards and gave each girl a special gift. Ashley Andre and Megan Morris each won first place for their grade level in the State Garden Club Smokey Bear/Woodsey Owl Poster Contest. Breanne Friskney won first place in the State Garden Club Poetry Contest for seventh grade. Her poem then won second place in the Garden Club Central Region Poetry Contest. Members of the girls’ families and the director of Middlebury Boys and Girls Club were present for the award presentations.

Following refreshments, Tom Enright spoke about invasive plants. He used a CD and actual plants during his presentation.

During the business meeting, conducted by Betty Bellaire, co-president, officer reports were given and participation in the Bonneyville Festival was noted. A plant exchange was held Sept. 22 in the East Park Pavilion, co-sponsored with the Friends of the Middlebury Parks.

Upcoming: Oct. 24, North Central District meeting at Bethany Lutheran Church in La Porte.

The next club meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Middlebury Public Library. Rose Benjamin from Bristol will talk about “Herbs Used as Medicines.” The public is invited.



MIDDLEBURY MIDDIES RED HAT CLUB

Sixteen members met Sept. 25 at the Sports Time Restaurant in Elkhart for dinner. The theme for the evening was apples, featuring a red apple cookie jar centerpiece and small red artificial apples at each place setting. Cindy Wagner gave a humorous reading on a woman’s public bathroom experience, which drew chuckles. A game of “Guess Who I Am” and a skill game were played, with prizes of apple themes given.

An anonymous donor gave a generous gift to be given to the Middlebury Cancer Walk, in which several members will participate.

A planning meeting for next year will be held Nov. 15 at Karen Littwiller’s home. It was decided the Christmas project will be to collect food for children on Christmas vacation sponsored by The Elkhart Truth.

The next meeting will be Oct. 23 at Margarita’s Restaurant in Middlebury.



PARROT HEADS IN MICHIANA

Twenty-three members and one guest attended the Sept. 16 meeting at Between the Buns in Osceola. Reports were given on the St. Joseph County American Heart Walk, the Buffet and Boats project and Buffet Night at the Cove.

Upcoming is the Seventh Annual Empty Bowls and Bread Dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Upper Deck, Coveleski Stadium in South Bend. The proceeds from this project benefit Real Services Senior Nutrition programs. Cost: $15 per person or $10 for people 60 and older. Guests will receive a handmade ceramic bowl to keep, courtesy of Penn High School art students, and will enjoy a variety of soups provided by area restaurants. There will also be a live auction along with silent auctions and music provided by disc jockey Jamie Higginson. Tickets can be obtained at the door or in advance by contacting Carey Bert, president, at 320-2957 or cber1202@aol.com. Also, any area restaurant interested in donating soup or area merchants who may want to donate items for the auctions should also contact Bert.

Upcoming: Christmas Commandos project, club birthday/Christmas party, Adopt-a-Family project and JDRF Trivia Night

The next meeting is at 5 p.m. Oct. 21 at Sports Time Pub and Grill, 56199 Parkway Ave., and is open to the public.

Information: Carey Bert at 320-2957 or cber1202@aol.com









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. Time, day, date and place for next meetings and whether meetings are open to the public.