PRESIDENT DICK reported that the attendance was large enough to prevent the convention from running in the red. Palestine was recognized as a new country with a new Club in Rotary International. The new club was started with help from Israeli and Syrian Rotarians. He also learned that the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots take turns hosting PETS meetings. This shows that Rotary transcends strife and politics. DICK also thanked members for meeting our club's goal last year for Every Rotarian Every Year. Not only did we exceed the $100 per member, but a record 74% of our members participated. He encouraged those who did not participate to take some of the load off of the participating members by making a contribution this year.
PRESIDENT DICK introduced Chris Biang, who lives with his wife, Virginia, at 2909 West 500 North, West Lafayette, IN 47906, phone 630-800-0172. He is the Pastor at Grace Campus Church, P. O. Box 2293, West Lafayette, IN 47906. E-mail cbaing@yahoo.com
Her very informative program last year prompted so many good questions, that she returned to give us an update. A quick review of how energy is produced and showing how power plants work; a description of how the pellet of nuclear fuel makes the equivalent of 1 ton of coal; and an update on how the long term storage plans have changed preceded several good questions from club members. She explained the details involved in meeting the requirements for using Yucca Mountain, if courts and governmental commissions permit it. An explanation of the use of Thorium helped us understand that it could be used as fuel. We learned that modular reactors might be the best way to produce energy in remote locations. Audeen made it clear that a variety of energy sources will be needed to power the world going forward.