BOB GRIFFITHS, President, wondered out loud why we have a local foundation. JIM KLUSMAN was asked to explain the tax law regarding 501c3 and 501c4 organizations. The Foundation is a 501c3, which means it is considered a public charity organization. It is tax exempt and donations to it are allowed tax deductions. The Club will soon be a 501c4 organization, which means it is tax exempt, but gifts are not tax deductible. Recommendations for funding can be made by the club board to the foundation board. The board can then decide if the recommendation helps the foundation fulfill its mission. The Foundation can only make payments to charitable organizations.

VICKI BURCH introduced Jodie Ellis, an entomologist at Purdue, whose speech was entitled "Losing Your Ash: The Hidden Costs of Moving Firewood". She showed the actual size and color of the Emerald Ash Borer and its native range in Asia. It came here in wooden pallets and packing material. Since only 1% - 2% of imports are inspected, over 2,000 species of exotic insects now live in the U.S. Logging, nursery stock and firewood are the primary ways the insect populations are spread. The native Ash trees are all doomed. Lessons have been learned - after the fact - but before other disasters might strike. Black walnut trees are also in danger due to 1,000 Cankers Disease, a situation that can be managed by sanitation in plantations. To learn more, please visit her web site at www.eabindiana.info

LIZ SOLBERG interviewed Rachel Hopkins and Bryce Catron from McCutcheon High School. Each received a certificate and a travel mug with the Four-Way Test to commemorate meeting with us today.

Louise Deumer, guest of JANE TURNER; Dortha Osmun, wife of JOHN OSMUN.

JACKIE COONEY, ELSIE LEUNG AND JENNY STRASSER, Rotaract members; ALAN GARFINKEL, Daybreak

Money Collectors: KEITH SMITH and SOL GARTENHAUS; Greeters: SONYA MARGERUM and CAROL GALBRAITH; Invocation: DAVID BRIDGES; Piano: RAY PEETERS; Song leader: CORKY MITCHELL. Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: JO WADE and TOM MORAN; Help with Ripples: BILL FULLER.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

Before elections politicians and voters complain that government is broken. After the election it isn't long before it's proven again that it's true.