JERRY MCCARTHY, Membership Information Committee chair, gave us an update of the membership process, highlighting the fact that JOEL RASMUS will chair the committee next year. He directed members to the web site for information on how to sponsor a member. He also showed an analysis of our membership numbers over the past several years. There has been a net loss of 3% per year over the last ten years. Along with this analysis, he highlighted the age distribution of the club. With only 13 members aged 39 and under, we need to get to work. The process is easy. Bring a prospective member to a meeting.
Click here to see JERRY's data.

After a presentation by CHRISTA KECK of the Nominating Committee's slate of officers and board members, TOM MORAN moved with a second by LIZ SOLBERG to close the nominations and elect the recommended slate unanimously. The motion carried.

President                                     TIM LUZADER
President Elect                            TERRY WEST
Vice President                             CHRIS JOHANSSEN
Immediate Past President            DICK RAHDERT
Executive Secretary                    JANE TURNER
Treasurer                                    WES MC DIVITT
Assistant Treasurer                     ELSA JANLE
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PRESIDENT DICK introduced LETA KELLEY who all of the 83 members who were present today to stand and be recognized for contributing to the backpack program today. The meal was two soups, bread and cookies. Half of the $10 lunch cost will go toward backpack costs. LETA acknowledged Backpack chair, CHARLOTTE HOWELLS, who has been ill, but was present today. A video made by Jeanne Norberg's class was presented. Despite sound problems, former Rotarian Jeanne Norberg and current Rotarian KIM MOTULIAK were seen describing the importance of the backpack program. Click here to view the video.

LETA introduced Debbie Gutwein, counselor at Miami Elementary School, who thanked us for the helping the school children. Parents tell them each week how much the backpacks mean to their families. Miami parent Rachel Jackson, was then introduced to describe the impact the backpack has on her family. Her son really wants to know what is in the pack. His older sister distributes treat bags for Friday night. She said the backpack brings the family closer together during their tough times.

BECKY ROBLEDO introduced Kier Crites, a new Food Finders employee dedicated to the Backpack Project. In what she called "Food Finders 101" she talked about the sources of food that serves 16 counties. Food Finders is a warehouse where food is collected and made available to agencies. There are 620 backpacks distributed each week in Tippecanoe County. When you include Klondike, Delphi and Otterbein, the number of back increases to 2,200.

SUSAN HYCHKA talked about the Harvest Dinner as a new way to fund this program and perhaps child hunger everywhere. Save the date: Friday, October 28, 2011. We will have a Harvest Dinner Celebration with entertainment. Now is the time to sign up for committees and prepare to sponsor a table.

FRED KUIPERS introduced and interviewed Madeline Kalish and Doug Hinkle from Jefferson High School. Each received a certificate and a travel mug with the 4 - Way Test to commemorate meeting with us.

Money Collectors: JIM CARNEY and JOE BONNER; Greeter: LETA KELLEY and ELAINE TODD; Invocation: JIM HANKS; Piano: HARLEY FREY; Song leader: JOHN BARRETT. Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: TOM MORAN and JOHN TROTT, Help with Ripples: BILL FULLER.