Standing in for JO WADE, Immediate Past President CHRIS JOHANNSEN introduced fellow Rotarian CECIL BLIGNAUT, who was born and spent his early years in South Africa. He moved to the U.S. in 1959, became a citizen in 1962 and with his wife of 62 years, raised 5 children. CECIL began with a greeting in Afrikakns and then gave us a brief history of the country. South Africa has made major changes while the Blignauts have lived in the U.S. New Nations – New Challenges is the result of the work of Nelson Mandela and his administration to make nine provinces and to recognize eleven official languages. The new flag tells a wonderful story of this new nation and its 49 million citizens. While showing photos of his “town”, Pretoria, he explained the city is located in five valleys with mountains in the background; sits at an elevation of 4,900 feet; was established by the victorious pioneers (Voortrekkers); and pointed out where his parents worked. In October the Jacaranda trees lining the streets bloom a beautiful purple. Several good questions were answered.

Money Collector: BETTY NELSON; Greeter: ELSA JANLE; Invocation: LETA KELLEY; Piano: HARLEY FREY; Song Leader:  ARVID OLSON; 50/50RAFFLE:  CECIL BLIGNAUT; Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: TOM MORAN and JANE SMITH.  Webmaster: LARRY HUGGINS.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK:
Does it seem strange to you that our local paper publishes the Weather, the Obituaries and the Funnies in the same section?  - CHRIS JOHANNSEN

BETTY NELSON, dean of students emerita and former dean of students at Purdue, received the Distinguished Lifetime Membership Award from the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society.  
At the recent Greater Lafayette Commerce Annual Dinner,  Phyllis J. and MICHAEL O. HUNT received the John J. Klink Leadership Award for their work in the community.  Congratulations to all for making our world a better place!