Today’s Spotlight meeting began with ELSA JANLE explaining the two opportunities to become a Paul Harris Fellow or to achieve the next level. We are looking forward to hosting the RI President for our Centennial Celebration. New Paul Harris Fellows and anyone receiving a new pin will be honored at that dinner and be congratulated by the President. If you have questions, please contact ELSA.
DICK RAHDERT asked a 
few members to give an “elevator speech” about why they contribute to The Rotary Foundation. CHRISTA KECK remembers how her father worked to walk again while recovering from polio. 
She is interested in eliminating that dreadful disease. She and DAVE FILMER are members of the Paul Harris Society ($1,000 contribution annually) to support the many humanitarian activities of Rotary.
LARRY HUGGINS admires and appreciates efforts locally and globally. He feels his modest contributions help support those works.
JIM TURLEY became aware of the power and impact of RI at the International Conventions he has attended. The many good projects deserve our support.
DICK RAHDERT likes the mechanism Rotary has to do the job most efficiently and the process to safeguard the funds. The money is spent correctly.
Under CLUB BUSINESS, President JIM asked for a volunteer to be treasurer or interim treasurer for the Club. TOM MORAN’S unfortunate death on Sunday leaves the position vacant.
STUDENT GUESTS:
As JIM introduced fellow Rotarian, JOHN TROTT, he mentioned a “little known fact”: JOHN spent time in all of the major prisons in Indiana. 
He even sat in the electric chair – which fortunately, didn’t work.
JOHN describes himself as a farm boy from west central Indiana. Except for his time as a U.S. Marine, he has always been involved in agriculture with two degrees from Purdue. He was a Rotary Exchange Student in 1975. Following his college years he became a Marine, serving 3 tours in Viet Nam. With two children and a military career that kept him away from home, he decided to change careers. His 26 years at Purdue were spent in Marshall, Monroe and St. Joseph Counties as County Agent. He finished his career managing Purdue’s eight Ag Research Centers from West Lafayette. After he retired in 2000, his buddy VIC LECHTENBERG put him back to work part time as a worrier.
JOHN concluded by describing his recent participation in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It was very humbling and emotional. He encourages all vets to go on the Honor Flight. “There is a special place in heaven for corpsmen, helicopter pilots and Gold Star Mothers.”
JIM KLUSMAN added to JOHN’S comments by saying “Those of us who have been in combat join Rotary because it’s a force for peace.”