PROGRAM:

Our District Governor, KATIE SMARDO, visited and shared some of her experiences as a Rotarian. Katie Smardo She is a graduate of Krannert School of Management at Purdue and is currently a Vice President and Corporate Banking Officer of the National Bank of Indianapolis. She is a member of the Carmel Rotary Club. Katie joined the Kokomo Rotary Club soon after she graduated from college. Very quickly her potential was recognized and she became secretary of that club and later served in other officer positions as well. Because the Rotarians provided mentoring and support, Katie gained valuable leadership skills which have enabled her to take on more responsible positions, such as the District Governorship. Rotary has provided many opportunities for travel as well. Rotary changed Katie’s life dramatically and she perceives that these same opportunities are available to new members today. Of concern is the fact that our District has lost 200 members in the past year as well as losing one Rotary Club altogether. We need to be intentional about membership by promoting what we have to offer to a new generation. Katie concluded her remarks with an invitation to attend the District Conference at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in April, 2017.


VISITING ROTARIAN:
SUZANN SHACKLETON from Attica-Williamsport.


GUEST:
Marie Foster, guest of TIM LUZADER.


TIE AUCTION:
This is a “signature” tie received by past club president JIM KLUSMAN from past rotary international president RAVI RAVINDRAN. Tie Auction JOHN SCHNEIDER gave an opening bid of $100.
Bidding will end in a live auction during the Club’s Tuesday meeting on December 20. The tie will be delivered immediately to the winning bidder so that it may become a holiday gift. The winner will be asked to deliver a copy of his or her receipt from The Rotary Foundation to the Club Secretary as soon as possible.


THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELP WITH
MEETING FUNCTIONS:
Greeters: JEAN JACKSON and GEORGE RAMSEY
Money Collectors:  SAM BIEDERSTEDT and
BILL KIEL
Invocation: JOHN WILLIAMS
Music: RAY PEETERS and JOHN BARRETT
Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: JO WADE;  Webmaster:  LARRY HUGGINS


THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

From Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch who Stole Christmas:
“He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore.  Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.  Maybe Christmas, he thought…  doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps… means a little bit more.”


HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BOARD MEETING:
- MIKE BOEBINGER has resigned from his office as Vice President.
- CRAIG HADLEY will chair the Blue Ribbon committee to plan our next signature event.
- We will be helping the Fort Wayne Rotary Club by collecting school supplies that they will take to Mexico.
-Spending plan for our good works in this fiscal year*:
Camperships $1000
High School Scholarships: $5000
Ivy Tech Scholarships $8000
Local Projects** $8000

*Note that the backpack project is already budgeted.
**This number includes the Habitat Women’s Build, the Gaga Pit for Miami School and other new endeavors.
-Our Club will be taking over the administration of the Todd Scholarship from the Attica-Williamsport Rotary Club.  This scholarship funds graduate students attending Purdue or an international university.