PROGRAM:

Bill Harper informed us of the many aspects of the Purdue Athletes Life Success (PALS) program. Bill Harper This program was initiated by President Jischke sixteen years ago. It is a positive youth development program for young people ages 8-14 from families living at or below the poverty line in Tippecanoe County. One important aspect of the program is that it gives the children an alternative to joining a gang. We currently have 46 gangs operating in our county. The program is free to the participants, but the cost averages $625 per person, or a total of $250,000 for all 400+ campers. The major donors to the camp are Purdue Federal Credit Union and the Brees Dream Foundation. Drew Brees has supported this for many years and was able to attend each summer in person until family obligations prevented him. The program runs from June 15th through July 14th, 8 am to 2 pm, with students from TSC, LSC, and WLSC. The schools provide most of the needed bus transportation to and from Purdue campus. Purdue students serve as camp counselors and positive role models for the children. The program includes many activities including a variety of sports, as well as engineering, computer programming, environmental science, financial literacy and career education. The goal of the program is to develop the character traits of Respect, Responsibility, Courage and Caring. Research has shown that participation in the program leads to improved self-image and peer relationships. Some students enroll in the 21st Century Scholars program and go on to college. The PALS program is having a positive impact on these young people in Tippecanoe County.


VISITING ROTARIAN:
Shari Schendel SHARI SCHENDEL from the Del Mar, California club and TUNCAY YILMAZ from Turkey. TUNCAY is from Manisa Celal Bayar University and is at Purdue for the year. We hope he will visit often. TUNCAY and President JOEL exchanged Rotary flags.


GUESTS:

Ty Martorano, guest of CHRISTINE BURR


THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELP WITH
MEETING FUNCTIONS:
Greeters: JOHN SCHNEIDER and GEORGE RAMSEY
Money Takers: KATIE NIELSEN and MARK RUSSELL
Invocation: BILL KIEL
Music:  DAVE LUHMAN, BOB GRIFFITHS and BOB VERPLANK. Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: JO WADE,  Webmaster:  LARRY HUGGINS.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

From Will Rogers:  “There is nothing as easy as denouncing . . . it don’t take much to see that something is wrong but it does take some eyesight to see what will put it right again.”


THANK YOU RECEIVED:
From Nellie Lechman:  “Thank you so much for your expressions of sympathy during this difficult time for myself and my family.  The loss of our beloved husband and father has been devastating.  Friends like all of you make it easier to face each day.  Thank you for your prayers and support.”