President Dick Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:05.  Dick Meredith served as Chaplain.  Michael Frueh led the crowd in singing Jingle Bells, accompanied by Dick Riggs on the piano.  Dan Best gave the Sergeant at Arms report, 86 Rotarians present.  Bruce Opperman provided a meaningful seasonal Fellowship by reading a poem about a U.S. soldier serving as the guardian of honor on Christmas Eve, allowing Santa to make his rounds in peace.

Dave Runk thanked all bell ringers who helped collect $1,427.95 at the Lima Mall.  President Schroeder thanked the Rotarians who helped make the annual Christmas Auction a success, raising a total of $17,675.  A check for $8,837.50 was presented to Major Tamayo of the Salvation Army.

The ladies from Milano’s were acknowledged for their service in the past year.  John Gaeth announced twelve scholarships were awarded this quarter and introduced the seven recipients who were in attendance.  Since May 2001, 556 scholarships have been awarded totaling $361,000.

Bruce Opperman introduced the speaker for the day: Ari Sarsalari, Meteorologist for Lima Hometown Stations.  Ari received a degree in Atmospheric Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and landed his first job as weather reporter here in Lima.

Interpretation of computer generated weather models is critical in predicting weather.  Ari credited colleague Darren Maier with helping him apply local variations to accurately prepare Lima’s forecasts.

He emphasized the difference between a weather “watch” (conditions are right for severe weather) and a “warning” (severe weather/tornado is occurring/eminent). He suggested everyone buy a weather radio that will sound an alarm and broadcast severe weather warnings.

While he enjoys living in Lima with his wife, Alex, his long-term goals are to obtain a job with one of the top 30 news markets in the nation (Lima is #186 out of 200), hopefully near his family in Milwaukee, and some day experience storm chasing in Kansas and the Texas panhandle.