The Scoop...June 6, 2011

         In his words, “people can change the world” and he intends to be one of those people. This summer, he and others will begin a canoe trip on Sugar Creek in Eastern Ohio an paddle their way to New Orleans – all in an effort to raise money for children. It will see them travel more than 2,000 miles. From Sugar Creek they’ll wind down the Tuscarawas River, to the Muskingum River, to the Ohio River and finally the Mississippi River.

        They are looking for people to help sponsor their trip, designating a certain amount of money per mile. The funds will be used toward the “invisible children” campaign fund. The group is comprised of a tireless staff, hundreds of full time volunteers, and thousands of students and supporters. They are young citizens, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs. This fall, they plan to ask President Obama to spearhead efforts to bring peace to Northern Uganda.

       “We do difficult things so others can benefit,” said Swartz. “We want to challenge others to take this stance.

       Ben is the son of Paul Swartz, a Lima Rotarian and owner of Swartz Contracting.

        In other news:

·  President Bob McPheron announced the special collection for tornado victims at the last meeting resulted in $300 worth of donations.

·  The changing of the guard will take place June 15. Not only will Bob McPheron hand over the presidential duties to Jerry Courtney, but he will recognize all Rotarianss with 40 years of experience.

·  Fred Seelenbinder provided the following report on the Paul Harris Fellows program:

o   We  are at 102 percent of our goal, raising $20,935.

o   Of 207 members, 121 – or 58 percent – are Paul Harris Fellows.

o   57 people, or 28 percent, are working toward a Paul Harris (21 have donated $300 or more)

o   29, members, or 14 percent, are non-donors

o   Greg Wannemacher is a Paul Harris fellow plus 2

·  Michael Ayers introduced Viri Roldan to the club. She is a Rotary Exchange student living with Ayers:

·  Cheryl Deitering told members there is $15,000 in accounts receivable due, almost all of which involves members who haven’t forked over their dues. She urged people to check their e-mails for bills. However, with the fiscal year near its end, she will mail bills to those who have not paid.

·  Dave Cockerell handled fellowship

·  There were 93 members present at the May 23 meeting.

·  Trey Waldron, of Berlin, Wisc., was a visiting Rotarian. He is the new executive director of Development at St. Rita’s.

·  Blake Bartels and Sandy Hofaker were guests of the club.