The first Rotary Meeting was held in Warsaw at the Hays Hotel on April 18, 1919. The club was chartered on June 1, 1919 as the 484th club in Rotary International.
President-Elect Greg Cobb opened the meeting at 12:00 pm with the following Rotary members present: Laura Kaufman, Alan Alderfer, Ken Locke, David Jones and Cindy Hampton.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Approval of Minutes - The minutes from April 2008 were presented. Motion was made to approve the April minutes, all were in favor and the minutes were approved.
Finance Committee - Ken Locke presented the financial report. The account balances as of 5/13/08 were particularly high because of the auction proceeds from the week before. This balance would return to normal after scholarships are awarded at the end of the month/first of June. Ken did report that there are 10 members who haven't paid dues for the first half of 2008. He is going to start calling the delinquent members to remind them.
Membership Committee - A membership application for Brian Hodge was reviewed and approved. He will have his first reading at the next meeting. It was also reported that member Marsha Preston had moved out of the area and had not paid her membership dues for 2008 yet. It was agreed that her membership would be allowed to "lapse". Various ways to get new members involved were discussed, including having new members sit at the welcome desk.
Community Service Committee - Lewis Jones presented a report entitled "Summary of Club Involvement and Donation Applications" dated May 14, 2008. It explained that donation requests for the 2008/2009 fiscal year had been received from 5 organizations: Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement and Cardinal Services, Inc. Alan Alderfer questioned why we don't support the Girl Scouts as well as the Boy Scouts. Alan's commitment to equal rights was noted by all. Each organization was discussed, including the traditional levels of giving to each. It was noted that funds had been budgeted for charitable giving for the current 07/08 fiscal year which have not been spent. Alan Alderfer explained Rotary's traditional support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and explained that funds have not been given to them yet for this year. A motion was made to donate $500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters this month for the 07/08 fiscal year. All were in favor and the motion passed. Ken Locke spoke about the boy scouts and noted that no money for 07/08 had been given to them yet either. A motion was made to donate $300 to the Boy Scouts this month for the 07/08 fiscal year. All were in favor and the motion passed. Regarding charitable donations for the upcoming 08/09 fiscal year, the following donations were unanimously approved by the Board:
Anthony Wayne Council/Boy Scouts of America - A donation of $300 was approved.
Salvation Army - Continued support for projects such as bell ringing, food collection, toy collection and, of course, Rotary Salvation Army Day. No direct contributions from the Rotary club were requested. Rather, the Salvation Army depends on and greatly appreciates the donations from individual members on Salvation Army day, etc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Sponsorship and Participation in the Bowl for Kids Sake was approved. Funds will be raised from individual members, with the Club matching as necessary in order to raise at least $500.
Junior Achievement - A donation of $334 to sponsor one class at a Warsaw elementary school was approved. It was also agreed that members would be encouraged to participate in the Bowl A Thon event in November.
Cardinal Services - Participation in the Duck Race event at "level 1" was approved. This involves the club selling "ducks" to club members. In years past, this has been done as part of a competition with the other service clubs. As the event draws near, Greg Cobb, or another appointed "point person" will spearhead the club's effort. Greg was especially interested in Rotary's success in this, as the losing club's president traditionally wears a duck costume to the winning club's meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Rotary Auction - The auction was hed on Thursday, May 8, 2008. Everyone agreed that is was very well organized and run, and that the main goal - fun and fellowship of members - was achieved. The secondary goal - raising money for scholarships was also achieved and even surpassed. Ken Locke reported that the auction grossed approximately $9,500. After the cost of dinner and the facility is deducted, the auction should net over $7,500. A motion was made to apply this money as follows: $7,000 to scholarships and the remainder to the KCCF endowment fund. The interest off the endowment fund is then used to support Rotary Foundation/Paul Harris. Ways to improve on the auction for next year were discussed, including doing "pre-sale tickets" instead of reservations and having a program at Rotary about 4-6 weeks ahead of the auction, just on possible auction items, etc.
Scholarships - Alan Alderfer and Cindy Hampton reported that their committee will be meeting this week to pick scholarship winners. Alan reported that there were approximately 80 applications received. The scholarships will be awarded at the June 13th Rotary meeting. There was general discussion regarding student eligibility and it was confirmed that Rotary member's immediate family members are not eligible.
District Conference - Greg Cobb reported that he and Jerry Henline (and their spouses) had attended portions of the district conference. Both of them found it interesting and informational. Greg received some especially useful information from the Nappanee club regarding new members packets.
Changing of the Guard Dinner - The Changing of the Guard Dinner is scheduled for June 26, 2008 at Noa Noa. Price per couple will be $50, as it was last year. Ken Locke is going to speak with Jerry Henline about invitation. Cindy Hampton will contact Noa Noa about the menu.
NEW BUSINESS
Interact Club at Warsaw Comm High School - Greg Cobb suggested that the Club should consider establishing an "Interact" club at the high school, similar to the "RotarAct" club at Grace College discussed at the previous month's meeting. "Interact" is similar to the Kiwanis "Key" Club and encourages high school students to get involved in community service, leadership, etc. Greg is going to be speaking to certain Rotary members already involved in the high school to see if anyone would like to spearhead this effort.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 pm.
Board Meeting April 2, 2008
April 2, 2008 Meeting
Attendees: Ken Locke, Joy McCarthy-Sessing, Greg Cobb, David Jones, Jerry Henline, Cindy Hampton, Laura Kaufman, Lewis Jones, Barry Parker
Meeting at The Great Wall - called to order by President Jerry Henline
Old Business
Changing of the Guard meeting June 26 - Noa Noa has been reserved as the venue - will discuss food in May meeting
Self Reliance Awards - April 18 - discussion that 2517 may not be available but Ramada banquet room would be available Committee Reports
" Membership - Joy reported that there were a few new prospective members, Brian Hodge, someone from the Warsaw library and one other inquiry although the name was not available. Ken Locke also noted that past president Steve Ruffenbarger may be interested in coming back to the club and will have Randy Stouder make contact.
The fireside chat documents are currently under review and upon update they will be posted on the website.
" Community / Service - Lewis Jones reported that the Club Involvement & Donation Application forms were being mailed to the following clubs; 4H Leader Training Program, BSA Anthony Wayne Council, Baker Youth Club, Beaman Home, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Billy Sunday Museum, Cardinal Center (Duck Race), Junior Achievement, The Salvation Army, United Way of Kosciusko County.
Lewis also reported that the Optimist Club was ribbing our club about lack of involvement in the Quiz Bowl. There was general agreement that we should take part but not high hopes we could field a team.
David Jones noted that it was not clear under which category some functions fall such as the golf outing, meet the candidates, scholarship, etc. Are they community or service?
Ken and Cindy reported that we are now receiving scholarship applications. It was also noted that one of our past scholarship recipients has a parent who is now a club member. There was general agreement that this creates a conflict for awarding future scholarships.
Ken reported that the Center Lake Pavilion has been reserved for the Meet the Candidates event scheduled for April 30 at 7am
" Rotary Auction - Cindy Hampton reported that a few items have been donated and not a great deal more to report. It was agreed that there needs to be better circulation of the Auction List at our regular meetings as it is not making it to all tables. Invitations with RSVP will go out on or around 4/25.
In discussion of credit cards being accepted at the auction it was noted that some members would like to pay dues by credit card. Various upsides and downsides were discussed and it was resolved that Ken Locke will make contact with Lisa McAdam and look into this possibility.
" Foundation - Alan Alderfer was not in attendance but Ken reported that there is a lot going on in this area. There was discussion regarding how donations to the Foundation are tax deductible due to 501 C3 status but club donations are not. It was agreed that Key Bank should be notified of this as they had made donation to the scholarship and may not be aware of tax implications.
" RYLA - Chris Kidd was not in attendance so there will be more detail coming on RYLA, there was good participation in the World Affairs Conference and the High School did take an active role, provided transportation etc.
New Business
" March meeting minutes were approved
" The Jan and Feb financial report was approved by Jerry Henline and Greg Cobb
" There was discussion of the 50/50 money followed by a motion from David Jones that a drawing(s) be held at the auction to use up current money in that account, proceeds to go toward scholarships. The motion was seconded by Barry Parker and passed. It was also agreed the drawing and current "pot" would be included on the invitations.
" Jerry Henline asked that the Income and Expense summary be modified to reflect District Conference rather than Misc. Expense
" David Jones inquired about the balance of funds in the Foundation and raised the question of how $800 per year we get back is allocated. It currently goes into our account and Greg Cobb motioned that we split it between scholarship and the Paul Harris fellow program. There was discussion on the percentage of split and the motion was tabled pending feedback from the Foundation committee at next board meeting.
" Ken Locke brought up that signature cards for our club bank account need to be updated. Joy McCarthy-Sessing motioned that resolution be passed naming signatories as Ken Locke (Treasurer), Jerry Henline (will be - Past President) and Greg Cobb (will be - President). The resolution passed with a second from Laura Kaufman.
" Bylaws were discussed and it was agreed that no issues or objections had been brought up since distribution at last meeting. Greg Cobb motioned and Lewis Jones seconded that the bylaws be approved providing there are no objections prior to meeting on Apr. 4. - Motion passed
" Greg Cobb brought up the topic and his current discussions of creation of a Rotaract Club in conjunction with Grace College. Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and they're sponsored by a local Rotary club. This makes them true "partners in service" and key members of the family of Rotary. The topic is at the "learning more about" stage and our club may sponsor in the future pending board approval.
Jerry Henline adjourned the meeting.
Next meeting is Wed. May 14th 12 noon at the Great Wall
$62,000 was collected for Rotary Salvation
The Warsaw Rotary Club gave its final report for its annual
collection for the efforts in Kosciusko County. Chairman N. Bruce Howe and
Co-Chair John R. Hall reported that $62,000 was collected for Rotary Salvation
Army Day 2007 during the club meeting on Friday, December 28th. The
club observed its 42nd annual event that started in 1965 with a
collection of just under $1,000. The 2007 total is an all time record for the
club. Howe and Hall thanked the club members as well as the businesses,
foundations and individuals who made this collection as success. "The Salvation
Army has served our county for 86 years," noted John Hall. "We are please to
support The Salvation Army once again that provides needed assistance in our
county." The day was first organized to honor Brigadier Brice Phillipson and
his many years of service to "others" and was called "Brice's Day". The event
was changed to Warsaw Salvation Day to honor Howe and Hall for their service to
the community as well. For more information on the Warsaw Rotary Club go to:
www.warsawrotary.com
Front L-R – Captain Jody Dalberg, N. Bruce Howe, Captain Amy
Dalberg & Gale Phillipson Decker
Back L-R – John R. Hall, Ken Locke & Jerry Henline,
Warsaw Rotary Club President
BOARD MEETING December 14, 2007
WARSAWROTARY CLUB
BOARD MEETING
December 12, 2007
12:00 pm Great Wall
President Jerry Henline opened the meeting at 12:00 pm with the following Rotary members present: Laura Kaufman, Alan Alderfer, Alec McPherson, Greg Cobb, Ken Locke, and Cindy Hampton.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Approval of Minutes - Secretary Laura Kaufman presented the November 2007 minutes. Motion was made to approve the November minutes, all were in favor and the minutes were approved.
Finance Committee - Ken Locke presented the financial report. Ken reported that he and Jerry Henline had met with Lee Heyde to discuss whether an outside audit or other financial controls are needed. Lee recommended getting a debit card so that Ken would not need to use his personal credit card any longer. Ken reported that he already has gotten a debit card so this is completed. Lee also suggested that an outside audit probably not necessary considering expense. Lee did suggest that the bank statements be reviewed and signed off on by the President as a check and protection to the Treasurer. It was agreed that this procedure would be implemented.
OLD BUSINESS
Mobile Meals - Route captains will be getting the list of who is on their "team" to begin getting the schedules completed.
ClubElections - Jerry Henline reported that PETS is earlier this year -in February - so important to get officers around for next year. Greg Cobb, as incoming President, will be working on his "cabinet" in the coming month and will have officers to report in January.
Rotary Auction - Thursday, May 8, 2008 is the date for the auction. Cindy Hampton reported that she has Noa Noa reserved.
WorldAffairsConference - Chris Kidd has agreed to head up the efforts to encourage WCHS students to attend the World Affairs Conference in North Manchester. Warsaw Rotary can host up to 20 Warsaw students.
NEW BUSINESS
New Members - The Board voted to approve the induction of Janelle Brehob. Jerry Henline reported Fr. Dan Martins will be inducted next Friday.
J & K Kissinger Award -Jerry Henline provided information that he received from the Elkhart Rotary regarding the J & K Kissinger Award which recognized district Rotarians who "exemplify distinguished Service Above Self". Cindy Hampton mentioned that when she was President, she had nominated Bob Gast for this award. There was discussion regarding potential nominees and the Board unanimously voted to nominate Bruce Howe for the award this year.
SelfRelianceAwards - Laura Kaufman reported that the Self Reliance Award committee was meeting the next day to begin preparations for the 2008 awards. Potential dates in May were discussed.
50/50Raffle - It was discussed whether the 50/50 raffle should be zeroed out and discontinued for awhile. Greg Cobb volunteered to take up the raffle as a project and keep it going. Everyone agreed they would like to see it continue. Greg Cobb will coordinate with Dave Hamrick.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 pm.
Rotarians cover the globe to end polio
A polio-free world
Rotary, Humanity in Motion
A polio-free world: Rotary, Humanity in Motion
BOARD MEETING February 13, 2008
WARSAWROTARY CLUB
BOARD MEETING
February 13, 2008
12:00 pm Great Wall
President Jerry Henline opened the meeting at 12:00 pm with the following Rotary members present: Laura Kaufman, Alan Alderfer, Cindy Hampton, Lewis Jones and David Jones.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Approval of Minutes/Finances - The approval of January 2008 financials was tabled as Treasurer Ken Locke was not able to attend. Also, the January 2008 minutes were completed, but not brought to the meeting, so their approval was tabled as well. Both will be reviewed at the March meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Rotary Auction - Thursday, May 8, 2008 is the date for the auction. The per person price for tickets was discussed. Due to the auction being at Noa Noa vs. Ramada, it is necessary for the price to be increased for the better quality meal. There was much vigorous discussion re: price points. It was agreed that the auction committee can set the price as they determine is necessary to cover the cost.
J & K Kissinger Award - Jerry Henline reported that Ken Locke has the application and it had previously been agreed that Bruce Howe would be submitted for the award. However, due to a death in his family, it was understood that Ken may not be able to get this completed.
RYLA/WorldAffairsConference -Chris Kidd is coordinating the World Affairs Conf. this year.
Self Reliance Awards - The 2nd annual Beauchamp & McSpadden/Rotary Self Reliance Award luncheon is scheduled for the regular Rotary meeting on April 18, 2008. The committee is working diligently to obtain applications from area high school students. A few additional committee members are needed.
NEW BUSINESS
Membership - The Board voted to approve the induction of Bruce Woodward and Scott Wiley. A fireside chat was held for the most recent crop of new members. It was also suggested that new members should be invited to do "ride alongs" with some more seasoned members to learn how easy and fulfilling mobile meals can be. It was generally discussed and agreed that it is important to get new members "plugged in" to committees, etc., so that they feel "extra-welcome".
District Conference - Jerry Henline explained that the annual District Conference is coming up on May 2 and 3rd. The Board quickly and unanimously approved Jerry and a guest attending at Rotary's cost.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm.
Board of Directors Meeting- March 12, 2008
WARSAW ROTARY
Club 3393, District 6540
Board of Directors Meeting
March 12, 2008 Meeting
Attendees: Joy Mcarthy-Sessing, Greg Cobb, Alec McPherson, Alan Alderfer, David Jones, Jerry Henline, Cindy Hampton, Laura Kaufmann, Lewis Jones, Barry Parker
Meeting called to order by Jerry Henline
Old Business
World Affairs Conference for high school students - The date of the conf. was to be verified but there is good participation from Warsaw High School with 15 attendees planned. Jerry Henline will confirm dates with Chris Kidd.
Rotary Auction - Discussed current status. Ticket price will be $40 per couple which is an increase over prior year but is for a good cause. There will be accommodation for buying auction items with MC/Visa this year. (Lewis Jones reported that this worked very well with Crazy Waiter event) There will be bidder numbers and items numbers assigned to help efficiency.
January meeting minutes were approved - motion David Jones / 2nd Alec McPherson (Feb minutes were not available for review and will be covered in next meeting)
Committee Reports
• Self Reliance - Laura Kaufmann reported that all is on track with interviews conducted 3/13 and luncheon planned for 4/18
• Membership - Max to report at club meeting Friday 4/14, 2 new members to be inducted; Scott Wiley and Bruce Woodward
• Service - David Jones reported that the top priorities are World Affairs Conference and Rotary Auction
• Foundation - Alan Alderfer will update at club meeting Friday 4/14
New Business
• Attempting to locate past approved bylaws due to electronic loss of document. Contingency plan if past document cannot be recovered is to use Rotary International recommended bylaws and have club re-approve.
• Discussion of Changing of the Guard event which is to be held June 26. It was decided after some discussion of options that Noa Noa would be the venue. Cost to be decided but expectation is that it will be similar to past.
• District Governor requested participation in World Water Week by pledging $1 per club member. Resolution was that Greg Cobb volunteered to donate bottles of water which will be sold to members at club meeting and sergeants will collect.
• Greg Cobb and Max Courtney plan to play golf at the district conference at Swan Lake and are looking for 2 other players to round out a foursome.
• Joy McCarthy-Sessing requested approval for use of Rotary name and participation in "Meet the Candidates" event April 30th at Center Lake Pavilion sponsored by the chamber of commerce. Rotary has supported in past and no financial participation is required. Greg Cobb motioned and David Jones provided the second - Approved
• Alan Alderfer reported that Randy Stouder has recovered well and is nearly back to normal. (Fair warning!)
Meeting was adjourned - next meeting April 9 at Great Wall
Warsaw club celebrates 100 years of community service
BY TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer
Rotary Club members gasped when Alan Alderfer dropped a valuable glass bowl during the organization's 100th Anniversary of Rotary International, held in the First United Methodist Church of Warsaw, Wednesday.
The bowl was a donation to be auctioned in May to raise funds for the Rotary Scholarship Program and RI Foundation.
A shaken Alderfer eventually composed himself, turned to the crowd and said "Got ya!"
Alderfer was reenacting a prank perpetuated on Rotary members attending the 1920 first anniversary meeting of the club when Frank Gilworth dropped a similar bowl.
What most members in 2005 and 1920 did not know was both bowls had been rejected by Warsaw Cut Glass because of flaws.
"We try to keep things fun," said current Rotary president Ken Locke about the local club and the bowl shattering incident. "That's what makes this club different."
Rotary is the country's first service club, established in Chicago April 23, 1905, by Paul Harris. The local club first met in Warsaw April 17, 1919, in the Hotel Hays. It was chartered as Club 3393, District 6540, June 1, 1919.
The meeting in 1920 also included a "guest" speaker, supposedly from South America, who couldn't recall his English, and who eventually "fainted."
This incident was followed by arrangements made with the two local papers, the Warsaw Daily Union and the Warsaw Daily Times. Both newspapers prepared advance copies of the program prior to the meeting.
Union newsboys distributed their special editions crying, "Warsaw Daily Union, extra edition, read all about the breaking of the great glass bowl at the Rotary Dinner."
Then newsboys from the Daily Times entered the meeting with their extra editions, pressing their newspapers into the Rotary members' hands. A mock fight ensued between the two publishing camps.
The contemporary club has an 86-year history of service to the community.
"In January we take all the Mobile Meals routes," Lock said, "and cover one route throughout the year. Last year we placed a plaque at Lake City Bank, marking their 100th anniversary. We distribute scholarships to local students in May. And we have a big fund raising push for the Salvation Army in December."
The Warsaw Rotary has supported 103 projects, organizations and speakers during its 86 years, always emphasizing the motto of "Service Above Self."
"Our members are encouraged to join boards in the community and help with youth-oriented organizations," Locke said.
Since the 1970s, local members have donated more than $136,000 to the Rotary International Foundation which funds projects around the world.
One way the club raises money is by fining its members. Carried out by the sergeants-at-arms (currently John Hall and N. Bruce Howe), the system has no rhyme or reason.
Typically members are fined if their name appears in a newspaper or mentioned on the radio. The sergeants will fine a member for arriving late or leaving early or for missing meetings. Fines are imposed for anniversaries and birthdays, especially the "zero" birthdays, when a dollar is assessed for each year of life.
"It's a tradition from way back," Locke said. "The seargents find things out about people or are told something. It develops a comradery within the club. You figure you'll get fined about half the time."
New people are considered for membership after an invitation by a Rotary member. The Warsaw club meets every Friday at noon in the Ramada Plaza Hotel. Current officers include Cindy Hampton, president-elect; David Jones, immediate past president; and Katy Hampton, secretary.
Louie And The News - Warsaw Rotary In The News!
The late Louis "Peanuts" Breading, Past President (1949-1950) was recognized in the club history with the following:
"The untiring efforts of our Past President, Louis "Peanuts" Breading. To see to it that we did not miss out on anything that would be fun either for ourselves or our children in the line of sports, he instigated Father and Son big league baseball (Cubs games) and pro football games (Chicago Bears). He created a real interest in Little League activities, bowling and volley ball matches. On top of all this, "Peanuts" has given us the "Up-to-the-Minute News". A real Rotarian plus!"
"Peanuts" presented the news beginning in 1960 for over 20 years. Each week "Louie and the News" is presented in his honor.
