March 18, 2013 Meeting Notes
President Tim called the meeting to order. Carol Lenhard led us in the pledge and Blake Smith introduced our visiting Rotarians. Jon Byerrum greeted us at the door, inspired us with Einstein quotes, and wrote these spoke notes (I must have missed a meeting).
Steve Spiller encouraged us to attend the District Conference (May 16-19). Bill Schultz frightened many of us by reciting a self-written Senility Prayer (way too close to home, Bill). Kimberly Parker, executive director of the Hospital Foundation, graciously accepted our club’s donation of $1,000, which will be matched by an anonymous donor. Anita Daniels invited all to attend the 4th-8th grade speech contest the night of the meeting. Jan Friend encouraged us to attend the area speech contest on April 3rd, 11:30 at the G.V. Methodist Church. Steve Sarantopoulos took up the P.E.T.S. challenge and donated an additional $100.00 to the Rotary Foundation. Ralph Anderson shared that he is mastering the art of preparing all of his meals on his BBQ during his kitchen remodel. Let us know how those pancakes turn out, Ralph (editor’s advice: use a pan). Marcia Salter shared her experiences on a recent three-week trip to Australia. Wyn Spiller shared that she too had just returned from Sydney where she served on the Rotary Promotion Committee (Hey, how come Wyn gets to attend Rotary meetings in Australia while the rest of us attend Rotary meetings in the back room of the Holbrooke?) and visited friends in the Blue Mountains. And lastly, Fred Claussen shared that he and Larry Faller just returned from Cancun. Apparently Fred was attacked by a vicious raccoon-like animal in the jungle. Sounds to me like Fred and Larry had a few too many margaritas.
For our program, Monica Haulman shared her experiences as a Rotary RYE student last year. Monica had an amazing year learning the customs of her host country, Belgium, making lots of new friends, and traveling extensively in Europe. Like all RYE students, Monica said that her year was truly a life changing experience. In fact, since her return Monica has used her Rotary experiences in her senior project at NUHS and has been educating other students on the extraordinary opportunities offered by our RYE program. She concluded with a very warm, heartfelt “thank you” to our club for supporting her and the RYE program.
Jan Friend’s number got the call, but alas, no black marble. 
Bobbie Swanson introducing Monica Haulman