DUNLAP LIONS CLUB

Members met Jan. 17 at the Concord High School cafeteria. Visitors included 10 visiting Lions from the Elkhart Community Lions Club. Following a short business meeting, the club members and guests were taken on a tour of the Beickman Performing Arts Center of Concord Community Schools. Scott Preheim, BPAC technical director, gave an interesting backstage look at the sets and lights and information about putting on a show. He also took the visitors into the control room.

Upcoming: Feb. 16, Council on Aging, Tammy Smith speaker; March 1, spring membership guest night; March 3, district convention at the Ramada in Warsaw; March 15, Diabetic Awareness, Lion Bev Reid, speaker.

The Dunlap Lions Club will meet for a catered meal at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Community Room at Ivy Tech. The program begins at 6:45 p.m., the first and third Thursday of the month. Visitors are welcome.

Information and reservations: call 875-5963

ELKHART BREAKFAST OPTIMIST CLUB

Seventeen members and one guest attended the Jan. 24 meeting. Andy Anderson of Lifeline was a guest. Anderson said he moved here from Maryland to work for Lifeline. He grew up in Indianapolis before moving to Maryland and attended college at Cedarville College in Ohio. He loves impacting kids’ lives for Christ. He received the handshake award for his program.

Jeff Bliler shared some special readings and thoughts. Bliler volunteers much of his spare time with the Osolo Fire Department and his church, so when he was asked to share his hobby, he figured he would need to find one before the meeting today. He decided that, while not exactly a hobby, he likes to collect stories about spontaneous acts of kindness and share them with his family. Bliler shared several stories which brought dampness to the eyes of most members. As fines were being collected, Konrad Seifert tossed in a happy dollar for what he called one of the best programs in a long time. Bliler also was given the handshake award.

Mike Whicker, president, gave a brief description of his vacation in the British Virgin Islands on a sailboat. He will be offering a program on his adventure sometime in February.

Seifert shared some details on his trip to Scottsdale, Ariz., to attend the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and tour a couple of auto museums. He reported cars were selling at bargain prices if you consider $450,000 a bargain for an “only two left in the world” car.

Upcoming: Feb. 7, regular meeting; Feb. 12, Oratorical Contest ( Gary Toland and Stephanie Love asked for volunteers to help with the event and to make cookies); March 3, Big Deal at RV/MH Hall of Fame; March 10, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowling — Tom Ball will coordinate this event; March, 17, Luncheon Club Casino night at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center.

Meetings are at 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays at Pumpernickels.

ELKHART COUNTY AFTER FIVE WOMEN’S CONNECTION

Join the club for a dinner and program entitled “The Total Confident Woman” at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery. Beverly Kison of Paw Paw, Mich., will speak about finding true confidence. She will help all discover some of the obstacles that keep women from being confident. Women are always welcome.

Information and to make a reservations: Genie at 293-8770

ELKHART LIONS CLUB

Marty Juel, president, shared the inspirational story Jan. 25 of Lions Clubs International President Wing-Kun Tam and then showed a video featuring Tam’s theme and challenge to Lions. This year’s theme is “I Believe,” and a challenge was issued to local Lions to plant 1 million trees. That goal has been exceeded. Juel encouraged members to make better use of electronic media to keep informed about local, district, state and international projects. He informed members the Elkhart Community Lions Club was cited in the most recent issue of the International’s magazine for the fountain in Central Park dedicated to the memory of Lion Luella Karay.

Upcoming events: March 3, District Convention in Warsaw

Upcoming programs: Today, Beth Thornburg, Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB

Meetings are at noon Wednesdays at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center and are open to the public.

Website: www.elkhartlions.org

ELKHART LUNCHEON OPTIMIST CLUB

Angie Wogoman of Guidance Ministries spoke Jan. 12 about the homeless ministry, soup kitchen and other outreach items they help with. The soup kitchen is open three days a week. It takes lots of volunteers to help with preparing the food and serving and cleaning up afterward. Their clothing pantry works for a lot of homeless or other individuals down on their luck, and all donations are greatly appreciated. The Box City program took place in downtown Elkhart, and this was a way to inform the public about how a homeless person could be living. Boxes were decorated by school groups and businesses in the hopes of bringing awareness to the community the severity of this problem. They also work with the youth in Just Say No clubs or the Boys & Girls clubs, to inform them of the outreach and what happens when someone lives on the streets or in a shelter. If you would like to donate clothes, blankets, gloves and personal hygiene items, call 296-7192 or stop by at 216 N. Second St., Elkhart.

On Jan. 19 Steve Riikonem of Bashor Children’s Home spoke about the program and how they help the youth in the facility. There are now 40 kids in nine group homes. Each child has a different issue, and the staff helps each one cope with their problem such as behavior, being expelled from public schools, trouble at home and more. Recently Bashor has opened classes at Mary Daly and Hawthorne elementary schools in Elkhart. They work with the child and/or family with abuse, neglect, drugs, troubles and more. In 2011 2,365 children were helped, but in the last two years the state has cut their funding by 40 percent to 50 percent. So Bashor is working on its second annual “Elkhart Has Talent” event for this August at the Lerner Theatre. This was a big fundraiser for them and a great way to inform the public about the good things that do come out of Bashor Children’s Home. This is a Christian-based organization. More information: call 875-5117 or visit www.bashor.org.

Members were updated Jan. 26 about how the St. Patrick’s Day Casino Nite event is progressing: donations coming in, corporate sponsorship, the committees needed to put on this event and the food for the event. Posters and “save-the-date” sheets have been created and will be appearing all over Elkhart. If you are interested in attending, contact Connie at 875-1039.

Upcoming: Optimist Oratorical Event Feb. 12 at Grace Lutheran Church, Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Bowl For Kids Sake March 10, St. Patrick’s Casino Nite Event March 17 at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center.

Meetings are at noon Thursdays at Pumpernickels and are open to guests.

Information: Linda Becker at 269-699-9148 or lbecker10@earthlink.net

ELKHART MORNING ROTARY CLUB

Jan. 26 was the last meeting for the three guest students from Memorial High School, Justin Arbaugh, Kelsey O’Toole and Kara Walterhouse. Each took a moment to reflect on their impressions of Rotary. The three were consistent in commenting that they learned people are giving so much service to their community.

Each Rotary member keeps a Change to Change Lives jar for their extra change. The funds go to the Rotary International Foundation when full. A thank-you goes to Burne Miller for his full jar donation. The EMR bowling teams will be on the lanes March 10 in support of Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Clare Krabill, Center for Healing and Hope executive director, spoke about the services of the center, which provides urgent health care for those who cannot afford it because they are without insurance. Started in 1999, the center operates a clinic in Goshen and two in Elkhart. The Center For Healing and Hope is supported by more than 40 churches with support from hospitals, laboratories, other organizations and individual donors.

Daryl Peterson will talk Thursday about Lifeline.

Meetings are at 7 a.m. Thursdays at McCarthy’s on the Riverwalk. Guests are welcome.

Information: Charles Stutsman at 226-1805

ELKHART NOON EXCHANGE CLUB

Jeff and Elizabeth Steele and the two Youth of the Month students attended the Jan. 17 meeting. Steve Bonine introduced the two Youth of the Month winners from Central High School. Leah Steele is in National Honor Society, Student Council and band, and volunteers for the CAPS preschool program and Boys and Girls Club. She has also worked on the Riley Hospital dance/fundraiser, and will travel to Haiti this summer to work in an orphanage. She is undecided on a college and major. Kate Fann is in National Honor Society, band and orchestra, Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee and PEERS. She also plays on the volleyball, swimming and softball teams. Fann is undecided about a college but plans to study biology and teaching.

Que Morelli offered a Happy Dollar because she gets to take her daughters to the GOP debate.

Jim Piechorowski, who has been involved in many community projects, including St. John’s food pantry and Susanna’s Kitchen, spoke. Unfortunately, the economy has caused St. John’s to limit its ministries because donations are down. Piechorowski is also involved with children’s programs, helping with computer skills and homework. He shared plans for a new park near the church which includes a playground and planters.

Upcoming: Bowl-a-Thon and Mid-Winter Conference Feb. 25. The location is to be determined. LifeSaver sales for CAPS April 27 and 28.

ELKHART ROTARY CLUB

Darrel Peterson was welcomed as a new member to the club on Jan. 23. Bruce Piekarski, sergeant-at-arms, exacted a number of fines from club members’ pockets.

Speaker Bill Stanczykiewicz, Indiana Youth Institute president, stressed the importance of children attending college. IYI offers 16 services (13 of which are free) to help parents and students attain that goal. For more information visit: www.triptocollege.org and www.driveofyourlife.org and www.iyi.org or call 800-343-7060.

Upcoming: Dan Blaketor introduces the Rhema Project Monday.

Meetings are at noon Mondays at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center.

Information: Visit www.elkhartrotary.org or call Tom Shoff at 293-5530

FAIRFIELD EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS CLUB

Eighteen members met Jan. 26 at Waterford Crossing. Tammy Shidler reported on donations for a Salvation Army family that was made at Christmas. Sandy Kauffman and Vickie Miller served refreshments.

Election of officers was held for 2012-13. They are Jodi Kauffman, president; Shidler, vice president; Vickie Miller, treasurer; Barb Longcor, assistant treasurer; Margaret Weybright, secretary; Jodi Kauffman to send info to papers by e-mail; Sandy Kauffman, historian; Katie Mast, health and safety; Lois Everest and Lois Kauffman, jokesters; Bey Yoder, song leader; Shidler, Jodi Kauffman and Carol Kauffman, trip committee.

Tammy Shidler and Carol Kauffman gave the lesson “Wills, Trusts and Important Papers.”

Upcoming: 1st-Timer Award for June; Homemaker’s Conference due Feb. 15; council meeting Feb. 16; club trip to The Tea & More at 11 a.m. Feb. 18; IEHA Scholarship for 25-years-and-older members due March 15; nomination for Homemaker of Year due April 1; club trip to Bristol Opera House to see “Lend Me a Tenor” May 17; host Friends and Neighbors Club at May meeting; new officer training June 21; club trip to ride North Webster Dixie paddle wheel boat June 2.

GOSHEN NOON KIWANIS CLUB

Rudy Stegelmann introduced guests Tom Snobarger and Tina Kilmer. Both are joining the club.

Perfect attendance was noted for Roger Nafziger, Barb Ally, Dorothy Shirk and Loren Eash.

Jeff Burbrink presented a very interesting program on agriculture in Elkhart County. Although Elkhart County’s population ranks sixth in the state, one half live outside city limits. The average age of a farmer in Elkhart County is 49.8 years and is actually going down, reversing a trend. The average acres per farm in the county is 101; statewide, 239. In the last 10 years, Elkhart County has lost about 20 percent of ag land. Burbrink encouraged everyone to visit a farm to see the new technologies.

Upcoming: Feb. 25, second annual Chili Cook-off and Comedy Night; April 21, serving breakfast at Ronald McDonald House

Meetings are at noon Tuesdays at Maplecrest Country Club and are open to the public.

Information: Jason Lehman at 596-7284

GOSHEN ROTARY CLUB

Birthday wishes, happy dollars and belated holiday music marked the Jan. 20 meeting.

Kathy Brewton introduced guests, which included only visiting Rotarians Doug Risser and Anthony Hart.

Chad Gascho, Phil Straw and Bob Morris were the only Rotarians with January birthdays in attendance.

Steve Fidler announced the Rotary shift of Salvation Army bell ringing had raised $13,900 of the total of more than $79,000 raised this year.

Jamie Stickel introduced the program, given by Terry Coleman, north region manager of the Indiana state park system, part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Coleman said the economic downturn has affected state parks just like every other segment of government and private business. The operating budget was cut from $33 million to $28 million, but the capital improvement budget was slashed from $26 million to $6 million, so many improvements have been put on hold. State parks are a big business in Indiana, with 39,000 acres of lakes and more than 17,000 total picnic tables.

INDIANA ETA, DELTA THETA CHI SORORITY

Nostalgic would be the word to describe Indiana Eta members as they traveled Jan. 24 up the brick walk lined by old trolley rails, toward the entrance of the Old Bag Factory in Goshen. Met by former owner Larion Swartzendruber, the group made their way to the third floor where weddings, conventions and LVD concerts are held. Memorabilia from its industrial past are displayed throughout the building. Originally built in the late 1800s for the Cosmos Buttermilk Soap Co., the buildings history includes the Chicago-Detroit Bag Co. and then for almost 60 years, the Chase Bag Company. Today this grand old building houses many unique shops including the well-known Bread and Chocolate restaurant.

The next meeting will be Feb. 14.

MAPLE CITY KIWANIS CLUB

Eber Rice-Smucker greeted 28 members and three guests, Richard White, Lois Bare and speaker Denise Reesor, at the Jan. 26 meeting.

Reesor, Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network site supervisor, talked about that program, which has been active in Goshen since 1995. There are 160 similar networks across the United States. GIHN provides temporary shelter to homeless families — overnight in participating church buildings and during the day at the GIHN Day Center on Third Street. With churches involved, there are more than 800 volunteers working with the homeless in Goshen. Reesor said the “homeless” are not just those sleeping in streets and parks; it includes those who move in and out with family and friends until they are no longer welcome there.

Thursday’s speaker will be Colin Ruesel of MDC Goldenrod.

Meetings are at 6:30 a.m. Thursdays at the Goshen Salvation Army. Guests are welcome.

Information: Tom Kercher at 533-2048

MAPLE CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Members met Jan. 24. Sondra Resen was toastmaster, John Johnston was general evaluator, Glenn Stutzman was grammarian and Judy Moore hosted Table Topics. The theme was “Smile.” Bobbie Peterson gave a speech titled “Showcase Your Club,” which Steve Peer evaluated.

Toastmasters is a club in which members have the opportunity to improve public speaking and leadership skills.

Meetings are from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. The public is welcome to attend.

Information: Mark Lindemood at 364-2701 or mlindemood@yahoo.com

MIDDLEBURY MIDDIES RED HATTERS CLUB

Thirteen members met Jan. 24 for dinner at Miles Lab for dinner. Lois Mullins was recognized for her January birthday. Ideas were given for the Maple Syrup Festival Parade on April 21. Kathy Graber won the baby food tasting contest. Members agreed babies have much different taste buds.

Upcoming: Bunco March 15, Ladies night Out March 16

The next meeting will be Feb. 28 at Aunt Karen’s Cafe in Middlebury with Mary Hackman and Cindy Wagner as hostesses.

NAPPANEE COUNTRY CRITTERS RED HAT CLUB

Five members met Jan. 25 at the Main Street Coffee House in Nappanee to discuss plans for their upcoming Sisters Banquet to be held May 5 at the Dal-Mar Catering Hall.

Upcoming: Movie night Feb. 8 at Sue Jodry’s home and dinner at the Nappanee Pizza Hut Feb. 22.

Information: Darlene Hill at 354-0778 or Janet Keim at 773-2771

PARROT HEADS IN MICHIANA

The club met Jan. 14 at Sports Time Family Pub and Grill in Elkhart for its monthly meeting with 23 members, one new member and two guests.

Melanie Hungerford, project chairperson, gave a status update on Trivia Night to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion, 2503 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Information can be found at www.parrotheadsinmichiana.org or at www.jdrf.org/northindiana. It was determined that ALS would be the recipient of the club’s fantasy football league donations of $109. It was voted on and passed that the monthly meeting milk jug collections would benefit the American Cancer Society, and two upcoming events to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Ronald McDonald House in South Bend.

Thank-you letters were received from the American Heart Association, Salvation Army and one of the Salvation Army Adopt-A-Families.

Cheeseburger in Paradise Night Feb. 25 at the American Legion, 2503 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Food will be served from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. consisting of a one-half pound cheeseburger and fries. Kevin the DJ will play Jimmy Buffet music from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Beach attire acceptable. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society and Miller Veterans Home. Tickets available from any Michiana Parrot Head member or call 287-0057 for more information.

Jus Jeans second annual “What the Heck Happened??!!” Fundraiser will be March 17 in Cromwell with music by the Party Boat Band. The proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House in South Bend.

The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, 100 Center, 700 Lincolnway W., Mishawaka. The meeting is open to the public.

Information: Carey Bert, club president, at 320-2957 or cber1202@aol.com

Email: Jkaylentz@aol.com

Fax: 294-3895

Mail: The Elkhart Truth, Attention: Clubs and Organizations, P.O. Box 487, Elkhart, IN 46515

Drop-off: Elkhart newsroom, 421 S. Second St.

Deadline: Noon Fridays

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• Brief recap of most recent meeting and details of scheduled events for members and the public

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