Author: sfweiskittel

Program

Program Chair, Kathy Fuchs introduced our own Dick Austin and Mike Rusinko who presented the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence that was originally started by the late Fred Toole and Paul Kirsch. 

HAPPY 250^TH BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!

Program:  the long-awaited travel program presented by Rich Kasulke and Dave Cook:  their October 2025 trip with RCF (Reunite Cultures Fund) to France, Germany, and Switzerland. The group included between 18 and 21 travelers, many Rotarians, and (they) enjoyed some amazing hospitality as well as visiting many historic and beautiful sites.  One highlight was to visit CERN where Timothy Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989.

Ethan introduced our Speaker, Bill Martin and his dog Chip from the Ontario Co. Humane Society (Happy Tails)

• Bill noted that the shelter focuses on domestic animals and currently has 62 animals in their care. 
• Goals are to address animal cruelty, many of which came from hoarding cases. 
• 334 adoptions to date.
• Currently there are 40 kennels but plan to expand to 70 kennels
• Funding comes from Ontario Co.
• 65 volunteers
• Background on Chip:  He was abandoned as a pup and lost his front leg in a fight with a coyote. He serves as “ambassador” at the Shelter and is now best friends with Bill. (We all fell in love with Chip who was such a good boy during the presentation!)
• The shelter takes donations of food, litter, blankets, etc.  Kathy Fuchs suggested that maybe as a club we can volunteer to help out at the shelter, cleaning kennels, etc.  Details will be discussed when this can be done.

Program: Bob McFadden shared some history, the impact and future vision of the student loan/scholarship programs.

• It was established in 1923 and is one of our club’s oldest service programs operating continuously for 103 years.
• Originally created to provide interest-free loans to local students. In the early 1980’s, a $70,000 gift was given from the Estate of Judge Nathan Laphman. In the 1990’s Michael Michaels donated $10,000.
• There have been 696 loans awarded and $784,000 distributed. In addition, 100 students have been recognized for Service Above Self with $72,000 awarded to outstanding student leaders.
• The loan program is phasing out and being replaced by the scholarship program. Currently the outstanding loan balance is $177,000. The investment portfolio has $488,000. Total assets dedicated to loans/scholarships is $665,000.