Gene Bruce introduced our guest speaker today, Elizabeth Ransom, Indiana Transition Coordinator, United States Department of Defense.  Ms. Ransom, after receiving a degree in psychology, spent two years in VISTA-Americorps and five years teaching in Fresno, California.  In 2007, she moved to Indiana and became affiliated with Employers Support Guard Reserves (ESGR).  As Ransom told us, ESGR, founded in 1972, serves all reserve and guard units, providing education and support to employers of reservists and guardsmen.  She is particularly busy in Indiana, as Indiana has the fourth largest National Guard unit in the United States.  Ms. Ransom highlighted the advantages to employers on having reservists and guardsmen on company payrolls.  Having military training, reservists and guardsmen are experienced in giving and taking orders.  They are also loyal, responsible, and productive employees.  ESGR has 70 statewide volunteers; however, Ms. Ransom is looking for more, as there are none in South Bend.  ESGR urges employers to hire a vet, become an ESGR volunteer, become involved by supporting our troops when they return home.  If you would like information on how to become more involved in ESGR, Ransom suggested contacting the following websites:

www.h2.jobs or www.ESGR.mil.

The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation and Dan Ryan had the honor of expressing appreciation to Emery Hirschler, who has made a substantial contribution toward the goal of international understanding and peace.  In doing so, he supports and honors the humanitarian and educational programs of The Rotary Foundation that make a difference in the lives of others.  The presentation to Emery as a Major Donor included a crystal and diamond pin.   

Present 126 Excused 48   Absent 63

Bert Suter did not draw the white marble, but did collect the $12.00 consolation prize.  Next week’s raffle will have 31 marbles in the bag and a pot of $420.00. 

President Terry introduced and inducted new members, Bridget Moreno, Andrew Elegante, and Jeff Sparks. Bridget is in Regional Development at Notre Dame, Andrew is Manager of The State South Bend, and Jeff is Director of Colocation Services at Cloud PC.  Welcome to all!   

Recently Past President Todd Bruce initiated a fund within our Charitable Foundation.  It was a way of assisting a member in good standing (who might otherwise be forced to resign from our Club) in need of a one-time grant for defraying the full cost of membership dues.  The applicant must be a member for at least twelve months, have met the 50% attendance requirements and demonstrate a commitment in service to the organization.  All requests are kept in strict confidence.  Please contact Bob Annis at rwa77ka@sbcglobal.net for more details.  The application deadline is June 15^th.

May 13 – Dan Jankowski         

May 14 -  Diane Bennett              

May 15 -  Pete Owsianowski

                Maria Kaczmarek

                Lisa Rzepnicki

May 16 -  Tom Coley

May 18 -  Mary Mathews

Life is like a dogsled team.  If you aren’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes.