Macomb Centennial Morning Rotary Club s1

MACOMB CENTENNIAL MORNING ROTARY CLUB

3 December 2009

President Chris called the meeting to order at 7 a.m. Kay Norton offered the invocation; John Maguire led the Pledge of Allegiance; President Chris led the recitation of the Four Way Test; Nancy Colvin led the singing of “Jingle Bells.”

Attendance

Paula Wise announced that there were thirty-one members present: Tom Blackford, Ray Bunch, Dan Colvin, Nancy Colvin, Rick Crossett, Lindsey Curtis, Steve Dworkin, Matt Glaser, Earl Godt, Ryan Hansen, Don Hubner, Amy Hutcherson, Monica Iverson, Rick Iverson, Don Johnson, John Maguire, Lea Monahan, Susan Moore, Kay Norton, Scott Parke, Julie Anne Pickett, Bill Poncin, Alene Reuschel, Forrest Robinson, Lin Stults, Chris Sutton, Michelle Terry, Greg Van Vleet, John Vigezzi, Dan Wise, and Paula Wise. Also present were Honorary Member IPDG Dick Passmore and Exchange Student Joachim Hanus.

There were two visiting Rotarians from the Noon Club – Dominic Ascone and Nick Estes – and two visitors – Ray Diez and Daniel Marvin (both were to be inducted later in the day).

Official Business

President Chris noted we had a framed picture of our presentation of money to Samaritan Well and a thank you letter for the contribution.

President Chris had Lin stand up to acknowledge her presence at the museum move.

President Chris had those involved in leaf raking at Camp Chicagama stand to be recognized. President Chris noted that we have bell ringing coming up this Saturday.

Earl volunteered to take Joachim to Bushnell this weekend.

The club was reminded that we will meet at the Norton home on 17 December for our annual Christmas party. The location is 60 Lake Michael Drive.

We may be doing a Polio Plus collection at the Macomb Basketball Tournament the MTW after Christmas.

President Chris had Daniel Marvin, and Ray Diez to come forward along with John Vigezzi and Earl Godt to be inducted into the club. After the words of induction and their answering the associated question, both were inducted into the club.

Susan Moore announced that Maria Gambrel and Mary Friday have made it through the next level of outbound process.

Happy Money

Alene – for Paula’s talk at noon Rotary Susan – good Thanksgiving; lunch with Courtney Camp Vance Michelle – for Earl and John Maguire for driving; was part of group that cooked 84 turkeys for Thanksgiving Ray – spent four days with family; has two people coming to WIU who need an apartment (contact Ray if you have a lead). Earl – great daughter who gave him a new grandchild and ran a half marathon Tom – reconnected with friend from elementary school and went to retirement of old high school coach Joachim – first Thanksgiving in US and great time with Picketts Lin – Dickens on the Square this weekend Ray – glad to be back Lea – it is Thursday and she is in Macomb John Maguire – plug for Festival of Trees Don Hubner – Illinois’s come-from-behind victory over Clemson Forrest – happy about collection for Samaritan Well Dan Wise – for Chris Merritt; for good vacation, even though his tan is gone. Dick Passmore – for Illinois game; for two new members; got word that money for Nigeria will arrive soon Rick Iverson – for speaker; got along with having five grandchildren in the house John Vigezzi – for new members; watch East Carolina win this weekend Julie Anne – for Joachim at their home; for daughter who is getting better; Amy – survived taking niece to see New Moon Matt – for For Don Johnson’s leadership in leaf raking Don Johnson – for fun in in leaf raking Chris – for new members; for being in paper; turkey cooking participation Dan Colvin – for new members; for Susan Moore’s Brussels sprouts

Program

Paula Wise introduced Chris Merritt – our speaker for today. Chris is head of Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs.

Chris gave a brief history and overview of IIRA, stressing that they are primarily concerned with economic development of rural areas.

Chris focused on the development of wind energy in Illinois. He noted that there has been a ten-fold increase in wind energy production in many states in the last decade, including Illinois. He emphasized that there is a range of wind turbines available. IIRA is interested in community-sized programs (as opposed to the larger industrial turbines). IIRA monitors the wind in counties to help them determine whether wind power is a reasonable alternative.

Chris did note some of the negative aspects possible with wind turbines. These are not as troublesome as they used to be, and they do not offset positive aspects.

Chris suggested going to IllinoisWind.org for more information.

After Chris answered questions, President Chris thanked Chris and presented him with a club pin.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 a.m.

Next Week

Invocation Susan Moore Pledge Eric Moe Attendance Amy Hutcherson Host Lin Stults

Program Becky Parker and Kate Joswick (Friends of the Macomb Library)