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On Monday we welcomed Elkhart Fire Department Chief Rodney Dale, introduced by Tom Shoff. Chief Dale was very recently promoted to Chief from Assistant Chief and shared general information about the department, an update on the plans for the Elkhart Fire Department, and took questions from club members.

The Elkhart Fire Department has served the community since 1867. Over the past 150 years EFD has expanded into a full career department, achieving an ISO 2 protection class in the spring of 2017, by providing an all-hazards emergency response and numerous fire prevention and risk reduction programs that span just over 30 square miles, to the City of Elkhart. Service is currently delivered by 143 firefighters through seven fire stations. In addition, the fire department provides cross staffing of apparatus which include an ambulance, Aircraft Rescue Firefighting apparatus (ARFF), Wildland apparatus, an aerial apparatus, Hazmat response apparatus, and water rescue/dive apparatus that are ready to respond when needed. Additionally the fire department provides different technical levels of response, including a Hazardous Material response team, Technical Rescue Team, and a Water Rescue Team. Each team is ready to respond to the city and surrounding communities on a daily basis. The fire department Operations are comprised of an EMS division, Training division, and the Inspection/Investigation bureau of risk management. The Training and EMS division report to the Assistant Fire Chief while the office of administration oversees the budget, Fleet Services, and the Inspection /Investigation Bureau and risk management. Services provided by the fire department include a variety of specialties and technical response teams to support the needs of the community. In June of 2017 we expanded our specialties by implementing a Technical Rescue Team (TRT) supported by firefighters with technical certifications. Specialties include 47 licensed Paramedics, 82 certified EMT’s, 33 Hazmat Technicians, 15 Water Rescue Technician’s, 6 Fire/EMS Instructors, 7 Technical Rescue Technicians and 2 EVT and ASE certified mechanics with 3 sift personnel assisting the mechanics.

Did you know?....

There are approximately 1000 ambulance calls per month in Elkhart?
All calls receive a fire truck because all firefighters are trained emergency medical responders and their availability is greater than ambulances, who generally arrive after the fire truck responds to the scene.
There approximately 100 fire calls involving burned structured each year.
Leading causes of fires include cooking, children playing with fire, unattended candles, and furnace fires/fires resulting from faulty heating appliances.
The Elkhart Fire Department is 100% staffed by paid professionals, while the county of Elkhart has fire departments with some of the highest volunteer ratios in the state of Indiana due to our rural nature.
There are currently 143 fire department staff, Chief Dale's plan includes increasing to 158 by the beginning of 2025 in preparation for a new fire station/equipment coming online in 2026.
Elkhart has increased fire fighter compensation to #12 in the state of Indiana; staff start at $65k/year and $72,500/annually after fire school training.
An average fire engine/pumper costs $800k to $1m and a ladder truck can exceed $1m in cost!
Do you know someone aged 19-40 interested in becoming a fire fighter? Direct them to the Elkhart Fire Department! The hiring process is arduous but rewarding in service of our community.

We welcomed TWO NEW MEMBERS to our Club today! Julie Poertner and Jill Yoder joined current member Natalie Evans as Corporate Members of Crossroads United Way. Welcome Julie and Jill, we hope you'll get engaged in club activities and roles soon!

New Member Julie Poertner was presented a very special award from Modern Woodmen of America representative Kory Meade FICF, RICP®. The Modern Woodmen Hometown Hero Award was created to acknowledge people who volunteer their time and talents to organizations that strive to improve the lives of families in their community. Community Foundation of Elkhart County's Ashley Jordan nominated Julie Poertner for the award. Congratulations, Julie, exemplifying the quality of members in the Elkhart Rotary Club.

Announcements:

Member Shelly Rubo announced Women of Valor in Training's upcoming event: "Valorous Women: A Celebration of Strength" on Thursday, October 3, from 6-8 PM at Bread & Chocolate in Goshen. This is a gala celebrating Women of Valor in Training to help you learn how you can join us in supporting the young women in our community. For more info visit: https://www.womenofvalorintraining.org/events/valorous-women-a-celebration-of-strength
Jamison Czarnecki reported on Saturday's Kayak Trip from Oxbow Park to Studebaker Park. A good time was had by all - - check out these photos
Jamison also announced the upcoming event: Island of Blues! Mark your calendars for September 14, 2024, and join us from 11 AM to 8 PM at Island Park in downtown Elkhart for the Island of Blues! This all-day event features an incredible lineup of blues artists that will have you swaying to the rhythm and feeling the soul of the blues. Visit: /https://elkhartindiana.org/events/elkhart-island-of-blues-2024/ for more info.
Tony Warning reminded everyone iot's placemat sponsorship time! $375 placemat sponsorship supports the Interact Club activities for the upcoming year. Please contact Tony Warning to get your name or business name and logo on the placemat!
Membership Chair Eric Garton announced September Birthdays and all enjoyed tiramisu provided by Navarre Catering:
- Chuck Grodnik - 7th
- Tom Vandergrift - 8th
- Lisa Guedea-Carreno - 9th
- Sarah Farris - 9th
- Mick Faloon - 10th
- Kathy Sears - 11th
- Wes Steffen - 21st
- Kathy Grusy - 24th
- Pete McCown - 28th
- Shan White - 28th

See you next week for another great meeting!

Elkhart Rotary Club August 26, 2024 - Geenex Solar

On Monday we welcomed Adam Czamanske, Director of Development, and Anne-Marie Williams, Director of Community Relations, from Geenex Solar. Adam and Anne-Marie helped dispel some myths about solar, shared the advantages of solar projects and Geenex' involvement in our local community, and answered many great questions from club members.

Geenex' Mission is to create a more sustainable future through solar energy development. They are intentional about giving back, providing educational opportunities and building partnerships within our rural and farm communities to assure that future.

Myth: Solar development takes away jobs.
Fact: There are currently over 500,000 jobs in solar + wind + storage including in the areas of American-made manufacturing parts and raw materials such as U.S. Steel. Solar development also brings local jobs to the community during construction.

Myth: Solar farms cause property values to drop.
Fact: Studies show that solar farms do not negatively impact nearby property values. School quality is the #1 driver of property values and taxes paid by solar farms generate significant tax revenue for the counties and the communities where they are built with schools being the largest beneficiary.

HOW GEENEX SOLAR IMPACTS OUR COMMUNITY.... Now...

Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce Member
Crossroads United Way
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library
- The Great Cardboard Boat Race
Elkhart County Fair: Tram Sponsor
Elkhart Environmental Center: EnviroFest - Booth Sponsor
Wellfield Botanic Gardens: Taste of the Gardens Sponsor
Elkhart County YWCA: Run, Jane, Run Hole Sponsor
The HUB, Hearts United for Bristol: Golf Outing Hole Sponsor
Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce: Golf Outing Hole Sponsor

HOW GEENEX SOLAR WILL IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY....in the Future...

Stable, predictable sources of power
tax revenue
help improve local infrastructure
Job Creation
Temporary & full-time employment
Economic Stimulation including construction workers spending their money within the county on food, lodging and entertainment
Energy independence
Locally produced energy; decreasing need for foreign energy

About Geenex:
Geenex is a solar developer focused on utility-scale solar projects. Since 2012, we have been actively developing within the PJM territory. Our team members live and work in the communities that we serve. We take pride in our team's focus on ensuring our work supports our stakeholders and our communities. We are committed to providing comprehensive guidance and education throughout the solar development process.

Established in 2012, our company's foundation rests on the principles of trust, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to fulfilling our promises. We possess extensive experience and the agility to solve complex problems efficiently. We approach our work with intentionality and maintain unwavering honesty when engaging with all project stakeholders.

For more visit: https://www.geenexsolar.com/

Club Announcements:

From Terri Rickel: Please login to your ignite app on your phone to log volunteer hours. Once you sign-in, look for the to the sight, you can enter your volunteer/service hours, under the volunteer tab, "Taste of the Gardens". If you need any help with logging in, let Andrew or another board member know so that they may assist you.
Goshen Club's "Freedom Walk", set for Saturday, September 7. Registration starts at 8:00, with the walk/run beginning at 9 AM. This year the event will be held at Mill Race Trail; 324 W. Washington Street; Goshen, IN. Attached additional information may be found on the event.
Kayak Trip - Sunday, Sept 8, 2024 12:00-3:30 PM approximately; Route: Oxbow Park to Studebaker Park; Kayak drop off at NOON at Oxbow Park 23033 CR 45, Goshen, IN 46528; Admission to Oxbow Park is $3 per vehicle or a County Parks Annual Pass. Park 1/2 of our cars at end point at Studebaker Park 1020 McDonald Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 · After the paddle, we will shuttle folks back to the cars still at Oxbow. If you do not have a kayak just meet at Studebaker around 12:15PM, and we will shuttle you to the start point. If you are willing to shuttle people and/or if you need a kayak and/or a life jacket, please let Jamison know - cell 831-324-3398. Bring sunblock, sunglasses, water, hats, snacks as desired. *Life jackets are required to be on each kayak as per Indiana DNR. Some folks like to go to lunch after. Totally optional.
RSVP at this link: https://www.IsMyRotaryClub.org/RSVP/Index.cfm?EventID=77770616 Or email or contact Julie Cotton or Jamison Czarnecki.
Club Guest and South Bend Rotarian Ellen Williams, executive director for the Elkhart Education Foundation, announced a school supply drive. The Club will host a Yellow Cardboard Bus Supply Drop Box in the month of August, YOU CAN HELP! Bring in items from the list below to fulfill teacher's requests for supplies for any of their students who cannot afford the supplies they need. Here's a list of items you can bring: Binders (1 and 2 inch), Colored Pencils (12 count), Composition Notebooks, Copy Paper, Crayons (24 count), Dry Erase Markers, Earbuds, Loose Leaf Paper, Glue (bottles and sticks), Highlighters, Index Cards (lined and blank), Paintbrushes, Pencils, Pencil Sharpeners, Pens, Pocket Folders, Rulers, Scissors, Washable Markers, Watercolor Paints. For details on the donation program visit their website at: https://www.elkhartedfoundation.org/supply-store-2/
It's placemat sponsorship time! $375 placemat sponsorship supports the Interact Club activities for the upcoming year. Please contact Tony Warning to get your name or business name and logo on the placemat!
Miles for Myeloma Bike Ride – Saturday, September 21, meet at 9 a.m. at Studebaker Park behind Mary Beck Elementary School. Money raised goes to IU Simon Center for Cancer Research. There is a big fundraising ride in Indianapolis that weekend, but we wanted to do something local to honor two Elkhart Rotarians that died of myeloma. We’ll take the Elkhart Greenway to the Maplehart trail to Goshen. From there we’ll join the Pumpkinvine and head towards Middlebury. About halfway between Goshen and Middlebury is an ice cream stand called Mooeys that has great ice cream. Don Stohler picks up the tab at Mooeys for all riders! Many of the group will turn around and make the return trip back to Elkhart. Some participants are more ambitious and are welcome to continue the Pumpkinvine towards Middlebury and Shipshewana. Roundtrip from Studebaker Park to Mooeys and back is approximately 32 miles. For more information contact Luke Lefever or Don Stohler.
Eric Garton thanked all Rotarians and volunteers who supported Taste of the Gardens on Sunday, August 25. Thanks to EVERYONE who made Taste a successful and enjoyable event for our community, benefitting both Wellfield and local restaurants, caterers, and vendors.

Elkhart Rotary Meeting August 19, 2024

On Monday we welcomed Scott G. Thomas MD, FACS, Trauma Medical Director, Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Chief of Trauma Services, Beacon Health System.

Dr. Thomas shared "The Lifeline of Our Community: The Critical Need for Comprehensive Trauma Care". He was introduced by Elkhart Rotarian Priscilla Brown and began his presentation by recalling a time in high school as a part of the Interact Club... he visited the Rotary Club and was inspired by that day's speaker to devote his career to helping others through emergency care!

About Dr. Thomas: A native of Indiana Dr. Thomas is a General/Vascular Surgeon who returned to South Bend in 1994 and began working to develop the areas first and only verified Level II Trauma Center at Memorial Hospital of South Bend. He went on to expand trauma care for northern Indiana, leading Beacon Health System to add a Level III Trauma Center at Elkhart General Hospital. Dr. Thomas is currently the Medical Director at Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Chief of Trauma Services for Beacon Health System. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, serves as Vice Chair of Advocacy for the Committee on Trauma and is past President of the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and is the immediate past-Chair of the Indiana Committee on Trauma. He was recently appointed to the Indiana State Trauma Care Commission and has been instrumental in the development of a statewide Trauma System for Indiana. Dr. Thomas has authored and published numerous peer reviewed studies focused on the coagulopathy of trauma and has lectured nationally and internationally on his research.

Dr. Thomas discussed

Beacon's two Trauma Centers in our area - - Memorial Hospital of South Bend (Level II) and Elkhart General Hospital (Level III).
The differences between a Trauma Center and an Emergency Department.
The importance of addressing the "Golden Hour" of trauma.
The extreme financial impacts of trauma, and
Addressing Indiana's access to Trauma Care.

For more details about Beacon's Trauma Care, visit: https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/beacon-trauma/

After President Andrew's calling the meeting to order, we were treated to inspiring words from Vice President/Program Chair Irwin Larrier, who shared a vision he has for our community through the Greek word koinōnia, emphasizing community/communion, association, partnership. Way to start the meeting, Irwin, a great lesson for everyone to consider WHY we gather together and the power our gathering has to support our community.

Member Aaron Clow was thanked by President Andrew for his exemplary two terms of board service and given a small token of appreciation from our club. Interested in leadership in Rotary? Ask any board member how you can be involved!

Upcoming Events and Announcements:

Kayak Trip - Sunday, Sept 8, 2024 12:00-3:30 PM approximately; Route: Oxbow Park to Studebaker Park; Kayak drop off at NOON at Oxbow Park 23033 CR 45, Goshen, IN 46528; Admission to Oxbow Park is $3 per vehicle or a County Parks Annual Pass. Park 1/2 of our cars at end point at Studebaker Park 1020 McDonald Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 · After the paddle, we will shuttle folks back to the cars still at Oxbow. If you do not have a kayak just meet at Studebaker around 12:15PM, and we will shuttle you to the start point. If you are willing to shuttle people and/or if you need a kayak and/or a life jacket, please let Jamison know - cell 831-324-3398. Bring sunblock, sunglasses, water, hats, snacks as desired. *Life jackets are required to be on each kayak as per Indiana DNR. Some folks like to go to lunch after. Totally optional.
- RSVP at this link: https://www.IsMyRotaryClub.org/RSVP/Index.cfm?EventID=77770616 Or email or contact Julie Cotton or Jamison Czarnecki.

Club Guest Ellen Williams, executive director for the Elkhart Education Foundation, announced a school supply drive. The Club will host a Yellow Cardboard Bus Supply Drop Box in the month of August, YOU CAN HELP! Bring in items from the list below to fulfill teacher's requests for supplies for any of their students who cannot afford the supplies they need. Here's a list of items you can bring:
Binders (1 and 2 inch)
Colored Pencils (12 count)
Composition Notebooks
Copy Paper
Crayons (24 count)
Dry Erase Markers
Earbuds
Loose Leaf Paper
Glue (bottles and sticks)
Highlighters
Index Cards (lined and blank)
Paintbrushes
Pencils
Pencil Sharpeners
Pens
Pocket Folders
Rulers
Scissors
Washable Markers
Watercolor Paints

For details on the donation program visit their website at: https://www.elkhartedfoundation.org/supply-store-2/

Elkhart Rotary Club Aug 12, 2024 - Mayor Rod Roberson

On Monday we welcomed Elkhart Mayor—and Honorary Rotarian—Rod Roberson to the club to share the City's ongoing progress through the ASPIRE ELKHART initiative.

Elkhart’s unique strength in manufacturing is a benefit to not only the regional economy, but is a significant factor in the State of Indiana’s economy as well.

The City is challenged with economic volatility and aging infrastructure. Furthermore, technological advances, such as automation, threaten to make Elkhart’s current manufacturing advantages obsolete. As an older industrial center, it has become clear that the community must re-invest in itself if it is to compete with newer more contemporary economic centers.

In the beginning of 2024, we find ourselves on the precipice of transformational investment around the city. Utilizing the successful collaborative Public-Private Partnership models of the past couple of decades, these bold strategies will continue to yield economic growth and prosperity throughout the City of Elkhart over the next four years and beyond.

Mayor Rod shared the four areas of investment including:

Neighborhoods
Quality of Place
Infrastructure, and
Public Safety

Within each of the four areas of investment, he gave examples of how these initiatives are being carried out, including:

Neighborhoods

In 2023, Elkhart launched its targeted Neighborhood Initiative. City departments like MyEklhart311, Code Enforcement, Buildings & Grounds, Parks, and more have a regular presence in our neighborhoods.
In partnership with Elkhart’s Neighborhood Associations, these departments are active in our neighborhoods and directly impact the lives of residents.
MyElkhart311 coordinates city services with neighborhood needs to give residents opportunities to make a meaningful impact closest to home.

Quality of Place

What makes a location stand out? What makes a community somewhere you want to visit again and again, or even live there?
Walkability, amenities, vibrancy, cost of living, are just a few factors that make up how people feel about a place.
Quality of Place is key driver of economic activity and the State of Indiana has focused funding for READI 2.0 on quality of place enhancement projects.

Infrastructure

Concentrated infrastructure investment over the next several years in infrastructure projects.
Due to federal mandates, sewer separation is required, and gives us an opportunity to cluster other projects in the same area.
This includes traffic pattern changes, expanded multi-use paths, and streetscape beautification.

Public Safety

The Downtown Master Plan highlighted the importance of centralizing public safety in the hub of a city. Driven by the need of the police department to have expanded space as they have outgrown their building, a centralized Public Safety building will house Police, Fire Administration, and 911 operations.
The former Chase Bank building in downtown Elkhart has been selected as the future home for Elkhart’s public safety personnel.
Also under consideration if the relocation of fire stations 5 and 6. Changing of city boundaries necessitates a reevaluation of how firefighters and paramedics can maintain adequate and efficient response times.

Following his presentation, Rod answered a few questions from the crowd which included many guests, City staff and officials.

Several club announcements were made including:

Peter Norton: This Thursday is Thirsty Thursday; we'll meet at Jackson Rooftop if the weather is fair, Artisan if not. Watch for an email from Peter with specifics.
Jamison Czarnecki: The Rotary Kayak Trip is scheduled for September 8; if you have questions, reach out to Jamison and watch for more details in the weeks to come.
Club Guest Ellen Williams, executive director for the Elkhart Education Foundation, announced a school supply drive. The Club will host a Yellow Cardboard Bus Supply Drop Box in the month of August, YOU CAN HELP! Bring in items from the list below to fulfill teacher's requests for supplies for any of their students who cannot afford the supplies they need. Here's a list of items you can bring:
- Binders (1 and 2 inch)
- Colored Pencils (12 count)
- Composition Notebooks
- Copy Paper
- Crayons (24 count)
- Dry Erase Markers
- Earbuds
- Loose Leaf Paper
- Glue (bottles and sticks)
- Highlighters
- Index Cards (lined and blank)
- Paintbrushes
- Pencils
- Pencil Sharpeners
- Pens
- Pocket Folders
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Washable Markers
- Watercolor Paints

For details on the donation program visit their website at: https://www.elkhartedfoundation.org/supply-store-2/