On Monday we welcomed U.S. Congressman Rudy Yakym. Rudy is a fourth generation Hoosier who is proud to represent the people of Indiana’s Second District. A Christian, family man, and conservative, Rudy is working tirelessly to bring common sense, Hoosier values to Washington, D.C. Born and raised in South Bend, Rudy received a bachelor’s degree in business finance and administration from Indiana University South Bend. He later went on to earn an Executive MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to his election to Congress, Rudy served as Director of Growth Initiatives at Kem Krest, a company that specializes in removing friction from supply chains. Throughout his career in business, Rudy has held senior positions at various companies, helping them to develop effective growth strategies. Rudy and his wife Sallyann currently live in Granger, where they are raising their three wonderful children; Elle, Rudy IV, and Eliza. They worship at New Life Baptist Church, where Rudy serves the congregation as Head Usher.
Rudy shared highlights of his priorities, some current states of affairs in Washington DC and Indiana, and opened his presentation up to questions from our club. Among Rudy's priorities are:
- Fighting Inflation and Creating More Jobs
- Supporting our Veterans
- Saving America from the Pelosi-Biden Failed Agenda
- Supporting Law Enforcement and the Rule of Law
- Balancing the Budget and Ending Wasteful Spending
- Creating American Energy Independence and Lowering Energy Prices
- Promoting Economic Opportunities for Working Families

Running List of Rotary Event Announcements. Rotarians are an integral and engaged part of our active community! Here’s a list of upcoming events represented by Rotarians from the Elkhart Rotary Club. If you’d like more information, contact the Rotarian listed for the event or email elkhartnoonrotary@gmail.com and your message will be forwarded to them. Are you a Rotarian with an event to share? Put it in the format below and email to Eric Garton, he’ll add it to the list.
November 30, 3-7 p.m. Tolson Center for Community Excellence GRAND OPENING EVENT! After years of planning & building it's finally time for us to CELEBRATE. Join us on Thursday, November 30th from 3pm-7pm at 1320 Benham Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516. Register by clicking the link: www.tinyurl.com/TCgrandopening. Contact: Breanna Allen
Continuing....December 1-2-3, 8-9-10, 15-16-17, 20-21-22-23, 26-27, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Bigger and Brighter than ever with over 1.4 million lights! You can purchase tickets at the gate when you arrive, or in advance at https://35522.blackbaudhosting.com/35522/tickets?tab=3&txobjid=5b77815b-9227-4b15-bfb7-fed9c934479e
- December 2, 4 p.m. Page to Stage, performance during Winterfest. Kindergarten to Second Graders, with help from local actor and improv expert Julie Cotton, will read a book and create a play based on it. Register at https://www.myepl.org/event/page-to-stage/2023-11-27/
December 7, 1-4 p.m. Honoring Bill Rieth’s contributions to Crossroads United Way. An open house to say hello and thank you to Bill for his many years of service as Executive Director as he moves on to the next chapter in his life. Location: Crossroads United Way offices. Contact: Bill Rieth. All Rotarians are invited to attend.
December 9, Shifts start at 9 a.m., Rotary Bell Ringing for Salvation Army. Contact: Paul Warning for signups.
Early May, 2024. In September, Rotarian Carl Dickerson of Dickerson Literacy Initiatives presented a program at the club about a project in Costa Rica in cooperation with Peace Corps volunteers to distribute books in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Rotarians have distributed books in recent years in connection with eye clinics from IU and the Goshen Rotary Club. We are considering doing a trip to Costa Rica in early May that would distribute books in connection with five Peace Corps volunteers and also distribute eyeglasses that will be made for people from a February 2024 eye clinic trip. If you wish to support such a trip or travel with the group, contact either Doug Risser or Ashley Bowen for more information.