Program—Today’s program at Gallipolis Rotary was provided by ADG Matt Willis who spoke about the life changing effects he has experienced with proper diet and exercise. After a health episode in 2009 involving four heart stints, Matt decided to embark on a better diet and consistent exercise. He determined he needed to lose 40 pounds and today he actually weighs less than he did in high school! He has actually shed more weight than the original 40 pounds. Matt testified to the obesity epidemic we have in our country and especially here in SE Ohio. He sees the impact of obesity in the funeral business where caskets no longer fit! He provided some statistical proof locally where he has seen the average ages of deceased drop since 2009 from 71.75 years to a low in 2011 of 69.75 years. The published life expectancy in the US is currently 78.5 years. This is a significant regional problem.

Matt is living proof of the life changing results of proper diet and exercise and urged Rotarians to adopt a similar sensible habit. We all need to get inspired to improve our health! Matt served up some samples of his meal replacement shake. Good stuff!

President Shirley Doss opened the regular morning meeting of the Gallipolis Rotary Club promptly at 7:15 am and welcomed assembled Rotarians. Our attendance was a bit light this morning, but someone remarked the showing was Quality instead of Quantity! Kevin Petrie provided our invocation.

Meeting Schedule—President Shirley announced the meeting schedule for the balance of this Rotary year. The meeting scheduled for June 26th, which is often the meeting designated for induction of new officers, is cancelled as is the meeting schedule for July 3rd. President-Elect Jodie McCalla will officiate at the June 19th meeting and will update the club on the plans for Rotary year 2012-13. This newsletter will always post the most up to date meeting schedule.

Coin Box—Chuck Clark turned in a sufficiently heavy coin box that has been collecting loose change for the past few months. The proceeds from the box help in the annual contribution to the Rotary Foundation and is an easy way to make the annual giving. While the ‘goal’ for members is an annual $100.00 yearly gift, we realize this may not be realistic for many members. Therefore we recommend the use of the coin box to help in your giving. Your club really doesn’t talk much about writing checks for Rotary, but we do urge members to try to give something each year. That’s why we say: “Every member, every year!”

Relay For Life—Shana Booher, Co-chair for our Relay For Life Team, passed a signup sheet for our team walking on Friday. Members signed up for slots, but we still need more volunteers! Please contact Shana at sbooher@holzerclinic.com or 740-446-5771. There are slots until 8:00 am Saturday!

Fellowship—Gordon Amsbary recounted some of the highlights from last week’s Ro-Li-Ki meeting. Gordo covered some interesting historic trivia and famous birthdays. Late arrivals included Margaret Evans and Heather Crum, who both contributed a buck to the Foundation. A high point during fellowship was when Matt Willis challenged Gordon on the basis of comparing legs!

Happy Bucks—We had several Happy Bucks today. Kevin Dennis announced the Field of Hope won the $200,000 cleanup grant from the EPA! Congratulations! Shana Booher offered a buck for the fact that Secretary Chuck is back! (Thanks!) Margaret Evans offered a buck in honor of daughter, Evans Smalley, who graduated with distinction and three Keys at the recent GAHS graduation. Congratulations, Evans!

Split-The-Pot—Jim Morrison ran our weekly STP today encouraging some brisk ticket sales to raise our small pot to a total of $8.00 today. Jim asked Heather Crum to draw for the winner and pulled HER OWN ticket! Congratulations! In the draw for the ‘big one’ now $160.00, Heather missed the target a bit drawing the Two of Diamonds. Heather assessed the ‘Foundation Fine’ against club members who ‘did not attend the recent Walleye Festival’ in Sandusky, OH this past weekend. The large pot continues to grow!