Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jun 04, 2017
Sharon Schendel with former Del Mar Rotarian (now Lafayette Rotarian) Katie Nielsen
 
One of my favorite parts of being a Rotarian is visiting other clubs. Last week I attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Lafayette, Indiana, which is now the home club of former Del Mar Rotarian (and my Rotary Sponsor) Katie Nielsen, who moved back to her hometown two years ago. It was great to see Katie- she now serves as Treasurer for her club, and all the club members love her as much as we did when she was in Del Mar. 
 
At the May 30 meeting the Lafayette Rotarians welcomed West Lafayette High School student Lucas Mockus to report on his experience at RYLA- he echoed many District 5340 RYLAerians- he walked in knowing no one and walked out with 90 new friends.  The speaker, Purdue Professor Emeritus Bill Harper spoke about Purdue Athletes Life Success (PALS), a youth development program that offers a one month camp experience that teaches a variety of life skills, as well as offering games and fellowship, to local children aged 8-14 whose families are below the poverty line. Some PALS graduates go on to enroll in the college preparation and scholarship program 21st Century Scholars. As an attendance incentive, PALS offers campers new bikes and at the meeting several of the Lafayette Rotarians offered checks to purchase bikes for the program.