Louis joined a group going down 270 miles of the Grand Canyon looking out for one another.

 

He then decided to do an Ironman competition. His parents said “No – you lack stamina.” So Louis found a guide, a 10 time Ironman winner, and worked on getting ready.  His guide needed to learn too. With miscommunication, Louis once ran into a car and another time stumbled on a pineapple on the road.  Once he had to swim in the Ohio River which was disgusting, leaving him with a fever and only 31/2 hours sleep before the official race began.  Another time it was 45 degrees and raining; he just about froze. The he had to bike 110 miles and run another 22.6 miles.  The winner of the race was moved and gave Louis the winner’s bouquet.

 

As he would race, the media turned their attention to him. He felt the pressure of public attention but then decided to turn that into constructive action.

 

When he tells his story, other kids with handicaps gain confidence – one who is deaf decided to be a pilot, one with dyslexia decided to read. Louis want to motive others just to keep on pushing.  His approach is “I’ll figure it out.”

So, to prepare for this talk he practiced it twice a day at home.

 

He has set up a non-profit with the mission of helping others with blindness get the most out of life through awareness, confidence and accessibility.

 

Then Rotarian Laura Nichols-Endres told us about herself. She has been a member for 3 ½ years; helping with education day and home families for youth exchange.  She works at fundraising for MPR on strategy and operations. She has been married for20 years. Her spouse is a musician and works in theater. They have two daughters, ages 14 and 8. For fun she paddleboards.

 

Sergeant-at-Arms Sherry Howe fined Joe Kovarik for Punning. President Michael-jon Pease adjourned the meeting after some happy dollars were collected from Jon Guthmann (drinking good wine) and Steve Young (family reunion on his wife’s side).

 

Respectfully Submitted,