Matt Meyer from the Baxter Police Department visited Sertoma today to introduce us to Gator, the new canine dog recently acquired by the department. Gator is not yet a year old, still in training and still working through the bonding process with Matt. The last dog the department had was phased out in 2007. The new dog costs approximately $10,000. Matt has applied to the sponsorship committee for some funding to help make up the $1,700 deficit that still remains and some members made individual contributions today. Gator is a Belgian Malinois. A herding dog, they make much better canine police dogs because they have far less health problems and live longer than German shepherd. In fact a shephard usually works about four or five years, but Malinois have been used for up to ten years. Dogs are blended into families and kept by their police handler 24-7. They are used for human scenting, apprehending criminals and finding stolen articles and narcotics. Matt remarked, "A canine dog is a life saver for the officer and very helpful for the whole community." Matt explained that the dog will undergo certification every year. This is important because the certifiers end up being expert witnesses in court cases involving evidence produced with the help of the canine units. Matt didn't feel Gator was ready for Bonanza, but those who wanted to meet him were encouraged to do so after the meeting.

Our other program was officer induction held on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. on the beach at Confidence Learning Center. Incoming President Mark Korte who has been acting president since Julia left, introduced the new officers. They are pictured with Mark. Special thanks was given to outgoing treasurer Darren Larson and outgoing secretary Missy Lake at the induction and the Wednesday meeting. There are still a few jobs to fill--a secretary elect, the social committee chair, and a sergeant or two. Steve Mau has generously agreed to serve another year as Board Chair. Pam Sachs will continue with the newsletter and many of the committee people remain in place but there is always room for new members. Kathi Nagorski and Ron Morris will be organizing the programs. Laura Beilke is the new District Foundation Representative. Sue VanWagner will organize the Sertoman of the Day. The induction was conducted by our new District Governor Karen Owen. Thanks to the Chapparal and Pam Bye for catering. A special event at the induction was the boat ride on the S S Michael which was made even more special when Rod and Avis Converse made an unexpected appearance at the event. They donated the boat in memory of their son and didn't realize that fellow Sertomans were enjoying it the same evening they decided to spend some time on the boat. Rod is a charter member of the Brainerd Noon Sertoma Club.