Rotary Club hears from leader; Lions make pla

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by the first verse of “America.” The Reflection was presented by Kim Brogdon, who encouraged everyone to challenge each other for fundraising.

Stanley Wahl provided a new member highlight.

Announcements:

• President Tucker reminded club members of the Polio-Plus Jars on the tables.

• Noel Beard talked about the First Fun Weekend, which will be Aug. 26-27, overnight at YMCA. Members were encouraged to sign up.

• Gina Hayes noted that the week’s Ferris wheel sponsor is State Street Ministry.

• Joe Kauffmann noted that Litter Gitters would meet at 9 a.m. the next day.

• Kim Brogdon encourage people to pick up their Oktoberfest tickets for sale, if they haven’t already.

• April mentioned that Bread of Love delivery spots are available.

• Sandy Sanders asked those who have them to please display Oktoberfest signs. She was at the garage that afternoon for those who need supplies.

• Kalob Tang has Oktoberfest signs. Members can let him or Sandy Sanders know if they need one. Also, Oktoberfest volunteer sign-up spots are available.

• Rotary Green will meet Aug. 28.

• The cost of meals will be $13 beginning next week.

President Tucker thanked Rotary volunteers, including greeters, Maryjane Bradbury and Alberta Robinson; 50-50, Jan Ryan/Shawn McCombs; Reflection, Kim Brogdon, sergeant-at-arms, Kaylob Tang and Alberta Robinson; Recognitions, Todd Evans; food delivery, Gina Hayes; note taker, Maryjane Bradbury; tech, Sandy Sanders; and piano, Sharon Zuiderveld.

Sharon accompanied the club in “Smile.”

Rotary Asst. District Gov. Laura Dugas and District Gov. Neal Miller were visiting Rotarians.

Sharon Zuiderveld’s guest was her sister, Mary Ellen Peterson. Cathy Jo’s guests were Sarah and Hannah; a hearty round of the “Song of Welcome” ensued!

During Recognitions, Todd Evans called out Joe Horabeck, Kalob Tang, Shawn McCombs and Ginny Fanning.

Rotations ensued: April will be creating an after-school program at The Salvation Army. Calling all teachers and retired teachers who would like to help. Cathy Jo shared the wonderful news that Rotary received a grant to create a children’s library at Jacksonville African American History Museum.

President Jenna asked all members joining in online to comment on the Facebook post for the sake of attendance records.

Asst. District Gov. Laura Dugas introduced the day’s speaker, District Gov. Neal Miller, who shared President Gordon McInally’s focuses: Projects to empower girls and expand diversity, equity and inclusion to include the best people and best ideas; and a push to eradicate polio, promote peace, and focus on mental health. Miller encouraged the club to follow the Four Priorities of Rotary’s Action Plan: Increase Our Impact, Expand our Reach, Enhance Participant Engagement and Increase our Ability to Adapt.

Next week’s program will be by the Springfield Rotary Travelers Club.

Todd Evans drew unsuccessfully for the 50-50 drawing.

The meeting was closed with the Four-Way Test.

— Submitted by Maryjane Bradbury

Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club

On a gloomy, mid-August morning (with comfortable autumn-like temperatures to usher in a beautiful sunny afternoon), 10 Rotarians and one guest gathered in the Holiday Inn Express meeting room. Greetings and jokes were exchanged as people found seats while maneuvering around the various fans, extra tables and a step ladder. Those in attendance were President Cindy Boehlke, Don Pigg, Brittany Nickel, Ella Scaggs, Jane Becker, Sonie Smith, Jay Jamison, Mary Hauser, Pat Pennell and Sarah Edmiston, with scholarship recipient Erin LaKamp.

President Cindy rang the Aug. 15 meeting in promptly at 7 a.m., followed by Pat leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Sarah leading the reciting of the Four-Way Test, and Pat giving an appropriate prayer. Rotations were made by Cindy, Jay, Mary, Ella and Don. Pat did a splendid job of encouraging Rotarians to donate their Recognition dollars. Perhaps having Erin with us reminded members that these donations add up quickly in the scholarship fund.

Erin took the floor while Rotarians recovered from Recognitions and introduced herself. We learned that she showed livestock with Ann Becker. Erin is finishing her summer classes toward her master’s degree in agri-business. She has an internship in sales at Agri Sciences and hopes she can get a job at the same business, hopefully in sales in the Midwest after working sales in Ohio-Michigan territory. After answering questions, she received an appreciative round of applause.

Sarah gave the treasurer’s report. She covered the highlights, the most exciting being that all dues are paid up. After some study, Jay made a motion to accept the report. Don seconded the motion. It passed.

Cindy asked on behalf of Sarah Robinson if the club wanted to continue with Lasagna Love. After some discussion and a count of already-made lasagna, members decided to continue. The club would reimburse for ingredients. We hope to continue to use Pastor Polly’s kitchen, too.

Don reminded members that the club will be on a field trip next week to MacMurray Hall. He described where to park at the building near College and Clay and next to Annie Merner Chapel. We will meet at 7 a.m. and go in the back door. There will be an informational tour.

A member mentioned Chautauqua and that the club usually donates. Jay made a motion and Linda seconded it. It passed. Cindy reminded members that this year’s Chautauqua will be at the Nichols Park pavilion. It will be Sept. 1-2.

Don presented the types of trees and parks in which they will be planted by Jacksonville (Noon) Rotary Club via Rotary Green, the price for a tree and a plaque, with details about the plaque. Ella made a motion to plant a red bud in Community Park with a plaque. Jay seconded the motion. It passed. Continuing on the theme of “old business,” Brittany passed out funeral planners. Recent guest speaker and Morgan County Coroner Marcy Patterson mentioned pre-planning as a way to make those dark days a little easier for our loved ones.

Cindy rang the productive business meeting to a close at 7:35 a.m. The next meeting will be at 7 a.m. Aug. 22 at MacMurray Hall.

— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston

Jacksonville Lions Club

On a beautiful, mid-August evening that felt like autumn, hungry Lions gathered in the small room just inside McAlister’s Deli. Tables were rearranged into a conference room table shape so members would know where to sit. A picture of Barb in her Lions vest was placed at one of the empty chairs. While she couldn’t be with the club in person, she was with us in spirit. As some finished their dinners, Cheri sold 50-50 tickets for $1 each.

President Sarah rang the Aug. 15 meeting in promptly at 6:30 p.m. Everyone automatically stood, reciting “we serve!” We learned that President Sarah is so dedicated that, not only does she travel with the Lions bell in her trunk, she says “we serve” whenever she hears the bell, even if it “dings” over a bump in the road. Have bell will travel.

The Lions next turned to the tiny American flag at the head of the “conference table” to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sang “America.” Aaron gave the prayer.

Secretary Jana read the minutes from the last meeting. Aaron made a motion to accept the minutes. Tamra seconded it. It passed by a majority. (Someone is a kidder and declined the minutes).

Then, it was on to the mailbag. First was a request for a donation to a guide dog group. It was tabled because the club does not at this time know someone using a guide dog. Another request from the Lions Club of Maui for relief assistance. After some discussion, Gentz proposed sending a donation to the Hawaii Lions at the state level instead of to the general disaster fund. Tamra seconded the motion. It passed.

Other items in the mailbag were reminders about upcoming seminars and Lions events. Sight and Sound raffle tickets will be available soon. Hang on to your old sneakers. They can benefit Camp Lions. President Sarah will find more information.

Tamra is chair of the meeting location committee. After some discussion of members present, the committee was tabled because everyone likes meeting at McCalister’s. The Alex’s Lemonade Stand fundraiser was discussed and, perhaps, raising money to help a specific child in future.

The school supply donation two-weekend event was reviewed. Sarah Robinson passed around a breakdown of collection totals by day and tent location. The teachers at Garrison were very pleased with the supplies they received. Thanks to generous shoppers, there were plenty of supplies to go around.

The budget for the coming year was reviewed. Treasurer Tom gave a thorough explanation of all accounts and how the budget compared to last year. Pocket Talkers were discussed, including how many are available and who has them. Susan, who facilitates these valuable amplifiers with JACIL (and has had a crazy summer) is unsure how many she has and will look for them as she packs. Other types of amplifiers and hearing aids also were discussed. To fortify ourselves, club members passed around delicious homemade cookies. Perhaps it was the sugar high, or just gratitude that no one was performing the cookie dance, but Tamra made a motion to accept the 3023-’24 budget. Dan seconded the motion. It passed.

Speaking of 2024, a kick-off for the Lions’ 100th anniversary will be an open house from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 4 with Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce. A cake was suggested. President Sarah will be attending a seminar on Aug. 26. Replacing the Lions sign at the ISVI track was discussed and it was decided to use a sign similar to those used in the Avenue of Flags. Newer members learned about Jacksonville Lions’ important role in installing this state-of-the-art track. Sarah Edmiston, who attended summer camp at ISVI in the 1990s agreed it was a great track.

Dan will be collecting glasses at drop-off points around town the following day. He only had three pairs of glasses at meeting time. Secretary Jana got an appreciative round of applause for keeping up to date on the Lions International website and making this club look good digitally. Speaking of events at the international level, the theme of the Peace Poster contest is “Dare to Dream.” To participate, the promotional packet will be purchased and entry forms will be delivered to area schools for students who want to participate.

The Avenue of Flags dates and times for Labor Day were discussed. It was settled that set-up will be at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1. Lions will take down flags on Sept. 5. The club learned that Sept. 5 also is Lion Dan’s birthday. Later it was decided to hold a cookout, in lieu of a meeting, at the Lions fire pit in Nichols Park.

Speaking of iconic Lions events, the dates of the Lions fruit sale were settled after some discussion. Pick-up will begin Dec. 12 and end Dec. 15 at the ISVI garage. Remember to see your nearest Lions member to order tasty fruit during sales later this fall.

Sarah Edmiston asked if the club would like to sell water and lemonade during the Sept. 1-2 Chautauqua at the Nichols Park Pavilion. The club decided to table the idea until next year because of short notice.

The grand finale was Susan’s send-off party. She is leaving us soon for a new home in Wisconsin.

Hugs and tears were shared and pictures were taken as Susan was presented with a leadership award commemorating her time with Jacksonville Lions. She was presented with gifts from the club, including a coffee cup to remember us by every morning, a puzzle with intricate pieces to keep her busy for a day or two, a photo album Jana thoughtfully put together so Susan can remember the club highlights while she was here to keep us in line, and an electronic piano keyboard now that she is retired and can learn how to play music … out of earshot of any Lion. We hope she can accompany us with “America” over the phone in future. The club ended with an appropriate song; “For she’s a jolly good … lion,” Susan ended with a “Roar!” We will see if the club meets at McCalister’s next month.

Marian was the first to leave and her ticket was drawn by Dan. A Lion should never leave before the 50-50 ticket drawing.

President Sarah closed the meeting about 7:50 p.m. Tables were returned to their original positions. The board meeting on Aug. 22 is canceled. Upcoming events are Avenue of Flags and a cookout.

— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston