On the final sunny day of spring — and one that hinted at a summery afternoon — 13 Rotarians and one guest speaker gathered in the Holiday Inn Express meeting room. Those in attendance were President Linda Meece, Don Pigg, Brittany Nickel, Cindy Boehlke, Mary Hauser, Gordon Jumper, Jane Becker, Ella Scaggs, Sonie Smith, Jay Jamison, Sarah Robinson, Pat Pennell and Treasurer Sarah Edmiston, with speaker and scholarship recipient Sadie Robinson.
While the treasurer passed out dues invoices to those who needed them and the business meeting report to everyone; the Polio Jar was passed around, accepting donations toward the elimination of the dreaded disease.
Madam President rang the June 20 meeting open at 6:56 a.m., a tad earlier than normal so Sadie was not late to work. Sonie led the Pledge of Allegiance (after members played Find-the-Flag), Don led the recitation of the Four-Way Test, and Pat gave the prayer, reminding those present of the importance of kindness.
Then, Sadie took the podium. She thanked the club for the financial support toward her education and explained her plans regarding her nursing goal. She is completing her clinicals at a local nursing home and taking a couple classes at Lincoln Land Community College during the summer. She wants to complete her nursing program at LLCC, with St. John’s School of Nursing in her future, once she decides on her specialty. Ella, our resident retired nurse (every club should have one) gave Sadie some advice. It was followed by an encouraging round of applause from the club before Don took action shots of President Linda handing Sadie the scholarship check. Then Sadie departed for her clinicals.
Rotations were made by Pat, Jay, Ella, Mary, Sarah Robinson, Cindy and Don. Mary gamely stepped up to the plate with Recognitions for this week, leaving Sarah Edmiston to crunch the numbers for the treasurer’s report. Mary did a marvelous job, providing every member with several opportunities to contribute to the scholarship fund. Pat reminded members that Ella’s birthday was Monday, read Ella’s horoscope and let her pick a brightly wrapped gift out of the birthday bag. Everyone hazarded a guess on what it contained and, in the end, Ella will be celebrating with a birthday coffee mug. Ella gave her “Three-Minute Talk.” The club learned about her career in trauma nursing, how she funded her education, and what she has done in her free time. Ella was a head nurse in the trauma department at a Chicago hospital for years before moving back to Jacksonville. She also is a Master Gardener and enjoys quilting.
Speaking of quilting, Linda and Ella displayed a beautiful Quilt of Valor. It was a joint effort, with President Linda cutting the pieces and Ella sewing it together. This quilt is going to a deserving veteran who has seen conflict. The club was encouraged to attend the presentation when it is scheduled. Many pictures were taken of these hard-working ladies and their handiwork.
Sarah Edmiston gave her treasurer’s report, briefly covering the highlights. After some discussion (and consulting of notes), an amount was settled on to go toward Bram’s Eagle Scout project. The club hopes he can attend a meeting soon so we can present this donation. Ella proposed a donation of $250 toward Camp Courage. We hope John Hunt can attend before camp to receive this donation. Jay made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Sonie reminded members that the Passing of the Gavel will be at the Elks at 6 p.m. June 24. Then, Madam President rang the meeting to a close at 7:50 a.m.
The next meeting is at 7 a.m. June 27 in the Holiday Inn Express meeting room. All visiting Rotarians and guests are welcome.
— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston
Jacksonville Rotary Club
President Lisa Kluge called to order the June 16 meeting of Jacksonville Rotary Club at noon at Hamilton’s.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and “America” was sung.
Volunteers were thanked, including greeters and 50-50, Rick Kluge, Ginny Fanning, Shawn McCombs and Jan Ryan; sergeants-at-arms, Dave Fisher and Maddie Stevens; Reflection, Bertie Robinson; song leader Dan Lepper; pianist Sharon Zuiderveld; Recognitions, Craig Albers; note taker Anne Jackson; food delivery, Stanley Wahl; and tech support, Sandy Sanders.
Announcements:
• The Polio-plus Jars are on the tables.
• Please get your dues paid.
• June 19 — Parade Committee meets
• Volunteers are needed for the Ferris wheel. The clip board is being passed.
• June 21 — Foundation meeting
• June 21 — Rotary Social (and the Lapes’ 65th anniversary) at Jacksonville Country Club
Carl Ryan was with his wife, Jan. Alberta Robinson brought her sister, Cynthia Morgan. Becky Bangert accompanied Sandy Sanders. Visiting Rotarian Todd Lamiser of Quincy joined us.
Craig Albers was in charge of Recognitions. Rotations were made by and $1 was collected from: Larry Kuster, Shawn McCombs and Colleen Cooksey.
Carl Ryan was inducted as an honorary member.
Ryan Byers was presented with a Paul Harris Plus 7!
Judy Tighe was presented with a $500 donation from the club to Jacksonville Main Street
Keshon Singleton, Daija Lott and Seth Gregory spoke on the activities of Springfield’s Juneteenth weekend and what Juneteenth means to them. Alberta Robinson gave a rundown on Jacksonville’s festivities. It promises to be a great weekend!
Scott Boston drew unsuccessfully for the 50-50 drawing.
The Four-Way Test was recited and the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
— Submitted by Anne Jackson