President Amanda Walls called the meeting to order and Mike Loudon led the invocation, pledge, and Four-Way Test.
Irma Cole introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians: Jack Jeffares (guest of Jason Wyatt), Nealie Roddenbery (Linda Roddenbery), Jason Sant (Michelle Emerson-Lewis), Debi Hoover (Cory Neupauer), Ken Moore (Tom Conger), Ron O’Connor (Lakeland South), Paul Patrick (Lakeland South), and Jason Lewis (Lakeland Sunrise).
Meggie Hoeft Collected Happy Dollars. Dorsey Hightower led the club in singing “Smile, Sing a Song.”
President Amanda made announcements by recognizing our STARS Class and exchanging their red badges for blue badges. Their group project which was in support of VISTE where they sorted & packaged food and personal care boxes. Congratulations, and welcome to our club (officially)!
President Amanda also had the privilege of inducting three new members to our club: Guy LaLonde, Jack Jerffares, and Haley Tonge –Welcome Guy, Jack & Haley to our club!
President Amanda also made an announcement about Rotary Dues. You should have received an invoice. Please pay these as soon as possible. The final coffee talk is next Friday, May 19th at Encompass Health. Please email Stephanie if you are able to attend.
Today’s program is New Member Profiles.
The first presenter is Dr. Karen Warren. She was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Growing up, she wanted to be an actress but was taught to be a secretary by her teachers. She went to The University of Wisconsin in Madison and was an Alpha Kappa Alpha. She decided to join the Navy, and she served for 20 years. She served in a number of roles in her career in the Navy. She also served as a Contracting Officer. She competed in a dance team for a number of years and enjoys doing art, crochets, and beauty pageants. She also enjoys traveling. She is married and her husband spent 23 years in the Army. She has a daughter and stepson. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 and is a member at FUMC in Lakeland.
Next up to present was Linda Roddenbery. She is the third of four children, and they enjoyed camping and traveling as kids. She graduated from FSU and comes from a long line of Seminole alumni and fans. She has two children. She got her degree as a probation officer and retired last year after 38 years of work primarily as a probation officer for sex offenders. She spent the first 22 years in Broward County, and in 2006 they moved back to Lakeland. She told some really funny and interesting stories from her career. She is passionate about serving people and helping others. She has volunteered for years in numerous areas, including the AIDS floor at a hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, a Big Sister, and a visitor for people who have ALS. She is so excited about getting involved in Rotary and our volunteer efforts.
Thank you to Linda & Karen for presenting to our club!
Next week’s program is “All Rise,” which features the three female judges in our club: Jennifer, Lori, and Brenda.
President Amanda concluded the program with her word of the week: “accretion,” which means slow growth in size & amount.