President Arnold Oliver started the meeting with the ringing of the bell at 12:01 pm. David Hartman led the invocation with a heartfelt prayer for the safety and protection of our children. Stacie Cook led the pledge and song “He’s Got the Whole Word in His Hands”, followed by our usual “Rotary” with greetings.
We had two guests. Carol Murry introduced Pam Leonardi with Paramount Real Estate. Jake Munholland introduced his brother Joe who currently serves in the military. There were no birthdays today.
On Sunshine Report, Shirly Craft just had her 11th chemo treatment with one more to go. John Deason will have chemo treatment next Thursday and will not be attending the meeting. Keep both of these in your prayers.
On announcements, Shirley Craft reported on the Vibrant Club Committee. They are putting together a strategic plan for the Club. Tina will email the plan to the club members. A few of the highlights are: 90% attendance at meetings, 100% follow up with visitors, survey members each year, 50 hrs. of service each year for 80-90% of the members, and one meeting just on the Foundation. A survey was provided to each member about potential service projects next year. Stacie Cook mentioned that if anyone would like to serve on the Board or interested in becoming an officer, please contact her.
For the Brag Bucket, Cara Sauceda commented on the survey forms for future community service ideas and encouraged members to fill them out. Carla Dowlen’s nephew did really well in track and baseball again. He’s quite an athlete. Lisa Stephens-Musick bragged on the service that our own Colton Henrich provided recently. Will Goodner bragged that his oldest daughter has been nominated for Prom Queen at Rider High School, his 15 year-old daughter just started driving and his son is doing really well in soccer. Stacie Cook was recognized for being a speaker at the Leadership Academy.
David Hartman introduced our guest speakers J.J. Schweigner, Angela Stahler and Shana Jackson on Straight Street. The program started in Wichita Falls years ago after a young girl was stabbed to death at a school bus stop. The Strait Street mission is to create a safe Christian environment for 11 to 18 year old kids and to transform their lives. Several individuals in the room were introduced who serve on the Straight Street Board. Also, J.J. acknowledged Jake Munholland and his brother Joe for their help in the program. J.J. also mentioned that David Hartman had been very instrumental to her personally getting her through 16 suicides in 4 months. She showed a short video about the program which provided an overall view. Board Members Angela Stahler and Shana Jackson discussed the upcoming Straight Street 3rd Annual 52 Card Draw to be held on April 27, 2023 at the Straight Street location (11th and Indiana). Tickets are $150 for the drawings and there are three Packages each worth around $3,000. They mentioned that the program always needs support through mentors, donations and prayers. J.J. concluded with a story about a local young girl who was involved in sex trafficing by her mother and a gang member. Fortunately, these two have been convicted and are serving 10-year sentences. The young girl is now safe, has her GED and is about to attend Vernon College. Straight Street is definitely making a difference in our community.
The speaker’s gift went to Hirschi High School with their names inscribed. President Arnold concluded the meeting at 12:58 pm with the 4 Way Test and ringing of the bell.