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Rotary Club of Jacksonville
President Kelly Pool called to order the March 27 meeting of Jacksonville Rotary Club at noon at Hamilton’s.
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The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and “America” was sung.
Volunteers were thanked, including greeters and 50-50, Joey Henry, Karen Walker and Jan Ryan; sergeants-at-arms, Diane Suefert and Tom Luber; Reflection, Alberta Robinson; Recognitions, Rotations and tech, Craig Albers; notes, Anne Jackson; song leader, Jim McClarey; piano, Sharon Zuiderveld; food delivery, Kim Brogdon; and Tobbe’s transportation, Reg Ankrom.
Rotary supported the summer day camps at Western Illinois Youth Camp with a donation of $2500. The donation was accepted by Richard Freeman.
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• Craig Albers explained dues and where the money will go for the coming year. If paid by June 1, dues are $300. After June 1, dues are $325.
• Susan Weller announced an open house for Esprit de Corps Academy from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 9 at the former Grace United Methodist Church.
• The PolioPlus jars are on the tables.
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• Laurie Evans was looking for volunteers for the Bass Tournament.
Tobbe was in the house! Reg Ankrom was accompanied by Susan Weller. Richard Freeman was the guest of Kelly Pool. Kim Brogdon introduced guests Dr. Justin and Claire Hamel.
Kim Brogdon introduced the speakers for the day. Dr. Justin Hamel and Claire Hamel gave the program on “One Degree,” which is a system to help people improve their health journey, help them fight disease and get healthier. It is an innovative program and a great addition to the Jacksonville community.
Jim McClarey was unsuccessful in drawing for the 50-50. The Four-Way Test was recited and the meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m.
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— Submitted by Anne Jackson
Morgan County Garden Club
Morgan County Garden Club held its regular monthly meeting on March 21 at Prairie Land Heritage Museum. There were 32 members present.
The hostess committee — consisting of Don Pigg, Jeanne Brown, Suzanne Byus and Rodney Haley — provided an array of tasty treats that included raisin and rhubarb bars, pulled pork and dips on a cheery, spring-themed table.
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Secretary Sullivan read the minutes and Treasurer Hartman gave her report. Both were approved unanimously. Treasurer Hartman reminded members that annual dues are payable now and may be made payable to MCGC and forwarded to the treasurer. The address is listed in the yearbook. Remitting dues prior to the April luncheon is preferable.
Libby Gaige conducted a beautiful installation ceremony. Peach roses were given to outgoing officers and red roses to incoming officers. The officers for the 2026-2027 year are Deb Rust, president; Stacy McQueen, vice president; Linda Sullivan, secretary; Joyce Ginder, assistant secretary; Anne McKean, treasurer; and Sue Hartman, assistant treasurer.
President Rust passed the Standing Committee, host/hostess committee and five-minute talk sign-up sheets. Also shared was District III Spring Meeting information and a brochure received from Lincoln Memorial Gardens on upcoming activities. Cookbooks by Patsy Rutherford and Betty Dahman are available for a small donation to defray the printing costs. President Rust also gave her annual report.
The program was a round-table discussion including all members. The two groups were led by Joyce Clancy and Mary Engelbrecht. Lively discussions ensued regarding many thought-provoking topics. Favorite perennials, places to purchase plants and potting soil were shared.
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Wally Lewis won the bird and flower puzzle and Alexis Crumley and Ginny Walsh won the daffodil planters.
The next meeting will be the spring luncheon on April 18 at Jacksonville Country Club. Details are forthcoming.
— Submitted by Anne McKean
Pilot Club of Jacksonville
The March 25 membership meeting of Pilot Club of Jacksonville was called to order by President Tina Young at 6:01 p.m. at Hamilton’s.
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Patty Osborne led the Pledge of Allegiance and Tina Young offered a prayer.
Following dinner, Recording Secretary Carol Wallbaum called roll with 20 members present.
Approval of the agenda was given by Sue Thomas with a second from Alberta Robinson.
Approval of the minutes was given by Sue Thomas with a second from Angela Salyer after a correction on the spelling of a guest’s name.
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The treasurer’s report was filed for audit.
Corresponding Secretary Karla Henderson read thank-you notes from Jacksonville School Foundation, Eisenhower Elementary School and Michael Woods and his daughter, Jewel.
• Fundraising — Tammy Mellor said Pilots will be working McAlister’s restaurant — pouring drinks and cleaning off tables — from 5 to 8 p.m. the last Monday of each month. Our club will receive 10% of sales during that time. A sign-up sheet was passed around.
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• Projects — Delsie Clancy announced our salad luncheon will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5 at Knights of Columbus Hall. Advertising is in place. She will bring a sign-up sheet for salads to next month’s meeting.
• Membership — President Young said our 75th anniversary celebration will be a Business After Hours on May 28 at Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce in Community Park. Invitations will be sent to chamber members and all clubs in the Midwest District. We will prepare food for 100 people. The menu is brats, cheese spread and crackers, and a vegetable platter. Autumne Willner is making BLT-stuffed tomatoes. T-shirts will be available for members to order at $12 each. Diane Farmer showed us a couple of yellow shirts, and the club chose the yellow closest to our international yellow. She also showed us samples of chocolates and wildflower seeds impregnated in paper. Both items have “Pilot Club of Jacksonville 75th year and still growing 1951-2026” printed on them.
• Local grants — President Tina announced we have received a couple of applications tonight. She will follow up this week on others that have been sent out.
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• Convention — President Young gave membership the list of nominees running for offices. They are Jane Driscoll for treasurer, Barb Phillips for secretary and our very own Diane Farmer for governor-elect. Patty Osborne made a motion to accept the nominees with a second from Mary Specht.
Sue Thomas showed membership a basket she has put together for the Chinese Auction at MWD Convention. Tammy Mellor made a motion that we take $50 out of the budget to buy a Hy-Vee card for the basket. Angela Salyer seconded the motion.
• Officer roles for 2026-27 — President Tina said, if all positions are not filled, you may be getting a call requesting that you do it.
Martha Hauck received Sunshine from Karla Henderson, Angela Salyer, Patty Osborne, Linda Meece and Joann Chumley.
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Zoellen Smith won the 50-50.
The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
— Submitted by Carol Wallbaum