Kiwanis of Jacksonville member Terry Maggart (back) introduces the club’s March Students of the Month from North School — Jayla Davis (left) and Phoenix Schofield.
Courtesy of Kiwanis of JacksonvilleAndia/Universal Images Group via Getty
Kiwanis of Jacksonville
President Phil called to order the March 12 meeting of Kiwanis of Jacksonville at 12:05 p.m. Following the singing of one verse of “America” and our Kiwanis Flag salute, the invocation was given by Patrick Embley. Others assisting today were photographer Lindsay Ryan and greeter Michael Langdon.
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We welcomed our newest member, Trent Bruce. There were no guests or visiting Kiwanians.
Steve recognized four Kiwanians who are celebrating birthdays this week — Jake Price, Steve Ptacek, Patrick Embley and Cathy Gibson. Three Kiwanians are celebrating anniversaries this week — Kristen Jamison, Tim Smith and Jessica Mason.
Announcements
• Phil announced two upcoming events from our lieutenant governor, Chuck Frost, concerning the new club in Carrollton. A social event will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 17 at the Grain Bin Tavern. An informational/organizational meeting will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 19 at Carrollton United Methodist Church.
• Phil shared that the board approved during the March board meeting donation requests from FCA, Triopia schools and JHS Soccer Club.
• Konnie Trace announced that Lions club is hosting a Trivia Night on June 5 at KC Hall.
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• Todd Sweatman will remind all who signed up to help at the All-Star basketball game at The Bowl on March 20 of their assignments and times. He also announced that Jacksonville Youth Engagement has some additional funds to give to youth programs if they want to send in an application.
• Lindsay announced there will be a short Membership Committee meeting immediately following our meeting today at the back table.
• Phil reminded everyone that the March 19 meeting will be a roundtable only because of Pancake & Sausage Day this week.
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Terry Maggart introduced today’s Students of the Month from North School. Terry recognized Phoenix Schofield, who was in Mrs. Leahr’s class. Her teacher shared that he is very organized, follows school rules, and is well prepared every day. Terry also introduced Jayla Davis from Mrs. Bourn’s class. The teacher shared that Jayla is very dependable, makes good choices and uses her time wisely.
Forest and Tim led singing today with our last selection from our P&S Songbook. They saved our favorite song from this collection of pancake tunes — “Stodala Pancake” — for today’s meeting.
Good News was led by Ryan Dowd, who entertained the group with some peculiar family photos from the internet, where you would look at them and question “Why?!” Ryan did a great job of finding some very humorous photos to share with us today!
Pam and Andy (subbing in for Vicki) presented the program for today, which was the final P&S-themed Road Trip Around Illinois. All teams attentively shouted out which town we were visiting on the trip and the answers to the many questions they had researched about each town along the way. Vicki did most of the research for this enjoyable weekly road trip and tried to make sure we had visited each and every town in Illinois where a current Kiwanian was born. Great fun and good work from our P&S leaders.
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They ended the fun today with recognizing the leading ticket sales teams through March 12.
In third place, with 470 tickets, was Team 2. In second place, with 622 tickets, was Team 8. In first place, with 714 tickets, was Team 3.
In all, 4,546 people were served during Pancake & Sausage Day, including 1,759 in the dining room, 2,127 at the drive-through and 660 via carry-out orders.
Phil closed the meeting by reviewing the announcements and leading us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was adjourned at 12:52 p.m.
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— Submitted by Heather Wardlow
Gov. Duncan Association board
The Gov. Duncan Association board met March 17 and heard updates on pending and contemplated repair and maintenance projects from Building & Maintenance co-chairs Will Barnhart and Gary Morris. They reported that the volatile weather experienced over the past month has not allowed progress on work or bidding. Major restoration work on the historic Gov. Duncan Mansion was completed in the early 2000s and certain aspects will require attention in the near future to maintain the integrity of the building.
Since the association depends on fundraisers, memberships, donations and grant support to maintain and repair the historic mansion and its grounds, the board also is contemplating a capital campaign to support this significant investment. Members discussed conducting additional research into similar historic house museums and sites to aid their preservation efforts.
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Several board members also planned a meeting with a representative of the Illinois Native Plant Society to discuss a historically accurate update of the formal garden on the mansion grounds.
In the meantime, the board is focusing on its next scheduled fundraiser — the annual barbecue, which will take be on Flag Day, June 14, at Twisted Tree Music Hall. Plans are being finalized and ticket sales, sponsorship efforts, and marketing will commence soon.
Jenny Barker-Devine shared information about grant-writing activity and enlisted the assistance of several board members to obtain letters of support to enhance the applications.
Phil Langdon, membership chair, reported that the annual membership newsletter is near completion and will be mailed shortly.
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Board members will contact several candidates who were proposed to fill two expiring terms and another unexpired term. Retiring treasurer Kelly Hager was thanked for her service to the board as she announced her schedule will not permit her to attend the April and May meetings. The slate of officers for the next year and new board members will be presented at the May 19 annual meeting. Chad Boehlke will present the program, to which all association members and interested persons are invited.
The next association board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. April 21.
— Submitted by Mary Fergurson
Rotary Club of Jacksonville
President-elect Pete Carteaux called the Jacksonville Rotary Club meeting to order at noon March 20 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, Jan Ryan, Jim McClarey, Kevin Heitz and Laurie Evans; sergeants-at-arms, Maryjane Bradbury and Mike Schneider; Reflection, Reg Ankrom; Recognitions and Rotations, Joey Henry; notes, Anne Jackson; song leader and tech, Dan Lepper; food delivery, Lynn Sheaff; and Tobbe’s transportation, Joan McQuillan.
• The PolioPlus Jars are on the tables.
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• Anne Jackson announced the Rotary Green tree and shrub sale is going on now.
• Laurie Evans is looking for volunteers for the Bass Tournament.
• Joan McQuillan announced the Fourth of July parade committee will meet at 5 p.m. March 25 at Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Jasmine Patel is looking for some support for an Interact project, and Rotarians stepped up, as Rotarians do.
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Tobbe was in the house. Adam Reiss from the Springfield South Club joined us today. Jasmine Patel, president of Interact, accompanied Jeremy Fennewald.
Joey Henry was in charge of Recognitions and Rotations. Those sharing thoughts and money included Ryan Byers, Lynn Sheaff, Barbara Farley, Maryjane Bradbury and Jim McClarey.
Pete Carteaux used the meeting for a group discussion on how we can best utilize our volunteers, how the money we raise might be used, how the group would like to see the meetings run, and how we might better utilize our time while serving our community better. Great discussion!
Lisa Kluge’s number was drawn for the 50-50 drawing. She hoped Tobbe’s lucky streak would continue and had him draw for her. No luck this time. The Four-Way Test was recited and the meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m.
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— Submitted by Anne Jackson
South Inn-Morganettes Home Extension Unit
South Inn-Morganettes Home Extension Unit met March 16 at Morgan County Extension Office.
Hostess Leona Massey began the meeting by leading members in the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 10 members present, with each answering roll call by stating their mother’s maiden name and their maiden name.
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The February minutes were read and approved. Treasurer Nancy Wynn gave an update on our account balance. Nancy reminded everyone that HCE county dues of $15 and the $5 for the unit fund will be collected at our April meeting. Members were encouraged to donate to the Friendship Project Fund. Previous lessons that members may have missed were distributed.
The secretary collected information for the upcoming Morgan County HCE annual meeting. It was noted that members Linda Griffin, Leona Massey, Sharon Middendorf and Nancy Wynn had perfect attendance in 2025. Members with 50 years’ in attendance were Judi Flynn, Doris Heady, Sharon Middendorf and Joyce Winner. Those who were members for 60 years were Linda Griffin, Leona Massey and Nancy Wynn. Congratulations, ladies!
Charlotte Cave gave the major lesson, “What’s in my food? Decoding chemicals and safety.” The minor lesson, on first lady Caroline Harrison, will be given at a later meeting.
Our next meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. April 20 at the Extension office. Jennifer Prewitt will serve as hostess. Linda Griffin will give the major lesson, “I’m Tired of Cooking” (+ Air Fryers). The minor lesson, on first lady Ida Saxton McKinley, will be given by Doris Heady.
The meeting was adjourned. Refreshments and fellowship were enjoyed by the members.
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— Submitted by Mary Jo Sparrow
Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club
On a clear, cool March 24 morning, Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club met in the back room of Rudi’s Grill.
In attendance were club members Brittany Nickel, Jay Jamison, Mary Jane Hauser, David Hauser, Jane Zackary, Pat Pennel, Don Pigg, Cindy Boehlke, Ella Scaggs, Sarah Robinson and Linda Meece, along with Susan and Ron Gatto, who were guests of Linda Meece. Club President Brittany rang the meeting to order at 7 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ella Scaggs; and the Four-Way Test, led by Jay Jamison. Pat Pennell offered a prayer.
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Jay, Mary Jane, Don, Pat and Sarah each offered personal news and anecdotes during Rotations.
President Brittany introduced Beardstown Chamber of Commerce board member Jonah Phelps and chamber Executive Director Chrystal Bell, who gave the program. Bell provided information on Beardstown CONNECT events for the coming year, concentrating on the annual Christkindlmarkt scheduled around the Christmas holiday season. The program was followed by questions from club members.
President Brittany rang the bell adjourning the meeting at 7:48 a.m.
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— Submitted by Jay Jamison