Exchange Club Meeting June 12th 2009
by Russ Allen
There's been some discussion amongst ourselves about the different speakers we have on Fridays. Sometimes, we have folks representing different government entities, like the DNR or a local judge. Often, we'll have our special programs where we recognize local heroes working for our first responders, or kids who've done well in school. Other times, we have people who are knowledgeable about a particular subject, such as the history of our flag or protecting the President of the U.S. And of course, we have leaders from our local nonprofits, the people who provide the services which we as Exchangites support in the prevention of child abuse.
All of these programs are informational and important, and for us to continue to have these great programs, please let Barney Knighton know if you have someone in mind that can enlighten us on any number of subjects. Every one of us knows at least one person who can entertain, inform, or at least tell a decent joke to make up for the Fellowship Report!
Fellowship
Special Thanks to Buddy Rentz for his spare joke this Friday that he lent out to Jim! It made Jim's hard job (his words!) that much harder, but in a weird way, enjoyable for us.
Please keep the following Exchangites in your thoughts and prayers this week: Jimmy Nesbitt (hospitalized); Bill Mills' family (the death of his grandson in a car wreck in Alaska); Gene Edmunds' brother Douglas; and for all of us Exchangites who were glad to see Pete Peters back in action after his mild stroke. Pete wanted everyone to know they appreciated the cards and concern, and that we've got the greatest organization in town.
Announcements
Program
Karen Kemp from the Lily Pad spoke to us and updated us on their growth. This nonprofit, which performs the forensic interviews for women and children who are victims of sexual assaults in our area, is moving from their current location at Jackson and Third to Dr. Willie Adams' old office on Second Ave. Operating with a $500,000 budget and heavily dependent on government grants and local giving, the Lily Pad processes 80-85 cases every two weeks. Since the recession kicked into gear in earnest last fall, the Lily Pad has noticed a spike in physical abuse in addition to the high numbers of sexual abuse they usually see. On a positive note, Karen reported that law enforcement, other organiziations, DFACS, and the District Attorney office are working together as never before to help combat this scourge on our community. Karen invites all of us to drop by the Lily Pad's new facility on Second Ave when they open for operation on July 1.
Special to the bulletin:
You'll be hearing more at this Friday's meeting and in the bulletin next week but at the District convention in Rome last weekend, our club won a few awards:
BEST HISTORY BOOK (LARGE CLUBS)
OUTSTANDING EXCHANGE CLUB (LARGE CLUBS)
OUTSTANDING SECRETARY (LARGE CLUBS) BILL BANKS