Morgan County Democrats club members continue the club’s pop-up rally campaign with a June 18 rally at Nichols Park. The rallies, which club members said are intended to encourage people to vote, are expected to continue in assorted Morgan County communities ahead of the November elections.
Courtesy of Joe LockmanAndia/Universal Images Group via Getty
Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club
As the sun rose on a pleasantly cool summer day, 10 Rotarians, two family members and one guest speaker gathered in the back room of Rudi’s Grill. While some ordered breakfast, the Unbreakable Polio Jar made its way in fits and starts around the narrow meeting table; greetings and chatter ebbed and flowed. When the time was right, Adler — with a little help from President Brittany — rang the June 16 meeting open at 6:59 a.m., followed by Jay leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Ella leading the Four-Way Test, (five for the fun-loving members) and Pat giving the opening prayer.
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Rotations were made by Jay, Jane Zachary, Mary, Cindy, Ella, Pat and Sarah Edmiston. Recognitions followed, with Jay doing his best to guilt donations to the scholarship fund with stories of printer issues and getting up at the crack of dawn to find articles in that morning’s newspaper.
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott and Cass Counties director Loren Hamilton took the floor and gave an excellent program on National Night Out, describing how this important event got its start, the reasons it was developed, highlights of the local Night Out, plans for this year’s free evening of community and good will at Community Park, and more. After answering questions, Loren accepted an appreciative round of applause and a thank-you gift, the “hot off the press” discount card.
Pat passed out packs of discount cards to members to sell. See your nearest Sunrise Rotarian for local savings opportunities for the low, low price of $5. Savings start July 1 and last for a year. Pat put on her birthday hat for an upcoming celebration. Members found Ella’s horoscope somewhat accurate. Her newly opened gift will aid in accuracy in one of her favorite activities. Sarah asked about the club’s interest in working the gate at the Morgan County Fair. Ella asked officers to speak at the upcoming Passing of the Gavel.
When the dust settled (or the coffee ran out), Adler — with a little help from President Brittany — rang the meeting to a close at 7:43 a.m. The next meeting will be at 7 a.m. June 23 in the back room of Rudi’s Grill. All guests and visiting Rotarians are welcome.
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• Meeting — 7 a.m. June 23 at Rudi’s Grill
• Discount cards — for sale for $5; savings start July 1 and run for a year
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• Passing the Gavel — June 27
• National Night Out — Aug. 4
— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston
Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club
As the sun rose through wispy clouds heralding a lazy, hazy summer day, 10 Rotarians, one family member and two guest speakers gathered in the back room of Rudi’s Grill. While some ordered breakfast, the Unbreakable Polio Jar made its leisurely way around the narrow meeting table; greetings and chatter ebbed and flowed. When the time was right, President Brittany, with Adler’s help, rang the June 9 meeting open at 7:01 a.m., followed by Jay leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Sarah Robinson leading the Four-Way Test — followed by a chorus of the fifth test (everyone was ready for fun) — and Pat giving the opening prayer.
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Ryan started off the meeting by putting on his Zone hat and using colorful flyers to invite members to register for the local leadership seminar on July 11 in Springfield. (There’s even a baseball game on Friday night.) John spoke next, answering many questions about Camp Courage and the history of this important summer camp for people with physical disabilities ages 6 years and up, his involvement at camp, stories of his favorite campers, what donations are needed, and more. After an appreciative round of applause, he accepted a donation as photos were taken.
Rotations were made by Jay, Ella, Sarah Edmiston, Jane Zachary, Sarah Robinson, Dave, Cindy and Don. Jay did his best to guilt donations to the scholarship fund with Recognitions, even getting up at the crack of dawn to find articles in that morning’s newspaper.
The club got down to business. After some persuasion from the current president, a certain member agrees to become President-elect. The club also discussed plans for the Fourth of July parade.
When the dust settled (or the coffee ran out), Adler, with a little help from President Brittany, rang the meeting to a close at 7:48 a.m. The next meeting will be at 7 a.m. June 16th in the back room of Rudi’s Grill. All guests and visiting Rotarians are welcome.
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• Meeting — 7 a.m. June 16 at Rudi’s Grill
• Discount cards — Coming soon
• Passing the Gavel — June 19
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• National Night Out — Aug. 4
— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston
Jacksonville Lions
As a beautiful summer day mellowed to a quiet evening, 17 Lions and three perspective Lions crowded in the back room of Rudi’s Grill. When the chatter ebbed to a dull roar, President Lion Tamra rang the June 16 meeting open using the official bell, one of many highlights for the evening.
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Other highlights include awarding future President Lion David Rubin de Celis with the Lion of the Year award, reviewing a successful Trivia Night (fun was had by all!), recapping last week’s Mobile Unit, and Jim giving a touching biography.
When the agenda was complete, President Lion Tamra enthusiastically rang her last meeting as president to a close at 7:09 p.m. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. July 7 in the back room of Rudi’s Grill. Officers for the new Lion year will be inducted that day.
• Flags down for Flag Day and Juneteenth — 5:30 p.m. June 22
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• Flags up for 250th Independence Day — 5:30 p.m. July 3
• Flags down for 250th Independence Day — 5:30 p.m. July 6
• Meeting — 6:30 p.m. July 7 at Rudi’s Grill
• Morgan County Fair Gate — 3-8:30 p.m. July 10
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• Camp Lions treats — July 23
— Submitted by Sarah Edmiston
Rotary Club of Jacksonville
Meeting Notes – June 12, 2026
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President Kelly Pool called to order the June 12 meeting of Rotary Club of Jacksonville at noon in the Fireside Room of the Hamilton’s 110 North East.
President Kelly led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance and one verse of “America.” Maryjane Bradbury delivered the week’s Reflection, sharing quotes from Rotary founder Paul Harris that reminded us that, as Rotarians, we are ambassadors of goodwill to all.
Our meeting volunteers were thanked profusely. David Bauer and Shawn McCombs were greeters, while Jan Ryan and Ginny Fanning sold 50/50 tickets. Craig Albers and Shawn McCombs acted as sergeants-at-arms. Justain Corliss was in charge of delivering leftover food to The Salvation Army, which seems like some natural synergy. Daniel Lepper worked on tech setup, while Ryan Byers, who really looks like he’s been working out lately, took notes.
Our guests were Rabbi Rob and Lauren Thomas with Jan Ryan and various members of Craig Albers’ family: his wife, Amy; his son, Steven; his daughter-in-law, Kayleigh; and, most importantly, his grandson, Benny.
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Daniel Lepper led us in song, accompanied by the multitalented Sharon Zuiderveld.
Rotary-related announcements were made:
• President Kelly updated the club on our contributions to the Rotary Foundation for the year. We have given $14,406 to the foundation’s annual fund, exceeding our goal of $12,000. We have given $2,831.00 to Polio Plus, exceeding our goal of $2,500 and even our stretch goal of $2,600, the latter of which unlocks the award of Bertie Robinson dressing up as a cowgirl at an upcoming meeting. (No, seriously.)
• Craig Albers solicited sign-ups for the club’s upcoming volunteering at the Morgan County Fair. We will be working the gate on July 9 and serving beer on July 11.
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• Joan McQuillan reminded the Independence Day Parade committee that they will meet at 5 p.m. June 15 at Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Bertie Robinson thanked the club for its contributions to Polio Plus.
President Kelly presented a Paul Harris Plus-Four recognition to Trent Cain and a Paul Harris Plus-Eight recognition to Sharon Zuiderveld. These represent $5,000 and $9,000, respectively, of lifetime giving to the Rotary Foundation. Thank you for your generosity, Trent and Sharon!
Craig Albers led Recognitions and Rotations. Karen Walker was recognized for appearing in a newspaper article about the Summer Fun and Wellness Festival. Rotations were offered by Dan Lepper, thanking the club for volunteering at the Ferris wheel and recognizing the efforts of Interact President Jasmine Patel); Bill Blue, thanking volunteers at the Summer Fun and Wellness Festival; Brianna Pickens, whose husband started a new job, daughter started daycare and who is in the last two weeks of her master’s degree program; Karen Walker, noting 5,900 pounds of food were given away in one hour at the Summer Fun and Wellness Festival; and Craig Albers, welcoming Benny to his first Rotary meeting.
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Karen Walker introduced the program, which was our annual presentation of Paul Harris Fellowships, which are named for the founder of Rotary and recognize community members through a donation of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. Justain Corliss was named a Paul Harris Fellow by our club’s Circle Number 1, presented by Diane Seufert. Lauren Thomas was selected for a Paul Harris Fellowship by Circle Number 3, presented by Jan Ryan. Samantha Boston awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship to Trevor Huffman on behalf of Circle Number 6. Circle Number 4, represented by Joan McQuillan, gave its Paul Harris Fellowship to Matt Moore. Finally, a Paul Harris Fellowship was presented by Keith Lape, on behalf of the entire club, to Steven Albers.
Keith Lape drew unsuccessfully for the 50-50 pot.
The meeting closed at 12:45 p.m. with the recitation of the Four-Way Test.
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— Submitted by Ryan Byers