The summer installation picnic is always a highlight for our Rotary Club because we celebrate the accomplishments of the current president and board and welcome and install our new Leadership Team. With the heat index of 102 degrees, we also celebrated our picnic, catered by Maldaners, inside at the cool and comfortable Stone Creek Club House. The first part of our meeting was dedicated to the accomplishments of the 2025-2026 Rotary Year.
John welcomed the members and guests (image above) to the meeting and asked Rod Buffington to give the motivational moment. Rod (image) got us off to great start by praising John's leadership as president and highlighting some of his many accomplishments.
John wrapped up his successful year by sharing the highlights of the year (see the President's comments in this Newsletter) and also by showcasing the efforts of so many members who served in leadership roles this year,
He thanked Rotary Assistant Governor Mark Hilliard (image below) for participating in so many of our meetings and the installation picnic and for providing guidance and sheepishly presented him with a gift card to the Brick House Restaurant where he regularly attends the meetings of his Rotary Club.
He acknowledged Jim Applegate for his stellar work chairing the Peace Committee and in honor of his successful weight loss program, he presented him with a gift card to Dairy Queen.
He presented Certificates of Appreciation to Board Members and other club members who provided exemplary service:
He thanked Rod Buffington, Sheila Mack, and Brandy Zanger (image below) for their successful work as the committee for the All Club Holiday Party. John also recognized Rosemary Buffington for getting the fee waived for the use of the Christ the King Parrish Hall for the Holiday Party
He thanked Vicki Megginson (image below) for being the instigator and leader of the New Member Orientation Committee.
He recognized Bill Smith for his tireless work for the John Montgomery Citrus Campaign, including management of the warehouse. John presented Bill with a certificate and a special box of chocolate-covered citrus candy.
He praised John Loftus (image below) for his leadership on the Flag Service Committee and his skill in Ringing the Bell's for the Salvation Army with him.
He recognized Ross Hodel for his work as Sargent at Arms, including scheduling the presenters for the motivational moments.
He acknowledged Roger Randolph for his exemplary work on the creation of the first Rotary Float for the Springfield St. Patty's Day Parade (see image in President's comments), and for all his his work establishing the installation routes for our Flag Service Project. Roger was unable to attend but was with us in spirit.
He highlighted contributions of At Large Board members Bonnie Styles, Allie Montney, and Barry Tobias (image below), as well as Loretta Meeks (who was unable to attend meetings but contributed her ideas and talents). He thanked Bonnie for her work as PR Chair and Rotary Newsletter editor; Allie for her work overseeing the stocking of the Ridgely Micropantry and our Little Libraries at multiple facilities; and Barry for his guidance, technological expertise, and work on many fronts.
He acknowledged Bob Stuart (who was unable to attend this meeting) for his expertise and guidance on Rotary International, for chairing the International Service Committee, and for directing our Nepal Water projecr (see image in President's Message).
He praised Marty Michelson for all his work as Club Secretary, staffing the check-in desk at meetings, taking attendance, listing guests, and so much more
He thanked Jim Theis for being an excellent Treasurer and for always tellling him that money was available when needed for Rotary projects.
He gratefully acknowledged Randy Erford for all his work with Club Services, including finding great speakers, and also for being his driving companion for the weekly club meetings.
John also presented special service above self plaques to three members of his Leadership Team:
He acknowledged Travis Magoulias for all his generous work as Youth Services Director for the last 1.5 years, and especially for all his work with our Rotary exchange students and the Community Interact Club.
He recognized the many contributions of Ken Gilmore for his work as Community Services Director, including modernization of volunteer sign up and all his work as President-Elect, as well as his contributions to the PR Committee and social media.
Finally he praised Harry Mitchell for his exemplary work as Membership Chair, including leading numerous club assemblies on the topic, and for serving as an excellent mentor and performing as an all-star on all things Rotary.
We all thank John and his team for making the 2025-2026 Rotary year a time of accomplishments and growth.