President-elect Kelly McDonald welcomed everyone to the Centerville Rotary Club and led the reciting of the Pledge. PDG Harvey Smith provided the prayer.
Thanks to today’s greeters & the Yankee Trace staff.
CHS Spirit Chain Presentation
Elena, Kate Paulson, Mira Stroop, and Brynn Myers shared information about this year’s Spirit Chain fundraiser. It is a competition that has been going on for over 40 years and has raised $2.8 million between Kettering & Centerville.
Every dollar goes directly to the charities. This year’s charities are:
- Diabetes Dayton
- Food for the Journey
- We Care Arts
- Battle Buddies
- YWCA
There are many ways to donate - Venmo, check, cash; also through a keychain fundraiser.
Quote of the day: "Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." Franklin P. Jones (American Satirist and Journalist)
Today’s Announcements:
- Pancake committee met today. Next week we will distribute tickets and sponsorship flyers.
- Reminder of the social committee gathering tonight at Sueño.
- Social on Sept 26, 5:30-7:30 pm at Brad Huffman’s house.
- Memorial brick laying Sept 26, Meeting at the Kennard Nature Nook that week instead of Yankee Trace. If you haven’t already, please sign up for lunch.
- Adopt a Highway on Sat Sept 7, 7 am -noon; one volunteer spot left.
- Thursday, Oct 17, Artemis Center Gala fundraiser, Rotary is a Bronze sponsor and we also have the opportunity to provide volunteers to help with event.
- Brian Hayes said, “Pay your bill.”
- Welcome to today’s guests: Jack Lohbeck from the Dayton Club; Gina Smith’s husband, Aaron; Brad Huffman’s guest, David Stroop, who is with Infinity, a sponsor of our Golf Outing.
Happy Bucks for this quarter go to Operation Warm, our annual drive to purchase winter coats for children in need in our area.
Adam Manning was our Sergeant at Arms.
Happy Bucks were generously given for:
- Uriah A for a 4 day weekend that starts in 4 hours.
- Jim H to buy a coat.
- Pat T for a recent construction bid that had 12 bids, and many were under the estimate.
- Ron H for his 35th wedding anniversary, noting his wife gave him a contract for the next 5 years.
- Wyatt T provided envelopes for supporting the Camp Kern golf outing. Every dollar sends a kid to camp. He also announced a Sense of Taste is next week.
- Jeff S had several good golf games recently.
- Brad H was happy for Spirit Chain, guests today and recent trip to Lake Tahoe.
- Crissy was happy.
- Lisa GM announced we are a little behind on Operation Warm. She was able to get the coat price lowered by $1, so now it’s $21 per coat. We are about halfway to our goal.
- Harvey S gave 5 coats for his 91st birthday today. Happy Birthday!
- Elda GG matched Harvey’s donation.
- Jack L celebrated that today is his grandson’s 6th birthday.
- Matt K sold his house and is moving to CA. You will be missed, Matt!
- Dale B shared that 50 years ago, his late wife used her interior design background at Star City Paint and Hardware. He recognized Gina Smith’s husband, Aaron who owns Star City Paint and encouraged all to buy local.
- Carol K announced a new fundraiser for the Centerville-Washington Foundation called Hops and Props at the Wright Brothers Museum on Sat, Sept 21, 5:30-7:30 pm. Aaron Smith’s band is playing. Also looking for volunteers to help - get in free, get free t-shirt, get free beer tastings. See Carol if you can help or visit https://centervillewashingtonfoundation.com/
- Gina S gave for her celebrity husband :-)
The speakers today were Kathy Trick, Brandon, and Steve with the Goodwill Easter Seals Miracle Clubhouse in Dayton.
The Miracle Clubhouse began in 1948, have 300 clubs in 28 countries. The Clubhouse is a community of hope, growth, and opportunity for people recovering from mental illness. They help with reintroduction to every day tasks and help rebuild life for those with mental illness. Everyone has a purpose. There are eight in Ohio now. Program of in downtown Dayton.
The Dayton location is one of three accredited in the state. They focus on individual’s strengths and abilities. They have an industrial kitchen, and media room. They serve a hot lunch every day, and provide social/wellness activities even on holidays. They do a Lunch and Learn on each 3rd Thursday and all are invited.
Brandon shared he has been at the Clubhouse for 8 years. He was diagnosed at age 11 after having a psychotic episode. He was shuffled through hospitals and behavioral schools, but was able to graduate from high school. He was suicidal at times, and was lost, didn’t know what to do. At age 19, he found the Miracle Clubhouse and was able to find his purpose. Started as a cook and then discovered running. He started running with a group, did 5Ks, then half-marathon, and then marathon. But developed an eating disorder when he took dieting too far. He then got back involved with the Clubhouse and switched from hospitality, to the business unit.
Brandon shared the Miracle Clubhouse provides opportunities, with what they provide, you can go places. He has applied for a faculty position with Miracle Clubhouse International. He said the Miracle Clubhouse has always been there for him. As he’s lost both parents, they are a family for him.
Steve shared he grew up in abusive home with 2 brothers and struggled academically in school. Growing up, it was hard to achieve in all academics except music. He and his brothers didn’t realize why they weren’t succeeding and were being punished at home for “being stupid.” He succeeded in music - had 3 local voice teachers who brought out what he had to give. He was offered a role in a traveling opera, but turned it down as he was terrified and had no confidence he could do it.
He became alcoholic (sober since 1995), and was on meds and when he started feeling better, he would then stop taking the meds, feeling he didn’t need them. He pretended he was OK.
He has now had a 4 year membership at Miracle Clubhouse. Prior to that he was homeless, had lost his home, job, etc. Now he has own apartment with two support animals. He’s safe.
Steve has been Invited to to share his story at the International conference in Baltimore. He said he likes that Kathy treats everyone the same.
If you know someone who needs help, send them their way.
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