Weekly Meeting July 28, 2026
Weekly Recap - July 28, 2026 >>
Shout out to the BACK TABLE BOSSES!!
We don't always remember to thank Rotarians who, week after week, serve our club meetings in various roles. This week I am spotlighting what I affectionately call our BACK TABLE BOSSES. These fine Rotarians manage our lunch money each week!
Thank you Karen Warren, Scott Reed and Orathai Northern! You are appreciated!!
When you see them this week, please give them a Rotary Thank you!
President Matt Brown called the meeting to order.
Thanks to our greeters Mason Elmore and Greg Shell.
Don Selvage opened the meeting.
Vince Jones introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
Orathai Northern collected Happy Dollars.
NO SINGING THIS WEEK!
Rotary Business >>
Morgan Mathis announced the Golf Tournament.
President Matt Brown presented Past President Larry Becker with the Past President lapel pin and the plaque from the club.
PROGRAM RECAP >>
Janice Jones introduced our speaker, Dr. Craig Collins, and the program, Echoes from the Ashes: A Voice Remains.
Weekly Meeting July 21, 2026
Fellow Rotarians,
This is an abbreviated bulletin. I was out of town lastweek. I will be there tomorrow!!
Weekly Recap - July 21, 2026 >>
President Matt Brown called the meeting to order.
Thanks to our greeters Bill Wynn and Ysmael Bouchard.
Irma Cole opened the meeting.
David Cox introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
Vincent Jones collected Happy Dollars.
Mike Louden sang us a song.
Rotary Business >>
Reba Coil announced upcoming service projects and socials.
Jason Wyatt reminded us of the upcoming golf tournament in October.
President Matt Brown presented red badges to 2 new Rotarians:
Jonathan O'Toole, sponsored by Bill Lippy
Ryan White, sponsored by Ken Moore
President Matt Brown presented Past President Larry Becker with the Past President lapel pin and the plaque from the club.
PROGRAM RECAP >>
Reba Coil introduced our speaker, Katrina Lynn, and the program, AG Programs at Southwest Middle School.
President Matt Brown along with Spring Obsession Chair Jessica Kirby and Vice Chair Tamara Robers-Offutt presented the check for $20,000 for the Partners in Education Program.
Weekly Meeting July 14, 2026
Fellow Rotarians,
This is an abbreviated bulletin. I am out of state and forgot to bring my notes with me!
Weekly Recap - July 14, 2026 >>
Past President Carol Wallace called the meeting to order. President Matt was out of town on a work related meeting.
Mike Louden opened the meeting.
Also some AWESOME Rotarians introduced guests/visiting Rotarians and collected Happy Dollars, BUT I CANT REMEMBER WHO!!!!
Rotary Business >>
Reba Coil announced the next Rotary Social which is a Tigers Game with the other Lakeland clubs on August 28. You can sign up and pay on the IGNITE app.
She also announced the service project for Southwest Middle Elemenatry - Front Office Makeover happening 8am to noon on Saturday, July 25. Lunch at Fat Jacks after!!
PROGRAM RECAP >>
Rotary & Red Cross – Tina Sweeten
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Weekly Meeting July 7, 2026
Weekly Recap - July 7, 2026 >>
President Matt Brown called his first meeting to order to a standing ovation.
Cheryl Bauman and Kristin Aiken greeted Rotarians at the door.
Linda Roddenbery opened the meeting.
Carol Philipson introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Michele Czelusniak collected Happy Dollars.
Mike Louden led us singing R-O-T-A-R-Y, That Spells Rotary!
Rotary Business >>
Past President Fred Oeters announced that Rotary work shirts are available for Rotarians who would like one complimentary of the Past Presidents.
President Matt Brown shared his personal history and his goals for the Rotary year.
Here are some key facts from his presentation:
President Matt is a Florida Southern College graduate. He met his wife Lorie at Florida Southern and they have two grown daughters. Both daughters and their spouses live in Lakeland. No grandkids yet!
President Matt began his career in Banking like his father, but he always wanted to be a firefighter like his grandfather.
FUN FACT: He was an arson suspect (only for a minute or two and obviously a misunderstanding!)
President Matt has been with Lakeland Fire Department for 27 years. He is Assistant Chief of Administration and mostly handles budget, equipment, and other administration duties.
President Matt shared his experience at PETS and emphasized the relationships he has built. He also shared photos and thoughts of his trip to Taipei, Taiwan for Rotary International Convention. One of his AH-HA moments was the flag presentation representing the 200 countries of Rotary and, of course, the opening and closing ceremonies. Another AH-HA moment was learning how close we are to eradicating Polio and what might be next for Rotary International.
President Matt attended breakout sessions and enjoyed interacting with Rotarians from all over the world.
President Matt shared his goals for the club :
1. Theme - Leaving a Legacy
• Program for family-bring your children
• Rotaract Club expansion
• Children look up to their parents and want to emulate them
2. Membership Goal
• Focus on retention
• Committees to focus on quality members in Lakeland area.
President Matt reintroduces the Rotary Board of Directors.
BITTERSWEET NEWS!
Rotarians Mark Davies and Annette Davies are moving to Utah to be closer to their son, Kyle. Mark joined Rotary in 2019 and Annette joined in 2024. The Davies, including Kyle, traveled to Honduras in 2023. Mark and Annette again went to Honduras in 2024 and both have served The Lakeland Rotary Club in various ways.
THANK YOU, MARK AND ANNETTE! WE WILL MISS YOU! We wish you all the best as you embark on your new life adventure.
Weekly Meeting June 30, 2026
Thank you for an amazing year, President Larry! - Weekly Recap - June 30, 2026 >>
President Larry Becker called his last meeting to order.
Larry Rankin opened the meeting.
Tammi Crotteau introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Vince Jones collected Happy Dollars.
Mike Louden led us in song.
Rotary Business >>
President Larry Becker presented his overview of his year. He swore in President Matt Brown and the new board members.
He also announced a service project - Southwest Elementary Lobby Makeover on July 25th 9am until noon.
Past President Marsha Leap stood in for Sponsor Linda Rodddenbery to present a red badge to new Rotarian Ysmael Bouchard.
CONGRATS and WELCOME!
Weekly Meeting June 23, 2026
Weekly Meeting June 16, 2026
REMEMBER! ROTARY IS ON THE ROAD TODAY!! First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth!
Here's the recap of our June 16, 2026, Rotary Meeting >>
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President Larry opened the meeting. He also read a thank you note from Beth Mason, Dick Mason's wife, our 2026 Four Way Test Award recipient.
Linda Roddenbery and Kenneth Moore were greeters.
Larry Rankin collected Happy Dollars.
Vince Jones introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
Karen Moore opened the meeting with an invocation, pledge and 4Way Test.
Club Business:
Vince Jones shared that Rotary 5K needs a Facebook helper. He's looking for volunteers.
Reba Coil discussed the recent surveys about socials and projects.
Jason Wyatt announced the Golf Tournament is coming in October.
Weekly Meeting June 9, 2026
Here's the recap of our June 9, 2026, Rotary Meeting >>
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President Larry opened the meeting. He also read a thank you note from Beth Mason, Dick Mason's wife, our 2026 Four Way Test Award recipient.
SAD NEWS: Larry announced that long-time Rotarian Dean Boring passed away last week. His memorial service will be in the FUMC sanctuary at 2pm on June 29th.
Larry Rankin and Kristin Aiken were greeters.
Matt Stone collected Happy Dollars.
Carole Philipson introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
Past President Fred Oeters opened the meeting with an invocation, pledge and four-way test.
Mike Louden sang to us as we pretended to sing.
Jessica Kirby, Spring Obsession Chair, shared the results of the Spring Obsession event from March. The event raised $20,900 in net proceeds for the Partners in Education cause. Tamara Roberts is the incoming chair for the 2027 event. A check presentation will be made later this year.
Jessica thanked all the volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the event's success!!
Weekly Meeting, May 19, 2026
Here's the recap of our May 19, 2026, Rotary Meeting >>
President Larry Becker called the meeting to order.
Linda Roddenbery led the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Four-way Test, and so opened the meeting.
Past President Jim Russell introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Eric Wells gathered Happy Dollars.
Reba Coil and Karen Moore served as greeters.
Mike Louden led the club in singing.
Past President Don Selvage arranged for guest Andrew Gash to sing God Bless America.
What a treat! Thank you, Andrew!
CLUB BUSINESS: President Larry Becker announced to the club that 50/50 will return. He also presented a DDF check to Lighthouse Ministries.
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Weekly Meeting May 26 & Annual Meeting June 2, 2026
Here's the recap of our May 26, 2026, Rotary Meeting & the June 2 Annual Meeting>>
Sooo... I lost my notes for the May 26 meeting, so I am going to try to recap it from memory. I mean, who really reads this anyway, right?
President Larry Becker called the meeting to order. There were Greeters and Happy Dollars and Guests and visiting Rotarians and Singing. Yada, yada, yada.
The gal was so impressive! These at-risk kids learn to play the cello or violin (no easy task!) with one hour a week for .... 6 or 8 weeks? (I can't remember... again, I lost my notes). It is a short amount of time and then they perform for the public. They often play at Carpenters Home in Lakeland. However, the program is not in Polk County. She travels to Tampa! We should really have this program here. These at-risk kids accomplish something they never thought they could and have such a sense of pride. 
Weekly Meeting, May 12, 2026
Here's the recap of our May 12, 2026, Rotary Meeting >>
President Larry Becker called the meeting to order.
Karen Warren led the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Four-way Test, and so opened the meeting.
Orathai Northern introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Beatty Raymond gathered Happy Dollars.
Haley Tonge and Beatty Raymond served as greeters.
Mike Louden led the club in singing.
CLUB BUSINESS: President Larry floated the idea about a Rotary table friend.
PAY YOUR DUES!!! Darlene Eanett, treasurer, reminded us dues notices are being emailed.
Irma Cole has been selected as an emerging leader from our Zone 34. WAY TO GO IRMA!! RCMA sent us a nice thank you note for our recent donation.
Reba promoted the Tigers Game event (which has since been canceled due to low ticket sales.)
Blue Badge Ceremony! Congrats!!
Weekly Meeting, May 5, 2026
Here's the recap of our May 5, 2026, Rotary Meeting >>
Rotarian Shawn McDonough called the meeting to order.
Irma Cole led the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Four-way Test, and so opened the meeting.
Reba Coil introduced guests and visiting Rotarians and reminded club members about the upcoming fellowship event - Flying Tigers Game on May 22.
Dawn Lyons gathered Happy Dollars.
Linda Rodenberry and Delta Ryan served as greeters.
Mike Louden led the club in singing.
Rotarians enjoying a fantastic CINCO de MAYO meal! Thanks, FUMC Team!
CLUB BUSINESS: Past President Marsha Leap announced the many awards our club received at the May 2nd District Conference! WAY TO GO ROTARIANS!!
Weekly Meeting, April 28, 2026
Here's the recap of our April 28, 2026, Rotary Meeting >>
President Larry Becker called the meeting to order.
Larry Rankin led the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Four-way Test, and so opened the meeting.
Tom Conger introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Frances Hadley-Ervin gathered Happy Dollars.
Tim Czernek and Delta Ryan served as greeters.
CLUB BUSINESS: President Larry Becker presented a DDF check to Dana Higgins with RCMA Academy.
At RCMA, they make the dreams of children in farm working and low-income families our focus. That means making sure anything that impacts their learning is taken care of. From early childhood education to health care assistance to supplying WiFi hotspots and tablets for homework, we take a holistic approach that cares for the entire child - including a helping hand for their parents.
Past President Don Selvage introduced the program.
Weekly Meeting, April 21, 2026
Here's the recap of our April 21, 2026, Rotary Meeting >>
Past President Marsha Leap called the meeting to order.
Greg Robinson led the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Four-way Test, and so opened the meeting.
Stephanie Colon introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Reba Coil gathered Happy Dollars.
Ken Moore and Frances Hadley-Ervin served as greeters.
CLUB BUSINESS: Past President Marsha Leap presented the changes to the club by-laws with one correction to what was presented - the removal of the contents in parentheses in section VII. There was no opposition to the changes from club members. The changes passed unanimously.
Irma Cole led the program with a recap of the latest Honduras Trip with great photos and facts. A big thank you to DGE and past team member Linda Johnson from the Auburndale Rotary Club who donated funds to build a house on this trip - $3200.
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Weekly Meeting, April 14, 2026
President Larry Becker called the meeting to order.
Frances Hadley-Ervin led the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Four-way Test, and so opened the meeting.
Michelle Czelusniak introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
Kim Brunson gathered Happy Dollars
Reba Coil reminded us about the Flying Tigers Fellowship event. (Date has changed, see emails.)
Eric Wells and Melody Rider served as greeters.
President Larry presented a DDF check for $3,000 to Combee Connection, a non-profit organization located at 1140 N Combee Rd, Lakeland, FL, that serves the community by providing food, clothing, and other necessities.
Rotary District Designated Funds (DDF) are a portion of the contributions made by Rotarians and clubs to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund-SHARE system. They are specifically set aside for districts to use for local or international humanitarian projects, scholarships, and vocational training teams.
We had a great crowd!!!
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