Thanks to Ron Hollenbeck for taking notes this week!
President Adam Manning welcomed everyone to the Centerville Rotary Club and led reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Brian Hayes provided the prayer.
Today’s quote provided by Don Overly: “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be.” Groucho Marx
Thanks to our greeter today, Lisa Goris-May, Rand Oliver & Sox Bowersocks.
Welcome today’s guests, AG Steve Silverberg; Brian’s guest Logan Dawes.
Today’s announcements:
- Ron Tringali will soon be inducted as a new club member.
- Rotary Zone institute Training on September 4th through the 7th. Register for the Saturday 6th program so you can experience the best of the Institute in just one power-packed day.
- Club Public Image Committee meeting via zoom this evening from 5:30 to 6:30pm
- Next Pancake Committee meeting is August 14th here at Yankee at 11am.
- Past Prez Sofie’s request. Bring someone you think would make a great Rotarian to our meetings. August Rotary theme is Membership and new club development month.
Updates from chairpersons or Directors
- Frank Perez: Tuesday Coffee Club is considering its first service project. Stay tuned.
- Brian: “Pay your bill”.
- Boyd: Dick Hoback and his wife have moved to Bethany. They had a Rotary stepping stone at their home, and it has now been moved to Grant Park next to the Peace pole.
Happy Bucks this quarter will go to Disaster Relief for those affected by the recent flooding in Texas. Rotary District 5840 will distribute the funds.
Happy Bucks were generously given for:
- Gina – her Dad is out of the hospital and her new book has launched and it’s #1.
- Steve (visiting AG) – Thanks for his warm welcome. Centerville is his favorite club. Noted that he is Pat Beckel’s only friend.
- Lisa – There will be an intervention for Steve after the meeting for his poor life choices (having Pat as a friend).
- Lee – tired of having to mow grass so frequently.
- Chuck – His doctor gave him some good advice on good eating habits….”If it tastes good, don’t eat it”.
- Sox – As always, he’s happy.
- Jim H – For people in Texas, and he sympathizes with Chuck.
- Mark K - I’m happy, I love cutting grass.
- Boyd – For Texas and the great club we have.
- Jake – Happy for cool down in weather today as they have about 180 kids in summer camp.
- Pat T – Oldest daughter is getting married in two weeks and he’s hoping his wife will then return to reality.
- Arnie – Happy Sofie is back.
- Sofie – Thanks for letting her come back. She had a great vacation.
- Elda – Happy to see Sophie back.
- Harvey – Glad Sophie is back…”It improves the looks of our club”.
- Rand – Glad to see Sophie and Elda. Thanks to Kelly M, Frank P, and Jim S for a pleasant round of golf
- Kelly – Lisa presented his happy $’s as he had to leave for a meeting.
Our speaker today was Michelle James from Sidewalk Soldiers.
Michelle was accompanied by Amanda Thompson. Michelle is a resilient sex trafficking survivor and advocate, in recovery from substance use disorder since December 9, 2022. As the church administrator at New Hope Church and business administrator for Sidewalk Soldiers, she dedicates her life to supporting others. Called by God to be a voice for the voiceless, Michelle passionately educates communities and works to break the stigma surrounding sex trafficking, inspiring hope and change.
Sidewalk Soldiers exists to provide hope, help, and healing to those who have been sex trafficked, and those at risk for trafficking. At-risk populations are folks with vulnerabilities including- substance use disorder, poverty, and folks aged out of the foster system. Sidewalk Soldiers strive to take these individuals to safety and success one by one. Their services include 1) assistance with exit plans, 2) case management, 3) ongoing support, 4) assistance with basic needs, 5) advocacy & assistance, and 6) education.
Michelle gave a very compelling presentation about her personal journey into being trafficked. In her case, early childhood trauma where she was overlooked and rejected shaped her vulnerability. Michelle had a strong need to belong, and the trafficker met all her needs. Her childhood rejection led to her being sex trafficked. Michelle discussed the "invisible chains" that keep victims there.
