Lake Butler Community Page News Tidbits

By Ted Barber

We enjoyed another fantastic luncheon meal and fellowship today, Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Our member attendance based upon our current posted 27 members was at 50%. Since school is out and most are enjoying a relaxed summer schedule, we normally can expect a dip in attendance.

Club President Shane Collins opened his second to last meeting as Club President at 12:30 PM. Mike Ripplinger asked the blessing, Dale Walker led the Pledge of Allegiance and Shane Collins supplied the song, “Row, Row, Your Boat”.

Tyler Kelly asked the “Did You Know?” question, what was the name of the Bill in 1944 for college payment assistance for Veterans that is still used today? The answer was credited to Ted Barber as the “G.I. Bill”.

Carlton Faulk before introducing Chris Mecusker as his quest speaker made two comments. First, he credited former Sheriff John Whitehead and Tommy Spires for locating his bottle of ketchup posthumously. Second, he accused Art Peterson of burying mayonnaise jars filled with the money he paid for fines as a Lake Butler Rotarian.

Chris Mecusker provided an excellent incite to the many innovative UCHS programs designed to build up and provide our students the tools needed in the surrounding workforce. Thanks to grants, practical teaching programs leading to certifications and good jobs will be offered to include 911 dispatcher training, law enforcement, corrections, graphic design, and robotics to name a few. Chris alluded to the UC School System being one of only two high schools in the state of Florida that qualified for the grant money. Our students, faculty and surrounding employers will be the eventual beneficiaries.

President Collins announced that Rotarian Brian Reagan would be our new Club President effective July 1, 2021, and that Garrett Milton would remain our PE for another year (this move is based upon Milton’s workload with the new addition to his funeral business). Tyler Kelley will move into the Club Secretary’s position and Rebekah Elixson will move into the Club Treasurer’s position.

Upcoming Programs: Jun 29- Jody Read, July 6- Mike Ripplinger, July 13- Brian Reagan, July 20- Joe Stephenson, July 27- Derick Thomas, August 3- Becky Elixson, August 10- Dale Walker, August 17- Brad Whitehead and August 24- Russ Wade.