Volume MMXV                                                                                     February-March, 2016
In This Issue
Officers and Directors
Dawn Portner - President
Bill Froese - President-Elect
Bill VanKeuren - Im Past Pres
Lyla Chandy - Secretary
Lisa Alsip - Treasurer
 
Millie Lang - Division 1
Cynthia Lee - Division 2
Janet Jacobs - Division 3
Scot Warren - Division 4
George Bode - Division 5
Joe Johnson - Division 6
John Hummel - Division 7
Jerry Parker - Division 9
Joel Koch - Division 10
Jason Koch - Division 11
Pam Brooks - Division 12
 
Trivia!
In what year was the One Nation Under God project adopted by the National Exchange Club?
 
Send your answer to [email protected] for a chance to win!
 
Janet Jacobs
Division 3 Director
I'm a Buckeye - my husband, Fred, and I were born in Ohio and we grew up there (Go Bucks!). I lived in a small town of about a thousand people, surrounded by farm land. That's where I learned to be a volunteer since both of my parents belonged to service clubs and helped neighbors and family. Fred and I have one son, Alex, who is married to Terri, and we have the world's cutest granddaughter, Ashlyn. We moved to Naperville in November, 1993.

I enjoy reading and British TV mysteries, but crosswords are my special hobby (I got that from my parents too).

I've been a volunteer at Edward Hospital since March, 1994, and I also joined Exchange then. I belong to the Exchange Club of Naperville and I am the Director of Division 3, which includes Naperville, Bolingbrook and the newest club in Lincolnland, DuPage County. I've been on the community service committee since I joined and I have joined the finance committee, the membership/social committee and the awards committee in the past few years. I have been on my club's board for a number of years and the experience has been rewarding.
 
I co-chair the district 5A's committee with my fellow club member, Sandy Southworth. Stan Rocush urged me to join the district board as a division director several years ago. I have gained many wonderful friends in doing so and it has helped me to learn so much about Exchange. I am a Berkey Fellow and I have attended many national conventions and of course, district conventions. Exchange has made me a better person by enabling me to give back to my community and country.
 
Ron Hoenes
Exchange Club of Beardstown
Ron grew up on a farm, the oldest of 5 children, entered the Air Force after high school graduation. He worked in radio relay with tours of duty to Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
 
He married Faye and they have 3 sons.
 
He enjoys hunting, fishing, canoeing, taxidermy and leather work.
 
He worked as telephone installer & repairman, retired, and continues to be active in church, Exchange Club, VFW and a Black Powder Rifle Club.
 
He joined Exchange as a charter member of Beardstown Exchange Club in 1992 because he likes people.
 
He's involved in Americanism committee, Community Service Senior Connection, Youth Honors Banquet, Social picnic for members and family and the Food Pantry. He has been President 3 times and served as a Board of Director several terms. He has also served on the District Board of Directors.
 
Hopes and Goals for the future include being a quality, dependable Exchange Club member.
 
Ron & Faye have rural acreage and are "piddle" farmers.
 
I am now old enough to enjoy being just a regular member.
DuPage POM
DuPage POM
DuPage POM
DuPage POM
DuPage POM
DuPage POM
DuPage POM
DuPage POM
Aledo Guest Speakers
Quincy 50th Law Officer of the Year Speaker - Barney Fife (Not much gets by him!)
Dave Haney of the Exchange Club of Aledo celebrates birthday number 85 - Congratulations Dave!
Quincy presents a a "big" check for $5,000 to the Children's Advocacy Network
Officer's Message
Welcome to the Exchange Club of DuPage County!
 
It is my honor to announce we have a new Exchange Club in Lincolnland! 

On Thursday, February 18, the Exchange Club of DuPage County was officially chartered, as the newest Club in our District. The Exchange Club of DuPage County, is made up of residents and businesses of Downers Grove, Westmont, and Woodridge. Former National President, Lou Molitor conducted the Permanent Organizational Meeting (POM), with the help of Club Builders: Division Director Janet Jacobs, Former District President Emy Trotz, District President, Dawn Portner and Region 3 Vice-President Scot Warren.  The 15 charter members include: President Phyllis Roman, President-Elect Lauren DeSimone, Secretary Corinne Cozort, and Treasurer Jim Lenihan. 

Thanks to the Exchange Club of Naperville for being the Sponsoring Club and for all the support and assistance from the National Exchange Club staff and many District members.  We are very excited to see the Exchange Club of DuPage County grow, into a successful and productive Club. 

Please help me welcome the Exchange Club of DuPage County!!

Meet the Exchange Club of Aledo
The Exchange Club of Aledo has been serving their local community and nearby Mercer County for over 60 years. Chartered on August 5, 1954, the Club has played an active part in literally  building its community with past projects including purchasing and installing the city street signs, put in  the Aledo High School running track, donated playground equipment to the Aledo Park district various parks, planted hundreds of trees in throughout the city and landscaped the "Welcome to Aledo" signs at major entry points to the city. The Club was also instrumental in organizing the Red Cross Blood Draw program in Aledo.  The Club also sponsors many of our programs of service including
 
The Exchange club recognizes outstanding students in the area with Youth of The Year, honors residents for dedicated flag display and conducts the annual "One Nation Under God" breakfast each November, plus hands out thousands of flags supporting "Giveakidaflagtowave", delivers Christmas Baskets each year local highways with their Adopt A Highway project. One of its more entertaining and unusual fundraisers is the annual Dr. Charles Ford Frog Race. Named after one of Aledo's charter members, the race pits frog vs frog in a jumping contest to see which one crosses the finish line...maybe in record time...or hops...but mostly to the delight of frog sponsors and onlookers alike. So if you need something to do next 4th of July, take a ride out to Aledo for the fun. 
 
Regional Vice President's Report
Scot Warren
Region 3 Vice President
Greetings, Region 3! The National Exchange Club Mid-Year Conference was held in Houston on January 14th - 16th, and attendees had a very busy weekend. District Presidents and Presidents-Elect met with National Officers, Regional Vice Presidents, and Headquarters Staff for a series of Exchange leadership, information, and communication sessions and exercises. Topics included:
 
  • Effective Public Speaking
  • Importance of Mentoring New Clubs
  • Improvisational Skills to Leadership Skills
  • Membership Retention and Club Rebuilding
  • New Club Building
  • Developing a Culture of Growth
  • Conflict Resolution
 
The emphasis of the conference was on new club building, and District leaders worked with National Board and Staff members to craft detailed plans for building new traditional clubs in each district by June 30th. The educational sessions concluded with an inspiring presentation by Mike Jones, President and Master Trainer of Discover Leadership Training, encouraging attendees to step out of their comfort zones, achieve successful outcomes, and become impactful game changers. Mike will be a featured speaker during this July's 98th National Convention in Houston.
 
The National Board of Directors met during the Mid-Year Conference, and actions taken included:
 
  • Approving a motion to present three proposed amendments to the National Exchange Club Bylaws for consideration by delegates at the July National Convention.
  •  Accepting the Awards Committee's recommendation to align the CARE Award with the status of the Outstanding Fundraising / Service Project Awards.
  • Accepting the recommendation of the Programs of Service Committee to approve Hometown Heroes as a national project under Americanism and to include the Hometown Heroes project description in the Programs of Service section of Exchange's website.
  • Approving a motion to merge the Indiana and Northern Indiana Districts.
 
In addition, National President Dan McQueeney announced that the minimum number of members needed to charter a traditional Exchange Club is reduced from 20 to 15 for the remainder of this administrative year.
 
With the Mid-Year Conference completed, convention season is now approaching. Start making your plans to attend your District Convention during the spring and the National Convention in July. You'll have a great time!
 
Thanks for being a member of Exchange and inspiring your community to become a better place to live!
  
With Unity for Service,
  
Scot.

Try Out Tri-Cities
Chartered on January 6, 1979, the Tri-Cities Exchange Club has been serving the communities St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia for nearly 40 years. Not many clubs can claim they still conduct a charter fundraiser but for all of its 36 years, Tri-Cities has hosted one of its biggest, a spaghetti dinner. Come next fall you can be part of year 37 of this wonderful event. Don't take it from us, take it from Sophia Loren! (from the Club's Facebook page!)
Then there's the annual Draw-Down dinner which raises more than $15,000 each year to support Club programs. For the Draw-Down, a limited number of raffle numbers are sold which qualifies participants to earn up to $1,000 in prize money as the numbers are, as the name implies, successively drawn down. Last summer, during Geneva's "Swedish Days" parade, the club handed out a record 3,600 flags.  And did you know, this past June, the Club's A.C.E. nominee, Catharine Steiner was recognized as the District ACE award winner which qualified her for National Exchange A.C.E. nomination? 
NEC Foundation
Dennis Koch NEC Foundation President
The ExchangeStrong campaign continues on. If you or your club haven't donated to the campaign, please consider a contribution for the benefit of your Foundation!

If you are so inclined, please think about becoming a Berkey Fellow. A $1,000 contribution to the Foundation's permanent endowment fund will help ensure that Exchange will be financially sound for generations to come. The benefits of becoming a Berkey include having your name attached to a permanent plaque at the National Headquarters in Toledo. (These plaques are also on display throughout the National Convention). Berkey Fellows also receive a special Berkey Pin the first time they contribute and all current Berkeys are invited to a special recognition dinner at the National Convention. 

Thank you for your continuing support of the NEC Foundation! If you have any questions regarding the Foundation, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Hometown Heroes Approved by National Board
The National Board of Directors approved the Hometown Heroes as part of the National Program of Service at its meeting held in conjunction with the National Mid-Year Conference. The project was proposed by the Exchange Club of Grayslake. Following is a brief description of the project - much more information will be available soon on the National website! Way to go Grayslake!
PROJECT DESCRIPTION FOR EXCHANGE CLUBS

Americans owe tremendous debts of gratitude to the men and women who are proudly serving in our armed forces and to our veterans who have protected our freedoms worldwide. The National Exchange Club's Hometown Heroes Program provides our clubs the opportunities to express our appreciation and support to the dedicated troops and veterans who have served our country with honor. Hometown Heroes projects are most often coordinated by our clubs' Americanism Committees.

PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS

Survey your club members and contact local organizations to help identify potential projects for thanking and supporting your Hometown Heroes. Examples of local organizations include your area's American Legion and VFW Posts, Marine Corps Leagues, and Veterans and Purple Heart Associations. Consider contacting local college ROTC and high school junior ROTC units to encourage networking and communicating with recent graduates who have joined the armed forces and would like to hear from friends at home. Involving local organizations presents opportunities for membership growth in the present as well as in the future. Make sure your club has budgeted appropriate funds for Hometown Heroes materials and expenses.


An Exchange Club Minute
The Value of the National and District Exchange Clubs

A portion of every Exchangite's dues goes to support the District and National Exchange Clubs, as well as the NEC Foundation. On a quarterly basis, $4 goes to the Lincolnland District and $19 goes to the National Exchange Club of which $2.50 goes to the NEC Foundation. (The funds that go to the Foundation are restricted to be used only for child abuse prevention programs and public awareness). The balance of your dues are used to run the operations of the club and, mostly, to pay for your meals at club meetings. The amount of district and national dues is approved by the membership with votes at the district and/or national conventions.
 
So what does National and the District do with the money they receive? 
 
Let's start with the District. The Lincolnland board is currently made up of 5 officers and 11 division directors. The division directors' role is to be the conduit between the clubs and the district. It's a volunteer position and they are responsible for submitting 4 formal reports annually to the District President on the health of the clubs in their division. They are also responsible for training, along with the Volunteer Field Representatives. The main purposes of the District are to build new clubs and help strengthen established clubs. (of course, that works both ways, as clubs also have to help themselves). Inter-club fellowship is also a priority, with events such as the annual district convention and mid-year conferences used for training, business and fellowship. A portion of your dues pays for the Lincolnland Link as well as the costs of training and conventions.
 
The National office in Toledo is staffed by a dedicated group of paid staff. Through the National office, clubs are able to obtain liability insurance of $2 million and get their tax exempt status with the IRS. National also provides training and operates the child abuse prevention programs, coordinated with the 70 or so CAP centers throughout the country. 
 
In addition to the professional staff, the National Exchange Club operates with a national board consisting of 5 officers and 11 regional vice presidents. The main purpose of the National Exchange Club is to to charter new clubs, educate and develop the capabilities of its members and promote Exchange. They accomplish this through training and assistance to the clubs and districts from the staff.
 
The NEC Foundation is the fundraising arm of the National Exchange Club. The Foundation's purpose is to raise funds to support the National Exchange Club and all of its programs of service. 
 
As with any organization, you only get out of it what you put into it. Support for what the club does is available - ready and willing to assist - all we have to do is take advantage of it.
Around the District
Quincy

The 50th Annual Law Officer of the Year Awards luncheon was held before an overflow crowd at the Elk's Club in Quincy. Co-Chairmen Adams County Sheriff Brian Vonderhaar and Quincy Police Chief Rob Copley handled the duties flawlessly. Chief Copley named the previous 49 winners with several in attendance. He also recognized the previous Citizens of the Year Award winners. Sheriff Vonderhaar then introduced this year's Law Officer of the Year.
 
The 2015 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year is Detective Adam Gibson from the Quincy Police Department. During the early morning hours of March 28, 2015, Detective Adam Gibson responded as the On-Call Detective to a call of a shooting outside the residence at 1127 North Fifth Street. The victim was identified as 12 year old Ray Humphrey Jr. who was shot and killed. 20 year old Steson Crider of Chandler, Arizona was subsequently charged and convicted of first degree murder by an Adams County Jury in October of 2015. This was the first of eventually four homicides that Detective Gibson would be working on.
 
While some of his investigations are ongoing, Detective Gibson also continued to work on the case involving Curtis Lovelace and the death of his wife Cory that occurred in 2006. This case is due to go back to trial again later this spring.
Sheriff Vonderhaar mentioned that Detective Gibson is extremely dedicated to this profession, to the Quincy Police Department, to his position as a Detective, and just importantly he is dedicated to the individual cases he is assigned to.
 
This year's Quincy Exchange Club's Citizen of the Year Award winner is Mike Predmore. Mike attended the Quincy Police Department's Citizen Police Academy in the fall of 1998 and is a member of the Quincy Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.
 
In addition to attending the Citizen's Police Academy, Mike also attended the Citizen's Fire Academy. Mike joined the Quincy Regional Crime Stoppers in June 1999. He was selected as Board Member of the Year in 2004. He served as secretary/treasurer for many years and remains on the executive board today.
 
Mike has never missed a monthly Crime Stoppers board meeting since he joined the organization almost 17 years ago. Mike also served on the board of the Illinois State Crime Stoppers Association.
Special thanks goes to Jenny Hayden, filling in for Mayor Kyle Moore, with the introduction of our citizen winner.

 
2016 Lincolnland District Convention - June 9-12, 2016
(Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles Illinois)
 
2016 National Exchange Club Convention - July 13-16, 2016
(Hyatt Regency, Houston, Texas)
The Lincolnland Link is a publication of the Lincolnland District Exchange Clubs and is included in the district dues paid by the clubs in the District. Submit questions, articles of pictures to [email protected] 
 Lincolnland District Exchange Clubs | [email protected] | PO Box 1007 
Quincy IL 62306-1007