Issue #10 · September 8, 2026
Food Packing Event September 10!
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC)
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Feed My Starving Children]
Betsy Kmiecik will lead our team of 15 Rotary Noon members and spouses Thursday afternoon. Rotary volunteers are invited to share a meal directly following the packing event. Thank you, Betsy, for arranging this opportunity for our members!
For more information on FMSC (Charity Navigator 4-Star rating), click on the link below.
Around the Room, September 8
Whether You’re Naughty or Nice: Carols by Candlelight
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Santa Claus]
Saturday, December 19
4 PM show with 6 PM dinner following. Stand by for ticket pricing!
A Tale of Our TWO Club Treasurers: Ron and Andy
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Money illustration]
Ron McMahon is our guy for week-to-week operations: lunches, raffles, Happy/Sad, paying the caterer and rent.
Andy Couckuyt is the Big Money guy: Foundation dollars (not-for-profit). Incoming funds from donors (Dr. Bob’s daughter, most recently) and fundraisers (Carols by Candlelight coming up!). Andy provides checks to the charities we support, most recently Sumter Prep. The scholarships to local students also come from our Foundation.
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Variety of cookies]
Thank you, Barbara James, for today’s delicious homemade chocolate chip loaf (and watermelon)!
Rotary in ACTION!
Have you bought your $10 coupon card yet? See Linda Truitt or Bobbie for this great deal! 100% of the $10 goes to Wildwood Interact!
This week, Rotary Monday golf included the Kmieciks, Stacey, President Linda, and Past President Andy at Mangrove! Patrick Mickelberry and Ron Schettler from the Evening Rotary club joined as well. To join this relaxed play group, see Bill Kmiecik!
They’re Adorable!
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Fire Prevention Week reading]
October 5–9 is Fire Prevention Week, and you know what that means: Rotarians read to first graders at local schools! It’s our Rotary literacy project at work. Each child receives their very own PERSONALIZED book on fire safety. Look for sign-up sheets in the back of the room!
I Need Your News!
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Airplane illustration]
Your editor is off to California tomorrow. I will produce a newsletter on Thursday 9/17 with YOUR news and photos. Please send short recaps of the Tuesday 9/15 meeting to [email protected].
Happy/Sad: Chuck and Wanda
New member Abe jumped in for the Happy/Sad collection today. Chuck Andrean declared that he is very happy to have his wife, Yong-Hee, with him.
On a sad note, Bob Agnew reports that Wanda Richardson has had a heart attack, is recovering, and plans to move to Georgia to be near her daughter. Bob encourages friends of Wanda to give her a call.
Lisa Roberts, Attorney Advisor, SEC Miami
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Lisa Roberts]
For thirty years, Lisa Roberts has been an attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission. She supervises the Investor Assistance Specialist and conducts financial literacy outreach on behalf of the SEC, whose mission is to protect investors. Working from Miami, Lisa’s territory includes all of Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Helpful websites:
- Submit investor complaints or questions: www.help.sec.gov
- Report suspected securities fraud: www.sec.gov/tcr
- Check out your investment professional: www.investor.gov
Happy Birthday!
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Birthday cake]
- Alex Lakatos (23rd)
- Chuck Andrean (26th)
Cruise on Down “South of 44” on October 2!
The three Rotary Clubs of The Villages are reaching out to new arrivals in the southern section who may have been active in Rotary before moving to “America’s Friendliest Hometown.” The “Homecoming” idea is based on reconnecting with former Rotarians, but of course newcomers are very welcome, as are current Rotarians LIKE YOU!
Please head to Sawgrass and the Ezell Rec Center. The picnic pavilion is to the far right (east) of the property. If you’re coming by cart, the best parking is next to the Southern Oaks cart barn and pro shop. Have you been inside the newly remodeled Sawgrass? There are 3–4 new eateries. BYOB, a camp chair or two, and snacks to share!
October 24: Something for Everyone!
- Alzheimer’s Walk: Polo grounds at 7 AM
- Polio Day Walk: Brownwood at 10 AM (see Betsy for red End Polio shirts)
- African American Club Golf Tournament: 7:15 AM at Harbor Hills, $100 per person to support the student scholarship fund. Let’s get a foursome together! See Carrie Dixon or President Linda!
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Golf event]