Rotary Club of Springfield Metro

Thanks for joining us last night at Metro Rotary! We had a FULL HOUSE!

So many people shared why they’re happy…and we’re happy they shared their fun with us. ☺️

Todd had the right ticket to draw for the 50/50. Corinne did not draw the right card. Better luck next time!

We inducted our newest members into our chapter: Denny Maples, Ray Ross, Kristina Boll Boyer, Todd Christensen, Alysa Lawler, and Sheldon Slinkard. Welcome to the newest members of Rotary!

Sarah Walraven, Programs Director for CASA Southwest Missouri, was our guest speaker tonight. CASA volunteers are a steady safety net in their tumultuous world. 1,300 kids in Greene and Taney counties are currently in foster care. CASA SWMO can currently partner less than 500 of these kids with a volunteer. They need all our help!

Learn more about CASA and how to be a volunteer: https://casaswmo.org/become-a-volunteer/

Thanks to everyone who came last night. Next week, we’re taking Rotary on the Road to Jason’s for pickleball (and food, of course)! Here please register by Saturday, June 20, so we can have plenty of food.

Happy birthday, Sam Holliday ! We're glad you're part of what makes Springfield Metro Rotary so much fun!

On Wednesday, Metro Rotary president The Law Office of Lisa M. Sims, LLC, represented Metro at the annual Presidents Council at Rotaract Club of Springfield.

Thanks for representing us, Lisa!

Last night at Springfield Metro was a special night. First, we had so many guests; every table was filled! Second, we installed our new board, honored the achievements of the past, and looked to the future.

But before we got into that, it wouldn’t be a Metro Rotary night if we didn’t draw for the pot! One of our guests, Larry Jarman, had the lucky ticket…but he didn’t win the pot. Better luck next time! ☺️

We honored our charter members, this year’s new members, their sponsors, and those with perfect attendance.

We then recognized the members who’ve given financially and have attained various levels of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

The 25-26 Change Maker of the year is Sharla Moody. Sharla has dedicated the last year to elevating the social media presence and redesigning the weekly slide decks to improve communication within the group and our involvement in the community.

The 25-26 Rotarian of the Year is Padgett Smith. Her dedication, service, and commitment exemplify the very best of our club.

We honored two outgoing board members:
Sarah Sissel-Badillo, who has been on the board for at least 5 years in various roles, most recently as Service chair.
Jen Battagler, a charter member, has been on the board off and on for the last 15 years, most recently as past president.

Thank you both for your dedication to and service with Springfield Metro!

The Law Office of Lisa M. Sims, LLC reflected on the great things we accomplished this year. We nearly doubled our membership and were actively involved in planning the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

Andrea Brady, district governor and former president of Metro, installed the new board and challenged Padgett as our new president.

Then all the past presidents who were able to attend came and gave words of wisdom as they passed the gavel.

Padgett set the tone for the 26-27 year as “lasting impact.”

Afterwards, we celebrated with food, fun, and fellowship, which, really, is normal for Springfield Metro. We are fun people who like each other and love serving our community together.

At Springfield Metro, we put service above self and action above words.

Springfield Metro representing at the American Heart Association’s Heartwalk this morning.

Last night was our social with Rotaract Club of Springfield. We had SO MANY GUESTS! Was it the the fellowship? Was it Social Cues Crazy Pool? Maybe it was all the above!

We had a LOT of happy people! Shuyang Balazi got the chance to win the pot…but the pot grows another week! (Womp womp)

Out of 1450 clubs, 37 clubs and 4 Rotaract clubs met the 8 in 8 Challenge. We were in that number! Sadly, we didn’t win the party. A bigger win is that we added 8 amazing new members to our group.

Kyler McGuigan was our guest speaker. He’s started a new business (Social Cues) that’s popular in the UK: Crazy Pool. He brought his tables to us so we could experience the fun! And it was SO MUCH FUN! If you’re looking for something to make your party/event special this summer, you should really check him out.

Join us next week as we install our new president, Padgett Smith, and the 26-27 board. It’ll be another fun and memorable evening so to Springfield Metro Rotary?

Last night we took Rotary on the Road to Good Dads! Good Dads is a nonprofit founded by fellow rotarian Jennifer Baker. Good Dads focuses on increasing responsible fathers in Missouri. Statistically, homes without fathers experiences higher rates of …

- Teen pregnancy
- Drug & alcohol abuse
- Abuse and neglect
- School drop outs
- Depression

Good Dads focuses on an “upstream effort.” Most nonprofits that support the community are responsive in nature, rather than preventative. Upstream efforts focus on solving problems before they happen.

When dads are actively involved….

- Stronger schools
- Safer neighborhoods
- Robust economies

Good Dads works collaboratively and intentionally with the various sectors of the community. When communities work together intentionally, results are greater and longer lasting.

Men who participate in their new Pathways program have contributed nearly $5 million to their child support cases since 2018!

Good Dads has 19 chapters throughout Missouri and will be launching 3 more very soon.

On June 8, they are hosting a viewing of the documentary, “Gone Guys” at the Moxy. It explores why boys and men have been disengaging and falling behind over the years and encourages a brighter future for the community. It’s free to attend, but you’ll need to reserve your seat. Visit gooddads.org/events for more info.

Tuesday night and exciting night at Springfield Metro. We had SO MANY new visitors! We’re so glad you joined us last night. ☺️

We’re a bunch of happy people, as noticed by our Happy Bucks. The Springfield Lunkers season starts next week, and we’re thrilled to be able to support new Rotary member Kristina this season.

Tony won the chance to draw the winning card (Jack of Clubs)….but didn’t win the pot. Better luck next time!

We got to know a few of our members during the meeting this week (more to come!)

Shout out to Rotarian Sheldon Slinkard! He was selected to be part of Leadership Springfield Signature Class 52. Way to go, Sheldon!

Tuesday night was another great night for Springfield Metro. We’re glad Rachal was back with us after several weeks away. And we’re glad to have all our guests who visited tonight. David won the chance to win the pot…but he didn’t pick the winning card (womp, womp).

Thanks to Nacy Tai Ryerson for being our guest speaker. She is the founder and chief academic officer for EnCompass Academy. EnCompass is a private school with a public purpose. Ryerson started the school during the pandemic to support the diverse learners in the public and other private schools in the area. Their mission is to meet students where they are with personalized education. The goal isn’t just to help kids graduate—it’s to see them step into their future ready to thrive. The school isn’t a competitor for other schools; they see themselves as a partner in the community.

Lots of fun things are happening, so be sure to check the Events section of the FB page and get these things on your calendar. You don’t want to miss out!