Attendance: 87

Invocation: Ron Henry

Greeters: Coach Kessler, Dan Davis

Guests: Jason Matthews (Bill Crane), Jim Elliott (KT Kishan), Don Parker, Eric Coburn, Jim Tague, Bill Cook (Noon Optimists)

Birthdays: Ann Sweet, Austin Donovan

Announcements: 1) Jeff Owens is encouraging mentoring for the Oratorical Contest, which will be Friday March 22, 2019 at 7 pm in the Courthouse. The topic is “Is there a fine line between optimism and reality?”  2) Tracy Fitzgerald said they still need Santas Helpers for Santa House. 3) Pam Galloway needs help staffing slots for the Bell Ringing for Salvation Army. On Dec 15 (Saturday) our Club is covering K-Mart (indoors) and the north and south entrances of Walmart (outdoors) from 9 am to 5 pm. Shifts are one hour long. Please contact Pam if you are able to help. Sign up sheets will be out next week. 4) Noon Optimists are sponsoring the Zone 3 meeting Thursday November 29, 7 pm at Tippe River Downs

50/50(Kris Farwell): Jeff Owens won!

Membership (Joey Hickerson) : Jason Matthews (Bill Crane) had his first reading.

Induction: None

Sergeant’s: Paul Heaton and Brittany Lyon entertained us. 

Program: Melodie Koher from the Lakeland Art Association was our speaker. She has been a member of LAA since 2002. The LAA was created in 1957 by Fred Olds and local artists. In 1993 Lila O’Connell opened the first gallery. In 1994 LAA was incorporated, and in 1996 they achieved their 501 c3 status. The mission of LAA is “to further the visual arts in Kosciusko County by challenging the creative spirit of local artists and community residents. LAA strives to nurture its artist members through opportunities for camaraderie, skill development, the sharing of creative endeavors and public exhibits. LAA is also committed to encouraging the next generation of artists and potential art enthusiasts by promoting and supporting visual arts education and events.” Membership is $15 for students and $50 for a family. LAA has an art related program every month, usually the 4th Friday of the month at the Gallery (302 W. Winona Ave, Warsaw). LAA has any youth oriented workshops including a Middle School Art Show, part of the Lakes and Streams Kids Arts and Crafts show and Santas Elves for Kids Make and Take Show. LAA gives a scholarship every year to a high school senior pursuing a career in fine arts. They also have a young docent program for high school students wanting to learn more about the day to day operations of an art gallery, and a similar program through Grace College’s Applied Learning Program. LAA runs on grants and donations. Most of the art in the gallery is for sale, and includes works on canvas and board, sculptures and ceramics. There is also a gift shop which makes a great source of Christmas gifts.The future of LAA includes establishing a fine arts museum in Kosciusko County. Please go to the website lakelandartassociation.org for more information about volunteer opportunities, workshops and exhibits.