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Membership Meeting Minutes for September 2, 2026 Following a brief summary of membership meeting protocol by Sergeant-at-Arms, Otis Lane, the meeting was called to order by president Shawn Wethington at approx. 4:00 pm. All stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer delivered by Billie Hudson, Jr. All past presidents in attendance were recognized by the president. All first-time visitors were recognized by the president. Reggie Brooks and Harry Jones hailing from Los Angeles and St. Louis, respectively, introduced themselves to the membership. Those members celebrating birthdays and/or anniversaries were recognized by the president. The general secretary, Mike Patrom, highlighted key portions of the August 2026 membership meeting minutes. It was moved and properly seconded to accept the minutes as presented. The majority of those in attendance voted in the affirmative. The club treasurer, Billie Hudson, Jr., presented the monthly financial report. Following a brief round of discussion, it was moved and properly seconded to accept the report as presented. The majority of those in attendance voted in the affirmative. The president announced Ken Grant as the recently appointed club quartermaster. The quartermaster serves as the “go-to” person for information and guidance on the purchase of club-related merchandise such as blazers, polo shirts, caps, patches, etc. Len Jackson, chair of the planning committee for the Jazz, Funk, and Soul fund-raising event, provided an update regarding ticket sales etc. The club president introduced the evenings’ guest speaker, Shaun Wethington, his wife, who serves as president of the tri-county chapter (Sumter, Marion, and Lake) of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). The NCNW is looking to broaden its’ community outreach by raising funds to support scholarships and other endeavors. It will host the Inspirational Gospel Choir of Bethune Cookman University as they perform at Morrison United Methodist Church, Leesburg, FL. The performance will take place the 18th of October. This is a fund-raising event. Tickets in the amount of $40 dollars each can be purchased in advance or at the door, the day of the event. The president announced the members of the Search Committee supporting the upcoming club elections during the month of October. The members of the “committee” are David Snead, Harvey Jones, and Steve Woods. As of this time, several club members have declared their candidacy for President and Treasurer. The search for a Vice-President candidate is on-going. Club members are still encouraged to reach out to the Search Committee to declare one's candidacy for any of the three officer positions. Alan Jonathan, this year’s chair of the Friendship Golf Tournament planning committee, provided an update on the progress of various tournament-related activities – ticket sales, donations, etc. The president reminded everyone that the next Adopt-a-Highway activity is scheduled for Monday, October 5th. Participating club members will assemble in the parking lot of First Baptist Church, County Road 42. The president opened the floor for discussion on the matter of “club membership” – in particular – membership dues. The executive board will take up the matter further during its’ next board meeting. The goal will be to craft a proposal on which the membership can vote during the October general membership meeting. Comments “For Good of the Order”. Otis Lane raised awareness of those members who due to health-related matters have not been able to attend membership meetings. Those mentioned were Ted Goodman, Earl Cash, Arthur Boyd, Eddie Blount, Phil Jasper, and Robert Thomas. James Horton, member of the “We Care” committee, provided a health and welfare report. A 50/50 drawing was led by Charles Horton. Following a few parting words by Ron Muse, the meeting was adjourned by the president at approx. 5:30 p.m. At Your Service Shawn Wethington President, Sophisticated Gents of Florida
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