Detailed Past President Information

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“Doc” for many years, the “Senate Leader” of the Michigan Jaycees and Senators. At State meetings Jaycees often met the Short man in the cowboy hat and 20 name tags telling the Senatorship story.

“Doc” was promoting Senatorship’s around the state long before the Michigan Senate was organized. After several years of attempting to resign, he thought of impeachment promotion to increase turnout at meetings and select a successor. It worked so well that 3 three men stepped forward to run for President and the Michigan Senate was formed in Grand Rapids.

“Doc” also was a Doctor of Medicine.

Thanks for the memories.
(written by Wild Will Dietz #11076)

My year was dedicated to promoting the JCI Senate and it’s membership. The JCI Senate issue of the Michigander was a major part of this promotion. Ron Cunningham and Bob Beard did a great job in producing this 32 page issue.

My Board of Directors were very motivated and full of energy (they were much younger than I was). These Senators put “fun and fellowship” as one of the main Senate activities.

Many things, mostly the wonderful people in my year as President of the Michigan Senate come to mind. Renting a trailer, loading it with hot dogs, buns, and cheese, and driving with Bill Martin to our first Senate hospitality room at a Jaycee National Convention in St. Louis. Organizing the Speakers Bureau and introducing “PETER THE GREAT” to the Michigan Jaycees also comes to mind. But just being a Jaycee has been my best work of life. This was the year that 20553 was awarded his Senatorship!

It seems that it was just a moment ago, when Senator Dick Small turned over the reins of an active Michigan Senate. We did our best to move things forward by promoting service to Jaycees and fellowship among those who had been honored by their chapters with the highest honor a chapter can give – a JCI Senatorship!

With over 150 active members, the 1976-77 Michigan Senate was ranked as the second largest state organization in the US JCI Senate. A Senate Hospitality Room was provided at each State Board Meeting and a Mystery Handshake program for First-Timers to give a free registration to the next State Meeting to the new Jaycee who introduced himself to the Mystery Senator at the Friday Night Party.

Senator Don Ludwig did a great job in hosting the Senate Golf Outing at Summer Board in Muskegon and Winter board in Wyoming featured the solemn “Burial of Peter the Great”.

The Michigan Senate played a large role in the success of the Party Booth at the 32nd Annual JCI World Congress in St. Louis Mo. The 2,400 delegates from throughout the world came away knowing that Michigan Hospitality is unmatched anywhere in the world! Vice President, Bill Martin, led the group that took hot dogs, Pinconning cheese and Stroh’s beer into the heart of Busch country. The scarlet baseball caps that the booth workers wore became the most sought after trading item at the World Congress!

I want to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the Senate officers and area coordinators who made 1976-77 such a marvelous time.

When thinking about my year the first thing that comes to mind is the Saturday morning at a state meeting when Pat Sherdian was asked if he had had a rough night because he looked so terrible. Pat replied, “if you had laid in the casket all night like I did, you would look this bad too.”

I have many fond memories of my years with the Jaycees and the Senate. I clearly remember that the Senate membership increased my year, because my treasurer kept regaling us at our monthly board meeting with all of the funds that we had in our treasury.

In addition, the Senate started sponsoring the award of a Senatorship for a deserving Jaycee who seemed to have been forgotten by his local chapter. I presented the award at the Saturday night banquet. They tell me that they had to carry me off the stage with the gavel still in my hand. What can I tell you, power corrupts even me!

My treasurer, Steve McGowan, was awarded outstanding officer during my year for all of his efforts. Which went far beyond the call of duty, considering that he had a full time job and a wife and kids and lived on the west side of the state.

The fondest memories that I have of my year as Senate President was in attending the Jaycee State meeting and hosting the Senate Hospitality Suite. The war stories that were told should have been written down for posterity, but to protect the guilty and the innocent they gratefully were not recorded.

I ended my year as President by attending the US JCI Senate Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. I had to leave early for another commitment and since I was not there they elected me as a US Senate Vice President, much to my surprise and elation.

During my year as a National Senate Vice President, I attended many Senate meetings in Tulsa, OK, and in the five states that were assigned to me: Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, and of course Michigan.

In summary, I remember my year as President as a year of restarting many of the Michigan Senate traditions. The election for my replacement, held at the Jaycee state meeting, had the largest turnout for a Senate election in many years, probably to make sure I didn\’t try for another year as President.

I have not been able to locate any records or memorabilia of the 1979-80 Michigan JCI Senate Year! I know we had a swell time at our meetings, generally at the Holiday Inn in Howell, but the details are a blur. There\’s a good possibility that Alzheimer\’s is setting in, given my age, and somewhat limited mental capacity when I was in my prime, if and when there ever was a “prime time.” I do remember that Tom Helzerman, the 8th President, Doug Hincker, the 9th, and Don Carn, the 10th, were all active Board Members, so that bears testimony to my Leadership In Action skills.

Speaking of Hincker, a future US JCI Senate numero uno, what also happened to be a numero uno Pin Hack, he and I (mostly “he”) with perhaps the input of others assembled in the Holiday Inn Lounge, designed the truly distinctive Michigan JCI Senate Pin on the back of a cocktail napkin. I believe the pin is still in circulation today.

For a brief biographical update, I\’m still married to the beautiful Kay. Our daughter Cathy and her husband, Ernie Gilbert, Jr., will make us proud grandparents in June, and our son, Tony, a WMU grad, is in Denver looking for work.

The Lord has truly been very good to me. Kay and I look forward with great expectations, not only to our grandchild, but to renewing many acquaintances at the Big 25, and extend our appreciation to the committee and our congratulations to the Michigan JCI Senate for carrying on the traditions and ideals of Jayceeism.

The Eighth Year of the Michigan JCI Senate was highlighted by the formal establishment of the “Doc Huldin Award” which became the “Doc Huldin Memorial Award” after his untimely death. Throughout the year, the Senate Board met monthly at the Holiday Inn, Howell, with the exception of two Board meetings hosted by the west side of the State.

Perhaps the most memorable minute of the year happened at the annual meeting and elections held in Troy. It seems that we had a power outage a couple of hours before the meeting was to begin. The banquet room was black as the inside of your hat! Fortunately, the hotel had plenty of candles and had placed lighted candles at each table. Our out of state guests included Bob Hunt, COB US JCI Senate from Florida; Tom Sellmer, Mid America V.P., US JCI Senate from Indiana; Fred Fisher, President, and Ed Townsend, Treasurer, Illinois JCI Senate; and Dave Murrell, President, Indiana JCI Senate. In addition, we were honored by the attendance of three past Michigan JCI Senate Presidents, Jim Miranda, Dick Small and Glenn Stone. I had asked Tom Gorton, Livonia, to give the invocation. Tom\’s first words were \”Lord, let there be light\” – and, you guessed it – the lights came on at exactly that moment! After that, everything was anti-climatic (and THAT includes Doug Hincker\’s uncontested and successful run for the presidency).

The year didn\’t start off with a very auspicious beginning. We found that we had about $350 in the treasury and a pin bill for almost $700! At that time, we didn\’t have any fundraising projects and the sense of the organization was not to run any. It was purely a social organization of Senators who were exhausted and wanted to continue friendship created while active Jaycees. Yes, we helped Jaycees, but only when asked and would not run projects that we thought they should do themselves. There were a lot more Jaycees then!

Since the treasury was in such poor shape and we wanted to continue the hospitality for Senators at each state meeting, we started a process of each Senator bringing a bottle of his favorite spirits to stock the room. Those that didn’t bring a bottle had their arms twisted to provide a suitable donation. The size of the donation depended on who was doing the twisting! Don Carn was really good at that. Who could refuse that big old teddy bear? Another process that worked was to see how many times we could get Clayton “Stub” Fryer to pay his dues. After many a rowdy evening, someone would ask “Stub” why he was enjoying the party when he hadn’t paid his dues for the year. “Stub” would insist that he had, but when he could find no one to back him up, he would sheepishly reach for his wallet and drop another $10 into the hand of the treasurer. We may have stocked the room for one whole meeting on dues collected from “Stub” during the year. Membership grew that year, but as to how many, I can’t remember. We did start using and “A” and “B” list for soliciting new members.

If I were to look back and put my finger on one thing that marked my year, I would have to say that getting Michigan Senators active in region and national meetings (and politics!). We traveled to the Ohio Pig Roast, Kentucky Fall Meeting, Indiana Meeting, Tennessee Meeting, and National Convention in Hartford (First time Jo Ellen and I had stayed in he Senate hotel instead of with the Jaycees). We were also visited by National Senate, President Emil Ruzicka, Past Senate President, Bob Hunt, (the first of his many election banquet keynote addresses) and Region Vice President, Fred Fischer. Each time we traveled, we took more Senators and spouses who realized that there were a lot of people in our sister states and the National Organization who had common interests and who were great fun to be with.

If it were not for the Michigan Jaycees and JCI Senate, I would not have had the initiative or opportunity to have accomplished what I have so far in life. More than anything, I value the friendships and people I have met. Thank you, Michigan Senate and congratulations on your 25th Anniversary. May you have 125 more.

The year started at the State Convention in Saginaw. Don\’s nomination was seconded by two longtime Jaycee friends and Senators, Tom Ritter and Jim St. Louis. Terry Van Orman, Presidential Aide for Don, was his right and left hand man. Terry did everything to assist Don in his year and was always there to help, suggest, advise and make sure events happened. Terry was indeed a great friend and wonderful P.A.

The JCI Board implemented the 1981-82 JCI Board approved Honorary and paid life memberships in the Michigan JCI Senate for the ten immediate Past Presidents and at the year end convention in Kalamazoo, presented those honors. Since 1983, this has become an annual tradition that all JCI Senate Past Presidents are presented with an Honorary Life Membership in the Michigan JCI Senate, to show the organization\’s appreciation for their service as Presidents. Two other committed and dedicated Senators, Hal Krekorian and Ed Barton, were also honored with Honorary Life Memberships for their years of service to the Jaycees and Senate. A Presidential Plaque was presented to the Michigan Jaycees (to be hung in the Jaycee office), with the names, year served and home chapter of each MIJCISenate President.

The first Annual Post Holiday party was held in Waterford and was chaired by Larry and Ruth Davis. Fred Fischer (Illinois) was National President for the US JCI Senate and attended our summer golf outing in Wyoming. Doc Huldin was golf course overseer and his golf card was overturned while making his course tour. The annual Pig Roast was held in South Lyon at the home of Wes Boughner. Don’s closing year end convention was held in Kalamazoo, and as all retiring Presidents are traditionally IMPEACHED, so was Don. Part of his impeachment was highlighted by old friends\’ Lloyd Rich wearing a paper bag over his head, and Ozzie Watchpocket suggesting we just shoot the S.O. B.

I want to thank the Michigan JCI Senate for the opportunity and fellowship of serving as your Tenth President.

The year began at the lowest ebb the Senate had ever recorded in our 10 year history. The embarrassment of the preceding years bumbling, financial mis-management and political maneuvering! Culminating with the impeachment of President Don Carn at the Annual Meeting in Kentwood, was a fitting end to that black chapter in our organizations annals.

The newly elected Board of Directors faced many serious challenges in restoring the good name of the Senate and resuming the mission of “Increasing Senator Involvement” and continuing to provide a vehicle where “Old Friends could continue to Meet”. The duly elected Board rose to the challenge. The Annual Senate Family Picnic at Wes Boughner’s Pool House was reformatted as a Luau with pit roasted pig and Hawaiian side dishes and music by the 1894 Washboard Band! The Golf Outing set a record as 12 foursomes teed off under bright sunshine with 2 beverage carts serving the golfers. The 2nd annual Post Holiday Party was enjoyed by over 120 Senators and wives at the C.A.I. Hall in Waterford.

The US JCI Meeting in Tulsa found your President throwing the hat in the ring for the National Presidency of C. Douglas Hincker. They threw it back twice, but the third time stuck.

But without question, the highlight of that year was the involvement of great numbers of Senators at monthly board meetings in Howell, Mr. Gibby’s or whatever. With few exceptions the attendance at each was 25 to 30 and a high of 76 at the September Flint meeting this led us to believe that our agenda\’s were fun, at times too long, but never boring.

As the Senate year drew to a close, the Board was satisfied that we had restored the Senate to its rightful place in the hearts of its members, returned the treasury to a position of solvency and as we ended our terms, our only regrets were the passing of our Founder “Doc Huldin”, and that we did not pass the gavel to more fitting leadership. Senator Bob Taylor #23796 was elected President.

Respectfully Submitted, Tongue-Firmly-in-Cheek.

This was an exciting whirlwind year of, traveling, new and different challenges for the Michigan JCI Senate. The order of business beyond planning for events in Michigan, was devoted to traveling around the country spreading the word of C. Douglas Hincker #22200 for President of the United States JCI Senate for 1984-1985. This we accomplished during the National Convention at Atlanta in June. We visitedMillingtonand Vassar for the Summer Family Picnic and Golf Outing. On August 16, 1984 the US Jaycees adopted by-law changes that allowed for “Open Membership”. At Marquette Summer Board the Michigan Jaycees adopted similar changes to their by-laws.

A true highlight of 1984-85, was when 23 Senators, wives and many Jaycees from Michigan attended the JCI World Congress in Montreal, Canada. For many of us it was the first we attended, but it would not be the last. All of a sudden in was January 1985 and the Post Holiday Party and the jockeying to see which Senators would run for office in February. The year went by fast and furious. But many new friends were made and many, many happy memories of fun, travel and things accomplished would be enjoyed for years to come. I cannot say THANK YOU enough to C. DouglasHinckerand Jo Ellen for providing so much of what made my year as Michigan President so memorable. Thank You!!

This year was a busy year – the year of the FEZ!! He traveled over 10,000 miles from the Ohio border to the U.P… It was a year of first.

We attended our first National Region Meeting in Williamsburg, VA., attended a Michigan-Illinois football game in Champaign with the Illinois Senate and reciprocating the next year. It was the first Michigan Past President night with Jaycee and Senate Presidents.

Twelve monthly meetings were held (3) in Howell plus Frankenmuth, Grand Rapids, Bridgeport-Saginaw, Mackinaw Island, Flint, Kalamazoo, Detroit, Lansing and Wyoming. Also a family picnic, golf outing and post holiday party. Jeanette and Mark Schumacher #27395 made sure our hospitality room was well stocked.

Our membership goal of 325 was maintained, holding our standing as second largest in the US JCI Senate.

All in all, it was a remarkable and memorable year for us. (Written by Marilyn Krekorian)

It was an eventful year. As with most Senate years, the people, not the projects and programs set the stage for success. Elections were held in February in Wyoming with over 85 Senators and guests in attendance. The election meeting climaxed with the sounds of popping Champaign corks, as the hotel served Champaign (intended for the Jaycee F.O.Y.P.. reception) and Hal and I both taking credit.

National Convention was held in Milwaukee with 25 Michigan Senators and wives attending.

The combined two day golf outing and family picnic was held in July, chaired by Mark and Janette Schumacher. This event was attended by National President, Tony Dominic, and representatives from Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Mark was also my Hotline editor.

Ken and Cindi Mansfield served all year as hospitality chair couple. Byron Morrison was chairman for the Senate Sponsored Senatorship, and Ed Nicholson was Filabuster editor.

The August meeting was held in Marshall and chaired by Bob Vining. That month also saw our first involvement with the Renaissance Festival with Denis (Frenchy) Normand, Dennis Kester, John Deegan, and Gary Richter helping Scott McKay and the Holly Jaycees. The Mr. Gibby’s September meeting in Flint was chaired by Larry Sills. Tim Ford chaired the December recognition meeting at Fellows Creek golf course. Don Carn chaired the post holiday party in January at the Waterford C.A.I. Hall. And that brought us back to February elections held in the Farmington Holiday Inn.

The start of the year was highlighted by Bob “Bubba” Hunt as the featured speaker and a fun election chaired by Doug Hincker who would serve as my Presidential Advisor.

During the year we continued to use Howell as base for monthly meetings but we also scheduled 2 meetings in the west. Summer board was held in the U.P. It was the first time that I ventured that far, 12 or 14 hours almost to Wisconsin, and never left the state.

The fall board saw the return of \”Peter The Great\”. The golf outing and the picnic was well attended and the Senate sponsored Millionaires night. We mailed a special edition of the Filibuster to all 1200 or so Senators.

During 87/88 we had our first women members. Michelle Arman and Betty Cusick were among the first women to be presented Senatorship\’s in the USA. It was exciting year also when Pat Malac put his Jaycee membership in escrow and joined the Senate as a full time active member.

Tom Humphrey, a past Senate President in Massachusetts, also moved to Michigan and joined our organization. These events were notable as Michelle, Tom, and Pat were all to become Senate Presidents.

During the year, we also become charter members of the US JCI Foundation in the name of Doc Huldin. In later years the Michigan Senate would make significant contributions to the Foundation in the names of Tom Humphrey and Hal Krekorian.

Thanks for the Fun!

It was the best year of my Senate life, and hopefully one that set a positive direction for the future of the Michigan JCI Senate. It all started on March the 14th, 1988 with perhaps one of the best orchestrated attempts to sabotage the approval of our budget, calendar, etc… but it came as no surprise, as I had been in the group doing the same to other presidents… funny how it seems a bit different when it happens to you!

We traveled to the Jaycees State meeting in May and held the first ever “Old Timers”… an excellent way to mix with the new Jaycees, thanks to Art Abbott. Later that summer the Senate picnic was most graciously hosted by Jack and Wanda Opperman. Summer wound down with the Senate golf outing in Muskegon, and our Southern Area Coordinator, “Bubba Hunt” almost wound up with a lawsuit as his errant golf shot clipped this past president in the heel (seems a president can’t take legal action while in office). And yes, we did go to the “Windsor Ballet” for cultural enrichment… somehow, things turned a bit different than anticipated… Nuff said! The year was filled with trips to the west… and west… and west. We may have had more meetings in the west than ever before, but what can you expect when your Western V.P. is WesBoughner! The push was on that year to make an impact in the west, making things much easier on our Eastern V.P. Dick Sullivan. Life should not be easy as a scribe for the Senate, and we made certain that Mike O’Connell had to struggle for details… What the heck, he never made it easy on us when he published things that NEVER happened and failed to publish things that did. The keeper of the funds, now there was a difficult job… but we found a match for it, a difficult guy, John Savage, who never cut a check unless it had the blessing of the Pope! Speaking of blessing, did we ever have a chaplain that year?? Ah yes, none other than GregMeritt. Our hospitality rooms were always well done by Ken andCindiMansfield. A Senate Year is never successful without the hard work of are coordinators. And thanks goes to Jim Ingle, TimVigneau, Ken Miller, Gary Foote, JohnOgg, LaurenJonekhreereand DennisKester.

A special thanks to John Deegan for the nights he gave up to travel with me. And more than ever, for all you have given up Ruth, I love you more than you will ever know.

Bob was elected on February 18, 1989 in Farmington Hills, the last President at a Jaycee Winter Board Meeting. The first meeting in March at Howell set the tone for the rest of the year. Bob was the first President to attend every Jaycee spring regional in the state, talking to Senators and Jaycees about the Senate and asking Senators to join the Senate. Bob started the “president hot line” a monthly flyer to all the membership, thanks in a big part to a sponsorship by Senator Terry Sever. Bob was the first president to tour the upper Peninsula from the Soo to Ironwood, talking to Senators and Jaycees. Bob appointed Vic Rombeck V.P. for the North. Bob also started a raffle to help bring more money into the Senate, donated by Senator Jack Ryan.

In March, Bob traveled to Indiana for the Region V Spring Fling where he helped Past President Hal Krekorian get elected National V.P. for Region V.

The Senate was busy that year, we had two picnics that summer, one in the West and one in the East. The Golf Outing was a Sugar Loaf in Traverse City. The Senate ran their first Renaissance Festival that operated all 13 bars. Thanks to Senator’s Denny Acre and Scott McKay we made over $5,000 that weekend. In October we saw the first “Border Bash” between Michigan and Ohio. In December we sponsored the biggest and best Mid-Year training session in Michigan Jaycee history as over 225 Jaycees were put through 8 hours of training and motivation. At the very same time we were also hosting the Region V Senators at the Region Winter Meeting in Taylor. The Post Holiday Party was in Trenton with over 60 couples in attendance. In March the first annual election was held, thanks to the Senators from Holt who set up the banquet with Tom Humphrey being elected President.

Two other events stand out in Bob’s year; the first is the Senate going to Gatlinburg where we won an award for our Navy Bean Soup and the second event was leading the Senate in Louisville where Bob was honored with a President Medallion for Michigan being the second largest state in the US JCI Senate and also honored as one of the Ten Outstanding State Presidents by Lanny Heater. It was the first time a Michigan President had received that award.

This was taken in part from Tom’s last “President Rambling” by the editor.

This will be the last of my articles as President for the “Filibuster”. Please hold the applause, I can still bore you as Chairman of the Board. As most of you know, we made a commitment at the first of the year to make contact with every member on our “B” list. We needed to do this for two reasons, Coral Gables wanted address corrections and we hoped to increase our membership. We accomplished both, and thanks to all of you who either chose to join us or renew your membership. We had a lot going on in December, we co-sponsored and supplied trainers to the Michigan Jaycees Officers Training School. We also had the opportunity to address the Chapter Presidents and answer questions about the Senate and Senatorships.

At our January meeting, we approved our involvement in the Michigan Jaycee Scholarship Fund which will now also include the Senate name. Then it was off to Tulsa and the National Board of Directors meeting. We had the honor of making the official announcement of Hal’s candidacy for National President.

As I said before, this is my last article as President of the Michigan JCI Senate. I should be thanking everyone by name and number for what they have done this year, both for the Senate and for me personally. In order to do that I would have to list most of the Senate because you have all been great. Without you we would have had a so-so year, but because of you we have had a Great year. So THANK YOU Michigan JCI Senators. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your President. Thank you for memories I shall forever cherish.

I had a great Board of Directors to work with, and would like to say “THANKS” to all of them. We concentrated our efforts primarily on communication between and activation of our Senate membership. Our success showed throughout the year in the large number of participants at the Renaissance Festival, Border Bash, National Board of Directors meetings, and the best attended Post Holiday Party ever. We also established the “Tom Humphrey Memorial Scholarship Fund”.

I had the privilege of being a State President under Hal Krekorian, US JCI Senate President. The high light of my year was at the Michigan Jaycees Fall Convention. We hosted a welcome home reception for Hal. I was given the privilege of being introduced and sat at the head table with Hal and the President of the US Jaycees for the Saturday night banquet.

I had a very exciting Board of Directors. We had a lot of fun and actually accomplished some things. They took a lot of ribbing, sometimes because they were “blessed to be on my board”. I don’t think it had anything to do with the fact that I was a woman! Really, they were all great supporters and I thank each and everyone of them.

My year started off with a bang. We were hosting the Region V Spring Fling. I was chairperson and tried to meet everyone’s needs. It was held in Frankenmuth. What a success! A great time was had by all! OK, OK, so we had 6 inches of snow and I overslept, but I was only a little bit late for my first President meeting. And yes, I do wear sunglasses to most Senate functions. And please don’t believe anyone when they say that my theme was “I don’t care if you come, just have fun”. I made a little mistake and no one lets you forget it. The rest of the year went pretty much the same. It was also the first time in many years that the President of the Senate was introduced and invited to sit at the head table for the Saturday night banquet at our Jaycee convention. Our relationship was quite strong. We were running the First Timers program, doing much of the training programs, and providing most of the judges for quarterly and year end awards.

We lost one of the finest Senators that I know, Tom Humphrey. Tom was not only one of our strongest supporters but he was a good friend to all. I know how much he is missed. We then decided to sponsor a national award for the State President and call it the Tom Humphrey Memorial award. We also made a $1,000 donation for a scholarship to the US JCI Senate Foundation, in Tom’s name.

I had many people who went out of their way to help me. A special thanks to my board, Jerry and Jocelyne, Doug and JoEllen, Ron and Millie, Pat and Sandy, and Mike O’Connell. You helped make my year a wonderful experience. My experience as President was a lot of fun, a learning experience, and enabled me to develop friendships that will last a life time.

And a great time was had by all! It started with a bang at Jackson and just got better. Millie and I can never thank all the wonderful Senators and spouses who made it happen. National Convention in North Carolina. The golf outing was terrific. The rain out of the Renaissance Festival (no money), the family picnic, Ohio pig roast and all the other traditional projects that we ran.

The places we traveled to in Michigan and the USA, representing the Michigan Senate is something Millie and I will never forget. I would also like to thank some very special people who were there to help and give of themselves: Doug and Jo; Jack and Karen; Jerry and Jocelyne; Mike; Tom; and Tim.

With the good that comes also comes much sadness. It was a sad time in our year to say farewell to a dear friend, mentor and just a super person. The passing of Hal Krekorian. He has left us but is not forgotten.

Thanks for the memories and friendships.

The Michigan JCI Senate had a very successful year. Our continuing support of the Michigan Jaycees was formally recognized when we received the Michigan Jaycees “Presidential Award of Excellence”. Internally, we redefined the vice president offices by activity rather than geography and increased our membership. Nationally, 1995 was the inaugural “HalKrekorianMemorial Golf Tournament”.

The year was off to a sleazy start in Gatlinburg, but was quickly followed by being drafted and sworn in under more dignified conditions.

The 1995 adventures started: the Ohio JCI Pig roast; the Michigan Golf Outing; New Orleans – 1st US JCI B.O.D. (city of hand grenades and hurricanes), the Border Bash i.e. Ayers-Malac Wedding; and ended in Gaylord by being honored to be seated on the dais with Mike Marshall, US Jaycees President, and Walt Downes, Michigan Jaycees President, for the Michigan Jaycees 70th Anniversary.

1996 commenced with the US JCI B.O.D. in sunny San Francisco (thank you Pat and Sandy for almost losing the first lady). This was followed by a snowstorm in Grand Rapids for the 1996-97 elections, only to be out done by frigid weather at Region V’s Spring Fling in Aurora, Ohio (ah yes, Bad Frog to keep us warm).

This year has been a year that I will never forget as long as I live. The friendships that I’ve made at meetings and conventions are friendships I will cherish for the rest of my life. I would not have made it this year without the help of a fantastic Board of Directors. Thank you Rich, Mike, Tom, Julie,Donn, Steve, and C.O.B. Lou. Also a special thanks to PatMalac, Mike O’Connell, RonTyszkiewicz, and Steve Fortuna for all your advice and help throughout the year.

My year as president was a very successful one. I had an excellent board of directors who made my job easy. Due to the dedication of the project chairpersons, all of the projects we ran went off without a hitch. I especially want to thank Jack Ryan for all his assistance and for always being there to listen tome when I called. My board members were Bob Allen, Steve Fortuna, SandyMalacand Denny Acre.

The conventions my year were in Buffalo, Clemmons NC, and Biloxi, MS. As you can see by the cast of characters I had, we were never short on opinions. I tried to make the meetings as short as possibleso that Denny Acre asked “aren’t you going to let them ask any questions?” Rich Lindow wasmy hospitality chairman and he made sure I was taken care of, sometimes almost too well taken care of if you know what I mean. I can’t begin to thank all the people that helped, and I will treasure the memories forever.

I’m sure I will repeat what almost all the previous Michigan JCI Presidents said, it was a very memorable year. Pam and I had a great time all over the USA, representing our State. Oh yes, I had a great time in Canada as well. The outings, picnics and meetings all produce some great times and special moments. And the friends we made were beyond any expectations we had in the beginning of the 2000/2001 -year. And sometimes I still think all of this may never have happened, if Lloyd could have gotten one more vote at the Annual Election Meeting in Southgate at the Holiday Inn!

We started with our Allen Park meeting and Kevin Kiska passing the Presidents Pin. Then Rich Lindow took on the Hospitality Chair and we had a great time in Boyne. Then, London Golf, Chattanooga National Meeting (Beating Illinois in the Golf Challenge), Illinois Picnic (and Golf), Ohio Pig Roast (and Golf), Marie and the Family Picnic in Muskegon (No golf), Romulus (and Golf), Joe H and the Woodward Cruise, John & Marie for the Michigan Golf Outing, Van Wert, Denny A and the Renaissance Festival (no golf but LOTS Of RAIN), Idaho (Golf), Kentucky, London Golf again, Brian and the Ohio/Michigan Board Bash (no golf), Cleveland (and a U of M Victory), Houston (and Golf), Dennis K and the Post Holiday Party, Kalamazoo, Indiana, Gatlinburg, Elections in Muskegon, March Spring Fling in Romulus and ending everything in Dayton. I’m sure I missed a lot of events but I will never forget the good times or all the friends (Darlene-Ohio, Brian- Illinois, Chris- Indiana, Jim- Kentucky).

Finally, the biggest event was the beginning of the Michigan JCI Website. John and my son Mike got it up and I’m happy to say it has grown on from there thanks to Paul B. and all his hard efforts. I must also say what a pleasure it was to serve with my longtime JC/JCI friend, President Jerry Wendelken who served as National President in 2000/2001. That helped make the year special.

Again, thank you to Bonnie B., Blanca F. Brian K., Dennis K. Julie C., Marie C., Russ C. the Canadian we converted) my Tutelary Genius, John V., Rich L. and all my board and Senate members and spouses who made the 28th year very special for me, and for Pam.

Well, this is it – my last time reporting to you as your President. It’s been quite a year! Starting in May at Treetops, (who can forget that meeting!) through this past Saturday in Kentwood, every step has been special. I’m not big on this stuff, but let’s get to it.

Thanks to everyone that served with me, Lloyd Rich, Brian Klinge, Denny Kester. You made it easy for me this year. You have been there the whole year, and made me look much better than I should. Special thanks to Marie Chabotte – every month she was bugging us to get our articles in, and then she put out a great newsletter! Couldn’t have asked for more, and we are so lucky that she has agreed to take on this major project again this year. Having done the Filibuster myself, I know the work that goes into it. Thanks also, to all of the chairs of projects this year – yet another great Renaissance Festival – Denny Acre, Woodward Dream Cruise – Pat Malac, Golf Outing – Steve Fortuna, Post Holiday Party – Denny K, Elections Meeting – Lloyd Rich as well as Return the Favor – Tony K, First Timers – Scott Greenlee, Hospitality – Bill Beddoes and Mentors Collections – Wendy Klinge.

You all made it look so easy! And also, thanks in advance to the entire Crusin’ 2003 Committee – Pat Malac, et al. The work you all have put in already is unbelievable, and I know we are going to have one great convention!

Special thanks go to Chris Orem, my Region VP. You were there for guidance when I needed you, and always there as a friend. Also to my friends and fellow presidents from the Region – JoAnn, Brownie, Jerry, JeNie and Rockne, you have all been great friends this year.

And the most special thanks go out to my First Lady, Linda. You have been there every time I needed you, and have supported all of my efforts. There is no way I could have done any of this without you!

Looking forward to the 2003-04 year, things look great. Lloyd has his team together, and everything should just keep on rolling. If you missed it, Lloyd A. Rich is our 31st President. His VPs are Brian Klinge – Programming and Mary Kamsickas – Communications. Our Secretary is Marie Chabotte and our Treasurer is Denny Kester. I know all of you will do a great job!

Before I close, I hope all of you will keep our members we have recently lost in your prayers. We lost Roger Colbert this week. Roger is from Illinois, and was also a Michigan member. We also lost Ken Campbell from Union Lake. While not an active Senator, many of you knew Ken. Any loss is hard, but it hurts even more when it is one of our own. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.

In closing, it has been my honor to serve you this year. I hope my efforts have been up to your expectations. You have all been so helpful, thanks so much. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you, and keeping our traditions alive. Best of luck to Lloyd and his board, I know they will do great!

It seems just like yesterday when I wrote, “how can two simple words say it all?” Time stands still for no man and twelve months have passed and another Michigan JCI Senate year is history. I still think that those two simple words are inadequate when within your being you want to say so much more. However I will use those simple words here …

THANK YOU! … For the opportunity to serve as your President the past year … THANK YOU!… Brian Klinge #60500, Mary Kamsickas #53847, Denny Kester #38041, Marie Chabotte #60692 and Mike Primeau #53290 for your outstanding leadership as you served on this year’s Board Of Directors.

THANK YOU! Pat Malac #41085, Mike O’Connell #40225, Doug Hincker #22200, Jack Ryan #28446, Rich Lindow #40108 and Jerry Wendelken #23161 as you planned and implemented the US JCI National Convention to beat all National Conventions.

Now the torch has been passed, a new JCI Senate year is about to start in Michigan. I am confident that under the leadership of Brian Klinge #60500 and his Board of Directors the tradition of fun, friends and fellowship will continue as they Build A Bridge To The Future. They will need your support, get involved with your Michigan JCI Senate organization. Make plans to attend an event, a Monthly Board Meeting or a Golf Outing.

THANK YOU! … To the Hincker Family, Jo Ellen #62635, Doug #22200 and Mark for a super setting for our Annual Elections Meeting in March. Station 885 went all out for the Michigan JCI Senate from a Welcome by the Owner to a meal cooked to perfection by its Executive Chef, Mark Hincker. Done with Class!

THANK YOU! One and all for making 2003-2004 a year that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Being a Past President of the Michigan JCI Senate is a great honor because of the people you get to work with. My board was a hard-working, fun-loving bunch. Two of my memories of the year included having a JCI World President on my roster and winning the Terry “Stump” Laster Award. Having a great group of Region V Presidents to work with, and a Region V NVP Bev Olson from Illinois that kept me in line helped a lot. I would like to thank everyone involved for one of the most memorable years of my life!

Never forget!

Pay It Forward

Year in review:

Reviewed and approved MI JCI Senate Bylaws
Reviewed and approved MIJCISenate Financial Policies
Officiallylost our main fundraiser and replaced with new projects – some that worked and others not so much:
- Beer and Wine tents at Frontier Days and Bluegrass Festivals (lost money)
- Six poker nights (five on the west-side and one on the east-side) raised over $11,000
- Extending into next year’s budget: Raffle of Detroit Tiger party suite.
Working with MI Jaycees to lobby against changes to the state’s gaming licenses for poker night events (ongoing).
Had what will most likely be the last Woodward Dream Cruise t-shirt sales due to deteriorating conditions of venue.
Brought back the family picnic at Kensington Metro Park.
Brought back board meetings (well, one any away) separate from membership meetings.
If you missed our Post Holiday Party – well, shame on you, because it was OUTSTANDING!! (Actually we dancedmorethanwe stood).
Implemented many new, online features via our website:
- PayPal to pay for dues (first year, annual and lifetime membership), as well as for event registration /payment.
- Shirt and jacket orders (also through PayPal)
- Information Update – helps us keep our database accurate
- Activity Tracker – lets us know where Senators are in assisting and mentoring Jaycee chapters (aka Return the Favor).
Activated a lot of younger (aka Junior) senators who helped to organize meetings, programs and just plain attended events.
The MIJCISenate was present for all MI Jaycees Leadership Conferences (aka conventions) and provided trainers, judges and other support, including celebrating their90thAnniversary along with President Larry and RonnieBohn. (Thank you for braving the elements to come to Michigan.)
The MIJCISenate was also present not only at National Meetings (of which I was not able to make either the fall or winter board meeting due to starting a new job), but had a strong contingency at all region events, including Spring Fling, Bourbon Bash. Border Bash and OH Pig Roast.
We also had a healthy discussion regarding the policies (now called guidelines) for Region V which we endorsed and that I believe will help provide consistency for us in the years to come.
In keeping with President Larry’s theme and recommitting ourselves to the Jaycees, I have managed to visit 24 of our 34 state organizations. At each event I was able to make a face-to-face greeting, offer services on behalf of the senate and heck, I even got to see Senators we don’t necessarily see at meetings (well, now we do).
We said goodbye to many senators this year:
- Steve Jacobs #55769
- Rick Miller #35214
- Senator Ed Howard #35974
- DennisKester#38041
- along with many family members of fellow senators. They will be deeply missed.
And lastly, as we close out the year, we are working to establish our organization as a501c7status with the IRS.