by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Members of the Meninak Club of Jacksonville used their programs and efforts of 2009 to celebrate its 90 years of history while still turning its eye toward the future. During its first meeting of 2010 Monday, it did both.
The meeting, as it has been in past years, was a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the civic organization’s president and many committee members whose efforts made the organization a success within the community, while ushering in a new group to continue momentum.
“I know time flies when you’re having fun,” said Immediate Past-President Bunky Johnson, who admitted to having mixed emotions on the day. “It’s been an honor ... it’s been one of the best years of my life.”
Johnson said one of the most fulfilling things he accomplished during his tenure was the accomplishment and progress of initiatives — such as the devout push for the group’s mentoring reach in the community — other leaders and he put forth at the beginning of 2009.
“We sat down, set some identifiable goals and then went out and did them,” said Johnson, who said he now plans to become an even larger part of the mentoring program within the group. “I feel like we put some things in place for the future.”
Johnson turned over the organization’s presidential duties to Kent Lindsey, who said during his introductory speech he plans on building on Johnson’s initiatives while creating a few of his own. His plan included what he called establishing “the three Ms”: membership, mentorship and magic.
“Magic, my friends, is something that’s right here in this room,” said Lindsey. “Through friendship, through fellowship ... we laugh, we cry and we have fun together, and that is magic.”
Lindsey said the giving aspect of the organization will continue to grow under his leadership and that the group will continue its efforts and not become complacent or a mere social gathering — something he said the members already realize.
“Meninak is not here for you,” said Lindsey. “You are here for Meninak and Meninak is here for this city.”
Much as Johnson laid out plans last year to celebrate the organization’s history and look toward the future, Lindsey announced a special dedication throughout the year for members to dissect and understand the credo to realize their full potential as members in the community and walk away “feeling good” after every meeting.
In addition to the many recognitions bestowed upon the group’s many committee members, the Gladys Harris Award was presented to Jim Rinaman Jr. Named after the group’s longtime executive secretary, the annual award goes to the member who has contributed outstanding achievements throughout the year.
“I knew Gladys Harris,” said Rinaman during his acceptance, before joking, “and I don’t think she’d approve of this.”
As for the organization moving forward, Johnson said he believes the organization will continue to makes strides with its current (and those yet to be) members that will ultimately benefit the community.
“The future of Meninak is incredibly bright,” said Johnson.
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