Gateway Region Jaycees

20^th Anniversary Celebration

May 11, 2002

Highland VFW, Highland, IL

Welcome to the Celebration of 20 years for the Gateway Region Jaycees; In 1982 the Great Southwest was divided into the Gateway Region and the Mississippi Valley Region. Over the past 20 years we have seen many chapters and individuals excel. Tonight is the time to celebrate all those good times.

I would like to take time to thank everyone who served on the committee. We have been working on this for the past 5 months and I need to thank these people for their dedication to making this an enjoyable evening.

Brian Gnaedinger Lisa Henke

Marsha & Donnie Maine Marsha Maller

Sandy Sweet Sandi Harpstrite

Beth Roniger Melissa Hampton

Sue Fonke Shelly Hinkle

Michelle Voegele

Jeremy & April Harlan

Take the time tonight to meet the old and the new members. There is no greater organization for friendship. I truly believe the BEST People in the world belong to this organization.

Enjoy,

Diane Rakers, Chairman

Gateway Region Directors

1982-83 Wayne Keifer, New Baden

1983-84 Dave Halm, Bethalto

1984-85 Tom Pollman, Albers

1985-86 Garry Roux, Collinsville

1986-87 Ken Heiman, Albers

1987-88 Larry Ferguson &

Debbie Bertels, Bethalto

1988-89 Rhonda Cook, Bethalto

1989-90 A.J. Boeser, Edwardsville

1990-91 Kurt Schmitz, Breese

1991-92 Gary Litteken, Aviston

1992-93 Mike Korte, St. Jacob

1993-94 Jim Grover, Glen Carbon

1994-95 Kevin Reelitz, Collinsville

1995-96 Brian Gnaedinger, St. Jacob

1996-97 Diane Rakers, Highland

1997-98 Brian "Harpe" Harpstrite, New Baden

1998-99 Donnie Maine, Alhambra

1999 Janet Zerr, Alton-Godfrey

2000 Dean Korte, Highland

2001 Dennis "Booker" Book, Breese

2002 Mike "Spanky" Spillers, Collinsville

Anniversary Program

Happy Hour

Invocation

Amy Hannig

Illinois Jaycees State Chaplain

Dinner

Introduction of Past Region Directors

Guest Speakers

Todd Oliver

2002 Illinois Jaycees President

Lisa & Carlton McGee

Mission Inn

Wayne Keifer

Charter Region Director

Presentation by Gateway Region Senators

Closing Remarks

Mike Spillers

2002 Gateway Region Director

Adjournment with the Jaycee Creed

Dancing~Socializing~Fun

Welcome from the 2002 Region Director…

Thank you all for coming to help us celebrate the last twenty years of Jaycees in the Gateway Region, and congratulations to all of you for taking advantage of the opportunity of being a past or current member of the greatest young person's organization in the world. I am very proud to call myself the 21st Gateway Region Director and I hope I am invited to the 50th anniversary celebration in thirty years when we are still going strong.

Gateway Region Director #21

Mike 'Spanky' Spillers

****CARPE DIEM****

Thank You For Your Support…

We would like to thank the following chapters and businesses for helping to make our celebration a success.

Albers Jaycees

Alhambra Jaycees

Bethalto Jaycees

Breese Jaycees

Collinsville Jaycees

Greenville Jaycees

Highland Jaycees

New Baden Jaycees

Korte Construction

Nurt's DJ Service

Donnewald Distribution

Pizzini

Wayne Keifer 1982-1983

The Right Way, The Gateway!

On your Theme…

It was our first year and we wanted to have a good foundation for the future to build on.

On becoming RD…

It was an opportunity. I happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Fondest memory of RD year…

The friendships made, which have become lifelong friendships.

One thing you would change…

More experience before taking the position.

What you gained…

Patience with people and the ability to listen, not to dictate.

Best Advice to new Jaycees…

Be focused, be aggressive. Do not dwell on the “No’s” or the negative. Just move forward.

Tom Pollman 1984-1985

Gateway Hunters - Always On Target

On your theme…

Gateway Hunters Always on Target: I didn't have time to think of one so I used Dave Halms. Too busy traveling and working around the region.

On becoming RD…

I had seen all the benefits from serving in my own community and wanted to be involved on the region & state level. The experience and training opportunities are unbelievable. Also wanted to be a better speaker and knew taking this position would do that.

Fondest memory of RD year…

Seeing the people we recruited in the beginning of the year excel and become successful in our organization. Watching new and old Jaycees evolve in to leaders. Also all the friendship that were made that year and beyond. And probably most important memory is starting the Lebanon Jaycees which eventually recruited Diane Rakers into this organization.

One thing you would change…

I would have been RD before Dave Halm instead of after.

What you gained being RD…

Becoming a better speaker and leader.

Best Advice to new Jaycees…

Don't wait, Don't think about it, Just Do it. Take an active roll in your local chapter.

Additionally…

If you want to keep your memories, first you have to live them- Bob Dylan Get out there & make some memories.

Garry Roux 1985-1986

Gateway Candy Company

On The Theme…

The Gateway Candy Company “Baby Roux Bars” A Mouthful of Nuts In Every Bite. Ask John Baro, in a drunken stuper, he had a brain fart. Our goal was to show how much fun you can have by traveling and meeting new members.

On Becoming RD…

Seemed like the Right Thing To Do! Main Reason: Try to show and teach other people what Jaycees did for me and what it could do for them.

Fondest memory of RD year…

There are SO MANY! But I guess the friendships that I made because nothing is more valuable than friendship! That lasts a lifetime.

One thing you would change…

In looking back, probably should have taken better care of my health and probably shouldn’t have drank so much! But I’m still alive and kicking, so what the hell - Let’s Party!

What you gained being RD…

That if there’s a will there’s a way. If you can get people to give up their time for free; what can you do when there’s a monetary reward (money, paycheck). And a stepping stone to becoming Area Vice President for Area #3 (Southern IL) and that would be a book to tell that story.

Best Advice to new Jaycees…

Do the right thing for the right reasons and have fun doing it. Same as I’ve always said!

Ken Heiman, 1986-1987

Ken Heimann hailed from the Albers Jaycees. He had been a DD and then decided to take the RD leadership roll. Ken had a very good growth year and helped the Gateway Region to succeed. One thing that we remember is the GA held at the Clarion in St. Louis hosted by the Edwardsville Jaycees. That was the first time the Gateway Region had ever hosted a year-end convention. Ken is currently living in Litchfield, IL.

Larry Ferguson, 1987-1988

On Your Theme…

That everyone should have the opportunity to be a Jaycees, so you will need to ask everyone.

Why Did You Want to Become RD…

To lead the greatest region of Jaycees that there are.

Fondest Memory of Your RD Year…

Trying to explain to President Mike Casteel why we will not be able to renew the 250 members signed by one of our chapters the previous year, since they were all six feet under ground.

One thing you would change…

Tell President Mike that I was elected by the Gateway Region Jaycees and not him and to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine.

Best Advice to New Jaycees…

Remember that you are only ONE that you cannot do everything, but the things that you can do, do the best you can and have fun.

Debbie Durbin (Bertels) 1987-1988

On Becoming RD…

I took over during the middle of the year.

Fondest memory of RD year…

Working with the Aviston Jaycees on the Highland Extension.

One thing you would change…

To be Region Director for a full year.

What you gained being RD…

The friendships that were made with people throughout the region.

Best Advice to new Jaycees…

Become Involved. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and meet new people.

Rhonda Cook, 1988-1989

Believing and Achieving

On Your Theme…

At Hours of Power in Tulsa at JC Headquarters, I heard some past National presidents give speeches intended to build enthusiasm. One told the story of how James Brown, the greatest NFL Running Back at the time, told a child-aged OJ Simpson, who was in leg braces, that if OJ BELIEVED he could grow up and break all the NFL running back records, then he could do it. The story ended with James Brown at a dinner where OJ Simpson was recognized as breaking those records. If you believe, you can do anything. That’s the way it is with Jaycees. If you BELIEVE, YOU CAN ACHIEVE! That story has stayed with me even today. I think about it every time I see James Brown doing commentary for NFL games. You see, Believing and Achieving goes beyond Jaycees – it’s a way of life! You can never stop believing in your self and your abilities.

Why Did You Want to Become RD…

After serving the Illinois Jaycees as State Chairman for St. Jude’s and as Community Development vice President. I wanted to bring everything I had learned back home.

Fondest Memory of Your RD Year…

Watching the Gateway Region carry AJ Boeser to the front at the State Convention.

One thing you would change…

I wish I would have taken the time to submit a year-end book – not so much for me, but because the region deserved to be recognized for the great year they had.

What you gained being RD…

Besides friends, public speaking experience and learning how best to manage my time. The greatest thing I gained personally from Jaycees was meeting my husband!

Best Advice to New Jaycees…

Never give up. You can do anything! When a project seems too overwhelming, don’t walk away, simply ask for help. One of the easiest ways to attract new members is by inviting them to get involved on a project – especially fun, yet productive one; e.g. Haunted Housed with proceeds going to pay for Holiday Food Baskets.

A.J. Boeser, 1989-1990

So Excited

On Your Theme…

I wanted to get all the Jaycees in the region excited about the Jaycees & share that excitement in their communities.

Why Did You Want to Become RD…

I had a good year as a DD and just wanted to carry that excitement over.

Fondest Memory of Your RD Year…

Many, Many, Many, Many, Many, Many, to choose from, but two that really stand out are my beautiful, kind, caring, supportive wife of 20 years, Laurie, winning the special person award and my year end convention. The convention was held up north and there were so many Gateway Jaycees that it was like a Gateway Banquet. It was so great watching the deserving Gateway Jaycees bring home the wood.

One thing you would change…

To finish #1 in the 3^rd quarter ahead of Richard Cranium, want to be from the Mississippi Valley Region, Sid Le Grand and I’d drink more ski.

What you gained being RD…

The friendships from all over the state and especially in the region.

Best Advice to New Jaycees…

To get involved and have fun.

Additionally…

Refer back to the advice because believe me if you do those two things it is contagious. You’ll have many, many more Jaycees doing less work and having more fun.

Always remember: All of your talents and abilities are your gifts from God. What you do with those talents and abilities are you gift to God.

A Heartfelt Thanks….

The Gateway Region would like to sincerely thank Diane Rakers for all of her efforts to make this night happen. From coordinating dates, times and meetings to working endless hours to ensure that we could all enjoy a night to remember. Without Diane’s vision for this celebration, it wouldn’t have been possible. We truly appreciate every that you’ve done.

CONGRATULATIONS!

The 2002 Gateway Region Board Congratulates the Great Gateway on 20 years of “Leadership Training Through Community Service”. Throughout those 20 years the local chapters have supported their communities in various ways. From fest and homecomings to St. Jude’s, Camp New Hope ad the Red Cross. From Regional Meetings, Awards, GA’s and Visitations. The Jaycees have done it all, but through everything we have been together as friends and Jaycees.

Look around tonight, you’ll see many friends (new and old) that you’ve made through the Jaycees and take a moment to remember all that the Gateway has meant to you. Be proud to be a JAYCEE!

Here’s to another 20 year….

Kurt Schmitz 1990-1991

Jayceemania – The Ultimate Force

On your theme…

Theme (Jayceemania - The Ultimate Force) was inspired by 89-90 Bartelso President Tom Hemker; he said it with such conviction when I came to my first Bartelso meeting as a DD that it had to live on... Note inside my region directory of 90-91 says Jayceemania was "Used By Permission". "Tuff Enough" was the region song. TUF (The Ultimate Force, get it? No one else did either.. Oh well.)

On Becoming RD…
To serve, to the best of my ability, the great Jaycees of the Gateway and to reach new heights of enthusiasm building from the previous year.

Fondest memory of RD year…

Reaching the highest membership and chapter totals in the history of the Gateway region, 1,100+ members in 29 chapters (something like that, it's been a long time), and winning a weight-loss bet with AJ by standing on a meat scale in a restaurant kitchen in downtown Louisville, KY.

One thing you would change…

Never to have stepped foot in Panama or Sorento, ever. (Ask AJ and/or Sid and/or Baro about this one.)

What you gained being RD…
Created friendships that will last a lifetime, got wonderful insight into the power of volunteerism, and met my future wife at a Jaycee Christmas Party.

Best Advice to new Jaycees…

Bring a friend to every meeting, and never let dues become a chapter discussion, and above all else meet people and have fun.

Gary Littenken, 1991-1992

Team Spirit

On Your Theme…

Team Spirit; Together we can. It takes every JC member to accomplish the end result.

Why Did You Want to Become RD…

Nobody else wanted the job and I felt that somebody needed to do it.

Fondest Memory of Your RD Year…

Besides getting engaged, traveling to different Jaycee chapters, meeting new people, and starting a new beginning for the Alton-Godfrey Chapter.

One thing you would change…

Designate all my time to my RD year because I was fully involved with my local chapter Aviston.

What you gained being RD…

You needed to spread yourself to a lot of people and managing your time the best you could.

Best Advice to New Jaycees…

Get involved right away because you don’t know what the future is going to bring you.

Additionally…

The region was in financial hurt but at the end there was money in the checkbook. There were a few great years before me so some of the leaders thought that membership was going to take dive. The membership did decrease but I figured it would have been worse if nobody took the RD Position.

Mike Korte 1992-1993

Forever Young

On your theme…

I don't know. I made my home chapter come up with a theme because I thought themes were dumb and we had more important things to do.

On Becoming RD…

John Baro -Wayne Keifer-Garry Roux All decided that I didn't need to be a District Director two hours before the election because they had failed to get Diane Rakers to say yes to being RD. PS - they used a lot of beer to convince me.

Fondest memory of your RD year…

My first close out night. ALL chapters were in by 6pm and we were at +42 for the month.

One thing you would change…

I really can't think of anything. It was my favorite year and the Gateway Region was working together and the rest of the state was wondering how we were doing it.

What you gained being RD…

Friends from all over the state and even the U.S.

Best Advice for New Jaycees…

Listen when all the old people (usually in the back of the room) say they think you ought to move on up the Jaycee Ladder - Get out and visit other chapters and meet other people (some of them will be your best friends for life)

Additionally…

I have always hated paperwork, but some of it must be done!

Jim Grover 1993-1994

Precious Time

On Your Theme…

The present is your most ‘Precious Time’

Why Did You Want to Become RD…

I wanted to commit a year of my life; spending as much of my time as possible to service the GREAT Gateway Region.

Fondest Memory of Your RD Year…

My fondest memory is the four regional meetings, over 100 people have a good time and screaming the enthusiasm is something I’ll always remember.

One thing you would change…

Just one thing? Obviously, in hindsight, there are several things I would change or do differently.

What you gained being RD…

I gained a year of some of the most fun experiences in my lifetime. Yes, There were some bad experiences but those memories have been nudged aside, actually run over and squashed, by the recollections of the fun time and the smiling faces.

Best Advice to New Jaycees…

The Jaycees is an organization that offers numerous benefits to each individual. Decide what you want out of the Jaycees and find a way to achieve the goal but keep your “life” priorities and HAVE FUN.

Kevin Reelitz, 1994-1995

Soar with the Eagles

The Gateway Region wishes to remember Kevin Reelitz, a past Region Director who died this past year. Kevin took the job as RD in 1994 and 1995. During that year the Gateway Region and many of the chapters ran projects to raise money to send Rick Wessel, who is paralyzed from the shoulders down, to California for a new treatment. The region board traveled across the Region with Kevin, Melanie, Linda, John and Rick. Kevin was always ready to lend a helping hand at each project. Over half of the chapters in the Region chaired projects for Rick, which raised over $15,000.00 and he was able to attend this new treatment.

When Kevin joined the Jaycees he was confined to a wheelchair and by the time he was RD he was walking with a cane (which we believe he never hit any Jaycee w/ it). He had determination in his personal life and in the Jaycees. His theme was Soar with the Eagles. Eagles are powerful, majestic, strong, & beautiful and I’m sure Kevin thought this was awesome icon for the region.

We don’t know how, but someway Kevin talked Rob “Robo” Rovles, President of Albers, into chairing the Fairmont City Jaycees extension. I believe many of the Albers Jaycees involved worked hard to not see this extension completed, but Kevin was determined and there was a Fairmont City Jaycee Chapter that year. Personally, I believe one of the greatest gifts he gave was new material for Jeff Winkeler, Robo, Kurt Rickhoff, & Mike Korte to use when out and about.

The Gateway Region thanks Kevin for his service and dedication to the commitment of the Jaycees and the Gateway Region. You will be missed.

Brian Gnaedinger 1995-1996

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

We're Going Against The Grain

On Your Theme…

That I went in reverse order..State VP first, then Region Director.

On Becoming RD…

After being State VP, I understood what an RD needed to do and our region was ready to be rejuvenated.

Fondest memory of RD year…

How the Region came together and helped each other out.

One thing you would change…

To be able to reward more Individuals and chapters that year.

What you gained being RD…

Friendship, Determination and Public Speaking Skills. But, most of all a Family.

Best Advice for New Jaycees…

Don't be afraid to step up in this organization. You don't know where it might take you.

Diane Rakers 1996-1997

Life's A Dance, You Learn As You Go

On your theme…

My theme was “Life’s a Dance; You learn as you Go”. To me this theme said to never stop trying. It was taken from the song by John Michael Montgomery. If what you tried the first time didn’t work; dust yourself off and try again.

On becoming RD…

There is one main reason way I decided to be Region Director and it was because of Brian Gnaedinger. He had been on the state level and decided to come back and be Region Director because he believes that this is the BEST region in the entire state. He showed me what it really meant to be RD. There are many others that tried for years and their influence also helped make the decision. It was also easy because I had so many great people volunteer to be on my board. I thought we could make a difference.

Fondest memory of your RD year?

There are many. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of my RD year is all the fun that we had. We tried everything and went everywhere. There was not a region, state or national event that we did not attend. We fought to be to be #1 each month and succeeded. Everyone was traveling and having fun. We had 8 of the Top 10 chapters in the POC race. Other things that I think of are the region newsletter, Airplane ID in Alton-Godfrey, Breese telling me they could only be #10 in the parade of chapters (ended up #2), St. Jacob sending me a piece of wood in the mail, Jeff Winkeler and his continued support (& his story of how he had to use his nub to scrap off the window, blah, blah) TOYA (& castles), Mike Marshall the National President, The Bus, all the many friends I made, and the list goes on and on. And the final thing I need to mention is Alhambra winning the Giessenbier. For many years the Gateway had been ripped off (in my opinion of course) for this award and it came home where it belongs that year.

One thing your would change…

The one thing I would have changed is it wouldn’t have lasted just one year with the exception of closeouts!

What you gained being RD…

Probably the biggest thing I gained was self-confidence. I never thought in a million years anyone would follow me. Boy was I wrong. The respect that was given to me will never be forgotten. I have never had so much fun in my life.

Best Advice for New Jaycees…

Don’t waste a minute of your time as a Jaycees. Take advantage of every opportunity. Don’t only be active in your chapter, but take the time to visit other chapters and state events. Make your chapter what you want it to be. And believe that you can do it.

Additionally…

A quote:

Don’t let what you can’t do get in the way of what you can do.

Brian "Harpe" Harpstrite

Right Now, It's Your Tomorrow

On your theme…

It kind of has two meanings. 1 – You need to think about your future now, because everything you do affects it. 2 -- There was a running joke, people would ask what time it is and I would always answer “right now”?

On becoming RD…

I had a really good DD year and there was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. I decided to see if I could continue that for another year, with a larger group.

Fondest memory of your RD year?

Tigger sliding across the dance floor and Smintz. But the best memory is from my last Regional, 2 bus loads of kids coming from Six Flags Broke down and the kid were brought to the Legion. The kids were stuck in the back room, we decided to see if we could get them to the dance area. We were told that all the alcohol had to go, so it went. The DJ stayed and the kids danced until 3am. State President Mike Barrett was there the whole time too. At the Year End GA, we weren’t up for a lot of awards, but Mike related the story to everyone at the banquet and we got a standing ovation from the whole room. I really felt proud of my region and our focus on kids and families that year.

One thing your would change…

I wish I didn’t bring the Gator Stomp to the GA’s – Do you know how long that song is? I also would have sent out more postcards and thank you notes to presidents and others.

What you gained being RD…

A respect for how hard the job is and the traveling involved and I learned to delegate. I also made a lot of great friends throughout the Region and the State.

Best Advice for New Jaycees…

Get involved! This is the greatest organization. Don’t be afraid to try something different. Just because a project didn’t work last time someone did it, doesn’t mean it won’t work at all. Also, listen to the senators, they know a lot, but not everything. Most all, HAVE FUN!

Additionally…

This organization is many things to a lot of people. To some it’s a social thing or it’s community, it’s political, it’s improving your writing & speaking skills or to make a difference I someone’s life. To everyone that’s stuck around for more then 10 years, it’s the whole thing. There are 2 mottos that sum it up for me. 1) The light at the end of the tunnel might be you. 2) To the world you are 1 person, but to 1 person you are the world. Service to humanity is the BEST WORK OF LIFE!

Donnie Maine

Mission Possible: Find One or Make One

On your theme…

A mission possible

On Becoming RD…
To help the region and chapters within.

Fondest Memory of RD Year…

When I met a mother and son that we were going to send to Camp New Hope and the child wanted to give me his Lou Brock baseball card that his dad gave him, since we were sending him to camp. (no, I didn't take the card)

One thing I would change…
There is nothing I would like to change, I look at it all as a positive experience.

What your gained being RD…
The greatest thing I gained was my wife.

Best Advice for New Jaycees…

Work hard, play hard, sign new members, travel often & that's horseshit.

Janet Zerr 1999

Simply The Best

On your theme…
I was RD at a time the region and state organization were going through a lot of stress with the year change. I felt we had lost our focus by getting so tied up in all the year change politics and that we were forgetting the we were
"Simply the Best" region in the state.

On Becoming RD…
I don't know that I decided! At the time I was serving as Presidential Assistant to Illinois State President Herman Schwantz and the Gateway Region had no one to step up to be RD for the short year. So I actually think the position found me.

Fondest memory of RD year…
Working with the individual chapters as they struggled to deal with the year change. Each chapter handled it differently, but helping them figure out what would work best for them and then sticking with those decisions was a very rewarding and educational experience. And the friends I made along the way.

One thing you would change…
During my year chapters were dealing with a lot of issues, which caused us all to lose focus on why we became Jaycees. If I could change one thing I would like it to have been that we would have been able to see past the
tension and remember why we all became Jaycees in the first place.

What you gained being RD…
I learned that sometimes you have to put personal feeling aside to help people move forward, and that it is much better to forgive and forget than to carry a grudge. And that no matter what things can always get worse!

Best Advice for New Jaycees…
You will get out of the Jaycees what you put into it - so go out and have a great time, meeting lots of wonderful people, and develop friendships that will last forever.

Dean Korte 2000

Keep Your Eye On The Ball

On your theme…

I was trying to get people to think about getting back to the basics of Jaycees such as visiting and getting new people involved and having a good time. Much like the basic premise behind every sport is "Keep your eye on the ball"

Why did you decide to be Region Director?

I wish I could remember.