Members Present (37): Beasley, Blueford, Brown, Charlton, Coyle, Davidson, Dobbins, Duncan, Elmore, Fite, A. Glynn, G. Glynn, Hayes, Henderson, Hunter, Keesee, Keenan, Lauer, Lewit, Mason, Mathews, Miles, G. Morris, T. Morris, Parrish, Scaggs, Schendel, Silber, Sutphin, Thompson, Vanhoozier, Vissani, Wade, Williamson, Wilson, Witten, Yearout

Guests (1): Patrick Jensen – Commonwealth Attorney ‐ Montgomery County

Community Service

Call to Order

President Perry called the meeting to order. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a blessing led by Charlton.

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Approval of Previous Minutes

The minutes of the September 17, 2026, meeting were submitted for approval. 

• Motion: Sutphin
• Second: Charlton
  • The motion passed unanimously.

Program- Lauer introduced Patrick Jensen – Commonwealth Attorney ‐ Montgomery County. He is a VT grad and the current Commonwealth Attorney. He replaced Mary Pettit when she retired and is running in a special election unopposed. He served as a prosecutor for city of Martinsville and Roanoke and started here in 2007 as Chief Deputy under Mary Pettit.  His job is to seek justice, do what is right and not necessarily convict people. He has a staff of 7 attorneys along with several assistants and interns.  Patrick went on to explain the Virginia Court System. Substance abuse and mental health are involved with 90% of the cases they see. It costs approximately $200K to incarcerate someone per year.  Therefore, they encourage the Recovery Program to help keep people out of prison. Patrick presented two cases of interest and explained the entire process. The presentation ended with the following thought: “The wheels of justice turn very slowly but grind exceedingly fine.” Good questions and answers followed.

• Committee Reports and Floor Comments

• KWTF-Davidson mentioned the festival went well and Wade stated we made approximately $51K.  From all indications, the vendors are happy and we have 40 preregistered for next year.  Wade also stated he has been the chair since the beginning and is ready to step down. It won’t be immediate, but they will be discussing this at the next KWTF committee meeting and at the recap meeting on 8 October at 3:30 at the Burke and Herbert bank.  All are invited to attend with comments and recommendations or if you want to help. Davidson thanks all the committee members and club members that helped to make this year’s KWTF a success.
• Membership roundup-Wade will start circulating a signup sheet soon.
• Park-Keesee gave an update on upcoming projects, with a presentation on our 15 October meeting.
• LtG Dennis Baugh-Dennis will present an update on the way ahead for Div 16 on 10 October at Wytheville Community College. All members are invited to attend.
• Conditional use permit-Wade stated there will be a public hearing regarding an adjacent property behind the far/small field to open a towing business. This will be presented to council on Monday 9/28. Need to attend the meeting and present any concerns.
• Stage-Henderson thanks all who helped working with the stage.
• Speakers and Events (Please share suggested guest speakers with Bruce Board for scheduling.)
• 10/15/26- Will Shelburne – NRV Regional Commission – Crab Creek Beautification 
• 12/15/26-Annual Children’s Christmas Party at St Paul’s Church.

Meeting Location Changes (2026)

Meetings moved from the Holiday Inn to Kiwanis Park on the following dates:

• October 15, October 29

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Canceled Meetings Due to Holidays

• November 26
• December 24
• December 31

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Additional Comments

Members are reminded to check the weekly attendance roster and record any community service hours completed.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm with no further discussion.

Submitted by:
Bob Lewit
Assistant Secretary