Kendallville Rotary Club

Kendallville Rotary Club Kendallville Rotary Club is a service club dedicated to serving our communities locally and internat Main St., Kendallville, IN

Kendallville Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 6:15 at the American Legion location at 322 S.

The Biannual Noble County Trail Clean-Up by the Kendallville Rotary Club:
08/19/2026

The Biannual Noble County Trail Clean-Up by the Kendallville Rotary Club:

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ROTARY RAZZ  — Aug. 11, 2026 Fun at the family picnicIt was a fun night at the annual Kendallville Rotary Club Family Pi...
08/12/2026

ROTARY RAZZ — Aug. 11, 2026



Fun at the family picnic

It was a fun night at the annual Kendallville Rotary Club Family Picnic at Bixler Lake Park. The weather cooperated and the catered meal was enjoyed by a good group of Rotarians and family members.

The winner of the annual egg-toss contest was Sam Tipton and his 7-year-old daughter, Amelia. (See pictures).

We sang happy birthday to Rotarian Fred Kreigh's 5-year-old granddaughter, Rilynn.

08/11/2026

New Strand Owner Has Big Plans
Ruben Sholinyan — New Strand Theatre Owner
New owner: Ruben Sholinyan took over the Strand Theatre this spring.

Historic theater:
Opened in 1890 as the Spencer Opera House.
Became the Strand Theatre in 1928.
One of Indiana’s oldest continuously operated theaters.

How Ruben found the Strand:
Came to Kendallville originally to look for a house—not a theater.
Became fascinated with the Strand and the community’s efforts to preserve it.
Worked with local leaders, Midwest America Federal Credit Union and Brightpoint

Community Development Fund to finance the purchase.
Kept his down payment low so more money could be invested in theater improvements.

Movies & challenges:
Recent blockbusters, including Odyssey and the new Spider-Man: Far from Home, have helped attendance.
Unfortunately, the projector for Odyssey quit just before his Rotary presentation.
“We might become the Spider-Man theater for a couple of weeks,” Ruben joked while working to get the second projector running.

Community involvement:
Partnering with local businesses such as Hosler Realty for free, family-friendly summer matinees.
Wants to expand partnerships and community events at the Strand.

Future dream: Create a Kendallville Film Festival, featuring short films submitted by filmmakers, judged and shown to local audiences through tickets or festival passes.

Ruben’s background:
Raised in Grand Rapids and graduated with degrees in accounting and economics.
Worked for audit firms and other businesses for about a decade.
Spent seven years, off and on, pursuing acting in Los Angeles.
Appeared in independent films and comedy projects.
Studied at Playhouse West in L.A. and performed with Second City in Chicago.

Ticket prices: Intends to keep the Strand's affordable prices:
Adults: $6
Kids/Seniors: $4

Reasonably priced refreshments remain an important source of theater revenue.
Also introduced: Traci Surber, a Kendallville-area native and the Strand’s new general manager.

Ruben said he is encouraged by the community’s response and looks forward to continued success with community support.
Announcements & Club News
🎂 Birthday: The club sang “Happy Birthday” to newest member Devin Gingerich.

🎵 Rotary Song: Al Huth led the club in singing “R-O-T-A-R-Y.”

🎟️ Drawing: Larry Doyle was sergeant and drew Tyler as the winner—along with R.J., who somehow managed to lose the winning card.
The good news: the $200+ pot will continue to grow.

🚶 Noble Trails: Larry congratulated the leadership team, especially Terry Gaff and Tom Jansen, for completing the trail route from Kammerer Road to Sylvan Cellars.

⚾ Outdoor Sports Complex: Tom celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first baseball game at the complex.
Devin added a brag buck because he played in that first game 20 years ago.
And, contrary to Terry Housholder’s story, Devin apparently did NOT strike out four times in Game 1—despite Terry claiming he covered the game for The News Sun.
Upcoming Programs & Events
8/11 – Family Picnic
Rotary Pavilion at the Sports Complex
Bring the whole family!
Sign-up sent by Matt
Chair: Julia Tipton

8/18 – Fishing Line Trail Cleanup — CHANGE OF DATE
Meet at the Trail Parking Area/Terry’s garage
Just southwest of the trail crossing on SR 3
5:30 p.m.
Gather afterward at Wings ETC
Chair: Terry Gaff
8/25 – OPEN

Program currently available
Ideas welcome!

9/1 – District 6540 Governor Terri Rickel
Board meeting with Terri at 5:30 p.m.
Regular meeting follows

9/8 – Program assigned to LaToya
Program details to come

9/15 – Daycare Cleanup
Chair: Dave Hunter

9/22 – Animakers Space at the CLC
Presented by Sam Tipton
Presented by: Julia Tipton

9/25 – Oak Farm Fall Fest
Kendallville Rotary volunteers to cook porkburgers
Friday

9/29 – 5th Tuesday at Sylvan Cellars
Chair: Terry Gaff

10/3 & 10/4 – Apple Festival
All hands-on deck!

10/6 – Program assigned to Larry Doyle
Larry reportedly already has a great idea.
Future Program Opportunity
Bobbi Grill has offered a presentation about her recent African safari.
Available after September 15.
Date to be determined.

TH

Kendallville Rotary: Just a bunch of do-gooders serving the local community.
08/03/2026

Kendallville Rotary: Just a bunch of do-gooders serving the local community.

https://youtube.com/shorts/qZhUVSg8R6Q?si=VOgB8PghqGTVs5atThe RAZZ Minutes of July 28, 2026The much-anticipated, never-d...
07/29/2026

https://youtube.com/shorts/qZhUVSg8R6Q?si=VOgB8PghqGTVs5at

The RAZZ Minutes of July 28, 2026

The much-anticipated, never-duplicated (and why would anyone want to?) RAZZ is back!

We kicked off with what may have been the longest Club Assembly in history. Well done—sort of like overcooking a perfectly good steak.

After the bell and prayer, Jim Jansen was denied lunch by the Legion. Whether it was “no shirt, no shoes,” or simply “NO service,” remains a mystery.

Al E. handled the drawing, and Alyssa somehow managed to pull both our newest member, Devon, and Scott Frick from the hat. She may have a future as a magician. Unfortunately, neither found the joker, so the jackpot climbed to around $200.

Larry demonstrated he could be a kinder, gentler sergeant—at least until Al Roush’s message was read, suggesting that kindness may have been a mistake. We eagerly await Al’s return.
RJ delivered an inspiring and educational induction as we officially welcomed Devon, arguably the longest-tenured guest in club history. I had begun to think he was too smart to join—but apparently not. He also became the first member during my tenure to receive a two-name badge, proving he’s wisely keeping his options open.

To celebrate, Devon received a truly unforgettable gift: an obscure (translation: Detroit Tigers) bobblehead. Try to contain your excitement.

We also received an update on Legs for the Legless, the Finnish-led charity providing prosthetic limbs in India. At about $50 per prosthetic, it’s an incredible program and one well worth our continued support.

Tom encouraged everyone to read the Rotary International President’s letter in the latest magazine, saying its message really hits home.

RJ is applying for a district grant to purchase shade tents for the YMCA summer camp, giving campers some relief from baking in the parking lot.

Financially, the club is in excellent shape. Our commitments to the YMCA and Noble Trails Endowment will conclude in 2026, and barring any catastrophic events, we’ll be in a position to consider additional projects next year.

Upcoming Events
•August 11: Family Picnic at the Rotary Pavilion in the Sports Complex. Tyrone’s Dawgs food truck may be available, so plan to buy dinner and enjoy the evening. Feel free to bring your skateboard and demonstrate how adults rediscover broken bones.

•August 18: Trail cleanup. Meet at Terry’s barn, just north of Public’s Plaza, at 5:30 p.m.

•October 3–4: Apple Festival. This will be Matt’s final year leading the event. (The only thing more surprising would have been Tyler’s successful run.) When the sign-up sheet comes around, please volunteer. It takes all of us to keep this outstanding fundraiser going.

The new membership brochure looks great. It even includes a QR code that, if you stare long enough, bears an uncanny resemblance to Matt Rickey’s profile…right down to the teenage acne.

Next week’s program features Ruben from The Strand. Bring your rye bread, sauerkraut, and your appetite.

I’d sign this report…but who’d want their name attached to it?

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God Bless SuzAnne Handshoe
07/04/2026

God Bless SuzAnne Handshoe

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

I think everyone who attended the 2026 inaugural celebration had a great time. With Sylvan Cellars as the backdrop, club...
06/24/2026

I think everyone who attended the 2026 inaugural celebration had a great time. With Sylvan Cellars as the backdrop, club members and those they invited had a chance to mingle, kibbutz, and dine as the Kendallville Rotary Club finished its fiscal year. In the pictures attached to this post, you will see the outgoing president (Terry Gaff), the incoming president (RJ Ruse), and a series of people from the community who won Paul Harris Fellowship awards (Common Grace head Angie Kidd and Kendallville Police Chief/Yankee fan John Dixon). Also, there is a cool aerial view of my worn out but comfortable pair of boat dockers.

ROTARY RAZZ (Terry Housholder) — June 23, 2026

Angie Kidd, John Dixon honored

Angie Kidd, longtime executive director of Common Grace Ministries in Noble County, and Kendallville Police Chief John Dixon were honored by the Kendallville Rotary Club Tuesday night as recipients of the Paul Harris Fellow awards. The club donated $1,000 in their names to the Rotary Foundation. A Paul Harris Fellow designation is one of the most prestigious honors in Rotary. Named after the founder of Rotary, the recognition acknowledges an individual’s outstanding commitment to the organization’s humanitarian goals. Kidd has been affiliated with Common Grace since November 2012. Dixon has been with the Kendallville Police Department for 29 years and was named police chief by Mayor Lance Waters in 2024. Dixon previously served as East Noble School Corp’s resource officer for 17 years.

Other recipients of Paul Harris Fellow honors were Craig Lichlyter (his second), Fred Kreigh (his seventh) and Breakfast Club members Terry Gaff (plus one) and R. J. Rush (his third).

Other incoming officers and members of the board of directors for 2026-2027 are: Jim Jansen, president-elect; Diana McCereery, secretary; Denis Landers, treasurer; and board members LaToya Kelham, Matt Rickey, Julia Tipton, Alexia Zawadzke and Terry Gaff as immediate past president.

Announcements

Upcoming programs: June 30 – Fifth Tuesday meeting with area clubs at Sylvan Cellars; July 7, Terry Gaff; July 14, Eric Blackman; July 21, Jerry Jansen Lake Outing; July 28, Club Assembly.

5th Tuesday GatheringTo All Who Belong to Rotary District 6540:The Kendallville Rotary Club invites all members of Distr...
06/03/2026

5th Tuesday Gathering

To All Who Belong to Rotary District 6540:

The Kendallville Rotary Club invites all members of District 6540 to meet at

Sylvan Cellars
2725 E Northport Rd
Rome City, Indiana

Tuesday, June 30 @ 6:00pm.

Those present are free to purchase dinner and drinks from the establishment.

The goal is to have Rotary members from various clubs sit together, socialize, and swap success stories so that each club may grow stronger.

Please check out the link BELOW if you are planning to attend.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWrpLau_KfIao-fYXvjZjjGxPrwx8bOrsdQc4saylqU-WoTw/viewform?usp=dialog

Note: There will be a $5 cover charge only for each Rotarian to help with room rental). No cover for spouses/significant others or prospective members.

Hope to see you there!

Terry Gaff: Kendallville Rotary President

Date: June 30 Time: 6:00pm Place: Sylvan Cellars (Red Room) Dinner and Drinks: Every attendee orders from the Sylvan Cellars Menu.

Three East Noble High School sophomores were present to give a presentation regarding their leadership opportunity provi...
05/28/2026

Three East Noble High School sophomores were present to give a presentation regarding their leadership opportunity provided the Kendallville Rotary Club and their financial support of a group called Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). The hope is that this trio will prod others to become persons of leadership and service.

Check out the Rotary RAZZ below:

RAZZ for May 26, 20260:00 introduction2:12 announcements6:16 happy birthday, Alexia6:36 RJ prep for presidency8:22 raffle9:40 Brag bucks11:02 pork burger rep...

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Kendallville, IN

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6pm - 7pm

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