Area Club

WIT AND WISDOM CLUB

The Wit and Wisdom Club recently held the final meeting of its 105th year, and hosts Emily and Dan Reneker held the meeting at their home in Van Buren County.

The Renekers were assisted by Arvin and Grace Bogaards and Jerry and Sue Long.

President Keevin Koch called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Secretary Sue Long called roll and read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were approved as read. Treasurer Jerry Long reported there was no change in the club?s bank account from the previous meeting; the club is still solvent.

Koch called upon Rodger Gillaspie, chairman of the nominating committee for next year?s officers, for a report. Gillaspie said the committee nominated Arvin Bogaards, president; Sheri Neff, vice president; Sue Long, secretary; and Jerry Long, treasurer. The recommended slate of officers for 2011-2012 was approved unanimously.

Before introducing the program, Koch thanked the members for his year in office and all those who had helped make it a successful one. He expressed hope his successor would enjoy being president as much as he had.

Julie Hanshaw?s husband, Army 1st Sergeant Greg Hanshaw, gave the program using numerous photographs and posters.

Hanshaw will conclude his 30-year career with the 34th Army Band next month. He touched briefly on the early history of the band and why he decided to enlist after finishing high school, thereby becoming one of several third-generation members of the organization. He told of several trips to Europe and the various concerts played, with trips usually done aboard army air transports. He also told about his participation in a Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Carson, Colo., in which he had to learn the bugle calls for a variety of commands which are transmitted today over public address systems.

Throughout his talk, Hanshaw emphasized that while the primary mission of the band and the 70 or so others like it at home and abroad is to support the morale of the troops, they are trained to fight when necessary. During his tour of duty, the band won several top awards for its marksmanship.

Hanshaw also has witnessed many changes in the band, from it broadening its personnel base beyond the state to now having more female members.

The evening concluded with conversation and the serving of light refreshments.