Dr. Charles Maurer rejoined our club on Aug.  16.  His sponsor is Troy Kennedy and his co-sponsor is Gary Leonard.

Charles has been a chiropractor in Springfield for 26 years.  He started with Family Back and Neck Care Centre in August 1992 as an associate doctor and bought the practice three years later.

Charlie is a past board member at The Victim Center, visiting doctor at The Kitchen, and fundraiser for many organizations in Springfield through offering free care in his office for donations to different charities.  He appreciates the opportunity to give back to those who live in and cherish Springfield.

Charles and Cindi celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2018.  Cindi is a registered nurse and has worked for the last 30 years to help put Charlie through college and support the family.

Charlie and Cindi started their family while he was still in college.  Their oldest, Stephanie, is an account executive for VML and lives in Kansas City with her husband, Mike.   Their son, Matthew, is a chiropractor who joined Charlie in practice in 2016; he and his wife, Alex, have two children.   Charlie’s youngest, Jessica, is in her third year at the Mizzou medical school and her husband, John, is studying for his PhD in psychology.

Elizabeth was introduced on August 9.  She is sponsored by Barbara Lucks and Steve Benton.

Elizabeth is the founder, owner and operator of Springfield Riding Club. She is a Springfield native, a Drury and MSU alum, a 4th generation farmer, and now is a 2nd generation Rotarian.

Elizabeth has worked for and trained with Olympic equestrians in six different countries abroad and across the US.  On the rare occasion that she finds herself with a little free time, Elizabeth enjoys good conversation with friends and new adventures. 

Tammy was introduced on June 21. She is sponsored by Barbara Lucks and Ray Meyer.

Tammy was formerly a member of Springfield Southeast Rotary Club for about 15 years before going to the Rotary Club of Nixa, where she served as president.

Tammy is the VP of Resource Development for United Way of the Ozarks. She has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Missouri State University. Tammy brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in community outreach and involvement.

In her spare time, Tammy enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.   Her husband is Tom Mast.

The annual Springfield Southeast Rotary Club's Volunteer of the Year Award is our Club’s highest honor.  It  recognizes community service rendered outside of Rotary activities.

Those of us who serve or seek to recruit others to serve often speak of giving  one’s time, talent, or treasure.  Frequently, recognition is offered to those who serve by giving their treasure.  Sometimes, recognition is given to those whose service takes the form of giving the precious gift of their time. And, somewhat less frequently, we hear a “Thank you” offered to one whose service represents the use of a special skill or talent.

The 2018 recipient, Charlie O'Reilly, has given very freely of all of these.  He has shown by an extensive community service resume that includes leadership roles in a diverse collection of organizations, including:

• Community Partnership of the Ozarks
• United Way of the Ozarks
• American Red Cross
• The Salvation Army         
• State-level Family Investment Trust
• Council of Churches of the Ozarks
• Springfield Community Center
• Developmental Center of the Ozarks
• Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks
• Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
• Academy of Missouri Squires

       
Charlie was nominated by the Community Partnership of the Ozarks.  Janet Dankert, president and chief executive officer of DCO, is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club.

Here are just a few words from the nomination:

"Charlie O’Reilly is the founding father of CPO, serving on the board for more than 25 years.  He remains on our board as a lifetime, honorary member.  Early on, he served as Board President and helped lead the growth of CPO from a single focus non-profit with a small budget to an organization with a $4.2 million budget, more than 60 employees, and a regional service area."

Charlie has been recognized with many awards over the years, including:

• Springfieldian of the Year by the chamber of commerce;
• Missourian of the Year Award; and
• Philanthropist of the Year

       
Anyone who has ever served with Charlie or worked on a project with him will confirm that he brings a unique set of leadership and business skills to any effort in which he is involved.  By his dedication and commitment, he challenges others to work a little harder, reach a little further and, in doing so, the entire organization is moved further than it might have ever expected.

Yet, to us, he’s still Charlie.  He's a visionary with both feet firmly planted on the ground and one of the most genuine and nicest guys you’ll ever meet who just wants to make the town he calls home a better place in which to live and raise a family.

The members of our Club value and appreciate Charlie's service and the contributions from him and his family to Springfield.
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Nominations for this annual award are submitted by our club members and community organizations, with the final selection being made by the Rotary volunteer committee.

Committee members in 2018 include:

Barbara Lucks, chair
Tom Slaight                       
Dan Emrie
Doug Nickell                      
Anne Soots
Cindy Howell                     
Carol DeHaven
Tammy Mast                      
Austin Garrett

The award has been presented since 1999.  Previous recipients are:

2017     Angela Smith           
2016      Irwin Cohen
2015      Doug Nickell
2014      Steve Rice
2013      Gordon Elliott
2012      Kirk Elmquist
2011      Dennis Whaley
2010      Gerry Lee
2009      Rick Hughlett
2008      Gary Deaver
2007      Bob Hammerschmidt
2006      Doug Pitt
2005      Anne Brown
2004      Todd Parnell
2003      Joy Lamberson Klock
2002      Steve Scott
2001      Barbara Lucks
2000      Mac McCartney
1999      Bill Reser
 

Abby was introduced by Angela Smith on June 14. Her co-sponsor is Lori Barnes Miller.

Abby works at ADsmith Marketing and Advertising doing Media Analysis and Operations Management. Her focus has also been on community outreach, with experience working with many local non-profit organizations.

Abby graduated from Drury University with a major in both Advertising and Public Relations.  She grew up in Springfield.

Outside work, Abby enjoys spending time with her family.  Her husband, Trevor, and their daughter, Gwen, enjoy volunteering at local non-profit events together.