August, 2021

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Quarter Century Club Board, I hope this finds you and your loved ones well.  Who would have imagined that one year after we first heard of COVID-19, we would be in this time of uncertainty, still.  So much has changed in the world, and our day-to-day lives.  Needless to say, much has changed in our planning of the Quarter Century Club Induction Ceremony, which will now become combined ceremonies.  We want to update you on where we’ve been, and where we hope to be in 2021.  Here is a brief history of what your board has been doing since I became President on April 24, 2019, our most recent induction:

• November 2019 – The QCC hosts its first fundraiser, a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s. We sold 202 tickets to our first-time event.  Thanks to all who volunteered, and those who supported our efforts!  We look forward to hosting this event in the future. A big thanks to Madam Gurholt for initiating this event.
• December 5, 2019 – Board sets the date for the spring induction of the Class of 2020 to be held April 29, 2020. Reservations and contacts are made.  Vice President Dick Vogel contacts the 12 inductees.
• March 13, 2020 – The SDB shuts down due to the pandemic. The beginning of uncertainty.
• April 2020 – QCC Board meetings via Zoom. Decision is made to retain the current officers, but to postpone the induction ceremony to the fall due to the unpredictable outlook of COVID.  New date of October 14, 2020 set.
• September 2020 – The board meets via Zoom. COVID fears are still a concern.  The board agrees that hosting the October ceremony is once again not worth the risk to the health of our attendees, and therefore, we will push the induction ceremony to the spring of 2021.  It is agreed that we will induct both the class of 2020 and 2021 on the same evening.  The date of April 28, 2021 is chosen.  With the larger ceremony, we decide to move the ceremony to the BMHS Fieldhouse in order to accommodate the larger anticipated crowd.
• January 2021 – The Board meets via Zoom, where all agree there is still uncertainty with the vaccine rollout, and therefore it is best to once again postpone the induction ceremony to the fall of 2021. Dick Vogel resigns as Vice President.  Our awaiting VP, Karen Affeldt agrees to step into the current VP position.
• Jamie Gurholt, our Past President, started working with the School District in developing a webpage for the Quarter Century Club. It is a work in progress, but we invite you to check it out and make sure you update your contact information while on the site.  You will find the Quarter Century Club under the alumni tab. Go to the SDB’s website at www.sdb.k12.wi.us. Click on Alumni in the purple bar, then click on Quarter Century Club.  You’ve found us!

As I write you, and several meetings since January, our most recent plan is to hold a less formal open house this fall, for both the class of 2020 and 2021. You are invited to the Rotary Center on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.  God willing, we will then go back to the formal induction ceremony for the class of 2022, in April of 2022.  Inductees from 2020 and 2021 will be invited to the formal induction in 2022, where they will be recognized, and receive their free meal. 

So, that is what the board has been up to the past 21 months.  I apologize for not communicating previously with our members.  Every time we thought we had it down, we didn’t.  We will have a donation box to help with the cost of the ceremony.  You probably noticed we did not collect any $3.00 dues in 2020, and do not plan on collecting for 2021.  If you wish to donate, a check made out to Quarter Century Club may be sent to:

Quarter Century Club Committee
Mary Alice Harris
2459 Victory Drive
Beloit, WI 53511 

In closing, I cannot thank enough the dedicated Board members who have helped guide us through many meetings, trials and changes.  I am deeply indebted to the following individuals:  Past Presidents Jamie Gurholt and Tom Michels, Vice President Karen Affeldt, long standing Secretary/Treasurer Mary Alice Harris, long standing Historian Barb Sabaka, Irma Murphy, Dick Vogel, and our District Liaison Michelle Shope.  I hope you will join me in giving them a big “Thank You” the next time you see them!  This club does not exist without dedicated people stepping up to volunteer their time and talents.  I ask and encourage, past and present inductees, to consider stepping up and lending a hand in serving the organization you have been deservedly inducted into.

Until we meet again, be safe and be well my friends.

Yours in Education, 

Tod Clarey, President

Quarter Century Club