COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – There are hundreds of service clubs across Michigan, including a very active group of organizations in Branch County. So what draws men and women to join the clubs and serve the communities they live in? The Coldwater Early Bird Exchange Club last week heard from someone who has a lifetime of experience on the topic.
Richard Schlee of Pennfield is District 5 President in Michigan and temporary President of District 6, which includes Coldwater. He spoke to the Early Bird club in Coldwater last week and was asked what he enjoys most about being a club member and his director duties. Schlee said it’s the camaraderie and fellowship and he likes to see what activities are happening in other communities.
When he was a youngster, his father was a member of the Optimist Club, so as Schlee puts it, “service clubs are in my blood”. Currently, Schlee’s responsibilities include 8 clubs including the two in Coldwater, as well as Hillsdale and Jackson in District 6 and those in District 5 which are Pennfield, Lansing, Marshall, and Sturgis.
