Courtesy Photo The Exchange Club of Alpena recently installed new officers and recognized members. Pictured here are the members of the 2019-2020 Exchange Club of Alpena Board of Directors, from left to right: Lynn Hall, Kevin Brown, Shawn Ballor, Gail Ballor, Andrew Paad, Stacee Martin and Tony Suszek.

Shawn Ballor was recently installed as president of the Exchange Club of Alpena by Raymond Reynolds, president of Michigan District Exchange Clubs, at an event held at Anschuetz Whitetail Way. As president, Ballor will preside over the Exchange Club of Alpena Board of Directors.

Ballor’s duties also include working with other clubs and the district Exchange Club leaders to establish club goals, serve as the liaison between the National Exchange Club located in Toledo, Ohio, and club members, distribute educational materials provided by the national office to the appropriate club committees, and lead the club toward bettering the community through a variety of projects.

Other officers installed include: President-Elect Brian Homes, Immediate Past President Tony Suszek, Vice President Kevin Brown, Secretary Stacee Martin, Treasurer Wayne Lewis, and Directors Gail Ballor, Lynn Hall, Andrew Kowalski, and Andrew Padd.

The Exchange Club of Alpena participated in the Alpena Fourth of July parade by distributing American flags through their “Give A Kid A Flag To Wave” program. Just as its tongue-twisting title suggests, this popular Exchange Club project involves the distribution of small American flags to youngsters at parades, fairs, picnics, school events or other community happenings that generate large crowds.

Additional awards presented during the annual installation event include:

¯ Michigan District Exchange Clubs, Best Bulletin Award — Andy Tarkington

¯ Merit Awards — Stacee Martin, Staci Chroninger, Shawn Ballor

¯ New Club Builder Award — Shawn Ballor, Ray Reynolds, Tony Suszek

¯ Exchange Club of Alpena, Exchangite of the Year — Ray Reynolds

The Exchange Club of Alpena was established Sept. 11, 1925. The group currently has 47 members. Its mission is to support Americanism, community service and youth programs. Its national project is the prevention of child abuse.

The club meets every Tuesday. To learn more, contact Ballor at 989-245-1777 or familyman0805@gmail.com.