Rotarily Yours - February 24, 2025 (Feb. 24, 2025)

Sharon Hamilton
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)

Mar 03, 2025

John Crawford, Junior Achievement

Mar 10, 2025

NO NOON MEETING

FARCH CELEBRATION MAKE-UP 3/11

Mar 17, 2025

Joani Higgins, Goodwill WNY Goodskills Program

View entire list

Make Up Opportunities

AM CLUB — Meets at 7:30 am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month on Zoom or in person at Northwest Arena

FALCONER — Meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 AM at the Falconer Fire Department Exempt Hall located at 1 Coleson Drive Falconer NY, 14733.

WESTFIELD / MAYVILLE — Currently meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 5pm via ZOOM. Contact Janese Berkhouse at 716-397-8801 for Zoom details.

FREDONIA/DUNKIRK —

Meet Thursdays at 12:00 PM - Zoom Teleconference Meetings - Effective until further notice - Fredonia, NY 14063

Committee meetings or social events can also be used as make-ups.

Rotarily Yours - February 24, 2025

President Marion Beckerink, along with Caitlin O’Reilly, led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of the National anthem. The Canadian National Anthem was also sung in respect to the District Governor, Dave Alexander who was among us today.

INVOCATION was given by Amy Rohler who, in highlighting Black History Month, spoke of Mary McLeod Bethune’s contributions, which were many. She then recited a prayer written by Ms. Bethune.

VISITING ROTARIANS & GUESTS: President Elect Michelle Jones introduced Mike Harrington, Assistant Governor, from the Westfield Club, as well as John Maher, a CCIDA Intern, a guest of Jason Sample.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Michelle Jones reported raising nearly $3,000 for the YMCA’s Coldest Night of the Year, contributing to a total of over $20,000 for homeless support. She thanked all those who walked and/or contributed.

John Felton announced that the interviews for JHS students are scheduled this week with a last minute change of moving Wednesday volunteers to Friday.

Ruth Lundin announced 26 perfect attendance Rotarians for the 2^nd quarter: Doug Conroe, Sally Martinez, Dan Overcash, Sue Jones, Chris Anderson, John Bauman, Marion Beckerink, Kathy Burch, Emily Cama, Tim Edborg, Lisa Goodell, George Harper, Jennifer Harper, Michelle Jones, Deb Kathman, Paulette Kline, Cheri Krull, Ruth Lundin, Kristin Melville, Caitlin O’Reilly, Ken Omeruo, Becky Robbins, Jen Swan-Leuze, Brennan Webb, Wally Wollenzien, Joni Blackman.

President Marion spoke of the Rotary International’s 120 anniversary and recognized its global impact, having begun in 1905 with members today of 1.2 million impacting people on every continent.

50/50 & HAPPY BUCKS: Wayne Rishell was the lucky winner of $41.00.

SERGEANT AT ARMS -FINES & HAPPY BUCKS: Vince Horrigan filled in for Doug Conroe. Vince stumped many folks with his questions about “Rotary District 7090 Facts,” ie What is District 7090 known as? Answer: best of friends district; How many clubs in our district? Answer 75….and more. All those not wearing their Rotary pins were fined $1.00.

Kathy Benson shared information on the upcoming fundraiser for Chautauqua Striders, Putts & Pints on March 15^th as well as the St. Pat’s Dash. Also, Michelle Jones shared that she is bowling for Jr. Achievement and would like to recruit sponsors. Dan Heitzenrater paid a happy buck for a nice chat about Welland that he had with the DG on the way in to our meeting today.

Dave Alexander - Rotary District 7090 Governor

President Marion Beckerink introduced Assistant Governor Michael Harrington from the Mayville-Westfield Club to introduce the speaker. Michael has been President of the Mayville-Westfield Club three times, a Paul Harris Fellow and currently serves as an Assistant District Governor from 7090 and serves on the Stewardship subcommittee for 7090’s Foundation Committee. He was elected to 7090’s Foundation Board to begin in July 2025.

District Governor, Dave Alexander, likes to balance his time between meaningful work, interesting projects and giving back. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Welland. He joined Rotary in 2008 and served as club president in 2018-19. Prior to joining Rotary he was a JayCee for 15 years. Dave came to District leadership first through the International Committee and then the Rotary Leadership Institute as a trainer. At the RI Convention in Toronto in 2018 he became interested in the Environment and Sustainability Rotary Action Group with his new friends from around the world, currently working on the newest area of focus, the environment. At the RI Convention this past May in Singapore he was proud to represent our District as a session speaker. Dave has served on the board of the Toronto Atmospheric Fund, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board, judge of the Canadian Sustainable Community Award and as Chair of Leadership Niagara. He has also served two terms on the Welland City Council. Dave owns a sustainably managed first and is married to Krystie and has two adult sons.

First, Dave passed our samples of “Coffee Crisp Mini’s” to each member. Dave has visited this area several times, especially enjoying the fall season and the Comedy Center. Dave stressed he is a “club member” first. His goal is to support the club and hear our voices. He supported the Club Runner app as a good tool to reach him and others. Prior to his visit to our club, he looked at our history and complemented us for having our history on our website. He found a mystery that he hopes we can solve for him. Jamestown has had two District Governors Daniel Lincoln and James Riggs. Mr. Riggs worked on many initiatives and became DG right after women were able to join Rotary and which he assisted in making happen. However, there is a gap where Mr. Riggs is not mentioned in 80s or early 90s; Dave would like some background on James’ story in order to solve the mystery. Facts about our club: We are Rotaries first International District; we were the 8^th club in the district; we have hosted the district conference 3 times, 1927, 1933 & 1952; in 1927 1,000+ Rotarians came to Jamestown for the district conference. This year’s District Conference is April 5^th in Niagara Falls, Canada. This conference will support Rotaries and community partners to have a broader conversation to chart new opportunities. Speakers and panels are planned. Participants will listen to best practices and learn about new projects and how to make them a reality.

The DG encouraged us to continue to look at the Lighthouse award as it serves as a goal setting mechanism. He spoke about the continuing polio campaign and said Rotary will continue the fight. Dave then moved to club questions.

President Marion then surprised DG Alexander with a Paul Harris Fellow.

The meeting was adjourned with the recitation of the 4 Way Test.