President-Elect Caitlin O’Reilly substituted for President Michelle Jones today on the first day of snow in the 2025-26 Winter Season! Michelle will be gone today and for the next two meetings.
Caitlin led the group in the National Anthem and Marion Beckerink delivered the invocation, focusing on Veterans’ Day.
Marion next introduced guests Pat Sandberg, guest of her husband Steve; and Marissa Troxell, guest of husband David. Marissa actually was one of our speakers as well!
Caitlin thanked everyone who worked on today’s meeting: Mike Roberts for greeting, Ruth Lundin for checking in people, Brandon Odell for assisting with check-in, Rhonda Johnson for handling the 50/50 and Becky Robbins for Rotarily Yours.
Rhonda Johnson announced that the 50/50 was $35 for the winner. Caitlin turned out to be the winner!
Caitlin announced that Marion Beckerink would fill in for her on November 24 as the chair as Caitlin is taking three boys to Williamsburg over Thanksgiving.
Caitlin had announcements:
- Anyone wanting to help put together packages for the Office for the Aging can sign up on the website or contact Caitlin. An email went out with information.
- Greg Jones announced that bell ringing for the Salvation Army will take place INSIDE at the Tops store on Washington Street. The dates are November 18-28; and December 15-17. Log in to the website for time slots. Call Greg with questions. Greg thanked Marion for setting everything up on the website and helping Greg with the project.
- The Acapella lunch at the First Lutheran Church is set for Dec. 8. A sign-up sheet circulated at the meeting.
- A Christmas party is set for Dec. 15. Emily Cama will send information very soon as she has been finalizing details.
- Cheri Krull said that, in Youth Exchange, we are looking for 2026-27 outbound students, with interviews in early December. Jan needs a third family host in the Southwestern District. Heath leaves at the beginning of January.
- Ken Omeruo thanked everyone for helping with Club Service.
- Doug Conroe fined Joni Blackman for appearing in the Post Journal asking City Council for funds.
- Mike Roberts paid for Ohio State. One table was asked how many Veterans are in the US & we learned that it is 18 Million. Doug also asked what Veterans’ Day was previously known as & we learned that the answer is Armistice Day after World War I.
Happy Bucks:
Joni announced a 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Holiday Craft Fair at the Fenton for this Saturday. She said there will be 15-16 quality vendors. The gift shop also is stocked with books, puzzles, and more. She spoke about the need for a new roof & windows in the 162-year-old building.
Mike Roberts gave tips on how to raise funds at the Salvation Army Bell Ringing:
The main idea is to “make it fun.” Mike plays music and gives away candy canes to each person he sees. He and his family make the bell ringing a tradition each year, and he suggests that we do the same.
Dave Troxell gave money for his school, Valparaiso, which doesn’t have a football team.
Dan Heitzenrater gave dollars for his youngest child’s first birthday celebration, and also, for upcoming Chamber Events. On Wednesday after work, the Chamber is holding a networking event at Southern Tier Brewery. On December 12, the Chamber holds its annual dinner, including speaker Ronald Rich who is retired as CEO of the Cleveland Foundation. Wicked Warren’s is the site of the annual dinner. Anyone who would like to attend either event can call Dan.
Sue Jones gave money in remembrance of her younger sister who passed away on November 11 some time ago. She also recommended that we see the Nuremberg movie at Cinema 8, as it won’t be here long.
Kathy Burch was happy because she bought a new car.
