Members of the Club were welcomed by President Michelle Jones to the Banquet Room of the Doubletree Hotel for the Annual Recognition Dinner and Changeover Event of the Rotary Club of Jamestown.
She led the Club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the National Anthem and the reciting of the 4-Way Test.
The invocation was given by Vice President Zach Agett. We all enjoyed a delicious buffet presented by the staff of the Doubletree Hotel.
The formal meeting began with Michelle presenting the Rotary Year in Review:
“As I wrap up this year as your president, I’ve been reflecting on Rotary’s theme, “Unite for Good.” And I’m proud to say we did exactly that. We united, we showed up, and we made a real difference in our community and beyond.
This year, we stayed busy in all the best ways – through neighborhood projects, voter registration, represented at several festivals, and the Red Kettle Campaign. We also stepped up to support students through mock interviews, helping prepare the next generation for success.
Our literacy efforts made a meaningful impact as well, from giving away books at Halloween to filling mini libraries, continuing Books and Bibs, and reading to students. Those moments remind us that even small acts can create lasting change.
We grew stronger as a Club – welcoming four new members who bring fresh energy and ideas. And with the addition of our corporate membership option, we’ve opened the door to even more ways for people to connect and serve through Rotary.
Of course, none of this happens without funding – and we delivered. Our annual golf tournament raised approximately $8,000, and thanks to Happy Bucks, 50/50 drawings and Doug keeping us on track, we stayed on solid ground. And with Max Eimiller’s leadership on the mini golf tournament, we raised an additional $3,000 proving that sometimes the smallest course can still have a big impact. We will continue with our upcoming Golf Tournament on July 13th with additional raffle sales to benefit our club and foundation.
Because of these efforts, we supported incredible local initiatives – from the JCC Speech Competition, where many of you participated, transitioned garden management at LOVE School creating sustainability. We also supported the YWCA Empower Housing Project and participated in the Coldest Night of the Year in addition to supporting our president-elect Caitlin in her UCAN dinner project.
Our work extended globally as well, supporting the Matacabo School in the Philippines STEM programs in Nepal with the guidance of the Troxells, and water filtration efforts in Mexico with the Joneses. The projects remind us that Rotary’s reach – and our responsibility – go far beyond our own backyard.
We’ve also strengthened our commitment to unity and inclusion. Thanks to Ruth and Patricia’s leadership, we continued building connections and supporting meaningful DEI efforts within our community.”
President Michelle then announced her selection for ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR – CAITLIN O’REILLY!
Michelle said, “One of the greatest honors as president
is recognizing someone who truly embodies the spirit of Rotary. This individual has gone above and beyond in every sense of the word. Her commitment to Rotary is not just something she says – it’s something she lives, every single day.
She has dedicated countless hours to our student exchange program, serving not onlyas a committee member but also opening her home and heart as a host parent. That level of commitment changes lives – not just for the students, but for all of us who see Rotary in action.
She has played a key role in events like the UCAN dinner, helping to bring our mission to life in meaningful ways. As the co-chair of the membership committee, she has helped strengthen and grow our club, ensuring we continue to thrive into the future.
Perhaps most impressively, she seems to be everywhere – supporting nearly every committee, showing up to events, stepping in wherever needed and always with a positive attitude. If something is happening in Rotary, you can count on her being there, ready to help.
Her leadership, energy, and dedication are truly exceptional – and it makes it even more special that this year’s recipient is also our president-elect. Our club is in incredibly good hands for the year ahead.”
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU CAITLIN O’REILLY, ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR!
Youth Services Chairman Cheri Krull presented Jan with an outgoing gift and presented Sophia with an award from the Brenda Morrow fund at the CRCF.
Foundation Chairman, Joni Blackman presented a Paul Harris Award to Amy Anderson, wife of member Chris Anderson, who has been a stalwart for our Literacy committee, by inviting us into her classroom every year to read to, and with, her students. Amy has been a true partner both in marriage with Chris and in Rotary, by opening her home (with three children of their own) and welcoming many foreign exchange students.
Joni then presented Marion Beckerink with her fourth Paul Harris Award honoring her support of The Rotary Foundation.
Joni presented Michelle Jones with her third Paul Harris Award for her year of work as president of our Club and a fourth Paul Harris Award for her support of The Rotary Foundation.
Michelle thanked all committee chairs, members, and volunteers as well as officers, telling us that it has been her honor to serve alongside us all.
She presented humorous gifts to Vince Horrigan, out-going Highway Cleanup Chairman; Diana Meckley, for all her promotion of Literacy; Greg Jones, chairman of the Red Kettle Committee; Ruth Lundin, Treasurer; and Sue Jones, Secretary.
Michelle administered the oath of office to new President Caitlin O’Reilly and presented her with her pin.
President Caitlin then installed the incoming officers and directors who were present:
Left to right, Misti Allen, Patricia Graves, Chris Anderson, John Bauman, Emily Cama, Michelle Jones, Wayne Rishell, Zach Agett, and Michale Dobbins and of course Caitlin.
And finally, Caitlin presented Michelle with her Past President’s pin.
In closing, Lisa Goodell, party organizer extraordinaire drew tickets for the winners of the bird house centerpieces that were made by the exchange students when they were in Jamestown for their exchange weekend. We will present the District Student Exchange Committee with $145 in proceeds from the raffle for their fundraising efforts.
