The Rotary Club of Jamestown, New York opened its weekly meeting with President Caitlin O’Reilly leading the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star-Spangled Banner and giving the Invocation emphasizing service above self.
Zach Agett announced the Club guests, Dr. David Johnson, guest of member Patty Johnson and Rotarian member of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Club and Tom and Dee Nelson, former host parents of Tasmanian exchange student Heath Bounday.
Foundation chairman Joni Blackman acknowledged the birthdays of Deb Kathman on Nov. 3 and Mike Roberts 65th birthday on November 26. She also reminded us that our birthday donations all go to support the wonderful efforts of the Rotary Foundation.
Brandon O’Dell conducted the 50/50 raffle; the $46 was won by Mike Roberts.
Tory Irgang served admirably as Sergeant at Arms with fines of the membership for various causes, including the YWCA’s “Let’s Talk About Consent” program, recognition of United Way board members, the Carlsberg Farms renovation, the 125th anniversary of the Pilgrim Memorial Congregational Church – all followed by Halloween candy trivia questions.
Caitlin made announcements including the upcoming Annual Meeting December 14 and the importance of YOUR attendance – we need 40 members to VOTE on new officers. All those attending will be entered into a drawing for one year’s membership dues courtesy of John Felton. Those who attended the recent fellowship evening at Southern Tier Brewery have also received entry chances.
Tom and Dee Nelson took the floor to give the members an idea of what it is like to host an exchange student. Neither of the Nelson’s are Rotarians but took the big step to open their home to Heath. Tom is a teacher at Jamestown High School, and the couple have four grown children – only one of whom lived at home part of the time that Heath lived with them.
The couple shared their experiences, describing the joys and challenges of the four-month placement such as attempting to teach Heath how to water ski, and several trips to Washington, DC, New York City and Colorado.
They highlighted how Heath’s different perspective helped them notice things they had taken for granted and mentioned his talents for music, acting and writing. They thanked Marion, Caitlin, Chris Anderson and Cheri Krull for their support and noted that saying goodbye was the most challenging part of the experience. They encouraged everyone to consider the possibility of opening their home to a Rotary Exchange Student.
The meeting ended with a brainstorming session for possible future service projects such as providing an annual dinner for the UCAN Mission. Members suggested other ideas such as supporting childcare possibilities in the community as well as adult day care. Other suggestions included addressing homelessness issues, such as warm coats and blankets as well as socks, mittens and clothing.
A suggestion was brought forth to assist UPMC in stocking a clothing closet for patients at UPMC who are admitted and then have no clothing suitable for discharge or possible transportation for those needing rides to and from appointments. David Johnson brought forth the possibility of collaborating on an eye clinic project in Haiti in conjunction with the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Club. Max Eimiller, current VISION committee chairman will be able to bring these ideas forth to his committee.
The DEI Committee is working on a membership panel discussion at JCC on Thursday, November 19 at the Weeks Gallery at 5;00PM where the District Governor of 7090 will serve as moderator to encourage prospective members to join Rotary. Caitlin asked for one more member to volunteer as a panelist and for ALL members to attend in support of potential membership candidates.
The meeting closed with the recitation of the Four Way Test.
