Today’s Chairperson: President-elect Ruth Lundin

 

Invocation: Vicki McGraw

 

Visiting Rotarians and Guests: Rita Freeborough, former Rotarian & guest of Diana Meckley and Jessica Loughner, guest of Ruth Lundin

 

 

Ruth Lundin announced that the DEI Committee meeting is set for noon, March 7, at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Office. She added that a New Member Orientation will be held on March 14 at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Office.

 

Marion Beckerink asked members to complete the Rotary survey. She also said that the Vision Committee has committed $250 to the Gift of Life, an organization that helps infants in other countries who are born with heart disease. She also reminded members that Rotary is working with Creche, Inc., to provide books for babies born at UPMC Chautauqua. The book would be a bilingual copy of “Good Night Moon,” and include an application for a library card for each baby.

 

Ruth also mentioned three Rotary scholarships of $1,000 each for non-Rotarians. Members who might want to suggest applicants are invited to see Ruth.

 

Further, Marion mentioned that the District is scheduling Ryla and Ryla Jr. (formerly Slapshot) leadership training. Anyone who can suggest students ages 15-18 or young adults ages 19-25 for the trainings should see Marion.

 

Michelle Jones talked about the fun events planned to celebrate “FARCH” at 6:30 p.m. March 24, at the Northwest Arena for $15 per person.  She described a delicious Chili Cook-off, complete with cornbread and hopefully Vicki’s cookies! There will be bumper cars and curling and lots of good times! Sign up on the website.

 

Birthday Table: Joni Blackman announced members of the Birthday Table for March. Doug Conroe and Dudley Erickson both were born on March 10. Dr. Robert Anderson, Gowanda School Superintendent, was born on March 23 as was Cheri Maytum-Krull. Pat Kinney was born on March 28. We welcomed back Gail Donus from Maryland for the next month and her birthday is March 31. Doug won the free lunch.

 

Treasurer Joni Blackman spoke about expenses, with the Club guaranteeing money for 30 members to attend each week. When fewer than 30 people attend, the Club suffers a deficit for lunches that day. Board members suggest that online participants consider donating $5 a week or more to help the situation; even better, it would be great if members could attend in person so we could engage in more fellowship!

 

Sergeant at Arms: Doug Conroe mentioned that Kirsten Melville appeared in the Gazette for WCA Foundation and he mentioned dates in history.

 

Happy Bucks: Ruth gave a dollar to honor all who helped get the laptop presentation ready for the meeting.

 

Tory announced that Julia Niles who works at the Community Foundation had her baby; she spoke of the number of grants that will be made into the community and invited volunteers to sit on grant committees.

 

Vince Horrigan contributed in honor of Lisa and Andy Goodell for all they do for Rotary.

 

Dan Heitzenrater mentioned that he found an article from Rolland Swanson who wrote about the importance of respecting each other. Dan also said he enjoyed 4-H students presentations on Saturday.

 

Joni Blackman will be a grandmother soon!

 

Mike Roberts gave money for the Ohio State Women’s Basketball Team.

 

Stacy Hannon honored Marion Beckerink and Ruth Lundin for their recognition as women of distinction, highlighted in the Jamestown Gazette.