Rotarily Yours – May 12, 2025
President Marion Beckerink opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Star-Spangled Banner, led by Caitlin O'Reilly. Amy Rohler then gave this week’s invocation, which included the recitation of the poem "Anyway" by Mother Teresa.
President-elect Michelle Jones then recognized the visiting guests, Catie Dillemuth and Brandy Cochrane, both from Manpower employment services, who were guests of Matt Clark and Brandon Odell, respectively.
For announcements, Chris Anderson reminded the club that Reading Volunteers are still needed for the annual One District, One Book read at Bush Elementary School. Members are encouraged to sign up for a time to go to the school and read parts of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this years book. The program runs from now through May 30 and an email, with a link to sign up for a day and time, was sent out to all members on May 5.
Cheri Krull reminded members that host families are still needed for an incoming exchange student, Jan, from Switzerland. Jan is 16 years old and eager to dive into a new culture, improve his English, and make lasting friendships during his exchange year. Cheri said two additional families in the Southwestern School District are needed to host Jan for three-to-four months each, starting in mid-August. We would like to identify the first host family as soon as possible so that Jan can complete his Visa process. If you or someone you know is interested in welcoming Jan into your home or would like more information please reach out to Cheri via phone or email.
Ruth Lundin provided an update on the Hands on Jamestown clean up effort, happening this coming weekend, Saturday, May 17. Volunteers are needed to help with cleaning up North Main Street from the city line all the way to Love Elementary School at 8th Street. Volunteers will also be needed to help with the planting of flowers in the raised garden bed in front of Love School. We will be signing people in starting at 9:30 am on the 17th in the parking lot at Love School, 8th and North Main Streets, with instructions and assignments at 10 am for the Cleanup and then working to plant a raised bed garden at Love School starting at 11:30 am. Ruth added that once the planting is completed, volunteers will also be needed to help tend to the garden, especially during the summer months. Anyone interested in helping out on May 17 is welcome to sign up, but will also have to sign a waiver form before participating. She also thanked those who helped with passing out flyers along North Main and prepping the raised garden bed on May 10 from 10 am to 1:00 pm.
Ruth also updated members on a new club service duty available. She said that a member of the club is needed to assist with helping to keep track of attendance, a duty that had previously belonged to the club secretary. She noted that all that is required is to track attendance and any reported make ups, to ensure all members are in compliance with the club's attendance policy. She also reminded members that the annual dues invoice has been sent out, but that only a $100 payment is required for now. This is because we still don't know what the total annual dues will be, but that information will be provided once the new fiscal year begins.
Caítlín O'Reilly also reminded members to keep track of their attendance and report it to the organization's secretary. This includes attending any social events, which can be used to make up for any regular meetings that were missed.
Max Eimiller also reminded members that the club's biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual Rotary Club Golf Tournament at Moon Brook, is happening in July. Members are encouraged to pull together a team and sign up, and also anyone is welcome to make a donation for basket items, with alcohol and booze being popular items to encourage ticket sales. Businesses are also needed to sponsor the event. Anyone interested in signing up or contributing as a sponsor or for the donation basket is asked to contact Max. The golf tournament is Monday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start.
Marion also reminded members about a project Patricia Graves has been working on the past several weeks. The Preserving History project focuses on recording and documenting the important role in our community's history by African Americans. She's been working on uncovering some really fascinating history about this community, and so she will be having an open house at the James Prendergast Library on Saturday, May 24, at noon. Everyone is invited to learn more about this project and Patricia's findings.
Emily Cama also thanked all members who attended the club's social event and mixer at Jamestown Bowling company on May 5. Emily said the turnout was great and everyone who attended had a great time.
Joni Blackman announced birthdays for the month of May, and also reminded members to donate to the Rotary Foundation when their birthday comes up. She said the goal for this fiscal year is $8,000, but with just over a month to go, we are currently at $5,876. She is asking anyone who has not yet donated to the foundation to please do so before June 30. Rotarians celebrating birthdays in May included: Zach Agett (May 5), Caítlín O'Reilly (May 7), John Felton (May 8), Eric Harvey (May 9), Max Eimiller (May 11), Dr. Lillian Ney (May 14), Megan Barone (May 14), Vince Horrigan (May 17), Tim Edborg (May 20), Mary Schiller (May 23), Irene Doby (May 26), and Todd Allen (May 27).
Following the announcements, the 50/50 drawing was held and won by Rhonda Johnson.
Sergeant at Arms Doug Conroe noted that several members paid fines for leaving early or missing a meeting, including Sally Martinez, Mark Olson, and Dave Painter. Fines for those who appeared in the news recently were given to John Felton, Rhonda Johnson, Wayne Rishell, and Becky Robbins.
Happy Bucks were paid by numerous members, including Amy Rohler, Emily Cama, Ruth Lundin, Jen Swan-Leuze, Heath Bounday (Rotary exchange student), and Courtney Curatolo, who announced she would be leaving the club as a member, due to her moving back to Florida in the coming weeks.
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