Kudos to the thirty-plus members and guests who enjoyed the Club’s annual FARCH celebration (originally started by Rotarian Jim Abdella) at the Northwest Arena, Tuesday, March 11 to bust the winter doldrums between February and March!
Family and friends enjoyed bumper boats and/or curling on the ice at the Arena and then suppered on delicious soups and side dishes contributed by Club members.
Many thanks to the Cama Family for organizing the evening’s fun.
Enjoy the photos.
President Marion called the meeting to order at 12:05. The Club recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem with the leadership of Caitlin O’Reilly.
President Marion asked for a moment of silence in memory of:
P. Christian “Chris” Yates, 79, of Jamestown, who died Thursday March 13, 2025, in Olean General Hospital.
A native of Jamestown, Chris was born on May 25, 1945, the third of ten children of the late Phillip D. Yates, Sr. and Jane E. “Betty” Jungjohann Yates Sheldon. He was husband of 29 years to Penelope Hutton of Jamestown and father of three sons: P. Christian (Betsy) Yates, Jr. of Savannah, GA, Mark C. (Michaela) Yates of Bluffton, SC and Andrew S. (Pam Tallon) Yates of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Chris had three grandchildren: Soren Yates, James Werner and Jessica Snyder.
His siblings Phillip “Flip” Yates Jr., Leigh “Mick” Yates, and Martha Yates preceded him in death, and he is survived by siblings Jane (Fritz) Gram of Cuba, NY, Linda (Jamie Hanks) Yates of Greenhurst, Bettina (Jim) Wilkinson of Valencia, PA, George Yates of The Villages, FL, Nancy (Phil) Cala of Greenhurst, and Robert (Rene) Yates of Ashville. Besides his parents and siblings, he was preceded in death by two stepsons Bruce Michael Werner, Jr and James Matthew Werner.
His early years were spent at the family’s home on Fairmount Avenue, and on Chautauqua Lake. Sailing and family were lifelong passions, whether in regattas across the lakes of New York crewing E-Scows and Snipes with his brothers and sisters, living aboard R Haus in harbors near New York City, or spending summer days with his boys and nephews and nieces skippering a well-worn Hobie Cat on Chautauqua.
A graduate of Richland High School in Gibsonia, PA, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Jefferson University and studied at the General Theological Seminary in New York.
In 1968 Chris began a 31-year career in banking: with Citibank, including five years leading operations overseas in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, later with the Resolution Trust Corporation of the FDIC, and finally HSBC in Jamestown after he and Pene returned to the area in 1996. Later, Chris served as Director of Jobs Chautauqua.
Chris seemed to know everyone. And if he didn’t know you, he’d quickly make you feel like an old friend, with his engaging smile and deep, genuine interest in people’s lives. That focus on people led Chris to serve many Chautauqua area community organizations including Past President of the Jamestown Rotary Club and a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, former Chairman of the Chautauqua Lake Association, former President of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, former Chair of the Chautauqua Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Grace Retirement Homes. Chris was a facilitator for the Chautauqua County Victim Impact Panel and longtime active member of Lakewood Baptist Church where he held many leadership roles.
In keeping with Chris’ wishes, no funeral service or visitation will be observed.
Memorials may be made to Lakewood Baptist Church.
Words of condolence may be shared at lindfuneralhome.com
The invocation was given by Wally Wollenzien who recited some great Irish sayings before offering the prayer.
Vice President Caitlin O’Reilly introduced guests Brandon and Matt, employees of the Doubletree Hotel for the last time as both will be inducted as new members next week.
Marion thanked Jason Sample for serving as greeter, 50/50 host and assistant technical person
Emily Cama gave her official FARCH report.
You should receive an email from John Felton requesting your help with Mock interviews at Falconer soon. There will be four opportunities to sign up and we will be helping the Falconer Rotary Club with this activity.
President Marion reminded that the final registration deadline for 7090 district conference is 3/22. Please join in the fun in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and learn more about the benefits and opportunities for volunteering. YOU NEED A PASSPORT and Marion said there will be a carpool.
Jason Sample reminded everyone to join CHQ and the CRCF on Saturday, March 29 at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts – register for booth to illustrate your organization’s role in a positive community.
Dewey Jones won $34 in the 50/50 drawing and donated it back to the Club.
Sergeant-at-Arms, Doug Conroe accepted money from Mark Olson for leaving early; from Dewey Jones who has been absent; Dan Heitzenrater, who announced that Business After Hours, will be held this Thursday at the Audubon Riverside Center in conjunction with the Warren County Chamber of Commerce.
Doug collected fines from those who colleges will be in the March Madness basketball dance -BYU, Clemson, Michigan, Michigan State, etc.
Doug then asked questions about St. Patrick; what color is he famous for wearing; what was his famous quote – One who believes shall be saved, he who does not shall be damned; what happens if you don’t wear green today (You get pinched) or pay your buck; and he asked Andy O’Goodell – is St. Patrick a saint or Irish (NO).
Doug will be absent and needs a substitute, April 7 and 14. CALL HIM!
Happy Bucks – Marion introduced Carrie Seaburg who is our new point person at the Doubletree Hotel dining room; Dan H. attended the turning of the Chadakoin River green and offered thanks to Pat Smeraldo; and Caitlin saluted the cast of Les Miserables at JHS and our exchange student Heath.
Jen Swan-Leuze thanked the Club for supporting the Chautauqua Striders St. Patrick’s Day Dash and mini golf - 23 teams played, and Rotary sponsored a hole including – non-perishable food which was given to the Salvation Army.
Dave Painter, complete in tam o’shanter and kilt, announced Two Gingers would be hosting entertainers Hunter Six, Matt Smith and the 96th Highlanders at the restaurant this evening.
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