Rotarily Yours – July 21, 2025
 
President Michelle Jones opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Star-Spangled Banner, led by Caítlín O'Reilly. 
 
Sue Jones then gave this week’s invocation, which she referred to as a "lecture" and reminded members that all religions are welcome in the Rotary family.  

President-elect Caítlín O'Reilly then recognized the visiting guests: Misti Allen (District Executive of Scouting America and guest of Becky Robbins) and Hadley Weinberg (from the Brooklyn, Massachusetts Rotary Club) along with his guest, Ken Brown.

BIRTHDAYS

 

Michelle noted that Joni Blackman was absent from the meeting because she was on her way to Maine to be with her daughter, who was ready to deliver her new baby - Ford Jackson Hill. As a result, Michelle provided the birthday update and recognized the members who were celebrating a birthday in July, including Mark Olson, Tori Irgang, and Chris Anderson. 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
 

Marion Beckerink and Michelle reminded members that volunteer readers are still needed for LEAP Summer Reading Program at all city elementary schools. A signup sheet was passed around, but an email was also sent out for all three weeks. The summer reading program runs from now through July 31.  

Michelle, on behalf of Max Eimiller, announced the Golf Tournament was a success and thanked all members for participating. She said the tournament was able to raise approximately $10,000 for the club.

Michelle, on behalf of Cheri Krull, also reminded members the club is still seeking host families for incoming youth students, especially the need for one in the Southwestern School District.

And Michelle announced that the Rotary Club's bonfire and singalong with children at Camp Onyahsa will take place this year on Sunday, October 10. 

50/50
 

Rhonda Johnson sold the winning 50/50 ticket to Hadley Weinberg, who won $35 and donated it to the St. Susan's Soup Kitchen.

FINES/HAPPY BUCKS

 

Sergeant-at-arms Doug Conroe was not in attendance, so Greg Jones filled in. fined Michelle Jones for marching in the Ahsville Days parade. He also played trivia with several tables and most of his questions were answered correctly. Greg also reminded members to update their member profiles on Club Runner if they haven't already done so. Happy Bucks were paid but several members, including Kathy Burch, Randy Sweeney, Diana Meckley, Misti Allen, and Jason Sample.

INDUCTION OF BOARD MEMBER

 

Near the end of the meeting, Michelle helped to swear in Dave Painter to the 2025-26 board. Dave was unable to attend the president's dinner on June 30, when all other board members were sworn in, and so he took his oath at this week's meeting.

 

Following Dave's induction, Michelle reminded members that next week the club will have a performance from a violinist from Chautauqua Institution. The meeting was then adjourned and the rest of lunch was dedicated to club development.