President Marion Beckerink opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Star-Spangled Banner. Becky Robbins gave this week’s invocation.

President-elect Michelle Jones acknowledged the visiting Rotarians - Michael Harrington (Westfield-Mayville), Assistant District Governor; and Michele Starwalt-Woods (Dunkirk-Fredonia), District Governor Elect.

Rotary Club of Jamestown guests for the September 12 meeting included from left to right: Michael Harrington, Rotary District 7090 Assistant District Governor; Michele Starwalt-Woods, Rotary District 7090 Governor-Elect; and Marion Beckerink, Rotary Club of Jamestown President. 

For announcements, Marion shared details about the recent Food Insecurity Survey that was conducted via email last week. She said that all members who responded agreed it was an extremely important issue, and that the Rotary Club of Jamestown should do something to help address the growing challenge of food insecurity that is currently facing our community. She said an Ad Hoc Food Insecurity Committee is being created, with Mike Roberts and Sharon Hamilton serving as co-chairs. The committee will meet to determine the best way for the Rotary Club of Jamestown to quickly and effectively address food insecurity. Any member who wants to serve on the committee should reach out to Marion, Mike and Sharon. Members also encouraged to assist with the challenge in their own, individual way, as best each member sees fit.

Former president Ruth Lundin reminded members about the organization’s strategic initiative focusing on Leadership Development and Civic Engagement, especially with the community’s youth. To that end, Rotary has been in touch with Jamestown Community College to organize a voter registration table for students at the beginning of the Fall semester and is working with the League of Women Voters to train and prepare for the registration. She added that the event will take place on Wednesday, September 4 at JCC during its Welcome Back Picnic and Involvement Fair. Ruth will send out more information, but also encouraged members to contact her directly if they want to be involved with the registration effort.

Ruth also said that new name badges will be ordered for anyone who wants one. The cost of a new badge will be $5 for members, along with a $5 match from the club. Members can also continue to use their current round badge if they wish. The new badge will include the member’s classification and year they became a Rotarian. Anyone who needs to update their classification should do so with Kristine Mellville. It is especially important to have updated classifications in time for the Jamestown Young Professionals mixer, happening Monday, September 23. Members attending the mixer should also bring their business card. If you don’t have a business card, the DEI Committee will print them.

Marion reminded attendees that the book stuffing meeting was going to take place at 5:30 p.m., at the Rotary Office and that it could serve as a make-up event.

The 50/50 of $40.00 and was won by Tim Edborg.

Sergeant at Arms Doug Conroe noted that he will be off for some meetings in late September. Anyone who wishes to fill in for him during the time he is out should reach out and let him know. Fines were levied against Becky Robbins for the Board of Public Utilities recently being in the paper for raising over $35,000 with “Cents for St. Susan's” – an annual fundraiser to fight hunger in the community. Kristin Mellville also paid a fine for recently being in the paper, due to the WCA Foundation receiving a $5000 donation from the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie fundraising campaign. Amy Rohler also paid a fine for having to miss a portion of the meeting.

For Happy Bucks, Randy Sweeney gave a donation in recognition of Tim Edborg volunteering his time on Sunday Night, performing with fellow Rotarian Randy Graham at YMCA’s Camp Onyahsa for the 15th year. Tim also donated happy bucks for being grateful he gets to perform at the camp each year. Marion also donated happy bucks, having just visited Cleveland and getting the opportunity to see Lewis Black while there.