Today’s Chair:  President Ruth Lundin called the noon meeting to order on Monday, February 26, 2024, followed by a club recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing the national anthem.

Invocation: Sharon Hamilton

Visiting Rotarians and Guests: President-elect Marion Beckerink welcomed guests, the “Weber Knapp family,” including Rhonda Johnson and Wayne Rishel. Marion then welcomed back a guest who is now a prospective member, Jason Sample.

Announcements:

President Lundin announced that Patricia Graves and Jason Sample have been approved by the Membership Committee and the Board of Directors for membership. Club members are now invited to present any objections in writing if appropriate.

Vince Horrigan called for 30 live auction items and more silent auction items for the upcoming Rotary Auction Fundraiser, whose website will go live on May 1 for absentee, online silent auction items, preceding the live auction at Moonbrook on May 18. Live bidding will start at the highest online bid value. Registration (available on the club website) for bidding is required and will open on April 1. Tickets are also available on the website. Purchase early, tickets as they may be sold out soon. Sponsors have already purchased 70.

Diana Meckley invited more sign-ups for the upcoming Farch celebration at Chautauqua Suites, which will also include Mayville-Westfield Rotary Club members.

On Wednesday, March 20, club members are invited to come to the Bush School to support the 4-H and Cornell Cooperative Extension 45-minute personal, life-experience and reading initiative by reading contributed books with students. The book title will be “I Love Strawberries,” a sweet experience everyone can identify with.

Budget preparations for next year (2024-2025) are now underway, according to President Lundin, committee chairs are requested to submit budget-impact information and proposals by March 8.

Increases have been announced by Rotary International. As a result, $159.50 of the previously adopted $160 per year dues will leave only $0.50 for the local club. This makes the upcoming budget development very important for everyone’s consideration.

The recent membership survey (32 responses recorded) indicated a preferred meeting start time of 12:0 5 PM and ending at 1:00 p.m.

The club will not meet on March 4, the next meeting is slated for March 11.

50/50 Drawing:  Conducted by new Member, Zach Agett. Marion Beckerink won! Marion donated her 50/50 winnings back to the club in honor of the club members who bravely and generously participated in the “Coldest Night of the Year Walk” last week, making the club the event’s largest fundraiser. 

Sergeant at Arms: Doug Conroe, honoring new dignitary Lisa Goodell, the un-disruptive Becky Robbins, and David Painter’s 10-month-old (ancient!) Irish Pub.

Happy Bucks:  noted Mike Roberts being honored by Chaut. Co. Chamber of Commerce. Vince Horrigan honored Andy Goodell for his long, devoted service in the NY State Assembly from which he is now retiring. Dan Heitzenrater and Sue Jones recognized Mike Roberts’ “Service to Humanity” award, along with a long list of additionally outstanding Jamestown individuals and their businesses, awards to be presented next week.

President Ruth Lundin concluded the meeting with a recitation in unison of the Rotary Four-way Test. Meeting ended at 1 PM recalling the Rotary theme of “Creating Hope in the World.”