Rotary President Michelle Jones called the meeting to order, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and asked President Elect Caitlin O’Reilly to lead us in the Star-Spangled Banner.
As part of giving the invocation, Vince Horrigan spoke about the importance service above self and volunteering in our community.
Caitlin O’Reilly introduced the guests, which included Fran Lapinski (guest of Becky Robbins) and Kyle Rahr, manager of Raven & Rune (guest of Brandon O’Dell). She also welcomed Jan, our exchange student, and Sophia (who will be our 2026-27 out-bound student).
Joni Blackman announced the February birthday celebrant – Patrica Graves – whose birthday is Feb. 2. Joni also reminded all Rotarians about the importance of donating to the Foundation and how it can be done easily via the Rotary website.
Kathy Burch announced that the winner of the 50/50 would receive $43. Kristin Melville won the money and gave all proceeds back to the organization.
Sergeant-at-Arms Doug Conroe fined Kristin Melville for appearing in the paper for WCA Foundation fundraising efforts. He also asked a Groundhogs Day trivia question, which was – In what year was the first Groundhogs Day? No one got the answer right, which was 1887.
Happy Bucks:
Michelle Jones gave a happy buck for the CHQ Chamber’s Coffee Crawl promotion, supporting local coffee shops in the county. She also announced the Lucille Ball Little Theater’s upcoming production of Anne Frank. Amy Rohler gave on behalf of the United Way for a successful campaign which exceeded its goal. Joni Blackman announced that her daughter got her first job as a professional tattoo artist. Ken Omeruo gave for becoming a member of the Jamestown Farmers Market advisory council. David Painter announced that Two Gingers restaurant and tavern won a contest, and Jason Sample announced that early bird ticket discounts are now available, through Feb. 14, for the JCC Uncommoners production of Biloxi Blues. Finally, Tory Irgang thanked the Robert H. Jackson Center and the Reg Lenna for collaborating in showing the new movie Nuremberg.
Club Service:
Max Eimiller gave an update on the Rotary Club’s miniature golf fundraiser, taking place at participating restaurants and businesses throughout downtown Jamestown on Feb. 21. He said it is imperative we have all the help we can get. Anyone interested in helping move holes, sponsoring/designing a hole, getting baskets for the raffle, should contact him directly.
Michelle Jones invited any Rotarian interested to join the Fundraising Committee for the next planned fundraiser in the spring or summer, with the first meeting taking place the first week in March. In addition, details were shared about Ruth Lundin’s upcoming project, supporting the Coldest Night of the Year on Feb. 28. She is seeking volunteers to participate.
Caitlin O’Reilly shared details about the upcoming President Elect Project – which is to Serve a Meal at UCAN on Feb. 12. Volunteers are needed to help and a sign up email has been sent out to all Rotarians. The day starts at 4pm with food prep and food will be served at 5pm.
Caitlin also shared details about sponsoring new members, and the important role all Rotarians have in bringing in and introducing prospective new members to the club.
Finally, Vice President Zach Agett shared details about the Vision Committee’s projects it has designated for funding in 2025. Those projects include, locally, the YWCA First House project, receiving $2500. Internationally, the STEM Lab in Katmandu, sponsored by David and Marissa Troxell, will receive $2500 (the same amount also being donated by our friends in the Welland, Ont. Rotary Club), while Sue and Greg Jones’ Water Filtration Project in Mexico will receive $1500. Additional projects receiving Vision Committee support will be announced in the future.
Michelle thanked everyone for attending. The meeting was adjourned and the rest of the hour was spent mixing and networking.
And, that darn groundhog saw his shadow.... 6 more weeks of Winter!!!!!
