Michelle Jones, President of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and introduced Caitlin O’Reilly to lead the singing of the State Spangled Banner which was followed by the invocation given by Tory Irgang.
There were no visiting Rotarians or guests to be introduced.
President Michelle thanked the Double Tree for their amazing prime rib luncheon with all the trimmings – the food was delicious including the much-requested stuffed portobello mushrooms and special pie for dessert.
In addition to the lovely meal, the Hotel donated an overnight stay for two AND dinner for two as well. The lucky winner was Dan Heitzenrater!
The annual gratuity for the serving staff had been collected prior to the meeting and was offered to the staff as a small token of appreciation for their dedication to our service this past year.
Past President Marion Beckerink presented Caitlin O’Reilly with a very special Polio Plus Society membership pin. Many of us belong to the Paul Harris Sustaining Society and pledge a donation of $100 a year, accumulating in 10 years for a Paul Harris Award. Caitlin has done us all one better and has donated $100 A MONTH to receive a special Polio Plus Award.
Emily Cama reminded everyone of the Holiday Party at SAUCE on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Forty people have signed up for the wonderful meal and the gift exchange.
John Felton updated us on the upcoming Falconer Vocational interviews 1/13, 1/14, 1/15 and 1/16 to help the young people hone their interview skills. Be sure to sign up for this great service for our young people.
Joni Blackman introduced our fellow members with December birthdays to include:
Andy Goodell, 12/1; Steve Sandberg, 12/2; Greg Jones, 12/4; Dave Painter, 12/11; Jim Smith, 12/22; Jason Sample, 12/26; Ruth Lundin, 12/31; and Edward Sundquist, 12/31. Jason won the free lunch.
Caitlin O’Reilly read a new member application for Shannon Rinow, sponsored by John Healy. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the secretary within 10 days.
Greg Jones thanked everyone for their participation in the Red Kettle Campaign and John Felton’s company for their greatly appreciated extra support.
Lisa Goodell led the 50/50 raffle which was won by Max Eimiller.
Doug Conroe performed the honors of the Sergeant at Arms, followed by Happy Bucks.
Heath will be leaving for Tasmania on Jan. 9. A going away party will be held January 6 from 6 to 9pm at the Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union on Mall Boulevard. Beef on weck will be provided and dishes to pass would be very much welcomed.
The President then called the Annual Meeting to order.
The Secretary was asked to determine a quorum and moved the minutes of the previous meeting be waived.
The motion was seconded by Emily Cama and carried.
President Michelle who was also the chairman of the nominating committee gave her report as follows: The Nominating Committee consisted of Marion Beckerink, Ruth Lundin, Joni Blackman, John Healy, Mike Roberts, Michelle Jones, Caitlin O’Reilly, Chris Anderson and Max Eimiller. The committee met on Nov. 5 and communicated through email. All nominations were discussed with the nominated Rotarian. There were three board members with terms expiring June 30, 2026, and one open term expiring June 2026: Anderson, Omeruo and Beckerink.
Those nominated to serve a three-year term as director from July 1 2026-29 are: Kenneth Omeruo, Chris Anderson and Misti Allen. Max Eimiller was nominated for Vice President, Michael Dobbins as Secretary and Wayne Rishell as club treasurer.
Nominations were asked for from the floor and hearing none, Caitlin moved, seconded by Mike Roberts, to close the nominations and request the Secretary accept the nominations by unanimous ballot for the slate of directors for 7/1/26 through 6/30/29.
President Michelle read the nominees for 3 RCJCSF Board members whose term will run from July 1, 2026-29 who are Gail Donus, Marion Beckerink and Cheri Krull. They currently serve as directors and all three wish to continue with another three-year term. Motion made by John Felton, seconded by Becky Robbins to close the nominations and request the Secretary to submit the nominees for unanimous consent.
Caitlin O’Reilly presented the slate for ROTARY CLUB OF JAMESTOWN COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND Board Members:
Zach Agett Chair Ex-officio
Caitlin O’Reilly Past President Ex-officio
Max Eimiller Vice-Chair Ex-officio
Michelle Jones Secretary Ex-Officio 2027
Kathy Burch Treasurer 2027
Lisa Goodell, Randy Sweeney, Sharon Hamilton 2027
Joelle Washer , Ruth Lundin 2028
Gale Donus, Cheri Krull, Marion Beckerink 2029
The RCJCSF Board will hold an organizational meeting in July to affirm its officers for the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
President Michelle presented the following full slate of officers for the Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY for year 2026-27:
President Caitlin O’Reilly
President -Elect Zach Agett
Vice President Max Eimiller
Secretary Michael Dobbins
Club Treasurer Wayne Rishell
Past President Michelle Jones
Sergeant at Arms Andy Goodell ex officio
Directors
John Bauman. Emily Cama, John Felton, Dan Heitzenrater 2027
Patricia Graves, David Painter, Mike Roberts 2028
Misti Allen, Chris Anderson, Ken Omeruo 2029
Historian Sue Jones ex officio
Congratulations to all who have agreed to serve and thank you.
President Jones requested a short financial report from the Club Treasurer, Ruth Lundin. She responded by saying that she would email the report to all members.
Youth Services Chairman Cheri Krull spoke to an immediate need for host families to enable the Club to send out TWO exchange students next year. Sofia Cama has been selected to represent our Club and there is another suitable student. We must accept a foreign student to send one out. To do so we need HOST FAMILIES. Please talk to anyone on the committee if you have an interest in hosting or know of someone who might like to welcome a student into their home for a 3-month stay.
Zach Agett reported that the Vision committee has spent $500 for Halloween book give away; $1500 for water filter distribution in Puerto Vallarta and $2500 for new windows at the YWCA women’s shelter.
President Michelle gave a brief report of activities so far including Highway Cleanup, Voter registration at JCC, and book supplies in laundromats. We have welcomed three new members and a fourth is pending. We have had a successful golf tournament and will hold a min golf fundraiser in February, and another fundraiser slated for the late Spring.
She closed by thanking everyone for their service as we “Unite for Good.”
Here are some photos from our Wonderful Christmas Party at Sauce. Fun was had by all!
