Notes from July 31, 2025– By David Spencer
The Club Bell was rung at 12:07 by President Cara, who welcomed everyone to today’s meeting. David Hartman gave our invocation, followed by David Spencer who led the Pledge of Allegiance. David also led our group in the song “America the Beautiful”, followed by Rotary! We had several interesting guests today, including Carla Dowlen’s nephew, David Janjgava, and Charlott Scott, a PhD candidate From U Penn and writing her dissertation on military affairs, who was invited to attend by Spin.
Next up, Monica Horton presented Bradon Wood’s son, Parker, to the group. Parker spoke to us about his experience at the RYLA training camp. We had the privilege of asking young Parker questions about his RYLA experience. When asked about how he felt on Day 1 vs. the Last Day of RYLA, he caused a few chuckles by stating, “Well, I was mad at first because my Dad made me do it, but I ended up having a lot of fun anyway, and I didn’t want to leave my new friends”. Parker detailed things such as leadership projects, challenges to learn to public speak, and he expressed how impressed he was with his peers and their understanding and acceptance of one another at RYLA. Parker is also the soccer team Captain at the Legacy HS.
During the Sunshine Report, prayers were asked for the granddaughter of Andy Kocher who had a recent appendectomy. Prayers for her healing, and prayers for safe travel were lifted up for Andy and his family.
The “Brag Bucket” is getting a workout from Noros Martin. President Cara did our FIRST brag using the new Venmo QR Code on Spin, a Senior instructor pilot from Holland, has raised substantial funds for the Humane Society, in addition to his introducing a prospective new member.
Wow, Spin was back in the spotlight when Benay Ayers bestowed him with his Paul Harris Medallion. David Janjgava, Karla Dowlen’s nephew, was back up, but this time to be honored with his first Paul Harris Fellow award, thanks to his Aunt. David is a star player on Memorial High School baseball team, and is an incoming Sophomore. What a blessing to witness!
We had several announcements: President Cara announced about the Venmo Cards on each table. She will have them there at all meetings. The Venmo QR code is available for club payments. You can use if for your dues, brag bucket funds, to pay for Judy’s amazing cinnamon roll raffles, and more! What is Venmo, you ask? President Cara will stay late during August meetings to help you learn what Venmo is and how it works. One request about the Venmo, if you use it, please ALWAYS put in the notes what the payment is for that way we can properly allocate and account for funds received. The next announcement was that we will meet at the Kemp Center next week when District Governor, Jon Bullock. For that meeting, we are asking for everyone to please wear your Paul Harris Medallions.
The Member Spotlight was given by Brady Woolsey. Brady was