Gallipolis Rotary Club--April 15, 2014

President Chuck Clark called the regular morning meeting of the Gallipolis Rotary Club to order promptly at 7:15 am with 20 Rotarians and guests present.  VP/President Elect Kevin Dennis provided our invocation.  Our special guest today and program speaker was Judy Walters representing Gallia County United Way.  It was great to see Clyde Evans with us today who is recovering from recent rotator cuff surgery!  Treasurer Shawn Siders was with us today as well!

 

President's Announcements--President Chuck reminded members of the two important District events coming up in the next 30 days--District Assembly on April 26th at Chillicothe High School, and the District Conference at Cherry Valley Lodge May 16-17.  Rotarians may register for both events on line at the District's web site.  Our "Last Tuesday" this month will be at Common Grounds in Vinton in two weeks.  Rotarian Lee Bauman and his wife, Carol, will be hosting us.

 

Scholarships Update--Debbie Saunders, Chair of the club's Scholarship Committee, updated the club on the progress of selecting this year's Rotary Scholarship recipients.  Debbie announced we have a total of 13 applications from some excellent students.  The committee will meet again on Thursday afternoon at 4 pm at Bossard Library for a final decision on finalists.  Thank you, Debbie and this committee for the hard work in this difficult decision process.

 

Fellowship--VP Kevin Dennis shared a hilarious story opening fellowship and passed the baton to Gordon Amsbary to lead our club fellowship.  We had two birthdays to celebrate today--Paul Koch and Secretary Shana Booher.  Gordo suggested the pair choose a sextet of singers to offer birthday greetings.  Singers included Matt Willis, Stan Evans, Cleeland Willis, Shawn Siders, Debbie Saunders, and Loralee Carmichael.  What a great Rotary moment!  Great job, everyone!  Clyde Evans extended our fellowship with a little interesting background on Ohio's truancy bill which is still referred to as the Bing Bill.

 

Important Date--Next Friday, April 25th is an important event at the Field of Hope .  A benefit for the Field of Hope will be held at Vinton Baptist Church to raise funds for its work in the community to help with drug abuse, fighting hunger, and helping folks in our county.  The entertainment will feature The Soggy Bottom Band and should be a great time. President Chuck is looking forward to enjoying some great barbeque!  Tickets are available from all OVB branches.  Let's all support this important event!

Split-the-Pot--President Nominee, Charlene Smith ran our STP for the meeting today.  The small pot grew to $6.00 with ticket sales being brisk.  Charlene asked our speaker, Judy Walters, to draw out the winning ticket which was held by Paul Koch!  Our winner donated back his winnings to the club.  Paul missed out on the "Big One" of $207.00 or more by drawing the Jack of Clubs.  The Foundation Fine was assessed against anyone 'not wearing black zipper-side boots'. 
 

Big thanks goes out to Alvera Robinson for volunteering to represent our club for the upcoming board meeting of the Gallia Senior Resource Center this Thursday!  Loralee Carmichael is our club's representative, but has a meeting in Columbus that day.   Thanks for stepping in, Alvera!

 
Program--Today's guest speaker was Judy Walters from the United Way of Gallia County.  Functioning since the 90's this community organization is the fundraiser for 10 local nonprofit organizations.  The money they collect stays in Gallia County! . Judy highlighted the services these charities offer.  Donations now are only half of what used be collected.  These lower donations are due to the downsizing of most of our local employers.  The United Way golf tournament is scheduled for August 9th.

 
Thank you Judy for your dedication to our local United Way.
 
Our meeting was adjourned.