Rotarians Savor Silver Bridge Coffee
This week’s guest speaker was Lorraine Walker, owner/operator of Silver Bridge 
Coffee Company, a local roaster of specialty coffees.
President Deb Rhodes, recently back from Jamaica, called our meeting to order promptly at 7:15 am. Matt Willis provided the invocation. Our attendance was a little light today—could our AWOL Rotarians be victims of Daylight Savings Time? President Rhodes reminded members about the important events that are coming up:
- District Assembly—As was mentioned last week, President Deb reminded everyone the District Assembly will be held on Saturday, April 4th at Ohio University-Lancaster. President Deb, Bonnie, and Chuck are planning on attending and would like to have a few more Rotarians make the trip this year. This is an excellent opportunity for new members to experience the workings of Rotary at the District level and to meet Rotarians from around our District. They usually have a special meeting for new Rotarians.
- Rotary Relays—Our Spring project—Rotary Relays will be held Saturday, April 25th at the University of Rio Grande track facility. This year our club is opening the event to 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in track and field. Our club feels it is important to have a track event that will attract and stimulate this age group and their families. Jeff Lanham is handling the planning and we are expecting an excellent turnout. Be sure to mark your calendars as we need everyone to help at this important event.
Fellowship—Gordon Amsbary quickly assessed a fine on new ‘Grandpa’ Kevin Petrie, however it appeared the fine WAS actually paid last week! In that case, Gordon assigned a ‘Good Looks’ discount to cover the event. On this day in history, the Spanish Flu epidemic began in 1918 and lasted over two years. Today was also, “National Mario Day” as well as “National Learn What Your Name Means Day”. (Are you making this up, Gordo?)
Happy Buck$—Jenny Evans bought a buck to celebrate her acceptance into the University of Cincinnati Law School! (No Lawyer jokes, please!) Bob Eastman bought a happy buck as he will receive a kidney donation next week! Awesome, Bob, our thoughts and prayers are with you! Margaret Evans bought a buck in honor of her daughter’s hard work in an upcoming musical. Brette Booth bought a buck in honor of NO NEW PROJECTS to submit for funding!
Split-Zee-Pot—Marlin Rose jumped in and ran STP for our meeting today and pushed the small pot to $7.00 and the large pot to $250.00! Our lucky ticket holder today was Margaret Evans! Margaret drew carefully for the big pot, but pulled out the 3 of spades. The Foundation Fine was assessed against ‘anyone wearing a tie!’
Program—Matt Willis introduced Lorraine Walker of Silver Bridge Coffee 
Company, a unique business in Gallipolis. Lorraine has been quite busy for a number of years in the preparations for launch her company. Silver Bridge Coffee is a custom roaster and packager of specialty coffees from around the world. She explains that she and her husband have been on a quest to find the finest coffees for over 25 years and to share this passion with family, friends, and others with the same ‘thirst’ for quality and convenience.
It all began when they started roasting beans at home and the fun of tasting coffees from around the world. There are no custom roasters in this area, and it became apparent a custom roaster could succeed here. Lorraine formed her company and joined the specialty coffee association and began to learn all that there was to be learned about coffees. The beans arrive at her door in 150 pound burlap bags and every bag has to be scored and tested and then logged. S.B. Coffee is considered a micro-roaster since she roasts 15 pounds at a time.
Our speaker announced a newly revised web page is to be rolled out this week and it offers more information about Silver Bridge Coffee and a more secure, PCI compliant web purchasing procedures. Next week Lorraine will pitch her products in the Ohio Business Plan contest in Columbus. She was recently named our regional winner. Silver Bridge Coffee is available on-line and will soon be available at Foodland in Gallipolis. Thanks, Lorraine and Matt for the interesting program!