The ‘Next-To-The-Last’ Meeting Of The Year!
President Deb Rhodes welcomed Gallipolis Rotarians and guests to the next-to-the-last meeting of this Rotary year. Bob Hood provided the invocation. President Deb reminded Rotarians that next week is an EVENING MEETING and our induction of officers and directors. Our meeting will be held at the Senior Resource Center, gathering at 6 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm.
Rotary Mile—Our first project of the new Rotary year is not far off. Our Rotary Mile will take place on July 3rd just prior to the annual parade. Event Chairman, Jim Morrison, passed around sign-up sheets for the registration and start at the Shake Shoppe and a separate sheet for help at the finish line. Plan on reporting to the Shake Shoppe at 5:45 pm.
A Note Of Thanks—President Deb read a nice note of thanks from Rotary Scholarship recipient, Meghen Daines.
Generation Gallia—New Rotarian, Jodie Anderson, announced the young professional networking organization, Generation Gallia, will be holding a Corn Hole Tournament at the City Park on Saturday, July 18th.
State Budget Cuts—Debbie Saunders paid for an Unhappy Buck to inform Rotarians the state’s fiscal crisis may threaten public libraries. Funding cuts of 50% are possible which would devastate the services provided by Bossard Memorial Library. Concerned Citizens are urged to contact the Governor’s Office at 614-466-3555; Rep. Clyde Evans at 614-466-1366; and State Senator John Carey office at 614-466-8156.
Split-The-Pot—Jim Morrison ran STP for the meeting and asked one of our guests to draw for the winning ticket which was held by . . . Chuck Clark! Chuck pocketed the $7 small pot and drew carefully for the $90 large pot, but was foiled by drawing the seven of hearts. The Foundation Fine was assessed against anyone who did not drive to the meeting this morning with their top down on their car!
National Mirth Day?—Gordon Amsbary led Club fellowship this morning and announced that today was National Mirth Day. We all need to LIGHTEN UP! After a bit of historical trivia, Gordon fined Kurt Dailey for his recent birthday. Kurt chose the special mystery singer option and Margaret Evans delivered a sultry version of Happy Birthday for Kurt’s donation to the club. Good job! To conclude fellowship, Gordon had everyone participate in a little Rotary Aromatherapy session with sprigs of fresh lavender.
Next Year’s Organization—President-Elect Bonnie McFarland reported to the club that two organizational meetings have been held by the new board in preparation for the new Rotary year. Things are getting organized and we hope to start off the year in great fashion.
Pictured above include new GAHS Head Coach Mike Eddy, Tom Morgan, Matt Clickenger, Steve McGhee, and Jeff Lanham.
Program—Jeff Lanham introduced a group from Gallia Academy High School’s Stadium Committee to speak to our club about the progress on the athletic sports complex for the new high school. Tom Morgan spoke first and introduced GAHS’s new head football coach, Mike Eddy. Mike comes to Gallipolis from Parkersburg High School and is interested in a long term commitment as coach. He spoke of the history and traditions of Parkersburg and how he expects to build a similar program here through the four pillars of Character, Commitment, Courage, and Discipline.
Stadium Committee member Steve McGhee presented a PowerPoint presentation which has been developed by Matt Clickenger for fundraising for the new sports complex. The committee plans to raise nearly $4 million to complete the sports fields, stadium, and classrooms complex. This presentation will be custom tailored for each company or group. The Stadium Committee plans to raise funds to be used along with the large gift from the Eastman family through public appeals, gifts, and grants.