Gallipolitan for August 25th
Our attendance was a bit light today for our regular morning meeting. Kurt Dailey gave the invocation and VP Lou Ellen Werry provided the Rotary Minute. This week’s installment reflected on the fourth avenue of Rotary service—International Service through the Rotary Foundation. Lou Ellen reminded members—“Every Rotarian, Every Year!
Presentation—Kurt Dailey announced his company, Supresta,
recently purchased a fair hog, and will provide the meat to Serenity House, our local shelter, which is managed by Rotarian Melissa Kimmel. In addition, Kurt asked PDG Mel Simon to come forward and receive a check from the company for $1,000 to go to the French 500 Medical Clinic. This Thursday, August 27th is the first official opening of the French 500 Free Medical Clinic. President Bonnie reminded Rotarians that opportunities for service will be available at the clinic in future months.
New Paul Mossman Fellow–President Bonnie McFarland became the 
newest Paul Mossman Fellow for the Gallipolis Rotary Club. Jim Morrison made the official presentation of the special gold ice breaker badge to Bonnie. Jim also took the time to remind members the Mossman award was created to provide a local foundation and ‘rainy day’ fund for club projects. Once every 5-10 years our Farm Festival fundraiser can be rained out, and this fund functions to provide additional dollars for our Rotary Scholarships, when the festival receipts come up short. Jim reminded everyone that members can request to have an additional $5 per month added to your bill toward the Paul Mossman award. You can also use the proceeds from one or more of your Rotary coin boxes toward the PMF, but you need to make sure our Treasurer knows the designation. Your monthly dues will show your progress toward this important milestone. We currently have SEVEN Paul Mossman Fellows who proudly wear the gold badge at weekly meetings. Consider joining the group and start your deduction—Remember, it’s tax deductible!
Thank you letter—President Bonnie acknowledged the club received a nice letter of thanks from PDG Mel Simon for the club’s donation toward the French 500 Medical Clinic.
Fundraiser for Relay For Life—Thanks to Dan and Edna Whiteley’s efforts, club members can donate items for auction to Dan who will take them to the Old Glory Auction at Middleport on Thursday. Dan will accept the items at the meetings on Tuesday morning and all proceeds will go our club’s Relay For Life Team fundraising. This is a great way to raise funds for this yearly project!
ATTENTION, RED BADGE MEMBERS—It’s time to lose the red badge for the permanent blue club badge with the completion of all of the requirements. Shawn Siders will get his blue badge next week—how about the rest of you? Most of our current red badge owners are close—David Smith, JR Sauer, James Wellington, Jodie Anderson, Dave Nadler, Brett Booth and Melissa Kimmel. Melissa turned in an attendance make-up this week, so she is close!
Board Meeting—President Bonnie reminded members the next club board meeting will be next week, right after the regular club meeting. This is another requirement for the blue badge. Any member who wishes are welcome to sit in for the board meeting.
Club Fellowship—Emily Dailey ran club fellowship for the meeting today and Happy Bucks were purchased by Jodie and Bonnie. Emily recalled some of the famous events on this day in history such as the founding of Yellow Cab in 1910. Emily concluded with a few words of wisdom.
Split-Zee-Pot—Jodie Anderson subbed for Shawn today as Treasurer and announced the small pot was $6 and the large pot was $136. Jim Morrison, STP organizer, asked Grae Schuster draw for the winning ticket which was held by Bonnie McFarland! After confirming the Queen of Hearts was indeed in the deck, Jim had Bonnie draw for the big pot, only to miss it by pulling the nine of spades. Bonnie assessed the Foundation Fine against anyone who did NOT attend all three county fairs.
Program—President Bonnie introduced our speaker for the morning
which was none other than Gordon Amsbary. Gordon spoke about a number of interesting facts concerning his growing up in Gallipolis and the big house on Fourth Avenue where he was born. As always, Gordon provided a fascinating and entertaining talk. At the conclusion of his remarks, President Bonnie asked Gordon to sign one of the labels for our Books For Schools project and presented Gordon with a special certificate for his program.
Our meeting was adjourned.