THE GALLIPOLIS ROTARY CLUB BLOG

 The Proud, The Brave, The Determined . . .

“A DEVELOPING LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL CROSS MONDAY… PRODUCING A STEADY ACCUMULATING SNOW. BEHIND THE SYSTEM… WIND BLOWN SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT… AS COLDER AIR RUSHES IN. A TOTAL OF 6 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE BY TUESDAY MORNING.”  (National Weather Service, Charleston, WV)

‘Snow Panic’ gripped our area today, but the white stuff did not deter Gallipolis Rotarians from making our morning meeting.  We had 15 in attendance with two guests Tribune Editor, Andrew Carter and Tribune Publisher, Sammy Lopez.  President Bonnie McFarland congratulated everyone for their efforts and urged everyone to stay safe!

Valentine’s Dinner—President Bonnie took a few minutes to speak about last week’s evening meeting at Dave’s American Grill.  Everyone had a good time and Bonnie commended Shana Smith’s vocal entertainment.  Our good friends, Don and Alvera Robinson really enjoyed the dinner.

In our abbreviated format, Bonnie introduced our speakers for the meeting, Andrew Carter, Editor of the Gallipolis Daily Tribune and it’s new Publisher, Sammy Lopez.  Mr. Lopez recently relocated to Gallipolis from the Four Corners area of New Mexico and is a Paul Harris Fellow and former Rotary Club President!  He informed the club on some of the changes that are occurring with Ohio Valley Publishing Company including the installation of new press equipment.  The building is a very busy place these days with centralized printing of a number of local and weekly papers coming off the equipment in Gallipolis.  He spoke of the challenges of operating a small town newspaper and the vital mission it fulfills in spite of the competition from the Internet.  He took a number of questions from members and described how the Tribune’s staff can assist many local businesses.

President Bonnie presented our speakers with Books For Schools certificates and had Andrew and Sammy sign labels which will be added to the children’s books our club will be donating to area elementary schools later this year.  Thank you all for braving the weather and attending Rotary on this snowy morning.

Next week we will have a special speaker, Elaine Householder, who is a candidate for a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and Gallipolis Rotary Club will sponsor.  Be sure to be in attendance!

View Full Album

Gallipolis Rotarians and guests enjoyed a change of pace evening dinner meeting at Dave’s American Grill in celebration of Valentine’s Day.  President Bonnie McFarland welcomed everyone and an invocation was provided by ADG Matt Willis.  Past President, Debbie Rhodes, President Bonnie, and Jodie McCalla put their heads together in the planning of this special evening.

President Bonnie took the occasion to offer a special welcome to Don and Alvera Robinson.  Bonnie with the help of Jodie McCalla, officially crowned Alvera, ‘Queen of Hearts’  for the evening.     Rotarian Don joined Gallipolis Rotary in 1970 and he and Alvera are both Paul Harris Fellows.  Don was president of Gallipolis Rotary in 1983-1984 and held perfect attendance for many years.   Alvera has helped our club in so many ways over the years, especially volunteering at the Bob Evans Festival and helping raise money for Rotary Polio Eradication with a spaghetti supper last year. (more…)

Gallipolis Rotary Club hosted Celeste Nolan and daughter, Lilah, from Gallia county’s own Laurel Valley Creamery.  Rotarians learned about some amazing facts about the demands of the family farm and cheese making.  Celeste brought along some samples of product for Rotarians to taste, and they were a big hit!  Another big hit at Rotary was Lilah Nolan!  Lilah is the youngest guest that Gallipolis Rotary has had and she seemed to enjoy the club meeting.  She wasn’t the least bit scared of Gordon Amsbary! (more…)