Local Rotarians Learn About Life With MS
This week’s meeting of Gallipolis Rotary focused on ‘Life With MS.’ Pictured above include President Bonnie McFarland, Debbie Beagle, Sandy Thomas, Amber Barnes, and Dr. Chris Marazon.
Our meeting was opened by President Bonnie McFarland and the invocation was given by Cleeland Willis. Our president welcomed a number of guests to the meeting today including Sharon Shull, guest of President Bonnie, and Zac Folser, guest of Melissa Kimmel.
PETS—VP and President-Elect Lou Ellen Werry reported on her experiences in attending the All-Ohio PETS training for incoming club presidents. Last weekend’s sessions including a number of awesome presenters including RI President-Elect, Ray Klinginsmith. From her experiences, Lou Ellen praised Gallipolis Rotary by saying, “We’re a GREAT CLUB and we do a lot for our community and the world!”
Thank You Notes—President Bonnie acknowledged two notes of thanks for donated books from two elementary schools: Green Elementary, Cindy Calvert, teacher and Rio Grande Elementary, Paula Metzger, teacher.
Relay For Life—Bonnie announced the kickoff for this year’s Relay For Life fundraising for the Cancer Society. Dave Smith is our club’s chair person this year and he acknowledged receiving the information packet and will be organizing our team for this event.
Fellowship—Gordon Amsbary ran club fellowship this morning citing a number of ‘Firsts’ on this day in history. He also announced that today is “National Lips Appreciation and Preservation Day.” Under Happy Buck$ Chuck Clark bragged on his daughter who is a surgical resident in OKC. James Wellington bought a buck to promote the Oasis event which will be held this coming Saturday evening at Lynn Center on the URG campus.
Split-The-Pot—Dan Whiteley ran STP for the meeting today announcing the small pot was $7.00 and the large pot was $123.00! Our winner for the day was Paul Koch who unfortunately missed the big one by drawing the four of spades. Undeterred, Paul assessed the Foundation Fine against anyone who did not help out with the clothing distribution at New Life Lutheran last weekend.
Program—Our program chair today was Chris Marazon who introduced a number of guests who told about their personal experiences with MS. Amber Barnes spoke about her personal experiences as an MS patient. She has been instrumental in organizing the local Life With MS support group. The group has organized two MS ‘walks’ and last year raised $30,000 for MS research. Sandy Thomas spoke about last year’s walk which attracted 300 participants. Debbie Beagle next spoke to the group about her experience in living with MS after being diagnosed in 1989. She has had to step down from her nursing career due to the fatigue and other symptoms. Rotarians thanked our special guests for their great personal stories of courage living with MS. PDG Mel Simon thanked Debbie for her volunteer efforts with the Free Medical Clinic.