The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
July 15, 2025 Our 3rd meeting of the Rotary year commenced with President Seth Minter ceremoniously ringing the Rotary bell. Seth delivered the invocation, and Steve Knowles led the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Rotarian Steve Knowles then reported attendance, noting that 30 members were present representing 57% of the club’s membership. We had 2 guests, making 32 in attendance.
Our guests were Kea Runyan, our speaker and Abbey Thorman (who was being inducted as a member).
President Seth called on Emily Gillett to bring us up to date on the Rotary Day at the Ballpark tickets.
Emily wanted to announce that there have been over 30 tickets donated to the Mosaic residents. There are still tickets to come in so she asked if there are other groups to provide tickets to.
Happy Money was collected from 11 Rotarians who were celebrating a happy occasion or event this week. Guest Kea Runyan participated in the 50/50 drawing but did not win the $100 when she drew the 9 of Diamonds instead of the 7 of Clubs.
Next, Seth called Kim McKee, Steve Knowles, and Abbey Thorman to the front to start the official induction of Abbey as the newest member of the Rotary Club of Macomb. Steve and Kim were Abbey’s sponsors and Steve read her bio to the members. President Seth then conducted the induction of membership to Abbey and duly inducted her into Rotary. All members welcomed Abbey to our club.
Todd Rodeffer introduced the guest speaker, Kea Runyan, from Cole Street Coffee House in Bushnell.
Kea resides a few miles west of Bushnell and has lived in the area since 2000.
She is engaged to Matt, had relocated from Colorado, and attended Biola University in California, where she earned a major in Communications. Her personal interests include horses. She has previously worked at a bank and the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as chair of the board for Trinity Christian School in Industry.
Kea manages the Cole Street Brew House and asked attendees to identify the six local coffee houses offering espresso-based coffee. After several attempts, all six were named, with Lynne Campbell naming the final one and receiving a bag of special blend coffee as recognition.
She presented statistics about coffee consumption in the United States, noting that it is the largest coffee market globally, valued at $88 billion, and that 67% of Americans drink coffee.
The country has over 40,000 coffee shops.
Cole Street Coffee House is owned by Checkrow Community Church and was established with the intention of being mission-based in Bushnell. Its objectives include providing a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality coffee experience, as well as contributing to the community.
The coffee house donates all customer tips as monthly contributions to organizations in Bushnell that apply for funding. To date, Cole Street Coffee House has distributed over $45,000 in tip-generated funds to various organizations. Kea listed an impressive list of organizations that have received support in recent years.
Following these points, members commented on the offerings at the Brew House and its operations in Bushnell. When asked if food is served, Kea responded that breakfast and lunch items are available and frequently ordered. She invited attendees to visit Bushnell to try the coffee and menu items provided by Cole Street Coffee House.
President Seth provided updates on upcoming meetings and events:
• July 22, 2025: Meeting Program – Wayne Laramie MDH Chief Nursing Officer
• July 29, 2025: Meeting – NO NOON MEETING - Fifth Tuesday Social with Scholarship winners being honored at the Macomb Country Club starting at 5PM (hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar).
• August 9, 2025: Rotary Family Day at the Ballpark in St. Louis, MO – Cardinals & Cubs – Tickets forms on the tables.
The club recited the “Four Way Test”, which was followed by ringing the Rotary bell and encouraging everyone to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at [email protected].
