The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
September 23, 2025 The 13th meeting of the Rotary year commenced with President Seth Minter formally ringing the Rotary bell. The invocation was delivered by Larry Adams, followed by Steve Hopper leading the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Nick Knowles reported an attendance of 32 members, including 1 joining remotely via Zoom, representing 55% of the club. Four guests were present: Lars Gossel from the Food Co-op, Wayne Laramie a potential new member; Junior Rotarians for September, Henry Brookman and Ella Hare; and Rotary Exchange Student from Norway, Thea Granheim, bringing total attendance to 37.
Happy Money was contributed by 9 Rotarians celebrating special occasions this past week. Steve Hopper participated in the 50/50 drawing but did not secure the $181 prize, as he drew the Nine of Clubs rather than the winning Seven of Clubs.
President Seth delivered several important announcements. Two upcoming Tuesday meetings require attention: First, on Sept.
30, 2025, the regular noon meeting will be rescheduled to 5:00 PM to accommodate the 5th Tuesday Social event. Second, the meeting scheduled for October 7, 2025, will be canceled due to participation by many Rotary members in Legislative Day in Springfield, an event sponsored by the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the Rotary District 6460 Foundation Dinner for the Central area will be held in Macomb on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at which our club will receive recognition for its outstanding contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
Seth then called on Henry Brookman, one of our September Junior Rotarians, to address the club with his school activities and his future plans. Henry is a senior at MHS and has participated in choir since the 5th grade. He has also participated in track and field. His future plans are to attend Spoon River College for 2 years and then probably continue at the University of Illinois or a college in St. Louis, MO.
Todd Lester introduced the guest speakers, Rotary member John Bannon and Lars Gossel from the Macomb Food Co-op. John began by announcing that the Food Co-op is organizing an Oktoberfest event on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM. It will be held at the corner area of South McArthur and South Lafayette. Both he and Lars serve on the Macomb Food Co-op Foundation Board, and the Co-op is currently seeking funds to purchase the building they occupy in order to continue their operations at the same location.
The Oktoberfest event will have a $20 cover charge for participation, while children age 12 and under may attend at no cost. The event is designed to foster community engagement and generate essential funds through a range of offerings including food, beverages, games, skill-based contests, musical performances, and the display of German-themed attire among attendees.
Lars Gossel provided additional insight into the German heritage associated with Oktoberfest, noting that the event will feature traditional German fare such as pretzels, bratwurst, and homemade fries. Beer will be available from The Ice House and The Ritz, along with fresh apple cider from Camps Orchard.
Planned activities include corn husking, a hammer contest to determine who can drive a nail in with the fewest strikes, and a beer stein holding competition. The event offers entertainment suitable for all ages. Volunteers are needed to assist with various aspects of Oktoberfest, and John and Lars invited those interested to contribute their support.
Last on the agenda was an Early Bird Ticket drawing and an update on the sale of tickets. The name drawn for the free Raffle ticket was John Gage and Ryan VanDolah announced that 332 tickets have been sold so far.
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].
Henry Brookman Jr. Rotarian
