The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
October 14, 2025 The 14th meeting of the Rotary year was officially opened by President Seth Minter with the ceremonial ringing of the Rotary bell.
Larry Adams delivered the invocation, followed by Steve Hopper leading attendees in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Dennis Danowski reported attendance figures, noting that 28 members— constituting 53% of the club—were present. The meeting also welcomed six guests: guest speaker Brad Beekman, visiting Rotarians Miranda Lambert and Lauren Kane from the Macomb Centennial Morning Rotary Club, Junior Rotarians Emmett Beck and Elise Sullivan for October, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway, bringing total attendance to 34.
President Minter highlighted October birthdays and anniversaries, acknowledging eight Rotarians with birthdays and two celebrating membership anniversaries this month.
Ten Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent special occasions. Dennis Iversen participated in the 50/50 drawing, but did not win the $186 prize, drawing the Nine of Spades instead of the winning Seven of Clubs.
A note of appreciation from Mary Brookhart, Grand Prize winner of the $20,000 Raffle, was read. She expressed gratitude for her award and the scholarships provided to students and had returned $1,000 of her winnings to the club. Ryan Van Dolah reported that 362 tickets were sold this year, with the club netting $5,400 from raffle sales. Brad Hunt, another prize recipient, also generously returned his $750 prize. Overall, the fundraiser was highly successful for the organization.
Two recognitions were presented: Nick Estes was inducted into the Paul Harris Society by Tom Stites and received a chevron, and Lynne Campbell received a Paul Harris Fellow Plus 4 level pin from President Minter.
President Minter also announced the addition of two new banners on the podium—awards received at the Foundation Dinner held on October 4, 2025.
The club earned the Every Rotarian Every Year 100% Membership Award, being 1 of 7 clubs out of 46 clubs in the district to do so, and the 100% Foundation Giving Club banner, 1 of 8 clubs out of the 46 from the district recognized. Both accomplishments reflect significant milestones for the club.
Representatives Miranda Lambert and Lauren Kane from the Macomb Centennial Morning Rotary Club discussed their Diaper Donation Drive project to be held this week. Donations are sought for diapers (size 2 and up), pull-ups, adult briefs, and feminine products.
Drop-off points are available from October 13–17, 2025.
They are concluding with a Fill-The-Bus event at Hy-Vee on Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Donations are sought for diapers (size 2 and up), pull-ups, adult briefs, and feminine products. Volunteers were also requested for Sunday’s event.
Todd Rodeffer introduced guest speaker Brad Beekman, an Astoria native and 1993 Law Enforcement graduate from WIU who has resided in McDonough County for the past 20 years. Mr.
Beekman is a retired Master Sergeant from the Illinois State Police, having served for 28 years—including several years on the Governor’s executive protection unit— and currently serves as a youth group leader and other positions. Mr. Beekman is running for Illinois State Senator representing the 36th District.
During his tenure, Mr.
Beekman led the Governor’s Executive Protection Unit for five years, managing 22–24 troopers providing roundthe- clock coverage for two governors. Since retiring, he has become involved in various facets of community service, including church leadership, serving as a school board member, farm ownership, board member for a church-owned business, and employment at a local bank. Mr. Beekman believes these experiences have given him a comprehensive understanding of the state’s needs moving forward.
Following his presentation, club members engaged with Mr. Beekman through questions and expressed their appreciation for his remarks.
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].
