The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
October 28, 2025 The 16th meeting of the Rotary year commenced with President Seth Minter formally opening the session by ringing the Rotary bell. President Minter delivered the invocation, after which Nick Knowles led attendees in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Dennis Danowski reported on attendance, noting that 22 members were present in person while two joined via Zoom, representing 45% of the club’s membership. Additionally, four guests attended: Heather Mcllvaine-Newsad (the guest speaker), Junior Rotarians for October, Emmett Beck and Elise Sullivan, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway, bringing the total attendance to 28.
Eleven Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent notable occasions. During the 50-50 drawing, winner Todd Lester was asked to draw a new card since he had won the drawing the week before; he drew the Six of Hearts. Subsequently, John Bannon participated in the drawing for a $7 prize but did not win, having drawn the Five of Diamonds.
President Minter then invited Junior Rotarian Elise Sullivan to present her report regarding her educational experiences, personal background, and post-graduation aspirations. Elise is a senior at Macomb High School, engaged in honors and AP coursework, and active in golf—her team just played in the state tournament. She also participates in Ecology Club, Rotary Interact, Youth for Christ, and maintains employment at both Hy-Vee and McAllister’s. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Washington, majoring in Psychology.
President Minter proceeded to read a thank you note from Miranda Lambert and Lauren Kane of the Rotary Centennial Morning Club, expressing gratitude for our club’s assistance and donations toward their recent Diaper Drive, which was very successful.
He also announced that the Rotary Annual Scholastic Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, with further details to follow.
Emily Gillette introduced the meeting’s guest speaker, Heather Mcllvaine-Newsad, an Anthropology professor at WIU and experienced yoga practitioner and instructor.
Professor Mcllvaine-Newsad integrates yoga into both her teaching and research and provided the club with practical methods to improve physical and mental well-being through yoga and stretching.
Heather began by addressing posture improvement using chair yoga techniques, emphasizing how such practices can enhance bodily well-being and alleviate everyday stress. She guided participants through several seated and standing positions, highlighting the combined benefits of stretching and controlled breathing for relaxation and stress reduction.
Following a comprehensive twenty-minute exercise session, members expressed feeling noticeably invigorated and appreciative of the demonstration, as well as the valuable insights for incorporating these exercises into daily routines.
The meeting concluded with the recitation of the “Four Way Test” and the sounding of the Rotary bell, encouraging all members to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
