The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
December 9, 2025 President Seth Minter officially commenced the 21st meeting of the Rotary year at the Western Illinois Museum. The occasion featured a special program by the Macomb High School Madrigal Singers. The invocation was delivered by Todd Rodeffer and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Nick Knowles.
Attendance was reported by Steve Knowles: 27 members attended in person and 1 on Zoom, which represented 53% of the club’s membership. 21 guests were also present, Melanie Butcher director of the 17 MHS Madrigals in attendance, visiting guest Cameron Caldwell-Conner from WIU, December’s Junior Rotarians: Drew Watson and Addison Clow, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway— bringing total attendance to 49.
President Seth then read a list of December birthdays, a wedding anniversary, and members club anniversaries. Those having December birthdays were Tom Stites and Jake Green, Kim and Eric McKee are celebrating 35 years of marriage, and membership anniversaries were: Terry Vail 51 yrs, Dennis Iversen 44 yrs, Dick Foster 47 yrs, Kim McKee 6 yrs, Faith Campbell 5 yrs, and Norine Hammond 13 yrs. “Happy Birthday” was sung to the two members.
Seven Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent significant events. The 50/50 drawing had $44 to be won if the 6 of Hearts could be drawn. Dennis Iversen had the winning ticket but drew the 9 of Diamonds and didn’t collect the money Next, Seth introduced Allison Clow who is one of the December Junior Rotarians and spoke to inform the club of her family, her activities at MHS, and future plans after graduation.
Allison is a senior at MHS and mentioned two older brothers and stepsister who are attending college. One brother and her stepsister attend college at WIU and the other brother is at the University of Missouri. She is involved in band, choir, Thespians, Science Club, Rotary Scholastic Bowl, Speech Team, and several other groups. After graduation she plans to major in music education most likely at WIU.
President Seth informed members that the upcoming meeting December 16, 2025, will be an informative meeting with Anne Lefter and Patrick Downing from WIU presenting a program on the upcoming completion of the Goldfarb Center for the Performing Arts. He reminded members that there will be no meetings on December 23, 2025, and December 30, 2025, to allow everyone to enjoy the holidays. Members were also reminded of the Salvation Army bell-ringing events scheduled for December 11 and 13, 2025.
Seth reported on a recent meeting with Treasurer Nick Estes and proceeded to announce the club’s completed donations for the month. The club initially contributed $500 to Loaves and Fishes; combined with individual member contributions, the total donation reached $1,295. He then provided an update regarding the Shoes for Kids project: through both member and community support which include responses to a “Community News Brief” article—the fund currently stands at $2,140. Additionally, the club will contribute $500, which will enable the purchase of 50 pairs of shoes for 50 children, this makes the project a success . Seth also noted that the club is donating $500 each to eight food pantries within the county. This includes the donation to Loaves and Fishes. He expressed his appreciation to all members for their generosity and commitment. Finally, he announced that The Rotary Annual Scholastic Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, with further details forthcoming.
A visitor subsequently arrived and had a red bag filled with gifts and a twinkle in his eye. Dressed in a red suit and embodying the spirit of the season, he distributed gifts to the Junior Rotarians and the Madrigal Singers and led a kazoo performance of “Fight on Macomb, Fight On”.
Noting his busy schedule, he departed promptly for his next engagement.
The program concluded with a performance by the MHS Madrigal Singers, directed by Melanie Butcher, and they delivered holiday songs with notable acapella artistry. Club members expressed their appreciation for the musical talent on display, and the event fostered a festive atmosphere as it drew to a close.
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”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at [email protected].
