Rotary of Macomb Meeting Highlights

The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.

January 6, 2026 President Seth Minter commenced the 28th meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. He delivered the invocation, followed by Steve Knowles leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Steve Knowles then reported attendance: 23 members attended in person and 3 participated via Zoom, representing 51% of the club’s membership.

Additionally, five guests were present—Katie Ruebush (today’s speaker), Luke Foreman (assistant to Katie), January’s Junior Rotarians Dahlia Lauer and Julia Woell, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway—bringing total attendance to 31.

Six members contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent noteworthy events. The 50/50 drawing had a $60 prize available if the 6 of Hearts was drawn; Wayne Laramie held the winning ticket but drew the 8 of Clubs, resulting in consolation gifts.

President Seth mentioned a sign-up sheet was being circulated for volunteers for the upcoming Rotary Scholastic Bowl on Saturday. He also announced that Todd Lester is seeking speakers for programs in January and February.

Seth called on Nick Knowles to introduce the speaker for the day, Katie Ruebush, a physical therapist at Memorial Hospital’s Colchester clinic. With 4½ years in her current role and prior experience at MDH, Katie described the clinic’s services, which include physical therapy, three primary care providers, rotating specialists, as well as radiology and lab being available.

Katie detailed a community project completed over the summer, supported by volunteers and donors, which was aimed at fostering healthy lifestyle choices among youth. The initiative, titled “Kids Run the Nation,” spanned nine weeks with weekly Saturday sessions for children in grades K–6. The program offered free participation, new shoes for those in need, opportunities to cultivate vegetables, running and exercise activities, and nutritious lunches.

She expressed her aspiration to transition the initiative into a year-round program. A start has been established with collaborating with the Macomb YMCA and an after-school offering. This program, has begun successfully and provides healthy snacks, fruits, vegetables, and recipes to guide students in preparing these foods at home, thus reinforcing healthy habits beyond school.

Members posed questions to Katie, and the club expressed appreciation for her dedication to promoting health and wellness among local youth.

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”.

January 13, 2026 President Seth Minter initiated the 29th Rotary Club meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was delivered by Todd Rodeffer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Steve Hopper.

Steve Hopper reported attendance figures: 23 members were present in person, 2 participated via Zoom, accounting for 49% of the club’s membership.

Additionally, five guests attended—Scott Coker and Mick Cumbie from the McDonough County Community Foundation (today’s featured speakers), January’s Junior Rotarians Dahlia Lauer and Julia Woell, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway—bringing the total attendance to 30.

Nine members contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent noteworthy events. The 50/50 drawing offered a $66 prize contingent upon selection of the 6 of Hearts; Ron Peterson held the winning ticket and drew the 6 of Clubs, securing the $66 prize.

President Seth invited Junior Rotarian Julia Woell to address the club regarding her activities, recent developments at Macomb High School, and future aspirations following graduation.

Julia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a Junior Rotarian. She highlighted her participation with the MHS Madrigals during their December performance for the Rotary Club, as well as her active involvement in choir and theatre. Julia announced the forthcoming production of “Annie,” scheduled for April 9–11, 2026, at Fellheimer Auditorium. She recently performed in “Little Women” at MHS and pursues dance outside of school. Julia is also a member of the Rotary Interact Club and the Spanish Club and serves as co-editor of the “Spiderweb” yearbook. Her future plans include attending a fouryear college in the Midwest to major in English or related fields while continuing to participate in singing and acting through extracurricular activities.

President Seth thanked all of the Rotary members who participated in the successful Rotary Scholastic Bowl that was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

He wanted to particularly to point out Jordan Pounders and Tom Stites for their leadership on the project.

He informed the club that next week’s program will feature CallaBria Putrino, Macomb City Transportation Director, followed by Bonnie Smith-Skripps from the McDonough County Humane Society the following week.

Lynne Campbell introduced the day’s guest speakers, Scott Coker and Mick Cumbie from the McDonough County Community Foundation (MCCF). She noted that the foundation was established in 2012 as the Macomb Community Foundation, later renamed in 2023 to reflect its county wide focus.

Scott Coker currently serves as chair, and Mick Cumbie as vice-chair and secretary.

Scott Coker commenced the presentation with an overview of MCCF’s mission, which focuses on promoting community development through small business grants and scholarships. For several years, the foundation primarily functioned as a passthrough entity for distributing funds to other groups, providing tax advantages for donors as a 501(c)(3) organization. Over time, the board identified the need to encourage direct contributions to the foundation and manage endowments.

Currently, MCCF manages six endowed funds totaling over $100,000. These endowments ensure that allocated funds remain within McDonough County, supporting local community improvement grants for surrounding areas. Grant opportunities include support for small business enhancements, affordable housing initiatives, scholarships, and cause-specific projects, allowing flexible application of available resources. The foundation is actively pursuing additional grants to assist with strategic planning initiatives and emphasizes the importance of increased donations and greater community engagement for continued growth.

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].