The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
February 3, 2026 President Elect Nick Knowles filled in for President Seth Minter, who as ill, and initiated the 32nd 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 Tibbitts.
Dennis Danowski reported attendance figures: 21 members were present in person, 4 participated via Zoom, accounting for 49% of the club’s membership.
Additionally, six guests attended—Shelly Martin, Lisa Ward and Lauryn Glossett from Wesley Village (Shelly was our speaker, Potential member Tom Casey, and one of the Junior Rotarians for February, Dakota Thorman —bringing the total attendance to 30.
Ten Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent noteworthy events. Next was the 50/50 drawing and Emily Gillett had the winning ticket with the chance to win $10 if she drew the 10 of Spades. She drew the 5 of Clubs and regretfully did not win the cash but received some very nice consolation prizes from Nick Estes who had just returned from Hawaii. Nick also presented hand-made leis from Hawaii to those in attendance.
President Elect Nick Knowles announced an upcoming event on February 7, 2026, organized by the Macomb Educational Foundation—a “Dueling Pianos” fundraiser, which was attended by Rotarians last year at Park Place.
He also announced that a District President Elect Learning Seminar was being held in Springfield March 6-7, 2026. Members were encouraged to sign up for the event by visiting the Rotary District 6460 website.
Steve Knowles was called to introduce Shelly Martin who is the CEO/Administrator of Wesley Village.
Shelly is a McDonough County native and has served at Wesley Village for 27 years. Steve said that Shely was to here to talk today about a new project happening at Wesley. He also introduced Lisa Ward who has started a new position at Wesley Village.
Shelly began by expressing enthusiasm for the new project dedicated to the 46-year-old facility.
Tomorrow, February 4, 2026, will signify the 46th anniversary of providing care to the community. She outlined Wesley’s mission and detailed the range of services currently offered.
Shelly noted that there has been recurring interest in establishing an Assisted Living wing within the facility—a need this new project is designed to address. She proceeded to explain the importance of offering a level of care that falls between independent living and skilled nursing, ensuring residents receive appropriate support. This intermediate option is expected to be positively received.
The project is now in progress, with funding and donations being collected.
One notable improvement involves the installation of an automatic sprinkler system, which will enhance building safety but also increase overall costs.
Completion of the project is anticipated by October 2026, with the expectation that the first residents will move into the new Assisted Living wing at that time.
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].
