The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
February 10, 2026 President Seth Minter started the 33rd Rotary Club meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was delivered by Seth, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Dennis Danowski.
Dennis Danowski reported attendance figures: 23 members were present in person, 1 participated via Zoom, accounting for 45% of the club’s membership.
Additionally, six guests attended—Cory Booher (our speaker), Potential members Tom Casey and Blake Severs, Junior Rotarians for February: Dakota Thorman and Ethan Dildine, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway— bringing the total attendance to 30.
Seven Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent noteworthy events. Next was the 50/50 drawing and Steve Hopper had the winning ticket with the chance to win $15 if he drew the 10 of Spades. Steve drew the 3 of Clubs and regretfully did not win the cash.
President Seth announced that today was Nick Knowles’ birthday and he wanted to also announce those Rotarians having membership anniversaries in the month of February: John Corson 42 yrs, Steve Hopper 41yrs, Phil Bell many yrs, Brae Huston 7 yrs, Todd Rodeffer 9 yrs, Ann Stites 4yrs, Ray Krey 19 yrs, and Mayor Mike Inman 3yrs.
One couple was celebrating a wedding anniversary: Jack and Shelly Martin 11 yrs.
“Happy Birthday” was sung to Nick for his birthday.
Seth then called Ethan Dildine to speak about his activities at MHS and his future plans after graduation. Ethan is a senior at MHS and currently works at Grand Prairie Assisted Living Center. He is the son of John Dildine and the late Megan Dildine. He has committed to Central College in Pella, IA and will major in accounting and hopes to become a CPA.
Announcements were made with the first being the District President Elect Learning Seminar being held in Springfield March 6-7, 2026. Members were encouraged to sign up for the event by visiting the Rotary District 6460 website. Seth then mentioned a new Zone 30-31 membership initiative that starts on March 1, 2026, and ends April 30, 2026. It is the “8 in 8 Membership Challenge”. Each club is being challenged to bring in 8 new members in 8 weeks.
Our club has four potential members at this time, so we are already halfway.
Todd Lester was called to introduce our speaker Cory Booher. Cory is from Quincy and currently lives in Macomb. He is a Western Illinois University (WIU) graduate and has earned his master’s degree. He served 5 years in the Marines with overseas tours in Japan and was deployed in support of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission. He was here today to speak about Ray “Rock” Hanson and give the members a history of one of the greatest Leathernecks at WIU.
Cory began by presenting a historical overview of the Marine Corps, which was established in 1775, including the origins of notable monikers such as “Leatherneck” and “Devil Dog,” as well as the adoption of the Bulldog mascot, all of which emerged following the Corps’ founding. He also emphasized Rock Hanson’s military service during World Wars I and II. Furthermore, Cory underscored Hanson’s academic career, particularly his contributions in coaching and athletic leadership, which were significant aspects of his tenure at WIU.
Ray Hanson’s distinguished military career made him one of the most highly decorated veterans of World War I. He received numerous honors, including the Navy Cross, Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Purple Heart, two service ribbons and campaign medals, the Occupation of Germany Medal, as well as multiple French awards. During World War II, Hanson served as a morale officer in San Diego, California, which facilitated his connections with prominent California celebrities such as Rita Hayworth, Joe DiMaggio, and Bob Hope.
In addition, he participated in United Service Organizations (USO) tours.
Hanson’s association with WIU began in 1926 when he commenced his coaching tenure with the university’s basketball and football teams. Among his early initiatives was advocating for the team’s name change from “The Fighting Teachers” to the “Leathernecks,” for which he formally petitioned Congress in 1927. Concurrently, Hanson assumed the role of Athletic Director at WIU, a position he maintained until 1964. Ray “Rock” Hanson’s legacy ended when he passed away in 1982.
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].
Ethan Dlldine, Jr. Rotarian spoke at Tuesday’s meeting.
