The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
March 17, 2026 Past President Steve Tibbitts convened the 37th meeting of the Rotary Club by sounding the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was offered by Tom Stites, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Kelly Lucas.
Wayne Laramie provided an overview of attendance: 13 members were present in person representing 25% of the club’s membership. With the inclusion of 2 guests, total attendance reached 15.
Guests included John Ogle (the speaker for the day) and prospective member Blake Severs.
Past President Steve made the announcement that tickets for the Cubs-Cardinals game on Saturday May 30, 2026, at 6:15PM are available through the District 6460 website.
Five Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in honor of recent significant events.
The 50/50 drawing was held; Wayne Laramie, had the opportunity to win $23 if he drew the 9 of Hearts but instead drew the King of Spades, resulting in no winner for this round.
Steve invited Todd Lester to introduce the featured speaker, John Ogle, who serves as the head coach of the Varsity MHS Baseball team. John is a 2020 graduate of MHS, where he distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete, participating in baseball, football, and basketball. He continued his education at Loyola University Chicago, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in education. During his collegiate years, he gained coaching experience by working with young athletes in baseball, basketball, and flag football.
Upon returning to Macomb, Mr. Ogle accepted a position teaching mathematics at MHS and contributed as a coach for Junior High football, seventh grade basketball, and JV baseball over a two-year period. This year, he assumed the role of head coach for the varsity baseball team.
Originally from Muncie, Indiana, and raised in Yorktown, John benefited from the guidance of coaches, teammates, and neighbors who played a pivotal role in his athletic development.
Many of his current coaching practices are influenced by the mentorship he received during his formative years. His family’s relocation to Macomb when he was in seventh grade allowed him to continue building relationships with mentors, further shaping his leadership abilities and approach to coaching young athletes.
During his presentation, Coach Ogle articulated his coaching philosophy, which centers on maintaining high standards, purposeful practice, and fostering teamwork. He acknowledged the contributions of his coaching staff and key players, and provided an overview of the team’s schedule, which consists of 35 games, emphasizing the importance of facing strong opponents early in the season.
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].
