The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
April 14, 2026 President Seth Minter commenced the Rotary Club’s 40th meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was delivered by Melly Momo, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Ryan Van Dolah.
Ryan Van Dolah announced attendance: 25 members were present, representing 47% of the club’s membership. Including our four guests, total attendance reached 29.
The guests were Melly Momo, Associate Pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church (our speaker), April’s Junior Rotarians Collin Adams and Karsyn Trusley, and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway.
Seven Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent significant events. The 50/50 drawing was conducted; Tom Casey had the opportunity to win $44 by drawing the 9 of Hearts but drew the Jack of Clubs, resulting in no winner for this round.
President Seth then called April Junior Rotarian Collin Adams to talk to the club about his activities at MHS and his future plans after graduation.
Collin is the grandson of Rotarian Larry Adams and the son of Rotarian Chris Adams, marking three generations of Rotary involvement within the Adams family. Collin shared his experiences while at MHS, where he has participated in soccer, basketball, track, band, FFA, and the National Honor Society. He recently completed his Boy Scout Eagle project, earning the rank of Eagle Scout—an achievement also held by both his grandfather and father. Collin intends to attend Western Illinois University, majoring in environmental science and public health, with the goal of working alongside his father at the McDonough County Health Department. He expressed his gratitude to the Rotary for the opportunity to speak and serve as a Junior Rotarian.
Announcements were shared with the membership. Tickets for the Cubs-Cardinals game scheduled for May 30, 2026, are still available for purchase.
Members interested in attending may contact Emily Gillett or Nick Estes. The club is encouraged to invite guests to meetings throughout the month, aiming to welcome six new members to complete the “8 in 8” challenge promoted by the Rotary District.
Additionally, two dates have been scheduled this week for the “Shoes for Kids” project where 75 pairs of shoes will be distributed.
There will be a distribution at Edison School on Thursday and another at Lincoln School on Friday. Seth has requested that several members attend these events.
Steve Hopper introduced the guest speaker, Melly Momo, Associate Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb. Melly has served in Macomb for eight years and has recently been reassigned as the Senior Pastor at the Methodist Church in Beardstown. She is the mother of two children, Barakah and Sifa.
Melly began by sharing her background, stating that she is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. She moved to the United States 22 years ago as a student before starting her career.
Her presentation focused on a project she is currently involved with in her region of Congo.
Congo faces one of the highest orphan populations globally, with approximately eight million children affected. The combination of poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate shelter contributes to significant challenges.
The first phase of the project commenced with the construction of an orphanage by Barakah ONG, a non-governmental organization established in 2024.
The orphanage brings hope by providing meals, medical care, and emotional support. The orphanage is nearing completion, and the next phase involves the development of a school for the orphaned children.
The proposed facility will include 19 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, clean water and sanitation, and vocational training workshops, with a total budget of $624,000 USD.
The construction of the school aims to facilitate transformative change. The organization intends to enroll 630 students, offering educational opportunities designed to improve the prospects of these young individuals and contribute positively to the community’s future.
Melly urged individuals to consider contributing to the development of the school.
The level of need is significant, and investing now will establish an educational facility that will benefit children for many generations.
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].
President Seth Minter, speaker Melly Momo and Rotarian Steve Hopper.
April Junior Rotarian Collin Adams spoke to members.
