The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
May 26, 2026 President Seth Minter called the Rotary Club’s 46th meeting to order by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. Larry Adams delivered the invocation, and Nick Knowles led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dennis Iversen reported attendance of 30 members who were in person and 3 via Zoom, representing 62% of the club’s membership.
With 7 guests in attendance, total participation reached 40 individuals.
Guests in attendance included Barb Knox, Mike Moore, Erin Smith (Norine Hammond’s Legislative Aid), Shirley Adams (guest of Larry and Chris Adams), Marilyn Pastorelli (guest of Carl Hendrickson) and prospective members: Zach Romero and William Woods.
President Seth announced that he is in the final month of his term as President and wished to acknowledge the board members who served alongside him, noting that the club’s success this year would not have been possible without their contributions. He then invited each officer and board member to stand and be recognized: President-Elect Nick Knowles, President-Nominee Chris Adams, Secretary Tom Stites, Treasurer Nick Estes, Assistant Secretary Ryan Van Dolah, and board members Steve Knowles (via Zoom), Kim McKee, Mark Pfleiger, and Steve Tibbitts.
President Seth then turned the program over to Tom Stites, Rotary District Foundation Chair, to begin the Paul Harris Fellow presentations. Tom offered a brief history of Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney who founded the first Rotary club in 1905. The club initially met in different offices on a rotating basis, which gave rise to the name “Rotary.” As the organization grew, Harris recognized the importance of service in providing the club with a broader sense of purpose.
By 1910, sixteen additional clubs had been established, and in 1912 the organization became international with the founding of a club in Canada.
The purpose of today’s presentation was to honor three Rotarians and three community leaders with Paul Harris Fellow awards in recognition of the professional and personal standards they exemplify— standards that reflect the ideals established by Paul Harris and the first Rotary club.
The first recipient was presented by President Seth, who read the biography of Representative Norine Hammond. Representative Hammond was unable to attend because a new session of the Illinois House of Representatives had commenced in Springfield, and Erin Smith accepted recognition on her behalf.
President Seth highlighted Representative Hammond’s many accomplishments during her years of service as State Representative for Illinois’s 94th District.
The second recipient, Barb Knox, was introduced by Ann Stites, who read her biography and spoke about the many organizations she has served on or led.
Her service has included leadership and board roles with her church, Macomb Beautiful—where she served as president for nine years— and the League of Women Voters. Barb expressed particular pride in the accomplishments achieved during her tenure as president of Macomb Beautiful. Her motto is, “If you see something, do something.”
Tom Stites then introduced the third recipient, Carl Hendrickson. Carl had a 34-year career with Shell Oil and its affiliated companies. He played a leadership role in the development of Shell’s unleaded gasoline, and the impact of those innovations continues to be felt today. Another accomplishment is being associated in the development of the automobile Catalytic Convertor.
Jerry Brookhart first introduced Larry Adams, who then formally introduced his son, Chris Adams, as the fourth recipient. Larry noted that Chris represents the third generation of the Adams family to receive this award.
Chris Adams’s biography highlighted his military service and his dedication to improving the health and well-being of residents of McDonough County.
The fifth recipient, Mike Moore, was introduced by Tom Stites. Mike had been scheduled to receive his award the previous year but was unable to attend the ceremony because of medical issues. He has served on numerous boards and held several county positions.
Most recently, he formed a relationship with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that coordinates volunteers to build beds for children who do not have a proper bed of their own. To date, the chapter based in La Harpe, Illinois, has built and delivered 496 beds throughout the five-county area.
Lynne Campbell then introduced the sixth recipient, Matt Lawver. Lynne described Mr. Lawver as a quiet hero who consistently volunteers for projects and serves on the board of the CEO program. He is also an active volunteer for the Macomb Chamber and has served as an ambassador for the Chamber welcoming new businesses.
Pictured from the left: Erin Smith, Carl Hendrickson, Matt Lawver, Barb Knox, Chris Adams and Mike Moore.
Seth Minter, Erin Smith. Carl Hendrickson. Matt Lawver, Lynne Campbell, Barb Knox, Ann Stites, Chris Adams, Larry Adams, Jerry Brookhart, Mike Moore and Tom Stites.
During the 50/50 drawing, Steve Hopper held the winning ticket and had an opportunity to claim the $89 prize by drawing the 9 of Hearts from the remaining 40 cards.
However, he drew the Nine of Diamonds, and no winner was declared this week.
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”.
