club news

We Did It! POT Medical alert dog - A celebration of the successful training and graduation of a medical alert dog for a club member with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Thanks to all those that helped make this possible.

We had an awesome meeting on Thursday. Our guest speakers were Mark and Vessi, who gave us updates on the "EWB" Engineers Without Borders project, getting clean, safe water to a small village in Chipozo, Guatemala. Also, we were able to contribute to this year’s service project to continue their amazing work.

What an amazing event. Our club members, friends, and families helped prepare 50,000 meal kits with other clubs and volunteers on MLK day. This event is one of our favorites. To see so many members of the community working together for the good of others is awesome. Service above self.

Kurt and Peggy Woods are member of our club, retired Army vets, and work with Rescues for PTSD. An organization that trains and provides service dogs for vets that suffer from PTSD. Kurt and Peggy found a local vet that was in need of this service. They approached the club, to take on raising the fund for the dog and training. Our club was delighted. To see how Grace enhances Keely's life is amazing.

Our club was honored to have Sandi Bridge with North Carolina Wildlife come and visit with us. We learned that the funding for the wildlife departments is through fishing and hunting licenses as well as sell of fishing tackle and boating sales. They also receive funding through federal grants. We also got to try our luck at "fishing" in the parking lot. They have a trailer with fishing gear. They use this to help expose those who may not have the resources to learn about fishing.

Our club members were honored to attend the Rotary of Clayton "Pints for Polio" event this year. It was held at Deep River Brewing Company. There was good beer, food and fun. The club collected money for the fight to end Polio with a raffle and proceeds from the beer sales. The eradication of Polio is one of Rotary top priorities.

What a beautiful day for a walk on the trails. Our club members with Friends of JoCo parks, and community members took a walk along the trail as they learned about our wonderful natural areas and rivers.

Zack and Russell were pleased to be invited and attend Garner Rotary annual Oyster Fest with their family. The event raises money for scholarships for local kids. Its an amazing success. There was a silent action. Russell had the winning bid for signed Michael Jordan poster.

Our club member Russell Camper completed his 3rd and final RLI training. Way to go Russell!

Our club is growing! Doug Baer a club member invited his neighbor Carol to attend a meeting. Carol attend that one and several others. As well as participated in a service project. She thought we would be a great fit for her and we felt the same. Carol is a retired ER nurse that also lead the department. She moved into the Cleveland School area a few years ago. She spends her time with her three fur babies and family and friends. Thanks Carol for all you have done and for being a caring and supportive member of our community. Welcome aboard Rotarian!

Visit by our district governor Veronica Bent and assistance distract governor Michele Brownlee

We couldn't be any prouder of one of our youngest members Rebecca. Rebecca is a Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (CPO) that work at the Hanger Clinic. Rebecca saw a need and took it upon herself to fill it. In the process of working with children in need of prosthetists. She realize that these little ones would be able to cope and feel more comfortable having a "Friend" that they could share what they are going through. So she collected funds to purchase dolls and replace the dolls limes with prosthetist ones. So that the children would have a doll that was like them. This endeavor is something she takes great pride in. Our club takes pride in having members like Rebecca and helping facilitate her vision.

Our club had the honor of providing lunch to our local fire fighters. We purchase BBQ meals from "J" Tops BBQ https://www.jtopsbbqshop.com/ Our club members and president Zack Stephenson present them with a plaque for their service and commitment to our safety.

Zack Stephenson, our current club president was able to present Russell G Camper our club president 2022 - 2023 with a plaque for his leadership during his term. Our club has been blessed with individuals that value our club, its members, and the work we do. Thanks to our current president and all those that came before for their leadership and commitment to our club, Rotary and our community.

We are so glad to have had Smith's Nursery host both our 1st and 2nd annual 5K fund raiser. They allow us to use their beautiful nursery and trails as our course. Braxton Camper presented our 2022 plaque to Mitch and Chris Smith and Zack Stephenson presented our 2023 plaque to Mrs. Sarah Smith.

It was a pleasure to host and have as visitors Marie Howard and Nathan Thomas. Marie is currently our district Rotary foundation chair and was district governor 2019-2020. She spoke with us on how the funds we contribute are distributed and used for local and world wide projects. Nathan our current districted governor stopped by to visit and to discuss events that are going on in our district.

We were honored to present Don wells with a Paul Harris Fellow pin. The pin that displays two sapphires shows his continued financial support and commitment to Rotary and its mission.

We were honored to present Kurt Woods with the Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin. This award recognizes Kurt's contributions for tangible and significant furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world. Thanks Kurt for all you do for our club and your community.

We were pleased to present Russell Camper, our current club president, with his new Paul Harris Fellow pin. Russell has donated $2,000.00 to the foundation and was awarded his new pin with a sapphire by Peggy Woods our 2021-22 club president. Thank you Russell for your continued support and commitment to Rotary and the Foundation.

Rotary encourages members to continue to learn the principles and philosophy of Rotary. Part of that is RLI, "Rotary Leadership Institute." They offer it in three classes, and the classes allow you to work with other Rotarians from your district on things like problem solving, team building and general club ethics.

We were honored to work with our fellow Rotary Clubs and other organizations and individuals this year to prepare 40,000+ meals for local families.

Honoring the management and staff of Lowe's for their support and hard work during our Rescues for PTSD service project.

We were able to recognize several supporters of our club. Honoring Scott, the owner of Cleveland Draft House, for providing us a place to meet. Thanks, Scott!