Welcome to another issue of our weekly bulletin! Find out who our upcoming speakers are and what we covered during the last business meetings. Meeting tasks and duties are now in your ClubRunner app. You can volunteer for any task or duty and register for upcoming meetings and events.
Morning Business Meeting canceled for Flag Replacement Work Party
We are meeting at Craig Neal's garage for the work party to take down damaged flags and build new ones.
March 19, 2026 7:30-9:30 am
1612 Grandberry, Melissa, TX
Order your flag today by clicking the button below if you have not already ordered.
Melissa Rotary members completed another meaningful service project this week with the installation of a new Buddy Bench at Highland Elementary School. This marks the second Buddy Bench built by the club, following last year’s successful installation at McKillip Elementary School.
The Buddy Bench initiative is designed to promote kindness, inclusion, and friendship on school playgrounds. Its purpose is simple: if a child feels lonely or needs someone to play with, they can sit on the bench as a signal to others to reach out.
The impact of the first bench has already been felt. One McKillip Elementary student shared, “I like the Buddy Bench because it makes everyone happy and makes sure everyone has a good time at recess.”
With the addition of the new bench at Highland Elementary, Melissa Rotary continues its commitment to fostering connection and compassion among students across the community.
Everyone had a job while Erik went for coffee and donuts.
Ken Truax, Dennis Newman, Brian Kirkpatrick, Bob Wales, and Erik Stokes built a sturdy bench at Highland Elementary with no extra parts left over.
The teachers, counselor, and principal at Highland Elementary came to test the bench and enjoy the coffee and donuts provided by Erik Stokes.
Rotary and Interact Team Up for Flag Sorting Service Project
Rotary and Interact members joined forces on Saturday morning to sort American flags in need of repair or retirement. Working together, volunteers carefully inspected each flag, setting aside those that could be mended and preparing worn or faded ones for respectful retirement. The project offered a meaningful moment of teamwork and mentorship, with Rotarians sharing tradition and Interact students bringing energy and dedication. It was a simple act of service that strengthened community pride and honored an important symbol.
Flags needing repair or retirement loaded on trailer for Craig's garage and work party later this week.
Last week's meeting: Ace Hardware Shares Story and Services with Melissa Rotary
Last week, Melissa Rotary welcomed Terah Plaisance of Ace Hardware for an engaging presentation about the new locally owned store now serving the Melissa community. Terah shared that her journey in the hardware industry began at age 15, and she has remained dedicated to the field ever since.
During her presentation, Terah highlighted the unique history of Ace Hardware. The company’s first store in Chicago grew from a simple wholesale purchase of sponges that could be sold to customers at a lower price. From that humble beginning, Ace has expanded to more than 70 countries worldwide. The brand’s commitment to customer care is well recognized—Ace Hardware has earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in 14 of the past 15 years.
Terah emphasized that Ace exists to serve others, a philosophy reflected in both its operations and hiring practices. The store provides business training opportunities for high school and college students, while also employing retired construction professionals and veterans whose expertise benefits customers seeking knowledgeable guidance.
Ace Hardware in Melissa offers a variety of services tailored to community needs, including assembly and delivery of purchased items and YardRX, a program designed to support homeowners with lawn and yard care solutions. Above all, the store aims to be a trusted resource for home improvement needs and a supportive partner within the community.
With its focus on service, expertise, and local connection, Ace Hardware is poised to become a valued asset to Melissa residents.
