Around the Rotary Table This Week

Getting to Know Jere

Around the Rotary Table This Week

Getting to Know Jere

This week, Jere shared his Classification Talk and gave us a glimpse into a life that has taken him from Michigan to Hawaii, California, Wisconsin, and finally Texas.

Jere studied zoology before heading to Hawaii to pursue studies in radiology. Six years in Hawaii also gave him something else—a lifelong love of sailing.

From there, Jere moved to California and continued working toward his master’s degree at Stanford University. Along the way, boating, sailing, windsurfing, and more recently pickleball have kept him active.

Jere later moved to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he became involved with Rotary. He and his wife, Peggy, eventually made their way to Texas to be closer to their grandchildren.

Today, Jere and Peggy are involved with Memory Cafés, where they connect with and support other individuals and families living with dementia. We enjoyed learning more about Jere and are glad he is part of Melissa Rotary.

Paul Harris Fellow Plus Recognition

Ken Truax presented Paul Harris Fellow Plus recognition to Dana Conklin and John Cave during this week’s meeting.

The recognition honors significant support of The Rotary Foundation and the work Rotary helps make possible in communities around the world.

Congratulations to Dana and John on this special honor and their continued commitment to Rotary.

Committee Updates

Project Hand Up
Ken shared a letter from Darren thanking Melissa Rotary for our support of the puppetry program. It is always encouraging to hear how the club’s support is making a difference.

Orant Charities
The annual report was presented along with a letter from the Executive Director thanking the club for its support. The report highlighted Orant Charities’ continuing work supporting girls in Malawi and the communities they serve.

NextGen
Dawn reported that the NextGen committee met with the principal of East Cardinal Middle School. One interesting discovery was that the school offers an International Baccalaureate, or IB, program for its eighth-grade students.

The committee continues to explore ways Rotary can connect with and encourage local students.

Service Committee
Brian reported that the Service Committee is lending a hand—and a little relief from the Texas heat—to the Melissa High School Marching Band.

Rotary members will be supplying freezer pops for band members after practice on 

Another good week of learning about one another, recognizing service, supporting our community, and putting Service Above Self into action.