Grapevine – October 14, 2021
Greeter – Sandy Hamilton was our greeter and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, Four-Way Test, and invocation.
Guests – Emily Catlett, guest of Jen Smith
Club Business/Announcements:
- Shelter box initiative: right now, Rotary clubs are sending Shelter Boxes to Haiti. We set sponsoring one Shelter Box as a goal for this year, Pete is our Shelter Box point person.
- The Board voted to keep our Board meeting on November 2nd, even though that is Election Day, and on Thanksgiving week, we voted to move the meeting to Wednesday, November 24th, submitted that request to Sandie at the Holiday Inn, and she has approved it. The Christmas dinner is scheduled for Dec 16th.
- Pete is putting together a Nominating Committee in accordance with our bylaws. I think he is looking for one more member, and we will be looking for two people to get in line to train to become President, and three to become Board members. Please think of people to nominate and talk to the, talk to the committee if you are willing to serve, or be receptive to be approached if the committee approaches you.
- World’s Greatest Meal is this month. President Steve is going to attend a Zoom about this on Monday and he could really use an idea or two about how to observe this.
- At our last Board meeting I spoke about a possible community service project that could be done by our Interact clubs in conjunction with Mountaineer Recovery and Orion Strategies. It involves ensuring that there is a proper flag in each classroom in each high school in Berkeley County.
- Darrell also said that the dues notices went out late this quarter and asked that you look for them and please pay them promptly. If you are not getting dues notices and emails with the
- Grapevine: if you ae not getting either of these, see Darrell for dues and me for emails. You may need to enter [email protected] into your contact list.
- Rob Lowe is seeking volunteers to join the new Pickleball Tournament Fundraising Committee. Please consider this and get with him for more information.
Student Guests
- Our student guests this week were Chloe Thomas and Francisco Barradas from Martinsburg High School and were introduced by Katie Myers, MHS Guidance Counselor & Soccer Coach.
“Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve”
Program
The program today was from Mike Laing, Berkeley County Chief Court Marshall. Mike shared some information about the Berkeley County Judicial Center. The 122,600-square foot judicial center houses nine courtrooms and seven hearing rooms for the circuit, magistrate and family courts; clerks of the circuit and magistrate courts; prosecuting attorneys; probation staff; the central holding facility; and court support. Due to the Judicial Center being consolidated under one roof, it’s easier to share spaces. For example, unoccupied jury deliberation rooms can be used as ancillary conference or mediation rooms.
Mike discussed the Court Marshall program within the Judicial Center. He has many Court Marshalls working for him, most are retired Correctional Officers. Mike says they are perfect for the job because they know security. “Their duties include moving inmates to and from court, being diligent watching over 147 camera views ensuring the safety of all parties within the judicial center. Along with their duties of working in unison with all courtrooms, they must work with and communicate with many outside agencies. Without their professionalism and dedication to the mission of the judicial center, the functions of the judicial center would come to a halt.”
Finally, Mike discussed a program he is very passionate about, Berkeley County’s Community Service Roadside Litter Program. The program launched three years ago and is the only litter program in the state that is full-time, runs five days a week and uses community service day-in-and-day-out. Most of the participants are people who have chosen community service instead of being incarcerated. Deputy Marshall’s Allen Hart and Noel Ebersole, spend their workday supporting the program participants by driving alongside them as they walk various roadways in the county — from back roads to the highway. Participants toss full bags of litter onto Hart’s truck. Often they collect 40-85 bags of litter a day over a distance of just two to four miles. The program is serving multiple purposes to include: county beautification, keeping families together, and saving tax payer dollars. Berkeley’s roadside litter program is housed under the Berkeley County Council.
Upcoming Programs:
- Oct 21 – Dr. Thiyagalingam, sleep disorders and senior medicine
- Oct 28 – Jim Ouellet, Berkeley County Water Supply History and Future
- Nov 2 – Board Meeting
- Nov 4 – Michael Boyd, business coach for our local Small Business Development Center
- Nov 11 – Veterans Day Program
50/50
- Bill Wortley sold tickets and Maria Lorensen’s ticket was drawn. She did not pull the winning ticket and will be selling tickets next week.
Club Presentations
- Jimmy Carpenter, who played on the winning team -representing the Rotary- in the Golf Tournament of Champions is presenting our club with the entire winnings – $2,500!!!! Amazing!!!!
Community Announcements:
- October 23rd join Mainstreet Martinsburg as they have the first State Food Truck Festival
- October 22-24th The Martinsburg Roundhouse Halloween Extravaganza
With love, Tracy
We had a great turnout at the Apple Harvest Pancake Breakfast over the weekend.