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January 9, 2017 Grapevine

RECAP OF LAST WEEK’S NOON MEETING (January 2nd)

see pictures PLUS Rotary and Community announcements below
Greeter: Marie Lorensen
Guests (hosts): Anita Cooper (Walt Ridenour), Dylan Brown (Dawn Brown), Joyce Barnes (Manuel Washington), Bat Murtha (Ross Curtis), Susan Brookreson (Joe Brookreson)
50/50: Marie Lorensen/Mike Hite sold tickets. Buzz Poland also won the ticket drawing but not the winning card. Buzz Poland will sell at next meeting.
Birthdays celebrated:  Tom Tatterson, Berniece Collis

Special feature: The 4 Plaids Quartet. For more info or to book, see community announcements below. See video posted on Martinsburg Rotary Facebook Page

Best & Brightest from Martinsburg HS: Jared Foreman,Tara Scott

Tara Price owner/operator of Black Draft Distillery
THE PROGRAM: Each meeting in January features an insider look into some of our most interesting local businesses. Today Tara Price, who owns/operates Black Draft Distillery with her husband (Glen) here in Martinsburg, provided a fascinating look into the development and growth of this very cool business. Black Draft moonshine is jumping off the shelves in stores, and we eagerly await the release of their first batch of high test bourbon in July! See photo below. For more about Black Draft Distillery, CLICK HERE 

UPCOMING & URGENT –  NOON & EVENING MEMBERS 

Primary contact for evening (Satellite) group is Drew Bartoldson – [email protected]
TASTE OF THE PANHANDLE, THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 14!
This is our signature social and fundraising event of the year – a very special night for food, fun, comradery. But more important, TOP is the major source of funding for our charitible endeavors here in our community and our state. TOP committee members have been working long and hard to make the 2017 TOP a huge success – yet ultimate success depends heavily on strong membership participation. For general info, contact TOP chair Leslie Crabill at  [email protected].  Three areas of need –

• Some tickets available. For more info and immediate payment online  > CLICK HERE
    (OR contact a committee person at once).
• Auction items still accepted – re-gifted Christmas presents,  gift certificates for prize tree, and other items – large and small.  Please deliver to Depot Florist by this Thursday, January 12th.  For more info on auction items, contact Debbi Mudge at [email protected]
• Event sponsorships still available (see chart below). Each level includes a specific number of event tickets. For more info and immediate payment online  > CLICK HERE > (OR contact a committee person at once).

NOTICE FOR UPCOMING NOON MEETING(S) – 

Each meeting in January features an insider look into some of our most interesting local businesses. Additionally, each January meeting will spotlight the best and brightest students from Martinsburg High School. If you have program suggestions, please see Amanda Giangola, Program Chairman > [email protected]

• Thursday, January 12th (noon at HI) will feature Depot Florist (Pam Wagoner)
• Thursday, January 19th (noon at HI) will feature a presentation by Geezer Ridge Beekeepers
• Thursday, January 26th (noon at HI) will feature the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (Sarah Perks)
• Thursday, February 2nd (noon at HI) is our Club Assembly  (state of the club) meeting

NOTICE FOR UPCOMING EVENING (SATELLITE) MEETING(S) –

• Thursday, January 12th, 6 pm to 7 pm at The Hub (check in at 545 pm). Meeting will be a brainstorming session focused on 2017 projects and goals. This particular meeting is for Rotarians only.

ROTARY NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Also see “Community Announcements” below.

• FROM THE BILL STOVER HUMORARIUM > What’s the definition of a will? (It’s a dead give away.)
• More grinsome greeters needed! See Sandy Hamilton.
• Our deep condolences to Kevin Starliper on the recent passing of his father > obituary
• Have you attended your New Member Orientation? The next one is January 11 (5 – 6 pm) at Shepherd University Center/Martinsburg. Contact Membership Chair (Elaine Bartoldson) or President Brian Jolliff.
• Dues. If you have email and have not received your bill, please check and adjust your spam filter.
• IT’S OFFICIAL! We have a 2017/2018 OUTBOUND exchange student – Ben Merzouk from Hedgesville HS. This also means we will have an inbound student then, and really need host families. For great insight, talk to any of our members who have hosted in the past.
• Applications for Rotary Interact Scholarships (funded by our Golf Tourney) have been mailed to area high schools.
• February – time for 4 Way Test competitions. Volunteers needed now. See Pam Wagoner.
• February 26th – The Hagerstown Rotary Bull & Oyster Roast. Great food, beer, wine and fun. Tickets, $50. We’d like to sit together, See Brian Jolliff.
• Annual Rotary Foundation Drive moves into high gear!  Checks accepted at every meeting through June.
• SPECIAL WRNR-Rotary Foundation Drive is in full swing. Innovative project raises money by allowing people and businesses to sponsor PSAs on WRNR for charities and non-profits. More people/businesses are needed to sponsor PSAs plus some Rotarians who would like to record some of the PSAs. 100% of proceeds go to our LOCAL Rotary Foundation. See Brian Jolliff or Mike Hornby for required form shown below.
  

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS 

• EP Community Foundation Competitive Grants. Now open to apply (until 3/15/17)  > click for info
• The 4 Plaids Quartet (a 501c3) accepts donations to perform so that it may provide funding for music education in Berkeley County. To book for a little Valentine serenade or other occasion, please contact one of the guys (Ross Curtis, Ed Arnett, Joe Brookreson or Bat Murtha)
• Volunteers needed at VA to play piano. Great fun. See Kathy Mason.
• Full ride Scholarships with benefits offered by the Power Systems Institute to those wishing to become a lineman. If you know of possible candidates, contact Rotarian Charlene Gilliam (First Energy) asap.
• Link to upcoming United Way activities > click here
• Chamber’s Calendar of Events > click here

TWO HISTORIC EVENTS THAT YOU JUST CANNOT MISS!

As you may know, Rotary International Conventions are fun, life-changing events and most are overseas – which creates a major barrier for many club members. But in 2017 and 2018, local Rotarians will benefit from some historically fortunate scheduling. Both of these conventions will be held in exciting locations that are driveable from Martinsburg – or you can fly or take Amtrak.

BOOKING UP! 2017 Rotary International Convention, June 10 – 14 in Atlanta.
Online info and registration | More on Facebook  


2018 Rotary International Convention, June 24 – 27 in Toronto.
Official online info 

YOUR ROTARY RESOURCE CENTER >

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LOCAL WEBSITE:

Rotary Club of Martinsburg

CLUB CONTACTS:
President: Brian Jolliff
President-Elect: Mike Hite
Vice President: Amanda Vance
Secretary: Doug Arndt
Treasurer: Pete Dufourny
Sergeant at Arms: Ryan Perks