President Uriah Anderson welcomed everyone to the Centerville Rotary Club and led reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Brian Hayes provided the prayer and Brad Thorp led singing of God Bless America.
Today’s quote provided by Don Overly: “Carry out a random act of kindness with no expectation of reward, that one day someone might do the same for you." – Diana, Princess of Whales
Today’s Announcements:
- Thanks to today’s greeters Ron Hollenbeck and Dave Williamson
- Welcome today’s guests: Arnie Biondo’s son, Peter; Tom Achor (soon to be member)
- Last night we welcomed Micol Contino, the Rotary Youth Exchange student our club is sponsoring. She arrived from Sardinia, Italy just before 11 pm. Thank you to Arnie, Sofie, Brad and his family for being there for her arrival.
- Gina Smith spoke at the Kettering Rotary Club this week about being an author and brought back information about their upcoming Golf Tournament.
- Sofie Ameloot announced the next social will be at the Pottery Studio. Date tbd.
- Arnie Biondo shared the Fairborn Rotary Club is holding a fundraising indoor golf event this weekend, and there is an opening for a foursome.
Happy Bucks recipient this quarter is District 6670 Local Disaster Relief.
Happy Dollars were generously given for:
- Pat B for the Buc-ees lawsuit with local businesses adopting beaver logos, and a great community rallying around local businesses.
- Jake H missed 3 weeks for vacation and kids summer camps, so he is glad to be back.
- Don S for his youngest coming home for 3 days.
- Gina S’s for her son’s 23rd birthday, and she spoke at Kettering Rotary about being an author.
- Dave T is going to Colorado next week.
- Socks was happy.
- Lee H encouraged all to go to Evendale for the Farm Day Camps at a 122-acre farm, called Gorman Heritage Farm (on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places). They have lots of educational activities to enjoy (and you can buy fresh eggs!)
- Tom A for health care workers who work with cancer patients.
- Rand O is leaving for Iceland next week. He admitted he has ICDD, Ice cream deficiency disorder so he’s trying to eat more ice cream.
- Ron H for Gina’s presentation at the Kettering Rotary Club.
- Mark K for the weather, 2 weeks until OSU football, and encouraged all to stop in Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek, to support them. There is also a Go Fund Me.
- Adam M was happy to see all of our guests.
- Carol K had a great time in PA - visiting grandkids and her mom, and attending her 50th high school reunion.
- Elda GG was happy siting with Peter and she will go to the historic farm and then do farm report next week.
- Harvey S noted, in spite of it all, he loves Lee :-)
- Uriah A completed the DRIVE trainer certification course, which is a requirement if an agency receives funding from Medicaid. He is also in need of a 3-wheel scooter to use in training (doesn’t have to be in working condition.)
- Sofie A welcomed Patricia (soon to be member), was happy to welcome our exchange student here, and is finally finishing her deck renovation at home.
- Jake North was helping his dad around house and mom while she recovers.
- Brad T thinks Oregon State should sue Buc-ees.
- Gina S also noted her Dad received over 100 birthday cards that really lifted his spirits, however, he is in the hospital again with heart issues.
Our speaker today was John Mateki from the Whiskermen Company. He is a retired Veteran and counselor for Veterans. His latest interest is the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
September 11 — Never Forget.
John shared that on September 11, 2001, Stephen was planning to go golfing. Instead, he chose to help firefighters at the towers. He put on 60 pounds of firefighting equipment and walked approximately three miles and through the tunnel to reach the towers. Once there, he began climbing the stairs to help those in need. Tragically, while he was inside, the tower collapsed.
Today, John continues to honor the lives lost on 9/11 through service and remembrance.
Tunnels to Towers carries on that spirit of service by supporting families of fallen heroes and helping veterans in need. The organization helps pay off the mortgages of spouses of fallen first responders and provides 100% college scholarships for their children.
Tunnels to Towers is also working to eradicate veteran homelessness. They renovate unused buildings and transform them into safe places for veterans who need housing and support.
Approximately 91% of funding goes directly toward the organization's programs and causes.
John has also spent time in Iraq, where he trained others and continued his commitment to serving those who serve.
To honor the sacrifice of September 11, John recently completed a three-mile walk carrying 60 pounds on his back, traveling from one Centerville fire station to another — a powerful reminder of what firefighters carried that day and why we must continue to remember.
This year, the official Tunnels to Towers 5K is coming to the Dayton area for the first time.
John said he is hoping to have 250 runners participate. If you'd like a race T-shirt, be sure to register soon!
Upcoming Events
August 22 — Cincinnati Fire Museum
An 18-foot steel girder from the World Trade Center will be on display. Stephen's son will be a featured speaker, and visitors will have the opportunity to see and touch a piece of history.
August 28 at 5:00 PM — Fundraiser
Join us at Beckel's Humidor for a fundraiser supporting the race. Enjoy raffles, a signature cigar, karaoke, and more.
September 12 at 8:00 AM — Tunnels to Towers 5K
Sugarcreek Township
Parking is available at the high school.
September 12 reminds us of how our country came together after 9/11 — united by courage, compassion, and a willingness to help one another.
How you can get involved: Donate. Volunteer. Walk or Run.
There are many ways to make a difference and honor those who gave everything on September 11 and those who continue to serve our communities and our country.
For more information, to donate, volunteer, or register for the race, visit T2T.org.
President Anderson thanked John, led reciting the 4-Way Test and wished all a great week.
