Ryan Taylor welcomes Alan Wanosky as a new member!

Ryan Taylor New MemberRyan Taylor, left, welcomes Alan Wanosky as a new member to the Rotary Club of Parkersburg on May 23. An employee of Solvay Chemical, Wanosky and his family reside in South Parkersburg.

Parkersburg Rotary Club Recognizes Paul Harris Fellows

Paul Harris FellowsSeveral Parkersburg Rotarians were recognized recently for their generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation by receiving their Paul Harris Fellow pins.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The “PHF+” designation is reserved for those who continue their contributions in $1000 increments after receiving achieving their initial PHF status.

Those present in the photo were: Randy Rapp; Don Dooley; Kim Couch; and, Bob Fehrenbacher. Others not present, but recognized for their contribution included: James Crews, PHF+2; Dr. Priscilla Leavitt, PHF+3; Mark Lewis; Randy Dick, PHF+1; Vance Golden; and Merrill O’Shea.

Founded in 1917, the Rotary Foundation transforms donations into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary, they tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into projects such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.

Locally, Foundation grants have assisted the Mountaineer Food Bank and provided free dictionaries to fourth grade students.

The Rotary Club of Parkersburg was founded in 1919, and is one of the area’s oldest volunteer service organizations that brings business people from various occupations together to exchange ideas, build relationships, and take action.

New Member Brian Raitz

Brian Raitz 1Brian Raitz is Director of the Parkersburg and Wood Co. Library and has became the newest member of the Rotary Club of Parkersburg. Brian is joined by his new member sponsor, Jill Parsons at the May 9 club meeting.

Service Above Self activities – Adopt A Highway

Adopt A HighwayAs part of the club’s ongoing Service Above Self activities, Parkersburg Rotarians took part in Adopt A Highway two mile clean-up in Parkersburg and Vienna on April 30, 2016.
Those taking part were:
Paul Ferrell; Bob Fehrenbacher; Don Dooley; Charlie Mulligan; Ricky Yeager; Christina Myer; Chad Crumbaker ; Andy Hartleben; and, John Fanta-Club Service Chair.

New Members!

Taj Rohr Todd NesterTodd Nestor and Taj Rohr are the club’s newest members along with Bill Isaly. (not pictured) Welcome Todd, Taj, and Bill to the Rotary Club of Parkersburg!

Taj Rohr Todd Nestor

Exchange of Banners

Rotary Exchange student AfraDuring the April 11 meeting, Rotary Exchange student Afra, from Villanova, Italy, presented the club with a banner from her hometown Rotary Club while receiving a banner from the Parkersburg Club. Afra provided the club with a slideshow overview of her hometown and a report on what she’s been doing while in the U.S. She said she has had a wonderful time in West Virginia and her visits to other states.
Afra is pictured with Club Secretary and “host family mom” Andrea Shirey, in lower right photo.

New Sour Mash Grant Application Available

IMG_0073Click below to download the New 2016 Sour Mash Memorial Grant Application!

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Sour Mash Grant Application Download

Salvation Army Major Mike Morton commends Rotarians

John Reed of the MOV Solid Waste Authority

John ReedJohn Reed of the MOV Solid Waste Authority explains the various programs they have in place to reduce refuse and promote recycling in our area. Reed said our next area landfill will need to be operational by 2070. Two Parkersburg Rotarians, Paul Thornton and Andy Hartleben serve on the Solid Waste Authority board.

Alissa Novoselick, Executive Director of the Tamarack Speaks to Rotarians

Alissa Novoselick Alissa Novoselick2

During the club’s Feb. 8 meeting, Alissa Novoselick, Executive Director of the Tamarack Foundation explained to Rotarians how her organization helps emerging artists market their creations in, and outside of West Virginia’s borders.