Rotary hosts Assistant District Governor
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Rotary Club of Chester #3306 District #6510 met on September 14, 2011
Past President Danny James welcomed guests District Governor Jeff Thornton, Missy Thornton and Assistant District Governor Jack Wides. Vice President Aaron Tretter called the meeting to order and members joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Peter Ill shared a prayer. Members enjoyed a buffet luncheon arranged by Danny James which included roast beef, ham, potatoes, vegetables, bread and fruit cobbler.
Following the luncheon, Assistant District Governor Wides introduced District Governor Thornton. Jeff Thornton, originally from New Athens, is currently a member of the Lebanon Rotary Club and has served twice as Club President. He introduced his wife Missy.
Members received a colorful Rotary pin imprinted with "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity". Governor Thornton addressed members and stated that Rotary allows ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The many Rotary projects help save lives and accomplish good things throughout the world. He stressed the importance of family and pointed out that the Rotary family is also important to each member. He urged members to invite others to become part of the Rotary family. He encouraged members to build upon success and be more efficient. He suggested that Chester Rotary should consider an Interact Club to work together on a community project. Displaying a replica of a football field, Governor Thornton compared District 6510 to a football team - members need to work together to have a winning performance by "Growing In Rotary". He encouraged all Rotarians to reach within to embrace humanity.
He explained his wife's "Read to Me" literacy project. The project goal is for every baby born in a hospital in District 6510 to receive a "Read to Me" packet which includes a baby t-shirt, book and literacy information. He displayed a serving tray and t-shirt which will be sold at the District Conference. Members were informed that Greg Yank is currently ill and hospitalized. Governor Thornton presented a small bottle of Country Bob's sauce to Vice President Tretter and a banner. Danny James presented Governor Thornton with our Club banner. Officers and members thanked Jeff and Missy Thornton for visiting Chester Rotary Club and for the inspiring message.
Jack Wides reminded members of the upcoming District Conference and encouraged members to consider attending any part of the event including the Golf Tournament. Danny James will march to represent Chester Rotary as the Past President during the Conference.
Attending: 12 members, 3 guests
Coming up: September 28 speaker - CHS Principal Tim Keefe
October 1 - Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Chester Country Club
October 2 - Chester River City Renewal: Narrated tour of sites from Landmark to Chester Public Library, $10 for tour and a Commemorative Booklet
October 7 - Chamber BBQ at VFW Club
October 21 - Chamber Chicken Fry at KC Hall
October 22 - Pancake Breakfast (sign up for a shift)