Rotary Club of Marion

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Rotary Club of Marion

Rotary Club of Marion
Marion Community Building
191 N. Main St. Meets Thursdays at Noon About Our Club:

Chartered February 3, 1939 and averages 75 to 80 members.

The club is the home club of Future District Governor Alex Portelli, and Past District Governors Frank Dean and Dean Kanipe. Through the years the following projects have provided support to our community: Building the picnic shelter at Lake James State Park; donating 7 acres to Habitat for Humanity; major contributions to the McDowell Hospital, Corpening YMCA, Hospice of McDowell County, the McD

owell Trails Association, Honer Air (sending of WWII veterans to see their memorial in Washington), etc. We provide continuing support for McDowell Missions Ministries and several other organizations. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MCDOWELL HIGH STUDENTS -- Our Annual Auction is held the third Thursday in October with the proceeds originally going to a Scholarship Foundation for deserving McDowell High students. 15% of our club's fundraising is put into the Scholarship Fund, and the remaining proceeds go toward community and international projects. CHILDREN -- We believe children are our future and our focus. We have recently supported the robotics team at Marion Elementary; 4th graders at PG Elementary raising money to buy wheelchairs; and each year we bring in 56 needy children for a Christmas treat, meal and Santa visit (we have done this for over 50 years). MEMBERS -- Our members are a cross section of the larger community. Members are involved in all activities and contribute time as well as money to the projects, both locally, nationally, and internationally. We meet every Thursday at 12 noon in the Marion Community Building. Visiting Rotarians are always welcome. Ask a Rotarian how you can join the club.

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ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Rotary was the world's first service club. That first club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, was formed on Feb 23, 1905 by Paul Harris, an attorney who wished to capture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. The Rotary name derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among member's offices. Rotary's popularity spread, and within a decade, clubs were chartered from San Francisco to New York to Winnipeg, Canada. By 1921, Rotary clubs had been formed on six continents. The organization adopted the Rotary International name a year later. By 1925, Rotary had grown to 200 clubs with more than 20,000 members. Read more at www.Rotary.org

06/11/2026

Today, June 11, the Rotary Club of Marion held its regular weekly meeting at the Marion Community Building.

President-Elect Stacy Buff presided over our meeting and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test. Rotarian Bill Warren gave the invocation.

President-Elect Stacy led today’s meeting as Rotarians gathered for lunch, friendship, and an opportunity to learn about the incredible work taking place throughout our community. Today was another great day of fellowship, service, and community impact at the Rotary Club of Marion.

Several important announcements were shared, including the postponement of the Saturday, June 13 After-Hours Social Event, a continued call for volunteers for the upcoming EMS Camp, and the introduction of this year’s Rotary Auction Committee by Janet Spake. We appreciate everyone who is already working to make this year’s auction a success.

Our Rotary installation banquet will be held Thursday, June 25 at the Marion Community Building. Rotarians are free and spouses can attend for $30 each.

One of the highlights of the meeting was welcoming our newest Rotarian, Ashley Rhymer, into the Rotary Club of Marion family. Ashley was sponsored by Chip Cross, who had the honor of presenting her Rotary pin during the induction ceremony. We are excited to have Ashley join us as we continue our mission of Service Above Self.

Our program featured Rotarian Alyssa Hughes, executive director of Barefoot Baby Foundation, who provided an inspiring update on the organization’s many initiatives benefiting children and families in our community.

Alyssa shared that the foundation’s new van is nearing completion and will soon be serving local families. She also unveiled plans for an exciting train-themed toddler park to be located on city-owned property adjacent to her Barefoot Baby building. The foundation is currently working with the city of Marion to secure grant funding for the project, which promises to become a wonderful addition for young children and families.

In addition, Alyssa highlighted several upcoming events and programs that Barefoot Baby is planning in the weeks and months ahead, all designed to support and enrich the lives of children throughout McDowell County.

Thank you to Alyssa for sharing the vision and impact of Barefoot Baby Foundation, and thank you to all of our Rotarians who continue to make a difference in our community.

Next week, we will meet here at the same time as usual.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our website: www.rotaryofmarionnc.org. If you miss a meeting, you can make it up online. To enter a makeup, login to DacDB, select My Data tab followed by Enter Makeup button. You can also email us at [email protected]

06/04/2026

Today, June 4, the Rotary Club of Marion held its regular weekly meeting at the Marion Community Building.

President Dave Watson presided over our meeting and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test. Rotarian Bill Warren gave the invocation.

President Dave commended our club and all those involved for a successful Battle of the Badges blood drive held last week at the EMS headquarters on Barnes Road. During this event, McDowell’s first responders faced off for a lifesaving cause. Rotarian Walt Bagwell said there were 14 first-time blood donors. This year, the Red Cross was able to collect 65 units of blood out of a goal of 54. Here is the breakdown:

There were 47 donors scheduled and 54 donors presented. A total of 65 units were collected out of a goal of 54 and 35 units were whole blood. Thirty units were Power Red. A total of 195 lives were potentially saved as a result of this blood drive. McDowell EMS won the Battle of the Badges with the most donors.

The McDowell EMS will hold the 2026 Safety Camp this summer starting June 24 and volunteers are needed to help operate it.

President Dave reminded us to mark our calendar for the social event on Saturday, June 13. It will be held outdoors near Shiflet Field and we will have a bonfire for this get-together. We are encouraged to bring our food and drinks for this fun event.

Our Rotary installation banquet will be held Thursday, June 25 at the Marion Community Building. Rotarians are free and spouses can attend for $30 each.

Long-time Rotarian Mike Rabb spoke to us about a dear friend of his and ours whom we will miss very much.

Dan Davis joined the Rotary Club of Marion 51 years ago in 1975. This makes him our longest serving member. He became president in 1994, and his proudest achievement is starting our annual auction which has become our most important fund-raiser. Dan’s grandfather Jim Laughridge, his uncle Philip Laughridge, his father D. Pat Davis and his business partner Marco Perez were all members of the Marion Rotary Club. His father was president in 1949.

Dan Davis is best known for his successful business, Laughridge Furniture, which he and Marco Perez operated for many years until it closed in January 2015.

Now, Dan Davis is planning to leave Marion and live in a senior living facility in Charlotte where he will be near his two children and four grandchildren. Mike Rabb asked us to wish Dan well as he takes his leave of us. We all gave him an emotional standing ovation.

Instead of a presentation, President Dave asked us today to have focus groups as we plan for the next four years. These focus group meetings are an outgrowth of the club survey which was filled out by our members.

We all met in groups and talked about how club can improve for the future. It is all a part of trying to envision what our club will be like in 2030.

“It’s a journey,” President Dave said. “We appreciate your input.”

Next week, we will hear from our own Alyssa Hughes with the Barefoot Baby Foundation.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our website: www.rotaryofmarionnc.org. If you miss a meeting, you can make it up online. To enter a makeup, login to DacDB, select My Data tab followed by Enter Makeup button. You can also email us at [email protected] .

06/04/2026

📸 We're on Instagram! 📸

The Rotary Club of Marion is excited to announce that we now have an Instagram page!

Be sure to follow us to stay up to date on our community service projects, club events, volunteer opportunities, and all the great things Rotarians are doing throughout McDowell County.

👉 Follow us on Instagram:
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/rotaryclubofmarionnc/

Thank you for supporting Rotary and helping us make a difference in our community. We look forward to connecting with you on Instagram!

05/29/2026

The 2026 McDowell County Battle of the Badges was another huge success. The American Red Cross extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Marion for its partnership. “By hosting, sponsoring, promoting and volunteering for the 2026 McDowell County Battle of the Badges, you’ve made a difference in the lives of moms with complicated childbirths, people fighting cancer, accident or trauma victims, and more,” the American Red Cross said to our club.
This year, the Red Cross was able to collect 65 units of blood out of a goal of 54. Here is the breakdown:

47 donors scheduled
54 donors presented
65 units were collected on our goal of 54
35 units were whole blood
30 units were Power Red
14 were first time donors
One was deferred, one quantity not sufficient
195 lives were potentially saved as a result of this blood drive!

Here are the results of “The Battle”:
McDowell County Emergency Services: 34 votes
McDowell County Sheriff’s Office: 24 votes
Marion Fire Dept: 7 votes
Marion Police Dept: 5 votes
North Carolina Highway Patrol: 2 votes

“Congratulations to McDowell County Emergency Services for winning the trophy again,” the Red Cross said. “It was competitive between Emergency Services and McDowell County Sheriff's Office. Thanks to all who attended and donated. Thanks to Emergency Services for hosting the blood drive! Special thanks to Shannon and Steve Jones for all your hard work! Thanks to Marion Rotary Club for sponsoring the drive! A special shout out to their volunteers for managing the registration table, canteen and any other task asked of them! Special thanks to Walt and Tabitha Bagwell for your recruitment efforts!”@

05/28/2026

Rotarians with the Marion Rotary Club are doing their part to help with the Battle of the Badges blood drive! Our goal was to collect 54 pints of blood and we ended up collecting 65 pints!

05/28/2026

Rotarians Steve Bush and Katie Stinson were able to collect a truckload of baby items for the Big Yummy Feed the People Basecamp’s baby shower. These were baby items left over from the Hurricane Helene collection. Rotarians Steve Bush and Katie Stinson delivered these items to Big Yummy Feed the People Basecamp after the regular meeting today. Excellent work!

05/28/2026

Today, May 28, the Rotary Club of Marion held its regular weekly meeting at the Marion Community Building.
President Dave Watson presided over our meeting and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test. Rotarian Bill Warren gave the invocation.
Today is the Battle of the Badges blood drive scheduled at the EMS headquarters on Barnes Road. During this event, McDowell’s first responders will face off for a lifesaving cause. The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, McDowell County Rescue Squad, Marion Police Department, McDowell County Emergency Medical Services, several local fire departments and the North Carolina Highway Patrol are expected to give blood in honor of their respective agencies. After our meeting, we gathered at the EMS headquarters so we could donate and volunteer for the Battle of the Badges. Rotarian Walt Bagwell showed off the special T-shirt for this big event.
President Dave told us to mark our calendar for the social event on Saturday, June 13. It will be held outdoors near Shiflet Field and we could have a bonfire for this get-together. We are encouraged to bring our food and drinks for this fun event.
Our Rotary installation banquet will be held Thursday, June 25 at the Marion Community Building. Rotarians are free and spouses can attend for $30 each.
Rotarian Steve Pierce reminded us of the McDowell Trails Association’s 20th anniversary celebration. It will take place on Saturday, May 30 at the Modern Alchemist in Old Fort. The cocktail hour will last from 6 to 7 p.m. with beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverages all made by Modern Alchemist. A fiesta buffet will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. with options for everyone. The program and celebration will take place starting at 8 p.m. The MTA will wrap up the evening with a short program including recognitions and a look ahead at what’s next for McDowell Trails. Tickets are available now for $65 per person.
Rotarians Steve Bush and Katie Stinson were able to collect a truckload of baby items for the Big Yummy Feed the People Basecamp’s baby shower. These were baby items left over from the Hurricane Helene collection. Rotarians Steve Bush and Katie Stinson delivered these items to Big Yummy Feed the People Basecamp after our meeting today.
Our member spotlight focused on long-time Rotarian Mike Rabb and his 39 years of service.
And today, long-time member Joe Tisdale told us something about his life. Joe will be 92 in September, and he has worked for a total of 45 years in the textile industry. A proud graduate of Clemson University, Joe worked for various textile manufacturers and his last one was Marion Manufacturing Co. He had to divide his time between the Marion plant and the company’s office in New York City.
Joe has been a member of our club for 26 years and he’s belonged to other Rotary Clubs as well. He was chairman of the board for The McDowell Hospital when the local hospital voted to affiliate itself with Mission Health. He was co-chair with fellow Rotarian Bob Hunter when MACA voted to buy the old Rose’s building on South Main Street and years later they were there to burn the mortgage on that arts center building after the debt was paid off. Joe said he was instrumental in having McDowell High students recognized for their academic achievements just like those who were recognized for athletic achievements.
An avid golfer, Joe told us about the time he played 18 holes of golf with the legendary Arnold Palmer in Charlotte.
Next week, our meeting will be held Thursday, June 4 and President Dave said we will have a focus group as we plan for the next four years.
In the meantime, be sure to check out our website: www.rotaryofmarionnc.org. If you miss a meeting, you can make it up online. To enter a makeup, login to DacDB, select My Data tab followed by Enter Makeup button. You can also email us at [email protected] .

05/21/2026

Today, May 21, the Rotary Club of Marion held its regular weekly meeting at the Marion Community Building.

President Dave Watson presided over our meeting and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four Way Test. Rotarian Bill Warren gave the invocation.

We were happy and proud to recognize Mason Ratliff as the Academic Student of the Week and Avery Watson as the Athlete of the Week. They are both from McDowell High and were introduced to the club by Rotarian Mike Rabb. They received certificates from President Dave.

This Sunday, the annual McDowell County Memorial Day service will pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and our nation’s freedoms. The service will also be a part of the county’s America 250 celebration. The Memorial Day service will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Jubilee Arbor at Historic Carson House, located at 1805 U.S. 70 West in Marion. American Legion Commander Alan Mainer will be the master of ceremonies. The Greenlee Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will also participate in the Memorial Day service. The guest speaker for the service will be David Norris.

Rotarian Walt Bagwell’s wife Tabitha reminded us of the Battle of the Badges blood drive scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at the EMS headquarters on Barnes Road. During this event, McDowell’s first responders will face off for a lifesaving cause. The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, McDowell County Rescue Squad, Marion Police Department, McDowell County Emergency Medical Services, several local fire departments and the North Carolina Highway Patrol are expected to give blood in honor of their respective agencies. She said the need for blood goes up during the summer months. Volunteers are needed for this big event too.

Rotarian Dianna Blevins reminded us of the McDowell Trails Association’s 20th anniversary celebration. It will take place on Saturday, May 30 at the Modern Alchemist in Old Fort. The cocktail hour will last from 6 to 7 p.m. with beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverages all made by Modern Alchemist. A fiesta buffet will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. with options for everyone. The program and celebration will take place starting at 8 p.m. The MTA will wrap up the evening with a short program including recognitions and a look ahead at what’s next for McDowell Trails.

Tickets are available now for $65 per person.

We also heard again about a social event on Saturday, June 6. It will be an outdoor get-together.

Rotarian Carol Wolfenbarger told us about the late President Steve Hunter’s vision of getting our club more involved with the youth. She said Rotary provides mentors for the “Leader in Me” curriculum and our late president wanted to start an Interact Club at the high school. The Leader in Me Mentors begins in June with a mentor kickoff and training. The focus will be in the middle schools of West and East. Rotary mentors are needed but to become one you must complete the training, read the Rotary Youth Protection Guide and go through a background check.

The vision is for this to become a long-term commitment of the Rotary Club of Marion to provide involvement in the McDowell County School System and us become mentors through the Leader in Me program.

Rotarian Janet Spake with the auction committee made a big announcement today. The annual auction will take place Thursday, Oct. 15. This is our biggest and most important fund-raising event and we have to start thinking about it now.

President Dave said next week we will collect baby items for the Big Yummy Feed the People Basecamp’s baby shower.

Our new member spotlight focuses on John Borden.

Our program today was about the YMCA for Youth Service Month. Rotarian Toby Bramblett and his staff Jessie, Brad and Robin spoke to us about how the Corpening YMCA seeks to help our youth. They also showed some videos of the youth who are a part of the Y’s programs.

YMCA Leaders Club is a free year-long leadership development program designed to help rising sixth through 12th graders ages 12-17 discover their full potential while serving the community. In addition to leadership training, teens volunteer with projects such as mobile food markets, sports programs, customer service, and youth development.

Another program is Youth and Government, which empowers high school students from every corner of the U.S. by giving them the opportunity to learn about and experience government policies firsthand with a goal of understanding how to be changemakers and improve their communities.

They told us about the YMCA’s Reach and Rise Mentor Program. Mentors in this program meet with small groups for 14 weeks to complete activities and talk about social and emotional issues.

Rotarian Toby also made an emotional announcement when he told us he will leave us to become the director of a YMCA in his native Georgia.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28. We will first hold a short meeting at the Community Building and then head over to the EMS headquarters for the Battle of the Badges.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our website: www.rotaryofmarionnc.org. If you miss a meeting, you can make it up online. To enter a makeup, login to DacDB, select My Data tab followed by Enter Makeup button. You can also email us at [email protected] .

05/18/2026

On Monday, Rotarians Katie Stinson and Eric Harton brought some much-needed water from the Catawba River to St. John’s Episcopal Church Community Garden. Located next to the Parish House off South Main Street, the garden has operated since 2014 and provides fresh, nutritious food for the people in our local community. But with the ongoing drought and water use restrictions, the garden cannot be watered with city of Marion water. “It’s a pretty cool operation and a great community asset,” Rotarian Katie Stinson said. What Katie and Eric did today is a pretty cool operation too and shows that Rotarians like them are community assets!

05/16/2026

Great night of fellowship with Rotarians at the ballpark.

Address

Marion Community Building
Marion, NC
28752

Opening Hours

12pm - 1pm

Website

https://rotaryofmarionnc.org/, https://www.instagram.com/rotaryclubofmarionnc/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rotaryclubof

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