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After taking a two-week break during the holiday season, the Charleroi Rotary Club resumed their regular meeting schedule on Wednesday, January 6, 2016. President Mike Rupert led an open discussion among members. Topics included membership, fundraising ideas, and continuing community involvement. At a subsequent meeting, motions were made and seconded for volunteers to move forward in planning two events.

Regarding other community efforts, Interact Club Sponsor Jessica Fritch sent a message to the Rotary club members thanking those who contributed to the Interact Club’s project, “Tailgate for Toys.” Proceeds were used to provide holiday gifts for students within the Charleroi Area School District.

Alyssa Mendola and Diann Donaldson invited all members to attend a fundraiser sponsored by the Mon Valley Young Professionals for the benefit of the Harvest Bounty Program. The event will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Off The Wall on McKean Avenue in Charleroi and will feature works by local artists and students from area school districts. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase artwork from the artists, and will also have a chance to participate in an Art Auction. Families are encouraged to attend and a $5 contribution per person is suggested for admission to this event.

Student of the Month Deia Biddle was honored at the January 20th meeting. She is planning on attending Seton Hill University where she will major in art therapy and minor in sociology. She is a member of FCCLA, Interact, and the Art Club. Her ceramics work will be featured in this year’s art show at Charleroi High School. She has helped the middle school by packing boxes for the school district’s Harvest Bounty program. Last year, Deia and one of her classmates also contributed a basket for a Chinese auction to benefit this effort. Deia’s goal is to help others as much as she can. Her parents joined her for the lunch presentation, which included a monetary gift and a certificate signed by club President Mike Rupert.

The Tri-Club meeting with the Belle Vernon and Donora clubs was held on January 27, 2016. Featured speakers were the owners of Steel Dog Construction, Jason and Laura Koon. Laura is a new member of the Charleroi Rotary Club and was happy to have Jason with her to share their story. After moving to Pennsylvania early in 2015, Jason and Laura decided to open their own business. They specialize in projects involving carpentry, wood work, and preservation of older homes and buildings. During their presentation, the couple provided information that explains the rights of consumers under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act of 2009. Jason and Laura thanked management consultant Michael R. Wholihan from the University of Pittsburgh. Through the Small Business Development Center, he provided assistance to the couple as they launched Steel Dog Construction in 2015.

In other Rotary news, District Governor Nominee Steve Arnowitz told the members that incoming Rotary International President John Germ has chosen Rotary Serving Humanity as the theme for Rotary Year 2016-2017.

The Charleroi Rotary Club has welcomed several new members during the past year and we are interested in welcoming you! The Charleroi Rotary Club meets each Wednesday at the Back Porch restaurant in Lower Speers. Meetings begin at 12:05 and are held in the Side Door Lounge. To inquire about membership or program information, please contact Mike Rupert at 412-422-4202 or John Helfenstein at 724-494-3195.

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