Barnesville Rotary Club News

February 18 – The program presenter at the meeting was Wheeling Health Right Executive Director Ann Ricci and Kathie Brown, outgoing director who is stepping down after 34 years of service with the organization. Club member Heather Eddy introduced the two.  

Wheeling Health Right was established in 1985 by a group of concerned citizens, physicians and churches. It is a statewide free clinic in West Virginia that also covers Belmont County.

In our county, over 1,000 residents are served each year through funding provided by the county commissioners. Brown acknowledged though their support has not been consistent. Funding also comes from the state of West Virginia, private grants and donations.

Both speakers shared the need to get the message out that more funding in Ohio is needed to continue serving Belmont County. 

More information can be found on the group’s website: wheelinghealthright.com

February 25 – Speaker at the meeting was Past Rotary District Governor Craig Maxey who gave an overview of the beginnings of Rotary, its found Paul Harris, and how it began with friends supporting each other and their community. He noted the first project was a public restroom facility in Chicago.

Maxey also outlined Rotary’s goal of eradicating Polio throughout the globe. He encouraged members to contribute to the District’s “125 Club” fund. 

During the meeting, two Barnesville club members were recognized by Maxey as new Paul Harris Fellows – Jill Hissom and Brenda Brown.