Greensboro Rotary Returned “Home” and Went to Work Serving Others

On Wednesday, June 2, Greensboro Rotary returned to its home, The Terrace at the Greensboro Coliseum, for the first in-person meeting in 15 months. It was President Ford Bower’s first time to officially ring the Rotary Bell to call the meeting to order. He will get four more rings before handing the gavel over to President Elect Pat Haywood. Rotarian Kelli Stennant delivered the invocation via Zoom. Rotarian David Holley performed “God Bless America” in a salute to Memorial Day. And, for the day’s program, Rotarian Marcus Thomas, a development specialist with The Volunteer Center of the Triad, gave an update on how the center is impacting our community through connecting people, promoting volunteerism, supporting nonprofits, and building partnerships.

The meeting had two firsts. It was the first time that a traditional club meeting had members attending in person and virtually. The second first was that we held an in-meeting micro service project. Facilitated by Marcus, with Volunteer Center colleague Papper Bristol, club members go to work on a micro service project to benefit the families served by BackPack Beginnings. Rotarians teamed up to pack 500 infant care bags with diapers, formula, and baby food. With everyone pitching in, it was done in about 30 minutes.

The Coliseum staff put out the welcome mat, and the catering staff went above and beyond keeping everything safe. Rotarians celebrated seeing each other again and had the opportunity to serve our community. It was a great day!