Jordon Thomas, Steve Reisbeck and J.D. Mensore at the New Martinsville Rotary Club meeting.

On Wednesday, March 5, the members of the Rotary met in the dining room of Quinet’s Restaurant. Member Chuck Clegg opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by words of inspiration.

Clegg began by informing the members that the Rotary Clubs of Moundsville, New Martinsville, and Wheeling will join forces with Rise Against Hunger (RAH) during their sixth annual community event working to address food security issues in West Virginia and around the world.

The event will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 9:00am-12:00pm at St. Jude’s Church at 826 Jefferson Avenue in Glen Dale, WV. Breakfast will be provided by CertainTeed at 7:30am and volunteers will begin setting up for the event at 8:00am.

The work begins at 7 am for breakfast and continues until bags are filled. Each year the collective group fills over thirty thousand food bags.

Members requested an update on the ongoing Wetzel County Schools Projects. They were informed, the board was in the process of determining land price, and once that has been determined, a purchase agreement will be prepared and approved by the board. After approval has been secured, Thrasher Engineering will proceed in preparing an assessment of the land from a utility standpoint, environmental and accessibility.

Whitney Clegg introduced two new students of the month from Magnolia Jordon Thomas and J.D. Mensore.

Jordan Thomas is the son of Smantha Long of New Martinsville. He is a 4.25 student and ranks 15 in his senior class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, E-Sports, NHS, Academic Excellence Wetzel County and Academic Excellence WVNCC.

He volunteers at the county fair with the children’s activities. Jordan has participated in Baseball, Basketball and received athletic letters in the sports.

His community activities include Trash pickup, 4-H volunteer, town and country days volunteer, grave cleanup (Church), and at the animal shelter. His hobbies are Pickleball, disc golf, basketball, video games, music and movies.

He plans to attend West Liberty University and major in nursing. He has received the promise scholarship and the Moose Lodge # 931 scholarship.

J.D. Mensore is the son of John C. and Trisha Mensore of New Martinsville. He carries a 4.0 GPA and a class rank of 14. J.D. is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honors Society, and National Science Honors Society.

He volunteered for various Rotary project’s like golf tournaments, and cemetery restoration. He participates in Golf, Basketball, Track, and Cross Country. He was the 2024 Golf Runner-up medalist in the OVAC 1A-2A tournament. He is a state track meet two-time qualifier and state basketball tournament. J.D. is on the Principal’s top 15% list, has received the faithful attendance award, outstanding business award, varsity academic letter, and positive demeanor award.

Mensore is a member of the St. Vincent De. Paul church in New Martinsville. His activities include working at J.C. Mensore Distributor, working out at gym, and attending WVU football and basketball games.

He plans to attend WVU and major in Business and finance.

Whitney also stated that at the next meeting, two additional students from Paden City High School will be in attendance.

President Dan Mason spoke of the Rotary Youth Leadership (RYLA) conference to be held in Jackson Mill in Weston this spring. The conference is open to 9th grade students. Those interested need to ask their school counselor to be eligible as a candidate. Mason stated that several Rotarians have sent their children and grandchildren to the leadership program. The conference will begin on Friday May 9 at 4pm and continue until Sunday May 11 at 10 am. Cost is $175 and applications need to be received by April 15. For further information contact Melisssa Gum, RYLA Chair by phone 304-669-9666 (cell) or 305-622-3161. Dmshreve12@gmail.com