On Wednesday, February 4, the New Martinsville Rotary club met for their weekly meeting at Quinet’s Court Restaurant in downtown New Martinsville. President Chuck Clegg introduced the Magnolia high school February students of the month Carson Wade and Elvis Chen who were guests of the club and enjoyed a good meal while learning about the workings of the Rotary.

Wade is the son of Amy Roberts of New Martinsville. He carries a 4.375 GPA and is Treasurer of his senior class. He is also FFA President, Vice President of the National Technical Honor Society, and a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He is a senior member of the Magnolia Blue Eagles basketball team.

His community activities include Younglife and attending Lighthouse Community Church. His hobbies and leisure time activities include playing basketball, watching sports, and listening to music.

Carson plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Agricultural and Extension Education.

Elvis Chen is the son of Qiuhua Pan and Jing Chen, of Middlebourne. He carries a 4.0 GPA and is ranked 11th in his senior class. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society.

Elvis is a former member of the Paden City high school Marching and Concert Band. He was a participant in the Sistersville oil and gas parade.

His community activities include New Martinsville Vintage Regatta, New Martinsville Stem Night, and Ringing of the Bell for Salvation Army. His hobbies and leisure time includes playing games, playing D&D, and listening to music.

Elvis plans to have a part time job while in college until he graduates. He plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Game Design and Interactive Media. He is eligible for the Promise Scholarship.

Following the student recognitions, President Clegg spoke a little about the history of the New Martinsville Rotary and about some of the current projects they undertake, including sponsor of the Rotary Basketball Challenge recently held at the high school, their annual golf tournament fundraiser, and the clubs work with Rise for Hunger, an event that helps feed hungry people in depressed countries around the world. He then presented a slide presentation on the condition of the ice on the Ohio River and how it affects the operation of the locks & dams and river traffic. He also presented a short film on barge traffic during winter weather conditions, which showed the ice jams and conditions the barge workers have to work in. The presentation gave a brief look at the inside of the locks, including the large fans that provide the power. Other aspects of the presentation showed the large scale size of the interior of the Willow Island dam site.

The Rotary meets each Wednesday at Quinet’s beginning at noon. Prospective members are invited and welcome to attend. Membership is open to the public.