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Diana Meckley, a 21 year-member of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, was named Rotarian of the Year by past-president Joni Blackman, at this year’s Recognition Dinner at the Doubletree Hotel. Mrs. Meckley was honored particularly for her extensive work leading the Literacy Committee during the past year.Supported by her committee, including Chris Anderson, Marion Beckerink, Cheri Maytum-Krull, Sharon Hamilton, Deb Kathman, Sally Martinez, Debora Morlock, Steve Sandberg, Mary Schiller, David Troxell and Paulette Klein, Diana Meckley led the group on completing several interesting and challenging literacy projects.
Because of the pandemic, the 2020 JPS Summer LEAP (Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress) Program was fulfilled by recording the reading of children’s books for students on ZOOM.
The committee established two Laundromat Libraries offering free books to the community using attractive bookshelves (designed, built, and installed by David Troxell). Approximately 250 books have been provided since October 2020. Gently used books were provided by the James Prendergast Library, facilitated by Mary Schilling. In addition, Carrie Wolfgang of Novel Destinations in collaboration with Sally Martinez, provided 100 new and used books.
The committee coordinated the purchase and distribution of a free personalized book for each of about 330 students at Love Elementary School. David Troxell spearheaded this project with donations provided by the Rotary Club of Jamestown, the Rotary Club of Greater Jamestown AM and Moonlight Electric.
The senior population of our community through Heritage were provided with three Classic Radio productions with Rotarians and their spouses recording the character’s parts under the direction of Marion Beckerink, with technical support by Cheri Maytum-Krull and Ed Tomassini.
While a great deal of literacy work was accomplished, great fun was had by all involved.