Stories

Book It Forward

Last week, Rotarians completed our annual Book It Forward project—one of our favorite initiatives each year.

As part of Literacy Month in March, Rotarians visit 1st grade classrooms in Jamestown. Literacy is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, and this project gives us a meaningful way to support it.

During our visits, we share what Rotary is all about, read a book with the students, and make sure every child receives their very own book to take home. This year, we were proud to put books into the hands of over 150 children!

New Members - Nikki Boote and Kristy Sagaser

February 17, 2026

At our Tuesday meeting, we were thrilled to welcome TWO new Rotarians to our club!

Please join us in giving a warm Rotary welcome to Nikki and Kristy. We’re so excited to have you as part of our Rotary family and look forward to the impact you’ll make through service and fellowship.

A special thank you to Amy and Tricia for inviting them to Rotary and serving as their new member sponsors. Your commitment to growing our club and sharing the Rotary experience truly makes a difference.

Nikki and Kristy — we are so happy you are here!

New Member - Tonya Perkins

February 3, 2026

Please join us in welcoming Tonya Perkins, who was officially inducted into our Rotary Club! Tonya is sponsored by Amy Walters, and we’re thrilled to have her join our Rotary family. Welcome, Tonya!

New Member - Melissa Thury

January 27, 2026

At today’s meeting of the Jamestown Rotary Club, we were proud to induct Melissa Thury as our newest Rotarian. Melissa was officially welcomed into the club during the meeting, and we are excited to have her join our organization. Melissa was sponsored by Carlen Hone. We look forward to her involvement and service as a member of Jamestown Rotary. Welcome, Melissa!

Donnie and Karla Recognized for 11 years of service

January 13, 2026

Today at our noon meeting, we recognized Donnie and Karla Bachmeier for their many years of dedication to Camp Rokiwan. For the past 11 years, they have served as the camp’s caretakers, but their connection to the camp runs much deeper. Karla attended Camp Rokiwan as a child, and it will always hold a special place in her heart. Donnie shared that he will miss watching the sun rise over the lake—a truly million-dollar view. On behalf of the Jamestown N.D. Kiwanis and Jamestown Rotary Clubs, thank you, Donnie and Karla, for everything you have done for Camp Rokiwan.

Camp Rokiwan board members Carrie Orn, Amy Walters, and Mark Domek presented Donnie and Karla with a plaque for their years of service.

Paul Harris Fellow Recognition

January 6, 2026

Our club is proud to recognize Rotarians Glenn and Sarah as recipients of the prestigious Paul Harris Award. This honor is given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to Rotary’s ideals of service above self and make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond.

Glenn and Sarah’s dedication, leadership, and generosity reflect the very spirit of Rotary. Their ongoing service and support have strengthened our club and inspired fellow members. Congratulations to Glenn and Sara on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for all you do to advance the mission of Rotary.

Gear Up For Winter With Rotary

October 12, 2025

Gear Up for Winter with Rotary is a community service project that helps ensure people have the winter clothing they need. Throughout the community, Rotary placed collection bins where residents can donated new and gently used winter clothing and accessories. Over the course of a month, hundreds of items were collected and carefully organized into baby, youth, and adult categories by dedicated volunteers.

A single distribution day is held where individuals and families in need were welcomed to select the winter items they needed to stay warm. Thanks to the generosity of our community and the hard work of our volunteers, more than 500 winter items were collected and shared with 143 individuals in 2025.