Dear Editor,

I am writing to thank everyone for the support for the Taste of the Valley this year. This is the Rotary Club of St. Clairsville’s major annual fundraiser, and we were grateful to be able to host it on June 10. We switched up the venue this year and had a festival atmosphere at Capstone Soccer Complex. By all accounts, the nearly 500 strong crowd enjoyed the new venue. The restaurants, of course, are the centerpiece of the event and we enjoyed food from 20 wonderful places. We especially appreciate the restaurant owners, who, during a very difficult year, still provided delicious fare for our fundraiser. We couldn’t do it without them! Award winners this year by popular vote were:

Best Appetizer: Pickle’s

Best Entree: Mason Dixon BBQ

Best Dessert: Kirke’s Ice Cream

Best Decorated Display: Fat Apple

Most Creative Chef: Public Market

Best Overall Performance: Salsa Joe’s

Our thanks and recognition also go to the Capstone Soccer Complex for providing the venue and the Barton Fire Department for providing tables and seating.

Our Rotary Club raised money this year to contribute $45,000 to local charities and provide 2 College scholarships. We donated 54 bikes for transportation in developing countries, and $6500 to Rotary International Foundation, which among other things, helps to eradicate polio in the world. We could not make this impact in our Community and Beyond without the wonderful support of our community. If you are a service minded professional who wants to help others and have fun, consider being a guest at one of our weekly meetings (Tuesdays at noon at Marian Hall). Call 740-298-3126 for more information about Rotary Club membership.

Melinda Thompson

Past President

Rotary Club of

St. Clairsville