Submitted

The North Central Missouri Development Alliance and the Olympic Games were the focus of programs presented during the Thursday, Feb. 19 meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club at the BTC Bank community room.

Daniel Gott presided at the meeting. Dan Wilford gave the prayer, and Brian Upton served as sergeant at arms.

Co-program chairman Michael Ormsby introduced NCMDA Director Megan Pester, who provided an update on the organization’s current and upcoming initiatives. Pester announced that NCMDA will sponsor Restaurant Week in Trenton March 18-22. Several local restaurants are expected to participate by offering food specials and promotions. Participating businesses will be highlighted on NCMDA social media platforms.

Pester also reported that the organization will launch its “40 Under 40(ish)” recognition program beginning March 15 and continuing throughout the summer. The initiative will honor young leaders in the community who are selected through a nomination and committee review process. Honorees will be featured on NCMDA’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Program co-chairman Elizabeth also presented a program on the Olympic Games. She reviewed the history of the ancient Olympic competitions and noted the modern Olympic Games began in 1896, with the Winter Olympics added in 1924.

She reported the current Winter Olympics featured approximately 2,900 athletes competing in 116 medal events, with women making up 47 percent of participants. She noted that Olympic winners were originally awarded wreaths, while modern medals are now made primarily of silver. The next Summer Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.

During the business meeting, Brian Upton received a Paul Harris Fellow 6 pin in recognition of his continued support of Rotary and the Rotary Foundation. President Daniel Gott made the presentation.

The program for the Thursday, Feb. 26 meeting will feature Karen Otto, director of the North 65 Center.