Submitted by Diane Lowrey

Expansion of a local business was the topic of a program presented at the Trenton Rotary Club meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the BTC Bank community room. Scott Sharp presided at the meeting and was the sergeant-at-arms, and Joe MacDonald gave the prayer.

Program chairman Cole Soptic introduced Luke and Whitney Vale, who are the owners and operators of My Ivanhoe, a business located in the Downtown Depot building. The business will be moving in October to its own space on Ninth Street, which was formerly occupied by Harvest Moon. The business offers a variety of items, many of which promote children’s education and literacy. Books are a featured item and include children’s books, cookbooks, gardening books, etc.

The Vales have many books by new writers and illustrators, whom the couple like to promote as part of their business. Whitney’s background and passion for arts is featured with the variety of fabrics that are sold. Luke does laser engraving, making such things cutting boards and coasters that are also sold at their business. He has also done logos for local businesses. Luke, who is also the director of Main Street Trenton, told about the Beer and Wine Walk that will be taking place in downtown Trenton on Sept. 27. Main Street Trenton is currently conducting its fall membership drive and businesses and individuals who would like to support the program can contact Luke for more information.

During the business meeting, an update was given on the club’s fish fry held on Sept. 6, in which 150 pounds of fish, 20 pounds of chicken, 30 pounds of hush puppies, 14 pounds of coleslaw and around 300 brownies were served. A final monetary total is not yet available. Money raised from the fish fry will be donated by the club to the Rotary Foundation.