Pictured are club board members: New President Nancy Latour with out going leader Eddie VanStine. Standing is Benita Nesbitt, Elaine Tears, Bill White, Jane Russell, and Cheryl Muller
From the Bath Rotary Club,
The Bath Rotary Club held its Annual Changeover Dinner on June 19 at the Charles E. Westcott Post 173 American Legion at which time the club’s 2026 – 2027 Board of Directors was installed, and several club members were honored. The invocation was given by Brandi Graham, 2023 – 2024 Bath Rotary Club President; the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jane Russell, Finance Chair. Finally, Cheryl Muller, Youth Services Chair, led the attendees in the singing of “God Bless America”.
Upon arrival to the dinner the attendees were able to purchase 50/50 tickets. The drawing supported Potter’s Hand, a faith-based, non-profit 501c(3) organization, committed to serving survivors of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking as they work through the restoration and healing process. It provides a safe, secure environment where females receive physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and learn the skills necessary for self-reliance and reintegration to society.
In his opening remarks, Eddie VanStine, 2025 – 2026 Bath Rotary Club President, stated, “As we gather this evening for our Annual Changeover Dinner, I find myself reflecting on what has truly been an extraordinary year for the Bath Rotary Club. This year our club has continued to build upon an extensive legacy. We strengthened our foundation, expanded our reach, experienced membership growth, strengthened our commitment to youth, and elevated our impact throughout the Greater Bath community and beyond.”
Michael Slovak, Bath Rotarian and Past Rotary District 7120 Governor, administered the Oath of Office to the 2026 – 2027 Board of Directors in attendance, including: Nancy Latour, President and Fundraising and Events Chair; Eddie VanStine, Past President; Benita Nesbitt, Foundation Chair; Cheryl Muller, Youth Services Chair; Bill White, Membership Chair; Elaine Tears, Public Relations Chair; Jane Russell, Finance Chair.
Other members of the Board of Directors for 2026 – 2027, who were unable to attend the dinner, were also recognized: Tess McKinley, Secretary and Service Projects Chair; Jay Maslyn, Treasurer; Amanda Cronin, Planning Chair; Bob Cole, Jr., Sergeant-at-Arms; Angela Mattoon, Webmaster.
Recognition was given by President VanStine to those who have strived to achieve the ideal of humanitarian service and high ethical standards under the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.
- Rotarian of the Year: Tess McKinley. This award is presented to the Rotarian who best exemplifies the motto of “Service Above Self”. It recognizes a member who consistently goes beyond expectations, who answers the call whenever help is needed, and who works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the club continues to thrive and serve others. McKinley has helped organize and lead countless club projects, fundraisers, and community initiatives, including serving as the club’s Strategic Planning Committee Chair, being a most valuable member of the Bath Rotary Student Fund, Inc. (the scholarship arm of the club), serving as the club’s Service Projects Chair, and chairing the club’s Pi Day fundraiser. She has also agreed to serve as the 2026 – 2027 Bath Rotary Club Secretary. In addition to her valuable service to Rotary, she serves on the Bath-Haverling Central School Board of Education, is an active member of 4-H, and is a Master Gardner. McKinley is able to balance most effectively her participation in community activities with a demanding career as the Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Steuben Chapter and her family responsibilities. Hilda Lando, Steuben County Minority Leader, Steuben County Legislator representing Corning, and a colleague and friend of McKinley accepted the award since McKinley was unable to attend the dinner.
- Rookie of the Year: Susan Jackson. This award it presented to the Rotarian in his/her first or second year of membership who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, enthusiasm, service, dedication, and a genuine desire about making an impact. Since joining the club in August 2025, Jackson has been very involved, including: helping with Camp STAR, attending Pi Day, chairing the club’s floral bouquet fundraiser, attending Flag Day, and attending most weekly club meetings at which she asks good questions and gives valuable information. She has always been willing to help, always willing to listen, and always looking for ways to make the club and community stronger. Beyond Rotary, Susan is a tremendous advocate for mental health awareness and community wellness.
- Citizen of the Year: Tim Marshall. This award is presented to a community member who has unselfishly displayed dedication, leadership, and community spirit. As Steuben County Public Safety Director, Marshall stands at the center of some of the most critical operations in Steuben County. From emergency communications and the county’s State-of-the-Art 911 Center to fire services, emergency medical services, disaster response, emergency planning, and public safety coordination, Tim is often the steady hand guiding efforts behind the scenes. When the phone rings in the middle of the night, when disaster strikes, when emergencies occur, and when lives are on the line, he is often among the first people working to ensure that help is on the way. His leadership has helped bring millions of dollars in grants and funding into the local community, allowing Steuben County to invest in cutting-edge technology, modern communication systems, and enhanced emergency response capabilities and resources. He works with FEMA, state agencies, local governments, first responders, and community partners to protect lives, restore infrastructure, and help communities recover from disasters like the devasting flooding in Steuben County recently. He ensures that every resident of the county has access to the best emergency services possible.
- Paul Harris Fellow Awards: Bob Cole, Jr. and Marie McKee. Since they were unable to attend the Changeover Dinner, their presentations were made at a separate ceremony.
Nancy Latour, Club Secretary, asked those Bath Rotary Club Past Presidents in attendance to stand and be recognized. They included: Michael Slovak (2007 – 2008); Benita Nesbitt (2014 – 2015); Elaine Tears (2016 – 2017); Nancy Latour (2017 – 2018); Jane Russell (2019 – 2020); Brandi Graham (2023 – 2024).
As the evening’s program came to a close, VanStine remarked, “It is hard to believe that my term as Bath Rotary Club President is coming to an end. Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the trust, friendship, and support each of you has shown me throughout this remarkable journey. I stand before you humbled and proud, not because of what I have accomplished but because of what we have accomplished together. May we continue to grow, continue to serve, and continue to make a difference for generations to come. Let us now welcome Nancy Latour as the 2026 – 2027 Bath Rotary Club President. Nancy’s experience, leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Rotary makes her the ideal person to lead our club into its next chapter.”
Latour then stated, “When I agreed to serve as the Bath Rotary Club President for a second time, I thought about all the reasons someone might say yes to serving in such a role – duty, service, commitment, leadership, etc. However, those of you who know me know that the big question that kept coming back to me was much simpler …. will it be fun? Indeed, Rotary does serious work. However, after years in Rotary, I have learned something important: the clubs that thrive aren’t just the ones that work hard – they’re the ones that enjoy working together and have fun because Rotary gives us the opportunity to serve while building lasting friendships.”
The Bath Rotary Club, chartered on March 16, 1923, meets every Thursday at noon in the Empire Room of the Dormann Library in Bath. Anyone wishing more information about Rotary, specifically the Bath Rotary Club, including potential membership, should contact:
Nancy Latour, President, at: nancylt7117@gmail.com or Bill White, Membership Chair at: bewhitey@aol.com.
Service Awards and Attendance/Participation Recognitions were announced at the 2026 Bath Rotary Club Changeover Dinner. Seated: Susan Jackson, Hilda Lando (accepting award for Tess McKinley), and Tim Marshall. Standing (Middle Row): Nancy Latour, Elaine Tears, Benita Nesbitt, Brandi Graham, and Jane Russell. Standing (Back Row): Bill White, Terry Bilancio, Cheryl Muller, Eddie VanStine, and Michelle Smalt.
Several attendees at the Bath Rotary Club’s Changeover Dinner were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows and proudly wore their Paul Harris Fellow medallion and pin. Seated: Benita Nesbitt, Nancy Latour, Brandi Graham, and Elaine Tears. Standing: Michael Slovak, Jo Slovak, Bill White, Jane Russell, Terry Bilancio, Cheryl Muller, and Woody Latour.
