Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER – November 18, 2015
 
 
4 Way Test:  Thank you BJ Shawn
 
Invocation:  Thank you Melissa Thompson for your beautiful French rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” 
 
Imaginez qu'il n'y a pas de Paradis,
C'est facile si vous essayez,
Aucun enfer en dessous de nous,
Au dessus de nous seulement le ciel,
Imaginez tous les gens,
Vivant le présent...
 
Imaginez qu'il n'y a aucun pays,
Ce n'est pas dur à faire,
Aucune cause pour laquelle tuer ou mourir,
Aucune religion non plus,
Imaginez tous les gens,
Vivant leurs vies dans la paix...
 
Vous pouvez dire que je suis un rêveur,
Mais je ne suis pas le seul,
J'espère qu'un jour vous nous rejoindrez,
Et que le monde vivra uni
 
Imaginez aucunes possessions,
Je me demande si vous le pouvez,
Aucun besoin d'avidité ou de faim,
La fraternité des hommes,
Imaginez tous les gens,
Partageant tous le monde...
 
Vous pouvez dire que je suis un rêveur,
Mais je ne suis pas le seul,
J'espère qu'un jour vous nous rejoindrez,
Et que le monde vivra uni
 
Life Events/Club News:  Dave Thomas announced that Liz Ahrens will be returning to our club. Yea!
 
Song of the Week:  Our very own Annie, Sophie Cranney, treated the club with the hit song from the Harbor Springs Middle School performance of “Annie”. The show runs November 19th - 21st at the Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center with performances on Thursday and Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Admission is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students. Sophie has set a new bar for the Steve Cross and Howard Richards team
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Dan Robinson from Petoskey Sunrise Rotary was a visiting Rotarian today
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
Foundation Moment:  Dianne Litzenburger reminded us what the Rotary Foundation is all about, using the words of Paul Harris, “When an individual, a sect, a clique or a nation hates and despises another individual, sect, clique or nation, he or they simply do not know the objects of their hatred. Ignorance is at the bottom of it.” All of the foundation programs such as Vocational Training Teams, scholarships, global grants and district grants are directed at that ignorance. The Rotary Foundation was started “to do good in the world” and the result is to reduce the hatred that Paul Harris spoke about
Named after Rotary’s founder, the Paul Harris Society recognizes those who annually contribute $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, Polio Plus, or an approved Rotary Foundation Grant. By joining the Paul Harris Society, you are making a lasting difference in communities around the world. Recently Jim Linderman, Bill Winslow, and Steve and Holly Brown were contributors to the Society
Chris Etienne showed a short video which thanked those who have contributed. She also distributed the Rotary International and Rotary Foundation Annual Report 2013 -2014
 
Bylaw Revisions:  The club will vote on the revisions on December 2nd. Terry Newton has posted them on the website. Please find the time to review them and to ask any questions before the vote
 
Wreaths Across America:  Bob Waldvogel announced that Greenwood Cemetery has already collected the funds needed to place 1,400 wreaths on the graves of our local veterans. If you have never attended the ceremony, please try to do so as it is quite moving. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11:45 a.m. sharp. At noon Eastern Standard Time a moment of silence will be held across the entire nation. At this time the ceremonial wreaths will be placed and shortly after that, those present will place the wreaths on the graves of the veterans throughout the Cemetery
 
Toys for Tots:  Starting next week we will again be collecting toys for the Marine Corps League. Dave Thomas mentioned that the League is impressed by the number and the quality of toys our club brings in. Please remember to place a toy on your shopping list and bring it in during the next three weeks
 
Christmas Program/Madrigal Singers:  December 9th will be their annual performance at our meeting. There are 30 performers and John Scholten is looking for lunch sponsors. $20 will pay for a lunch and also a small donation to the Madrigals Program
 
Northern Nights:  Save the date - February 20th, 2016
 
Green Light a Vet:  This movement is meant to start a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans, and “green light” them as valued members of their community. The color green has a meaning of hope, renewal and well-being. Dave Thomas asks that we consider placing a green bulb in one of our outside sockets in order to show our support to our returning veterans
 
First Thursday Fellowship:  December 3rd is first Thursday. Please come for fun and fellowship at around 5:30 p.m. Location to be announced
 
Calendar Sales:  We are challenged to sell 1,500 calendars which will garner a $15,000 profit. This is the Club’s major fundraiser so please get out there and sell. (Try to sell 2 more if you can!) Envelopes for returns are on the dining tables every week. All stubs and monies must be in by January 16, 2016 
 
PROGRAM:  Speaker Dan Robinson
Today, with the help of Dan Robinson, we remembered his son, Petoskey native Heath Robinson. Heath was a U.S. Navy Seal killed in Afghanistan in 2011. Heath was among 30 military personnel and 8 members of the Afghan military killed when their Chinook helicopter was shot down by insurgents in Wardak Province. His father shared with the Club many programs he has been associated with as a father of a son killed in action. We learned of the Gold and Blue Star Family Programs, Tragedy and Assistance Programs for Survivors and the many projects of the Navy Seal Foundation. Dan has worked tirelessly in setting up programs that will assist families and returning warriors with PTS so that PTS”D” does not result. PTS is Post Traumatic Stress and the added D makes it a Disorder. He will return to the club in the near future to discuss Eagle Rock Programs and a plan for a program at Camp Daggett
Of note, the Cut River Bridge on Highway 2 in the Upper Peninsula was renamed after Heath Robinson. The bridge can be found between Epoufette and Brevort, about 26 miles northwest of Saint Ignace
 
Next Week’s Program:  Sophie Crannie will be presenting her Japan trip experience
 
New Member Proposal:  This is Week two of the required two week notice for Dylan Valade
 
Special Announcement of this Year’s Slate of Officers:
The nomination committee has met and is putting forth the following ballot for this year’s Slate of Officers to be voted on at our December 2nd Meeting:
President-elect:  Bob Waldvogel
Board Member #1:  Bill Collins
Board Member #2:  Robert Rogier (2nd term)
Board Member #3:  John Hurd
Nominations committee member at large #1:  Roger Winslow (to keep continuity)
Nominations committee member at large #2:  Gary Fedus
 
Petoskey Rotary Club Charities:  Voted on at the November 11th, PRCCI Board Meeting with club vote to be held December 2, 2015:
Board Member nominee for a two year inclusion on the PRCCI Board:
#1:  Randy Evans
#2:  Jane Millar
 
By-Laws proposed changes: For club member review which will be voted on December 2nd, 2015. Please submit any comments to Dave Thomas
Philosophy of changes based on input from Members
  • Add one additional level/name to the President succession
  • Change At-Large seats on Nominating committee to 2 year term with staggered terms and possibility of a second term to a maximum 4 years
  • Update wording to 2015 current RI terminology or current practices
  • Committees membership and charge responsibility of Board to review and approve on a yearly basis; but details not included in By-Laws to recognize the dynamic nature of this process
  • Vacancies on the Board will be approved by the Board reviewing the President’s proposed replacement
  • Charitable sub-committee leads and Board Directors are authorized to submit requests for reimbursement directly to treasure. Treasurer will continue to bring all check requests to Board for approval. In Emergency treasure is authorized to pay up to $500 and Treasurer plus President or President-Elect are authorized to pay up to $1,000. Any use of this clause will be disclosed at the next meeting of the Board
 
2015-2016 Process of Change
  • President reviews contemplated changes at club meeting
  • All members are asked for input
  • Philosophy (Not Legal Wording) is voted on at Board then Club Assembly
  • By-Laws committee makes legal wording changes to By-Laws to carry out that philosophy and notifies President when complete
  • President presents final red-lined and changed document to Board for approval
  • Changes published on Web-Site and announced to membership
  • President accepts up or down vote at next club assembly
Rotary Club Bylaws 2015 Proposed Changes
  1. Page 1-2 Article I Section 1:
 
Old – The nominating committee shall place into nomination the name(s) of member(s) for the office of president, the names of members for the office of member of the board of directors, and two names for members-at-large of the following year’s nominating committee
 
New -The nominating committee shall place into nomination the name(s) of member(s) for the office of president - to be known as president nominee designate from the time of election until taking office in July, the names of members for the office of member of the board of directors, and one name for members-at-large of the following year’s nominating committee to serve a two year term and shall be eligible for one additional term to a maximum of four years
 
  1. Page 3 Article I Section 4:
 
Old – the one person receiving the highest number of votes for the position of president shall be determined to be elected to said office for a term of three years beginning the next following July 1st. The first year he/she shall perform the duties of the president-elect, the second year the duties of president, and the third year the duties of immediate past president
 
New- the one person receiving the highest number of votes for the position of president shall be determined to be elected to said office for a term of four years beginning the next following July 1st. The first year he/she shall perform the duties of the president nominee, the second year the duties of president elect, the third year the duties of president, and the fourth year the duties of immediate past president
 
  1. Page 3 Article I Section 4:
 
Old – The two persons receiving the highest number of votes for member(s)-at-large for the nominating committee shall be declared elected to said position for a term of one years beginning the next following July 1st
 
New - The person receiving the highest number of votes for member(s)-at-large for the nominating committee shall be declared elected to said position for a term of two years beginning the next following July 1st
 
  1. Page 3 Article I Section 5:
Old – The president-elect and directors elect, president, past president and carry-over directors, shall constitute the board of directors. Within one week after their election, the board of directors-elect shall meet and elect some members of the club to act as secretary and as treasurer
New - The president-nominee and directors elect, president-elect, president, past president and carry-over directors, shall constitute the board of directors. Within one month after their election, the board of directors-elect shall meet and elect some members of the club to act as secretary and as treasurer
  1. Page 4 Article I Section 6:
 
Old – A vacancy in the Board of Directors or any office shall be filled by action of the remaining members of the Board
 
New - A vacancy in the Board of Directors or any office shall be filled by the president placing into nomination the proposed name of the replacement subject to the action of the remaining members of the Board
 
  1. Page 4 Article I Section 7:
 
Old – A vacancy in the position of any officer-elect or director-elect shall be filled by action of the remaining members of the board-elect
 
New - A vacancy in the position of any officer-elect or director-elect shall be filled by the president placing into nomination the proposed name of the replacement subject to the action of the remaining members of the board-elect
 
  1. Page 4 Article II:
 
Old – The Board shall consist of the president, president-elect, secretary, treasurer, if available the immediate past president as an ex-officio member with vote and six directors,
 
New- The Board shall consist of the president, president-elect, president nominee, secretary, treasurer, the immediate past president and six directors,
 
  1. Page 4 Article III Section 2 and 3:
 
Old – The president elect shall also serve as co-chair of the charitable Income Committee
 
New – Delete above wording under Section 2 President-elect duties and insert a new Section 3 for the president-nominee with the same wording as the now re-numbered Section 4 – immediate Past President. The new Section 3 – President-Nominee - it shall be the duty of the president-nominee to serve as a member of the board of the club and to perform other duties as may be prescribed by the president of the board
 
  1. Page 5 Article III Section 4:
 
Old – The secretary shall invoice and collect dues
 
New - The treasurer shall invoice and collect dues
 
  1. Page 5 Article IV Section 2
 
Old – member’s being present at least (60) percent of the time devoted to the regular meeting
 
New - member’s being present at least (50) percent of the time devoted to the regular meeting
 
  1. Page 5-6 Article IV Section 4:
 
Old – Special meetings of the board shall be called by the president, whenever deemed necessary, or upon the request of two (2) members of the board, due notice having been given
 
New - Special meetings of the board shall be called by the president, whenever deemed necessary, or upon the request of two (2) members of the board
 
  1. Page 6-7 Article VII Section 1:
 
Old - New Generation Service Committee
 
New – Youth Service Committee (Throughout the rest of the document this same change should also be carried forward)
 
  1. Page 7-10 Article VII Sections 2 through 7
 
Old – Listing of all committees
 
New – Section 2 – Club Committees – Each of the members of the Board of Directors charged with heading up an Avenue of Service and the leadership of Charitable Income committee will review the Excel Spreadsheet maintained by the Club Secretary on an Annual basis to insure that it accurately represents the number of committees, charge, leadership and membership of each committee. This document will be made available to membership on our Web-Page. At least once yearly the President will ask the Board member responsible for Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service, Youth Service, and Charitable Income to present their section of the spreadsheet for review and discussion by the full Board. Once approved by the Board, any future changes in adding or deleting committees or modification of their charge will also require Board approval
 
Section 8 will now be numbered Section 3
 
  1. Page 13-17 Article VIII Sections 1-6
 
Old – Sub Committees charge detailed
 
New – Since the number of committees and their charge is dynamic in an active and dynamic club, it should not be necessary to constantly amend bylaws to reflect those changes. Therefore, the names of all active sub-committees and their charge listed will be moved to the spreadsheet referenced in Article VII Section
 
2. The following paragraphs will be removed from the bylaws: Attendance Committee, Membership Classification & Qualification Committee, Membership Recruitment & Retention Committee, Mentor Committee, Fireside Chats Committee, Club Bulletin Committee, Fellowship Activities Committee, Fellowship Activities Committee, Physical Assets Committee, Program Committee, Public Relations Committee, and Welcoming Committee in Section 1. In section 2 the paragraphs labeled Teacher of the Year. Vocational Awareness and Career Development will be deleted. In Section 3 the paragraphs labeled Community Project, Environmental Protection, Blue Suit, Bell Ringing, and Blood Drive will be deleted. In Section 4 the paragraphs labeled Rotary Foundation, GSE, and World Community Service will be deleted. In Section 5 the paragraphs labeled Youth Exchange. Life Leadership, Strive, Student Guest, Scholarship, Service above Self, will be deleted. In Section 6 the paragraphs labeled Retail Calendar Sales, and Event Sales will be deleted
 
  1. Page 17 Article X Section 2
 
Old – paid only by checks signed by the treasurer upon vouchers signed by any two officers (the check may serve also as the voucher when it provides for the signature of two officers)
 
New - paid only by checks signed by the treasurer upon vouchers submitted by other Board members or appropriate Charitable Committee Event leads. The Board will approve the check register of all checks written monthly. If a check is time sensitive needing to be issued prior to the Board review, The Treasurer is authorized up to $500 per month and in conjunction with either the president or president-elect up to $1,000