Rotary Informer

Howard Richards led us in America the Beautiful

Four Way Test:  Ashley Whitney

Invocation:  Tim Dykstra in Memory of BJ Shawn

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards & Melissa Thompson led us in Nat King Cole; "Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer" and Smile

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Kassia Perpich

Calendar Winners August 7, 2019

Visiting Rotarians:  Julian Magnus, Summer Rotarian, Dick Chambers, Holland, MI

Visitors:  Elaine Keiser, Scott LaDeur

Life Events:

Birthdays: 

Jay Neff

Anniversaries: 

Gary Baxter & Vic George 11 Years

Announcements:

Diamonds & Denim:  Reg Smith spoke about the partner for this year’s event being the YMCA. They are looking for a permanent location for the Y. He also stated that there are opportunities for sponsoring the event and you can see him for details. You can also click on the following link to purchase tickets for individuals, table of 8, table of 10, etc. Link

Ingrid Fleming is in charge of auction items and she will be either collecting auction items from Rotary Club members or she will be expecting to receive a minimum of a $50 dollar donation so they can buy an auction item of their choice to be included in this year’s auction. If you are going to sponsor the event you will not be held liable for an auction item

A Forlorn Steve Cross:  Steve Cross is looking for his; “Thanks for Being the President” Gavel; it was kidnapped from his desk. If anyone knows be sure to send him your demands for returning it soon. He did receive a kidnap note stating that instructions would soon follow. He says his desk looks empty without it. Week two update is no news yet

Festival on the Bay 5K Race:  Ashley Whitney reminded us that there is still time to sign up for the family fun run 5K at Festival on the Bay.  If you want to participate you can sign up at: Link

John Scholten W/O His Hand Out:  John Scholten, without his hand out, I know, Shocker, let us know that he will be doing a cross country bike trip September 22 - October 30th. He is raising money for Polio. Our club has pledged $1/mile ($3,400 if anyone is counting).  He will also be going to other clubs to leverage $ from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation for eradication of Polio. Steve Brummeler will be keeping the club up to date on his progress. If you would also like to donate, he is taking donations. We will be having our regular local pedal for polio ride before he leaves so you can donate then

Alzheimer’s Walks:  Melissa Thompson reminded us of 2 Alzheimer’s walks September 14 in Petoskey and September 28 in Traverse City. See Melissa for more details

Reg Smith Announcement:  Reg Smith announced that there was a fabulously creative letter by an aspiring author in the Letter to the Editor of the Petoskey News review today that is well worth reading

BJ Shawn:  BJ Shawn, beloved Rotarian since December 15, 1999, passed peacefully in her sleep at 8:30 pm August 5, 2019. Her daughter Becky will be announcing a date where there will be a celebration of her life at Crooked Tree Arts Center. In the meantime it is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Barbara ("B.J.") Shawn may do so by making a contribution to:

Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation
616 Petoskey St #203
Petoskey, MI 9770
(231) 348-5820
https://www.phsacf.org/

or

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
1300 W Conway Rd
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
(231) 347-2396
http://ltbhs.com/

Program:  Leah Callahan, Branch Executive Director of the YMCA was the speaker for today. As the YMCA is our Diamonds & Denim partner for this year, it was good for Rotarians to learn about the current programs and what the future will hold when financial goals are met. Rotary will be assisting with these financial goals with the upcoming event. Currently the YMCA devotes 99% of its resources for children's programs. The main focus is Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To achieve these goals the following programs are in place: Summer Camp, Karate Program, Preschool Sports and Games, Winners Basketball, First Lego League and Specialty Camps. Programs that assist working parents are: After School Programs, Half Day and Snow Day Programs, Schools Out and Friday Night Program. The children in the community are safe due to these efforts. With the assistance of Rotary, the future will perhaps see Diabetes Prevention, Enhanced Fitness, Live Strong Program for Cancer Survivors, and STEM. Please support Diamonds and Denim this year in order to help these worthwhile programs come to fruition. For further information visit their website at: Link

Next Week’s Program:  Peter Payette; Executive Director Interlochen Public Radio