Rotary Informer

Visiting Rotarians:  None

Guests:  Cindy Okerlund, Pedaling for a Purpose; Liz Erlewine, Lucia Andrews, Jake Myers, Sakura Springborn, Nora Riley; PHSACF

Life Events:  Herb Carlson is currently home and hopefully will be at Rotary again soon.

Birthdays:  

Nikki Devitt

Ingrid Flemming

Anniversaries:  

Ashley DeCarteret – 10 Years  

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards led us in Happy Birthday and Smile.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Roadside Cleanup – Volunteers Needed:  David Finley:  We’re still looking for a few more volunteers for our Roadside Cleanup which has been changed to be-tween May 10-17th. Let’s help keep our stretch of highway looking its best!

Member Spotlight:  Cindy Okerlund
Cindy Okerlund from the Trails Council spoke briefly about the Peddling for a Purpose bike program for all 4th graders in Emmet County. Cindy thanked the 6-7 Rotarians who have helped with this very successful program. In the past 7 years, 2000 4th graders have participated in this all-day bike ride. Cindy said the program costs about $15,000 per year and is funded through donations and grants. In order to donate to this worthy cause you can click on the following link:  Link

Last Call for Global Scholarships:  Do you know a graduate level student planning to attend or presently attending a university in another country August 1, 2025 – 2036 who might be interested in this Rotary opportunity? Global Scholarships fund graduate-level coursework or research for one to four academic years @ $30,000 annually. If you know someone who may be interested in becoming a District 6290 Global Scholar, please have them contact Dr. Rachel Reed-Sytsma, rachel@greatlakescfa.org for more information. 

Spaghetti Dinner:  Next week Christian will announce the stats for our 73 annual Spaghetti dinner.

The following sponsors have donated to make this year’s dinner a rousing success: Perry Hotel, McLaren Northern Michigan, AdvisaCare; Home Health and Hospice, Dave Kring Chevrolet QNCD, Taylor Rental, Larson Health, Mitchell Graphics, Joe Blachy Petoskey Real Estate, Bearcub Outfitters, Terry and Betsy Newton, Greenleaf Trust, Brown Motors Petoskey, Walloon Central Marine, Honor Bank, First Community Bank, Preston Feather Building Center, Christian Smith, Michael and Kathy Snyder, Peg and John Emley, Northern Community Mediation, Walt and Nancy Byers, Karen Ragland, Lake Effect Restoration, Keep it Real Social, Neil and Marsha Bidwell for a combined total of $10,250.

Save the Date: April Social Our next Rotary social meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 30 at Tap 94 in the Odawa Casino. Don’t miss it!

PROGRAM:  Liz Erlewine, Petoskey–Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Youth in Philanthropy
Our speaker was Jake Myers, the advisor of the Youth Advisory Committee of the Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.  Jake and three YAC members (Lucia Andrews from Petoskey, Nora Riley from Petoskey, and Sukura Springborn who is homeschooled) shared how YAC awards grants to programs important to our youth.  The 26 YAC youth seek worthy projects, interview the organizations and then make the decision whether or not to fund.  They also survey all the youth in Emmet county and volunteer at many local charities.  These 8-12th graders who come from many different Emmet County schools are learning leadership skills while impacting our community.
Since its inception 30 years ago, YAC has infused over 2 million dollars into our community.  Jake reminded us that YAC and Rotary share the same values and he encouraged us to work on projects together.

Next Week’s Program Leadership Little Traverse