Rotary Informer 

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Andrea Coronado officiated the meeting.

If you did not get the chance to attend, you can read about it in this newsletter.

Pledge/Anthem:  Howard Richards led us in My Country tis of Thee

4-Way Test:  Liz McKenney

Invocation:  Neil Bidwell

A quote by the Dalai Lama, "Just one small, positive thought in the morning can change your whole day."

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Kassia Perpich

Calendar Winners August 27, 2025

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events

Meal Train for Sam Fee and baby:
Rotarian Sam Fee recently welcomed a new baby, and we’d love to help support her and her family in the coming weeks with meals, coffee, and words of encouragement for new parents.

They’re limiting gluten, dairy, and processed sugar, so please keep that in mind when planning. This is a casual meal train — simply pick a date on the SignUpGenius list (I’ve set up the next month) and drop Sam a quick note so she knows when to expect you. Instructions are on the sign up sheet.

No time to cook? Rotarian Sarah McDonnell of Little Bay Gourmet (231.622.5281) can prepare a hearty, diet-friendly meal for $40 and arrange delivery for an additional $5. No muss, no fuss — and baby and mom are cared for!

Sign Up for Sam’s Meal Train

Liz Ahrens – invited club members to her home 9/7, 5-7pm. Brats and beer provided, bring a chair to watch the band Seasonal Road, Georgia’s band. Will also be screening the Lions v. Packers game. 5200 West Lake Street, Harbor Springs

Tuesday, September 9
Rotary Sunset Cruise – with members of other local Rotary clubs
Boarding: 7:00 PM | Petoskey Bayfront Park Marina
Cruise: 7:30–9:00 PM | $35/person | Cash bar available
Tickets will be added to your next invoice. Cost is $38.00. Guests welcome.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA4A92EA0FEC61-57940486-rotary

Light Kits for Ukraine:  Reg Smith announced that the First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey will once again be assembling light kits for Ukrainians without power. Volunteers are welcome to gather at the Church on Thursday, September 18 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. They are one of the few churches in the country doing this project - it's a unique opportunity to support others in crisis abroad.

Billy Duff Event:  We will be having the annual Billy Duff Event on Wednesday, September 24^th. Bring a dish to pass and BYOB. We will send out a signup genius for the event. Signup Link

Roadside Clean-Up – 9/20 – 8:30 – 10am, meet at Legacy Water and Sports Marina near SludgeHammer on US 131.

Wednesday, October 15
Rotary Third Wheel Social at Elder Piper 5:30-7:00
Theme: “Awkwardly Seeking Inclusion” – make a match, meet a friend, or fall in love with Rotary. Members drive.

Saturday, October 25
Film Screening – Join or Die – Time: TBD and will be announced
Crooked Tree Arts Center Theater
Followed by a welcome reception with local service clubs.

Rotary Youth Exchange Conference: – 9/5 – 9/7 at Camp Daggett. Our club has responsibility for Friday dinner (5–8pm) and Saturday lunch (11am–2pm). Reg will send out a signup sheet for light food prep and clean-up. 

The club is looking for a Care and Comfort chairperson.

The club is looking for STRIVE pizza buddies. See Andrea Coronado if you are interested.

Calendar Updates:  Calendar Launch Date – pick up your calendars Wednesday August 27th. Before meeting 11:30 to noon, after meeting 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

If you are unable to pick up calendars, please arrange for someone else to pick up on your behalf. Contact Karen Ragland to make other arrangements.

kmragland@charter.net  734 320 0424

Alzheimer’s Walk – September 27:  Join us in supporting the Alzheimer’s Walk this fall in Pennsylvania Park. Whether you walk, volunteer, sponsor, or donate—every step makes a difference. Connect with Ian Straley to get involved.

Coastal Crawl:  The Coastal Crawl is open–water swim held at Zorn Park in Harbor Springs. The individuals who have put it on for 30 years are retiring and are looking for individuals or organizations to take over the management of the event to keep it going in the future. This was suggested as a possible service opportunity for Rotary. This year, the Coastal Crawl is also looking for donations and volunteers. Contact Patrick O’Brien for more info. 

STRIVE Update:  Strive is looking for pizza sponsors and expanded support this year. Please see Andrea Koch or Georgia Abbott to give a donation.

Member Spotlight – Jane Millar, Rotary International Projects:  We began with a 'mini program' from Jane Millar, who spoke of the Club's past international service efforts. Specifically, Jane described a wheelchair project from 2003. Our club partnered with other clubs to purchase 280 wheelchairs for $75 each. Jane went to Mazatlán, Mexico to distribute the wheelchairs. She became emotional as she described the experience of sharing wheelchairs with people in need. Some were arriving in wagons, or barrels, not having had a wheelchair before. She urged the club to consider a renewed focus on international service.

PROGRAM:  Calendar Launch – Karen Ragland

Karen Ragland then led a brief program on the club's annual calendar fundraiser. Calendars are now available for picking up. She invited commentary from Reg Smith and Jim Erhart, both of whom spoke about the long history of this fundraiser and the impact it has on our club and our community. Said Reg, "Calendars allow us to do what we do." He reminded everyone that calendar proceeds support our annual operating budget as well as grant making. 

Karen concluded the program by thanking the MANY Rotarians who help with calendar administration each year.

Next Week’s Program:  Carlin Smith: Ice Storm Recovery

Member Updates:  Bob Denten has resigned from the club citing moving away from the area.