Rotary Informer
 

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Christian Smith officiated the meeting.
If you did not get the chance to attend, you can read about it in this newsletter.

Pledge/Anthem:  Howard Richards was not here today so we recited the Pledge of Allegiance

4-Way Test:  Lyle Peck   

Invocation:  Tim Dykstra

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career; I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”                                                                                           
Michael Jordan

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Joe Blachy

Calendar Winners December 4, 2024    

International Insight:  Rotary’s campaign, PolioPlus, does more than eradicate polio.  Social and health services provided in conjunction with the vaccine administration bring additional benefits to the communities they serve.  For example, a 2010 study estimated that the vitamin A drops given to children at the same time as the polio vaccine, prevented 1.25 million deaths by decreasing susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Visiting Rotarians:  David Hamm, Sunrise Rotary  

Guests:  Caroline Barlow and Atty Belanger for Bliss Fest as speakers

Life Events:  Please keep Herb Carlson in your prayers as he recovers from a hospital stay at home.

Birthdays:

Andrea Coronado

Dibby Smith

Reg Smith

Anniversaries:

Herb Carlson – 57 Years in our Club and 64 Years in Rotary

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards was not here so Christian Smith led us in Happy Birthday and Smile. Dogs could be heard howling all the way from Harbor Springs. Please come back Howard! We are so lucky to have you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christian read a thank you letter from Rotary International in regards to the $2,500 gift made for hurricane relief in North Carolina.

Rotary Member Spotlight:  None Today

Salvation Army Bell Ringing:  The Salvation Army bell ringing will take place on December 13th and 14th from 10 AM to 6 PM outside the Katydid. Please sign up to help spread some holiday cheer while supporting a great cause.

Toys for Tots:  Let’s make this holiday season magical for kids in need! Join us in spreading joy by donating to Toys for Tots. Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a set of blocks, or that perfect action figure, your gift can light up a child’s face this year.  You can participate by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to our next Rotary meeting and drop it in the Toys for Tots bin at the Perry Hotel. If you’d prefer to make a financial contribution, please see Dave Thomas for details.

Madrigal Singers:  The Madrigals are performing December 18 at Rotary Club of Pe-toskey. If you would like to sponsor a Madrigal for lunch please let John Scholten know. The cost is $20.

Calendar Sales:  Please be sure to return your money to Karen by the end of the year so that your raffle tickets can be entered into the drawing.

PROGRAM Caroline Barlow, Bliss Fest

This week, we welcomed Caroline Barlow, Artistic Director from Blissfest Music Organization, who shared insights into the vibrant work of this local cultural treasure. Bliss-fest, known for its annual music festival, is more than just a celebration of diverse sounds; it's a year-round effort to promote the arts and foster community connections.
Caroline spoke about the organization's dedication to preserving folk, roots, and Americana music, while also offering educational programs and performance opportunities for aspiring and established artists alike. She highlighted the impact Blissfest has on our local community and the enrichment of Northern Michigan's cultural fabric.
With their unique venue in Harbor Springs and a passionate team of staff and over 1,000 volunteers, Blissfest continues to be a beacon for music lovers and a hub for artistic expression. Caroline left us inspired by the power of music to unite, uplift, and create lasting memories for generations to come. Happy Bliss!  https://blissfest.org/

Next Week’s Program:  Club Assembly

The nominating committee presented the nominations for the Rotary Club’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors.

For President:  Sharon Schappacher

For Board Members:  Megan DeWindt, Andrea Koch, and Kendall Klingelsmith

We will be voting for this slate of Directors and Officers at the Club Assembly