Rotary Informer

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

Pledge/Anthem:  Howard Richards led us in God Bless America

4-Way Test:  John Emley

Invocation:  Dave Thomas

In 1939 our world was in turmoil. Korean girls in Sex Camps asked – What Price Freedom? Polish calvary crushed under Tanks and German Jews asked – What Price Freedom? Dissident Blacks in South Africa asked – What Price Freedom?

For 2 years America ignored their pleas. On 12/7/1941 it was asked again by sailors aboard the U.S.S. Arizona. The answer came on 6/6/1944.

Our History is filled with stories of atrocities perpetuated by ruthless leaders seeking Power, Wealth and Fame. Attacks on indigenous people:

• of Europe by Genghis Kahn,

• of North Africa by Phoenicians, Romans, Germanic Tribes, and religious zealots,

• and on undeveloped nations by colonialists in the 18^th and 19^th century to bring them Civilization and Faith. Which brings us back to 1939.

Middle Class Merchants of 13 British colonies met twice in Philadelphia to attempt to shackle these darker instincts of mankind. Using the Greek and Roman Classics (like Plutarch) they created a Republic where the imprudent ambitions of men would be controlled by a series of checks and balances. Using Judeo-Christian values to construct a legal system where justice was blind and all stood as equals before her. Using the Science, Mathematics, and Philosophies preserved by the Muslims and advanced by Locke, Voltaire, Hume and Smith they created a right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. What we call FREEDOM

Today we face new threats. The Ukrainian Mother holding a dead child. A Venezuelan Doctor sorting through garbage for something to eat. A Uyghur held in prison for organs to sell to wealthy Individuals all today ask What Price Freedom. The soldier on Omaha beach has the answer. The Price of Freedom is an individual voluntarily sacrificing their wonderful life to guarantee freedom for those they love. The Greeks called it Agape Love. That is why we celebrate and remember this day 12/7. May America always be blessed with such Heroes.

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Jim Beno

Calendar Winners December 7, 2022

Visiting Rotarians: None 

Guests:  Leslie Ender, Adrian Karr, Prospective Members

Life Events:

Birthdays:

Reg Smith

Anniversaries:

Steve Cross – 11 Years

Singing/Song:  led us in Happy Birthday and Smile

ANNOUNCEMENTS

City of Petoskey:  Congratulations to Matt Breed who is retiring from the Petoskey Police Department. He brought his potential replacement to Rotary today; Adrian Karr (Rocky)

Camp Daggett:  A special Thank-You from Camp Dagget for the $500 sponsorship. You're invited to join them on Sunday, December 11, 2022; 1 - 3 PM for "S'mores with Santa."

Friends of the Winter Sports Park:  Join the Friends of the Winter Sports Park for their Community Winter Bonfire on Saturday, December 17, 4 - 7 PM at the Back Lot. Tons of fun for a great cause!

Paul Harris Pool:  Dibby Smith is looking for at least one more person to join the Paul Harris Fellowship Pool! It is $50 a quarter - please see Dibby for more info.

Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra:  Don't miss the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra's "Messiah" on Thursday, December 15. Tickets and info Here

North Central Michigan College:  Join the NCMC Timberwolves for an upcoming basketball game! The schedule and info can be found: Here

Toys for Tots:  Dave Thomas reminded us there is only 1 Wednesday left to drop off new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Toys can be placed in the box in the lobby of Stafford's Perry Hotel.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing:  It's that time of year again!! On Friday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Dec. 16, Rotarians will ring the bell in front of Katydid, which is next door to Grandpa Shorter's in downtown Petoskey. All slots are filled in. Thank you to all who have signed up.

Madrigal Program:  Save the date for a performance by The Madrigals on December 14 at the Perry Hotel. Thank you all for sponsoring lunches - we have enough left over to make a donation to the program.

Wine–Wednesday:  Join us Wednesday, December 17, 4 – 7 pm at the Backlot for Wine–Wednesday.

Announcement From the School Superintendent:  8th Graders Career Day is coming up! They need help with the following professions: Physician, Attorney, Realtor, Cosmetologist, Journalist/Photographer - see new member Jeff Leslie for more info. 

Calendar Sales:  Mark your calendars! Calendars are due in by the end of the year. Please return raffle tickets and the funds collected to Karen Ragland. Each member is responsible for 10 calendars ($250). Thank you for your efforts!

The Calendar Committee met about "the fate of the calendars" and will have more information to announce soon.

Only 10 "extra" calendars left - see Karen Ragland to sell an extra one!

Holiday Food Donations for Manna:  Parkside Deli (owned by Rotarian Sarah McDonnell) will be a drop-off location for those who wish to donate holiday-themed food to Manna Food Project (such as canned pumpkin, fried onions, stuffing mix, etc.)

PROGRAM:  Annual Meeting – Club Assembly

This is the annual meeting which allows all of the board members an opportunity to inform the club members what responsibilities they have and to solicit support from club members to get involved in things that interest them as members. The members reported out as follows:

Secretary | Terry Newton

The secretary manages our record-keeping and communications — keeping our weekly news bulletin, web, and social media content current. We currently have 88 members (5 of which are honorary) and two prospective members. Special note: we need help with photography & social media!

Club Service | Andrea Coronado

Club Service helps attract and retain new members, plans weekly program meetings topics and content, coordinates social activities such as "Wine Wednesdays," and keeps our website, social media, e-newsletter, etc. current, and more.

Community Service | Christian Smith

Community Service connects Rotarians with local organizations to find opportunities for community service. Members organize service projects such as spaghetti dinner, roadside clean-ups, bell ringing, Toys for Tots, and more.

Vocational Service | Karen Ragland

Vocational Service manages school Career Days; organizes the Teacher of the Year Award, coordinates presentations to the club about occupations, and more.

International Service | Georgia Abbott

International Service supports Rotary's  international service projects including efforts to eradicate polio, connecting us with clubs around the world to make a global impact. 

Youth Services | Teri Donaldson

Youth Services empowers youth through leadership development programs such as the STRIVE mentorship program, annual Life Leadership Conference, service awards, scholarships, and more.

Charitable Income | John Emley

Throughout the year, our members organize a variety of fundraisers including the notorious calendar sales, the Spaghetti Dinner, Fall Festival, and in past years Diamonds & Denim. Funds raised support scholarship awards for local students and ad-hoc charitable giving outside of the formal grantmaking programs.

PRCCI | Liz Ahrens

Current funds: Approximately $375,000 

Projects that require a 501c3 designation are coordinated through our charitable arm, the Petoskey Rotary Club Charities, Inc. The PRCCI has funded many of our local non-profit and educational organizations through grants.

President | Jeff Wynder

Jeff confirmed what we all already suspected it is an "honor" to lead our motley crew of do-gooders, change-makers, and community builders. :)

President Elect | Reg Smith

After a few delays, Reg Smith will take his place as president beginning in July 2023, followed by Christian Smith in 2024. Due to bylaws, we will need to wait until next year for a qualified candidate to run for 2025/2026 club year. 

New Board Members:

Karen Ragland (Incumbent)
Teri Donaldson (Incumbent)
Sharon Schappacher (New Board Member)

A reminder from past Board Member Kassia Perpich: You get out of Rotary what you put into it! If you are feeling disconnected or have an interest in any of these areas of service, please reach out to the committee chairperson and get involved! 

Next Week’s Program:  Madrigals – Julie Saunders