Rotary Informer February 4, 2026

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Andrea Coronado officiated this week’s meeting at Women’s Resource Center. If you did not get the chance to attend, you can read about it in this newsletter. 

There was a fictitious ringing of the Rotary Bell. It was wimpy as all get out. Andrea better get her act together. If she’s going to be ringing fictitious bells, they better be loud. 

4-Way Test:  Neil Bidwell

Invocation:  Neil Bidwell On the fly. Invocation done masterfully as usual. 

Calendar Winners Read Off By:  Andrea Coronado

Calendar Winners February 4, 2026

Visiting Rotarians:  None

Guests:  Dan Armstrong, PM 

Life Events:  

Herbert H. Carlson, 93, of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away on January 28, 2026, at American House in Petoskey. A memorial service in the spring of 2026 will be announced at a later time. Full obituary to follow. Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home. 

Birthdays: 

Bill Hicklen 

Verne Osterlund 

Anniversaries:  

Steve Cross – 19 Years

Singing/Song:  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Spaghetti Dinner:  It's that time of year again! The Spaghetti Dinner Committee will start meeting in January. If you'd like to help organize, contact Andrea Cornado, Drew Smith, or Karen Ragland.

Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events

Speed Dating February 7, 2026 at Castle Farms; 5052 Michigan 66, Charlevoix, MI 49720 For tickets: Link The tickets for women have all been sold, single men here’s your chance to meet a potential partner/friend/mate. Get on the docket. Christiam Smith, get your ticket you terminal bachelor!  

Member Spotlight – None

PROGRAM:  Vocational – Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan is a vital community organization dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking across Emmet, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan counties. Through comprehensive, trauma-informed services, the Center works to protect, empower, and restore individuals and families during times of crisis and transition.

Internally, the Women’s Resource Center provides 24/7 crisis response, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and professional therapy and counseling services for survivors and their families. Their services are designed to meet people where they are—offering safety, confidentiality, and compassionate support while helping individuals regain stability and independence.

A key component of their work is childcare and family support. The Center offers childcare services not only for those directly receiving crisis support, but also for families in the community who need safe, reliable care outside of regular school hours. This dual approach strengthens families, removes barriers to employment and healing, and creates a supportive environment for children during challenging times.

The organization recently relocated to its new office at 2225 Summit Park Drive in Petoskey, a thoughtfully designed space that reflects their mission. The facility is intentionally welcoming, secure, and calming—created to nurture and protect women and families in need while providing room for counseling, advocacy, childcare, and community education under one roof.

Beyond direct services, the Women’s Resource Center plays a critical role in prevention, education, and community outreach, helping Northern Michigan build awareness, foster empathy, and create safer, more resilient communities.

Next Week’s Program:  Chelsea Platte - NCMC