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 led us in God Bless America

4-Way Test:  Jim Wibby

Invocation:  Becky Phillip-Kranig

February is all about love. And the person that deserves your love the most is…you. Love yourself!” — Kirsten Hill

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Jeff Wynder

Calendar Winners February 5, 2025            

Visiting Rotarians:  Emily Boehm, President, Sunrise Rotary

uests:  Melanie Greiner

Life Events:

Roger Winslow: 

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Roger Winslow. Roger joined the Rotary Club of Petoskey July 2000 though he had been a member of Rotary in California where he resided prior to moving to Michigan. He was very well loved in our club and widely respected in our community. I have been in contact with his son Bill and I will post a link to his obituary and notification of services which I am sure many will attend. Please keep his wife Kay in your thoughts and prayers as well as the rest of his family.  

Dr. David Finley:  Dr. David Finley announced the birth of his grandson, Dean Vincent Brecheisen. Mom, baby, and family are all doing well.

Mission Trip Memory:  Joe Blachy shared a memory of his time spent in Cuba and encouraged members to learn about how the Petoskey Presbyterian Church is supporting the Cuban people by providing much-needed medicine and hygiene products.

Birthdays:

None

Anniversaries:

Sharon Schappacher – 5 Years

Verne Osterlund – 23 Years

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards led us in Smile

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rotary Night at North Central Michigan College: Join us for the 2nd Annual Rotary Night on February 12, 2025, as the NCMC Timberwolves take on the Kirtland Community College Firebirds in an exciting basketball doubleheader! Women’s game starts at 5:30 PM, and the men’s game follows at 7:30 PM. Wear your Rotary gear or pin and receive a free popcorn.

PRCCI Grant Cycle:  Liz Ahrens announced that the club’s grant cycle is now open, with applications being accepted through the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation. The foundation is managing the application process, and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2025.

PROGRAM:  Emily Boehm, NW Michigan Habitat for Humanity

This week’s speaker was Emily Boehm from Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity, who provided an update on the organization’s efforts to address the critical need for affordable housing in our region.

Habitat for Humanity has been working in Northwest Michigan since 1990, building homes and fostering stability for local families. Their mission is to create affordable homeownership opportunities for individuals and families who might not otherwise qualify for traditional mortgages. Through partnerships with donors, volunteers, and the families they serve, Habitat makes homeownership achievable by offering low-interest mortgages, requiring sweat equity from future homeowners, and providing ongoing financial education.

Emily highlighted the Home Ready Program, which helps working families and individuals earning up to 120% of the area’s median income access affordable housing. The program includes financial education, homebuyer counseling, and a structured pathway from initial inquiry to the moment new homeowners receive their keys. Many participants are people who work in our community—teachers, healthcare workers, and service industry employees—who struggle to find stable, affordable housing. Habitat’s work ensures that these individuals and families can remain in the region, contributing to the local workforce and community.   https://northwestmihabitat.org/

Next Week’s Program:  Corey Hebner, Stars Non-Profit