Rotary Informer January 28, 2026

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Andrea Coronado officiated this week’s 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:  Val Meyerson

Invocation:  Tim Dykstra 

With thanks to Jim Wibby, the thought for today focuses on our Rotary motto: “Service Above Self.”

“Without service, all that’s left of a town is real estate, parking lots for human souls and excess capital.  Service creates belonging, and belonging makes us human.”

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Liz McKenney

Calendar Winners January 28, 2026

Visiting Rotarians:  Val Meyerson, Sunrise Rotary

Guests:  Ralph Ferber, Dan Armstrong, PM 

Life Events:  

Chris Hammond:  It was shared that Chris Hammond has completed radiation treatment and is now home using a walker. Please read her letter to the club at the end of this bulletin.

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: 

None

Anniversaries:  

Bill Hicklen – 23 Years

Gary Fedus – 32 Years

Jean Frentz – 37 Years

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards led us in Smile. 

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.

No Meeting February 4:  Members were also reminded there will be no meeting on February 4 as we will be visiting the Women’s Resource Center.

GLCA Drawing:  Congratulations to Walt Byers and Jim Wibby, winners of tickets to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Great Expectations at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.

Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events

Speed Dating February 7, 2026 at Castle Farms; 5052 Michigan 66, Charlevoix, MI 49720 For tickets: Link

Member Spotlight – Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas shared reflections from his life, summarizing 77 years into two guiding themes: resilience and belief. He spoke about formative moments from childhood, family history rooted in opportunity and hard work, and the profound influence of his parents—particularly the encouragement that shaped his confidence and direction. Dave highlighted his lifelong curiosity, service in the U.S. Marine Corps, academic and professional journey, and his continued commitment to serving his community through board involvement and civic engagement.

Ralph Ferber was formally inducted as a new Rotary member.

PROGRAM:  Val Meyerson, Understanding Judaism

Val Meyerson provided an engaging overview of the history and culture of Judaism in Petoskey. Jewish presence in the region dates back to the late 1800s, with the congregation formally established in 1896. Over the past 130+ years, the community has emphasized charity, care for the sick, education, and worship.
The program highlighted the evolution of the local temple, including its reaffiliation as a Reform congregation in 1925, its role in hosting rabbinical students, and its growth from seasonal to year-round participation. Val also shared insights into Jewish traditions, including the Sabbath, holidays observed from sundown to sundown, the lunar calendar, and the significance of the Torah.

The presentation concluded with appreciation for the Petoskey community’s respect, understanding, and responsiveness to Jewish traditions and cultural practices.

Next Week’s Program:  Vocational – at the Women’s Resource Center. No meeting at the Perry.

Letter from Chris Hammond:

Dear Rotarians -

Thank you for the lovely flowers and for the outpouring of support as we have learned of my prognosis with pancreatic cancer. 2026 has certainly put us on a steep learning curve.  We are grateful for all of you who shared stories of your own journeys and those of your family and friends. The thoughtful wisdom you have shared in calls and cards helps us to put this moment in context.

Above all, I would like to say what a privilege it has been to be a member of the Rotary Club of Petoskey. Thank you for letting me be a part of your group. You are all such good people - dedicated to making our community a better place and to putting Service Above Self. I know that your good work will continue and the world will be a better place because of it. The Universe has been very kind to me - I’ve lived an interesting and fulfilling life that I could hardly have imagined in my youth.

I hope to have enough periods of strength to join you for a meeting or activity in the future. I promise to keep my dues paid and to buy spaghetti dinner tickets;).

Let me close with appreciation and with best wishes for your continued success.

Best regards,

Chris