Rotary Informer 

Visiting Rotarians:  Patricia Wimmer, Rochester, MN; Dick Chambers, Holland, MI; Val Meyerson, Sunrise Rotary

Guests:  Diane Willis PM, Sarah Cunningham PM; Tom Hammond  

Life Events:  Betsy Newton is in a walking boot and attending physical therapy. She will soon be ready for her next adventure.

Birthdays:  

Betsy Newton 

Neil Bidwell 

Doug Buck 

Chelsea Platte 

Anniversaries:  

Jim Erhart – 30 Years

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards led us in Happy Birthday and Smile

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Alzheimer’s Walk – September 27:  Join us in supporting the Alzheimer’s Walk this fall in Pennsylvania Park. Whether you walk, volunteer, sponsor, or donate—every step makes a difference. Connect with Ian Straley to get involved.

Coastal Crawl:  The Coastal Crawl is open-water swim held at Zorn Park in Harbor Springs. The individuals who have put it on for 30 years are retiring and are looking for individuals or organizations to take over the management of the event to keep it going in the future. This was suggested as a possible service opportunity for Rotary. This year, the Coastal Crawl is also looking for donations and volunteers. Contact Patrick O’Brien for more info. 

Rotary Singles and Third Wheel Mixer:  October 15th from 5:30-7:00pm is a Rotary Singles and Third Wheel Mixer at Elder Piper, which will also serve as a club member-ship drive. 

STRIVE Update:  Strive is looking for pizza sponsors and expanded support this year. We will hear more next week. 

Northmen Den Fundraiser:  Adult Prom on August 8 - this is a fundraising event for Northmen Den. See Liz McKenney for more info. 

Paul Harris Fellowship Award:  Dibby Smith presented Howard Richards with a Paul Harris pin plus one. 

Member Spotlight – None

PROGRAM:  

Today we were joined by Sunrise Rotarian, Val Meyerson, who we all know wears many hats in our community. Today she was representing as a volunteer with Rank MI Vote - a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization leading a statewide petition to convert Michigan elections to ranked choice voting.

How Ranked Choice Voting Works

•    We as voters would have the option to rank candidates in order of preference. First, second, third, and so on, as shown:

•    If no candidate gets more than 50% support from first choices, the candidate with the lowest support is eliminated, and those votes automatically count for their next choice.

•    The process repeats until a candidate wins with more than 50% of the vote. Val described Rank MI Vote's perspective on why ranked choice voting could be a desirable alternative to the status quo:

•    Voters are free to vote their preference. They're not pressured to choose among only 2 candidates.

•    Encourages a diverse slate of candidates. Candidates can freely run without worrying about splitting votes.

•    Ensures winners have 50%+ voter support. Similar candidates splitting votes doesn’t lead to a <50% winner.

•    Builds a more representative republic. Winners better represent 

demographics and perspectives.

•    Increases accountability to us, the voters. Candidates win by building coalitions and on policy, not division.

•    Incentivizes positive campaigning. Finding common ground works better for candidates than negative ads.
Rank MI Vote is currently spearheading a petition to amend the State Constitute to al-low for ranked choice voting. They have to collect 611,000 signatures, in order for this issue to be placed on a statewide ballot in 2026.
To learn more, visit www.rankmivote.org 

Next Week’s Program:  Dave McGreaham:  Northern Michigan opioid response consortium