Rotary Club NEWSLETTER
July 8, 2026
104 Years of Service Above Self
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Sharon Schappacher officiated this week’s meeting.
If you did not get the chance to attend, you can read about it in this newsletter.
Patriotic Song: Howard Richards led us in God Bless America
4-Way Test: Ric Lloyd
Invocation: Kassia Perpich
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Calendar Winners Read Off By: Neil Bidwell
Calendar Winners July 8, 2026
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Prize | Cal# | Calendar Winner | City | Sold By |
$50 | 1987 | Katie Cummins-Bakko | St. Paul, MN | Petoskey |
$50 | 1088 | Lindsey Brown | Cheboygan | Cheboygan |
$50 | 1735 | Dana Andrews | Petoskey | Petoskey |
Visiting Rotarians: Ginger Child Minoletti, Half Moon Bay, CA; Carlin Smith, Petoskey Sunrise
Guests: Alicia Lane, PM
Life Events: We were also treated to having Jim Erhart back in our club today.
Birthdays:
Howard Richards
Bill Topham
Sharon Schappacher
Anniversaries:
Greg Shannon – 3 Years
Drew Smith – 3 Years
Singing/Song: Howard Richards led us in Happy Birthday and Smile
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fourth of July recap and thanks: Carlin Smith from Sunrise Rotary extended heartfelt thanks to our club for its participation in Petoskey's recent 4th of July festivities. Our club donated $2500, loaned our tents and grill, provided volunteer support, and our superstar member, Karen Ragland, single-handedly raised $47,000 for the cause!! Carlin noted that this year's Hometown Block Party on July 3 had about 1,400 attendees, with 253 volunteer hours. It was intended to be a one-time event to honor America's 250th anniversary, but organizers are rethinking that.
Liz McKenny recently had a baby boy, Ronan, and could use some extra help. Please sign up for the meal train if you can! Link
Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events – None
Member-Hosted Community Events
Saturday, August 15: Northmen Food Den – Adult Prom Masquerade
Hosted by Rotarian Liz McKenney
Join the Northmen Food Den for Adult Prom: Masquerade on Saturday, August 15 at the Grand Unity Event Center in Petoskey from 5:00 to 11:00 PM. This fun evening invites guests to relive the magic of prom with grown-up flair and includes signature cocktails, appetizers and a buffet dinner by Sweetwater Catering, a live auction, photo booth, and Prom King and Queen voting. Proceeds support the Northmen Den Youth Pantries. Tickets and details HERE
Member Spotlight: None
PROGRAM: LTBB Doug Craven to talk about the declining Great Lakes whitefish population.
Today we were joined by Doug Craven, Director of the Natural Resources Department for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Doug gave a fascinating (and concerning!) presentation on the state of Great Lakes whitefish, whose population levels have declined 90% in the last 20 years.
A huge reason for this decline is an invasive species called the quagga mussel, related to the zebra mussel. They deplete nutrients from the water. Each mussel can filter up to 50 gallons per day. They are responsible for the crystal clear waters that people often delight in, comparing our lakeshore to the Caribbean. However, there is a hidden cost: the quagga mussels remove critical phytoplankton and zooplankton from the water -- microscopic creatures that baby whitefish usually eat.
Doug recommended a recent documentary about this issue that the Tribe participated in, called "It's All Too Clear."
He noted that the Tribe is working to address quagga mussels, restore habitat, and rehabilitate lake whitefish. They have a hatchery and release about 10,000 whitefish per year.
For further information watch All Too Clear Movie and support the Save Great Lakes Fish Act by contacting your representatives in the House and Senate.
Next Week’s Program: Hans Kellogg-Stanley P. Kellogg, Legacy of Art & History