Rotary Informer 

Visiting Rotarians:  Patricia Wimmer, Rochester, MN

Guests:  Neil Ahrens, Holly Brown, Dot Simon, Deanna Klosinski, Steve DeCarteret, Heidi Finley, Laurie Richards, Valerie St. Pierre-Smith, Janice Smith, Donna Snyder, Noah Jansen, Marcella, Domka, Natalie Walts, Calla Beers, Lauren Dey

Life Events:  None

Birthdays:  None

Anniversaries:  None 

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards had only the patriotic song today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Rotary Theme: The Rotary International theme for the 2025-26 year has been announced: "United for Good."

Rotary Social Hour: Don’t miss our next Rotary Social on Monday, June 30 at the Bay View cottage of Jane Millar (1812 Fairview Ave, Petoskey). Casual and fun—feel free to bring a beverage or snack to share!

4^th of July Celebration:  Looking ahead, help is needed for Petoskey’s 4th of July celebration. Sunrise Rotary is spearheading the event, and there are lots of ways to get involved—volunteering, donating, or sponsoring. Help us reach the final $40,000 goal for the Petoskey 4th of July celebration. Join the fun and show your red, white, and blue! To do so click on the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AAAD23ABFFCE9-56838377-2025#/

Karen Ragland:  2026 Rotary Calendars are coming! Each member is responsible for selling 10 calendars at $25 each, or may opt out with a $200 contribution. We will be reducing the weekly winners to three instead of five to make this program successful. 

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.

Benefiting Northmen Den Youth Pantries:  Get ready to relive the magic of prom—this time with grown-up flair! Join us for Adult Prom: A Night Under the Stars on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the elegant Grand Unity Event Center from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Dress to impress, dance the night away, and support a cause that shines just as bright as the stars above. Tickets range from $100 to $200, with all proceeds benefiting Northmen Den Youth Pantries, helping ensure students in Petoskey, Pellston, Alanson, Charlevoix and Harbor Springs have access to the food and resources they need to thrive.

Your unforgettable evening includes:
Signature Cocktails
Appetizers and a delicious plated dinner
Silent auction
Games and entertainment
Prom King and Queen voting

The dress code is "High School Formal" Formal—think prom-night polish with your own grown-up spin. Whether you come with a date or your favorite group of friends, this will be a night to remember!

Member Spotlight – None

PROGRAM: 
This week’s meeting featured the 2025 Officer Exchange Ceremony. We recognized outgoing board member Karen Ragland for her many years of dedicated service to the club. New board members Andrea Koch, Kendall Klingelsmith, and Megan DeWindt were officially sworn into office.

A special tribute was given to Herb Carlson in honor of his remarkable 66 years of service to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. Herb was named an “emeritus honorary member,” a title befitting his lasting legacy and impact.

We also welcomed our new Club President for 2025–2026, Andrea Coronado. Andrea expressed heartfelt thanks to outgoing President Christian Smith for his year of service, leadership, and dedication to the club.

Special Thanks:
A sincere thank-you to Liz Ahrens and Ahrens Gallery and Studio for sponsoring the bar, and to the Stafford family and The Perry Hotel for generously sponsoring lunch—helping keep costs low for our members while making this celebration truly special.

Next Week’s Program:  Tracy Ulrich - Temple Ball Field in Oden Restoration