Rotary Informer

Guests: Jesse Raleigh, Prospective Member; Kelley Halverson, Cynthia Amderson, Speaker 

Life Events:  None

Birthdays: None 

Anniversaries: None 

Singing/Song: Howard Richards led us in Smile. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS Roadside Cleanup – April 12: Mark your calendars! Our next roadside cleanup is scheduled for Friday, April 12. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out to Dr. Findley. 

Rotary Lunch Charge: Recently the Club announced an increased fee for Rotary lunches. However, that fee neglected to include sales tax. The correct fee for 2025 is $18.50 per lunch per week. 

Spaghetti Dinner: Spaghetti Dinner tickets are now available for pick-up from Karen Ragland. Each member is responsible for selling or purchasing 10 tickets at $10 each. There are several ways to support the event beyond ticket sales, including sponsoring, donating an item to the silent auction, or contributing a bottle of wine or spirits for the Basket of Cheer. Bottles can be brought to any upcoming meeting and given to Samantha Fee, who will collect and package them for the auction. Volunteers are also need-ed for the event, so please consider lending a hand. 

Upcoming Rotary Happy Hours: All Rotarians are invited to gather for drinks and fellowship at an upcoming happy hour: on Wednesday, March 26 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM at Elder Piper. See you there! 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Karen Ragland 

Karen Ragland’s life has been shaped by resilience, adventure, and a commitment to service. She grew up with two brothers and a sister in Regent Park, Canada, also known as Cabbagetown. It was the country’s first and largest social housing experiment—an ambitious plan that ultimately didn’t succeed and was later demolished. But for Karen, it was a place full of childhood friends, sledding hills, parks, playgrounds, and a strong sense of community. Karen married Rags, and together they raised two sons and a daughter. Tragically, she lost one of her sons at a young age. Seeking new experiences, she and her family embarked on a 14-month journey across North America in a 34-foot motorhome, with Alaska as a highlight. After their travels, they settled in Saline, Michigan, where Karen joined Rotary and became a foster parent, providing a safe and supportive home for youth in need. Life brought unexpected challenges—she went through a divorce in 2012 and faced a cancer diagnosis in 2013, both of which she navigated with strength and determination. After retiring, Karen moved to Northern Michigan, where she remains active in Rotary and continues finding new ways to invest in her community. 

PROGRAM: Kellie Halverson, Compass Program and Methodist Church 

Kelley Halverson introduced The Compass Experience, an after-school program at Petoskey United Methodist Church designed to provide more than just childcare. The program fosters a holistic environment where children develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively while also learning strong character values. Through structured activities, mentorship, and a focus on personal growth, Compass creates a space where children feel supported and encouraged to thrive. With 40 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis, Compass operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, following the Petoskey Public Schools calendar. Tuition is $370 per child per month, with a $100 non-refundable registration fee per family. Students are bussed from their elementary schools to the middle school, where they transfer to a Compass bus for transportation to the church. Parents must arrange drop-off details in advance. The Compass Experience plays a crucial role in addressing the local childcare crisis by providing a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where children can learn, build relationships, and explore new opportunities after school. Learn more here: https://www.compass-pumc.com/about 

Next Week’s Program Bruce Johnson, Higher Ground at Lake Louise