Rotary Informer

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Christian Smith officiated the 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 God Bless America 

4-Way Test:  Maggie Steffy 

Invocation:  Drew Smith

“The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” Albert Schweitzer 

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Dibby Smith 

Calendar Winners March 5, 2025 

Visiting Rotarians:  Rachel Systma-Reed, Charlevoix 

Guests:  Ian Straley, Prospective Member 

Life Events:  None

Birthdays:  Steve Brown currently residing in Hoolihoo, Arizona where it is definitely warmer than here 

Anniversaries:  None 

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

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  None

PROGRAM:  From a fidgety 4-year-old in a sports coat to a world-traveling engineer, Bill Hicklen took us on a fascinating journey through his life and career. His earliest memory of curiosity and exploration came at church, where the towering columns captivated his imagination. That moment sparked a lifelong love of building and engineering, reinforced by hands-on projects with his father, including constructing benches and small models. As a teen, he joined the YMCA to take shop classes, where he spent hours hammering nails into boards to develop his skills. His passion for creating grew stronger when he built a boat and later helped complete construction on his childhood home following his father’s passing. Bill pursued his Bachelor of Science in Engineering at Michigan Tech, launching a career that would take him across industries and continents. He started in Chicago, working in engineering and construction before expanding into sales and marketing, bridging the gap between technical expertise and business development. Over the years, Bill was involved in major global infrastructure projects, including the California Aqueduct and the world’s largest earth-filled dam in Tarbela, Pakistan. His work took him to 115 countries, where he navigated diverse cultures, engineering challenges, and even political upheavals—including being in the Middle East during a revolution. With a knack for adventure, Bill recounted the time he snuck into Russia and Iraq without a visa, adding yet another remarkable chapter to his career. His life story is one of curiosity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and innovation that shape the built world. 

Next Week’s Program:  Career Day