Rotary Informer

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER
May 21, 2025
103 Years of Service Above Self

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 was not here so we recited the Pledge of Allegiance

4-Way Test:  Steve Brown

Invocation:  Jeff Wynder
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”  Harry S. Truman

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Walt Byers

Calendar Winners May 21, 2025

Visiting Rotarians:  Robbi Karas, Prospective Member and former member of Sarasota Rotary in Florida

Guests:  Will Goelz, Julie Saunders, Matt Saunders, Morgan Saunders, Emma Saunders, Owen Saunders, Deidra Gamble

Life Events:  Normally, the Cross family are the ones who are sharing their time and resources with others, but right now, they need some help from us. After an early May surgery to correct a Chiari malformation in one of their children, an emergency surgery was needed last week to relieve swelling in the brain. This will mean more time in the hospital and time at home for Steve and Amy, caring for their child. In the midst of all of this, Steve was terminated from his job this month. Please consider giving to this generous and loving family, and please pray for complete healing. Thank you! Please click on the GoFundMe Link to lend a hand for our fellow Rotarian:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-the-cross-family

Birthdays:  None

Anniversaries:  None

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards was not here so we skipped the singing. Dogs were heard sighing in relief in Harbor Springs.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fireworks Volunteers: Reg Smith announced that the Fireworks needs volunteers. To do so click on the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AAAD23ABFFCE9-56838377-2025#/

Reg also discussed how they are involved in the Festival of Races this year and a sign-up genius will be sent out for this event as well. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45ADA62FA5F85-2022#/

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.

Save the Date:  Our next Rotary social will take place on Sunday, June 30 at the home of Jane Millar in Bay View.

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.

STRIVE Banquet Highlights:  Andrea Koch shared a heartfelt update from last night’s STRIVE Banquet at the Perry Hotel. Fifteen students received awards and scholarships, celebrating their achievements alongside their mentors. Many thanks to The Perry Hotel and the Stafford family for their continued support of this meaningful event.

Last Call for Global Scholarships:  Do you know a graduate level student planning to attend or presently attending a university in another country August 1, 2025 – 2036 who might be interested in this Rotary opportunity? Global Scholarships fund graduate-level coursework or research for one to four academic years @$30,000 annually. If you know someone who may be interested in becoming a District 6290 Global Scholar, please have them contact Dr. Rachel Reed-Sytsma, rachel@greatlakescfa.org for more information.

Member Spotlight – Chelsea Platte: Chelsea Platte shared a lively five-minute version of her life story. From growing up in Petoskey to managing historic high-rises in Chicago (and even living in a van for a year!), Chelsea has always followed an adventurous path. She taught English in Costa Rica, worked in nonprofit development at the hospital foundation, and is now back at North Central Michigan College. Married with three young sons, Chelsea said she’s grateful her journey brought her back home.

PROGRAM:  2025 Teacher of the Year: Julie Saunders
Today, Jean Frentz presented the Rotary Club of Petoskey’s 2025 Teacher of the Year award to Julie Saunders.

Julie has spent the past 31 years teaching choir and vocal music to every K–12 student in the Public Schools of Petoskey. A Petoskey native and Michigan State graduate with a master’s in choral conducting, she is known as a mentor to generations of students.
Julie dreamed of becoming a music teacher ever since high school, inspired by her own choir director, Cheryl McGinnis. She’s made that dream a reality, building a legacy defined by persistence, laughter, and the transformative power of music.

Her classroom mantra is “Smile!”—and between her viral video (3.6 million views!) and heartfelt compliments from students like “You’re my second mom,” it’s clear her impact goes well beyond the notes on a page. She draws strength from her family—husband Matt, daughters Morgan and Emma, and son Owen—and says her proud-est moments are when hard work culminates in harmony and joy.

Julie’s message to all her students: Keep singing. It’s good for your soul.

Julie Saunders, thank you for helping shape the rhythm of our community. Congratula-tions on being our 2025 Teacher of the Year!

Next Week’s Program Deanna Sirkot, Akropolis Quintet