Rotary Informer

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER

May 25, 2022

1921 – 2021          100 Years of Service Above Self

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey via Zoom on the world wide web and in-person from here on out if God willing and the creek don’t rise. President Ashley Whitney  officiated the meeting. If you did not get the chance to attend, you can watch it from this:  Recording

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Rotary, we understand that cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is essential to realizing our vision of a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.

We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, disability, learning style, religion, faith, socioeconomic status, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.

Recognizing that individuals from certain groups have historically experienced barriers to membership, participation, and leadership, we commit to advancing equity in all aspects of Rotary, including in our community partnerships, so that each person has the necessary access to resources, opportunities, networks, and support to thrive.

We believe that all people hold visible and invisible qualities that inherently make them unique, and we strive to create an inclusive culture where each person knows they are valued and belong.

In line with our value of integrity, we are committed to being honest and transparent about where we are in our DEI journey as an organization, and to continuing to learn and do better.

Pledge/Anthem:  Howard Richards led us in God Bless America

4-Way Test:  Reg Smith

Invocation:  Jean Frentz

"It’s in the darkest moments when the cracks allow the inner light to come out.”

 Edward James Olmos

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Teri Donaldson

Calendar Winners May 25, 2022

Visiting Rotarians:  Tom Morrow, Chagrin Falls Cleveland, OH

Guests:  

Life Events: 

I will miss the contact until we return to MI in June. I had shoulder surgery in March and am still in the acute recovery time. Donna and I are looking forward to getting back to Petoskey soon. I hope to be able to drive again soon. Thanks again for making it possible to stay in touch with the ”home” club. See you all in June. Ron Snyder

Birthdays: 

Gary Fedus

Amber Pettit

Bob Waldvogel

Ashley Whitney

Anniversaries:  

None

Singing/Song:  We sang Happy Birthday, Smile and 1956 Fats Domino “Blueberry Hill”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Save the Date - Thirsty Thursday:  This week we're meeting for happy hour on Thursday, May 26 at 5:30 PM at the Backlot in downtown Petoskey. Special thanks to Doug Buck for organizing!

Save the Date - Exchange of Officers Dinner:  On Thursday, June 30 we will gather for dinner at the Perry to install our new Club President and board members. Details forthcoming! There will be NO regular Rotary meeting that week.

Seeking donations for July 4th fireworks and Parade:  We're again partnering with Sunrise Rotary to help with fireworks and the parade on Independence Day. Volunteers are currently looking for donations and sponsorships for the fireworks. Please contact Karen Ragland if interested. Also, you can check out the following: link

Gaylord tornado update -- Here's a note from Rotarians in Gaylord:

I just wanted to keep you updated on the relief efforts here in Gaylord.  They have been nothing short of amazing and impressive, as the out pour of support has been incredible. While it will be several weeks and months of repair and replacement occurring, the community is clearly on its way, thanks in no small part to over 1500 volunteers who, along with utility crews and first responders have Gaylord in better shape than most could have anticipated. The community pride here has been humbling and inspiring. By Monday, it almost felt as if it were business as usual, as schools were in session and power and internet service had been restored to the vast majority of the area. Of course, along with families who lost their homes, there will be businesses in a state of flux or transition as construction will no doubt begin in the coming days.

For those who may be unaware, Gaylord has a large gas and oil presence. The collective representing these various companies has stepped up to offer a match of funds up to $180,000 toward the Tornado Response Fund administered through the Otsego Community Foundation. At present, the fund is at $180,000 and growing. The goal is now $500,000. These funds have already provided grants to the Otsego County United Way, paving the way to purchase gas and gift cards, so that families can purchase groceries and fuel. Displaced families are now living in hotels or with family, as insurance teams make their way through hard hit areas. Below is a link that may be shared for any Rotarian or club wishing to donate to this fund. 

Tornado Response - Campaign (otsegofoundation.org) 

We anticipate a variety of projects to present themselves in the coming days and weeks, once FEMA and the State of Michigan have completed their assessment and the city and county administrators are able to prioritize the repair and replacement of damaged assets.  The Rotary Club of Gaylord has offered our services in support, once projects are identified.  

Jump for Polio:  Grand Haven, Michigan June 25, 2022 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. All District 6290 Rotarians plus family and friends are welcome to come to Grand Haven on June 25 to skydive to raise money to fight polio worldwide.

Our very own Betsy Newton has volunteered to jump as skydiving has been on Betsy's 'bucket list' for a long time. Please support her with a donation! If you also wish to join her in jumping, as we can have two jumpers per club in District 6290, please see our club president. We are seeking to procure donations of at least $1,000 per jumper.

PROGRAM  

Today we had a guest speaker, Dr. Fred Moss, joining us via Zoom from Grass Valley, CA.

Dr. Moss is a Michigan native though. He is a psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience. He made remarks on "How to Find Your True Voice," which has been his focus with patience since 2006.

Dr. Moss believes that what you have to say absolutely matters. This is true for every single person—including those with whom you disagree. Being heard for who you are—and contributing in a way that helps to move the conversation forward—is how we grow, as individuals and as societies. This is because when you step into that space and give yourself an authentic voice, you also give permission to other people to find their voice and speak their truth.
When people see that you’re delivering an authentic message, it’s contagious. When they sense that your voice is authentic, they begin to understand not only your message but also the fact that they have a space to have their own voices heard, and to make their own contribution to the conversation.
But if you’re not used to having a voice, it isn’t always easy to find the confidence to speak authentically. Learn more about Dr. Moss's perspect, and check out his book at findyourtruevoicebook.com

Next Week’s Program:  Peter Sinclair - Greenland