Rotary Informer May 6, 2026

Rotary Club NEWSLETTER 
May 6, 2026
104 Years of Service Above Self

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Andrea Coronado officiated this week’s meeting. We were at the Masonic Lodge in Petoskey.

If you did not get the chance to attend, you can read about it in this newsletter. 

Patriotic Song:  We had no Howard Richards today so we recited the Pledge of Allegiance 

4-Way Test:  Andrea Coronado

Invocation:  Kassia Perpich

“The Peace of Wild Things” Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Calendar Winners Read Off By:  Andrea Coronado

Calendar Winners May 6, 2026

Visiting Rotarians:  Patricia Wimmer, Rochester, MN

Guests:  Neil Ahrens as our speaker today.

Life Events:  Last week we welcomed Steve Brown, back from Hoolihoo, Arizona. He spent a lot of time at the Tallyho Tavern, hanging around with rednecks, drinking PBR and listening to Tucson, Arizona, by Dan Fogelberg. They became fast friends and vowed to meet again next year on their annual return to Hoolihoo. Welcome back Steve. 

Birthdays:  None

Anniversaries:  None

Singing/Song:  No Howard Richards so we spared the dogs in Harbor Springs today.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Invitations for the Centennial Fund Project will be going out soon — please reach out if you are interested in getting involved.

June 24th will mark Andrea Coronado’s final luncheon as President of the club. This will be our Officer’s Exchange Luncheon. You may bring guests.

We had 564 at our 74^th Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Terry Newton was the winner of the pool, his first time in 28 years. He is hoping to make enough on the windfall to take his wife out to Pizza Hut. 

Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events 

Saturday, May 16 -- Spring Roadside Clean-Up

Meet at Legacy Water Sports, 8:30 - 10:00 AM

It's that time of year! We're now seeking volunteers to help clean-up our three-mile stretch of road on US-31. Sign-up HERE

Member-Hosted Community Events

Saturday, August 15: Northmen Food Den – Adult Prom Masquerade
Hosted by Rotarian Liz McKenney
Join the Northmen Food Den for Adult Prom: Masquerade on Saturday, August 15 at the Grand Unity Event Center in Petoskey from 5:00 to 11:00 PM. This fun evening invites guests to relive the magic of prom with grown-up flair and includes signature cocktails, appetizers and a buffet dinner by Sweetwater Catering, a live auction, photo booth, and Prom King and Queen voting. Proceeds support the Northmen Den Youth Pantries.
Tickets and details HERE

Member Induction:  None

PROGRAM:  Masonic Lodge Neil Ahrens

This week’s Rotary meeting gave members a unique opportunity to step inside one of Petoskey’s historic landmarks — the Masonic Temple. We toured the building, learned about the history of the Masons in Petoskey, and gained insight into the values of brotherhood, personal growth, and service that continue to shape the organization today.

Originally purchased and converted for use in 1910, the building has long served as a gathering place for members dedicated to supporting one another, giving back to the community, and strengthening the fraternity. At its peak, membership reached nearly 300, and in early Petoskey, “anyone who was anyone” was a Mason. Today, the lodge continues its mission with approximately 20 active members who remain committed to raising each other up and living as “an officer and a gentleman.”

It was a meaningful afternoon reflecting on Petoskey’s history, the importance of community organizations, and the lasting impact of service-driven brotherhoods.

Next Week’s Program:  Next Week May 13: Teacher of the Year