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 My Country tis of Thee

4-Way Test:  Stafford Smith

Invocation:  Drew Smith
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
― Vincent Van Gogh

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Dave Thomas

Calendar Winners May 7, 2025

Visiting Rotarians:  None

Guests:  Robbi Karas, Misty & Tom Carroll, Kate Cohen, Speaker

Life Events:  Steve Cross shared a heartfelt update about his family. His 14-year-old daughter, Dorothea, was preparing for a scoliosis procedure when doctors discovered she also had a Chiari malformation. She underwent brain surgery on May 1 and is now home recovering. Steve thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Birthdays:  

David Finley

Anniversaries:  

None

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Roadside Cleanup – Volunteers Needed:  David Finley:  We’re still looking for a few more volunteers for our Roadside Cleanup which has been changed to be-tween May 10th. Let’s help keep our stretch of highway looking its best! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45ADA62FA5F85-55560503-2024

Member Spotlight:  Bob Howse  

From Pontiac to Petoskey: The Wild and Witty Life of Bob Howse
If you ever find yourself wondering what a life well-lived looks like, just sit down next to Bob Howse. You’ll laugh, maybe tear up a little, and definitely walk away with a desire to hop a freight train to Los Angeles. Bob delivered a highlight reel of a life packed with unexpected turns and adventure. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Bob was a youngster with a spark of curiosity. By 9th grade, he was already "hurdling" toward greatness—literally. In one unforgettable race, he beat none other than Olympic Gold Medalist Hayes Jones. Sure, Jones was only in 7th grade and a foot shorter than Bob, but a win’s a win.

That same youthful energy launched him and a friend on a hitchhiking adventure across the country. When Bob says he’s seen America, he means from the back of pickup trucks and, once, from the roof of a freight train en route to Los Ange-les.  Eventually, he traded boxcars for books and graduated from Michigan State Uni-versity before joining the Army. There, in perhaps the most Howse-like twist of fate, Bob landed a plum assignment teaching lifeguard training—spending his days poolside in the sun. After the Army came marriage, fatherhood, and a full career. Somewhere along the way, he rubbed elbows with the Buffalo Bills—close enough that a few con-fused fans even asked him for autographs. Never one to disappoint, Bob signed with the confidence of a wide receiver. But don’t think retirement in 1998 slowed him down. Bob now boats around the country and soaks in the beauty of Northern Michigan, shar-ing stories, laughs, and the occasional tale with anyone lucky enough to listen.  Bob Howse is proof that a sense of humor, a touch of rebellion, and a willingness to say yes to adventure can carry you far—from Pontiac to Petoskey, with plenty of detours along the way.

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.

Rotary Social Event:  May 21st at Sharon Schappacher’s house; 1070 Grand Ridge, Petoskey. Call if lost: 231-838-7677,
June 26 Jane Millar’s House will be another event.

Teacher of the Year:  Cristian, Georgia, and Jean presented the Teacher of the Year award to Julie Saunders from Petoskey High School. She will join us at our May 21 meeting.

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.

Camp Daggett Stair Rebuild:  Camp Daggett will host a Campus Cleanup community effort from 9 am to noon on Saturday, May 10. At that time, Petoskey Rotarian Paul Schemanski, will lead an effort at the Rotary Sailing Pavilion to repair stairs to the waterfront. He is seeking assistance from fellow Rotarians. Lunch will be served at noon. Here is a link to the registration page https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgoG4p1s-mvdGlzWwHON8iFTHR_sPyG4gry0Rok7ndtmFmDA/viewform

Paul Harris Fellow Recognition:  Jane Millar presented a Paul Harris Fellow Award to her new son-in-law, Tom Carroll. Jane shared that Tom has won the hearts of their family and lives by the values of the Four-Way Test.

PROGRAM:  Kate Cohen, Dyslexia 101 with educational therapist

At this week’s meeting, Kate Cohen delivered a thoughtful and eye-opening presentation titled Dyslexia 101. With clarity and compassion, she broke down what dyslexia really is—not a reflection of intelligence, but a different way of processing language. Kate shared how people with dyslexia often develop remarkable strengths, especially in problem-solving and creative thinking, and how—with the right support—they thrive in school, work, and life.

Her talk was a powerful reminder that brains come in many brilliant forms, and success doesn’t always follow a straight line. Thanks to Kate, we walked away with a deeper understanding and a renewed appreciation for the resilience of dyslexic learners.

Next Week’s Program Vocational Team, Bill Collins and Sharon Schappacher