Rotary Informer

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER

November 13, 2024

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.

We started the meeting having all of the veterans from the many branches of service stand and be recognized for their service by the entire club.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 6.2% of the American adult population are veterans, meaning that roughly 16.2 million Americans identify as veterans. We honor those who have served on Memorial Day for those who have perished in the line of duty and Veteran’s Day for those who have served and remain among the living. As stated in the invocation; “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” Winston Churchill

Pledge/Anthem:  Howard Richards led us in My Country tis of Thee

4-Way Test:  Walt Byers

Invocation:  Neil Bidwell

In honor of Veteran's Day, which we celebrated on Monday, a quote by Winston Churchill,

"All great things are simple and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope. Never was so much owed by so many to so few."

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Reg Smith

Calendar Winners November 13, 2024

International Insight:  Rotary Clubs in Guatemala improved conditions for children in 10 schools with the installation of toilets, washing stations and water tanks.

Visiting Rotarians:  None   

Guests:  Kurt Zimmerling   

Life Events:   

Birthdays: 

Ron Snyder

Anniversaries:

Andrea Koch – 1 Year

Dr. John Scholten – 18 Years

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rotary Member Spotlight:  Tim Dykstra

When Tim Dykstra, the fifth of six boys, was a child his father was a preacher, and the family often traveled during his early years before eventually settling in Holland, Michigan, where Tim spent most of his childhood. Tim’s academic journey took him deep into the world of Renaissance language, a passion that guided his career in education. He began teaching at the college level before bringing his expertise to North Central Michigan College, where he has inspired countless students. During his member spotlight, Tim treated us to a spirited and captivating rendition of Beowulf and an excerpt from Chaucer, delivered in long-forgotten Anglo-Saxon language. His performance brought ancient texts to life, showcasing his deep appreciation for the richness of language and history. 

Toys for Tots:  Let’s make this holiday season magical for kids in need! Join us in spreading joy by donating to Toys for Tots. Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a set of blocks, or that perfect action figure, your gift can light up a child’s face this year.  You can participate by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to our next Rotary meeting and drop it in the Toys for Tots bin at the Perry Hotel. If you’d prefer to make a financial contribution, please see Dave Thomas for details.

Holiday Party and Secret Santa:  Register now for the Holiday Party and optional Secret Santa exchange! We’re excited to invite everyone to our annual Rotary Holiday Party, welcoming all Rotarians and their family members for an evening of fellowship and celebration. Participation in the Secret Santa portion is entirely optional, but the party promises to be a memorable night filled with laughter and good company. The deadline to register for the Secret Santa present exchange is November 27th, while the deadline to register for the party itself is December 9th. The cost to attend is $10 per person, which will be billed to your Rotary account. A cash bar and appetizers will be provided. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ashley Whitney DeCarteret at ashley@harborbrenn.com or call her at 231-838-0313.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing:  The Salvation Army bell ringing will take place on December 13th and 14th from 10 AM to 6 PM outside the Katydid. Please sign up to help spread some holiday cheer while supporting a great cause.

Calendar Sales:  A sincere thank you goes out to all the volunteers who helped assemble and distribute the calendars. Please be sure to return your money to Karen by the end of the year so that your raffle tickets can be entered into the drawing.

Member Satisfaction Survey:  Don’t forget to complete the member satisfaction survey by next Friday. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to improve our Rotary experience.

PROGRAM Vocational (featuring Chelsea Platte and Christian Smith discussing Fundraising)

Our program today featured a fascinating discussion on philanthropy, presented by Chelsea Platte and Christian Smith. They traced the roots of philanthropy from ancient Greece to modern times, shedding light on how giving and fundraising have evolved over the centuries. The presentation also explored current trends and challenges in the world of fundraising.

Chelsea Platte shared her inspiring career journey, which began in Chicago as a property manager. Her passion for helping others led her to a role at the hospital in Charlevoix, where she began her work in fundraising and development. Today, she serves as the Foundation Director at North Central Michigan College, where she continues to make a significant impact through her work.

Christian Smith also shared his path into philanthropy, which began at the local YMCA. His work there eventually led him to join the North Central Michigan College Foundation, where he honed his fundraising skills. Now, he is the Director of Development at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. Both Chelsea and Christian brought a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the presentation, emphasizing the power of philanthropy and the dedication required to make a meaningful difference.

Next Week’s Program:  Emma Smith, Child and Family Services