Rotary Informer

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER

November 27, 2024

103 Years of Service Above Self

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Elect Andrea Coronado 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 America the Beautiful

4-Way Test:  Andrea Koch   

Invocation:  Drew Smith

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others

Marcus Tullius Cicero

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Jane Millar

Calendar Winners November 27, 2024

International Insight:  Since 2017, 430 million children in 39 countries have been vaccinated against polio through the efforts of Rotary and our partners. The cost to conduct polio surveillance worldwide is $100 million.

Visiting Rotarians:  Carlin Smith, Sunrise Rotary, Heidi Shearer, Sunrise Rotary; Patricia Wimmer, Rochester, MN

Guests:  Bill Shearer & Heidi Shearer, Speaker; Steve DeCarteret

Life Events: 

Birthdays:

Joe Blachy

Anniversaries:  None

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rotary Member Spotlight:  Neil Bidwell

I was born in Flint, Michigan and grew up in Brighton, Michigan; for the first 2 years of my education I went to a one room school, kindergarten through 6^th grade. In first grade, I soared to the head of my class; the other student in the class went to parochial school. I graduated from Hartland High School, attended Central Michigan University, received a Mortuary Science Degree from Wayne State University and a Business Degree with a major in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University. After high school graduation, I had a summer job at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Inc. in Ann Arbor. I continued to work there summers through college. Actually, I never left there; that was my entire career. Ann Arbor was home and I joined the Noon Ann Arbor Rotary Club in 1984, a Club with about 250 members, at that time. I became a partner in Muehlig’s in 1981 and retired as President of the Corporation in 1997, when we sold the firm. Marsha, my wife, retired from the Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at the same time.  We’ve been fortunate to have had 27 and counting, fun filled years of retirement. We had acquired a Bay View cottage in 1988. After retirement, we began spending about 5 months in Bay View, returning to Ann Arbor in the fall. While in Bay View, I began attending the Petoskey Rotary Club as a Summer Rotarian. Through those meetings, I met townspeople and members of the community beyond Bay View. It was entree into the life of Petoskey. We never thought we would leave Ann Arbor, but in 2006 we purchased a year-round home in Petoskey and moved from Ann Arbor in 2008 becoming year-round residents in this great community. We continued to move to Bay View for the summers until 5 years ago when we finally sold the cottage. The idea of 2 houses a mile apart became redundant; we’re sort of slow learners! My Rotary membership moved with me from Ann Arbor to the Petoskey Club. This is a very special Club the members, the camaraderie and the great work that gets accomplished, locally and around the world. There are many jewels in the Northern Michigan Crown and this Rotary Club is one of them. Thanks for letting me share. 

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.

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.

Calendar Sales:  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.

PROGRAM Heidi Shearer; Pine Pond Homes

Heidi Shearer, working with the Manthei Corporation, introduced the Pine Pond development, an exciting new community offering unique homeownership opportunities in Northern Michigan. Heidi detailed how the community's land lease model operates, providing homeowners with access to thoughtfully designed homes while preserving and managing the land.

Pine Pond’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in August. With homes now available for purchase, the development is an innovative housing solution in the area. Heidi’s presentation highlighted the vision behind Pine Pond: combining affordability, sustainability, and community-focused living. Heidi invites you to reach out for a tour or more information. For further information look at: www.pinepondhomes.com

Next Week’s Program:  Unknown