Rotary Informer 

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER 
October 29, 2025
103 Years of Service Above Self 
 

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Andrea Coronado officiated this week’s 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:  Bill Hicklen

Invocation:  Chris Hammond

“The pace of change has never been this fast.  Yet, it will never be this slow again.” Justin Trudeau

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Sharon Schappacher

Calendar Winners October 29, 2025 

Visiting Rotarians:  None

Guests:  Lisa Charles, PM; Alex Fichera, Cecilia Chesney, Speaker

Life Events:  None

Birthdays:  

Jim WIbby

Anniversaries:  

None

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Limited Quantity of 4-Way Test Plaques:  Georgia Abbott recently cleaned out the Rotary cupboard at the Perry. She found some cool 4-Way Test plaques and is offering them to Rotarians for a donation to the Rotary Foundation. There are only 8 plaques - first come first serve! Contact Georgia if interested.

NCMC Recognition:  David Finley was proud to share that North Central Michigan College (NCMC) was recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 200 community colleges in the country. They are now eligible to compete for a $1 million prize. Congratulations!

Can you help us "Build Good Will and Better Friendships"? Help our club recognize and support the challenges and achievements of each member. Our club's Care and Concern Committee reaches out to Rotarians who need encouragement and support, and to those whose accomplishments should be celebrated and shared. If you know of a club member (past or present) who would benefit from knowing that we support them, please let Chris Hammond know. Her email is christinehammond989@gmail.com; mobile number is 517-449-1149. Chris will reach out with a card or call on behalf of our noon Rotary club.

Northmen Den Youth Services:  With the federal government shutdown threatening SNAP benefits, thousands of families across Michigan could soon face additional food insecurity. At Northmen Den Youth Services, we’re making sure no student goes hungry — no matter what happens in Washington. Every child in need within the schools we serve has access to food and hygiene products, no questions asked. But we can’t do it alone. Your support fills backpacks, pantries, and bellies when families need it most. Please consider making a gift today to help us continue feeding local youth during this uncertain time. Together, we can make sure every student has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Link

Toys for Tots Begins This Week:  It’s that time of year again — Toys for Tots kicks off this week! If your business or organization would like a donation box, please let us know and we’ll make sure you get one. Let’s help make this season brighter for local children in need.

Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events

Pedal For Polio Event:  Gary Baxter announced that Pedaling for Polio has reached over 1,680 combined miles so far! Donations have reached $2,145 in return. Amazing! When you pair that with the Gates Foundation match, we are contributing $6,435 toward polio eradication.

Nov. 19 Meeting at Manna Food Bank:  There will be no lunch meeting at the Perry Hotel on Wednesday, November 19. Instead, join us for a volunteer day at Manna Food Project, from noon to 1:30 pm, to help pack food boxes. A $10 donation will be added to your next invoice (no lunch charges). Please make your own lunch arrangements—pack a lunch to enjoy outside or grab a bite afterward with fellow Rotarians. Space is limited to 25 participants, so register soon to save your spot! Link

Rotary Holiday Party:  Mark your calendars for the Rotary Holiday Party! December 8th | 5:30–7:30 PM. Hosted at Sharon Schappacher’s home. Secret Santa participation is optional — come enjoy an evening of fellowship and fun!

Salvation Army Bell Ringing:  Save the date! On Friday, December 12 we will staff a bell ringing station at D&W Grocery store. And bonus, we'll be set up in the breezeway, out of the weather.

Member Spotlight – Pat OBrien
Today we learned more about Rotarian Pat O'Brien, who is originally from St. Louis, MO. His Irish ancestors immigrated to the U.S. in the 1840's. Pat attended the University of Notre Dame, and spent time reflecting on that. He was grateful to be part of such an exceptional academic institution. Pat was also inspired to share a message of hope, saying "sometimes we forget how far we have come." Despite the sense of rancor in our country, he believes life in America is much better than it once was.

PROGRAM:  Cecilia Chesney Oct 29, 2025: Big Brothers Big Sisters
Today we received a presentation from Cecilia Chesney, the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Northwest Michigan. She reviewed the history of the organization, noting that it first launched in Petoskey in 1970, before relocating to its current Traverse City headquarters in 1989.

Cecilia noted that of the BBBS expenses for Char-Em, 25% are covered through Char-Em donations and 75% through Grand Traverse County donations. She has a vision to strengthen local leadership and local funding sources so that BBBS of Char-Em may stand more on its own. She invites Rotarians to get involved with this effort.

Visit www.bigsupnorth.org to learn more.

Next Week’s Program:  Jane Millar: Women in Rotary