Rotary Informer 

Visiting Rotarians:  Gary Voison, Cheboygan

Guests:  Joel Dohm; Ashley Antonishen, Chloe Winchell, Speakers

Life Events:  Terry Newton is sorry that this newsletter went out later than usual. He was playing hooky on the bicycle trails. 

Birthdays: 

None

Anniversaries: 

None

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards led us in Smile!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you to everyone who attended the Sunset Cruise on Tuesday night - perfect weather, and a great crowd of Rotarians from several chapters! 

Reg Smith thanked everyone who helped at Camp Daggett last weekend.

Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events

We are looking for one more STRIVE pizza buddy - be the one! See Andrea Coronado – Make her Day!

Meal Train for Sam Fee and baby:
Rotarian Sam Fee recently welcomed a new baby, and we’d love to help support her and her family in the coming weeks with meals, coffee, and words of encouragement for new parents.

They’re limiting gluten, dairy, and processed sugar, so please keep that in mind when planning. This is a casual meal train — simply pick a date on the SignUpGenius list (I’ve set up the next month) and drop Sam a quick note so she knows when to expect you. Instructions are on the sign up sheet.

No time to cook? Rotarian Sarah McDonnell of Little Bay Gourmet (231.622.5281) can prepare a hearty, diet-friendly meal for $40 and arrange delivery for an additional $5. No muss, no fuss — and baby and mom are cared for!

Sign Up for Sam’s Meal Train

Liz Ahrens – invited club members to her home 9/7, 5-7pm. Brats and beer provided, bring a chair to watch the band Seasonal Road, Georgia’s band. Will also be screening the Lions v. Packers game. 5200 West Lake Street, Harbor Springs

Light Kits for Ukraine:  Reg Smith announced that the First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey will once again be assembling light kits for Ukrainians without power. Volunteers are welcome to gather at the Church on Thursday, September 18 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. They are one of the few churches in the country doing this project - it's a unique opportunity to support others in crisis abroad.

Billy Duff Event:  Wednesday, September 24 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM | 555 Creekside Drive, Levering
What is Billy Duff, anyway? It’s a Rotary tradition that goes back decades, named after and hosted by patriarch Stafford “Duff” Smith and the late Bill “Billy” Fedus in Levering.

The first Billy Duff was created as a good-natured gathering for Rotarians—part fellowship, part feast, and all fun. Since then, it’s become a beloved tradition of food, fire, and friendship.

This year, Gary Fedus and Reg Smith will continue the tradition, carving ham, serving it with buns, beer, and wine. Bring an appetizer, side, or dessert to share and note it when you sign up. Guests are welcome! Cost: $10/person (added to Noon Rotary invoices or cash for guests). PLEASE RSVP SOON SO WE CAN ESTIMATE A GUEST COUNT. 

 RSVP Here

Roadside Clean-Up:  Saturday, September 20 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM. We’ve got 21 volunteers signed up—can we make it 24? With just three more helping hands, this will be our quickest, cleanest cleanup yet. JOIN THE FUN! KEEP WHAT YOU FIND :)
Sign up on SignUpGenius

Rotary District Learning Academy:  Saturday, 9/27, Charlevoix Public Library. Great opportunity for current and prospective board members. 

The club is looking for a Care and Comfort chairperson.

Alzheimer’s Walk – September 27:  Join us in supporting the Alzheimer’s Walk this fall in Pennsylvania Park. Whether you walk, volunteer, sponsor, or donate—every step makes a difference. Connect with Ian Straley to get involved.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Petoskey District Library. "A Night at the Library" is Thursday, October 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This special fundraising event, with the theme "The Other Side of the Story," will feature live performances by local actors, including short skits inspired by popular novels like "Wicked," "Salem Witch: the Fire & the Silence," and "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs." You'll also enjoy literary monologues throughout the library, and delicious drinks and culinary delights from local craft breweries and food vendors. All performances, food, and drinks are included in the ticket price. Don't miss this unique opportunity to support the library's programming and materials while socializing with friends and community members after hours. Click here for tickets.

Wednesday, October 15
Rotary Third Wheel Social at Elder Piper 5:30-7:00
Theme: “Awkwardly Seeking Inclusion” – make a match, meet a friend, or fall in love with Rotary. Members drive.

Saturday, October 25
Film Screening – Join or Die – Time: TBD and will be announced
Crooked Tree Arts Center Theater
Followed by a welcome reception with local service clubs.

Coastal Crawl:  The Coastal Crawl is open–water swim held at Zorn Park in Harbor Springs. The individuals who have put it on for 30 years are retiring and are looking for individuals or organizations to take over the management of the event to keep it going in the future. This was suggested as a possible service opportunity for Rotary. This year, the Coastal Crawl is also looking for donations and volunteers. Contact Patrick O’Brien for more info. 

STRIVE Update:  Strive is looking for pizza sponsors and expanded support this year. Please see Andrea Koch or Georgia Abbott to give a donation.

Member Spotlight – Gary Baxter

Gary was born and raised in Petoskey. After graduating high school, he spent a few years in the Navy, then went to University of Michigan for a pre-law degree. While in college, he met his wife, Mary Jo. They have been married for 55 years and have two children. After college, Gary pursued a law degree from Wayne State University. He then returned to the Navy and had an interesting and successful career in naval law and intelligence. Part of his work involved being familiar with international laws and treaties, and rules of engagement, to ensure that naval operations were conducted in a lawful manner. Gary left military service at age 55, and went on to provide naval general counsel at the Pentagon with Donald Rumsfeld. 

PROGRAM:  Ashley Antonishen: NCMC Athletic Program

Today we were joined by NCMC's athletic director, Ashley Antonishen, and a student athlete - a volleyball player named Chloe.

Having launched its athletics program in 2022, NCMC is now in its fourth season. NCMC offers cross country, volleyball, basketball, and e-sports. Visit the NCMC website to see a schedule of upcoming games:  https://www.ncmctimberwolves.com/landing/index 

Ashley then invited student Chloe to speak. She gave lovely remarks on what being on NCMC's volleyball team has meant to her.

Next Week’s Program:  Charlie McInnis: The Vietnam War