Rotary Informer 

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER 
September 24, 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 was not here so we recited the Pledge of Allegiance

4-Way Test:  Sarah McDonnell

Invocation:  Neil Bidwell offered an impromptu blessing of thanks

Calendar Winners:  Read off by John Emley

Calendar Winners September 24, 2025 

Visiting Rotarians:   Steve Gronow, Livingston Sunrise and his nephew Patrick

Guests:  None

Life Events:  I'm writing this morning to share that our sweet, loving friend Roy Longworth has passed peacefully into the kingdom of heaven. He was in the good care of hospice at Bay Bluffs, surrounded by the love of his family, and sustained by your prayers. Roy knew and loved Jesus deeply, and he trusted God's grace to journey with him over the horizon into the company of the saints. News about a memorial will be shared as plans develop, but in the meantime, I invite you to join me in praying for Linda, Roy, their children and grandchildren, and all who grieve his death.

Birthdays:  

Georgia Abbott

Anniversaries:  

Elaine Keiser – 6 Years

Chelsea Platte – 10 Years

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards was not here so we were spared any screeching other than singing Happy Birthday.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank You—Fall Roadside Cleanup:  Dr. David Finley thanked everyone who braved the weather for our Fall Roadside Cleanup. Even with the rain delay, spirits were high and the highway looks great. Thanks for showing up and showing Rotary pride!

Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events

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

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.

Library Event:  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 Sto-ry," 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.

Pedal For Polio Event:  John Scholten announced that Pedal for Polio will be slightly different this year. Bikers, please start logging your miles individually from September 15 – October 15. These will be tallied and then all cash donations will meet the 2 for 1 match by Bill Gates. Donations can be given to any of the participants.

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.

Nov. 19 Meeting at Manna Food Bank:  Megan Dewindt announced that our Wednesday, November 19 meeting will be held at Manna Food Bank (not the Perry Hotel). We’ll be packing meals, with up to 24 volunteer spots available. A SignUpGeni-us link is coming soon—please keep an eye out and grab a spot!

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 – None

PROGRAM:  Clare Forester, Planning for Life's Uncertainties (and the unavoidable)

Clare Forster, partner at the Petoskey law firm of Nelson, Forster and Stikovich, shared practical steps for preparing for the future through estate planning. Her presentation emphasized the importance of organizing key documents such as wills, trusts, property deeds, and powers of attorney to ensure wishes are carried out and loved ones are protected. She explained how these tools can help avoid confusion, reduce stress for families, and provide clarity in medical or financial decisions. Clare encouraged everyone to take a proactive approach to planning, noting that thoughtful preparation now can bring peace of mind later.

Next Week’s Program:  Brian Peterson – Nehemiah House