Rotary Informer

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER

September 4, 2024

102 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.

Pledge/Anthem:  Howard Richards led us in God Bless America

4-Way Test:  Terry Newton

Invocation:   Tim Dykstra

“If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.” Di Lampedusa, 1958

“Sometimes if you want to see a change for the better, you have to take things into your own hands.” Clint Eastwood

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Steve Brown

Calendar Winners September 4, 2024

International Insight:  With more than 1.4million members around the world, Rotary members are on the ground to assist with disaster recovery when our communities need us most. Rotary supports three phases of relief: immediate response, short-term assistance, and long-term rebuilding.

Life Events:  Larry Liebler, Nick Liebler’s father has now been moved to a regular hospital bed at Henry Ford Hospital. Messages can be sent through Caring Bridge: Link

Visiting Rotarians:  None

Guests:  Cannot recall. Had an accident with the computer at lunch and cannot pull up anything. Ashley needs to cut her vacation short to handle the insurance claim. This bulletin is being done because your secretary is a humble genius. If I missed anything I am heartily sorry. (Catholic confession).

Life Events:  

Birthdays:  None

Anniversaries: 

Nick White – 43 Years

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards led us in singing Smile

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Don’t Pay the Ferryman; Until he Gets you to the Other Side:  There may be an opportunity in September for an evening Ferry Ride with morning Rotary, stay tuned for more info or contact Christian Smith.

Camp Daggett Volunteer Opportunity:  Camp Daggett is in need of volunteers for the annual district exchange student retreat September 6 – 8. Volunteers are need to help with meals Friday – Sunday, a sign-up sheet is being distributed or reach out to Reg Smith.

Bear River Cleanup:  Rotarians can sign up for the Bear River Cleanup on September 7 with the Watershed Council. A signup sheet will be distributed next week. More info and register HERE.

Billy Duff Cabin Outing:  Save the date for the 2024 Billy Duff on September 12 in Levering, MI. An RSVP form will be distributed soon. Guests are asked to bring a dish to pass.

New Fundraiser:  We are bringing back a fundraising event (along the lines of Diamonds & Denim) in 2024. We will begin planning in September for an event September 2025. If you’d like to join the committee, contact Andrea Coronado.

Rotary Lapel Pins:  New Rotary lapel pins are available for purchase - $5.00. See Terry if you want one.

Parade of Roses:  Already thinking about ringing in the new year? For more than 40 years, Rotary has been a part of the Parade of Roses. For more information see https://www.rotaryfloat.org/

PROGRAM:  Vocational, Dr. David Finley and Tim Dykstra

Community Colleges and North Central Michigan College Past, Present, and Future  

Tim Dykstra and Dr. David Finley gave an enlightening talk on the evolution of community colleges, with a special emphasis on North Central Michigan College (NCMC). Tim traced the origins of community colleges to the early 20th century when these institutions emerged as a vital solution to meet the educational needs of a growing and diverse population. Community colleges were founded to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible education, particularly for students who lacked the means to attend traditional four-year universities.   

Dr. Finley discussed North Central Michigan College, highlighting its growth and impact on the local community since its founding in 1958, when it welcomed fewer than 200 students. Dr. Finley outlined the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for NCMC, emphasizing the importance of the college’s adaptability in a constantly changing educational landscape. They discussed the increasing demand for online learning, the necessity of forging partnerships with local industries, the growing emphasis on technology, and the decline in population that will impact enrollment. Both Dykstra and Finley underscored NCMC's unwavering commitment to its mission of providing high-quality, accessible education, ensuring that it continues to be a cornerstone of the community for generations to come—and the need for community support both through advocacy and contributions to the scholarship fund. You can support NCMC by reaching out to Chelsea Platte at the NCMC Foundation.

Next Week’s Program:  Sarah George, How to Craft a Captivating Marketing Message