Rotary Club NEWSLETTER
July 22, 2026
104 Years of Service Above Self
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. Past President Andrea Coronado officiated this week’s meeting. Didn’t we just get rid of her?
If you did not get the chance to attend, you can read about it in this newsletter.
Patriotic Song: Howard Richards led us in God Bless America
4-Way Test: Chelsea Platte
Invocation: Jean Frentz
Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you. Unknown Source
Calendar Winners Read Off By: Dave Thomas
Calendar Winners July 22, 2026
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Prize | Cal# | Calendar Winner | City | Sold By |
$50 | 2087 | Catherine Parkay | Brighton | Petoskey |
$50 | 2687 | Northern Michigan Hardwoods | Petoskey | P. Sunrise |
$50 | 1339 | Josh Rashott | Gladwin | Gladwin |
Visiting Rotarians: Dick Chambers, Carolyn Chambers, Holland, MI; Brian Wagner, Sunrise Rotary
Guests: Jeff Wellman, Speaker and Daughter Claire Hoagland
Life Events:
Birthdays:
Drew Smith
Anniversaries:
John Mohler – 13 Years
Singing/Song: Howard Richards led us in Happy Birthday and Smile
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The club continues to build excitement around the Great Grocery Giveaway Raffle. Members interested in joining the raffle sales team are encouraged to connect with Andrea Coronado or Sharon Shappacher to learn how they can help make this year's fundraiser a success.
The Water is Life Festival is next month. If you can donate, they are looking for funds.
Liz McKenny recently had a baby boy, Ronan, and could use some extra help. Please sign up for the meal train if you can! Link
Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events – None
Member-Hosted Community Events
Saturday, August 15: Northmen Food Den – Adult Prom Masquerade
Hosted by Rotarian Liz McKenney Join the Northmen Food Den for Adult Prom: Masquerade on Saturday, August 15 at the Grand Unity Event Center in Petoskey from 5:00 to 11:00 PM. This fun evening invites guests to relive the magic of prom with grown-up flair and includes signature cocktails, appetizers and a buffet dinner by Sweetwater Catering, a live auction, photo booth, and Prom King and Queen voting. Proceeds support the Northmen Den Youth Pantries.
Tickets and details HERE
Member Induction: None
Member Spotlight: Though we did present Howard Richards with a Paul Harris Fellow award times two
PROGRAM: Jeff Wellman, author, Spirit Gift
This week's speaker was local author, REALTOR®, musician, and longtime meditator Jeff Wellman, who shared the personal journey that inspired his novel, Spirit Gift.
Although Jeff has spent nearly 40 years in real estate and has accomplished much throughout his career—including playing drums for the Lansing-based band The Fix and being a member of Charlevoix High School's 1977–78 football championship team—he shared that he hopes to be remembered most for helping others discover the benefits of meditation through his writing.
Jeff explained that meditation first became part of his life while studying Taekwondo, where mindfulness is incorporated into daily practice. However, it wasn't until life presented unimaginable challenges that meditation became a daily necessity. During the 2008 recession, Jeff lost everything he had built in his real estate career. Around the same time, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and given just six months to live.
Together, they embraced meditation as a source of strength, hope, and healing. Remarkably, Jeff's wife lived another 11 years, giving them precious time together that they never expected to have.
During one of their final trips together in Hawaii, Jeff experienced a profound meditation that inspired the story behind Spirit Gift. He shared that he felt guided to write the book, with his wife helping shape many of its details before her passing.
Set in the Petoskey area in the year 1211, Spirit Gift follows a young Indigenous man who, after a near-death experience, journeys through the seven planes of existence while discovering love, purpose, and a deeper understanding of life.
Jeff led the club through a brief guided breathing exercise, demonstrating that meditation doesn't require special equipment or even a quiet room—it can be practiced anywhere, whether standing or sitting, with your eyes open or closed.
He encouraged members to explore meditation as a way to cultivate peace, intuition, positivity, grounding, and a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
In addition to Spirit Gift, Jeff continues to work in real estate and has also authored a book focused on the real estate industry.
Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your inspiring story and reminding us of the resilience.
Next Week’s Program: Carrie Klingelsmith, Manna