Rotary Informer

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER

January 24, 2024

102 Years of Service Above Self

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Elect Christian Smith; officiated the meeting.

If you did not get the chance to attend, you can read about it in this newsletter.

Pledge/Anthem:  Andre Strydom led us in God Bless America

4-Way Test:  Sarah McDonald

Invocation:  Chris Hammond

On January 24, 1908, the first Boy Scout troop was organized in England by Lord Robert Baden-Powell. That same year, Baden-Powell published the book Scouting for Boys, which went on to become one of the best-selling books of the 20th century.

Both boys and girls formed Scout troops, even in those early days. Perhaps they were drawn by Baden'-Powell's leadership which included this quote: "The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others."  

Calendar Winners:  Read off by David Finley

Calendar Winners January 24, 2024

Visiting Rotarians:  None 

Guests:  Andre Strydom, Piano man; Patrick O’Brien, Potential Member; Noah Jansen, Speaker

Life Events:

Birthdays: 

Kam Culbertson

Lyle Peck

Dr. John Scholten

Melissa Thompson

Anniversaries:

Kathy Peterson – 1 Year

Nikki LaDeur – 6 Years

Paul Schemanski – 17 Years

Bill Hicklen – 21 Years

Singing/Song:  Andre Strydom led us in Smile

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MyRotary.Org:  Make it your new year’s resolution to register for your “My Rotary” account online to stay up to date with club information.

Rotary Foundation:  Jane Millar encouraged members to buy a ticket for the District 6290 50/50 Rotary Foundation. Several members of the club have won in the past and it is a great way to support the Rotary Foundation. Tickets are $20.00 so see Jane for purchase. She forgot them this week but will be sure to have them available next week.

TRIVE Sweatshirts:  Georgia Abbot modeled the new STRIVE logo sweatshirt given to students to proudly wear as walking billboards.

Save the Date:  Save the Date for Career Day at Petoskey Public High School on Wednesday, March 13. Rotarians will be called upon to represent their professions again this year.

NOTE ABOUT ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Going forward, announcements will be limited to Rotary-specific topics. If you have an announcement for personal or work projects, fundraisers, opportunities, or campaigns, you can email Terry Newton or Andrea Coronado to be shared in the newsletter and on social media. This will aid our efforts to keep meetings to one hour.

PROGRAM:  Noah Jansen, Restoration Manager Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Shoreline Preservation and Restoration

One of the most important ways you can protect your lake or stream is to control erosion and sedimentation of your shoreline or streambank. Erosion and sedimentation can have a serious impact on water quality, wildlife habitat, and property values. 

One of the ways to achieve this is through shoreline greenbelts. A greenbelt is a strip of diverse vegetation including trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers that grow naturally or are planted along the shoreline. Greenbelts help reduce erosion by stabilizing the soil and slowing runoff, filtering nutrients, sediments, and other pollution.  

Recently, TOMWC worked to restore more than 200’ of shoreline along tourist park in East Jordan. The stretch of shoreline had been challenged over time by fluctuating lake levels, especially during the last few years of rapid rise and fall. Staff and volunteers installed coir logs and fieldstone to restore the shoreline and planted more than 600 native plants. Bioengineering projects like these are designed to restore shoreline function using natural materials, including native plants, coir logs, and fieldstone. This approach is friendlier to birds, fish, turtles, amphibians, and the health of the lake than installing a seawall. When designed and installed properly, these projects can withstand waves and ice push. 

Bioengineered shorelines change over time as they settle into balance with the lake. The fieldstone collects sand and organic material between the stones. Plants then begin creeping lakeward to re-establish the necessary root system for a stable shoreline. The new shoreline becomes fortified with plants—providing erosion control and habitat while allowing the shoreline to be flexible to lake level changes and weather conditions. 

By creating a shoreline greenbelt and encouraging your neighbors to do the same, you can help keep your lake beautiful and healthy for generations to come.

Next Week’s Program:  Brian Peters, Nehemiah Project

Two-Week Notification:  Following the meeting the President Elect, Christian Smith, held a podium board meeting in which he nominated Patrick O'Brien to become a member of the Rotary Club of Petoskey, Jeff Wynder seconded the motion and all board members approved the membership. This is the first of a two-week notification.