Rotary Club NEWSLETTER
May 13, 2026
104 Years of Service Above Self
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Andrea Coronado was gone so we got stuck with Christian Smith who officiated this week’s meeting.
If you did not get the chance to attend, you can read about it in this newsletter.
Patriotic Song: Howard Richards led us in My Country tis of Thee
4-Way Test: Walt Byers
Invocation: Jean Frentz
Quotes about teachers as we recognize our ‘Rotary Teacher of the Year’ today
A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.
The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.
A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.
Teachers plant seeds that grow forever.
It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom
A teacher affects eternity; you can never tell where their influence stops
Calendar Winners Read Off By: Sam Fee
Calendar Winners May 13, 2026
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Prize | Cal# | Calendar Winner | City | Sold By |
$50 | 2577 | Tom Bellmer | Petoskey | Petoskey |
$50 | 2407 | David Thomas | Petoskey | Petoskey |
$50 | 2607 | Linda Pollas | Petoskey | Petoskey |
Visiting Rotarians: Patricia Wimmer, Rochester, MN
Guests: Alicia Lane, PM, Stuart Fenton; Taylor Stallinger, Jennifer Mancini, Alisa Bowen, Will Bowen, Adelyn Bowen, Brielle Bowen, Michelle Scott, Brian Scott, Kaylee Holliday, Mark Oberman
Life Events: Terry Newton won the Spaghetti Dinner pool and walked away with $41.00 today. Just enough to buy a steak for him and a pork chop for Betsy.
Birthdays:
Christian Smith
Jean Frentz
Liz McKenney
Anniversaries:
Singing/Song: Howard Richards
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Invitations for the Centennial Fund Project will be going out soon — please reach out if you are interested in getting involved.
June 24th will mark Andrea Coronado’s final luncheon as President of the club. This will be our Officer’s Exchange Luncheon. You may bring guests.
Save the Date – Upcoming Rotary Events
Saturday, May 16 -- Spring Roadside Clean-Up
Meet at Legacy Water Sports, 8:30 - 10:00 AM
It's that time of year! We're now seeking volunteers to help clean-up our three-mile stretch of road on US-31. Sign-up HERE
Member-Hosted Community Events
Sharon is planning a Rotary get-together at her home on June 10th. Her address is 1070 Grand Ridge, Petoskey
Rotary is also beginning a Grocery Raffle fundraiser. Anyone interested in helping is encouraged to reach out to Karen.
A big thank you was shared with everyone who helped make the Spaghetti Dinner a success — from sponsors to volunteers and everyone in between.
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
PROGRAM: Ashley DeCarteret – Teacher of the Year Alisa Bowen (Sheridan Elementary)
Today we also had the privilege of celebrating Alisa Bowen, 2026 Teacher of the Year and 3rd grade teacher at Sheridan Elementary in Petoskey Schools.
Alisa shared her journey into education, beginning with earning her degree from Grand Valley State University and stepping into a classroom of 30 students from a demographic facing significant challenges, including food insecurity and homelessness. She later joined Petoskey Schools, where she has continued to thrive as an educator focused first and foremost on seeing each child as a human being before seeing them simply as a student.
Throughout her presentation, Alisa emphasized the importance of connection and engagement in today’s classroom. She believes students learn best when they are actively engaged — moving their bodies, interacting, and being met at their own level. On difficult days, she shared that one of the most important things a teacher can do is pull a student aside, listen carefully, learn what may be going on beneath the surface, and connect with them personally.
One of Alisa’s most rewarding moments as a teacher came when she received a letter from a former student, now a high school senior, who plans to pursue elementary education and hopes to someday teach alongside her at Sheridan Elementary.
Beyond the classroom, Alisa is deeply involved in her school and community. She leads PBIS initiatives that celebrate and reinforce positive behavior through school events, serves on the PTO organizing the annual Color Fun Run — the school’s largest fundraiser — teaches Sunday school through Genesis, and coaches softball alongside her husband.
Alisa also spoke candidly about one of the biggest challenges facing students and schools today: technology. While she recognizes the many benefits technology can provide, she stressed the importance of balance, healthy relationships, and making sure children are still spending time outdoors and connecting with the world around them.
To close on a lighter note, Alisa shared that one of her favorite parts of teaching is collecting the unforgettable and often hilarious quotes that come from her students each year.
Thank you again to Alisa Bowen for joining us and for the incredible work she continues to do for students, families, and the Petoskey community.
Alisa was surprised with the award during an all‑school assembly in April. As part of the recognition, she received a $1,500 award, and Sheridan Elementary School received an additional $500 in her honor.
This award means more to me than you could ever know. I truly love what I do, but teaching is a profession where recognition doesn’t come often. We spend so much time in our own classrooms that we rarely get the chance to see one another in action or receive feedback on our teaching. I work hard every day to be the best teacher I can be for my students. I do this work because I care deeply about it, not for recognition, but being seen and appreciated for the time and energy poured into this profession is an incredible feeling. Thank you so much Rotary for the generous monetary gift and most of all, the recognition of my hard work and dedication. I truly am honored and so incredibly grateful.
Slideshow Link: Link
Next Week’s Program: Andrea Koch, STRIVE