Rotary Informer

Petoskey Rotary Noon Club NEWSLETTER

May 17, 2023

101 Years of Service Above Self

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Petoskey. President Jeff Wynder 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 My Country tis of Thee

4-Way Test:  Steve Brown

Invocation:   Sarah Ulrich

Spring makes me feel revived. I notice more. I feel energized. It makes me feel grateful. So, in looking for a piece of inspiration to share with you today, I wanted to say something that encompasses those feelings. And I wanted to share my gratitude as we celebrate the great work of Rotary and all those receiving grants today, including my organization. I found these simple song lyrics that I think sum it up for me. This is from Sam Cooke’s song, That’s Heaven to Me.

The things that I see

As I walk along the streets

That’s heaven to me

A little flower that blooms in May

A lovely sunset at the end of the day

Someone helping a stranger along the way

That’s heaven to me

Calendar Winners:  Read off by Nikki Devitt

Calendar Winners May 17, 2023

Visiting Rotarians:  Anne McDevitt, Sunrise Rotary, Gary Voison, Cheboygan Rotary, Gary Chenowith, Past District Governor from Elk Rapids

Guests:  Andrea Koch, Prospective Member, Ben Doornbos, Speaker; PRCCI Grant Recipients: Sarah Pedersen, Liz Erlewine, Tracy Beckley, Jordan Olivo, Loriel Grigsby, Leadership Little Traverse; Andrea Jacobs, Housing North; Julie Joles, Camp Daggett; Brenda Bell, Voices Without Borders; Gail Torreano, Christ Child Society; Erin Luckhardt, Northern Equine Therapy; Anne Foster, McLaren Northern Michigan Family Medicine Residency; Amanda Foster, MSU Extension 4-H; Libor Ondras, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra; Megan DeWindt, Crooked Tree Arts Center; Amy Evans, Salvation Army

Life Events: 

Birthdays: 

Christian Smith

Jean Frentz

Liz McKenney

Anniversaries:

Sarah Ulrich – 5 Years

Greg Somers – 10 Years

Singing/Song:  Howard Richards led us in Happy Birthday and Smile

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chelsea Platte News:  Congratulations to Chelsea Platte who delivered a healthy baby boy yesterday, May 16. Welcome to the world “future Rotarian” baby Timothy Zealand “Christian” Platte!

Stafford Smith News:  Stafford Smith was featured in this week’s Northern Express. Check out the article HERE

McLaren Behavioral Health Unit:  Join your fellow Rotarian, Teri Donaldson, at McLaren Northern Michigan – Cheboygan Justin A. Borra Behavioral Health Center for a tour of the new Pulte Family Charitable Foundation Adult Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit on Friday, May 26, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. There will be remarks and a ribbon cutting followed by self-guided tours.

Leadership Little Traverse:  Leadership Little Traverse Graduation is next week, Thursday, May 18 at the Perry Hotel. 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Contact the Petoskey Chamber for more info.

Wine Down Wednesday:  It’s time for “Wine down Wednesday!” Join fellow Rotarians on May 24 at this special edition of Wine Down Wednesday at Northern Community Mediation with special guests hosted by Honor Bank. (2202 Mitchell Park Dr STE 4, Petoskey). Wine and appetizers served. Please let them know you are coming so they can get an accurate food & wine count. 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Call NCM with questions or RSVP direct.  231-487-1771 RSVP online:  Link

Top of Michigan Trails Council Festival of Races:  Rotary will be sponsoring (along with our friends at Stafford’s Hospitality) the Top of Michigan Trails Council 2023 Festival of Races on May 27. We’re looking for volunteers to assist with the aid & cheer station. See Christian Smith for more info or to sign up.

Rotary Foundation:  Dibby Smith announced that, now through June 9, donations to the Rotary Foundation will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

Rotary District Conference:  You can find information on the upcoming District Conference May 19 - 20, 2023 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. You can find reports, meeting information, and tools for the president. 

PROGRAM:  Vocational Team and PRCCI Grants

Liz Ahrens, PRCCI President, announced the recipients of the 2023 grant cycle. Grant requests were funded at 80% for a total of $21,800 right back into our community.

Vocational Services – Winter Recreation in Northern Michigan

Bill Topham and Ben Doornbos 

From ski patrol and management, to building new venues and literally “inventing” snow, Bill and Ben have seen the development and growth of Northern Michigan’s beloved winter recreation destinations for decades. Bill’s company, Snow Makers Inc., has revolutionized how snow is made all over the world. Ben discussed a brief history of Nub’s Nob and how winter recreation in our community is an economic driver, brining thousands of visitors each season that stay, shop, and dine in our downtown businesses. Beyond the economic impact, winter recreation provides an opportunity for all generations to get together to stay active, connected, and engaged during the long winter months.

Next Week’s Program:  Ted Karamanski – author of Blackbird’s Song, history of the Odawa Tribe