Madame President (Awesome Allison Beers) opened the meeting at the Park Place Hotel and held her cellphone aloft with a picture of our nation’s flag for the singing of “God Bless America.” Meanwhile, Kathy Bussell found an actual flag, which we faced for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Nicki Sobkowski gave the Gratitude & Reflection invocation, encouraging us to be kind and true, no matter how the world responds.
In honor of Wheels of Hope, the impending program, Al Bonney and Amanda Igra led a rousing rendition of “Proud Mary”, backed by an impressive assortment of instruments, including a stand-up base. Big wheels keep on turning!
Monica Larson managed the introductions of visiting Rotarian and members with their guests.
Madame President’s announcements included:
Keeping Alexis Juett in our thoughts and prayers due to the untimely loss of her brother.
Letting us know that Kathy Bussell will be on vacation next week. Contact Allison with any questions or concerns; let’s give Kathy an actual break from us!
Voting on Bylaws will occur on January 29. Let her know if you find more typos.
Next came the club announcements:
Rotary show production meeting on Saturday, January 19 at 9 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce. Come one, come all. You don’t have to be funny.
Sharron Zimmerman gave a Rotary Camps & Services minute of information:
Discovery Pier received $2 million in state funding at the end of the 2018 legislative session. The funds will be used toward basin dredging and installing floating docks.
Due in part to the great reputation of Rotary Charities, other local projects also received funding: TART Trails, Grand Traverse County’s Civic Center’s amphitheater, DDA’s Civic Square.
Volunteers are wanted to join the Camps & Services Board. GOREC will be 100 in 2023. Contribute to the success of the organization by rolling up your sleeves and bringing your expertise to the board. See Sharron, or John Noonan, if you’re interested.
Marcia Billings directed our attention to the Twilight Super Bowl Raffle forms on the tables. You have until noon on 2/1/19 to purchase tickets: traversebaytwilightsuperbowlraffle2019.eventbrite.com
Steve Wade, Dan Rickard, & Dale Chilcote reported on the 2018 Christmas Basket endeavor. Much joy was shared with the 239 people in 63 families served. 44 Rotarians shopped for the families, as did 3 individuals outside the club! Local organizations and business such as Toys for Tots, Pirates Cove and the State Theater contributed merchandise to the effort. Thank you to everyone at the noon meeting who help fund this past season of a wonderful 40+ year tradition.
Paul LaPorte gave Tony Anderson a Rotary Red Rose Award, he will be receiving the Chamber of Commerce’s civic award, the Distinguished Service Award for his service to the community. Tony has raised over $400,000 so far by running marathons in 43 states for Marathon 4 Kids initiative to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan.
There was $75 in the 50/50 Raffle kitty, won by someone who was not me.
