MEETING NOTES:

Posted by Matthew Turek 
 
Gary Hogue led the invocation.
Allison Beers orchestrated an entertaining performance of a take on Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”, with creative lyrics name-checking many Traverse City Rotary members, in a playful parody that energized the crowd. 
 
President Dale Chilcote introduced a full roster of announcements. 
 
Including Ed Downing’s experience visiting the Oliver Art Center in Frankfort to view the Grand Rapids Art Prize-winning piece “Northwood Awakening” by local artists Steve and Ann Loveless.  Rotary’s impact there was clear, as a grant helped transform an old Coast Guard building into a beautiful display space for this, and other, amazing works of art.
It’s only six months until the annual Rotary Show.  Directors Tim Tate and Andy Robitshek are looking for ideas, comments and input to help make this year’s the best ever! Randy Kamps shared an idea to find inspiration for content by collecting local newspaper headlines. 
Becky Ewing presented an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for Backpack for Kids. Along with a chance to win prizes, ticket sales raise funds to support this important program.
Megan Bell and Monica Larsen gave updates on the STRIVE committee, including working with TCAPS guidance counselors to get more involved.  The STRIVE donations to TCAPS Youth Core programs are partially supported by the Rotary Club’s Birthday Fund. To help reinforce the importance of giving to the fund, three students who participated shared their experiences from this past summer.
Al Bonney presented the opportunity to ride to raise money to end polio. A Rotary indoor bike rally will be held November 14th to 21st.  Thanks to Vern Gauthier, free indoor bike time will be provided at Fit for You in Traverse City during that fundraising week.  Collect sponsors’ donations, and a little pedal power can do a lot of good.
 
Congratulations to Al Bonney. He was announced as a nine-time Paul Harris Fellow!
 
Board Approved New Rotarians:
            Sarah Kime
            Lisa Pointe
            Wendy Irvin
            Max Anderson
            Patrick Reay
 Board Approved Resignations:
            Jim Elkins – September 30, 2015
            Doug Wolf- September 30, 2015