This weeks bulletin is quite large please click at the top to view online.

 

Chris Cox capably handled the ivories in maestro Byron Hanson’s absence;
Homer Nye, invocation; Jayne Mohr, introductions; Cindy Ruzak, song leader;
and Todd Muha, IT.  Marty Colburn won the Choral-Aires’ drawing for two tickets to their Kirkbride Hall holiday event; and president Dale won the 50/50.  

President Dale announced a special meeting of the club at which he noted its annual election would be held Tuesday, December 15th, at the regular noon meeting.  John Racine has been named president-elect, while six Rotarians have been nominated for three club directors’ positions.  Candidates are Mark Eckhoff, Tom Haase, Greg Luyt, Mark Newhouse, Nikki Sobkowski and Kurt Rivard.  President Dale also asked for nominations from the floor.  There were none.
 

Sarah (Dell’Acqua) Kime is the club’s newest member, introduced by Jennifer Casey.  If Sarah’s maiden name is familiar, that’s because her Dad, Dick, founded and operated the local Omelet Shops for many years.  She acknowledged Rotarians’ patronage over the years.  “Thanks for helping put me through school.”  Sarah’s the new director of marketing and communications at Goodwill Industries.  She’s a Traverse City native; married to Tom; and the mother of two children. A graduate of Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, she spent a number of years as a volunteer and paid staffer working environmental and National Forest Service type jobs throughout the West.  Welcome Sarah!

Nicole Blakken-Esser and Jake Cerny were introduced by Autumn Soltysiak.  Seniors at TC West, Nicole has studied French for six years; plays flute in the band; is a drum major; was an MSU all-state band piccolo player; and is taking calculus III at NMC.  She’s headed to the University of Michigan as a chemical engineering major.  Jake’s treasurer of the student senate and has done volunteer work at the Bay Ridge retirement community.  He’s headed to the University of Illinois as an offensive lineman on an athletic scholarship after receiving offers from a number of Division I schools.  Jake’s the grandson of former Rotarian Ralph Cerny who attended Tuesday’s luncheon.

A Paul Harris award was presented to Dr. David Martin, M.D., now retired but former infectious disease department head at Munson Medical Center. The award was arranged by Rotarian Loraine Beers who had accumulated enough “points” for the gift presentation.  She has worked with Dr. Martin for a number of years in the department founded by him, and from which he retired last year.  Not only did he graciously accept the honor, but he also thanked Rotarians for their role in stanching polio worldwide.  Roy Pentilla, Rotary Foundation committee chair, made the presentation.  Dr. Martin’s wife, Cathie, also attended the meeting.

IM Rotary is scheduled for December 1st.
The topic is Rotary Charities Grant Investigation Training. Please RSVP to Lou Anne Ford at louannef@gmail.com.
 Please check in with me in the Dome Room, get your lunch and bring it back to the Executive Board Room. The IM Rotary meeting is held in the Executive Board Room off the front lobby.
 

Club members were reminded:

• Vern Gauthier is still filling Salvation Army bell ringing assignments.  Sign-up sheets are in the Dome entryway.
• Susan Kraus says RSVP’s for the club’s annual Christmas party are lagging.  “A lot of you have told me you want to attend.  Now is the time to let us know.”  The event will be held Tuesday, December 8th, 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Traverse Yacht Club, next door to Apache Trout Grill and on West Bay.  Boathouse Restaurant general manager and Rotarian Michael Richmond is catering the event, said Susan.  Pasta and carving stations are among the culinary treats, while music will be provided by the well known and talented duo of Elizabeth Rivers and Al Jankowski. Send your reservations to club administrator Kathy Bussell tcrotary2822@gmail.com
• First week of the club’s annual One-Way-Coat-Day was marked by Pete Strom and his helpers.  Bring your used (but in good condition) winter duds next week for redistribution.
• Fifth annual Rotary Chorus Christmas Caroling party will again be hosted by Bob and Ruth Stowe at their Washington Street home.  Sunday, December 13th, 5:30 p.m. is the date and time.  Check with Bob if you’re planning to attend.
• Foundation committee chair Roy Pentilla noted the club total is about $7,800.  “Our goal is $100 per member.”  This is in competition with other clubs in District 6290.
• Stay tuned for a new pickle ball event in January 2016!

Committee co-chair Dan Rickard urged Rotarians to use the pledge forms on their tables to support the annual program which provides holiday gift baskets to the region’s needy.  Committee volunteer Ben
Marentette recalled one of his first experiences purchasing items for a single Mother of three children.  He and partner Matt were so moved by the experience, they have been doing it ever since.  “And now I even take my nephews with me,” said Ben.  “It’s one of the most fun things you can do at Christmastime.” Please email or call Kathy with your pledge, 941-5421 or tcrotary2822@gmail.com

Last week over 20 Rotarian and non-Rotarian bike riders joined forces to raise $5000 for the eradication of Polio.   Adding the two-to-one match that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gives to such donations through Rotary, the rider’s contribution was actually $15,000. Fit For You Health Club joined the project by donating free bikes to anyone riding for the Ride to End Polio.  Owner and Rotarian Vern Gauthier said, “This is a great project and exactly the kind of project that Fit For You and our members like to embrace.”

Marking Thanksgiving week 2015 in song, 18 members of the West High School Choral-Aires treated Rotarians to a range of music dating from the 16th century to the present.
 
The multi-piece program was directed by Erich Wangeman; introduced by Jayne Mohr; and accompanied by Nancy Moyes.  Appreciative Rotarians gave
the chorus a standing ovation!
 
Director Wangeman also issued a special invitation to Rotarians and guests to attend West’s ensemble music presentation.  The December 12th evening

( 6 to 9 p.m.) holiday event at the Grand Traverse Commons’ Kirkbride Hall will offer the best of the high school’s music ensembles, along with holiday refreshments and appetizers. 
 

Please donate your gently use coats, hats, gloves, sweaters...We will have a drop box at the meeting.