It was Past President Dale Chilcote who rang the opening bell on Tuesday, July 26.  Dale was pinch-hitting for President Mike who is out of town.

 

Gary Hogue gave the invocation.  Allison Beers (who knows how to bring it on her song leader day) noted that today is Mick Jagger’s birthday and fittingly had the group belting out “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” with sidekick Greg Smith on guitar.  We think this is the first time Byron Hansen has ever played anything by the Rolling Stones.

 

Past President Dale introduced visiting Rotarians who included Becky Ewing and Anne Bonney from the TC Sunrise club and Ed Murray from Elk Rapids and guests.

 

Ramona Pleva, DC (the official chiropractor for the Rotary club of Traverse City) introduced our newest Rotarian Lori Schmeltzer.   Lori is the owner of Schmeltzer Law, PLLC and specializes in family and appellate law.  She earned her law degree from University of Detroit Mercy Law School.  For fun Lori makes scrumdeliumptious cupcakes for her friends! Become her friend!

 

Our club got two super-sized programs today. Here are the highlights of the highlights:

 

Al Bonney introduced our own Marilyn Fitzgerald as a “Rotary Rock Star”.  Marilyn has traveled the world and has been passionately involved with international humanitarian efforts on numerous levels.  She is the author of “If I had a Water Buffalo” and shared her epiphany regarding her wanting to save the world to creating opportunities for sustainable solutions, independence and growth in villages in third world countries.

 

Through some innovation a program was developed that allowed individuals to obtain a microloan for business purposes, education, networking skills and mentoring. Marilyn shared stories of women who are now able to make a living, educate their children and employee other members of their village.

 

Marilyn has her book available for purchase for $20 and all the proceeds go to support this program that our World Community Service committee has helped foster.

 

Not to be outdone, Deb Lake introduced “the man who needs no introduction”: Michael Moore. 

 

The Traverse City Film Fest is celebrating its 12th year and Michael expressed his gratitude to our Rotary club and Rotary Charities for their part in the success of The State Theater and the Film Festival.  He also acknowledged the many sponsors and volunteers have come out of the wood work this year and have allowed there to be more free events for families. Speaking of free, the Film Festival is happy to be presenting free films all day, every day at The Buzz – a new theater at Central Grade School, named after Rotarian Buzz Wilson.

 

Michael highlighted some of the charming aspects of Traverse City that scream “you are welcome here”, these include vegan ice cream and a street piano! He also presented his vision for Traverse City beyond the Film Festival.  He sees a need for: middle class jobs, high speed Internet to attract new business, and a four-year university. He hopes that MSU will consider trailblazing that opportunity.  College towns are recession proof, attract young talent and “bring cool things” to the area.

 

Due to the length of the meeting some announcements were omitted.  Please make note of:

            Friends of the Boardman Dinner is Sept. 15 at 5:30 at TCCC

 

Volunteers are needed on Aug. 23 for the TC Sunrise Club’s Backpack for Kids stuffing party! Please see Lisa Pointe if you are interested in lending a hand.

 

Whew!! All in all, it was a great day to be a Rotarian.  While we have much to be proud of, there is always service to be done.