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• Tom Petzold shared his thoughts of gratitude and reflection. Continue to pray for peace and don't give up on world peace. 

• Our Rotarian's guests and prospective members were introduced by Beth Melcher. 

• Diana Milock was Happy to show up when needed to lead Happy Bucks and see who else was happy. 

• Linda Racine shared the positive impact of our grant to Safe Passage by reading the thank-you note that was sent from Guatemala. The full note is below. 

• Ramona Pleva updated us on the results of the Blood Drive and noted that she will bribe us with sweets again if that's what it takes. 

• Miriam Owsley is now recruiting Grant Review volunteers for the Spring cycle, ideally, there will be 12 Rotarians to review 6 applications. It's great to get to know the non-profits, discuss them during the review process, and then reach out to the dedicated people behind the applications. Madison Ford shared his experience with this volunteer work, it's a small effort to make a large impact. For him, it is a beautiful way to learn and respect the different ways non-profits operate.

• Nick Beadleston was cautious of the impending snowstorm and opted to postpone our monthly Food Rescue day to March 2nd instead. Hopefully, at least 6 Rotarians can make it out next week. 

• Our program speaker was introduced by Dan Buron to talk about the Munson Stroke Program. Dr. Gary Rajah has led innovative and highly successful stroke care for most of Northern MI and parts of the Upper Peninsula. You've heard "Time is Money" but in Gary's mind, it would be "Time is Brain" because every minute during a stroke you lose a million neurons. The real-time scans and photos go straight from the patient to the doctor to save those precious minutes if an issue is detected. The most common sign of a stroke would be slurred speech and a drooping face but regular check-ups can help prevent a clot from going undetected. 

• The 50/50 winning sum was $53 and was won by John Racine. 

A Thank-you to TC Rotary

From Safe Passage in Guatemala

In December our club donated $5000 (which was matched by another $5000) to fund a second 3-year-old classroom at Safe Passage.  We just received this beautiful thank-you:

"I am so overwhelmed by the heartfelt and generous $5000 grant to Safe Passage which will have such a positive impact on the littlest students--now five weeks into their brand new start in full-time school!  And now that government COVID-19 restrictions loosened considerably for the new school year, they are benefiting from a full immersive day, every day (with nap time), that also provides healthy meals and psychosocial supports.  The love and passion for the work we do comes across, and we feel so fortunate to count the Rotarian Club of TC among our dear friends.  Gracias! "

We’re making a difference!  And if you want to see it first hand, the World Community Service Committee is planning a service learning trip to Safe Passage in the fall (last week of September or first week of October).  Talk with any WCS member for details or email Lorraine Beers at lorrainembeers@gmail.com, Tom Petzold at petzoldtm@goacentek.net, or Linda Racine at linbracine@gmail.com.