It was a day to be thankful as president Mike Meindertsma led the meeting and invited all presenters to share something they were thankful for.
Indeed, we are all thankful to be a part of the very best Rotary club in the world!
Christopher Cox led the invocation.
Dale Chilcote introduced new Rotarian Tim Rudolf.
Trevor Tkach welcomed new Rotarian Kelly Dunham.
Greg Luyt led a very well-attended noon meeting in singing R-O-T-A-R-Y as Byron Hanson plucked the ivories, accompanying our upbeat and inspiring tune.
Laura Jolly, from the Rotary Club of Traverse Bay Sunrise, announced the Holiday Sale supporting the women of Red Dirt Road.
Dale Chilcote returned to the stage to remind that Christmas Basket donations are being accepted – so that others in our community may be thankful for the good work and gifts Rotary can help provide!
Vern Gauthier literally rang in the request for Salvation Army red kettle volunteers.
Herb Lemcool was thankful for a full house this Thanksgiving, and a warm house; as he needed coats in a recent moment of having no electricity at his home. That segued Herb into reminding us to donate jackets to the One Way Coat Drive for so many in need. The week of November 28th is the last week to bring them in.
Katy McCain invited the group to the Holiday Party on December 13th. The holiday soiree will be catered deliciously by the Boathouse.
Attorney Greg Kish spoke about Elder Law, and shared some practical pointers on having an estate plan.
While Mr. Kish’s practice works with clients mostly at the moment of needing implementation of one that’s already been made, he reminded all in attendance how important it is to think of all the financial and legal needs we all will face.
Sharing a personal story about requiring this information during his mother’s recent unexpected medical event made his presentation a powerful plea to pay attention to our, and our family members’, planning.
His first tip was to be sure the plan is accessible.
From finances to medical care, he drove home the importance of knowing and having their wishes on-hand.
“If a person has signed a medical directive (or) 5 Wishes Form… it’s of no good if people don’t know where it is,” he said.
His advice was to ask for a copy from your family member. It’s especially useful to email it to yourself, have it saved on your phone, or in the cloud, he said. You can then access it electronically wherever and whenever an emergency arises.
Another tip in addressing the usually uncomfortable and personal topic is by asking about a parent’s plan within conversations about other medical issues – especially with the time together the holidays afford.
Other specific planning options shared were in respect to special needs beneficiaries. An “ABLE account” is a designed for a person with a disability, and allows for additional funds to be added without disqualifying them from Medicaid.
Mr. Kish reminded the group that all of the plans, documentation, and legal safeguards he shared are ways “to express care and concern and love for loved ones, and your family.”
On Tuesday the Christmas Basket Committee kicked off our annual campaign to provide food, necessities, and joy to hundreds of people across our community. Because you gave, each year we help over 50 families have a merry Christmas.
Each of you likely participated in this program at one time or another. Take a moment to draw on your experience, think about the family you helped and then consider helping support this effort again this year.
Here’s how you can help:
At next week’s meeting bring cash, a check, or complete a form to have your donation added to your Rotary bill. You can also donate by contacting Kathy in the Rotary office tcrotary2822@gmail.com or 941-5421.
Volunteer to adopt a family. Last year we adopted 58 families. Each one needs someone to shop for them. We’ll give you money, toys and other goodies. All you need is some time.
Help Us Buy Toys. In early December we need shoppers to use money given to Toys for Tots to buy toys for our families.
Please sign up with Vern Gauthier for a Salvation Army bell ringer shift. Vern will be stationed in the back of the room at the Club meeting. Just follow your ears and listen for the bell.
This is the last week for the One Way Coat Drive, please donate your gently use coats, hats, gloves, sweaters...We will have a drop box at the meeting.
The women of Red Dirt Road in Cambodia create beautiful handbags, purses, and scarves, which will be for sale November 30 from 6 -8 pm at the VFW hall on Veterans Drive in Traverse City.
The award-winning documentary (only 14 minutes long) will be shown at 7pm.
COME AND SEE/BUY FOR HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING! This business is the lifeline to their community. ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO THESE WOMEN.
This event hosted by the Rotary Club of Traverse Bay Sunrise is free. Bring family and friends!
Check out their facebook page to learn more Click Here
Match forms need to be sign and turned in by December 1st.
In 1999, Rotary Charities donated $2.5 million to the Community Foundation to establish the Rotary Endowment. The Endowment connects the shared work of Rotary Charities and the Community Foundation of promoting philanthropy to enrich the quality of life in our region. Today, the Rotary Endowment provides an opportunity for individual Rotarians and local Rotary Clubs to have their philanthropic support matched by the Community Foundation.
The partnership between the Community Foundation and Rotary Charities is reflective of the quality of philanthropic intent and integrity that makes this a wonderful place to live, work, and give.
Dale Chilcote introduced new Rotarian Tim Rudolf. 
Attorney Greg Kish spoke about Elder Law, and shared some practical pointers on having an estate plan. 
On Tuesday
The women of Red Dirt Road in Cambodia create beautiful handbags, purses, and scarves, which will be for sale 
Match forms need to be sign and turned in by December 1st.
