President Mike Meindertsma commenced our meeting with a cheerful and helpful reminder that it was Tax Day!  With one week ‘til the 75^th Annual Rotary Show, the noon meeting was a great chance to find ways to help with many aspects of the big show.

Nikki Sobkowski led the invocation.     

The Kingsley Trio showed off sweet harmonies and prowess of performance as they strummed and sang a great rendition of “Blowin’ in the Wind”

Chris De Good introduced our visiting Rotarians and guests for the meeting.  He also requested small fishing poles to be put to good use during Kids’ Free Fishing Day.

Autumn Soltysiak introduced the Outstanding Students of the Week.  St. Francis High School students Nick Meddaugh and Maria Piche spoke wonderfully about their well-rounded approach to being a great student, in athletics, activities and academics!  

Andrew Coleman (and Franz of “Hanz and Franz” fame), Andy Robitshek, and Trevor Tkach all requested help for the Rotary Show. 

Andrew wanted to “Sign You UP!” for set-up and tear-down of the stage sets at the State Theater on Friday from 8 am to 9:30 am and Sunday the 30^th from 9 am to 10:30 am. 

Andy reminded the group to purchase tickets early online (at www.stateandbijou.org) and thanked those whose hard work sold a lot of ads in the Show program.  Ushers and other helpers are still needed for the Rotary Show, starting on Wednesday, April 26^th, and running until Saturday the 29^th. 

Trevor presented the Rotary Show program and asked for volunteers to bring a bundle to restaurants or other destinations.

Katy McCain has posters ready to distribute to local businesses, too!

Steve Haskin reminded the group that it’s almost “Time to Do the Barbeque”.  Sign up for cooking of burgers or hot dogs at the May 21^st NMC BBQ.  Sixty people are needed to keep the deliciousness served up that day!

 

Jean Derenzy, Director of Community Development for Grand Traverse County, reminded us that great leadership is the foundation for progress. 

Jean related that thought to Grand Traverse County’s ability to be ready for the “realities of today” as they look to leaders in their organization to help bring new ideas and creative approaches to help the citizens of the county.

Deputy Administrator Jen DeHaan and Finance Director Jody Lundquist provided an in-depth status update on G.T. County. They shared details on challenges and successes and helped give great insight to issues that have been in the public eye recently.

In Grand Traverse County, twenty-eight departments, 18 elected officials, and 475 employees make up an organization that provides a multitude of important services and functions.  Jen and Jody’s role in administration is to bring all of these groups together – striking the delicate balance of policy and politics.

Jody shared details on the county’s general fund operating budget of $37 million.
The majority of revenue is from the tax base, and she communicated the need to generate funds sometimes is in opposition to the public’s perception of paying taxes.

She gave a useful metaphor to give some perspective. “The average family spends… $200 per month eating out. They’ll spend more on tips in a year than they will pay in property taxes for the general operations of the county.” 

Growing costs versus relatively stagnate revenues were a major part of the recent funding problem, Jody said. That “push to do more with less” has created a need for a more critical look at employee benefits and pensions.

Jody said the “fly in the budget ointment” is the $60 million in unfunded legacy costs, including enhanced benefits put forth during economic downturns during the last 16 years.  Proposals today include better managing of retirement benefits – still making good on their promise to employees, and saving the County almost $250,000 per year going forward, totaling almost $5 million in savings.

Tom Menzel’s role and ability to be brave, bold, and enact changes was mentioned throughout today’s program. His leadership and professionalism was appreciated by the presenters. 

CURRENT CAREER – Major Gift Fundraising for Munson Healthcare.

 

EDUCATION – BS, MSU & MBA, Lake Superior State University.

   

FAMILY- Husband Dave; adult children Nan (Nick) Perez and Bill (Ashley), and four extremely cute and intelligent grandchildren!

 

FAVORITE DESSERT - Fresh fruit. Just kidding, ice cream!

 

FAVORITE ACTIVITY – Playing hooky from work and going skiing!

 

LAST BOOK READ – Currently plowing through the Harry Potter series, mainly so I can answer crossword clues.

 

 

FAVORITE SONG – Horse with No Name

 

LIKELY KNOWS – My first job was at Bardon’s, and I still like ice cream.

 

LIFE ROLE MODEL – My dad, Joe Muha.  And his dad-isms like: “the only one standing in your way is you” or “pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get going” or my favorite “keep your eye on the donut and not the hole.”

 

MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT –  Being married to Dave Karczewski for 36 years.

 

PROUDEST MOMENT -  Seeing my kids develop into responsible adults and great parents.

 

SECRET AMBITION - I should’ve been a doctor.

 

MOST FAMOUS PERSON MET - Well, maybe not famous but definitely most Interesting--our own Sid Lammers!

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE – I was the fifth woman to join our Rotary Club.

 

 

Volunteers can email or call me at 941-5421 or tcrotary2822@gmail.com 

 

The Rotary Youth Exchange Fundraiser Dinner was another delicious food fest!  The Boathouse outdid themselves with a perfect combination surf and turf dinner of steak and lobster tail.  Dinner was​​​​​​ topped off with a delightful chocolate mousse.  Our outbound students include:

 

 

The dinner helps to offset some of the costs of each student's exchange year. Fostering world peace while on exchange comes with a cost.  The students are most grateful for all the support Rotary has provided them and are excited to make the most of their exchange opportunity. 

 

And if you are wanting to open your home and family this coming school year to an exchange student and live on the West side of TC, please get in touch Ramona Pleva, Katy McCain or Tom Hasse.