A hint of fall was finally in the air after weeks of summer temperatures and two days of spring rain, which was readily embraced through song leader Bob Stow’s choice of “Shine on Harvest Moon” about weather influenced romance nuances. This reinforced the love expressed by Lee Olewinski in his invocation to help people in need by practicing ethical behavior and service above self.
Tony Anderson orchestrated the falling leaves of visiting Rotarians and guests; with the fall love fest continuing during the introduction of our favorite returning Rotarian Sally Erickson, and an exchange of club pennants by John Racine with Jonathon Tarrant from Anchorage, Alaska; with honorable mention to Ann Arbor president John Ackenhusen (that’s certainly a plethora of Johns on stage at one time).
President JR also let everyone know about a series of events in two days at the Gates Foundation in Seattle, that one can stream live at endpolio.org (but then by the time you read this that chance will have fallen by the wayside). But another chance to fall (this time off a bike), and to support End Polio Now is the Ride for Polio at Fit for You sometime in the second week of November (exact dates to be further clarified by Vern G. at the next two Rotary meetings once he figures it out himself, but likely November 13-18. But, for sure, there will be late fall (technically correct since Winter Solstice isn’t until Dec 21) bell ringing for the Salvation Army December 11-18. And to get ready for that colder weather Herb Lemcool requested assistance with collecting coats and making announcements for One Way Coat Days.
President John also reminded everyone that there are 2 more days (again written for posterity’s rather than practical sake) to let the Rotary office know that you have made a donation to any organization providing relief from any of this fall’s hurricanes, which will be matched by our club up to $5,000 ($1050 donated so far). And Al Zelinski made all efforts to not fall off his seat winning $36 in the 50/50 drawing.
Jayne Mohr introduced Traverse City Central High School’s Musical program of 160 students participating in 5 curricular and 2 extra-curricular groups, which have consistently rated “excellent” in numerous regional and national competitions. Choir director Tammy Williams led the amazingly talented Choral-Aires of 9 men and 9 women through a Spanish piece prior to amazing everyone in attendance with 2 selections from their upcoming production of “Les Miserables”. The first featured Jean Valjean and Javier singing “Confrontation”, an energy-filled verbal duel of a song that so beautifully highlights the conflict between these two main characters lives as they cross. The second the truly inspiring “One Day More” with themes of love of a person or cause, and those of unrequited love; performed excellently by these talented students. The song’s final words bringing us, in the end, full circle to our invocation:
Tomorrow we'll discover What our God in Heaven has in store! One more dawn One more day One day more!
Click here for tickets to "Les Miserables" which runs Nov 9-19 on Thursday through Sunday.
So please use each gorgeous fall day to be effective when offering help to the illiterate, the poor, the disabled, and all others with compassion; being open to advice, utilizing riches bestowed on us, so that we may be successful according to the great plan for each of us.
A memorial service for Bob will take place at 1:30 pm on Friday, October 27, at the First Congregational Church. Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Bob’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
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.
Match forms need to be signed by you and the non-profit and turned in the byDecember 1st deadline.
In response to the recent hurricanes, the Club Board decided to match, up to a total Club contribution of $5,000, charitable contributions which our Club members have already made in response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma or Maria, or which are made prior to October 26, 2017. The Club’s portion of those matching contributions will be made to funds set up by Rotary International which is specifically tailored to assist in the relief of those hurricanes. You may click on this link to donated directly
You may also provide payment (payable to Rotary Camps & Services) to Kathy Bussell, or request a specific amount be contributed and charged to your Rotary Club account. Otherwise, if you have made your contribution directly to some other charitable organization, let Kathy know the date and amount so the Club can then match that amount.
The temperature is dropping, soon the snow will be falling. A sweater, a hat, gloves and boots and you are ready to go out and face the elements. Can you imagine having to do that in your sneakers, with an old sweatshirt and a windbreaker and nothing more? Too many people in our community are just making it financially and are unable to afford the winter clothing that is needed to go to work, go to school, the grocery store and more. If you have gently used winter clothing: coats, hats, gloves, mittens or boots that you would be willing to share with our neighbors in need, we would gladly distribute them. Each year we have families in search of these items. Frequently they are working, just not making enough to handle rent, food, utilities, medical bills AND winter gear. Please consider helping out your neighbors when you are replacing your winter gear by donating those gently used, clean items to The Father Fred Foundation.
Each year the volunteers in our Clothing and Household Goods area hear comments from our guests as to how grateful they are to be able to get a warm coat or perhaps a pair of boots at The Foundation. So many in our community are working jobs that pay at or near minimum wage and with housing and transportation cost a bit higher in our area, affording expensive clothing items is challenging at best. Whatever you can do to help lighten the load for those in need, is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for all that you do in our community. It is thanks to donors just like you that we can all make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.
God bless you,
Deb Haase
Executive Director - The Father Fred Foundation
We will be collecting at our Club meetings on November 14th, 21st & 28th.
