President Mike opened the meeting with sad news that our friend and long-time Rotarian Henry Zuilhof passed away on Friday. Henry was a very kind man, served this Rotary club well and is fondly remembered. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

With all in attendance snuggled into tighter-than-normal quarters, God Bless America and The Pledge were delivered and Christopher Cox provided our cozy invocation.

 

Marsha Minervini outdid herself today as our song leader. (Why does she do this?  Because she’s amazing!)  She called in 8 of the “Best of the Best” Sweet Adelines members (quartets Sashay and Unfiltered) to treat us all to perfect Valentine’s Day harmonies.  Bryon Hanson was the big winner of the day as he was singled out to receive a well-deserved “My Valentine” from Marsha and Company along with a gushy card and some chocolate.  The girls followed that up with their rendition of “All My Loving”.

 

Lori Schmeltzer introduced visiting Rotarians and guest.

 

Tom Haase and yours truly (Ramona) announced the need for a Youth Exchange Officer for this club for our Youth Exchange Program.  Both Tom and Ramona have been greatly impacted by this program and want to give others the chance to serve in this capacity and “share the love”. Knowing that we have several applicants for this position, a round of Rock, Paper, Scissors will be played to determine who will be the next esteemed YEO. Currently, all three Traverse City Rotary Clubs collaborate on the Youth Exchange Program. It’s one of the coolest things you will ever be apart of.  Please let Tom or Ramona know when you’d like to take over!!

 

Lou Anne Ford reminded us of Pickleball next week, Tuesday, March 21 at 5:30 at the Old YMCA.  If Pickleball isn’t quite your cup of tea, feel free to join the sweaty bunch at The Parlor around 7:30 for some organized socializing.

 

Career Day is Wednesday, Feb. 15 at Traverse City High School. All those participating in sculpting and inspiring the young minds of our community are asked to be at the school by 1 pm.

 

The Forever-on-Fire-for-Ad-Sales guy Trevor Tkach (and we are SO happy that he is on fire for this project!) updated the club that we are currently at $28,000 in ad sales.  But wait, there’s more!!  Thanks to the help of our brilliant Katy McCain we have a new sponsor for the show.  Drum roll please……...Britton Banners has graciously stepped up to support our Good Works in a BIG WAY.  How big?  Oh, you’ll have to stay tuned over the next several weeks.  Now if that doesn’t make you want to do a happy dance, I don’t know what will!  BUT, this doesn’t mean we can slack on ad sales. (Uh….we’re Rotarians, we don’t slack!) We still have a long way to go to hit our $100,000+ goal.  So sell, sell, sell as if your life depended on it! Thanks for your continued work Trevor, you inspire us.

 

Sharron Zimmerman announced that the World Community Service committee will be after next week’s meeting.

 

Roy Pentilla announced that the Rotary Foundation raffle is March 17 at the PETS conference The last day to purchase your 50/50 ticket is Feb. 28.  Currently, we have sold 63 tickets and that’s about half of what we did last year.  And the $26.50 campaign has currently brought in $2032.

 

Monica Larsen announced the 43 winners of the Perfect Attendance Award.  Now, there are many ways to earn perfect attendance if you can’t make it to the weekly meeting.  You can visit another Rotary club, attend a riveting board meeting, and join the Rotary Show chorus and show up to rehearsals.  Things like the NMC BBQ, Kid’s Free Fishing Day and grant investigations all count! The biggest accolade in goes to Rotary Rock Star Don Breadon who has 42 years of perfect attendance. (Let’s put that into perspective, 42 years ago, Ramona wasn’t even born yet - that is if you do some really bad math.)  Congratulations Don! CLICK HERE to view Perfect Attendance List.

 

Sid Van Slyke walked away $32 richer from the 50/50. 

 

 

Career Day on February 15 this year was bustling!   This is one of my favorite Rotary experiences, when Rotarians representing various career paths, along with non-Rotarians who step up, spend a little over an hour at Traverse City High School.   Every five minutes the whistle blows, and a new round of students sits with a volunteer to talk with the students about a host of things related to career choice.  Some students want to talk about their career plans and ask for advice on how to pursue their dreams; others, perhaps seeking comfort in not knowing exactly where they want to go, ask how you found yourself where you are professionally.   Because Traverse City High School's student population consists of mostly non-traditional students often with challenging circumstances, I absolutely love the opportunity to offer encouragement and challenge the students to not let anyone set their limits.  Sakura Raftery and Monica Larsen do a great job of rallying the troops for this event, and I'm proud of my fellow Rotarians! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.

Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very most of your contribution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come join the fun, Tuesday, 2/21/17,  Pickleball & Rotary Social at the Parlor-

 

Pickleball at the old YMCA - 3000 Racquet Club Drive, 5:30 pm- 7:30

 

1st-time players welcomed and encouraged, Free play and instruction.

 

Dinner/drinks @ The Parlor afterward, 205 Lake Ave, Traverse City, MI