It was a sparkling day to talk about sparkling wine at a Tuesday Rotary meeting, as sparkingly embellished by Ramona Pleva…...
Our always sparkling President Awesome opened the meeting. We sang God Bless America and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Cindy Ruzak shared some sparkling awesome thoughts during our Gratitude and Reflection. Well done Cindy!
Marsha Minervini had us getting past cabin fever and visualizing summer after Sunday’s blizzard with Nat King Cole’s Lazy Hazy Days of Summer! (Oh to be drinking sparkling drinks on the beach with the sun basking down after the snow is gone….. Not sure when that will be!)
Past President Big Mike introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
Art Burkowski introduced our newest sparkling Rotarian Michelle Jacokes. She’s a Michigan native, an MSU alum (Go Green!) and now serves as the Produce Safety Technician for the Manistee Conservation District. Welcome Michelle!
Jean Derenzy was hot on Art’s heels with an even newer Rotarian Jeff O’Brien. Jeff serves as the Chief of Police for Traverse City. He is a Traverse City native, a graduate of Spring Arbor College and will complete his MBA in 2021. He and Amy, his wife have three biological children and six adopted children. Yes, people, you read that correctly, they have nine children! (Which is nine more than I have!) Welcome Jeff!
Our Students of the Week were introduced by the lovely Autumn Soltysiak. Kelby VanBrocklin studies graphic arts at the TBA Career Tech Center. Her recent wedding set series took her to the state finals! She is planning on attending NMC for her “13th year” to pursue an associate’s degree. Carly Boerema is home schooled and attends TBA. Her passion is in healthcare and has her sights on becoming a nurse. Congratulations Kelby and Carly, we are excited for you and all that you will accomplish!
President Awesome gave a sparkling shout out to our own Benjamin Marentette. He’s been appointed by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to serve with 25 national and local election experts and scholars to serve on Michigan's Election Modernization Team. Whoop, Whoop! Benjamin stated “This is a sparkling dream come true!” We always knew Benjamin would be doing awesome stuff!
And then President Awesome announced that our lunches at the Park Place will increase by a mere $2 on April 1, bringing our individual lunches to $16. This little extra will help the Park Place cover food costs and other services during our meeting.
World Community Service was to meet after the meeting as was the Club Board.
What will you be doing 17 days from now? Well, Max Anderson has checked his sparkling crystal ball and says we will all be FINISHING UP our ad sales!! If you haven’t made your calls and sold your ads, get them done! PRONTO! Or the man with the Big Hairy Face will come after you!! (Not really….. It’s just fun to refer to Max as “Big Hairy Face”!)
Susan Kraus announced another sparkling social event for our club at the Old Town Playhouse. Ralph Mittelberger and Phil Murphy have arranged an evening at the playhouse for us for Moon Over Buffalo on Thursday, March 12! Tickets are $22 for us (regular is $30 - so it’s a great deal!) and get with Ralph ramittelberger@gmail.com for tickets, he needs money!
Sakura Takano reported that our career networking day at Traverse City High School was a sparkling success. There were over 35 professionals who were engaged with 90 students. And did you know that TC High School has there own Interact Club!? They say the 4 Way Test and everything during their meetings!
Bob Stow announced that the Mighty Rotary Chorus will be rehearsals on Monday, March 4, at First Congregational Church starting at possibly 7 pm?! Also, this Thursday, Feb. 28 there will be a meet and greet with Christopher Cox. Christopher is the Assistant Music Director this year and will be stepping into the Music Director role for the 2020 Rotary Show. Please stop by the Discovery Center Collaborative at 6:30, meet Christopher and learn a little about his musical style.
Al Bonney shared a big Thank You for all those who purchased raffle tickets for the 50/50 Rotary Foundation Raffle.
And $62 from our 50/50 went to Jean Derenzy! (I’d say that’s good karma for bringing in the Chief of Police as a new member!)
Welcome New Members Michelle Jacokes and Jeff O'Brien
.jpg){kind=logo}
