Past President John Racine opened the afternoon meeting to appreciative applause as he pinched hit for President Beers who was off doing election service on this most important of civic days. PS: Don’t tell Allison!
Christopher Cox offered some fine words of thanks and Marlene Bevan found her way to “work across the aisle” with a song we could all agree on: The Rotary Song! No arguments there.
Tom Kern introduced our visitors and guest for the week admonishing us to be on our best behavior. He also reminded us to get our Shingle Vaccine Shot - speaking from his own personal experience.
Paul Heidbreder introduced a new member to the club. Alexander (Alex) Wood joins the club and comes to us with an extensive personal and professional pedigree. He is a commercial banking careerist in addition to being the son of longtime member Elaine Wood.
Steve Wade introduced the holiday season with the annual Christmas Basket appeal. He, Dan Rickard, and Dale Chilcotte are seeking shoppers for local families in need this year. Once again, new members will be called upon as are other asked to step up and join in this most fulfilling of our service activities.
One-Way Coat time is upon us as Tony Anderson reminded us that he and Herb Lemcool will be collecting hats, coats, and gloves so bring ‘em in over the next two weeks!
Marcia Billings announced the Twilight Club’s Calendar Raffle she will be offering for purchase for $25 for chances to win up to $25,000 in prizes throughout next year over the next few weeks. Proceeds funds their Good Works programs.
Holiday time brings cheer, too, and Susan Krauss announced a gathering at the Top of the Park for Martini Nite for fun and revelry on Tuesday November 13 after work. The Holiday Bash will be at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club on December 5th so make your reservations soon.
Marlene Bevan updated the club on Rotary Charities and the board’s role in the changing environment.
- It is the primary responsibility of the board members to serve the greater good of this community as the board determines it should be rather than responding to the voices of individuals, including those members of our own club who might be influenced by their own personal beliefs. All of us on the board are inspired by your support in electing us to oversee the investments Rotary Charities makes in our community. We’ve changed the language in our roles and responsibilities to document and to reflect our ongoing commitment to good stewardship of our resources in the name of our community guided by the four-way test
- We’ve also expanded the portfolio of regional impact investments targeting intermediary financial institutions to provide capital for regional opportunities yielding financial and community return. An investment of $500,000 has been made in the Michigan Community Capital, which provides equity and patient capital for the development of workforce housing. This is our third investment. We have also invested in IFF, which fills gaps in non-profit lending, and in Venture North a community development financial institution in our region providing capital to start-up and growth businesses.
Kurt Rivard kicked of Rotary Foundation Month with a short video that helped establish the import of Paul Harris funding and the three-fold impact our gift makes as it returns to this community and our club for projects both local and worldwide. Watch for Kurt’s letter later this month. Every Rotarian, Every Year!
Join Al Bonney as he Rides for Polio eradication. In two weeks On November 17th Al will ride his bike in Tucson AZ. He’s hoping to hit the $4K mark…so you can go to his site linked elsewhere in the bulletin and add your donation!
PLEASE NOTE: Next Week’s Meeting will be at the Park Place NOT at the Coast Guard Station as in the past.
Tim Tate & Andy Kempf