If you look at left column of this newsletter you'll find several new resources available as links/downloads, including a membership photo directory, updated $250 Rotary match form, Club FAQs, updated Member Handbook. The website also includes more prominent links to these resources from home page (directory is password protected due to sensitive contact info).
In 1942, northern Michigan Rotarians needed to energize the Club membership and raise funds for community projects. The inaugural Rotary Minstrel Show had a lofty fundraising goal of $500. In true Rotary style, they met and exceeded that goal – by $7. The profits paid for a new water well at the scout camp, where oil wells would eventually generate the vital revenue that supports Rotary Charities today.
Referred to by the press as a “…tradition of skits and laughs, frolicking and fun that will tickle audiences while helping the community,” the Rotary Show now runs four nights in late April or early May, and raises between $60,000 and $70,000 annually for good works in our region.
Over the years the show has resulted in donations back to the community in excess of $2.2 million. Ad sales this year are in excess of $86,000.
For the first 35 years the show took place at the State Theatre. When the venue closed they moved to Lars Hockstad and, this year, are excited to return to the State.
This year’s event will be held Wednesday, April, 22 to Saturday, April 25y.The pre-show begins at 7:30 pm, followed by the Mighty Rotary Chorus taking the stage at 8:00 pm
Please consider going, bring friends & colleagues. There are lots of community participants and they showcase some really great talent. The more tickets that are sold, the greater the proceeds we all get to share to help fund our community service initiatives.
This is our third annual fundraiser for our Rotary outbound exchange students. Boathouse Restaurant partners with us and net proceeds for this event will go directly to help offset the costs associated with an exchange year. The event features a fabulous multi-course dinner and promises to have some surprise entertainment! We typically sell around ninety seats. Questions? Please contact Lindsey Dickinson, Youth Exchange Officer, at lindsey.c.dickinson@gmail.com.
We're excited to share the news that our Board of Directors has supported Membership Committee recommendation of three candidates for membership in our club. Their applications are provided via link below (requires your login due to private info).
Please review and share any comments/concerns with Sean, Nancy, or any member of the club board or membership committee.
As part of the District Conference, we have several members who have graciously volunteered to host Friday night in-home dinner. These are intended to be fun, casual 'dinner parties' where you can meet people from clubs in other areas of the District. The commitment includes round-trip transportation from Park Place hotel to host home.
Kathi Murchie and Peter Raphael have offered to support as drivers. Ideally we need six additional volunteers to provide transportation to/from these homes:
Linda Raetz -- Old Mission Peninsula (also hosting visiting exchange students from throughout District)
Steve Francis -- Williamsburg
Dave Kase - TC west side
George Prewitt -- TC west side, SE Lk Leelanau
What a fun way to get to know a fellow member! As driver you'll have dinner at their house. You can help watch their back and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Friday, May 1st
6pm depart from Park Place, try to have everyone back no later than 9pm (unless you're all having a blast and host is on board).
If you'd be willing to help please let Nancy know (nthornton@centos.net).
We should extend our thanks to Kathleen has also volunteered as host home, and her husband Mark is providing transportation. Becky Ewing and husband Bob are hosting with Tom Gilbert and Marsha providing transportation.
Guests: Spencer Raetz (Linda's son), Donovan & Dawson Payne (David's boys), Brandon Bugai (outbound), Jack Kelly and Adam Beers (prospective members, sponsored by Becky).
Visiting Rotarians: Tim Tate, and Nick Edson (TC Noon), and Lois (Nick's wife)
50/50: Mark O'Reilly was lucky winner of $20.
Member News:
There's a really wonderful article--"Shared passion for the outdoors, 5Ks leads to lasting connection for Big Brothers Big Sisters duo"--in Michigan Runner Girlthat happens to feature Laura, but talks more broadly about the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. We're proud of everything you do Laura!
Sean gave us advance notice of his breaking news -- effective April 1 they are now proud owners of Copy Central. They've had a long standing, wonderful relationship with that business and are excited to be taking it over and working with the team.
Announcements:
Branden Bugai, Outbound Exchange Student, announced that the Rotary Youth Exchange fundraising dinner at Boathouse Restauranttakes place April 14th at 6pm. Tickets are $50. Boathouse generously supports the event and net proceeds are donated to our outbound students to help optimize their Rotary Exchange experience. In particular we want to be sure they're able to fully participate in the opportunities Rotary offers them while they are in host country. Tickets are available through the students who will be at our meetings in coming weeks.
David Payne announced the dates for this year's BackPacks for Kids all hands on deck service project: August 17 (assembly line prep), August 18 (stuffing) and August 20 (distribution).
Steve Francis made a presentation on behalf of the Salvation Army recognizing for our fundraising efforts this past holiday season. Our bell ringers collected $729 in donations. Thank you to all who volunteered.
Save the date of Thursday April 23rd as our club's night to attend Rotary Show. We'll revise our location from former North Peak location now that the show is at State Theatre. Suggestions for good walking distance venue?
Guest Speaker:
Steve Edson, TC Noon Rotarian, gave us a glimpse into his hobby of collecting sports memorabilia . . . a passion he's had since he saw his first baseball card at age five. It was fun hearing some of his stories . . . tales of people picking up used book or old bible and leafing through pages only to find hidden treasures, such as a $45,000 baseball card from 1895. Makes you want to start going to all the used book stores, library and yard sales! He closed with five simple rules to follow when it comes to pursuing your hobby:
It needs to be something you enjoy
It helps to focus on something specific (e.g. sports memorabilia vs. memorabilia in general)
Set goals
Figure out the what and where - what are you looking for; where are you going to be able to find it
In 1942, northern Michigan Rotarians needed to energize the Club membership and raise funds for community projects. The inaugural Rotary Minstrel Show had a lofty fundraising goal of $500. In true Rotary style, they met and exceeded that goal – by $7. The profits paid for a new water well at the scout camp, where oil wells would eventually generate the vital revenue that supports Rotary Charities today.
Steve Edson, TC Noon Rotarian, gave us a glimpse into his hobby of collecting sports memorabilia . . . a passion he's had since he saw his first baseball card at age five. It was fun hearing some of his stories . . . tales of people picking up used book or old bible and leafing through pages only to find hidden treasures, such as a $45,000 baseball card from 1895. Makes you want to start going to all the used book stores, library and yard sales! He closed with five simple rules to follow when it comes to pursuing your hobby: