Rochester Rotary Club RotoScoop
Report on the __ 2026, Meeting
Christine Hage, Editor
 
Menu for March 24 includes salad bar, sliced beef with gravy, bowtie Alfredo, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and mini ice cream bar.
ATTENDANCE
If you couldn't join us on St. Patrick's Day, you were missed! We had 34 attendees, including Vito Pampalona's son, Vito. He is in commercial construction.
 
INVOCATION
Linda Eastman, filling in for Stuart Siegner, who is sunning himself in Florida, gave today’s invocation.
 
FIFTEENTH HANDSHAKE
This week’s greeter, Linda Eastman, was busy greeting and praying, declared Roz Burns, the lucky leprechaun to go fine-free!
 
WHO AM I?
  • I joined Rotary because my friend invited me. My favorite memory is the International Convention in San Antonio. Something you may not know about me is that the City of LA indicted me for polluting the city.
  • I joined Rotary because I love the international mission and the youth exchange programs. My favorite memory is learning about Casa Colibri. My family came over on the Mayflower.
 
HAPPY BUCKS 
 
 
  • Linda Eastman had a great time taking her granddaughter to The Lion King at the Detroit Opera House.
  • Tom Neveau learned that his granddaughter was happy to receive only one foot of snow this week at Michigan Tech in the U.P.
  • Karen Joyce was happy her mom was paying Karen's fines/happy bucks for today.
  • Rachel Aviles did a bit of chemistry to turn toilet water green for her kids to discover on St. Patrick's Day morning. Unfortunately, someone used that toilet, and she lost the greenness!
  • Vito Pampalona promoted a golf outing to raise funds for fallen soldiers on August 3 at The Red Run Golf Club. An early lunch will be served at 10:30, followed by a shotgun start at noon, aka Twelve Hundred Hours.
 
BIRTHDAYS  & ANNIVERSARIES
Tom delPup, Kay Ellen Wilkins, and Peter Stuhlreyer are celebrating St. Patrick's Day and birthdays this coming weekShirley Gofrank and Tim Crawford, who are basking in the sun and celebrating 24 years as Rotarians.
 
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • Who am I? Our almost felon was Ernie Schaefer. Our Pilgrim descendant is Adem Althor
  • Beer & Wine Tasting Fundraiser -

    There are so many ways to support this fun and impactful event! You can help by purchasing tickets, selling tickets, contributing to the silent auction, or becoming a sponsor.

    We are currently seeking items for the silent auction. Linda Eastman is looking for event tickets, dining experiences, and sporting event packages. You’re welcome to donate an experience of your own or choose from some of Linda’s suggestions.

    Save the date: Wednesday, April 22. Tickets: $75 each

    Thank you for helping make this event a success!

  • Hog Wild on the Keys -  our fundraiser for Rotary (International Foundation) will be on May 29th, 6 p.m. at the Rochester Community House. Save the date!
  • Using a written ballot, active members approved both proposed Bylaw Revisions.
    1. Approved three Bylaw changes pertaining to an increase in annual dues for all types of membership. Passed 35 to 4.
      • Change annual dues for regular members to $720/year (or $60/month)
      • Change annual dues for honorary (non-voting) members to $150/year
      • Change annual dues for Under-40 members to $420/year (or $35/month)
    2. Approved a Bylaw addition to terminate a membership that has an outstanding balance for 90 days or more. Passed 34 to 4.
SONG LEADER
Jerry O'Carvey got our Irish on by singing Too-ra-lo-ra-looo-ral/ That's An Irish Lullaby and My Wild Irish Rose.
 
SHERIFF'S REPORT ☘️
Sheriff David Blair's Report – St. Patrick’s Day Edition 

The Sheriff started by asking all the little festive leprechauns to settle down. Sheriff David Blair said he was already exhausted… mostly from having to beg for applause. Honestly, he shouldn’t have to work this hard. This isn’t amateur hour, people.

  • First things first, if you have not seen, made eye contact, or spoken to President Rachel Aviles today, that’s a $5 fine just for being mysteriously absent on a day when chaos is basically mandatory.
  • Sheriff Blair then moved on to talk about all the “Irish” folks. Anybody who is legitimately Irish, green beer ancestry doesn’t count, received the Sheriff's congratulations, but also was still fined $5. Heritage wasn't a free pass today.
  • Anyone wearing “Kiss Me I’m Irish” shirts? Oh, bold strategy. Very bold. Especially when your last name is something like Johnson, that was a $5 fine for fraudulent leprechaun behavior.
  • Wardrobe choices
    • If you’re not wearing green… but you’re trying to convince us that chartreuse or “viridian” counts—oh, look at you with your fancy Crayola vocabulary—that’s a $5 snob fine.
    • On the flip side, if you were rocking John Deere green like you just came in from plowing a field—bless your heart—that’s a $5 hillbilly fine. We’re covering all ends of the spectrum today. Green thumb? $5.
       
  • Were you planning to pack yourself into Gus O’Connor’s tent later like a human sardine? $5—and maybe a Covid check tomorrow.
  • Already been to Gus O'Connor's, drunk right now, that’s only $1.
  • If someone in your family is named Patrick? $5.
  • If someone in your family is a saint? First of all, doubtful. Second—$5.
  • If you’ve ever eaten Lucky Charms for breakfast—$5. You knew what you were doing.
  • Anyone under 5’6”? That's a “leprechaun-adjacent”—$5.
  • Carried a lucky rabbit’s foot? That’s not luck, that’s just weird. $1 fine for questionable life choices.
  • And yes—if you’ve ever had a pot brownie or smoked pot…  that is $5. We see you 
Always ready to celebrate holidays, Sheriff David moved on to Easter
  • President Rachel Aviles says she puts normal things, like toys and money, into Easter eggs. Wonderful. Sensible. Let’s all take notes.
  • The Sheriff had serious concerns about several members' tastes in Easter treats.
    • Paul Haig was thinking of putting diamond rings in eggs. Sir, that’s not an Easter hunt—that’s a financial liability.
    • Dr. Tim Duncan, dog treats? Really? You should disclose that… especially if you’re also someone’s doctor.
    • Jerry Carvey, mini liquor bottles? Creative, but absolutely not for children. Let’s not start Easter brunch with a call to the pediatrician.
    • Kyle Johnson, live bumblebees? Who hurt you? That’s not a prank—that’s a lawsuit.
    • Juliane Morian, books? Admirable. But if you need a microscope to read them, maybe rethink the delivery system.
    • Russ Shelton, valve stem caps? Machine screws? What are you doing—building a car or celebrating Easter?
    • Now Ron Lichtle gets it. Ron puts $5 in his eggs. That’s leadership. That’s vision. That’s what we like to see.
To wind up his section of the meeting, Sheriff Blair asked 
everybody to reach into their pockets, yes, even those in the back pretending not to make eye contact—pull out $5, and put it on the table.
Every ridiculous fine, every questionable decision, all fines ($137 this week) support the amazing things this club does.
And at the end of the day… that’s the only thing more magical than a pot of gold.
God bless Rochester Rotary… and may your fines be generous and your excuses be slightly better next year. ☘️
 
SPEAKER 
Approaching Human Trafficking Head On

Speakers: Oakland County Sgt. Mike Miles and Oakland County  Prosecutor’s Office Trafficking Unit Leader Cindy Brown

Human trafficking remains one of the most pressing and complex public safety and human rights challenges facing communities today. In Oakland County, law enforcement leaders and prosecutors are working collaboratively to confront this issue with urgency, coordination, and a victim-centered approach. Their efforts underscore a broader commitment to identifying victims, prosecuting offenders, and preventing exploitation before it occurs.

Human trafficking is often misunderstood. It is not limited to international smuggling or dramatic abductions; rather, it frequently occurs within local communities and can involve subtle forms of coercion, manipulation, and control. Victims, average age 13 - 16, may be exploited for labor or commercial sex through threats, fraud, or psychological pressure. Vulnerable populations—including minors, individuals facing economic hardship, and those with unstable housing—are particularly at risk.

A key component of addressing trafficking is increasing awareness among the public and professionals who may encounter victims. Teachers, healthcare workers, social service providers, and community members all play a vital role in recognizing warning signs. These may include sudden changes in behavior, lack of control over personal identification, signs of physical abuse, or the presence of a controlling individual who speaks on behalf of another person. Education and training initiatives are essential tools in equipping communities to respond effectively.

Law enforcement agencies in Oakland County have prioritized a coordinated, multidisciplinary response. By partnering with local, state, and federal agencies—as well as nonprofit organizations—officials aim to ensure that cases are thoroughly investigated and that victims receive the support they need. This multidisciplinary approach enhances information sharing, strengthens prosecutions, and improves outcomes for survivors.

Equally important is the shift toward a victim-centered model. Rather than treating individuals involved in trafficking situations as offenders, authorities increasingly recognize them as victims of exploitation. This perspective helps build trust, encourages cooperation, and ensures access to critical services such as counseling, housing assistance, and legal support. Trauma-informed practices are now a cornerstone of effective intervention strategies.

Prosecution remains a critical deterrent. Holding traffickers accountable sends a clear message that exploitation will not be tolerated. Advances in technology and investigative techniques have strengthened law enforcement's ability to track and dismantle trafficking networks. However, successful prosecution often depends on victims' willingness to come forward, underscoring the importance of creating safe and supportive environments.

Prevention efforts are also central to long-term success. Community outreach, youth education programs, and public awareness campaigns help reduce vulnerability and empower individuals to seek help. By addressing root causes such as poverty, lack of education, and social isolation, communities can reduce the conditions that allow trafficking to thrive.

Ultimately, combating human trafficking requires sustained collaboration, vigilance, and compassion. Oakland County’s proactive approach demonstrates how local leadership can make a meaningful impact. By working together across sectors and prioritizing the needs of victims, communities can take significant steps toward ending human trafficking and protecting the dignity and safety of all individuals.

If you see something, say something by sending an email to 

HumanTraffickingPreventionTIPS@oakgov.com

or calling the tip line at 248-858-0411

Speakers
Mar 24, 2026
What's New in Rochester
Mar 31, 2026
Discover Support at OPC Social & Activity Center
Apr 07, 2026
Overview of Neighborhood House's Work in 2025
Apr 14, 2026
Road Commission for Oakland County
View entire list
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