Rochester Rotary Club RotoScoop
Report on the March 31, 2026, Meeting
Christine Hage, Editor
 
Menu for April 7 includes salad bar, brisket sliders, baked pasta, twice-baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, and assorted desserts. 
ATTENDANCE
If you couldn't join us on March 31, you were missed! We had 30 attendees, including Isiah, Maya, and Kyla Martin, President Rachel's kiddos.
 
INVOCATION
Blake McLellan gave today’s invocation.
 
 
FIFTEENTH HANDSHAKE
This week’s greeter, David Walker, declared Stuart Siegner the lucky member to go fine-free!
 
WHO AM I?
  • I joined Rotary because I was new to town, and a customer recommended it. My favorite memory is when we helped a person in need receive a guardian angel medical service dog. Something you may not know about me, I am a 50% disabled and decorated Vietnam combat veteran.
  • I was invited to join Rotary by my banker, and I wanted to develop relationships with local people. My favorite memory was the Rotary Christmas Party at the Royal Park. I grew up in a small town in the Thumb.
 
ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK
Tom Townsend passed the Rotarian of the Week award on to Dave Walker, because Dave is such a faithful greeter each week. Tom also questioned why he was never declared the 15th handshake.  The Rotarian of the Week award wasn't a bribe, but ...
 
HAPPY BUCKS
  • Karen Joyce is looking forward to her trip to Spain and Portugal next month.
  • Her mother Joyce Joyce is more confused than happy after a conversation with her auto insurance carrier, which is threatening to cancel her coverage because she had an unlicensed passenger in the car.  Joyce said if they could get Karen a driver's license (remembering that Karen is blind), she could guarantee that there was another licensed driver in the car. Maybe Daisey could get a driver's license to go along with her dog license. Thankfully, everything is sorted out, no heart attack required, and she’s $1 happy—happy, happy, happy! 
  • Maya, President Rachel Aviles' daughter, is feeling great and looking forward to an exciting adventure, as the whole family is flying to California. Clearly, lots of great travel is in her future! 
  • Stu Siegner is bursting with excitement and school spirit—he’s all about those Wolverines! It’s a big, enthusiastic “Go Blue!” from him, and you can feel the energy.
BIRTHDAYS  & ANNIVERSARIES
Here's some semi-exciting news! We wished John Gaber and Marty McClure a Happy Birthday! We are grateful for everything they do and hope they both have a wonderful day of celebrations.
Timo Nicholaou, Phil Lowman, and Yolanda Udell are celebrating their Rotary anniversaries this week. Timo is celebrating 33 years of service, Phil has 28 years, and Yolanda is celebrating 6 years.
 
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • Who am I?  Vito Pampalona is one of our celebrated veterans. Our Thumb child is Stuart Siegner.
  • Tom Townsend presented a plaque from the Deputy Sheriffs' Association of Oakland County to President Rachel for our support of the deputies' 2025 Christmas Celebration.
  • Jeff Duperon's weekly reminder to promote the upcoming Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser focused on the need for more $250 sponsorships. He would love to see more members cough up some money or promote the sponsorships to their friends, family, or fellow businesspeople.
     
SONG LEADER
Jerry Carvey was ready to cheer on the Tigers. Since the Tigers are 2 and 2, they might enjoy a little help from the Club. To that end, we sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". Then, getting us ready for Easter, Jerry led us in singing "Easter Parade".
 
SHERIFF'S REPORT

Sheriff David Blair is always on the lookout for a good “On This Day in History,” and today we travel back to 1889, when the iconic Eiffel Tower officially opened.

  • The Sheriff heard that Ernie Schaefer was here for the ribbon cutting… so that’s a $5 fine right off the bat.
  • The Sheriff keeps our joie de vivre going with a few friendly fines:
    • If you’ve been to France—$5
    • If you speak French—$5
    • And honestly, if you’ve even attempted to pronounce something in French, it's still $5
    • While we’re on a roll… he hopped across the Atlantic (or at least to our neighbors up north):
    • If you’ve been to Canada, where they sort of, kind of speak French—$5
    • If you’ve played hockey or hooky—$5
    • If you’ve consumed maple syrup—$5
    • And if you’ve ever put gravy on your French fries… well, that’s not just a fine, that’s a cultural experience—$5
    • Alright, everyone—merci beaucoup—put it on the table!

  • Sheriff David then turned our attention to the master of Baroque brilliance, Johann Sebastian Bach 🎼 whose birthday it was on March 31.

    • If you’ve ever listened to Bach to relax, focus, or feel just a little more sophisticated—$5 😊

    • If you’ve played one of his pieces (or at least tried!)—$5 🎹 

    • If you’ve heard his music in church, a concert, or even in the background of a movie—$5 🎶

    • If you can’t name a single Bach piece but still nod knowingly when his name comes up—$5 😄 

    • And if you’ve ever said, “I really should listen to more classical music”… well, Bach would approve—$5 👏

    • Alright, let’s honor the genius—drop those fines on the table! 💰

  • Alright, alright—cue the organ music and fluff your feathers, because Sheriff Blair went into full Detroit Tigers sass today ⚾ Baseball is obviously on everybody’s mind—as it should be. The home opener is here, people! If we attempt to send good vibes to the Tigers and maybe—just maybe—they’ll return the favor.

    The Sheriff then moved on to what really matters… the fines:

    • If you’ve ever eaten peanuts and Cracker Jacks—oh, you classic ballpark cliché—that’s a $5 fine 🥜
    • If you’ve ever been to Comerica Park—first of all, fancy… second of all, that’s a $500 fine 💸 Because let’s be honest: parking, a beer, maybe a hot dog… suddenly you’re refinancing your house. Put it on the table! 
    • 🎶 “I don’t care if I never get back…” Wait a minute—did we sing a double negative?! If you’ve ever used a double negative—“ain’t never,” “don’t need none”—that’s a $5 fine. We are classy. We are Rotary. We use proper English… or at least we pretend to. 
    • He then moved on to talk bases… and not mean baseball. If you’ve had a date recently…  And if you made it to first or second base—don’t get shy now—that’s a $5 fine 💋 Phil Lowman was heard saying he made it to home plate.
    🎤 ⚾Trivia Time
    • Who was born in 1918, with a smooth Southern voice, made for AM radio, and is best known for the iconic call: “Long gone!”Jerry Carvey was put on the spot—and got it right. We’re talking about the legendary Ernie Harwell 🎙️The Sheriff was not expecting that level of competence today.
    • He didn't let the room get too comfortable as he continued with his baseball trivia. How many strikes before you’re out? …3, obviously 🙄 How many balls before you walk? ...4. Easy peasy. How much did he ask everyone to put on the table? ...$5.
     
    That’s enough sass for this inning. The Sheriff was able to get $157 in fines on the tables! 💰
     
SPEAKER 
Serving the 50+ since 1983
Rotarian Renee Cortright serves as Executive Director of the OPC Social & Activity Center. She is an experienced nonprofit leader with expertise in program development, board development, grant writing, administration and reporting, and facility management.
For more than four decades, the OPC Social & Activity Center has been a vibrant cornerstone of connection, wellness, and enrichment for adults aged 50 and better. Since opening its doors in 1983, OPC has remained dedicated to its mission of serving the community with compassion, innovation, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of older adults.
From the moment you walk through the doors, it’s clear that OPC is more than just a building—it’s a place where people come to live fully, stay active, and build meaningful relationships. Whether it’s a first-time visitor or a long-time member, everyone is welcomed into an environment that celebrates independence, engagement, and lifelong learning.
Over the years, OPC has grown alongside the community it serves. What began as a modest effort to provide social opportunities has expanded into a comprehensive center offering a wide range of programs and services. Today, members can participate in fitness classes tailored to all ability levels, creative arts programs that inspire self-expression, educational workshops that stimulate the mind, and social events that foster lasting friendships.
Health and wellness remain at the heart of OPC’s mission. The center offers resources that support both physical and emotional well-being, helping individuals maintain active, healthy lifestyles. From exercise programs and health screenings to support groups and enrichment opportunities, OPC provides a holistic approach to aging well.
Equally important is the sense of belonging that OPC cultivates. In a world where social isolation can be a growing concern—especially among older adults—the center serves as a vital hub for connection. Friendships are formed over shared meals, laughter echoes through group activities, and a strong sense of community is built day by day.
The OPC campus itself reflects this commitment to excellence. The welcoming facility provides comfortable gathering spaces, modern amenities, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages members to spend time, try new things, and stay engaged. It truly lives up to its reputation as “The Best Place to Be 50+.”
None of this would be possible without the dedication of staff, volunteers, and supporters who believe deeply in OPC’s mission. Their passion and commitment ensure that the center continues to evolve, offering relevant and meaningful programs that enrich the lives of its members.
As OPC celebrates over 40 years of service, it also looks ahead to the future. The needs and interests of the 50+ population continue to change, and OPC remains committed to growing and adapting in response. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the center is well-positioned to serve generations to come.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, learn something new, give back, or simply connect with others, OPC Social & Activity Center is a place where you belong. Here’s to continuing the tradition of service, connection, and community—today, tomorrow, and for many years ahead.
 
 
Speakers
Apr 07, 2026
Michael Dreon, Ex. Director of Neighborhood House
Overview of Neighborhood House's Work in 2025
Apr 14, 2026
Craig Bryson, Senior Communications Director
Road Commission for Oakland County
Apr 21, 2026
Coleman Yoakum
Micah 6 Community
View entire list
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