Rochester Rotary Club RotoScoop
Report on the February 3, 2026 Meeting
Christine Hage, Editor
 
Menu for February 10 includes salad bar, rolls, Cabernet mushroom roast beef, scalloped potatoes, baked ziti and assorted desserts.
ATTENDANCE
If you couldn't join us on February 3rd, you were missed! We had 38 attendees, including Lea Brady, Diane Paris, and Nevine Rizk.  Renee Roberts from the West Bloomfield Rotary Club, who will become District 6380 Governor during the 2027-2028 Rotary Year, is pictured to the right and was also in attendance.
 
INVOCATION
Jeff Duperan gave today’s invocation.
 
FIFTEENTH HANDSHAKE
This week’s greeter, Linda Eastman, declared Tim Duncan the lucky member to go fine-free! This wiskered guy has a few weeks before his beard is this full, but here is a preview!
 
 
 
WHO AM I?
  • I joined Rotary to be involved in the community. My favorite memory was the live auction we held at Oaland University. What you may not know about me is that I make the best shrimp creole.
  • I joined Rotary after participating in Youth for Understanding and was inspired to join a service club. My favorite memories are the parties we used to have at Rotarians' homes. I am a pilot who loves to fly.
 
ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK

Phil Lowman spent today circling the room like a judge on a reality show, pausing at various Rotarians to explain—out loud—why they were almost worthy… and then why they absolutely were not. 

The Schaefers were dismissed as a pair because choosing one might upset the other. Entire tables were rejected for lacking members of the opposite sex. Other tables didn’t make the cut because—according to Phil—they were older and might not survive until the next meeting. He should talk! Brutal. Efficient. On brand.

After much hand-wringing and dramatic consideration, Phil finally selected our fabulous pianist, Paula D’Ambrosio. And just to prove this wasn’t all talk, he emptied the trophy and pulled out $150 for the Charities account. He was impressed. The real question is… are you? 👀

HAPPY BUCKS

Tim Crawford returned from Florida deeply tanned after golfing 16—or possibly 17—times. He narrowly missed their record-low temperatures but made it back just in time to enjoy Michigan’s signature charm. Don’t worry, though, he’s already planning his next escape south for more golf. 

Tami Salisbury proudly shared that her son was cast as Reverend Shawin in the upcoming Stoney Creek High School production of Footloose the Musical. Show dates are April 23 - 26; start practicing your clapping.

Kim Staudacher was spotted promoting the Driving Fore Dutton Golf Outing on June 9 at Wyndgate Country Club. See Kim for details. Also, Kim… that’ll be a $10 advertising fee. Pay the cashier.

Tom Neveau announced that RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) will take place May 15 - 17 at Camp Copneconic in Fenton. Leadership, growth, inspiration—and probably very little sleep.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES 🎉

Birthday candles will be lit for Ryan Deel, Russ Shelton, and Cyndie Andrews this coming week. Meanwhile, Vern Pixley, Ryan Deel, and Juliane Morian are celebrating their Rotary anniversaries—still standing, still showing up, still fabulous.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • Who am I?
    • Our shrimp creole is Chef  Brad Upton, known for serving this delight at MSU tailgates
    • Pilot Ted Roumell has been flying around the state for years and, at one time, even offered a flight to Mackinaw Island as a silent auction item. I know because I won it one year!
  • Kyle Johnson gave a plug for our April 22 Wine & Beer Tasting fundraiser.  At this point, we are seeking sponsors. Various sponsorship options are available, ranging from $250 to $5,000. Grab them while they are available. Wine Tasting tickets are available at early-bird pricing of $60 (plus cc fee) until February 27, after which they will increase to $75 (plus cc fee).  Also available are the $25 raffle ticket sheets, which you can purchase with your ticket; they will be at Will Call when you arrive at the event.  Use this direct link to purchase tickets. For all the details, go to our website.
     
SONG LEADER
Bob Lytle works, not too hard, to tie his song selections to the speaker's topic. On Tuesday, he led the group in singing  Try to Remember followed by Side by Side. 
 
SHERIFF'S REPORT

Sheriff Bryan Barnett came in hot, badge blazing and fine book wide open. This was not a warning. This was a rampage.

As tradition demands, the song leader was the first to go down. Then—BAM—every senior who dared ask, “What page is that song on?” was fined on the spot. Hope those retirement accounts are liquid, folks.

Tim Crawford was next. Two golf trips in one winter? TWO? Tim, if this is “working,” the rest of us are doing it very wrong. Semi-retired behavior detected—pay up.

And if you’ve been south this year? Oh yes, you’re guilty. Especially after the snowfall that smacked the Southeast from January 30 to February 1, 2026. Known by many names:

  • The Cluster Chuck – for obvious reasons

  • The Great Glaze of 2026 – ice, ice, and more ice

  • Winter Storm Gianna – courtesy of The Weather Channel

  • The Piggle Wiggly Panic – a regional classic

If any of those made you smile? Congratulations. That’ll cost you.

The Sheriff briefly confused himself while fining Phil Lowman for celebrating Love Someone With Dementia Month. No, that is not the same as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November—but Phil still had to pay.

David Archbold was fined for being 30 minutes late… again. David, this is the Rochester Rotary Club, not the Chicago Rotary Club. Get in the right time zone!

Pistons. Red Wings. Every night. If you’ve been to a game this year—pay up. If you haven’t, also pay up. Fair is fair.

President Rachel Aviles was asked to sing her favorite Bad Bunny song. She declined. The fine did not.

With Valentine’s Day looming, anyone planning to rely on the classic trio—flowers, chocolate, or jewelry—was fined for lack of imagination. And if you’re hoping to find a sweetheart between now and then, you’re not a Rotarian… you’re an optimist. Also noted: one billion Valentine’s cards are exchanged each year—and teachers get the most. Make of that what you will.

While in D.C., Sheriff Bryan encountered some very important letters from behind the scenes at the National Archives, letters from King George and George Washington, and just had to remind us all how special he was to get this special tour. Naturally, this resulted in a fine for RHPL Library Director Juliane Morian for the library’s fabulous 250th anniversary exhibit. Power move.

No fine here, just a public service announcement: Februaryis the most commonly misspelled word in the U.S. Dequindre is second. You’re welcome.

With the Super Bowl approaching, fines were issued to Seahawks fans, then Patriots fans, and finally to anyone who only watches for the commercials. No one escaped.

And to close out this athletic-themed shakedown, Sheriff/Mayor Bryan Barnett suggested that today’s Rotary fines be sent directly to the Detroit Tigers, because someone has to help close that $13 million contract gap for ace Tarik Skubal.

 

With all his wonderful joking, Sheriff Bryan raised $174 today, obviously not enough to make a dent in the Tigers/Skubal negotiations, but certainly helping our Club raise funds for our scholarship program.

The Sheriff section of our weekly meeting helps the Club raise money and also builds camaraderie, bringing laughter and fun to our meetings.
 
SPEAKER 
 

Lea serves as the Community Development Coordinator for the Rutkowski Law Firm in Rochester. A graduate of Stoney Creek High School, she has strong ties to and a deep investment in the Rochester community.

Lea explained that estate planning is a critical process designed to protect your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes after your death. She outlined the ten most common mistakes individuals make when developing, or neglecting, an estate plan:

1. Failing to create an estate plan at all.
Delaying or avoiding estate planning can have serious consequences. Without a proper plan in place, the State of Michigan will distribute your assets according to state law, which may not reflect your intentions.

2. Failing to update estate planning documents.
Estate planning is not a one-time task. Life changes such as buying or selling property, marriage, divorce, or the addition of grandchildren should prompt a review and update of your documents.

3. Overlooking tax implications.
Michigan has an estate tax that may affect your assets. Working with an attorney can help minimize the tax burden on your loved ones.

4. Choosing an inappropriate executor.
Selecting the wrong executor can result in conflict, delays, and even legal disputes. It is important to choose someone who is trustworthy, organized, and capable of carrying out your wishes.

5. Relying solely on a will instead of considering a trust.
A will must go through probate, during which a judge may determine additional claims on your estate, including those from creditors or extended family members. Establishing a trust can help avoid probate and better protect your intentions.

6. Failing to plan for long-term care costs.
Long-term care expenses can exceed $10,000 per month. Without proper planning, these costs can place a significant financial burden on your loved ones.

7. Not planning for incapacity.
It is essential to designate trusted individuals to make healthcare and financial decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so. These designations are made through Healthcare Power of Attorney and Financial Power of Attorney documents.

8. Ignoring digital assets.
Digital assets such as social media accounts, online banking, email, and cryptocurrency should be included in your estate plan. Failure to do so can leave them vulnerable to hacking, probate complications, or loss.

9. Not communicating your wishes.
While discussions about finances and death can be uncomfortable, it is important to let someone know where your estate planning documents are kept or involve them in the planning process so they understand your intentions.

10. Failing to seek professional guidance.
An experienced estate planning firm can help navigate the legal and financial complexities of estate planning and asset protection, ensuring your plan accurately reflects your wishes.
Speakers
Feb 10, 2026
Nevine Rizk, Real Estate Agent
Avoiding Fraud in Real Estate and Legal Documents
Mar 10, 2026
Wyatt Lucas
Hockey Mentors for Special Players
View entire list
Rotary Links
Rotary International
RI President Home
Rotary Global Rewards
Joining Rotary
Rotary History
Rotary Foundation
For New Members
Subscribe to Bulletin
Subscribe to our eBulletin and stay up to date on the latest news and events.
Click here to sign up!
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.com to your safe sender list or address book.
To unsubscribe from future e-mails, click here.
To forward this email to your friends, click here.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
 
ClubRunner
905.829.5299
102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7
 
ClubRunner is a registered trademark of Doxess Technologies Inc.
© 2016 ClubRunner. All Rights Reserved.