Stories

Two Paul Harris Awards Presented

Ernie Schaefer, our Club's Paul Harris coordinator, presented Paul Harris awards to Ron Lichtle and Tim Crawford on March 21st. This is Ron's second Paul Harris and Tim's eighth! Way to go, guys!

Paul Harris was one of the founders of Rotary back in 1905, and Rotary International's foundation is named after him. Paul Harris awards are presented every time a Rotarian gives $1,000 to the Foundation. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

And the Winner is: Jack Riggs!!

Rotarian Jack Riggs is the 2023 Masters Raffle Winner

The drawing was held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, and Rotarian Jack Riggs is this year's winner for this trip of a lifetime!

Rotarian Cindy Purdy said, “The trip includes a round-trip private air charter for two from Oakland International Airport to Aiken, SC. A private shuttle from Aiken to Augusta, Masters Tournament badges for Saturday and Sunday, dinner, and hotel accommodations for Saturday night.”

Unfortunately, Jack was not in attendance, but he did answer his phone to hear the good news! Congratulations to Jack and his lucky friend who will attend with him.

2023 Beer & Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Each spring, Rochester Rotary hosts one of Rochester's most popular charity events, the Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser. Hosted at the Rochester Road Bordine's, the event includes new and unique wines from local distributors and incredible food from over a dozen area restaurants.

In addition to fantastic food and drinks, the event featured a silent auction with items like sports tickets, nights like the swanky Royal Park Hotel, dinner packages, and more. Haig's of Rochester even auctioned off some exquisite jewelry pieces.

The 2023 Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser will occur on Friday, April 21st, from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Wine Tasting Tables
Beer Tasting Tables
Cuisine Sampling from 20 Local Area Restaurants
Music by "D & A Duo"
Haig's of Rochester Jewelry Auction

Paul Harris Fellows Announced

Ernie Schaefer, Foundation Chair for Rochester Rotary, presented Paul Harris Fellowship Awards today to Phil McPeek and Peter Stuhlreyer. This is Phil's ninth Paul Harris with our Club, although he is already a Major Donor in his former club. This is Pete's first Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.

Songs of Love for Valentine's Day

A girls' chorus from Rochester High School sang four songs to our club in honor of Valentine's Day. They did a great job and brightened the day for all present.

Rotary Foundation

With over 1.4 million members and 535 districts worldwide, Rotary International was the first service club in the world. Today’s speaker, Kevin Kelly, is the Regional Major Gifts Officer for Rotary International’s Rotary Foundation. He is responsible for major gift cultivation and stewardship in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, and Southern Ontario.

The Foundation's primary goal in recent years is the eradication of polio in the world. By raising $50 million each year, the Foundation has received a matching grant of $100,000 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries that still are fighting polio. It appears that they may be polio-free in the next couple of years!

A second priority for the Foundation is its disaster response fund. Funds have most recently been used to help the Ukrainians.

Most of the Foundation's funding comes from individuals. You can contact Kevin directly (Kevin.Kelly@Rotary.org) or Ernie Schaefer if you want to be part.

Rochester Rotary Welcomes New Member Beth Collins

On behalf of the Club, President Tim Duncan inducted Beth Collins into the club. Also pictured is Stu Signer, her sponsor.

For the past year and a half, Beth has worked at Ascension Providence Rochester's Foundation. As she traveled around the community, she kept hearing people talk about Rotary and decided to join! Beth earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Oakland University and lives in the Farmington area with her husband and two children.

Club Receives an Update on ACE

Rebekah Smith, MSW, Certified School Social Worker

Rebekah Smith is the full-time social worker at the Rochester Community Schools' Alternative Center for Education (ACE) Program. She is a crucial support staff member involved in expanding and revamping the ACE program this year. The school serves 55 students and offers a virtual program and vocational training off-campus. There is also a new special education component in the school.

In addition to her work in the ACE, Rebekah informed us that her high school career included membership in her school's Interact Club.

TICKET SALES END MARCH 10 at Midnight

Details and tickets are available at: https://rochesterrotaryclub.org/page/masters-tournament-raffle

Charities President Alan McLellan Presents a Mid-Year Update

Rochester Rotary Charities Mid-Year Report

The Rochester Rotary Club raised over $42,000 at the annual golf ball drop, golf outing, poinsettia sale, and wine tasting. The Club, a separate organization from the Charities, raises the money that funds the Charities.

Thanks to the hard work of so many Rochester Rotarians, the Charities Board distributed over $34,000 in the first half of the fiscal year!

Money was given to local entities such as Innovation Hills Park, Neighborhood House, and Rotary Gateway Park. Youth programs included support for our Mexican exchange student, college scholarships, and Neighborhood House’s Back to School program.

Rochester Rotary Charities also sent money to Rotary International to support the effort to eradicate polio.

Operating expenses for the year’s first half amounted to $352, demonstrating that the Club’s fundraising success goes directly to other organizations.

President Tim Duncan Updates the Club

President Tim’s Mid-Year Report

The first half of our Rotary year is over. We heard from various outside speakers, from a project manager restoring one of the Boblo boats, an award-winning producer and writer, to a state of Michigan Bureau of Labor demographer, to a civil engineer talking about how roundabouts and other roadways are developed and implemented. Several Rotarians spoke on many professions and hobbies, including some old guys that can still really sing! We even had Santa Claus show up for a meeting.

Members are pleased to meet at the Rochester Community House. Still, three meetings were taken off-site (RH Innovation Hills for a presentation on the park by the City Naturalist, the Rotary Emblem Dedication at Rotary Park, and finally, at Neighborhood House to hear how one of our community partners is doing.

Several of our meetings featured future leaders such as Mariana Celorio, the Mexican exchange student we are sponsoring. Our Interact clubs are flourishing, with two out of three high schools earning their Presidential Citations from Rotary District 6380.

Rototones Sing in the Holidays!

In the 1960s and 70"s the Rochester Rotary Club had a small choir made of Rotarians called the Rototones. Once about 15 members strong, today, only four members survive, Ted Roumel, Pete Duhamel, Bob Lytle, and Bill Ebinger. Ted, Pete, and Bob attended the December 20th meeting and helped the current club members sing in the holidays.

Order Your Poinsettias Now

The 2022 Poinsettia Fundraiser Sale is open! Our club sells beautiful poinsettia plants to our friends and neighbors yearly to help celebrate the holiday season. All the money raised goes to Rochester Rotary Charities, a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to fund charity projects in the Rochester area and worldwide. The 2022 Rochester Rotary Charities Poinsettia Sale will benefit local charities and scholarships.

You can order and pay for your beautiful poinsettias online at https://www.rochesterrotaryclub.org/page/poinsettias .

Order Deadline: Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Delivery (Orders of 15+): Wednesday, November 30, 2022, ·8 am to noon, or

You can pick up your order at Bordines: Thursday, December 1, from 8 am to noon

Rotary Fights to Eradicate Polio

In 1985, Rotary International launched its PolioPlus program, the first initiative to tackle global polio eradication through the mass vaccination of children. “Rotary has contributed more than $2 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 3 billion children in 122 countries”, said Rochester Rotary President Tim Duncan.

Today, only two countries have not stopped the transmission of the wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Six wild polio cases were confirmed worldwide in 2021, a more than 99 percent reduction since the 1980s when the world saw approximately 1,000 children paralyzed by polio every day. Even here in the United States, a few cases have popped up in unvaccinated people in New York State. The world has never been so close to eradication, so Rotary’s continued commitment and focus on polio eradication remains critical.

The Rochester Rotary Club has supported this program for over 30 years. Members contribute money to the Polio Plus program, and the Club holds several fundraisers throughout the year, with all proceeds going to the program. On October 17, the Club had a community Shred It event where individuals and businesses could bring paper to be shredded. On that single morning, $3,000 was raised! “Thanks to a double match from the Gates Foundation, our $3,000 with turn into $9,000”, said Linda Eastman, one of the Rotarians who worked on the project this year.

The Rochester Rotary Club comprises about 100 individuals living or working in Rochester, Rochester Hills, or Oakland Township. The Club meets for lunch every Tuesday at the Rochester Community House. For more information on the Club, visit www.rochesterrotaryclub.org.

Economic Devlopment in Rochester Hillls

Pamela Valentick, the Economic Development Manager for the City of Rochester Hills, explained how the City attracts, retains, and redevelops businesses in the City. Known as the hub of the robotics industry in North America, and some would say the world, Rochester Hills pulls in new business from around the world. Four of the top ten businesses in the City are international businesses!

"Why Rochester Hills?" she says businesses should move here because of the following:

Michigan's proximity within the U.S. and Canada
Michigan has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the country
It is a hub of mobility
It has the largest concentration of automotive engineers in the country
Has a Highly educated workforce
Is the robotics capital of North America
Safest City in Michigan, 6 years in a row, and
Voted numerous times as the best place to live within the U.S.

It is a great place to live, work, and to raise a family!

Exchange Student From Mexico Presents at Rotary Meeting

The Rotary Youth Exchange program was started in 1929 by Rotary International, and currently, about 9,000 students are sponsored by Rotary Clubs every year. Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15 -19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.

Room and board are provided, as well as any school fees. Still, students are usually responsible for round-trip airfare, travel insurance, passports, and visa and spending money for any additional travel or tours. To apply, contact your local Rotary Club for details.

Today, Mariana said her favorite thing so far is attending Rochester High School, which is MUCH larger than her hometown high school. She was surprised that students move from class to class, while in Mexico, the students stay in one classroom, and the teachers move from class. She also loved her first football game. Go Falcons!

Community Service Organizations Collaborate

Left to right: Roger & Eugenia Bajorek (Kiwanis), Chuck Bissell (Kiwanis), Jean Mardevsz (Rochester Lions), Tim Duncan (Rochester Rotary), Juliane Morian (Rochester Hills Public Library), Kris Liebzeit, (Eugenia’s 3^rd Street Hair Gallery) and David Meyer (Rochester Hills Lions).

Over 115 years ago, Rotary International formed the world’s first service club in Chicago. Today, millions of people worldwide belong to service clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimists.

Rotary’s mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Founded in Detroit in 1915, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child, and one community at a time, providing services from adult, college, high school, and elementary school level clubs. Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world, with over 1.4 million members; strengthens local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects, particularly in the area of low-vision. The Rochester Hills Public Library serves people living or working in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township. Each organization focuses on slightly different tasks; however, community service is the common factor.

People join local service clubs for various reasons, whether for business networking, making friends, fellowship, or learning about their community through thoughtful speakers. Still, surveys have shown that giving back to the community is the primary reason most people join a service club.

In 2021, the international parents of these organizations encouraged local clubs to collaborate to demonstrate this commitment to community service. This year the Rochester and Rochester Hills clubs gathered new clothing necessities (socks, underwear, and pajamas) for foster children. Chuck Bissell, President of the Rochester Kiwanis Club, said, “We are overwhelmed with the community response to this project!” The club took seven car loads of donated necessities to the Faith Communities Coalition on Foster Care (www.faithcommunitiescoalition.com), which serves the Detroit metro area.

Shred it and Help Eradicate Polio

Last year our club raised about $3,000 for the Rotary Foundation to help in the fight to eradicate polio. This year, we join our major sponsor Endo Pharmaceutical to attempt to beat that amount.

On October 17, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., the public was invited to bring old documents to Bordine’s parking lot at 1835 S. Rochester Road to have them shredded. The fee is $10 per carload, approximately five boxes or bags. We are looking for paper & light cardboard ONLY.

We have volunteers who will come and pick up the materials to be shredded for a fee of $20. If you have any questions or want to schedule a pickup, you can call 248/408-9868

Rotarians Helping Neighbors

At our September 6^th meeting, Rochester Rotarians collected $535 for Neighborhood House (NH). The money will be taken to the Meijer store on South Rochester Road and donated to the Meijer Simply Give program Meijer has pledged to double match all donations made on Saturday, September 10^th. This week’s gift will realize $1,755 in gift cards for NH’s Food Pantry. The money comes at a very appropriate time, as the recent area power outage required that NH quickly disperse all food in their large refrigerators. Now they have to restock those refrigerators.

Over the years, Rochester Rotary has supported the excellent work of NH. Most notable was a $15,000 gift for NH’s capital campaign. Some projects have been much more hands-on, like sorting school supplies as part of NH’s Blast Off to School program and Christmas parties for NH kids.

As its mission statement says, Neighborhood House walks the path toward self-sustainability with our neighbors during times of hardship. “Our vision is a community of neighbors helping neighbors thrive,” said Rotarian and NH Executive Director Michael Dreon.

Rotary President Tim Duncan said, “This was a quick project where Rotarians were able to come to the aid of an important community organization and service.”

Necessities Needed for Foster Children

Rochester Rotary, Rochester Lions, Rochester Hills Lions, and the Rochester Kiwanis Clubs are working together to celebrate and give back to the community with a joint service event held September 11-17. The project will focus on collecting new underwear, socks, diapers, and pajamas for children in the foster care system.

"Imagine the difference we can make when we harness the power of our two service organizations, who share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change," said Rotary President Tim Duncan.

Kiwanis President Chuck Bissell said, "We looked around for a project that would serve children in particular and decided to focus on foster children this year."

Foster care is a temporary living situation for children whose parents cannot take care of them and whose need for care has come to the attention of child welfare agency staff. While in foster care, children may live with relatives, with foster families, or in group facilities. Over 13,500 children in Michigan are fostered.

Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenias 3^rd Street Hair Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Donation boxes will be available from September 11 through September 17.

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer business leaders dedicated to improving lives at local and international levels, from helping those in need in their communities to working toward a polio-free world.

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International clubs and members are dedicated to serving the world's children in 85 nations and geographic areas.

Although the two local clubs are associated with international organizations, the clothing necessities service project is designed to help foster children in Oakland County.

Win a trip to the 2023 Masters Tournment

The Rochester Rotary Club has begun selling raffle tickets for the 2023 Masters Tournament, which will take place in Augusta Georgia on April 8^th and 9^th, 2023. Tickets are $100 each, and only 350 tickets will be sold.

The drawing will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Raffle ticket holders may join the Rotarians for lunch but need not be present to win. To RSVP for lunch, contact Jeff Whitby at 248/327-4555.

Tim Crawford, a Rotarian and a past raffle winner, said, “This is a trip of a lifetime!”

License Number: R66306

Rotarians Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Rotary Gateway Park

Rochester, Michigan - The Rochester Rotary Club celebrated the 25th anniversary of Rotary Gateway Park on August 14th. Under the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Bill Ebinger, the park was created in collaboration with the Rochester Hills Public Library, the City of Rochester, and the Rochester Rotary. The small park is located just west of the library.

Rotary club president Dr. Tim Duncan welcomed over forty members to the event, saying, “The Club is proud to provide the community with this one-quarter acre park, which hundreds of people visit each week.”

A new Rotary International emblem was dedicated and installed as part of the celebration. “The installation of the emblem was completed just in time,” said Ebinger. “We truly appreciate the generosity of John and Mary Modetz for providing the blue stone emblem.”

Although the Rotary club built the park and maintains it, several individuals have donated items like the gazebo, the fountain, sundial, and statues.

Rochester resident Jane Quigley maintains the garden weekly, trimming, removing, and replacing plants as needed. At the anniversary celebration, Dr. Ebinger praised Jane for her care and commitment to the garden.

Established in 1954, the Rochester Rotary Club has over 100 active members who raise money to do good in the community, region, and the world.

AED Donated to Dutton Farm

At its August 9^th meeting, the Rochester Rotary Club presented an automated external defibrillator (AED) to Dutton Farm. Dutton Farm is a special education farm in Oakland Township. Formed in 2010, the Farm works to empower and support adults with disabilities to live a life of purpose, inclusion, and dignity.

“We have wanted an AED for some time and appreciate this gift,” said Kimberly Staudacher, the Community Relations Manager for Dutton Farms. “Fortunately, we never needed an AED, but it is better to be prepared for emergencies.”

AEDs are essential first-aid devices for every home, business, and organization. The Rotary Club purchased the AED for its meetings, but the club now meets at the Rochester Community House, where an AED is already available. Kyle Johnson, President-Elect of Rotary, said, “We wanted to find a new home for our device and looked for an organization in the area that did not already have an AED.”

The Rochester Rotary Club consists of about 100 individuals living or working in Rochester, Rochester Hills, or Oakland Township. The Club meets for lunch every Tuesday at the Rochester Community House.

2022 Golf Outing - Save the Date

This year's golf outing is scheduled for August 30 at Wyngate! Make sure to put it on your calendar.

You will be able to register and pay for your tickets online shortly. Sponsors are welcomed. As soon are more details are available, they will be posted here on our website.

Greetings from President Tim

Welcome to the Rochester Rotary Club. Thank you for visiting our site!

Imagine Rotary is this year's theme for Rotary International, bringing to mind the 1971 John Lennon song of the same name. The underlying theme of this song is peace building, which was one of the primary tracks at the Rotary International Conference in Houston, Texas. My predecessor started this initiative within our club, and I hope to continue along this path.

Our club (and Rotary as a whole) is filled with an incredibly diverse group of individuals, and sometimes our differences bubble up to the top. In today's climate, many people look at those differences as insurmountable. I look at them as opportunities to learn and grow. We are all Rotarians, and our differences do not divide us; they make us stronger as a whole. Messaging is critical, and respect and kindness will unite us all to serve our club, community, and world. I am excited about this upcoming year and can't wait to Imagine Rotary!

Dr. Timothy Duncan, DVM

President 2022-2023

Rochester Rotary

Thank You President David Eardley!

Typically July 1st is the changeover in Rotary leadership, but due to a job relocation, this activity took place on June 14th for our club.,

As a Rochester Rotarian for the last nine years, and especially in this previous year as our President, David has been a gentle, kind, thoughtful, caring, and friendly leader. His experience as the Senior Pastor of St. Paul's United Methodist Church here in Rochester has served the community and our club very well.

Dave moved to Rochester with his wife Sarah and son Ryan from Frankenmuth, MI. They now move on to a church in Grosse Pointe, MI.

During the past year, David completed our transition from our hybrid (online/in-person) meeting, moved the club to a new meeting venue at the Rochester Community House, oversaw the adoption of new bylaws, helped establish a solar lighting project in Ghana, brought in 17 new members, restarted the club's fundraising activities, and hosted several club social events.

Our loss is Grosse Pointe's gain, and we encourage the Grosse Pointe Rotary Club to take advantage of David's extraordinary leadership skills!

Latest Paul Harris Fellows

Rochester Rotary Foundation Chairperson Ernie Schaefer announced that the club had reached and exceeded its goal of raising funds for the Rotary Foundation. This year's goal was $20,000, and we ended up giving over $27,000! The money was raised by purchasing eleven Paul Harris Fellowships ($1,000 each plus some matching money from the club), $3,948 raised with the Shred-It event, $2,580 raised at the Spring Fling, and $7,800 raised through individual member contributions to Every Rotarian Every Year.

The Rotary Foundation is a national foundation that he's Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. This is accomplished through such projects as eradicating polio, providing clean water worldwide, and encouraging literacy-related projects.

At the June 8, 2022 meeting, three more Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to Tom Neveau, David Archbold, and Stuart Siegner (pictured left to right).

At Last Paula is a Member!

Paula D'Ambrosio is the newest member of the Rochester Rotary Club. A long-time resident of the Rochester area, Paula graduated from Rochester High School, attends St. Paul's United Methodist Church, and has been the pianist for the Rochester Rotary for the past 16 years. The joke in the club is that Paula has the best attendance record in the club! The Club is honored to recognize Paul's dedication to Rotary and the community by making her an honorary member with all the rights and responsibilities of membership. Welcome, Paula!!

2022 Scholarship Winners

Rochester, MI – Graduation season is a time to celebrate students' accomplishments was particularly true when the Rochester Rotary Club announced their scholarship winners. This year's winners are (students in the picture with Phil McPeek and Roger Roller):

Paul Harris scholar Christopher Rivel who will attend Michigan State University.
Paul Harris scholar Pranavi Gudi will attend the University of Michigan,
Evelyne Lee will attend the University of Michigan
Don Pixley Memorial Scholar Rahi Shah will attend George Washington University,
Rochester Rotary Community Service scholar Alyssa Catsburg will attend Hope College,
Rochester Rotary Community Service scholar Remy Doe (not pictured) will attend the University of Michigan.

All six students were involved in their school's Interact Club, the high school version of Rotary.

"Scholarships are an investment in our community's future," said Rotary President David Eardley. "These students have shown outstanding service to the community and outstanding scholarship!"

Scholarship Chair Roger Roller explained the scholarships awarded. "The Paul Harris Scholarships are for four years. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary International back in 1905. The Don Pixley scholarship is sponsored by the Pixley family in memory of the former Rotarian and funeral director. The Community Service Scholarship is non-renewable and acknowledges the student's commitment to community service. The Sally Case Courage scholarship memorializes the Rotary Club's late but long-time pianist."

Our Newest Paul Harris Major Donor

Paul Harris Fellows

On April 5, 2022, Jerry Carvey became our newest Paul Harris Major Donor! Jerry has been an active member of our club since March of 1977. He served as club president in the 1985 - 86 Rotary year.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute or have contributions made in their name of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation.

Rotary established the recognition in 1957 to encourage and show appreciation for substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships.

Many notable figures have been named Paul Harris Fellows, including Mother Teresa, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk.

However, the majority of Paul Harris Fellows are Rotarians. Over 50% of Rochester Rotarians are Fellows. Our current members have purchased a total of 226 Paul Harris awards! Currently, eight members are considered “major donors,” giving over $10,000 each. One member is an “Arch Clump” donor, having donated over $250,000!

Internationally, the number of Paul Harris Fellows reached the 1 million mark in 2006.

We extend congratulations to Jerry on reaching his major donor status!

$3,000 Grant made for Youth Self Care Kits

Rochester Rotary Announces $3,000 Partnership with RAYA

Works with Teen Council to address Mental Health Challenges

Recently, the Rochester Rotary Charities voted unanimously to provide a $3,000 grant to the Rochester Area Youth Assistance (RAYA) Self Care Kit Initiative. This program, organized by the RAYA Youth Council, is focused on addressing the mental and emotional well-being of their students in middle school and high school.

“One of Rotary’s main focuses is youth. We felt that this was a vital way to help local youth cope with the added pressures caused by the pandemic,” states Rochester Rotary Charities President Ron Diliddo.

President Eardley Presents a Mid-Year Update

The last two years have offered challenges to every aspect of life in America. Many of us have lost family members, friends, or businesses. We learn, work, and play differently. Other Rotary clubs, community service, and social clubs have struggled, but our club is thriving.

We went from in-person meetings to virtual meetings and continued in a blended virtual and in-person mode. However, the club lost Bill Mitzefeld, Dick Gorges, and former member Peggy Kralik. We have continued to attract new members adding five new members in the first six months of our Rotary year, and another person is ready to join. Individuals interested in joining our vibrant club are welcome to visit at an upcoming meeting.

As a service club, one of the primary purposes is to raise money for local, regional and international organizations. Covid has curtailed many fundraising events, but even so, we held a successful golf outing and poinsettia sale and met and exceeded fundraising goals in the last half of 2021. We gave $11,215 to Rotary Foundation. Our Charities gave $15,000 to install solar power in a small village in Africa, which has proved to be a blessing to them. Our Shred Polio event raised $10,573 to help eradicate polio globally, exceeding our goal of $2,000. Several thousand dollars were sent to support Casa Colibri, a medical clinic in Guatemala.

Rochester Rotary Charities helped local organizations such as Neighborhood House, supporting their back-to-school initiative and Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. We gave OPC $2,500 to support their senior home repair program. Charities also made the second $10,000 payment for the Rotary pavilion at Innovation Hills.

2021 Annual Christmas Party

Last night we held our annual Holiday Party in the Conservatory of the Royal Park Hotel. It was so good to see so many Rotarians and their spouses.

Goodwill and Community Spirit

Rochester, MI - Life in Michigan, the United States, and the world is filled with competition and conflict; however, we see hope and caring come together in cooperative service to those in need during the holiday season. The holiday spirit is particularly apparent in a recent poinsettia plant sale conducted by the Rochester Rotary.

For over three decades, the Rochester Rotary has conducted an annual poinsettia sale. Over 100 Rotarians sell the plants, which will decorate public and private spaces around southeastern Michigan.

“What impressed me this year was the degree of collaboration the poinsettia sale created among our members and other community groups,” said Rotary President David Eardley. “Of particular note is the project to deliver poinsettias to over 300 Meals on Wheels participants.” The plants were grown by Bordines Nursery, sold by the Rotary Club, paid for by Michael and Christine Nicholson, delivered to the OPC by Dillman & Upton and Frank Rewold & Sons, and distributed through the OPC Meals on Wheels program. “This wonderful project has brought such joy to seniors in our service area,” said OPC Director Renee Cortright. “It is just another example of how people in Rochester can pull together to serve others.”

“This year, we sold over 1,550 plants,” said Blake McLellan, the project manager for Rotary. “These plants add to the festive feeling in Rochester and raise money to support many community service projects.”

The poinsettia plant symbolizes goodwill and community spirit. What a perfect project and gift to gift to exemplify the spirit of the season!

And Then There Was Light!

The Rochester Rotary Club, and the Accra-Spintex Rotary Club, completed a solar power project in the Alokpassta Chips Compound in Nkwanta South District, Ghana. One-quarter of the world’s population does not have electricity, including this community.

The lack of electricity impedes business, education, health care and leads to unsafe travel after sunset. Due to the lack of lighting, residents leaving their homes to go to the toilet after dark have even been bitten by poisonous snakes!

The small town has a hospital that serves about 150,000 – 165,000 people. Patients often travel up to 10 hours to reach the hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital lacked electricity. They weren’t able to stock anti-venin vaccinations, let alone many other medicines.

With funds raised by former Rotarian Rhonda Panczyk, the Rochester Rotary’s $15,000 donation brought electricity via solar power to the community. People can travel after sunset as the area is now lit. The hospital can stock medicines that require refrigeration. Families can read at night with the gift of light.

Under the supervision of the Accra-Spintex Rotary Club, the project was completed in October of 2021. “The first baby born in the community after the project was completed was named Kwame Solar!” said Ronald Diliddo, President of the Rochester Rotary Charities, which is the philanthropic arm of the Club.

“This is just one example of how Rotarians serve the people of the world,” said Rochester Rotary President David Eardley. “The Club also supports a rural medical clinic in Guatemala, as well as many local charities such as Neighborhood House and Dutton Farm.”

Rochester Rotary Presents $15,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

The Rochester Rotary is pleased to present seven local students with a collective $15,000 in aid for college in the fall. Each year, the Rochester Rotary Club teams up with the Rochester Community Schools Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester and the Rochester Kiwanis Club to award deserving high school seniors with financial aid to attend college.

Statement from Rochester Rotary & Rotary International in Support of Racial Equality

At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.

We have more work to do to create more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.

We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us. Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together. We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice.

Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.

Rochester Rotary Charities is a nonprofit organization established to expand the humanitarian efforts in the Rochester community. Through Rochester Rotary Charities, dozens of nonprofit organizations receive grants each year empowering their efforts. All monies raised through annual Rochester Rotary fundraisers benefit Rochester Rotary Charities and are donated back to the community. For more information, visit www.rochesterrotary.org.

Rochester Rotary Announces Don G. Pixley Memorial Scholarship

In honor of lifelong Rochester area resident, Don Pixley, Rochester Rotary announces the Rochester Rotary Don G. Pixley Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will be available to graduating seniors from Rochester area high schools who have overcome significant challenges or disabilities.

2017 Charity Golf Outing

Posted on Sep 22, 2017

The 2017 Rochester Rotary Charity Golf Outing was an awesome day filled day with golf, prizes, and a lot of fun. We had over 60 golfers play the New Course at Indianwood Country Club on a fine September afternoon.

Club Accomplishments 2016/2017

The Rochester Rotary worked hard during the 2016/2017 year and accomplished a lot. Keep reading to see some of the organizations we've helped and the money we raised.

Interact Students from Rochester Adams Create Scholarship for Classmate

This Spring, the Rochester Adams Interact Club broke new ground for high school philanthropy and awarded a fellow Rochester Adams student with a $2,000 scholarship to Oakland Community College; enough to cover almost a full year of tuition.

Rochester Rotary Hosts Dinner
Celebrating Area Service Clubs

In early May, the Rochester Rotary Club hosted members of more than 20 Service Clubs and non-profit institutions located in the Rochester area for their annual dinner at the Royal Park Hotel. Each year, these diverse organizations and their dedicated volunteers are acknowledged and celebrated for their significant work that enhances the lives of so many individuals and families in Rochester and surrounding communities. This gathering also provides a unique opportunity to personally engage with members of these diverse associations.

Rochester Rotary Annual Wine & Beer Tasting
Fundraiser Reaches New Heights

The Rochester Rotary Club is preparing to welcome Spring with its biggest-ever Wine and Beer Tasting Fundraiser. After growing steadily for several years, the 2016 event was capped at 600 tickets. This year’s will have the same limit, but the food, wine, and silent auction will take the event to a whole new level.

Club Photo 2016

Rochester Rotary Boasts Robust Exchange Student Program

For the 2017-2018 school year, Rochester Rotary is assisting two local students to study abroad for a full school year, as well as coordinating a short term exchange during the summer.

This year, Rochester Rotary helped locate a host family for Eva Meisl of Austria and encourages students and families to consider if they are interested in either a short term or long term exchange in 2018.

The Story of Rotary

1910 Rotary Clubs of America Convention (Image courtesy of Rotary International)

Did you know that the July 1^st New Year has been a Rotary tradition for over a century? When Rotarians had their first convention, way back in 1910, the New Year was set as the day after the convention ended in August. They made the same decision in the lead up to the 1911 and 1912 conventions, which also took place in August. At the 1912 meeting, the Rotary board of directors ordered a financial audit of the International Association of Rotary Clubs. The auditors went on to recommend that the Rotary fiscal year end on June 30, in order to give clubs time to prepare their financial statements in advance of the convention. They’d also be able to determine an accurate number of delegates to send, so convention organizers would be able to prepare.

These were all good reasons, but in an age of wool suits and no air conditioning it didn’t take long for practical considerations to change the date of the conventions again. In 1916 the Rotary decided to hold their future annual conventions in June to avoid the hottest days of the year. However, the July 1 date for the Rotary New Year had already become a tradition, one that continues 102 years later.

Second Edition of Our Business Directory is Now Available

The 2015-2016 Business Directory is now available. Ernie Schaefer and his hard working committee composed of Chris Fabian, Jim Kennedy and Ray Doerr have put together this new promotional piece.

1,000 copies have been printed for club members to use in promoting the club and to enhance our networking opportunities.

There is no charge for being listed in the directory, so if you don’t see your listing contact Ernie Schaefer to make sure you appear in the next edition.

Rochester Rotary Club seeks local organizations to benefit from the club’s Good Deeds Committee

Rochester Rotary provides humanitarian service and encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, announces the club’s Good Deeds Committee is seeking local opportunities to help community members and organizations with short-term projects.

Rotarians are charged to live by the motto of Service Above Self and the Good Deeds Committee is just one way the Rochester Rotary Club fulfills this requirement. “The Good Deed Doers find it fulfilling to help neighbors and community organizations complete tasks and projects that they might otherwise not be able to complete.”

Part of a long-term commitment to Rotary’s mission, the Good Deeds Committee looks for small projects that a group of five to 10 volunteers can complete in around four hours for local community members or organizations. Past projects have included the construction of a handicap ramp to a private residence, spring yard cleanup and window washing for a senior citizen, painting an apartment for an individual with disabilities and serving meals at Grace Centers of Hope.

Local community members and organizations interested in help from the Good Deeds Committee can learn more or to enlist the help of the committee by contacting the club secretary at jeff@whitbey.com.

Rochester Rotarians lead effort to perform 70 cataract surgeries in Guatemala

Posted on Feb 02, 2014

Rochester Rotary is helping change lives globally through repeat mission trips to Nuevo Edén, Guatemala. Rochester Rotary President and local pediatrician, Jay Eastman, M.D., his wife, Rochester Rotarian Linda Eastman, and Rochester Rotarian Dr. Bill Ebinger, led the efforts for the vision mission trips, with the most recent trip taking place Jan. 18 – 24, 2014.

Through the support of other Rotary Clubs in District 6380 and private donations, Rochester Rotary has sent the Eastmans, Ebinger and other Rochester Rotarians on annual medical mission trips to Guatemala to treat the general population of Nuevo Edén since 2007. During the annual trips, patients that need follow-up care are identified and, through collaborative efforts with other physicians and medical practitioners, the majority of whom are Rotarians, follow-up trips are made to provide the additional care needed. It was on the annual trip in Nov. 2012 that the medical team noted the dire need for a variety of vision treatments.

Rochester Rotary Club changing lives globally through vision mission to Guatemala

Posted on Dec 10, 2013

Through the support of other Rotary Clubs in District 6380 and private donations, Rochester Rotary has sent the Eastmans and other Rochester Rotarians on annual medical mission trips to Guatemala to treat the general population of Nuevo Edén since 2007. During the annual trips, patients that need follow-up care are identified and, through collaborative efforts with other physicians and medical practitioners, the majority of whom are Rotarians, follow-up trips are made to provide the additional care needed.

Rotary Interact ... the Perfect Place for High School Students

Posted by Wayne Hodges on Aug 12, 2013

Rochester Rotary, a member club of Rotary International, a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service and encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, invites students ages 14-18 to join Interact, Rotary International’s service club for youth. Sponsored by the Rochester Rotary club, which provides support and guidance, Interact is currently offered at Rochester High School and Stoney Creek High School under the guidance of faculty advisors Kelly Messing-Mirabito and Laurene Kaschalk respectively, with plans to start a club at Adams High School.

With more than 200,000 Interactors in approximately 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact allows participants to meet youth from around the world, develop leadership skills and help make the world a better place. Interact clubs carry out two community service projects each year, including one that furthers international understanding and goodwill. Currently, Interactors nationwide are donating relief supplies to victims of natural disasters, organizing fundraisers to purchase books for needy schools and volunteering their time and energy in the community through a variety of projects.

“Today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow. Interact provides teen leaders and those who aspire to leadership the opportunity to learn and understand the value of individual responsibility, hard work and personal integrity while enhancing and demonstrating leadership skills and promoting goodwill,” said Wayne Hodges, a Rochester Rotary Club member and liaison for Rochester Interact students. “As a club, we look forward to working with our community’s young people to learn and grow together while helping make the world a better place.”

Rochester Rotary Charities Bylaws

Posted by Christine Hage on Sep 22, 2011

BYLAWS OF ROCHESTER ROTARY CHARITIES, INC.

ARTICLE 1

NAME

1.1 Name and Organization. This organization, named in its articles of incorporation as "Rochester Rotary Charities, Inc." (hereafter designated in these bylaws as "the Foundation"), is a Michigan nonprofit corporation with a perpetual corporate term.

ARTICLE 2

PURPOSE AND BASIC POLICIES

2.1 Purposes. The purpose for which the Foundation is formed are those set forth in its articles of incorporation, as from time to time amended, to receive, administer, and disburse funds for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes, all for the public welfare. No part of the net earnings of the Foundation shall inure to the benefit of any member, director, officer or the Foundation, or any private individual (except reasonable compensation may be paid for service rendered to or for the Foundation affecting one or more of its purposes), and no member, director, officer of the Foundation or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets on the dissolution of the Foundation. No substantial part of the activities of the foundation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Foundation shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) in a political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

2.2 Basic Policies. The following are the basic policies of the Foundation

a) The Foundation shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian and non-partisan.

b) The name of the Foundation or the names of any members in their official capacity shall not be used in any connection with a commercial concern or with any partisan interest or for any purpose not appropriately related to promotion of objects of the Foundation.

ARTICLE 3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

3.1 Power and composition. The control and management of the affairs of the Foundation shall be vested in a board of directors, which shall consist of seven members. The directors shall consist of the Assistant Treasurer of the Rochester Rotary Club plus six directors at large, elected from the membership of the Rochester Rotary Club.

3.2 Election and Term of Office of Directors at Large. The six directors at large shall be elected by a vote of the board of directors of the Rochester Rotary Club. Two directors at large shall be initially elected for one year term; two directors at large shall be initially elected for a two year term and two directors at large shall be initially elected for a three year term. Subsequent elections shall be for three year terms and these directors shall hold office until their successors are elected. No director at large may serve more than three consecutive fiscal years and, after serving three consecutive fiscal years, at least two fiscal years shall elapse before one may again be elected a director at large. Notwithstanding anything contained herein or otherwise to the contrary, after appointment of the initial board of directors, thereafter, the directors shall be elected and vacancies filled by a vote of the membership at the annual meeting or a special meeting.

3.3 Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring on the board of directors other than that filled by the Assistant Treasurer of the Rochester Rotary Club may be filled by the affirmative vote of the remaining directors, whether or not such remaining directors would constitute a quorum of the board. The term of office of each person so elected shall continue until the expiration of the term of the director who caused the vacancy. Should such vacancy be created by the death, incapacity, or resignation of the Assistant Treasurer of the Rochester Rotary Club then such vacancy shall be filled by the board of directors of the Rochester Rotary Club.

3.4 Meetings.

a) Annual and Regular Meetings. The annual meeting of the board of directors shall be held in the month of July on such date as may be determined by the President. Other regular meetings of the board of directors may be held at such times and places as a majority of the directors shall agree upon in writing. Any business may be transacted at the annual meeting and at any regular meeting of the board of directors and no notice of such meetings shall be required.

b) Special Meetings. Special meetings of the board of directors shall be held at such time as called by the president, or by the secretary, or by any three members of the board. The person(s) calling such a meeting shall give written notice of the time, place and purposes of such meeting to each director at his or her residence or usual place of business, at least three days, if mailed, or at least one day, if personally delivered or faxed, before the day on which such meeting is to be held. Business transacted at a special meeting need not be confined to the purposes set forth in the notice of such meeting unless such notice specifically states that it will be thus confined.

c) Place of Meetings. Any and all meetings of the board of directors shall be held in the Ste of Michigan.

d) Quorum and Manner of Acting. At all meetings of the board of directors, the presence of a majority of the directors shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of the directors present at any meeting may, without notice, adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statues, the articles of incorporation, or these bylaws, the acts of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the acts of the board.

e) Action by Consent. Unless otherwise provided by the articles of incorporation, action required or permitted to be taken pursuant to authorization voted at a meeting of the board or a committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if, before or after the action, all members of the board or of the committee consent thereto in writing. The written consents shall be filled with the minutes of the proceedings of the board or committee. The consent has the same effect as a vote of the board or committee for all purposes.

f) Meetings by Conference Telephone. Any director who participates in a board of directors by conference telephone (or similar communications equipment), so that all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, shall be deemed present in person at such meeting.

3.5 Compensation. There shall be no compensation for services of the directors to the Foundation as directors.

Rochester Rotary Charities

Posted by Christine Hage on Jul 19, 2011

The charitable arm of the Rochester Rotary Club is the Rochester Rotary Charities, Inc., a separately organized 501(c) organization.

Charities Board : 2017 -2018

President: Rhonda Panczyk

President Elect : Alan McLellan

Past President: Jay Eastman

Treasurer: Rev. David Eardey

Alan McLellan

Eric Whipple

Al Jones

Kelly Dean

So what organizations receive money from the Rochester Rotary Charities?

Casa Colibri - a medical facility in Guatemala

Rainbow Connection

Rochester Symphony

1775 th Military Police company

Area high schools senior class activities

Habitat for Humanity

Dutton Farm for the mentally and physically handicapped

Grace Center of Hope

Clinton River Watershed

Several collage scholarships for high school students

Rochester Rotary celebrates 60th anniversary

June 28 marked 60 years of Rochester community members putting Service Above Self Rochester Rotary Club, a member club of Rotary International,a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service and encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, marked its 60th anniversary as a club on June 28, 2014. The club celebrated the milestone with an event for Rochester Rotarians on July 1st at Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester Hills.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE ROCHESTER ROTARY CLUB

For More information contact Jeff Whitbey, Club Secretary at:

Rochester Rotary Club
P.O. Box 81523
Rochester, MI 48307-1523
248/327-4555
jeff@whitbey.com

AREA ROTARY CLUB MAKEUP LOCATIONS

View a listing of area Rotary Clubs and their respective meeting dates and times for make-ups. Also, a link is provided for the Rotary eClub Onefor online make-ups. More...

Michigan Facts Courtesy of our Sheriff Lynn Orfgen

Michigan's State Facts

Did you know that:

The name Michigan is derived from the Indian words "Michi-gama" meaning large lake.
The State Nickname is the "Great Lake State." Others include "Wolverine State" or "Water Winter Wonderland."
The State motto is "Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice."
(If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.)
Michigan was admitted to the Union in 1837, the 26th state.
The state bird is the robin
The state mammal is the white tailed deer.
The state reptile is the painted turtle.
The state flower is the apple blossomThe state tree is the white pine
Michigan includes:

57,022 sq. mi. of land area (16,439 sq. mi. in the U.P.) making it the 11^th largest state in the union
1,194 sq. mi. of inland waters
38,575 sq. mi. of Great Lake water area
3,126 miles of Great Lakes shoreline (more fresh water coastline than any other state)

The population is 9,883,640 (2010 Census) making it the 8^th largest state based on population.
The largest city is Detroit followed by Grand Rapids then Warren.
Michigan has about 150 lighthouses, more than any other state in the union.
The highest point in the state is Mount Arvon, elevation 1979 feet located NW of Marquette in the Huron Mountains range
Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes.
40 of Michigan's 83 counties touch at least one of the Great Lakes.
Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.
You are never more than six miles from one of them.
Anywhere in Michigan, you are within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes.
Detroit Metro Airport is the 10^th busiest in the nation and the 24 busiest in the world

ROCHESTER ROTARY 5K/10K RUN

Join your fellow Rotarians and friends for a run in downtown Rochester on September 17th when the Rochester Rotary Club will host a 5K Race/Walk and a 10K Run. The professionally time 5K race/walk and 10K run will begin at 8:30 a.m. You can register at http://goracego.com . $30 per person.

Literacy Project

The Rochester Rotary Club has made sure that more than 750 elementary school children in Detroit have access to library books to take home each night, many for the first time. By raising $9,000 for its first Literacy Project, the Rotary club was able to donate more than 2,000 books to Pulaski Elementary School. In addition to the 2,000 books, nine "Buzz About IT" (CQ) reading comprehension kits with 50 books each were donated for grades K-2 at the school. Through the donations of the books, kits and other library supplies, each teacher at the school has been able to create a lending library with the books received for his or her classroom.
Read more...

ROCHESTER ROTARY IS ON FACEBOOK!

Keep up to date with what's going on by becoming a fan of "Rochester Rotary" on Facebook. If you are a member of Facebook go to Facebook.com and login and search for "Rochester Rotary" to become a fan.

ROCHESTER ROTARY’S TUESDAY LUNCHEON WELCOMED GARY

On Tuesday, February 2, the Rochester Rotary Club hosted Gary Russi speaking as part of the unique presentation, "The New Age of Rochester- Welcome Back to the City."

Rochester Rotary held holiday party for local need

Rochester Rotary hosted holiday party for children and families in need at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rochester on Dec. 19. Working with the Rochester Area Neighborhood House, Rotary members arranged games, crafts and refreshments for 54 children during the holiday season.

Sad News

Posted by Christine Hage

We are sorry to report that on Memorial Day David Bratton (1930 - 2009) passed on. David was President of Rochester Rotary in the 1977-78 Rotary Year. A private memorial service is being held and the family has suggested that memorials be sent to Rochester Rotary Charities.

Membership

Maintaining a vital membership is essential to our club. Our Membership Committee, Chaired by Jim Koester, is trying to recruit new members. We also want to make sure we retain our current members. Please contact Jim if you you have suggestions for the committee or would like to proposed someone for membership.

Read more...

Rochester Rotarian in the news

Linda Eastman's work on literacy and midwifery was written up in the Macomb Daily. Way to go Rotarian Linda! Copy and past the following URL into your browser to read the full story. Article - Rotarians support mothers, infants

Pictures from President's Apprecitaion Party

To see some pictures from the party celebrating Ernie Schaefer's year as Rochester Rotary President. Thanks again Ernie for a job well done! The pictures may take a few moments to load as the file is large.

Scholarship News

Each year the Rochester Rotary gives away about $12,500 in college scholarships. The money is collected by the Club's Sheriffs each week through trumped up fines to members. No member pays more than $3 a week in fines, but the fun is worth a lot more than $3 and supports our worthy scholarship efforts.
Each year we award 2 Paul Harris Scholarships. These scholarships are self renewing each year for four years assuming the student is still in school. The face amount of each scholarship is $1,250.00. We also have the renewing Paul Harris Scholarships, six each year in the amount of $1,250.00, for a total of $7,500.00. For the new Paul Harris and the pledged Paul Harris, we pay out $10,000.00 per year. In addition, we award another $2,500.00 to students in the form of the Sally Case Courage Scholarship, the Rotary Community Service Scholarship and the Rochester Rotary Scholarship.

Read more...