Stories

Rochester Rotary Awards

At the Rotary District 6380 Annual Conference in early June, the Rochester Rotary Club was honored with the Living the Action Plan Award, recognizing its exceptional commitment to Rotary International’s strategic priorities. Founded in 1905 as the world’s first service club, Rotary International guides its global network through an Action Plan centered on seven key areas: Peacebuilding and conflict prevention, Disease prevention and treatment, Water, sanitation, and hygiene, Maternal and child health, education and literacy, Community economic development, and Support of the environment.

Clubs around the world are encouraged to design and implement service projects that make a measurable impact in these critical areas, and Rochester Rotary’s efforts stood out among its peers for their dedication and effectiveness.

“We were surprised and honored to receive this award,” said Rochester Rotary Club President Christine Hage. The Rochester Rotary Club, composed of 85 members, was recognized for its impactful service in several of Rotary International’s areas of focus, including disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, basic literacy, and environmental Support.

Club members contributed both time and financial resources to these efforts. In some cases, members participated directly in hands-on projects; in others, the Club provided funding to support initiatives led by partner organizations. One recent example is the Club’s recent donation of more than $5,000 to the Clinton River Watershed Council to purchase water testing supplies, enabling Rochester-area students to help monitor the health of the Clinton River. Each year, the Club raises and distributes nearly $100,000 in Support of local and international service projects.

Several Rochester Rotary members were also recognized for individual contributions. Dr. Jay and Linda Eastman received the Terry Youlton Award for International Humanitarian Service in honor of their work at Casa Colibri, a medical center they established in Guatemala. “Our mission is to help the Mayan people of northwest Guatemala improve the quality of their lives through programs in health, education, and related infrastructure,” said Linda Eastman. The clinic provides medical, dental, and vision care, as well as midwifery and literacy training in remote rural areas.

Club President Christine Hage was also honored with the Virginia Nordby Women in Rotary Award, recognizing her leadership and advocacy. Earlier this year, she led an Open World library development delegation from Kazakhstan. The one-week visit, funded by the U.S. Congressional Office for International Leadership, brought six librarians to the United States to explore public library development. Hage organized visits to 13 public libraries across southeast Michigan to showcase how American libraries serve their communities.

District Governor Sharna Hatcher attended a recent Club meeting to celebrate the awards alongside Rochester Rotary members.

Savoring Beer, Wine and Delish Food While Raising almost $40,000

Each spring, Bordine’s Nursery in Rochester transforms into a magical venue for one of the community’s most anticipated evenings of the year—the Rochester Rotary Club’s Annual Wine and Beer Tasting fundraiser. This year’s event once again delighted guests with a vibrant selection of fine wines, craft beers, gourmet bites from local restaurants, and an impressive array of silent auction items. Surrounded by Bordine’s lush floral displays and the sounds of live music, attendees enjoyed an unforgettable celebration of community, charity, and springtime splendor.

A highlight of the evening was the “People’s Choice Best Taste” contest, where guests voted for their favorite culinary creation. The 2025 winner: Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, located at 301 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy. Known for its distinctive gaucho-style service and impressive salad and appetizer bar, Fogo de Chão brought bold flavors and culinary excellence to the event.

“We feel incredibly fortunate to have participated in the Rochester Rotary Wine & Beer Tasting for the third consecutive year,” said Michelle Choice, Event Sales Manager at Fogo de Chão. “Part of our mission is to nourish our community with respect and generosity. This event gives us the opportunity to do just that—right here in Oakland County. Whether you’re already a Fogo fan or discovering us for the first time, it’s an honor to receive the 2025 Best Taste Award.”

Neighborhood House Accepts $10,000 Check

At the May 20 meeting, Rochester Rotaries Charities President Tom Townsend presented Neighborhood House with a check for $10,000 to support the Food Pantry and Sustainability Services.

Neighborhood House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping neighbors in need achieve self-sufficiency during times of hardship. The organization serves individuals and families experiencing poverty or those classified as ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed).

While only about 5.5% of the population in the area lives in poverty, significantly below state and national averages, this still represents approximately 8,000 people. Life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, a medical crisis, or a car breakdown can push families into financial instability. NH’s mission is to empower clients toward long-term sustainability.

Poverty thresholds vary by household size. For example, the federal poverty line is $18,961 for a senior couple over the age of 65, and $31,812 for a family of four.

Neighborhood House Impact in 2024

Neighborhood House made a profound impact in 2024 through its comprehensive services:

The Food Pantry provided 436,068 meals to 601 households and served 6,183 unhoused individuals with emergency aid and meals. The pantry operates like a grocery market, offering monthly access to food. For efficiency and safety, NH uses a drive-up service where volunteers shop for clients. Home delivery is also available for special cases. On Thursdays, the Pantry distributes fresh food donated by local grocery stores and businesses.
Sustainability Services provided $105,664 in financial assistance, helped 25 clients secure jobs, and prevented 70 evictions.
The Clothes Closet distributed 28,276 clothing items to 365 households.
Community Events: Hosted events that served 1,052 families, benefitting 1,334 children.
Transportation Services: Offered 463 rides to medical appointments, job interviews, and food pickups. Additionally, nearly 60 bicycles were distributed to adults and children, enabling transportation and recreational opportunities.

Linda Eastman Honored with Prestigious Award

The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor has awarded Linda Eastman, of Rochester Hills, the Robert S. Northrup Humanitarian Award for her extraordinary commitment to global service. Established in 2018, the award recognizes individuals who have made long-term, sustainable contributions to humanitarian efforts at local, national, or international levels.

"Linda Eastman exemplifies the Rotary spirit of ‘Service Above Self,’” said Christine Hage, President of the Rochester Rotary Club. "Her passion, perseverance, and generosity have transformed countless lives. She is a remarkable example of what one person’s dedication can accomplish."

A Life Dedicated to Service

Eastman’s humanitarian journey began unexpectedly 44 years ago during a vacation to Mexico. Frustrated by language barriers, she returned home determined to bridge the communication gap. While raising four children as a non-traditional student at Oakland University, she pursued a degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish, graduating summa cum laude, an honor achieved by only two students that year. She later earned a Nonprofit Management Certificate, further preparing herself for leadership in humanitarian work.

Kazakhstani Public Library Development Delegation

The past two days have been long but incredibly engaging. The delegation spent the day at the Rochester Hills Public Library, starting with a tour and discussions with four RHPL trustees. After delivering a presentation at the Rochester Rotary Club, they returned to the library to learn about services for individuals with disabilities and the role of the Friends of the Library.

On Wednesday, the delegation spent the morning at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Rotarian Roger Roller, who also serves as a DIA docent, gave us a fantastic museum tour. District 6380 Governor Sharna Hatcher walked in! What a pleasant surprise.

After lunch, the delegation headed across the street to the Detroit Public Library, beginning with a tour of the Main Library. In a conference room, staff members gave insightful presentations on various aspects of their library services. Sergei, our translator, continues to impress with his remarkable skills—what a talent!

From left to right, we have Nurzhan Zholdybalinov, Deputy Head of ElectronicRresources at the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Next is Zhanar Kulzhayeva, the American Corners program coordinator at Kazakhstan's US Embassy and Consulate. Zhanar is fluent in English and is the delegation's facilitator. Ainur Shaimukhanbetova is the Chief Executive Officer of Karagada Regional Universal Research Library. and is head of reference at the East Kazakhstan regional library. Altoty Saliyeva is the Department Head of the Aktobe Regional Universal Scientific Library. Meruyert Zhailibayeva is the head of reference at the East Kazakhstan Regional Library. Last but not least is Meiram Beltembayev, the director of the centralized Library system of Almaty.

Kazakhstan Delegation Visit - Day 3

Today was a celebration of music in Detroit.

We began our journey at Hitsville USA, home of the Motown Museum, where we saw the iconic hat and glove Michael Jackson wore in the Billie Jean video—an incredible piece of music history he personally donated during his visit.

We savored sliders at Green Dot Stables in Corktown for lunch, enjoying a taste of the city's vibrant food scene.

The day culminated at Orchestra Hall, where the Detroit Symphony Orchestra delivered a stunning concert performance of Bizet’s Carmen. As we departed, we had the unexpected pleasure of meeting one of the performers, who graciously posed for a photo with members of our delegation.

District conference slide show

The Congressional Office of International Leadership has partnered with Rotary International to host delegations from Eastern Europe and Asia, providing opportunities to learn about American life and institutions. As part of this initiative, the Rochester Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Mount Clemens Rotary Club, is hosting a six-member public library delegation from Kazakhstan.

The delegation, consisting of four women and two men, arrived last night following a 15-hour flight and a day and a half in Washington, D.C. Their visit focuses on public library development in the United States. Over the next eight days, they will stay with Rotarian host families, visit 15 public libraries, and participate in cultural activities throughout southeast Michigan.

Day 2 was packed with tours and great conversations. We started at the OPC Social and Activities Center (our local senior citizens center), enjoyed some delicious Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s, and explored the impressive 88,000-square-foot Meadowbrook Hall. This afternoon, we’re touring Oakland University’s Kresge Library to see academic library services in action.

The delegation was especially interested in learning about Rotary and was genuinely impressed by the strong volunteer spirit in the U.S. It’s inspiring to see these cross-cultural exchanges spark new ideas!

Applications for the 2026 Rotary Peace Fellowships are open until 15 May

Do you know someone interested in promoting peace in the world? You can help by encouraging peace and development leaders in our community to apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship.

Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships yearly for peacebuilders from diverse backgrounds who want to study at one of Rotary’s centers at leading universities worldwide. This year, Rotary will select 50 peace fellows to study in Rotary master’s programs at six partner universities in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States and 80 fellows to participate in Rotary professional development certificate programs at Makerere University in Uganda and Bahçeşehir University in Türkiye.

Rotary Peace Fellows use their training to amplify their local, regional, or global work. We can advance peace by encouraging local peacebuilders to learn about Rotary and apply for this unique fellowship.

Rotary and Rotaract members can help find candidates within their networks and community organizations. Using Rotary's referral form makes it easy to receive more application information.

Giving time to Meals on Wheels

The Club met at the OPC on December 17th to learn about Meals on Wheels (MOW), sing some holiday songs, and write messages on holiday cards for Meals on Wheels clients.

OPC’s Meals on Wheels program is designed for seniors who cannot shop and/or prepare meals. It allows seniors to age in place and encourages independence for those who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. However, OPC’s MOW Program is more than a meal. Volunteers provide a wellness check and deliver a hot, nutritious meal to homebound seniors. There is no waiting list, and meals are received within 24 hours of request. Since 2023, OPC has delivered over 92,000 meals!

Meals are available seven days a week (five hot and two frozen) and delivered in NE Oakland County.

Eligibility and Service Options:

60 years of age and older
Unable to grocery shop and/or prepare nutritious meals
No income requirements
Short-term options available while recuperating or rehabilitating
If you’re not eligible for this program, a hot noon-time meal is available Monday through Friday at Auburn Hills, Brandon, Lake Orion, and OPC

Putting Service Above Self Rotarians can do good for others while enjoying the weekly meetings and club activities.

Free Bikes 4 Kids 2024

Rochester Rotarians helped collect, clean, and rebuild bikes for children with Bikes 4 Kids Detroit. There's nothing quite like new-bike day, particularly for a kid who may never have had a set of wheels before! The joy radiated from the faces of hundreds of local children on December 7, and 8 as 400 kids came to the Piston Group warehouse in Corktown to pick out a bike and get fitted for a new helmet from Free Bikes 4 Kidz. Then, after some impromptu (but enthusiastic) test-riding in our building, they took their precious cargo home to ride in their neighborhoods - never mind that it's winter when you've got a new bike you want to ride! Another 1,800+ bicycles were sent out the following week in bulk (with a helmet for each bike) to organizations that pre-registered with Free Bikes 4 Kids and will have a giveaway event at their locations in time for the holidays.

This is the seventh time FB4K has distributed bikes to kids in the Detroit community, bringing the total number of smiles and lives changed to 14,614 since 2018, thanks to dedicated volunteers, like Rochester Rotarians, and generous sponsors.

Shred Polio

Shred your documents and help to SHRED POLIO! The event will occur in Bordine’s parking lot at 1835 S. Rochester Road on Monday, October 28th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. For just $10 per carload (approximately five boxes or bags), all those obsolete documents that have taken up too much space will be securely shredded. Pick-up service is available for a $20 fee. *Paper and light cardboard only.* DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED AS WELL!

If you want to schedule a pickup, contact (248) 408-9868. What is Polio? Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under 5. Most know it as poliovirus. The virus is spread from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system and, in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine that Rotary and our partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide. Most people have heard of polio, but few know that the disease still affects children around the world. You can help by spreading the word. Every donation helps us obtain the vaccines, transport, and materials needed in the fight against polio.

Local Service Clubs Collect over $6,000 in Clothing for Foster Kids

Once again, the Rochester Rotary, the Rochester Kiwanis, the Rochester Lions, and the Rochester Hills Lions Clubs have provided essential items for foster children, our state's most invisible and voiceless children. Currently, some 10,000 Michigan children are in foster care. And there are even more kinship families in which a grandparent, aunt, or uncle cares for a child when the biological parent cannot.

The four Rochester area service clubs collected new underwear, socks, pajamas, jeans, jackets, and diapers to help support children’s self-esteem. These are tangible expressions that there is a larger community that surrounds them and cares for them.

Thank you to everyone in the greater Rochester area for opening your hearts to children and youth who face unimaginable challenges. The estimated value is $6247.00.

Pizza Fundraiser at the Royal Park

Exchange Student Program Now Open

Are you considering studying abroad for a year-long exchange to earn high school credit or perhaps a short summer exchange of 2-3 weeks? Join us for an informative event on the Rotary Youth Exchange at the Rochester Hills Public Library, upstairs in Room A, on October 14, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This presentation is designed for students and parents to learn about the 2024 program and ask questions. A former student from Rochester Community Schools will share her experiences and insights to help you understand what to expect.

Visit to FANUC

Our featured speaker, Michael Cicco, has been with FANUC America Corporation for 25 years and currently serves as the President and CEO. FANUC is a global leader in automation and robotics, providing cutting-edge CNC systems (Computer Numeric Controls) and factory automation solutions that help manufacturers maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability across the Americas.

FANUC is the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturer, having produced over 1 million robots in 2023. They design and manufacture over 200 different kinds of robots, with 31% of their business serving the automotive industry. Notably, their Rochester Hills site is the world headquarters for painting robots.

Beyond automotive, 35% of FANUC’s business comes from a variety of industries including textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, aerospace, cosmetics, construction, and more. FANUC’s robots handle tasks like "picking and packing" materials—whether it’s placing raw chicken breasts into packaging or fulfilling orders in large warehouses like Amazon's.

A key part of FANUC's success is its commitment to education. The company has certification programs in over 1,600 high schools, community colleges, and universities. With lifetime support for their equipment, FANUC ensures that customers are trained as technology evolves, much of which takes place at their Rochester Hills facility.

Mr. Cicco’s presentation was truly inspiring and highlighted the company's core values of PRIDE:

People – both employees and customers come first
Respect – respect is at the core of their work
Integrity – acting with integrity in all they do
Dedication – a deep commitment to their mission
Excellence – striving for the highest standards in every area

You're Invited to Dinner

Frank Rewod will be the Celebrity Chef at the Royal Park's 20th anniversary next week as fundraiser for Rotary. We invite everyone to attend.

Celebrating 70 Years of Service Above Self

Seventy years ago, on September 15, 1954, the Rochester Rotary was chartered as the 2,998th club of Rotary International. This long-standing history is a testament to its commitment to service.

Rotary International, formed in 1905, was the first service club in the world. Although not the first service club in the Rochester area, the Rochester Rotary is the largest service club in the area today. Rochester Rotarians raise about $100,000 annually by selling poinsettias during the holidays, hosting a wine tasting at Bordine’s of Rochester Hills, and hosting an annual golf outing. This money is then distributed to local, national, and international organizations that help those in need and support a scholarship program for high school seniors.

“The Club’s motto is Service Above Self, and although financial contributions are always welcome by the organizations supported by Rotary, Rochester Rotarians are also interested in lending a hand,” said Rotary President-Elect Rachel Aviles. The club, along with the Rochester Hills Lions, the Rochester Lions, and the Rochester Kiwanis, is collecting underwear, socks, and pajamas for foster kids in the Detroit metro area. Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenia’s 3rd Street Hair/Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Donation boxes will be available from September 3 through September 30.

Necessities Drive for Foster Children

Rochester Rotary, Rochester Kiwanis, Rochester Lions, and the Rochester Hills Lions Clubs are joining forces to significantly impact our community with a joint service event held September 3-20. Together, they will focus on collecting new underwear, socks, diapers, and pajamas for children in the foster care system, a cause that genuinely needs support.

"Imagine the difference we can make when we harness the power of our three service organizations, all of whom share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change," said Rotary President Christine Hage.

David Meyers, President of the Rochester Hills Lions, said, "This is the third year that our three service clubs have partnered to help foster children.”

Foster care is a temporary living situation for children whose parents cannot care for 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.

There is an urgent need for your donations. Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenias 3rd Street Hair Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Your prompt action is needed. Donation boxes will be available from September 3 through September 20.

Club Raises Over $4,000 for the RI Foundation

Ernie Schaefer thanked the 40 members and guests who attended our summer social for the Rotary International Foundation. Over $4,000 was raised, which will help the foundation in its work worldwide. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. Major projects have included the eradication of polio, clean water,

A special thank you to our 17 sponsors Annette Werner, Barb & Roger Roller, Shirley Gofrank, Jay and Linda Eastman, Clara & Jerry Carvey, Greg Schaefer, Sharon & Ernie Schaefer, Alan McLellan, Tim Duncan, Christine Hage, Stuart Siegner, Trevis Harrold, Carol & Phil Lowman, Marcie & George Krozier, Connie & Tom Townsend, Mary & Steve Oehler, and Mo Sayed. Thank you to Frank Rewold for allowing us to hold the event at his office. It was a spectacular and fun event that helped the RI Foundation.

https://www.rochesterrotaryclub.org/photoalbums/2024-summer-social

2024-25 President's Welcome Message

Welcome to the Rochester Rotary Club!

Even though we are the largest service club in Rochester, we always welcome new members. If you are an individual who lives, or works, in Rochester, Rochester Hills, or Oakland Township, we invite you to consider membership in our club. We believe in inclusivity and diversity.

Formed in 1954 and composed of community leaders, our motto is Service Above Self. In addition to networking, our club hosts several fundraisers each year and donates tens of thousands of dollars to local, regional, national, and international charities. We sponsor Interact clubs in our local high schools and a Rotaract Club at Oakland University. Our commitment to youth is also demonstrated in our college scholarship program, involvement in the Rotary Youth Exchange programs, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

But it's not all about work. We believe in the importance of socializing and having fun. Our club hosts a variety of social activities, from happy hours to outings to ball games and holiday dinners to participation in the Rochester Christmas Parade. These events are a great way to unwind, connect with fellow members, and make lasting memories. So, if you are looking for fun and fellowship and believe in Service above Self, I urge you to consider membership in the Rochester Rotary Club. Membership information is available at https://www.rochesterrotaryclub.org/page/becoming-a-member. You can also contact us at jeff@whitbey.com.

We look forward to having you join us as we serve our community.

--Christine Hage, Rochester Rotary President 2024-25

President's Appreciation Dinner

On June 29, 2024 Jay and Linda Eastman opened up their home and yard to welcome Rochester Rotarians for the President's Appreciation Dinner. The evening was filled with good food, drinks, laughter, and sharing of stories among Rotarians. Kyle Johnson was honored for his year of service as Club President and now becomes the immediate Past President. Christine Hage will assume the role of Club President, which is her second time serving the club in this manner.

https://rochesterrotaryclub.org/photoalbums/2024-presidents-appreciation-dinner-photo-album

An Evening of Elegance and Community Support: Rochester Rotary Club's Annual Wine and Beer Tasting Event

Every spring, the Rochester area is treated to an evening of elegance at Bordine’s Nursery, where the fragrance of spring flowers intertwines with the aroma of some of the area’s best dishes. The occasion? The Rochester Rotary Club hosts the annual Wine and Beer Tasting fundraising event. Against the backdrop of beautiful blooms and contemporary melodies, guests indulge in a delightful array of wine, beer, and culinary delights from some of the region’s most esteemed restaurants.

Linda Eastman Recognized for Humanitarian Work

On Tuesday, April 16^th, the Rochester Rotary Club honored Linda Eastman of Rochester Hills for her humanitarian work with the Mayan people in Guatemala.

Some 25 years ago, Linda went on a vacation trip to Mexico and experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate. That experience motivated her to earn degrees in Latin American Studies and Spanish. She was a non-traditional student, going to Oakland University while raising four children, and was one of two students to graduate summa cum laude (4.0). She returned to Oakland University some years later to earn a Nonprofit Management Certificate.

She began making volunteer medical mission trips to Guatemala as a translator but quickly became a leader. Linda now serves as the language and cultural bridge for mission trips. She travels on her dime two or three times a year to oversee the work. She is also fully involved in the planning, grant writing, and fundraising for the Casa Colibri (Hummingbird House) Clinic. Her volunteer work has focused on maternal and child health (prenatal care training for traditional birth attendants/midwives), dental and eye care, literacy, and programs for healthy children and young women.

In 2007, she co-founded the non-profit Casa Colibri (https://casacolibri.org/about-us/) and helped open a free Guatemalan medical clinic. The people in the area live in extreme poverty and travel hours to reach the clinic. She helped initiate a Clinic on Wheels, which brings medical services to 35 – 40 villages and serves 15,000 – 20,000 people! Thanks to Casa Colibri and her fundraising efforts, the clinic now has six Guatemalan employees. As president of Casa Colibri, Linda is responsible for all of the non-profit’s committees.

Go the Distance Lions

Rochester Rotary Club hoping for two more wins from our Detroit Lions!!

2023 of Bikes for Kids Detroit

The 2023 Free Bikes 4 Kidz season is in the books and 2,035 kids got bikes and a new helmet just before the holidays! Dozens of cheerful volunteers and beautiful Christmas decorations greeted the kids as they arrived and helped create a wonderfully fun and festive atmosphere in the FB4K warehouse. Of course, Santa also paid a visit to the event to spend time with the kids as they received their new bike. Thanks to the public bike donation event at Home Depot stores and other generous bike shop partners, almost 2,300 bikes were donated for local kids, some being used as parts donors. With the help of 1,321 volunteers who worked 5,680 hours, the bikes were cleaned and repaired to get them ready to be given to a new child in just 10 weeks, making this one of the biggest pop-up bike shops in the country!

Rochester Rotary was proud to be a part of the Bikes for Kids Detroit project this year.

2023 Poinsettia Sale Was the Best in Years

Thank you to all who ordered or sold poinsettias this year. It was our biggest sale in recent years!

Our Rotary motto is Service Above Self, and although we do hands-on service projects like the Bikes4Kids project a few weeks ago, fundraising is essential so Rochester Rotary Charities can financially support projects locally, regionally, and internationally. The poinsettia sale is one of our major fundraising projects.

This week we were able to present a $2,500 check to Grace Centers of Hope for the fantastic work they do helping people get their lives back on track. There is a common African proverb: "It takes a village..." Rochester Rotary is proud to be part of the village supporting Grace Centers of Hope.

Charities Donates to Neighborhood House

Ron Lichtle, President of Rochester Rotary Charities, presents a check for $2,500 to support the work at Neighborhood House. Mike Dreon, Executive Director of Neighborhood House (NH), accepted the check and thanked Rochester Rotary for being a long-term partner with NH.

In 2022, 320,557 meals were provided to 561 households. In addition to food, NH assists with clothing, transportation, counseling, financial assistance, and job training for over 700 families. These are some ways NH walks the path to self-sustainability with our neighbors in need.

Russ Shelton is Awarded Another Paul Harris Award

Ernie Schaefer (right) presented another Harris Award to Russ Shelton who is already a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation. Ernie joked that for you nine Paul Harris Awards you get another stone in you Paul Harris pin. After you have contributed $10,000 you become a major donor and receive a crystal award. Contributions after that bring a certificate, which Russ gratiously accepted.

Welcome to Our Newest Member

President Kyle Johnson and Membership Chair Stuart Siegner welcome our newest Rotary member Trevis Harrold. Trevis recently transferred to our club from the Saginaw Rotary Club. He played "a little" football for Eastern Michigan University, won a fellowship to the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, and earned a Masters before joining the U.S. Diplomatic Corps, serving in embassies abroad. He is the Global Public Policy Leader for Dow Chemical and a Military Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army.

Rotary Youth Exchange Students Visit Rochester

We were proud to host 20 Rotary Youth Exchange students this past weekend. The students from 20 different countries live with Rotary hosts and attend public schools in Wayne, Oakland, and Livingston Counties, while some live with Rotarians in Canada.

They slept on the floor Friday night at Rochester Community House, took a hayride in Bloomer Park, and shopped around downtown Rochester. Our club rented the Community House and provided dinner, breakfast, and lunch for all. They had a great time, and we are envious of the year they have ahead of them.

Parachuting With a Purpose

Rochester Rotary was proud to donate $1,500 to 22 Jumps, a non-profit organization funding research to change the narrative of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and veteran suicides. They fundraise to support the development of testing and therapeutics for TBIs and the application of ancient plant medicines to help relieve suffering today.

Typically, they raise funds through base jumping or, as they say, “parachuting with a purpose.”

The following 7-minute video gives more background on the organization and its work.

Update on our 2021 Solar Project

In conjunction with the Club in Ghana, Rochester Rotary underwrote the installation of a solar power system to power a local hospital. Here is an update on the now-completed hospital.

Dear Rochester Rotary Club,

As the current Rotary Club president of The Rotary Club of Accra-Spintex,I would like to thank your club for partnering with us on this project.

This project has touched a lot of lives and proof that Rotary is Good.

We decided to invest in some videos and photography for reference .

Please find below a summary of the project:

We trained and involved local electricians in the entire project.
We put in place a complete electrical distribution system (complete with electrical earthing) for the facilities,this enables us to share the solar between the health facility and the residential facility which are both on the same compound.
cost of the entire project was in approximately $21,000 and these installations took 10 days in all

Thank you so much.

Sincerely yours in Service:

Nortse Amartey Amarteifio,
Consulting Partner,
Victron Energy Showroom,

Sound doesn't start until about 1 minute into the video.

Rotary Helps Neighborhood House with Blast Off to School

Christine Hage, Ron Lichtle, Shirley Gofrank and Vince Mattina

Living up to the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” Rotarians gathered at the Neighborhood House (NH) office on Livernois to help fill bags with school supplies for hundreds of children served by NH. Supplies included crayons, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, glue sticks, spiral-bound notebooks, scissors, etc. Specific supplies are designated by grade level.

Although it only took a few hours, needy students will appreciate the new supplies during the coming school year. NH will distribute the supplies in the next week so students are ready for the new school year.

Celebrating Community Through Service

Kiwanians Jean and Roger Bajorek with collected supplies

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. 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.

For the second year, the Rochester and Rochester Hills Kiwanis Clubs, the Rochester Rotary, and the Rochester Hills Lions jointly sponsored a community-wide service project. Each organization focuses on slightly different tasks; however, community service is the common factor.

In 2021, the international parents of these organizations encouraged local clubs to collaborate to demonstrate this commitment to community service. The Kiwanians, Rotarians, and Lions gathered school supplies for foster children this year. President of the Rochester Kiwanis Club Chuck Bissell said, “We are overwhelmed with the community response to this project!” The club took a van full of school supplies to Samaritas, which serves the Detroit metro area.

“Foster children experience great stress being separated from their birth families and friends, for whatever reason,” said David Meyers, President of the Rochester Hills Lions Club. “A new backpack, crayons, pencils, pens, rulers, and notebooks mean a lot to these students.”

The combined service clubs collected 80 backpacks, 300 pens, 218 packages of pencils, 148 filled pencil pouches, 110 glue sticks, 53 packages of highlighters, 84 spiral notebooks, 70 boxes of crayons, 48 packets of lined looseleaf paper, erasers, scissors, protractors, paper punches, report folders, rulers, index cards, construction paper, and looseleaf dividers.

“Through this project, we harnessed the power of these service organizations and local businesses, all of whom share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change,” said Rotary President Kyle Johnson. Eugenia’s 3^rd Street Hair Gallery was again highly generous in allowing the public to drop off items. “We were happy to support this community project,” said Kris Liebzeit, owner of Eugenia’s.

Individuals interested in joining one of these service clubs can get more information on membership on each club’s website; www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfRochester; https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/rochesterhills/; or www.rochesterrotaryclub.org.

2023 Rochester Rotary Golf Outing is Scheduled!

It is time to mark your calendars for our Club's 2023 golf outing on Tuesday, September 19th, at Fieldstone Golf Course in Auburn Hills. Registration will begin at 10, with a shotgun start at 11 and an awards ceremony at 4 p.m.

Go to the "Fundraising" tab above and click on "Fundraising Events" and then "Charity Golf Outing" for details, registration, and sponsorship opportunities!

Welcome Back!

President Kyle Johnson welcomed Carol Franciosi back to Rochester Rotary. Carol was a member here about fifteen years ago. Carol has worked as an international traveling nurse based in Naples, FL. She is now back living in our area and is looking forward to renewing her commitment to service through the Rochester Rotary.

Student Exchange Participants

Gwen, Jennifer, and Marianna

Three former Rotary Youth Exchange Students gave a presentation today. Gwen just returned from her year in Sweden and will make a full presentation to the club later. Jen did her exchange in Japan many years ago and explained the impact that exchange had on her life, including encouraging her daughter Gwen to become an exchange student. The third young lady, Marianna, will be returning to her home in Mexico next week and was very appreciative to Rochester Rotary for hosting her.

If you know someone interested in studying abroad for a year, they can apply online at: https://studyabroadscholarships.org.

Congratulation to Timo!

Timo Nicholaou joined the Rochester Rotary over 30 years ago and today was awarded his third Paul Harris Fellowship. Way to go Timo!

Foster Kids to Recieve Backpacks

The Rochester Kiwanis, Rochester Hills Lions, and the Rochester Rotary clubs are working together to celebrate and give back to the community with a joint service event held July 14 – August 1. Starting a new school year can be difficult and frightening for any child, especially for children in foster care. The project will focus on collecting new backpacks for children in the foster care system.

The three service clubs are again combining efforts to help foster kids by providing them with school backpacks through the Samaritas backpack drive. School supplies are needed for all ages and genders and include backpacks, notebooks, crayons, #2 pencils, erasers, markers, rulers, scissors, and more.

"Imagine the difference we can make when we harness the power of our three service organizations, all of whom share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change," said Kiwanis President Chuck Bissell.

Rochester Rotary President Kyle Johnson said, "We looked around for a project that would serve children in particular and decided to focus on foster children again this year."

“The Rochester Hills Lions believe children in the foster care system need this special support,” said the club president David Meyers.

Drop boxes for donated items will be available at Eugenias 3^rd Street Hair Gallery in downtown Rochester. Donation boxes will be available from July 14^th – August 1^st.

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

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.

The Lions support global services that present significant challenges to humanity.

Although all three local clubs are associated with international organizations, the backpack service project is designed to help foster children throughout the Detroit Metro Area.

Another New Member!

We are pleased to welcome Tamara Tazzia as our newest Rotarian. Tamara has over 50 years of community service as a former member of the Clawson Rotary Club and the West Bloomfield Optimists Club. As a Rochester resident, she is interested in serving her home community through the Rochester Rotary Club. Again we welcome Tamara!

Summary of the 2022-23 Rotary Year

President Dr. Tim Duncan holding his presidential year brick which will be installed at Rotary Gateway Park

Rochester Rotary President Dr. Tim Duncan summarized some of Rotary International’s (RI) and the Club’s critical successes this past year.

RI had its first female President. Jennifer Jones’s vision of Imagine Rotary this year was clear, and she nailed it. With over 1.2 million members, RI remains strong, supportive, and innovative in putting Service Above Self.

Each week the Rochester Rotary guest speakers have covered a wide variety of topics, from a project manager working on one of the Boblo boats, a television newsagent, to a judge talking about the Declaration of Independence and what it means to the world. We had a city manager and a lawyer dedicated to finding innocence and freeing the wrongly accused, a computer engineer talking about artificial intelligence, and a speaker about autism. We even had Santa and a clown show up for a meeting!

We had five off-site meetings, one at Innovation Hills, where we visited with a Rochester Hills naturalist, one for the Rotary Emblem Dedication at Rotary Gateway Park, two at Neighborhood House to hear how one of our closest community partners is doing; and a visit to Leader Dog for a behind the scenes look at that organization. We also had an off-site meal at Antoniou's Towne Square Pizza due to the Community House not being available for one of our nation’s most valued methods of governing, voting day.

The development of future leaders is a vital part of Rotary’s youth service. We hosted a Rotary Student Exchange student Mariana Celorio from Mexico, she had her ups and downs, including losing her father, and she had an exceptional year through it. Our school Interact clubs are humming again, with two out of three high schools earning their Presidential Citations for the past school year, and all three schools are on track to earn that citation later this summer.

Fundraising events have been very successful this year. Our August 30^th golf outing featured a fantastic day of glorious camaraderie and horrible golfing. This was in conjunction with our annual golf ball drop. We raised several thousand dollars to support RI’s program to eradicate polio through our Shred It event last August and our Spring Fling. It was an excellent opportunity to interact with one another in a very low-pressure environment and raise some money for Rotary. Our annual Poinsettia Sale, Master’s Raffle, and Wine and Beer Tasting fundraisers were huge successes and much fun.

We demonstrated community outreach and service with three other local service clubs by collecting necessities (diapers, PJs, socks, undies, sweatpants, jeans, etc.) for eleven foster agencies in the area. On a more local level, we helped underwrite Neighborhood Houses Blast Off 2 School events and participated in the Meijer 2:1 matching grant program for Neighborhood House. Several members volunteered at Free Bikes 4 Kidz, cleaning up and servicing over 3000 bicycles, giving directly back to the community so every kid can have a bike (and helmet). The CEO of that group came to speak to us about the program, and we will continue to support them. We also displayed our brand-new float in the Rochester Christmas Parade.

But the Rochester Rotary doesn’t provide just work and fundraising opportunities.

The social component of the club was evident when we attended a Jimmy John's baseball game or met four times for cocktails at local watering holes. The Christmas party, the Spring Fling, and a family-oriented event at the Van Hoosen Calf Barn playing with trains were fun.

Our local club membership remained strong with 105 members, 90 active, 12 honorary, and three corporate. These numbers are solid at a time when service clubs are struggling to find members; our attending membership numbers are increasing.

Financially we ended well into the black, and our investments allowed us to grow the Rochester Rotary Endowment Fund, enabling that fund to serve our club for park expenses and other club projects of interest.

To establish a direction for the club, we conducted a membership survey regarding meeting location, food preference, quality, etc. The survey input gave the board the information to move this club forward, strengthening it by guiding these topics. Thank you very much for your responses.

This year’s board consists of Phil McPeek, Youth Services Chair; Ernie Schaefer, Rotary Foundation Chair; Steve Oehler, responsible for coordinating our meals and our Think Tank and fundraising leader; Tom Townsend, Immediate Past President who filled the gap year left by David Eardley; David Archbold, Director and our Youth Exchange Co-Chair, Stuart Siegner Director, and Membership Chair; Linda Eastman Director and Invocation Committee Chair; Cindy Purdy, Director, and Master’s Raffle Chair; Rachel Aviles, Assistant Secretary, coming into the Vice-President position; Jeff Whitbey, Club Secretary; Tami Salisbury, Assistant Treasurer moving into the Assistant Secretary position; Tom Neveau, Treasurer and Youth Services Leader; Christine Hage, Website Administrator, and Vice President moving into the President-Elect position; and last but not least, Kyle Johnson, President-Elect and President of the Rochester Rotary Club for 2023-2024.

Our club is in great hands; we have the tools and outstanding leadership!

One of my goals for this Rotary year was reconnecting with Rotary as a whole. We are a powerful club; we showed strength throughout the pandemic when many clubs were folding. However, Rotary is bigger than this club, as this video shows https://youtu.be/z1dxvQD3ryQ

Thank you so much, everyone, for being the exceptional humans that you are and for being a part of Rochester Rotary.

Final Scholarship Awarded for 2023

On behalf of the Club, Roger Roller presented Lindsey Gleason with the $1,500 Rochester Rotary Community Service Scholarship. As a recent Rochester High School Graduate, Lindsey will study Environmental Science at the University of Michigan this fall.

RHS Interact Has Another Successful Year!

Back Row: RHS Advisor Kelley Messing

Front Row Left to Right: Jade McLellan, Spriha Shibu, Trina Mollicone, Emma LaLonde, Lily Lalonde, and Kaci Andrews

Jade McLellan, President of the Rochester High School Interact Club, gave a presentation on this past year's activities. The Club raised over $600 to support MSU Strong and Ascension Hospital and help run club activities and programs. Interact members, earn points by attending or helping to plan club events. In addition to their regular bi-weekly donut sales, the club sponsored a Trunk or Treat Event, a Purple Pinky event, participated in Charity Week at RHS, and marched in the Rochester Christmas Parade.

The Rotary Interact program brings high school students together to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Rochester Rotary hopes our Interact Clubs will help students become responsible global citizens.

Congratulations on another outstanding year RHS Interact!

2023 Rotary Scholarship Winnters

Pictured Left to Right: Davis Hobley, Chelsea Kehoe, and Kaci Andrews

Over the years, Rochester Rotary has given out over $300,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors. This is just one of the ways we support students attending local high schools. On June 13, 2023, we were honored to present four scholarships.

Paul Harris Scholarships give students $1,500 for each year of college. This year's Paul Harris Scholars were Davis Hobley and Kaci Andrews . Davis graduated from Stoney Creek High School and will study neuroscience at Princeton starting this Fall. Kaci attended Rochester High School and will study criminal justice starting this fall at Michigan State.

Chelsea Kehoe, a Stoney Creek High School graduate, received the $1,500 Don Pixley Memorial Scholarship. Chelsea is enrolled in the University of Michigan's engineering program.

A fourth scholarship was awarded to Lindsey Gleason. Lindsey was not able to attend today's meeting but will come to a future meeting to receive her recognition.

This year's Scholarship Selection Committee included Roger Roller, Mary Grace McCarter, and Tom Delpup.

Rotarian Steven Schettenhelm Retires as Rochester's Chief of Police

Pictured above: Rochester City Manager Nik Banda, Rochester Mayor Stuart Bikson, State Senator Mike Webber, State Representative Mark Tisdel, and the Man of the Hour, Rochester Police Chief Steve Schettennhelm

Tonight one of our Rotarians was honored at his retirement party. Rochester Chief of Police Steve Schettenhelm was celebrated for his 15 years of service to the City of Rochester. Steve is known to be a gentleman, statesman, and a great Rotarian. Fortunately, Steve will be staying in town, but he deserves to be honored by our club.

Welcome to Rochester Rotary Zack!

Rotary President Tim Duncan and Membership Chair Stuart Siegner welcome new Rotarian Zac Thorne. Zach is the Director of Community Relations and Advanced Funeral Planning at AJ Desmond and Sons Funeral Directors. he also is the co-owner of Just a Skosh Productions, a film and video production company. He loves spending time with his wife and three children and is a member of the Rochester Christian Church. Zack and his family reside in Romeo. Welcome to Rochester Rotary Zack!

The Results Are In ... Naked Burger is the Winner

Once every spring evening, the fragrance of spring flowers at Bordines Nursery is intermingled with the aroma of some of the Rochester area’s favorite dishes. The Rochester Rotary Club holds its annual Wine and Beer Tasting at the Rochester Hills nursery. With the backdrop of hundreds of beautiful and fragrant flowers, the restaurants set up their tables throughout the nursery, next to the tables of wine, beer, and other refreshments. Each restaurant donated a sampling of their food to entice the 250 attendees. Even though the event is named after the wine and beer offered, the two dozen invited restaurants are the heart of the event and played an essential role in the evening’s success.

This year, the guests could vote for their favorite dish in the Best Taste Contest. There was a clear winner… Naked Burger! “Located at 6870 N Rochester Rd. in Rochester Hills, Naked Burger brought their A-game and served their famous Late Night Smash Burger with their special Naked Sauce,” said Rotarian Jeff Duperon. “We were happy to be able to support the community in this way. This community has been so supportive of us,” said Summer Sanchez, Naked Burger Manager.

The event succeeds with the generosity of so many - the participating restaurants, the wine and beer vendors, the bands, the silent auction item donators, our host, Bordines Nursery, the sponsors, and the guests that attend and enjoy the event. Although there were twenty-four sponsors, this year’s major sponsors were Merril Lynch, the Crawford Insurance Group, and the Rochester Community Foundation.

“Raising almost $30,000, this is one of the Rochester Rotary Club’s largest fundraisers,” said event Chair Kyle Johnson. Events like this allow the club to serve the local community with scholarships while supporting local charities like Neighborhood House, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, etc. The local Club also supports Rotary International’s commitment to eradicating polio and ensuring clean drinking water across the globe.

Wine and Beer Tasting

On April 21^st, the Rochester Rotary held its annual Beer and Wine Tasting at Bordines in Rochester Hills. Over 250 people enjoyed fantastic food tastings from area restaurants, music, a silent auction, and many opportunities to taste unique wines and beers.

This year’s event inclued a Peoples Choice Award. All food participants entered into the contest by category. The winner Naked Burger and they received a plaque and are recognized on the Rochester Rotary’s Facebook page and in a post-event press release.

This year's event raised almost $30,000, which will be used to support the work of Rochester Rotary Charities.

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.

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!

Order Your Poinsettias Now

The 2023 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 2023 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

Deadline: Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Delivery (Orders of 15+): Wednesday, November 29, 2023 ·8 am to noon, or

You can pick up your order at Bordines: Thursday, November 30, from 8 am to noon

Order Your Poinsettias Now

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

Order Deadline: Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Delivery (Orders of 15+): Wednesday, November 29, 2023 ·8 am to noon, or

You can pick up your order at Bordines: Thursday, November 30, from 8 am to noon

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 against polio.

On October 28 2024, 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.

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

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE ROCHESTER ROTARY CLUB

For more information, contact Christine Hage, Club President, at:

Rochester Rotary Club
P.O. Box 81523
Rochester, MI 48307-1523
248/953-1446

Hage.Christine@gmail.com

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.

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.

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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.

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