During the June 22, 2022 RCAA Luncheon Meeting, our Immediate Past President Joanne Pierson made the following remarks on her time serving in our club. Her term as Immediate Past President will end as the 2021-2022 Rotary Year comes to a close at the end of this month. 

First, I would be remiss if I did not thank and acknowledge that “first-man who never was,” who never had to put on a coat or tie for RCAA – Jerome Edward Pete Pierson.

This piece could be titled: What’s RCAA’s greatest asset? Member involvement. What’s RCAA’s greatest NEED? Member involvement.

I know that I would be remiss, if I did not end my term like this.

I’d never hear the end of it. As usual, some of you would give me…your opinion.

Three years in a leadership role, you may think it would take its toll.

But I survived and you could too. Here’re some things I think you could do.

Remember, we are a service club. That said, now here is the rub.

We need you to participate; and when you do, you’ll find it’s great!

I’ll give you some names whom you can contact. You’ll be renewed, and that’s a fact.

Make a note with paper and pencil or your device. Step up! Volunteer! Don’t make me ask twice.

Here’s how we did it in 20-21. We did good deeds and had some fun!

A Community Service budget of nearly $200 grand, enabled us to help in ways we had planned.

Community Allocations of $57K, To support local orgs went a long way

To help 12 non-profits in our community, Thanks to your generosity.

Call Amy Freundl or Marsha Chamberlin, and that committee you can join right in.

Veteran’s Initiative – Hire MI Vet – call Don Deatrick to help vets get set

With employment in our community; Help those who protected our country.

Rotary Fights Hunger, call Todd Kephart; 150,000 meals donated, you can do your part.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance to save the day; 535 tax returns, $1.3 million refunds, prep savings of $150K

Who do you call? Bob Mull.

Working with youth keeps you young. Rotaractor Mentee program 21 matches made for some fun.

Contact Dennis Powers or Don Duquette. Mentoring youth, you won’t regret.

Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education – STRIVE. Scholarships to 11 graduating Pathways seniors helped keep hopes alive.

Call David Keren to see how you; Can support these students in all they do.

Our Interact Clubs, more ways to be with youth. It’ll keep you young, it is the truth!

Call Ed Wier or Linda Carter; Working with them will help you stay smarter.

Elementary students more your thing? Give Rotary Readers & Tutors chair Jim Egerdal a ring.

Maybe you like Rotary’s global scope. We gave over $25K to help people better cope.

Dan Lewan and Mary Avrakotos are the ones; Volunteer to help get International Humanitarian projects done!

But wait, there’s more– don’t start pouting! You can help with the Golf & Tennis outing!

Our ONE fundraiser to support good work; Volunteer now, don’t be a jerk.

Charlie Koopman and Greg Stejskal are the ones to call. Don’t worry, there is no job too small.

Want to fight racism? Call Marcia Lane; Or Norma Sarkar and join the Peace train.

Dawn Johnson would like to see you greeting. Certainly, you can sign up to help with our meetings.

We ended my year with 244 members; That was during COVID, do you remember?

This continued zoom format makes it harder than ever; To get new members, so we must endeavor

Contact Marlena Studer to see how YOU; Can help with Membership as they recruit.

Invite your friends to the Anderson Room. I do hope I’ll see you in person soon.

Time limits how much more I can say; Or the myriad ways to volunteer each day.

Think that you are just a little too busy? Did you not hear Ms. Heinonen, she makes ya dizzy.

In a club our size, there’s need for everyone. It takes us all to get the jobs done.

What are you doing to help us succeed; To help all those who are in need?

Please volunteer and reach out! Still don’t know how? Give me a shout.

I’ve many more people to thank, that’s true; But you know who you are, I think. Don’t you?

I am oh so grateful for your support during my year…

And before I get teary, I will end it here.