President Dawn Johnson called the meeting to order, followed by the patriotic song and the “Four Way Test.” Mary Neff shared an inspirational message on self-honesty and integrity, encouraging Rotarians to apply the Four Way Test to their thoughts and actions. Joanne Pierson then led “Put a Little Love in Your Life,” accompanied by backup singers Matt Boylan, Ingrid Sheldon, and Susan, with Jody Tull on piano.

President Dawn welcomed new members Greg Gaylor and Elizabeth Jahn to the club. Guests included Shirlee Kipp’s sister, Kelly Gaines, and her husband, Roger, who are involved in humanitarian work in Africa, as well as guests of Ashish and Norma Sarkar from the Rotary Club of Novi and District 3131 in India. She also thanked everyone who helped make the meeting possible, giving special recognition to Ralph Katz for his outstanding solo effort as greeter.

Announcements:

• Nearly 100 reusable bags will be delivered to the Time and Talent Club on Friday.
• Mark your calendars for the Fourth of July Parade; the time will be shared in this week’s Rotarian.
• Club policies will also be included in this week’s newsletter.

Although this is President Dawn’s final meeting as president, she has a busy year ahead as past president. She will chair the Distinguished Service Award Committee, Nominations Committee, Strategic Planning, Internal Financial Planning Committee, and Annual Report, while also helping Anne Glendon and Norman Herbert develop the pollinator garden.

Past President Joyce Hunter joined Dawn at the podium as she completed her year in that role. She received a plaque honoring her outstanding leadership as 2024–2025 president of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor. Roy More then came to the podium to receive the gavel, presidential pin, and presidential shirt, which is passed each year to the incoming president. Roy will deliver his incoming presidential message on July 1.

President Dawn concluded by reflecting on how the Four Way Test guided her throughout the year. She described it as a moral compass that can guide us wherever life leads. Is it the truth? Truth is the foundation of trust in business, relationships, and leadership. Is it fair to all concerned? Fairness is central to justice, calling us to treat others with the same respect and opportunity we seek for ourselves. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? As Rotarians, we know goodwill and friendship help hold communities together. Will it be beneficial to all concerned? This final question asks us to look beyond self-interest. In our work, it challenges us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions on colleagues, customers, and communities. In our personal lives, it asks us to reflect on how our actions affect others and whether we are uplifting those around us.

John White introduced Diane Keller, President of the A2Y Chamber, who gave an overview of the organization’s history, mission, and events. She described the Chamber’s work advocating for businesses, connecting members, and hosting networking opportunities, including Mix and Mingle Summer Galas, Early Edition, Headline Lunches, the Year Ender, the Golf Outing, and Coffee Connects. Formed through the 2010 merger of the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti chambers, the organization also offers business-growth workshops and partners with other groups to provide resources for its members.

The Chamber’s initiatives include the upcoming IMPACT 2026 event, which will focus on workforce resources and challenges through 2040. Diane also noted the Chamber’s role in sharing public policy information without endorsing candidates and highlighted recent developments, including WCC’s new 10-year contract with the Roofers Association. She added that the Chamber’s digital marketing efforts span social media, leadership programs, and website updates, and she invited members to share their success stories through video interviews.