Meeting Notes

Harpoon for the week of September 10, 2018 Weekly Meeting Statistics: A total of 107 members were stirred by Arlene Golembiewski’s dedication to Sierra Leone. It was our biggest turnout since the first two meetings at Weber’s. We were joined by three visiting Rotarians (Cheryl Farmer of Ypsilanti, ADG Anne Nauts of Chelsea and Stephanie […]

President Greg rang the Rotary bell, opening the luncheon meeting. Shelley MacMillan came to the podium and delivered a moving Inspiration replete with quotes from Noam Chomsky, Jimmy Dean, and Lemony Snickett. Jim Irwin then bounded up to lead us (first) in a spirited “Hail to the Victors” which, no doubt, conferred the appropriate oblations […]

The Rotary bell rang from somewhere; probably from a guard tower as it seemed like roll call at Stalag 17. President Greg, left arm cradled in a sling, struck a dramatic pose. With his sports jacket draped rakishly, he peered at our motley assembly much like Preminger from the stoop of his commandant’s hut. He […]

Joan Knoertzer’s lovely piano prelude wafted members and guests gently toward the business at hand. A ring of the Rotary bell by President Emeritus John Ackenhusen, who looked remarkably relaxed from his several weeks of freedom, signaled the meeting’s commencement. James Corey came forward and delivered a cogent Inspiration, opening with a quote from acclaimed […]

After signing “God Bless America,”Wendy Correll invited us to consider the thoughts of Gopal Krishna Sarangi on sustainability. Sarangi calls sustainability “a complex, daunting puzzle…tantalizing but elusive.” This is certainly a lesson that we would learn later from our speaker. Next up was Shelley McMillan, who also inspired us, but this time with song, as […]

After President Greg rang the bell, we launched into a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner accompanied by Tom Strode. In his inspiration, Eldon Beery reflected on how fortunate he was to have been a minister and to be able to help so many people, even if it was just a little. Downs Herold then […]

What’s up with Renovation of the Union:Work is underway. You can keep up by visiting the “Re-Union” website on occasion. Click here. <link to: https://uunions.umich.edu/reunion>> Let the G&TO Fundraising Begin! Two lucky Rotarians shared the three soccer game tickets gifted to us. They were sold at face value which resulted in $441 “kicking off” the […]

I first became aware of Rotary at the age of 6. My Dad, an Episcopal Priest, joined Rotary shortly after we moved to North Attleboro, MA in 1970. At this tender age I was taught “the Rotary song” which went something like this: R-O-T, A-R-Y, That spells ROTARY Rotary (genuflect) Rotary (genuflect) That spells ROTARY […]

During my year as President, I was very proud how all the local clubs in Washtenaw county came together to respond to the Gates Foundation matching grant for Polio Plus in which every club had to pony up $2500, in addition to their regular obligations to TRF and RI. Not a stretch for us, but […]

For the first time, President Greg Stejskal struck the Rotary bell. Ninety Rotarians and their guests stood to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” after which Club Administrator John White came to the podium. “It is my honor to deliver the inspiration on this momentous day in the Rotary calendar for our club,” John began. “It’s a […]