After a warm welcome from President Foster, Tom Strode led us in our patriotic song ‘America’ (My country, ‘tis of thee) .
Today’s Inspirational comments were from Susan Shipman. Susan said her husband is her inspiration for today’s message, as his common response to one’s complaining is ‘the harder I work, the luckier I get’, which is similar to a message from noted playwright George Bernard Shaw. In the passage that Susan quoted was the general message of living life fully, to our fullest extent…”I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.”
Our Musical selection today, led by Downs Herold was ‘Sing Rotarians’, sung to the tune of ‘On Wisconsin’.
Thanks to the following for helping with today’s meeting: Linda Kentes, Jim Egerdal, Steve Kesler, Dennis Burke, Dan Romanchik, Terry Foster, Pattie Katcher, Mary Steffek Blaske.
We had no guests or visiting Rotarians today but several birthdays were announced and one anniversary for Linda Kentes who is celebrating one year as a member!
Three new members were introduced to the club today by their sponsors:
- Ben Bolen, introduced by Don Deatrick. Ben, is a graduate from West Point and served in Iraq. Ben is now a VP at University Bank, and active in several veteran’s initiatives.
- Alex Hammerslough, introduced by Carolyn Hiatt. Alex, an Ann Arbor native, has earned degrees in Sociology, Public Administration, Public Health, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Global Health. He is a Peace Corps volunteer and is very active in international non-profits.
- Ralph Katz, introduced by Dan Romanchik. Ralph is a long time Ann Arbor resident who is now retired but during his work career was involved in technology positions. Ralph is an amateur radio operator and also active in several musical entities where he plays the clarinet.
- Ginny Leone, introduced by Rosemarie Rowney. Ginny is a graduate of MSU and has worked as a vocational rehab counselor as well as a chronic pain and disability consultant. She was involved with a clinical research project in chronic pain/fatigue in Washington, DC which then moved to the University of Michigan and that is how she landed in Ann Arbor. Ginny is now retired from UM.
Our 5th new member, Doug Ziesemer, will be formally introduced at next week’s meeting.
Nishta Bhatia, representing the Environmental Action Group (EAG) announced that in January, the group will begin collecting batteries, printer cartridges, and plastic bags for recycling and will have a receptacle at our Jan 10th meeting. If you have any of these items that you need to recycle, bring them in!
Announcements: President Mark reminded us that the annual contribution/CSA assessments are due by end of the year. Joanne Pierson reminded us of the Cocktails Among Christmas Trees event coming up on Dec 17th! There are still some slots open – food/fun festivities!
The remainder of the meeting was devoted to the Club’s Annual Business Meeting. Details, tables and graphs will be made available to members on our website in the coming weeks. To briefly summarize the club business:
Kathy Waugh, Secretary, led us through the election confirmation process of Club Directors and Officers:
President Elect Dawn Johnson
President Joyce Hunter
Immediate Past – Mark Foster
Public Image Committee – Dan Romanchik – 2 yr
Club Development – Ryan Peterson
Club Outreach – Sam Kottamasu
Dir Club Service TBD
Kathy Waugh, Secretary, led us through the confirmation process of Bylaw changes (see website for specifics):
Club Bylaws Duties of Treasurer position – clarified small edits.
Foundation Bylaws – Treasurer position – clarified small edits
Mark Foster recognized Past Presidents with our Pin Presentation: Nishta Bhatia, Mark Ouimet, and Susan Froelich
Mark Ouimet provided an overview of the 2022-23 Annual Club Report
He reviewed these topics as goals for the Club this year:
- Membership – increasing and retaining members (emeritus, distinguished service awards)
- Foundation – raise money to give money!
- Have fun!
Recap and highlights on some of our great speakers this year who are leaders in their fields: Mike Tirico, Warde Manuel, Carol Hutchins, John U. Bacon
Mark also highlighted some of the work we’ve focused on this year: activities of the Peace Committee, Strive program, programming to assist veterans, Adopt-a-Highway, fighting hunger, international humanitarian projects, environmental action committee, golf/pickleball outing.
Norman Herbert provided the report on the Ann Arbor Rotary Endowment:
Norman presented a reviewed report (approved by the Board, etc.), beginning with the Foundation balance. 2022-23 Assests – 8.7% increase, mostly due to change in market value in our portfolio.
Liabilities – reduced from 106k to 63k
Net Assets – increased, 11% increase portfolio
Revenue/support – Distribution from Endowment increased from previous year $10k to make available to community services. Overall, however, it was a decrease from the prior year.
Expenses – increase in net assets, increased 2.4 mil to 2.6 mil (portfolio)
Review of total sources of income and expenses.
Norman Herbert presented the Treasurer’s Report of Club operations:
Assets and liabilities – a break even year.
Revenue/support – down slightly
Expenses – overall expenses down slightly, and net assets almost break even position
Information will be provided on the website in the next week – 10 days.
Paul Harris recognition and Paul Harris point explanation was provided by Mark Foster and Bill McPherson. Receiving Paul Harris recognition this year: Dale Ausherman, Claire Foley, Susan Froelich, Virginia Geren, Rick Jarzembowski, Lois Jelneck, Dawn Johnson, Todd Kephart, Karen Kerry, Phil Klintworth, Jim Miller, Bob Mull, Becky Pazkowski, Carol Senneff, Ingrid Sheldon, Rob Shiff, Cyril White. Congratulations!
After reciting the Four Way Test as a group, President Mark ended the meeting with the Ringing of the Bell
Respectfully submitted – Pattie Katcher
