President Susan Froelich rang the opening bell at 12:30 and Tom Strode played the Star Spangled Banner. Peg Talburtt’s Inspiration was  taken from The Organic Commandment, 1940, by Frank Lloyd Wright: “Love is the virtue of the Heart; Sincerity is the virtue of the Mind; Courage is the virtue of the Spirit; and Decision is the virtue of the Will.” She compared these characteristics to the provisions of the 4 Way Test, and recognizing Mothers Day this weekend, noted that “Mothers are the docents of our virtue.” Don Duquette tantalized us with promises of Summer in a video about sailing.

President Susan regained the podium to remind us of the upcoming District Conference on May 20.  She celebrated the twelve Rotarians from our club who are attending and encouraged others to join. She noted the passing of Duane Renken and announced that the service for Larry Henkel will be May 14 at 2:00pm, Nie Funeral Home.

Todd Kephart reported that our Food Drive collected donations of 113,000 meals for our school kids’ summer food programs.

Marsha Chamberlin updated us on the installation of banners for Embrace Our Differences. There are more than 60 banners from artists around the world celebrating diversity. They will be displayed in Gallup Park and Leslie Science and Nature Center, as well as Riverside and Parkridge Parks in Ypsilanti through the Spring and Summer. Volunteers are needed to host the display.  Here is the  link to the sign up for the 3 hour shifts: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NWoVsKBZJh9-heWwKYvcL5fraxH3XGGVVGaensH8sso/edit?usp=sharing

Lauren Heinonen confessed that her Rotary tee shirt is worn out and invited us all to replace those old stained one with new royal blue ones so we can wear them working on the fun projects planned This will help spread awareness of our Club’s good works. She showed both styles – a tee and a polo shirt.  Order them individually and they will come directly to you: https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/rotary-club-of-ann-arbor. Monday May 9 is the deadline for ordering.

Outgoing President and Vice President of the University of Michigan Rotaract Club, Eunice Hayoung Choi and Trevor Versalle, updated us on a very busy Rotaract year. The Rotaractors added environmental projects to their four traditional pillars of service. The group participated in 131 hours of community service and enjoyed 26 mentorship pairings with Club members. Rent A Rotaractor was again very successful.  Bev Seiford presented Eunice and Trevor with Paul Harris Fellowships.

Notes from the Program

Secretary Kathy Waugh named this year’s PHF Class of 24 with 5 new Fellows. Overall, 59% of our 250 active members are now Paul Harris Fellows.

Norman Herbert gave a report on our Club’s foundation. Over the years, our Club and its members have given a total of $1,240,852 to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund, EREY and Polio Plus as well as providing funding for our Community Allocations. He explained the recognition of the various levels of giving to both Rotary International and our Club foundation. Our Club’s foundation totals $2.8 million.

Past President Ashish Sarkar talked about the history and purpose of Paul Harris Fellowships.

President Susan closed the meeting with a quote from Frederick Douglass: “If there is no struggle there is no progress.”