On this beautiful day in Ann Arbor, President Mark ‘rang the bell’ to start the meeting and Tom Strode led us in our National Anthem.
With a nod to our special guests today (Huron HS Choir), Kathy Waugh’s inspirational message was about music. Quoting Beethoven, who said that music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy, Kathy went on to speak about the virtues of music. Music can bring us joy, comfort and inspiration. As we listen today, we can feel the power of music, bringing us together in joy and harmony.
Our musical selection today was led by Jim Irwin who shared some great energy ! We sang a song titled ‘Ann Arbor Rotary Club’, sung to the tune of When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again’, arranged by Charlotte Owen.
President Mark thanked all who are helping with today’s meeting: Linda Kentes, Ashok Natwa, Rob Shiff, Barbara Eichmuller, Bob Mull, Arthur Williams, Claire Foley, Carolyn Hiatt, Pattie Katcher and Mary Steffek Blaske.
We had a few visiting Rotarians and guests today. John White introduced two guests; Georgia Frost, the local staff representative for Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Sharna Hatcher, our District Governor Elect. She will succeed our own Collyer Smith on July 1, 2024. Rosemarie Rowney introduced a UM School of Nursing student and a Rotaract student. Terry Foster introduced a friend who was visiting today and Bob Dascola introduced his fiance, Karen, who joined us today. One visiting Rotarian and a flag sharing with Kyoto, Japan.
Birthday greetings were made to two members and there are no anniversaries this week.
Mark Foster then made us chuckle with a few ‘jokes of the day’!
Susan Froelich introduced new member Doug Ziesemer. Doug has a long work history as a real estate broker, eventually having his own business called the Anchorage Group. He’s a very active volunteer including 45 years with Kiwanis. He has been on the Board of Directors for Hospice and Lurie Terrace, and is interested in several of our club’s committees. Welcome Doug!
The Environmental Action Group led us in a fun Trash and Recycling Plastics Quiz. A few of us were stumped with a few of the quiz questions and accurate answers! All of the quiz questions and examples will be posted to our website for your review!
Dennis Powers provided a Rotaract ‘Semester in Review’. The UM student club had a total of 46 volunteer hours and some of their activities included the food-packing event at Pioneer HS, ushering and a dog toy-making event for a local animal shelter. The group is looking forward to a Spring Break 2024 international trip – details to follow.
Mark Foster reminded us of our upcoming due date (before December 31st) for the annual CSA dues assessment.
Rick Ingram then introduced The Huron High School Choir’s Holiday Concert, the highlight of today’s meeting! We then listened with rapt attention to these amazing students with beautiful voices, singing a collection of holiday themed/inspired pieces, all accompanied by a UM School of Music piano accompanist. What talented individuals and such a treat!
To close out our meeting, as a group, we recited the 4-way test.
Respectfully submitted by Pattie Katcher
