At 12:30, Barbara Eichmuller called the meeting to order at the Michigan Union in President Ouimet’s absence. Dawn Johnson provided Zoom etiquette for those on Zoom.  There were 30 Zoom attendees.

Rosemarie Rowney provided today’s inspiration about the benefits of walking. Downs Herold led the RCAA in song.

Today’s meeting volunteers were recognized including Meeting Coordinator: Dawn Johnson, Zoom Support: Jim Egerdal and Steve Kesler, Set up: Leo Shedden, Mic runners: Tom Millard & Leo Shedden, Greeter: Dallas Dort, Attendance: Leo Shedden & Dawn Johnson, Reporter: Jennifer Fike and Photographer: Fred Beutler.

New member Dennis Burke shared birthdays for the week and RCAA anniversaries.

Ingrid Sheldon provided the by-laws information about how special elections are conducted by the RCAA.  A vote was then taken to elect the next Treasurer. Bill McPherson who was elected unanimously.

Tom Millard shared information about the upcoming Adopt-A-Highway in his usual punny way. Two co-chairs will be taking over the event to be held on Saturday, April 22 from 9:30-11:30 with a little over hour being spent picking up trash along I-94. Box lunches will be provided. Tom passed the ceremonially trash bag to new co-chair Leo Shedden. Thanks, Tom, for your leadership of this event over the years!

Nishta Bhatia lead the RCAA in the weekly Bingo game on behalf of the Environmental Action Group which provided tips on how we can all win at protecting the environment.

Ginger Winters, guest from the W. Bloomfield Hills club shared information about an upcoming fundraiser to be held at the Steinway Piano Gallery on April 27 at 6:00 pm at 2700 E. West Maple Road, Commerce Township, just off of I-5. International opera star, Sean Panikkar, will be performing. Tickets and more information can be found here: https://westbloomfieldrotary.org/Stories/2023-west-bloomfield-rotary-benefit-concert

Dennis Powers provided an introduction of today’s speaker, but alas, our speaker wasn’t able to join us. Instead, members did a round robin of asking for volunteers for various committees and sharing general information out upcoming and past events.

Marlena Studer shared information about the Youth Exchange program which is relaunching to bring in international high school students to the RCAA. Speakeasy jazz fundraiser for this program is scheduled at 704 Airport Blvd in Ann Arbor on April 8. The Speak-Easy will be opening its doors (only to those with the correct passcode) starting at 6:30pm (Show starts at 7pm). Please sign up to be there in person (and to get your Speak-Easy passcode!), Use this link: https://rsvp.church/r/pI4u8kI2. You can also register and watch it by ZOOM! To reserve zoom tickets, go to: https://interfaithspirit.org/cafe-704-coffeehouse/

Rosemarie Rowney shared information about the recent visit by NATO Ambassador Julianne Smith. The event, sponsored by District 6380 was attended by over 100 people including high school students interested in foreign service. It was a huge success!

Other Rotarians shared goings on and calls for volunteers.

Respectfully submitted by,

Jennifer Fike