Our EPIC Project Crew. Please see more EPIC images on our website.
President Eds' message:
Rotary can make a lasting difference in the lives of people who need hope, support and opportunity. Every contribution becomes a powerful act of kindness that can help provide education, healthcare, clean water, food and community programs to those facing hardships.
“Service above self”, we say it but do we live it? Honestly I am not always that selfless. This is a pretty intense commitment to live by. Occasionally I make sacrifices to help others and I will continue to make this effort. Balance is a goal that I personally want to achieve. I believe service and self can live side by side. Sacrificial giving is an honorable goal. Service which occasionally takes away from some of the fun things we like to do is honorable. It’s OK to perform services or make “sacrifices” that make us feel good. Hmm, maybe service also fosters happiness for self?
International Peace Walk, June 27, 2026
We invite you to join District Governor Mark Andresky, District Governor-Elect Julie Schumaker, and fellow Rotarians for a Peace Walk on Saturday, June 27, 2026, across the International Bridge, which connects Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. This is a special opportunity to join Rotarians in celebrating the friendship between our two countries and to demonstrate our shared commitment to peace. Best of all, it is FREE. All Rotarians, family & friends are welcome. Check out the Rotary District 6290 website for more details and registration. Ridistrict6290.org
The 3-mile (4 km) International Bridge spans the St. Mary’s River and provides spectacular views of the St. Mary’s rapids and Soo Locks. The International Bridge is open to pedestrians on the last Saturday in June each year. The Bridge Walk begins at 9:00 AM
At the May 12 morning Rotary meeting, Amy Burk, Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Northwest Michigan, and Board Member Peggy Whisler shared how CIS is helping remove barriers to success for students across our region, including right here in Elk Rapids Public Schools. CIS currently serves more than 3,000 students across 13 school sites in eight districts through school-based site coordinators who provide individualized support, basic needs assistance, social-emotional skill building, and connections to community resources.
The presentation highlighted CIS’s partnership with Lakeland Elementary and Cherryland Middle School, where students receive support ranging from behavior regulation and social skills groups to afterschool homework assistance. Many students face challenges such as financial hardship, trauma, food insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare or transportation.
Amy and Peggy also shared research demonstrating that Communities in Schools improves academic achievement, graduation rates, college enrollment, and long-term economic mobility for high-risk students. Rotary members were encouraged to support CIS by spreading awareness, volunteering, attending upcoming fundraising events, and helping strengthen support systems for local students and families.
Meeting Duties
Morning Meeting Chair:
Ed Boettcher
Greeter:
TBD
SergeantAt Arms: TBD Reflection Quote
Pam Forton
Happy Dollars:
Ed Boettcher
May Meeting Schedule
May 26: Curt McGee, Member Forum.
Amy Burk (left), Peg Whisler (right) from Communities in Schools, Northern Michigan chapter
Norm (left) and Dick Gray (right)
Meeting May 19. Dick Gray talked to our group about some of the things Milton Township has done for recreational opportunities. He thanks Rotary for our past donation toward the handicapped Kayak launch. He spent a fair amount of time telling us the how and why of the Maplehurst natural area. Going forward they are hoping to plant 60 acres of a healthy disease resistant chestnut trees.
Kevin Hoch (left) being inducted with Camille and Ed on the right.
Board Meeting
Following the morning meeting was our monthly board meeting. The significant action taken at this meeting was Elk Rapids Rotary’s decision to reignite our Rotary Youth Exchange Program. The first year we propose one “Outbound” student and one “Inbound” student. This program will be overseen by our new member Amanda Macaluso.
