President's message:

The idea of “Teaching a man to fish” vs “Giving a man a fish” highlights the difference between short term aid and long term empowerment. Giving free stuff is sometimes necessary to eliminate suffering. It can give us immediate satisfaction, but it doesn’t create independence or growth. Most of the presenters we hear at Rotary who offer “stuff" are also seeking ways to help folks help themselves.

Education equips individuals with knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the confidence to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Bikes and desks for a school in Malawi, leadership training, robotics, Youth in Government, etc. all fit this concept.  Programs that foster growth in youth are a long term investment.

People who can lead can improve not only their own lives but also uplift those around them. Leadership skills transform recipients into active contributors in society. I aim to see Rotarians and the Rotary Club help individuals “fish” for themselves and help others do the same, creating a legacy of which we can all be proud.

November 11 meeting started with a recognition of our Clubs veterans. We had five veterans in attendance. We thanked them and I want to thank all of our veterans for their service. Please remember: Freedom isn’t free!

We had a briefing regarding our local high school leadership program. This program has its roots within this Rotary Club and we would like to see the members of this club help ensure its success going forward.

Our presenter was a team representing Camp-Hayo-Went-Ha. This camp is local and is looking to make more of an impact in the Elk Rapids Area. The camp is over 100 years old and has been about fostering responsible adulthood through its history. The camp is for fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth graders and fosters growth through team camping and hiking skills. They shared many anecdotes of successful experiences at the Camp. We want to support their efforts toward broadening their exposure locally.

November 18 meeting had a wonderful video presentation from Bob Chaphalkar. The video highlighted the many projects in which our local Rotary Club and many international Rotary Clubs have participated. The video helps remind us of why we feel that the Rotary Foundation is so important and how we can help by being “People of Action”. It also highlighted most of “the areas of focus” emphasized by Rotary International & The Rotary Foundation. (See Norm's comments below).

Then we had a presentation from Lauren Dake regarding The Great Start Collaborative of Traverse Bay. This group helps parents deal with many of the challenges of parenting and also helps parents help their children become productive future citizens. As their title suggests, much of their efforts involve collaborating with existing groups. For example working with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and our District Library to name a couple. Unfortunately the current State of Michigan budget eliminated all funding for this group. We hope to receive an update once we know of the future of their funding concerns.