PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE respond to our clubs fundraiser soon. Our goal to get this significantly completed by THIS October 15. We need income to fulfill many of our community’s current and future needs.
The following are thoughts from the Goodworks committee’s potential projects for the 2025-2026 year. We have an annual commitment to the Library, we have been made aware of Munson Hospital's desire to follow through with their NICU (Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit) which we had previously thought was a worthwhile project.
In addition to Youth and International Services I remind you of two priorities of our Community Services Good Works pursues:
Food Insecurity
Veteran's Services
Summarizing current planning to be proactive in these efforts, please see that our community service budget totals $20,650, and both of these priorities will be within those budgeted amounts. We hope to have plenty of help from the other members in assisting as we go forward.
As updates, we are hoping to focus our food insecurity efforts primarily on the greater Elk Rapids area. Jim Nothoff spoke with Glori Crowell, Do A Little Good, and there is a meeting scheduled October 10th at 10:00 am at the new library for brainstorming with her Elk Rapids Food Coalition. Please call or text him it you are interested at 231-350-1901. This anticipates changes in student meals and other items for those students who are homeless, or couch surfing. Major cutbacks from the State and Federal governments are expected after September 30th.
There are major needs in Veteran's Memorial Park in ER, and current efforts are in process to determine details for a renovation or replacement of most or all of the monuments and more in the park. It is our hope to have ERR be a significant part of these efforts, and we can hopefully gather additional support from Rotary Charities, District 6290, or other sources in these efforts. Contact Jim Nothoff if you have interest in this.
Morning Meeting updates:
September, 23 was one of our clubs socials at Dee Dee and George Seifried’s beautiful residence on Elk Rapids. The weather forecast was iffy all week but fortunately the weather that mattered most was just about perfect for a September day. Much great Camaraderie and conversation. Also an announcement of Alex Cesal’s engagement to the lovely Alisa.
Congratulations to both!
Meeting Duties
Morning Meeting Chair
Ed Boettcher
Greeter
TBD
Sargent At Arms
Mel Matchett Reflection Quote
TBD
Happy Dollars
Ed Boettcher
Meeting Schedule
Sept 30: Elk Rapids Robotics: New season update
Oct. 7 : Samantha Ogle, Lake biologist at ESLA
Oct.14: Dan Burton, Goodwill, Chronic Homelessness
Oct.21: Jean Derenzy, Chamber of Commerce
Norm Veliquette.
Morning Meeting updates:
Our September 16 meeting was another good one. It ran a little long (8:10 am) but I felt that the strong content was worth the extension. Our Member forum was from Norm Veliquette. Norm has been a longtime, accomplished Rotarian and surprisingly has never presented at a member's forum. As suspected, Norm’s presentation was very well prepared with a great deal of surprising information.
Thank you Norm for your presentation and thank you for all you do for our Rotary Club. Without a doubt your efforts embody the Rotary mission. Your actions have certainly helped Rotary Club of Elk Rapids make our community and our world a better place.
Terry Miller spoke about our Public Image Committee. We are in need of a Chair for this committee. Fortunately, Terry shared with us what the committee should be accomplishing. By the actions of many, we are doing a pretty good job. It would be nice to have a Chairman to oversee these actions.
Doug VanCura spoke about our General Annual fund raiser. Please, everyone do their part to make this campaign easy and effective. I can't say it enough; many hands make for light lifting. The participation in this campaign should have 100% participation. At the very least write a check. Ideally, write a check and talk to friends, businesses, and anyone who may have an interest in making our Community a little better. This campaign ties in with our Public Image Committee and our Membership Committee.
