President Larry Neal called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m.  It was a beautiful summer day and we had a full house with several guests representing our fundraiser beneficiaries.

 

Margo Baker led the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem (sung a cappella due to a malfunctioning piano.) Steve Krankota cheered us through "The Four-Way Test" and Julie Huttenlocher provided the invocation.

 

The buffet awaiting us today started with an awesome summer pasta salad, then broccoli, potatoes, chicken Parmesan, salad and cake for dessert.

 

President Larry started with a few announcements.

 

 

Larry said thanks again to Steve Krankota and the YMCA for hosting our meeting last week and to all those devoted Rotarians who braved the rain to attend the Neil Dempsey Kayak Launch ceremony. Larry and Frank Bernabei both managed to keep their shoes dry!

 

The next club board meeting is set for July 9, let Karan know if you have any items for discussion.

 

Kelly Allen introduced the guests and there were many.

 

We welcomed Craig Pappas, representing the Resolution Center; Laura Render from the YMCA. Lisa Harvener from Baker College, Peggy DiMercurio and Phil Gilchrist, from the Anton Art Center, Kerry Jantz, guest of Steve Krankota, Tammy Turgeon, representing the Suburban Library Co-op, Ken Bollin, guest of Steve Krankota, Kevin Evans from Martha T. Berry, Donna Backers, guest of Don Carnaghi, Diane Kish guest of Ken, Larry Moloney, guest of Cecilia, and Nick Devault from Lutz School. We also welcomed Linda and Larry May.

 

 

 

Julie Miller had the flowers this week. She said there were no member birthdays or partner birthdays this week, therefore no singing required. There were two wedding  anniversaries, Korienna Cox and Mary Ann Hosey (20 years.) Cecilia Moloney had a 21-year club anniversary and Mark Zuccaro, 23 years.

 

Sam D’Angelo bought the first flower for Kevin Evans for all he does at Martha  T. Berry.  Don Carnaghi bought one for his guest; Gary Felts, our piano man, bought one for Tina, who sees to our food service every week. Jean Bodenstadt bought one for Karan, our incoming president, saying "you're going to need it.”

 

Julie Huttenlocher bought one for Larry for a great year as president, and then Larry bought the last one to be shared by Valerie and Julie for being such solid support during the year.

 

 

Ryan Murphy led the music. First he chose "Summertime" and that was a complete flop. Then "Vive Le Rotary" and also we stood for "God Bless America.” President Larry pointed out to our guests that singing is obviously not a requirement for membership.

 

There were no sunshine reports. Karan expressed some goodwill regarding her mother recovering from an illness.

 

 

 

 

Did anyone show up here instead of at the YMCA last week? Paul Woodring, true to “The Four-Way Test,” admitted that he did. $1 for being honest.

 

Karan got the max fine just because it was the last opportunity before she assumes the presidency next week.

 

Sam D’Angelo was fined for leaking the identity this year's Rotarian of the Year to the recipient, Gloria Murray. (Congratulations Gloria!)

 

All the Michigan grads stood for recognition. Michigan made it to the College Baseball World Series. They didn't win so the alums were given the opportunity to reduce the fine by answering some trivia questions. Last time Michigan was in it? 1962. Where played? Nebraska. Most appearances by a Big 10 School? Minnesota (3), Michigan State has been there twice. In the end they each paid $2.

 

Then, some travel fines: Mary Ann Hosey went to France, $5, Ryan Murphy, a work conference $3, Ken Steele and Julie Miller, Mackinac Island, $2. Ryan Murphy paid for a bad choice of songs, and Ellen Lysik paid $3 for her non Rotary announcement.

 

Don Carnaghi paid for coming in second in a golf tournament. Dave Meldrum was also in a tournament. He didn't win so everyone at his table paid $1 except Steve Krankota had to pay $2, kind of an attitude fine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Larry said that today is his favorite meeting.  This day is the culmination of the club’s efforts all year as we give out the proceeds to our chosen beneficiaries.

 

First he thanked Sam D’Angelo and the club foundation board and then a special thanks to Chuck Dib for leading the fundraiser.

Larry called the recipients forward as he presented the checks:

 

 

Larry had some special comments for the last one. He explained that it was one of his long term aspirations to develop an effort to impact literacy at a very early age.  The Books for Babies program now has a broad coalition of support. Larry presented a check for $6,000 to Tammy Turgeon, representing the Suburban Library Co-op.  

 

 

 

The club is also giving $6,000 to Rotary International. A total of 58K was distributed. 33K was from the fundraiser and 25K came from a community member who supports the work of our club.

 

Larry wrapped it up with some reflections on his year as president. He was very appreciative of all the smiles, joy and commitment expressed by members through the year. He took great pride in the work of our club and said people always stepped up when needed. In response the club gave a standing ovation and a hearty “"For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.”  

 

Thanks Larry for a great year.

 

Mary Ann Hosey took home the 50/50 prize.