Mount Clemens Rotary Club
THE SPOKESPERSON  
August 6, 2026   
Minutes by Bob Lee  


Thursday’s meeting was called to order by President Sarah Lee at 12:14 p.m. Joe Casasanta lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the national anthem. Tom Welsh lead us in reciting “The Four-Way Test.” Bob Lee gave the prayer.

LUNCH

Chicken Parmesan, broccoli, roasted potatoes, rolls, salad, and chocolate cake. 
 
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
President Sarah Lee reminded us of the value of wearing Rotary pins or Rotary t-shirts. They can start conversations! 
 

GUESTS & VISITORS

All six of our guests were members of Hockey Mentors. They were Wyatt Lucas, Gail Lucas, Tessa Lucas, Mikey Barei, Mefi Barrera and Marissa Strock. The club sang “We Are Glad to See You Here at Rotary.”
 

FLOWERS & BIRTHDAYS

Flowers were distributed by Eric Pierson. Robin Zanotti got one for her birthday. We sang “Happy Birthday” Gary Felts bought one for Tina the server and one for Malachi Taylor. Julie Miller bought the last five for guests. Robin donated hers to make sure all six guests got a flower.
 
MUSIC

Music was done by Larry Neal and Gary Felts. We sang “Oh My Darling Clementine”  and “Rotary Bonds.”
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • We need members to show up and cheer at the horseshoe challenge at Dickweeds Bar. There is room for another two-person team. 
  •  
  • Dick Pierson Golf Outing is on September 10 and lunch will start at 11:30 a.m. 
  •  
  • The Macomb YMCA is running the Livestrong Program starting September 14, it's a 12-week program for cancer survivors.
  •  
  • Elizabeth Wilson announced that recently donated artwork will be displayed at the Anton Art Center on September 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  •  
  • Julie Miller announced the Bravo fundraiser will be at the Italian American Cultural Center.
 
RECOGNITION
 
Eric Pierson passed out fines. Elizabeth Wilson and Julie Miller were fined $1 for their announcements. Sam Wireman and Kathleen Best were fined $1 for changing seats. Stephanie Mirabile was fined $1 for not listing Robin Zanotti's birthday. Gary Felts was fined $1 for his playing and Larry Neal $1 for his song choice. Joe Casasanta was fined $3 for catching a 24-pound salmon. Bob Lee was happily fined $4.99 for announcing his daughter Virginia had the female voice lead in a new Nintendo video game. Sam Wireman was fined $1 for not telling Kathleen Best about Foundation business. 

LECTURE
 
Our club was fortunate to learn about a program to help disabled people learn to skate and play a bit of ice hockey. The program is called Hockey Mentors. It was founded by Wyatt at 19 years old to ensure children and adults with disabilities have the opportunity to experience Hockey in an inclusive, supportive atmosphere. Our guests showed us special sleds and equipment that allowed their members to function on the ice. 

Meeting was adjourned at 1:34 p.m.
 
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50/50 Drawing
The 50/50 was $34 won by Glenn Burton
 

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August 13
Don Brown Deputy Director Government Relations to Macomb County Public
Works Commissioner Candice Miller
August 20
Sarah Carter-Wallace - Macomb Gardens
August 27
Lee Halsted - District Governor
 
September 3
No Meeting - Happy Labor Day
September 10
Dick Pierson Golf Outing - Gowanie Golf Country Club
September 17
Sarah Lee Service Project
September 24 
Karen Helfrick - Michigan Works
 
October 1 
Robert Leonetti - Macomb County SCAMS
October 8
David Dulio Interim Chief Community Engagement Officer Director Center for Civic Engagement  Distinguished Prof
October 8
Pumpkins for Polio - PolioPlus Hayride
October 15
Lois Lombardo Mount Clemens Mineral Baths
 
November 26
No meeting - Happy Thanksgiving 
 
December 10
No meeting - Christmas party at Julie Huttenlocher's
December 17
Fraser Singers Nicholas
December 24 
Christmas Eve
December 31
New Year's Eve

 

OFFICERS
Sarah Lee ~ President
Julie Miller ~ Imm. Past President
Nancy Dedenbach ~ President-Elect
 Malachi Taylor ~ President Nominee
Jessica Johnson ~ Treasurer
Stephanie Mirabile ~ Secretary
 
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Julie Huttenlocher (2025-2027)
Tom Welsh (2025-2027)
Kathleen Best (2026-2028)
Valerie Miller (2026-2028)
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COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Recognition ~ Eric Pierson
Bulletin ~ Glenn Burton
Speakers ~ Valerie Miller
Service Projects ~ Julie Miller
Music ~ Robert Lee
Guests & Visitors ~
Elizabeth Wilson
Birthdays & Anniversaries ~
Malachi Taylor
Prayer ~ Tom Davies/Robert Lee