Our vice president, Jeff Furest (standing in for Valerie who had a COVID exposure), opened the meeting at 12:14 p.m. Scott Chabot led us in The Pledge. Next up, Karan Bates-Gasior led us in "The Four-Way Test" and Mark Zuccaro led us in prayer. For lunch we enjoyed pasta, chicken, salad, bread, and cookies all served family style of course!
GUESTS AND VISITORS
Going slightly out of order, Scott Chabot announced our guests that included:
Laura Kroop, Mount Clemens mayor and guest of Karan, the legendary Ron Dedenbach, guest of Nancy. Also, soon to be member, Kathleen Best, guest of Stephanie Mirabile.
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Christmas party will be 12/17 at Gowanie Country Club. Please let Gloria by 12/5 know if you can make it for an evening of food, fellowship, magic and comedy.- Let Jessie Johnson know if you can help out with bell ringing for Salvation army this holiday season
- We were able to induct Louise Rallis from McLaren Foundation today. Glenn Burton did the honors.
- Jeff honored all those who served in the military including those among the group: Doug Norris, Paul Woodring, and Ron Dedenbach
- Digger Odell, the leader of Wertz Warriors, sadly passed away. He amassed quite an amazing resume throughout his life. He was a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, spent 5½ years as a POW in Vietnam, was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and SO MANY more honors that I couldn't even keep up with them all. He will be missed by many!
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MEMBER BIRTHDAYS AND FLOWERS
Amanda Oparka handled the flowers.
Birthdays:
Ted DeVantier had a birthday but wasn't there to get his flower
Club anniversaries:
Scott Chabot and Larry Neal
Flowers:
Ron bought a flower for Nancy (smooth move considering it's on Nancy's bill)
Gary bought a flower for Bill for his wounded hand
Ken Steele bought a flower for Jeff
Glenn Burton bought a flower for Mayor Laura Kropp
Jeff Furest bought a flower for our new member Louise
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MUSIC
No music today due to COVID...
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SUNSHINE/GOOD WILL REPORTS
Jeff reminded us about Ken Steele's uncle passing away
Also, we wish our president a speedy recovery from COVID
Also, Ken Kish had to resign because of health reasons
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Julie announced that we are doing the Turning Point giving tree again this year. She sent an email with a link to sign up genius to pick who you can buy for. Take as many names as you want to. You can also give money to Julie (or have her bill your account) so she and her daughter can do the shopping for you! There are a lot of people in need so please be generous so that all these families can have a great Christmas.
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RECOGNITION
Glenn Burton was on for recognition today and he definitely didn't leave anyone out!
Julie Huttenlocher and Ed Mastry were fined for UofM's loss to MSU (Go Green!)
MaryAnn and Bill were each hit for $1
Nancy was fined for shutting down her voting location before someone was done ... who cares if it was after the closing time!
Louise and Kim were hit for the new member welcome fine for $5
Steve was fined for not knowing about a YMCA medal
Mark and Jeff got hit for $2 for the 50/50 ticket fiasco
Bob Lee was fined because he used to live in GP but said he "moved on up" from there
Bill Patterson was fined $4, one for each working finger (not very kind!)
Tom Davies paid $4 for a perfect weather trip to California
I was fined for my business dress…????
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SPEAKER AND PROGRAM
We had the pleasure to have Mount Clemens mayor, Laura Kropp. This was actually the one-year anniversary of her election so what better way to celebrate than to talk to the Rotary club! She said the interim business manager was slowing progress. Mayor Kropp changed that by having Don Johnson start his term the first week of March ... not great timing!
Lots of challenges presented with COVID but Mayor Kropp used the Facebook downtown connector to help the local businesses. No business had to close due to COVID.
She has started many programs (too many to list) in the city. One was a parks and rec program started in conjunction with the YMCA where, during the summer, kids could go out in the park to play while the group leaders brought all the supplies they needed for a great time. This attracted 500+ kids to the program! Project play donated 300 play packs so that kids could have access to the equipment they needed to participate in the sports of their choice!
Lots of projects are in the works with the goal of bringing people to the great city of Mount Clemens. We can't wait to see the results of all of Mayor Kropp's hard work!
