The Spokesperson for March 18, 2021 (Mar 18, 2021)

WELCOME to ROTARY!

The meeting was called to order by President Valerie at 12:15 p.m. Ryan Murphy led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ted DeVantier helped us recite “The Four-Way Test.” Bob Lee gave us a beautiful prayer.

President Valerie informed us that the hall had forgotten we now meet every week. As a result there was no meal prepared for us. Ed Mastry went out to get several boxes of pizza and some salad. The hall provided coffee and soft drinks.

Guests & Visitors

Since Ed Mastry was out getting our lunch, we passed on guests and went directly to Birthdays and Anniversaries.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Don Carnaghi and Beth Pryor had birthdays last week. Kris Howell had a club anniversary. This week’s birthdays were Julie Huttenlocher and Sarah Lee. Steve Krankota’s birthday was the day of the meeting. He promised to give his wife a big surprise.

Flowers

Jeff Furest’s wife bought a flower for our speaker, Jimmy

Gwizdala. Jeff also bought one for his son, who is now a father, making Jeff a grandfather. President Valerie bought one for Eric Pierson. Tom Davies bought one for himself because he would be out of town for his birthday. Ray Glime bought one for himself. Louise Rallis bought a flower for Jeff Furest.

Presidential Ball

A party celebrating the inauguration of President Valerie will be held May 13, 2021. The party will be in the showroom of Sunsport Marina. Details to follow. All members invited.

Sunshine Report

None

Good Will

Julie Huttenlocher’s daughter is going to University of Michigan and Julie’s son is trying out for the Olympic swim team.
President Valerie mentioned how much the late Fred Duemling will be missed.
Bob Cannon had a new grandson.
Jessie Johnson was recognized for her work with RI water project and was named a Rotarian of action. So were Ken Steele and Ed Mastry for setting up club meetings every week.

Recognition

Glenn Burton was in charge of fines. Glenn started by fining the Rotarians who were featured in The Macomb Daily last week $1. Eric Pierson was fined $4 for his excellent work on behalf of the upcoming Dick Pierson Foundation and upcoming golf outing. Ryan Murphy and Julie Huttenlocher were fined $2 for being a patient of Doctor Murphy, who paid a $1 fine for being a great doctor. Tom Davies was fined $10 for having a grandson going to Olympic swimming trials. Jeff Furest was fined $10 for becoming a grandparent. Ken Steele was fined $1 for winning last week’s 50/50. Both Ken and Ed were fined $2 for wrestling with our inflatable sign. Bob Lee was fined $2 for his singing. Larry Neal was fined $2 for spending time at home cleaning his house when he could have learned a new skill. Ted DeVantier was fined $2 for not knowing RI WATER DAY.

Ray Glime was fined $2 for the following joke. “A newspaper headline said “TOILET STOLEN FROM POLICE HEADQUARTERS. POLICE HAVE NOTHING TO GO ON.”

Guests

Ed Mastry announced Jimmy Gwizdala is our sole guest. Bob Lee led the club in a glorious rendition of “We are glad to see you here at Rotary.”

Lecture

Jimmy Gwizdala was introduced by Jeff Furest. Our speaker is an internet and digital expert. Our club is looking to have his company update and modernize our website. Apparently we are very much behind the times.

Outfits now get new members by having an updated website. These outfits send videos to prospective members which detail what the organization is all about. Future events are highlighted and discussed in detail. There is an opportunity for the site to cover its maintenance costs by advertising.

One would hope that when people ask us what we are we can give them a link to the modernized website. Our speaker is applying for membership in our club. The board will make recommendations to the club about adopting the new website and its costs.

50/50: Ed Mastry won $35 in the 50/50 drawing.

Meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.