Club Assembly

With the aid of a slide presentation President Jim Drubert ran the show at our Club Assembly, updating our members as to club goals and roles.
Club Assembly![]() With the aid of a slide presentation President Jim Drubert ran the show at our Club Assembly, updating our members as to club goals and roles.
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Point Betsie Lighthouse![]() Casey Ottinger is the Executive Director of the Point Betsie Lighthouse. With his slide presentation he educated us on shoreline protection at Point Betsie.
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Atlas Space Operations![]() Ryan Clulo is a software development engineer for Atlas Space Operations (as well as the grandson of Sunrise Rotarian Paul Clulo).
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Great Lakes Maritime Academy![]() Pat Podolan is the STCW Clerk and Sea Project Specialist for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) in Traverse City.
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TC Freshwater Research & Innovation Center![]() Warren Call is the President and CEO of Traverse Connect. His slide presentation covered the TC Freshwater Research & Innovation Center.
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BPL Smithsonian Museum on Mainstreet Series
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Club Meeting Speaker: TEDx, Shawn Achor
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District Governor Jeff Coil Addresses ClubJeff Coil, District Governor of District 6290, joined us to share and elaborate on Rotary International President, Gordon McInally's theme for the year of "Create Hope in the World."
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Guatemala Housing Alliance![]() As described in Dave Wynne's PowerPoint presentation, the Guatemala Housing Alliance is a charitable foundation Dave and his siblings established to improve the lives and living conditions of indigenous Mayans at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. |
New Member Bio #4 |
New Member Bio #3![]() Angie Quinn is the Executive Director of the Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain.
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New Member Bio #2 |
New Member Bio #1 |
Pandemics: Why We Care and Prepare![]() Paul Burns, a retired MD and former employee of Dow Chemical, spoke to us about "Pandemics: Past Responses and Future Concerns."
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Benzie Welcome Corps![]() Sunrise Rotary President Jim Drubert presents a $1,500 check to Julie Schumaker, Chair of the Benzie Welcome Corps.
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Crystal Downs Country Club |
Another Scholarship Winner |
Sunrise Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting![]() President Dave Wynne conducted the Foundation's Annual Meeting with the assistance of a PowerPoint presentation.
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Club Assembly![]() At our Club Assembly Val Gerhart gave us PowerPoint programs on this year's Bike Benzie Tour, as well an update on our Education Programs.
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Dark Skies Initiative![]() Barb Foster is a member of the Dark Skies Committee, a non-profit in Leelanau County seeking to preserve our view of the night sky.
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Scholarship Renewal |
Recognizing a Scholarship Winner![]() In addition to excelling as a student, Gloria Stepanovich was a stand-out athlete at Benzie Central, playing basketball and volleyball, as well as track and field.
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The Benzonia Public Library![]() Today Amanda McLaren gave us an update on the Benzonia Public Library which she has served as Director for the last nine years.
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Renewal of Another Scholarship |
Smelt: The Fish That Made Beulah Famous![]() Jerry Heiman, President of the Benzie Area Historical Society, explained how a six-inch fish turned the village of Beulah into a tourist destination in the 1920's and 1930's.
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Renewal of a Tim Krause Scholarship![]() Sunrise Rotarian Tim Taylor introduces Alana Kuhlen, back for renewal of her Tim Krause Scholarship.
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Benzie Central Science Olympiad Team![]() Gabby Barron is one of two senior captains on the successful Science Olympiad team at Benzie Central. Gabby appeared with coach Jalen Williams to thank us for our support of the team.
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Sleeping Bear Inn in Glen Haven![]() Today Maggie Kato took us on a virtual tour of the Sleeping Bear Inn in Glen Haven, a historic building Maggie and husband Jeff are in the process of renovating.
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IPR's Second Century![]() As Executive Director, Peter Payette's job at Interlochen Public Radio is to make sure that IPR remains a vibrant source of music, news and stories for people in northern Michigan and beyond.
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Update on Malawi![]() Chris Harnish returned via Zoom to provide an update on Malawi and its Health Center Prototypes.
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Cotton Creek Alpaca Farm![]() Rebecca Gill is co-owner of Cotton Creek Alpaca Farm in Thompsonville. As detailed in its website, Cotton Creek is part of what Rebecca and husband Jason call Life 2.0.
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Piping Plovers![]() Bruce Rowland is a birder who volunteers with the Piping Plover program organized by Audubon Great Lakes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. He shared his PowerPoint slide show about the project.
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A Pastor Away from Home![]() Born and raised in Kenya, Reverend Ishmael Kithinji Mathui now serves as Pastor of Lake Ann Methodist Church.
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Malawi Buffalo Bike Project![]() Kip Nickel is a Traverse Bay Sunrise Rotarian and the project leader for his club's Malawi Secondary Schools Bicycle Share Project.
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Paddle Antrim![]() Deana Jerdee is the Executive Director of Paddle Antrim, a non-profit in Antrim County. She shared her PowerPoint with us.
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Benzie Area Youth (BAY) Initiative![]() Sarah May is the Coordinator of the Benzie Area Youth Initiative. As she explained in her PowerPoint presentation, the BAY Initiative aims to promote healthy behaviors in youth through collaborative prevention efforts.
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Pre-School Programs in Benzie County![]() Amber Wilson is the Early Childhood Coordinator for the Benzie Central and Frankfort-Elberta Schools.
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Great Lakes Culinary Institute![]() Les Eckert is the Director of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City.
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Global Peace Fellow![]() With a PowerPoint presentation Terrance Stevenson spoke with us about his experience as a Rotary Peace Scholar.
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Michigan Legacy Art Park![]() Today we received an update on the Michigan Legacy Art Park from Angie Quinn, the Park's Executive Director (and soon-to-be Sunrise Rotarian!).
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Affordable Housing Project![]() Dan Engler, President and CEO of Graceland Fruit, described Graceland's joint effort with Benzie Habitat for Humanity to create affordable housing in Benzie County's Gilmore Township.
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Attorney Merle Wilberding![]() Merle Wilberding, Dayton attorney and Rotarian, represented the U.S. Army in appeals by Lt. William Calley in the My Lai Massacre case during the Vietnam war.
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Another New Member![]() At our Zoom meeting this morning we were happy to welcome new member Terry Taylor.
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Global Scholar Flannery Johnson![]() Before becoming a Rotary Global Scholar Flannery Johnson was a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and a graduate of Michigan State University in Environmental Sustainability. She also received a Masters Degree in Integrated Water Resources Management from the Institute of Technology in Cologne, Germany.
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Global Scholar Ariel Dempsey![]() Ariel Dempsey, a young physician from Grand Rapids, is pursuing a PhD in Science and Religion at the University of Oxford as a Rotary Global Scholar. She addressed us from England with a PowerPoint program via Zoom.
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Thanks for the Dictionaries![]() Easton Knox, on behalf of his classmates at Crystal Lake Elementary, thanks the Club for the dictionaries donated to the third grade.
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Another New Member!![]() Today President Diane Miller inducted Kelly Tomaszewski into Benzie Sunrise Rotary membership. |
Grow Benzie Update![]() Today Grow Benzie Executive Director Josh Stoltz returned to give us an update on his organization's Strategic Plan and Direction.
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Women's Resource Center Update![]() Today we received an update on the Women's Resource Center from WRC Development Coordinator Jamie Bell and Executive Director Juliette Schultz.
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New Member Bio |
A Visit to the new BACN![]() BACN Director of Development Kelly Ottinger points out one of the rooms at BACN's new facility.
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More New Members![]() President Diane Miller inducts Tim Griffen (on the left) and Paul Danes as members of Benzie Sunrise Rotary.
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Cognition Update![]() As we discovered at today's meeting at Cognition, Founder and CEO Kimmee Miller has much to be happy about.
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2022 Service Above Self Day![]() Benzie Central 7th grade students participated with Benzie Sunrise Rotarians and community leaders in the club’s 4th annual Service Above Self Day.
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Regional Special Education MillageMatt Olson is Assistant Superintendent of the Traverse Bay Intermediate School District for Professional Learning and Innovation. He informed us of the Regional Special Education Millage on the November ballot.
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Update on Construction at Benzie Central![]() Today Benzie Central Superintendent Aimee Erfourth gave us an update on the bond projects at the Benzie Central Schools.
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Using Recycled Plastic |
Farmer Mental Health Advocacy |
Traverse City New Tech![]() Kelly Ignace is the Board Chair and President of Traverse City New Tech, a non-profit that puts on a monthly pitch prize event.
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Another Scholarship Renewal |
Frankfort Area Community Land Trust![]() Tim Jones and Liz Negrau of the Frankfort Area Community Land Trust gave us a PowerPoint presentation about workforce housing.
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Another Scholarship Winner![]() Isaak Koscielski was the winner of the Club's Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship, a four-year renewable scholarship of $1,000.
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30 Days With E.Stanley Jones![]() Our own Jack Harnish talked about his recently published book, 30 Days With E. Stanley Jones.
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The Fisher Fund![]() Jeff Rabidoux thanked Club members for their outpouring of affection following the passing of his beloved golden retriever, Fisher.
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Sunrise Rotary welcomes a new member |
Sunrise Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting![]() Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation President Dave Wynne presides over the Foundation's Annual Meeting.
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Another Scholarship Winner![]() Olivia Bailey is this year's winner of the Club's two-year renewable Choices scholarship.
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Scholarship Renewal![]() Alana Kuhlen was the 2021 recipient of the Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship. Today she was back for a renewal of the four-year scholarship.
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Jennifer Jones, RI President-Elect![]() Today we watched the presentation that Rotary International President Elect Jennifer Jones gave at Great Lake PETS in Kalamazoo.
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Protecting Public Water & Public Health![]() Kelly Thayer is Deputy Director of FLOW ("For Love of Water"). Founded in 2011, FLOW is a nonprofit that seeks to ensure that the waters of the Great Lakes Basin are healthy, public and protected for all.
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Sunrise Foundation Supports TARP![]() Jim Drubert of the Sunrise Rotary Foundation (in the center) presents a ceremonial check for $2,500 to Charles Krause, President of the TARP Board of Directors while TARP VP Kathy Eiferle looks on with a certificate of appreciation.
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The HANWASH Program![]() John Gronberg of the Rotary Club of Holland, MI spoke to us about Rotary's HANWASH Program in Haiti.
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RI Convention in Houston![]() Chuck Oldanie, a Rotarian from Seminole Lakes, Florida with Michigan ties, reported on the recent International Convention in Houston. |
Preparation for the Big Day![]() Michelle Russell was in charge as we nailed down final preparations for the Bike Benzie Crystal Mountain Cherry Roubaix Gran Fondo coming up Saturday.
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Benzie Aquatic and Fitness Center![]() Today Matt Rush and Diane Tracy gave us an update on the Benzie Aquatic and Fitness Center Project. Matt is Board Advisor, while Diane is President of the Board.
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Michigan Chief Justice McCormack![]() Today Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack spoke to us about access to justice.
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Guardians of the Manitou Passage![]() Today author (and Frankfort Rotarian) Jon Hawley talked about his new book, Guardians of the Manitou Passage: A Chronicle of Service to Lake Michigan Mariners 1840-1915.
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Grant to Whistle Stop Learning Center![]() Dave Wynne and Gaia Pampu of the Benzie Sunrise Foundation present Ashley Lindstrom of the Whistle Stop Learning Center (in the center) with a ceremonial check in the amount of $2,469.24.
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Service Above Self--Hayley |
MAEAP![]() Adam Brown is a Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Technician at the Leelanaue Conservation District.
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Service Above Self--Hannah![]() Assistant Principal Hammar confers Service Above Self recognition upon Hannah Batchelder.
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Service Above Self--Hollis |
Service Above Self--Emmet![]() Benzie Central Assistant Principal Mike Hammar presents Emmet Jaquish with Service Above Self recognition.
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Adopt-a-Highway |
Teacher Appreciation Day![]() On April 22 Sunrise Rotarians assisted with Benzie Central Schools teacher in-service and teacher appreciation day. The Club provided desserts for the teachers and bussed the tables after their lunch.
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Whistle Stop Learning Center![]() Ashley Lindstrom is the founder of Whistle Stop Learning Center, a new child care center coming to Thompsonville. Ashley has partnered with United Way of NW Michigan but plans on Whistle Stop becoming a non-profit on its own.
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Betsie Valley Trail![]() Since 2019 Jim Gribble has been providing marketing, public relations and fundraising services for the Betsie Valley Trail. He also works on a volunteer basis for the Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project (TARP) among other non-profit groups.
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Getting to Know Jim Drubert![]() Jim Drubert gave us an entertaining and funny “Getting to Know You” presentation this morning. He has been a Benzie Sunrise Rotary member since 2019
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New Member, Gaia Pampu![]() Gaia Pampu was inducted into the Benzie Sunrise Rotary Club this morning and then gave us an amazing New Member presentation
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Crystal Lake Elementary Lucky 13 Raffle Winners![]() At this week’s Lucky 13 Raffle drawing, a ticket was drawn with the name of Crystal Lake Elementary (CLE) on it. 4th/5th grade teacher, Dave Grimes, was one of the five staff whose name was selected to be able to draw a bill from the box.
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Rotary International's Seven Areas of FocusDue to a last-minute speaker cancelation, our very own Val Gerhart spoke to us on one of Rotary Internationals Seven Areas of Focus: Rotary Fights Disease.
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Robert Giles, Author, When Truth Mattered![]() Our speaker this morning, Robert Giles, author of the book “When Truth Mattered” The Kent State shootings 50 years later.
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Michelle Barefoot, Director of the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce![]() This morning our guest speaker was Michelle Barefoot, Executive Director Benzie County Chamber of Commerce.
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Lucky Dog--Our New Venue!![]() Today we had our first meeting at our new venue--the Labrador Room at Lucky Dog Bar & Grille in Beulah.
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Michigan's New Voting Districts![]() Today Frankfort Attorney Joan McKay gave us an update on the creation of new legislative and congressional districts in Michigan by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC).
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MHC South Region Update![]() James Barker is the CEO of Munson Healthcare's South Region, covering Munson facilities in Cadillac, Manistee and Frankfort.
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MHC: Comm'ty Hospitals & System Integration![]() Tonya Smith is the President of Community Hospitals and System Integration for Munson Healthcare. She is also a Cadillac Rotarian.
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Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation![]() Steve Wade is Vice President, Community Impact at the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
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Service Above Self at Benzie Central![]() Benzie Central Dean of Students Michael Hammar with Service Above Self winners Irvin Meachum and Maya Musgrave.
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All About Rotary![]() Today Kim Simon and Val Gerhart provided an update, guiding us through a PowerPoint on Rotary at the local and the international level.
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Robotics at Benzie Central![]() Marc Alderman is the coach of Benzie Central's highly successful middle school and high school robotics teams.
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Book-packing at PoWeR! Book Bags![]() On December 17th Sunrise Rotarians were on hand at the PoWeR! Book Bags warehouse in Suttons Bay to pack books for Benzie Cental students from pre-K to Grade 5.
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Benzie Food Partners![]() Jeffie Lynch-Jones is the Secretary/Treasurer of Benzie Food Partners, an all-volunteer food pantry that has been providing food and personal hygiene items to Benzie County residents for nearly 25 years.
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ABC Early Childhood Task Force![]() Today Val Gerhart provided an update on early literacy initiatives in Benzie County, starting with the Advocates for Benzie County (ABC) in 2016-2017.
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Chuck Krause![]() Today retired urologist and local historian Chuck Krause returned to Sunrise Rotary to talk about his recently released book, Thompsonville in Time: A Northwestern Michigan Story, 1890-2020.
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Hybrid Meeting![]() Today Kim Simon presided over our first live/Zoom hybrid meeting--by all acounts a success.
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Reading to First Graders![]() Dave and Jan Wynne read to Mrs. MacGirr’s 1st graders at Crystal Lake Elementary School.
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Cognition Science & Discovery Center![]() Kimmee Wenkel is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Cognition, a nonprofit science and discovery center in Beulah. This tortoise is one of several live animals on display there.
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New Member Bio #3![]() Kathy Neveu gave the last new member presentation today. Kathy is a retired Benzie Central teacher who is an Associate Broker for Real Estate One in Beulah.
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New Member Bio #1![]() Tim Taylor provided the first of three new member bios today. Tim is actually not a new member, having joined Sunrise Rotary just as the pandemic struck.
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New Member Bio #2![]() Hunter Steinkamp also provided his biographical information today. A native of Indiana, Hunter moved to this area in 2018, when he became a ski instructor (among other things) at Crystal Mountain.
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Rotary Charities of Traverse City![]() Sakura Takano, a second-generation Rotarian, is the recently appointed Executive Director of Rotary Charities of Traverse City.
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Annual Golf Outing![]() This year we moved our annual golf outing to the Interlochen Golf Course. The event was chaired by Pat Kiely and Bruce Wildie, pictured here with Avace Wildie.
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Update on Frankfort's Garden Theater![]() Katie Jones is the first Executive Director of the Garden Theater. Katie has a background in theater, writing and film production, as well as a four-generation connection with Benzie County.
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Two New Members! |
BACN Update |
BACN Update![]() Gwen Van Dorp is the President of the Board of Directors of Benzie Area Christian Neighbors, known by all as BACN.
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Paul Harris Recognition for Mitch |
Club Assembly |
Official Welcome to Keith![]() Kim welcomes Keith Krause to his first in-person meeting since joining the Club from Illinois.
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All About Bal-A-Vis-X![]() Frankfort Rotarian MaryAnn Norton Short leads a group of Sunrise Rotarians in Bal-A-Vis -X.
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Sunrise Rotary Awards Scholarship |
Benzie Conservation District Update![]() Today we also received an update from John Ransom and Tad Peacock of the Benzie Conservation District.
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Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship![]() Today we recognized this year's Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship winner--Alana Kuhlen. Alana is pictured here with Sunrise Rotarian Tim Taylor.
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Benzie Central Schools--Update![]() Amiee Erfourth has served the Benzie County Central Schools for the last twenty years. Since August of 2020 she has been the Superintendent of Schools.
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Visit from the District Governor![]() Today we were honored to be the first Club visited by our new District Governor, Gary Chenowith.
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Paul Harris Recognition![]() At our first regular in-person meeting in over a year Kim presented Mary Lane with more Paul Harris recognition.
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Zee, Cold Creek Inn Owner, Recognized![]() At the June 29th Presidents’ Dinner, Zee Amenson, owner of the Cold Creek Inn, was recognized for her many years of providing the restaurant as the location for the club’s Tuesday morning breakfast meetings.
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Community Building![]() Speaking to us from Alberta, Canada, Doug Griffiths talked about ways to help communities become prosperous and enduring.
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Benzie's Turkey King![]() Platte Lake resident and local historian Jerry Heiman told us the interesting story of Max Marshall and the family business he built as Benzie's Turkey King.
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Report of the College Advisor![]() This past year Manuel ("Manny") Lamarche has been the College Advisor for the Benzie and Frankfort Schools. He reported on his year as advisor.
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Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation![]() Today Mary Lane as its President conducted the annual membership meeting of the Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation.
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Developing Your Rotary Elevator Speech![]() Under Dave Wynne's guidance we broke up into groups to discuss an "elevator speech"--a short statement to encourage prospective members to join Sunrise Rotary.
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Cannabis Use in Young Adults![]() Alyssa (Aly) Rudy received her PhD in Health Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She recently moved to Benzonia and is involved in the Benzie Area Youth Initiative.
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Benzie Central's Top Ten Graduates![]() The Benzie Sunrise Rotary applauds Benzie Central's top 10 graduates. In addition to the yard sign they'll be able to take home after Thursday evening's awards program, they are receiving a certificate and gift card to enjoy a dinner on the Rotary Club. We wish all of this year's graduates continued success in their postsecondary endeavors.
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Cottage Succession Planning![]() Mark Kellogg is a Lansing attorney specializing in cottage law and property succession planning. He explained the importance of having a cottage succession plan.
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Club Meeting |
Adopt A Highway![]() Benzie Sunrise Rotary Club members and a Friend of Rotary completed their clean-up of M-115 between Benzonia and Frankfort. The club has adopted a 2.5 section of highway that they clean of trash each year in the spring and fall.
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Scams and Frauds![]() Charlie Hamlyn is Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Grand Traverse County, as well as a Traverse City Rotarian. He described commonplace fraudulent schemes and how to avoid them.
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Service Above Self at Benzie Central![]() On Tuesday we also recognized Benzie Central 7th grader Carson Case for Service Above Self.
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Talking is Teaching![]() Missy Smith is the Parent Liaison for the Great Start Collaborative of Traverse Bay. A former elementary teacher, Missy has been working with children for over thirty years.
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Cleanup at Elberta Beach![]() On April 24th Rotarians from both local clubs were on hand with friends to assist the Benzie Conservation District in the annual cleanup at Elberta Beach, part of the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup. |
Guidance Counseling at Benzie Central![]() Emily Burrus is the Guidance Counselor at Benzie Central for grades 10-12. She told us about the TRAILS Program and her Virtual Counseling Site.
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Graceland Fruit, Inc.![]() Jeff Seeley is the Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Graceland Fruit. He served as an adviser before officially joining the Board as Executive Chairman in March of 2019.
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Domestic Violence 101![]() Kristi Boettcher, Director of Advocacy for the Women's Resource Center in Traverse City, presented a program today entitled "Domestic Violence 101."
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Rotary Youth Services Program![]() At this week’s meeting, Benzie Sunrise Rotarians learned about the many Rotary Youth Programs including Interact Clubs, the Life Leadership Conference, Youth Exchange, Leadership Camp, and the Youth Protection Policy.
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NMC: New President & State of the College![]() Dr. Nick Nissley has been the President of Northwestern Michigan College since January of 2020.
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Another Service Above Self Winner![]() Today we recognized Benzie Central High School senior Reeve Katt for her Service Above Self.
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Diversity, Equality and Inclusion![]() Diane Emiling is an Instructor at Northwestern Michigan College. Her presentation covered implicit bias and structural racism.
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Benzie Senior Resources Update![]() Dave Wynne of the Sunrise Rotary Foundation presents Doug Durand, Executive Director of Benzie Senior Resources, with a $2,000 check to support the Resources' Produce Box Program.
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Club Meeting![]() At our meeting today we considered ways we can improve our weekly gatherings as we return to in-person meetings.
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BACN Winter Food Drive![]() Sunrise Rotary Friend Kathi Houston was part of the team assisting with the BACN winter food drive at Family Fare Supermarket.
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Service Above Self![]() At today's meeting we recognized two Service Above Self winners from Benzie Central Middle School: Benjamin DeRidder and Grayson Converse. |
Benzie Central Under the Pandemic![]() Senior Reeve Katt was one of four Benzie Central high schoolers sharing their experiences under the pandemic. The others were Devon Harris, Jessica Whaley and Alyssa Brouwer, while Principal Dave Clasen facilitated the discussion.
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Newton's Road![]() Barb Termaat is the Executive Director of Newton's Road Northwest, a nonprofit dedicated to STEM-related learning for all youth in the five-county area in Northwest Michigan.
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Frontliners & Reconnect Tuition Programs![]() Todd Neibauer is the Vice President for Student Services and Technologies at Northwestern Michigan College. As such he oversees admissions and other student-related services, including NMC's involvement in the Frontliners and Reconnect Tuition Programs.
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BEST Benzie County![]() Maggie Bacon is the Coordinator of the BEST (Building Educational Success & Training) Benzie County Cradle-to-Career Educational Network.
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Club Meeting![]() At our Club Meeting Val brought us up-to-date on a number of things, including the status of the Up North Bike Fest tentatively scheduled for August 21. By May 1 we hope to be in a better position to determine whether it will be a live or virtual event.
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Major Issues in U.S. Foreign Policy![]() Today's speaker was Ambasssador Robert E. Whitehead, a career diplomat who was called back into service after retiring. Most of his overseas posts were in Africa.
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Nordic Squirrels![]() On January 3 kids from our community had a great time learning how to cross country ski at Crystal Mountain. This was the first session of Crystal Community Ski Club's new Nordic Squirrel program for ages 8 - 10.
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Interlochen Public Radio![]() Peter Payette is the Executive Director of Interlochen Public Radio and Instructor of Media at Interlochen Center for the Arts. He has had ties with Benzie County his entire life.
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New Member Bio![]() Today Keith Krause gave his new member bio. Keith and his family reside in a Chicago suburb but also have a place on Platte Lake.
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Update: Garden Theater & Stormcloud Brewing![]() Today we received an update from Rick Schmitt, co-owner of The Garden Theater and Stormcloud Brewing Company. A Colorado native, Rick spent 15 years at Crystal Mountain, where Chris MacInnes was his mentor.
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Problem Solving Courts![]() The Honorable Barbara Gorman is the retiring Presiding Judge of the Montgomery County [Ohio] Common Pleas Court. She also presided over the Common Pleas Drug Court, one of the problem-solving courts which were the subject of today's presentation.
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Health Centre Prototypes for Malawi![]() The son of Sunrise Rotarian Jack Harnish, Chris Harnish is an Associate Professor of Architecture in Malawi and Director of the Development of Health Centre Protypes for the Malawi Ministry of Health.
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Benzie Central and Frankfort High College Advisor![]() Manuel ("Manny") Lamarche is a college advisor, serving as an Americorps member for AdviseMI at Benzie Central and Frankfort High School. He is pictured here with his family.
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Michigan's Evolving Tourism Industry![]() Dr. Dan McCole is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Sustainability at Michigan State University. As such, he is well qualified to describe trends in Michigan tourism.
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Community Development Coalition of Northwest MI![]() Dave Mengebier is the CEO of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. Today he spoke about the Community Development Coalition of Northwest Michigan.
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Volunteer Benzie County Update![]() In 2014 Josh Stoltz became Grow Benzie's first full-time Executive Director. Along with his other responsibilities Josh has been involved in the development of Volunteer Benzie County, a network of non-profits in Benzie County.
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A Historical Marker for Thompsonville![]() Today retired surgeon and Crystal Mountain resident Chuck Kraus described what it took to obtain a Michigan Historical Marker for the Diamond Crossing and Thompsonville.
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Traverse Connect's Michigan Creative Coast![]() Camille Hoisington is Head of Strategic Projects at Traverse Connect. Traverse Connect launched the "Michigan's Creative Coast" program this past June "to lead the charge to enhance the creative economy in the Grand Traverse Region."
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Proposal 20-2 on the November Ballot![]() Benzie County Undersheriff Greg Hubers explained the purpose of Proposal 20-2 on the November ballot. Proposal 20-2 would amend the Michigan Constitution to clarify that with limited exceptions a search warrant is needed for an officer to search for electronic data.
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Paul Oliver Update![]() This week we received an update on Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital from COO Kristi Johnson. Kristi was introduced by James Barker, President of Munson's Southern Regional Hospitals. Kristi reviewed the many medical areas in which Paul Oliver is involved. As a Level IV Designated Trauma Facility, Paul Oliver has received the Guardians of Excellence Award, most recently for 2020. |
M R Products, Inc.![]() Ryan Schultz is the Chief Operating Officer of M R Products, Inc. of Copemish. M R Products is engaged in plastic injection molding and is known as the home of Mr. Chain. |
Benzie Central Schools Update![]() Today we received an update on the Benzie Central Schools from the new Superintendent, Amiee Erfourth. Prior to her appointment Aimee spent 20 years at Betsie Valley Elementary School, the last six as Principal.
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Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy![]() Glen Chown is the Founder and Executive Director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. The Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Manistee Counties.
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COVID-19 Update![]() Lisa Peacock, Health Officer for the Benzie-Leelanau Health Department and a member of the Governor's Task Force, provides an update on COVID-19 within Benzie County. Her office prepares a weekly update on their website.
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Benzie Aquatic Center![]() Diane Tracy is the President of the Board of Directors of the Benzie Aquatic Center, a 501(c)(3) looking into the construction of an aquatic and fitness center in Benzie County.
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Another New Member!![]() During our Club Assembly we were pleased to induct a new member: Keith Krause. Keith is the son of late Sunrise Rotarian Tim Krause. Keith and his family are based in suburban Chicago but also have a place on Platte Lake. |
Benzie Historical Society![]() Barbara Mort is the Executive Director of the Benzie Area Historical Society & Museum. The group's mission is to connect people to our region's past.
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Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities![]() Dan Worth is Clean Energy Program Director for the Groundwork Center in Traverse City, successor to the Michigan Land Use Institute. Groundwork is a nonprofit serving residents and communities within a 10-county area in northwest Michigan.
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Crystal Lake & Watershed Association![]() Our Past President Dave Wynne is the President of the Crystal Lake & Watershed Association, a non-profit whose purpose is to protect and promote the natural qualities of Crystal Lake and its surrounding watershed.
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Rotary Peace Fellowship![]() Sarah Sanderson received a Rotary Peace Fellowship and was selected to go to Tokyo for two years of training. She currently works for the U.S. State Department as a foreign service officer at a U.S. Consulate in northern China. She participated in our Zoom meeting from China.
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Alchemie Solutions, Inc.![]() Julia Winter went from being an award-winning chemistry teacher at Detroit Country Day School to the founder and CEO of a start-up known as Alchemie Solutions.
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Cognition Science & Discovery Center![]() Kimmee Wenkel, co-founder and executive director of the Cognition Science & Discovery Center gave the Sunrise Rotary Club a virtual tour of the new center.
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Our District Governor Visits![]() Today we were honored with a visit from District 6290 Governor Jon Catlin, pictured here with Rotary International President Holger Knaack.
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Presidential Transition![]() In view of the pandemic our traditional President's Dinner was replaced by a virtual Presidential Transition available in its entirety by clicking here.
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Electric Vehicles (EV's) and their future![]() Scott Adams is President of Eaton Corporation's eMobility Division. He gave us an overview of electric vehicles and their future.
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PoWeR! Book Bags![]() Dr. Kara Murphy Gregory is founder and Executive Director of PoWeR! Book Bags--a 501(c)(3) that seeks to empower children to play, write and read to build a better tomorrow.
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Sunrise Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting![]() Today Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation President Kris Thomas presided over the Foundation's annual meeting.
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Service Above Self Awardees![]() Sisters Jaylynn, Chelby, and Mae Talsma, along with Zach Grundy, receive Service Above Self recognition from Val Gerhart. Since the pandemic closed Michigan schools in mid-March, the four volunteers have played a key role in the County's two school districts' delivery of meals to families in need of support. |
ShelterBox USA |
Still Zooming Along! |
Aryana Natural Foods![]() Today we moved closer to our usual format with a PowerPoint presentation by Devin Moore, Education & Outreach Coordinator for Aryana Natural Foods.
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Zoom Meeting # 2![]() At our second Zoom meeting Val Gerhart ran the "Getting to Know You" program, with each participant describing another Sunrise Rotarian based on an interview in November. Well worth repeating!
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Back in Business! |
Service Project in Beulah |
Meetings Cancellations![]() President Dave Wynne has followed our standard procedure to cancel our meetings when the Benzie Central Schools are closed during the school year. Our next meeting will be via Zoom on May 5.
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Oliver Roberts Talks Brewing...For Breakfast![]() Oliver Roberts, Co-Founder, Brewmaster and General Manager of Five Shores Brewing in Beulah shares his passion for brewing.
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New Dawn Fields |
SEEDS Update![]() Joe Tobin runs the SEEDS after-school program for Benzie Central Middle Schoolers, acting as their "fun uncle" (according to Joe's wife).
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A Rotary Minute![]() For our Rotary Minute Jeff Rabidoux reported on his experience on the Club-sponsored trip to the Dominican Republic with local high school students.
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Remembering Benzie: An Oral History![]() Amanda McLaren, Director of the Benzonia Public Library, told us about the library's exciting oral history project.
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Benzie Bus Update![]() Sunrise Rotarian Bill Kennis is the Executive Director of the Benzie Transportation Authority. He gave us the annual report on Benzie Bus and urged us to vote on March 10th on the millage renewal.
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Service Above Self Winner![]() Benzie Central 7th Grader Grayson Converse receives Service Above Self recognition from David Sylvester while sponsoring teacher Dan Long looks on.
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Remain in Touch Update![]() When Kay Leers first spoke to the Club in 2017, Remain in Touch was new to Benzie County. She returned today to give us an update on the program that helps incarcerated parents stay in touch with their children.
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A visit to Paul Oliver![]() Today we met at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort under the guidance of the hospital's Outreach Manager, Stephanie Williams.
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Habitat for Humanity in Benzie County![]() Today Patty Higgins, Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Benzonia, gave us an update on Habitat for Humanity in Benzie County. Patty has been a Board member of the local organization for a year and a half.
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Cass Community Social Services![]() Judy Harnish and her Rotarian husband Jack are members of the Legacy Society of Cass Community Social Services, a Detroit nonprofit dedicated to providing food, housing, health services and jobs to those in the community. |
Service Above Self![]() Benzie Central 12th grader Finn McLaren receives Service Above Self recognition from Benzie Sunrise Rotary's David Sylvester. |
CHOICES![]() On December 4th and 5th Sunrise Rotarians returned to Benzie Central to conduct interactive CHOICES workshops with 8th graders.
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Shaun Anchak![]() Today Shaun Anchak returned to give a plug for the Maritime Heritage Alliance while teaching us all to play the harmonica.
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Club Photo for Zonta![]() Today we went on record as supporting Zonta in saying NO to Violence Against Women.
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Trauma Resilience![]() Shenandoah Chefalo, author of Garbage Bag Suitcase, is herself a survivor of the foster care system. She is also a faculty member and trainer at the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities--a new initiative by the Crossnore School and Children's Home to help organizations translate the science of trauma and adversity.
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More New Members! |
Service Above Self at Benzie Central![]() Benzie Central 8th grader Samantha Grant hears nothing but nice words from teacher Kirsten Cline before receiving Service Above Self recognition from Sunrise Rotary.
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Club wins Community Impact Award![]() On behalf of the Club President Dave Wynne accepts the 2019 Community Impact Award from Doug Durand of Benzie Senior Resources, last year's winner.
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Benzie Area Youth Initiative![]() Kandi McKenzie is coordinator for the Benzie Area Youth Initiative, which seeks to address issues such as drug and alcohol abuse faced by Benzie County youth.
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Another Sunrise Rotary Foundation Grant![]() Phyllis Kladder, Treasurer of the Sunrise Rotary Foundation, presents a symbolic big check to Tim Furbacher of the Crystal Community Ski Club.
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Mrs. Mullen's Closet![]() Phil and Cindy Cook run Mrs. Mullen's Closet, a nonprofit providing clothing and other items for Benzie County students.
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More Paul Harris Recognition![]() Mary Lane receives Paul Harris Plus One recognition from Club President Dave Wynne.
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Adopt a Highway![]() On October 24 a small but spirited group of Sunrise Rotarians cleaned up our designated portion of M-115.
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Another Service Above Self Winner![]() At our annual breakfast at Benzie Central we gave Service Above Self recognition to 11th grader Seth Wilkinson.
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YouthWork Conservation Corps![]() Amanda Elliott is employed by Child & Fanily Services of Northwestern Michigan in its YouthWork program, an AmeriCorps program modeled after the old Civil Conservation Corps.
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Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc.![]() Jennifer Kerns presented on the services the Northwest Michigan Health Services Inc (NMHSI) provides to families and individuals in the region. |
Before the Snow Flies![]() John Wemlinger, local author of the new book Before the Snow Flies, addressed the national epidemic of suicide |
Legacy Art Park Update![]() Troy DeShano, Communications and Special Projects Manager at Michigan Legacy Art Park, gave us an update on the non-profit based at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa.
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Sunrise Athletes Recognized![]() For our Rotary Minute we recognized Michelle Russell and Barb Skurdall, relay winners in theTri Up North Triathalon in Frankfort run by Kris Thomas.
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The District Governor Visits |
Healthy Harvest![]() When Healthy Harvest returned to Ryan Noonan's farm on September 7th to harvest potatoes, Sunrise Rotary was on board.
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Impact and Management of Stormwater Runoff![]() Ed Hoogterp, Benzie County Drain Commissioner, spoke about the impact and management of stormwater runoff.
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Boy Scout Troop #10 Trip to Alaska![]() Today Aaron Kaskinen and Karl Putney showed us highlights of Troop #10's recent trip to Alaska, supported by Sunrise Rotary and many others in our community. |
Club Assembly |
Justice for Our Neighbors![]() Alline Beutler is the Site Manager for the Traverse City office of Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON), a network providing free legal and other services to immigrants and refugees.
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Another Scholarship Renewal![]() Today Jacob Ingleston stopped by to provide an update on his status and to receive a $1,000 renewal of his 2018 Choices Scholarship.
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Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency![]() Karen Emerson explained that NMCAA is a private non-profit community action agency serving ten counties in northwest lower Michigan (including Benzie County). Its motto is "helping people by linking services, resources, and opportunities."
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Oliver Art Center Update![]() Mercedes Michalowski is the Executive Director of the Oliver Center for the Arts. The Center's mission is to "establish and maintain an educational program and facility for the advancement of the arts, and to promote and develop visual, culinary, and literary arts."
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Another Rotary Minute![]() Sunrise Rotarian and Advocates for Benzie County President Jack Harnish advised of the Advocates' support for an effort to build affordable housing at the site of the old "question mark" building in Honor.
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Rotary Minute: Dominican Republic Mission![]() For today's Rotary Minute Mitch Deisch announced the resumption of the mission in which three area Rotary Clubs take local high school students to the Dominican Republic for a service project.
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Frankfort teachers visit Elohim School in Peru![]() Amy Somero, Anibal Pepper and Sue Hammon were on hand to talk about about the trip they took last year to Dr. Pepper's hometown of Arequipa, Peru.
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More Scholarship Support![]() Today two Benzie Central graduates stopped by to pick up renewal checks on their 2018 Sunrise Rotary scholarships: Robby Stewart and Alexis Perry. |
United Way and its new 2-1-1 service![]() Ranae McCauley, Executive Director of United Way of Northwest Michigan, educated us on the new 2-1-1 program launched in our region last September.
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Another grant from the Sunrise Rotary Foundation![]() Foundation Treasurer Phyllis Kladder presents a symbolic $3,000 check to Matt Olson, Superintendent of the Benzie Central Schools. The funds will go toward the purchase of an ice-making machine needed by athletic trainers at middle and high school activities.
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Betsie Valley Community Center![]() Rose Fosdick and Martie Manty share an update on the progress of the Betsie Valley Community Center.
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Rotary Minute: Interact Clubs |
MSU-Extension Benzie County Accomplishments![]() Jennifer Berkey, MSU-Extension District Director, provided a summary of the district’s annual report with a focus on accomplishments for Benzie County residents.
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Rotary Minute: HARP![]() This week’s Rotary Minute was given by Bruce Wildie. He provided the club an update on the Honor Area Restoration Project (HARP).
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The Improbability of Life on Earth Today![]() Self-described amateur astrophysicist David Penney gave us a PowerPoint presentation on the improbability of life and humans existing on earth today.
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Renewal of a Tim Krause Scholarship![]() Paige Cutler thanks the Club for the renewal of her scholarship while Kris Thomas awaits with her check.
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Sunrise Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting![]() Kris Thomas, President of the Sunrise Rotary Foundation, conducted this year's annual membership meeting.
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Our 2019 Choices Scholarship![]() Annabelle Fortine was pleased to receive a check from Steve Mitchell as this year's winner of the Sunrise Rotary Choices Scholarship.
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Advocates for Benzie County (ABC): An Update![]() Val Gerhart, Kay Bond and Jason Reed provided an update on the Advocates for Benzie County. |
A Gift for the Drop-In Center![]() Sonny Rodriguez presents a symbolic $2,000 big check to Eric Lilly of the Drop-In Center in Benzonia. |
Another Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship Winner![]() Kris Thomas watches as Madisen Miner, this year's winner of the Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship, addresses the Club.
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GOREC: The Greilick Outdoor Recreation & Education Center![]() Nick Killian is GOREC's Program & Guest Services Manager. Prior to his present position he was a professional in the Boy Scouts for 14 years (and an Eagle Scout).
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A Gift to Special Olympics![]() Sonny Rodriguez (on the left) presents a symbolic $2,000 check to Sue Webber of Special Olympics while Sunrise Rotary Foundation Board member Dave Wynne assists.
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NMC Admission![]() Kevin D'Alessandro is the TCAPS Early College/Commitment Scholarship Coordinator. He explained NMC's role in the early college program.
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Traverse Bay Area ISD![]() Ashley Darga is the Early College Program Specialist for the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. Among other things, she explained the difference between early college and dual enrollment.
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More Support for Joy to Ride |
Another Service Above Self Winner![]() Sponsoring Benzie Central teacher Barry Hahn raves about our modest Service Above Self winner MacKenzie Wysocki while David Sylvester looks on.
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New Member Bio #1![]() Benzie County native Tia Kurina-Cooley was the first of three new members to describe their life histories in a nutshell.
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New Member Bio #3![]() Jim Drubert gave the last of the three new member bios. Like David, his life history included a chapter in South Bend.
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New Member Bio #2![]() After belonging to three other Rotary clubs, David Oellerich was no stranger to new member bios. Nevertheless, David said he put in 1,000 hours preparing his 10-minute PowerPoint presentation!
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Educational Training at Baker College![]() Mark Lagerwey, Associate Director of Business Development at Baker College (and President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Cadillac), described the programs developed by Baker in response to changes in the world of employment.
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TBA Career Tech Center![]() Brent Boerema is the Principal of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Career-Tech Center. The Center's goal is to prepare students for careers that won't be outsourced.
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Service Above Self at Benzie Central High![]() Zoe Joy Lozowski, a sophomore at Benzie Central, was the latest to receive our Service Above Self recognition.
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Alternative Energy & Residential Solar Panels![]() Allan O’Shea is the founder and President of Contractors Building Supply, Inc. in Copemish. He and his company have been in the renewable energy business for nearly 40 years.
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Living and Thriving with a Disability![]() Today's program was about cracking the stigma of mental illness. At the end of the presentation Sonny Rodriguez on behalf of the Club presented a symbolic big check for $1,000 to Stigma Busters Dani, Nick and David to further their efforts.
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New Member Bio![]() Michael Musgrave tells how he ended up in Beulah as a new member of Benzie Sunrise Rotary.
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Grow Benzie's Updated Strategic Plan![]() Josh Stoltz, Executive Director of Grow Benzie, gave us an update on his organization's past, present and future. A native of northern Michigan, Josh became Grow Benzie's first full-time director in 2014 and recently received Rotary Charities' first Changemaker Fellowship.
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Amanda McLaren |
Cognition |
Jack Harnish New Member Bio |
New Member Tia Cooley![]() Jeff Rabidoux presents newest Club member Tia Cooley with her Rotary pin on March 12.
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Ross Stephenson New Member Bio |
Payton Moore![]() On March 19 Payton Moore returned to share her story of her medical mission to Cambodia.
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Chad Van Tol Discusses Permaculture![]() On March 5 the Club was fortunate to learn more about the concepts of permaculture and hugelkultur from area farmer Chad Van Tol who practices both at his Benzie County farm, Cold Creek Permaculture.
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1st Grade Betsie Valley Students Receive Books![]() March is Reading Month and Rotarians are doing their second round of reading and book giveaways to 1st grade students at the elementary schools in the Benzie Central district. Betsie Valley Elementary children were thrilled to select their very own book to take home and keep.
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Service Above Self Award![]() The Service Above Self Award was presented to Payton Moore, a senior at Benzie Central High School.
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Citizens' Climate Lobby![]() Bob Eichenlaub spoke to our Rotary Club about climate change. He is a retired school teacher from Traverse City and came to our meeting representing Citizens' Climate Lobby. |
Appalachian Trail Through Hike![]() Farmer Carol Bontekoe of Grow Benzie shared the story of her through hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine. And what a phenomenal storyteller she is! |
Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation![]() Peggy Case is the President of the Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation (MCWC), a grass-roots nonprofit dedicated to water conservation and water justice. She sees the major threats to water supply as sewage and fertilizers, chemicals, and the oil and gas industry.
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Service Above Self in the Middle School![]() David Sylvester presents a Service Above Self Award to Benzie Central 8th Grader Michael Robert Musgrave while father Mike looks on.
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Lost Lake Farm in Honor![]() Carissa Savage and her husband Nathan Cornell own and operate Lost Lake Farm in Honor. It is a 40-acre tract of woods and fields, with 1.5 acres in vegetable production and an 8-acre pasture for pigs.
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Reading is FUNdamental![]() On January 24 Dave and Jan Wynne read to 1st and 2nd graders at the Lake Ann Elementary School.
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Northwest Michigan Works!![]() Today we heard from Northwest Michigan Works! staff members (from the left) Susan Ward, Shelly VanderMeulen, Sharon Laraway Gordon, Sue Oseland and Mary Szwed.
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Sunrise Rotary Foundation Awards Grants![]() Benzie Central High School's Science Olympiad Team was one of the recipients of funds following the Foundation's recent quarterly review of grant applications. Some of the Team members are pictured here with their coach, Jalen Williams.
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Crystal Comm. Ski Club--Nordic Rocks Program![]() Tim Furbacher is the Nordic Program Director of the Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC). While CCSC has a full slate of programs to bring affordable alpine (downhill) and nordic (cross-country) skiing to local residents, Tim's focus today was on the NordicRocks program for our area's elementary schools.
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Another Service Above Self Winner![]() High School Senior Abby Bretzke receives Service Above Self recognition from Sunrise Rotarian David Sylvester. At Benzie Central Abby has maintained a 4.0 GPA while being captain of the cross-country, basketball and track teams.
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1st Grade Reading is FUNdamental |
Networks Northwest![]() Sarah Lucas is the Director of Community Development for Networks Northwest. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Sarah is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners and has been a practicing planner in Northwest Michigan for over 15 years. |
Sunrise Rotary presents CHOICES![]() On November 29 and 3o Sunrise Rotary conducted CHOICES workshops for Benzie Central 8th graders.
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Michigan ACEs Intiative![]() The Michigan ACEs Initiative is a state wide effort to create awareness in communities across Michigan. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study demonstrates the correlation between toxic doses of stress hormones in childhood and health outcomes both physical and mental. As an ACEs Master Trainer Mary Gruman, our speaker today, is charged with bringing this science to decision makers in the hope of creating collaboration to reduce ACEs.
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Social Emotional Programming![]() Patty Roth is a social emotional educator for MSU Extension targeting key areas of importance to Michigan. Today she focused on improving health and nutrition in Michigan residents with Mindfulness as a technique.
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Service Above Self Award |
More on Drone Monitoring of Inland Lakes |
Drone Monitoring of Aquatic Invasive Species![]() Jim Hamp is Crystal Lake's resident expert on aquatic invasive species, having conducted an aquatic plant survey there over the last several years.
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Benzie Conservation District Update![]() Jane Perrino is the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator at the Benzie Conservation District.
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Benzie Conservation District Update |
More New Members!![]() Today we inducted two new members: Jack Harnish (on the left) and Ross Stephenson (on the right).
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The Civil Air Patrol![]() Our own Clark Brown educated us on the Civil Air Patrol, the all-volunteer civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
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New Member Bio |
Another New Member! |
Webber Foundation Clothing Giveaway![]() Mac Whisner was among the Sunrise Rotarians on hand to help Wayne and Joan Webber provide coats, boots, hats, gloves and socks to Benzie County elementary students.
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Adopt-A-Highway Clean-up![]() On October 24 we cleaned up our designated Adopt-a-Highway portion of M-115. A good turn-out of Sunrise Rotarians made for quick work--the whole job in an hour!
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Morality in Law![]() Peter Gerhart is a law professor at Case Western University in Ohio. He spoke to us about social morality in law.
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Foundation Support for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library![]() Dave Wynne of the Sunrise Foundation Board presents a symbolic check for $2,730 to Al Jongekrijg and Val Gerhart of the Advocates for Benzie County to implement the Dolly Parton Imagination library in Benzie County.
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Service Above Self at Benzie Central![]() School sponsor Rebecca looks on as Benzie Central senior Annabelle Fortine receives Service Above Self recognition from David Sylvester.
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Saving Arcadia![]() Heather Shumaker explained that Saving Arcadia is a work of narrative non-fiction--non-fiction that reads like a novel.
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Helping Out BACN![]() Gary Gordon was one of the Sunrise Rotarians on hand at Shop-N-Save for the BACN Food Drive.
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Our District Governor Visits![]() Before addressing the Club, District Governor Brian Robertson presents Club member Michelle Russell with Paul Harris recognition while Club President Jeff Rabidoux looks on.
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New Member Bio![]() Describing herself as a full-time realtor and part-time pharmacist, Jenn Stewart gave us a short version of her life story.
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Shoreline Stewardship with Michigan Native Plants![]() Carolyn Thayer of Plan It Wild explained why it is important to use native plants for shoreline landscaping. |
Benzie County Local College Access Network![]() Val Gerhart and Mary Ann Behms told us about the Local College Access Network that seeks to encourage youth to pursue post-secondary education.
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Another New Member! |
AmeriCorps |
AmeriCorps: A year of service within the U.S.![]() A graduate of Michigan Tech, Leah Wachlin was the first of our two speakers. She spent a year in the AmeriCorps VISTA program, working behind the scenes with students in Manistee.
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Guatemala Housing Alliance![]() Our own Dave Wynne told us about the non-profit he and his siblings formed to provide homes and education for indigenous Mayans at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
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Another New Member! |
Rotary Charities Update Continued![]() Becky Ewing began her work at Rotary Charities in 2008 as the Program Officer. She became the Associate Director in 2013, and on July 1 of this year she succeeded Marsha Smith as Executive Director. She has local ties to Benzie County, having recently acquired a place on Little Platte Lake.
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Rotary Charities Update![]() Marsha Smith served as Executive Director of Rotary Charities of Traverse City from 1997 until stepping down recently with retirement pending in January of 2019. |
New Winner of a Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship![]() Alexis Perry is the newest winner of our most prestigious scholarship--a $1,000 scholarship renewable each year for three more years.
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District Recognition![]() Assistant District Governor Jon Carlin was on hand to present Benzie Sunrise with a certificate of Outstanding Service in connection with our support of the youth exchange program.
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Polio Eradication Update![]() John Modlin, MD, is the Deputy Director for Polio Research and Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He also has long-time local ties with Crystal Lake.
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Home Inspections![]() Tim Evans of Traverse City Home Inspections LLC explained the role of inspections in both commercial and residential real estate. |
The Journey of Undying Hope![]() Theil Theil was present to publicize his program about the needs of South Sudan: "The Journey of Undying Hope."
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Advocates of Benzie County![]() Following our meeting Bill Anderson presented a symbolic check for $3,000 to John Parkin and Kay Bond of Advocates for Benzie County. |
US Global Leadership and Rotary![]() A Peace Corps veteran and Washington, DC Rotarian, Carrie Hessler-Radelet is President of Project Concern International (PCI).
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Blessings in a Backpack |
Renewal of a Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship |
Benzie Central Choices Scholarship![]() On a busy morning Jacob Ingleston was recognized as the recipient of one of our Choices Scholarships.
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Benzie County Land Bank Authority![]() Michelle Thompson, Benzie County Treasurer, educated us on the Benzie County Land Bank Authority for which she is the Chair.
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New Member Bio![]() Hailing from Chattanooga, Phil Lambert has been coming to the shores of Crystal Lake for many years.
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Benzie Conservation District Seeks Support![]() Jane Perrino and Tad Peacock urged support of the Conservation District's request for a millage renewal on the August 7 ballot.
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Another Scholarship Winner |
Renewal of a Choices Scholarship![]() Brayden Huddleston returned today for the first renewal of his $1,000 Choices Scholarship.
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Update on a Global Cooperative Initiative![]() Rotarian Chuck Oldanie provided an update on Rotary International's collaborative initiative with Habitat for Humanity that he first told us about two years ago.
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Sunrise Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting![]() Today President Kris Thomas ran the Annual Membership Meeting of the Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation.
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Another New Member!![]() Today we inducted another new member: Jenn Sterling.
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