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.
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
BEST Benzie County![]() Maggie Bacon is the Coordinator of the BEST (Building Educational Success & Training) Benzie County Cradle-to-Career Educational Network. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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." |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Sunrise Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting![]() Today Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation President Kris Thomas presided over the Foundation's annual meeting. |
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. |
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! |
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. |
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. |
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). |
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. |
Remembering Benzie: An Oral History![]() Amanda McLaren, Director of the Benzonia Public Library, told us about the library's exciting oral history project. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Shaun Anchak![]() Today Shaun Anchak returned to give a plug for the Maritime Heritage Alliance while teaching us all to play the harmonica. |
Club Photo for Zonta![]() Today we went on record as supporting Zonta in saying NO to Violence Against Women. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Mrs. Mullen's Closet![]() Phil and Cindy Cook run Mrs. Mullen's Closet, a nonprofit providing clothing and other items for Benzie County students. |
More Paul Harris Recognition![]() Mary Lane receives Paul Harris Plus One recognition from Club President Dave Wynne. |
Adopt a Highway![]() On October 24 a small but spirited group of Sunrise Rotarians cleaned up our designated portion of M-115. |
Another Service Above Self Winner![]() At our annual breakfast at Benzie Central we gave Service Above Self recognition to 11th grader Seth Wilkinson. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Impact and Management of Stormwater Runoff![]() Ed Hoogterp, Benzie County Drain Commissioner, spoke about the impact and management of stormwater runoff. |
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. |
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. |
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." |
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." |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Betsie Valley Community Center![]() Rose Fosdick and Martie Manty share an update on the progress of the Betsie Valley Community Center. |
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. |
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). |
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. |
Renewal of a Tim Krause Scholarship![]() Paige Cutler thanks the Club for the renewal of her scholarship while Kris Thomas awaits with her check. |
Sunrise Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting![]() Kris Thomas, President of the Sunrise Rotary Foundation, conducted this year's annual membership meeting. |
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. |
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. |
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). |
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. |
NMC Admission![]() Kevin D'Alessandro is the TCAPS Early College/Commitment Scholarship Coordinator. He explained NMC's role in the early college program. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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! |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
New Member Bio![]() Michael Musgrave tells how he ended up in Beulah as a new member of Benzie Sunrise Rotary. |
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. |
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. |
Ross Stephenson New Member Bio |
Payton Moore![]() On March 19 Payton Moore returned to share her story of her medical mission to Cambodia. |
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. |
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. |
Service Above Self Award![]() The Service Above Self Award was presented to Payton Moore, a senior at Benzie Central High School. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Reading is FUNdamental![]() On January 24 Dave and Jan Wynne read to 1st and 2nd graders at the Lake Ann Elementary School. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Benzie Conservation District Update![]() Jane Perrino is the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator at the Benzie Conservation District. |
Benzie Conservation District Update |
More New Members!![]() Today we inducted two new members: Jack Harnish (on the left) and Ross Stephenson (on the right). |
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. |
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. |
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! |
Morality in Law![]() Peter Gerhart is a law professor at Case Western University in Ohio. He spoke to us about social morality in law. |
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. |
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. |
Saving Arcadia![]() Heather Shumaker explained that Saving Arcadia is a work of narrative non-fiction--non-fiction that reads like a novel. |
Helping Out BACN![]() Gary Gordon was one of the Sunrise Rotarians on hand at Shop-N-Save for the BACN Food Drive. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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." |
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). |
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. |
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. |
New Member Bio![]() Hailing from Chattanooga, Phil Lambert has been coming to the shores of Crystal Lake for many years. |
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. |
Another Scholarship Winner |
Renewal of a Choices Scholarship![]() Brayden Huddleston returned today for the first renewal of his $1,000 Choices Scholarship. |
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. |
Sunrise Rotary Foundation Annual Meeting![]() Today President Kris Thomas ran the Annual Membership Meeting of the Benzie Sunrise Rotary Foundation. |
Another New Member! |
Interact at Benzie Central![]() At last week's 6th grade awards program we gave the 22 students their Middle School Interact Club key chains. |
Sunrise Rotary's Programs at Benzie Central![]() Dave Clasen, Principal of Benzie Central's Middle School and High School, gave us an update on the programs Sunrise Rotary has established at the Benzie Central Schools. |
Sunrise Rotarian Wins 2018 ATHENA Award![]() On June 6 at a dinner at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club the Zonta Club of Traverse City announced that Kris Thomas had won the 2018 ATHENA Award. |
Crystal Mountain's Clean Energy Initiatives![]() Crystal Mountain CEO Jim MacInnes described how the resort is using more clean energy for everyone's benefit. |
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation![]() President and CEO of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Dave Mengebier gave us a GTRCF update. |
Renewal of a Tim Krause Scholarship![]() Paige Cutler returned today for the renewal of her $1,000 Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship. |
Life in Native America 400 Years Ago![]() Robert Downes, author of the acclaimed "Windigo Moon," described life for the Ojibwe Indians in the early times. |
Another Service Above Self Winner![]() Benzie Central Middle School student Natalie Fritz receives Service Above Self recognition from Sunrise Rotarian Trina Garner. |
Paul Oliver Living & Rehab Center![]() Today we heard from four representatives of the Paul Oliver Living & Rehab Center and Skilled Therapies: Adrienne Jones, Kathy Pilon, Stephanie Williams and Kristi Johnson (from the left in the photo). |
We Welcome Another New Member! |
Teacher Appreciation Day![]() Sunrise Rotarian Val Gerhart holds up a basket of bread and other goodies that went to every Benzie Central School to honor the school's educators. |
Another New Member! |
Dolly Parton Imagination Library![]() Nancy Grote and Jennifer Abel head up the Traverse City branch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a book-giving program that mails free books to children in participating communities from birth until age five. |
A Few Slices of BACN![]() For the last two and a half years Kelly Ottinger has been the Fundraising Coordinator for BACN (Benzie Area Christian Neighbors), a nonprofit that has been serving the community for 35 years. |
Another Service Above Self Winner![]() Benzie Central Senior Lauren Nordbeck receives Service Above Self recognition from Sunrise Rotarian David Sylvester. |
Exploring Ecuador: A Land of Contrasts & Mysteries |
New Member Bio![]() Raised in Midland and a graduate of Ferris State University and Aquinas College, Phyllis Kladder is an accountant for Presto Tech Solutions in Grand Rapids. |
Grow Benzie: An Update![]() A graduate of Benzie Central and CMU, Josh Stoltz became Grow Benzie's first Executive Director eight years ago. |
Service Above Self |
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts![]() Xavier Verna is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Ramsdell Regional Theatre for the Arts. |
Volunteer Services at the Benzie County Circuit Court![]() Kathi Houston is the Volunteer Services Coordinator at the Family Division of the 19th Circuit Court in Beulah. |
Paul Harris Recognition |
New Member Bios![]() Val and Bruce Gerhart amused the crowd (and each other) with their tag-team new member bios. |
Recovery from Addiction![]() Certified Peer Recovery Coach Scott Scholten's job is to offer "A Lifeboat of Hope in a Sea of Despair." |
Two More New Members!![]() Steve inducts Bruce Gerhart and Val Gerhart as the newest members of Sunrise Rotary and our first husband and wife pair. |
Service Above Self at Benzie Central![]() Steve Mitchell bestows Service Above Self recognition upon Benzie Central Senior Alex Holmes-Serrano. |
Images of the Holy Land![]() Scott Barker narrated a slide show featuring photos from one of the trips he has led to Israel. |
Sunrise Rotary gives CHOICES at Benzie Cenral![]() On November 30 and December 1 a team of Sunrise Rotarians returned to present the CHOICES program to Benzie Central 8th graders. |
NMC Unmanned Systems - Adding Value to Industry![]() Alex Bloye, Director of NMC's Unmanned Systems program, brought a drone that can be used in connection with an agricultural spraying program. |
Benzie Bus Update![]() Today we received an update on Benzie Bus from its Executive Director, Sunrise Rotarian Bill Kennis. |
Another New Member! |
Service Above Self at the Middle School![]() David recognizes Elise Johnson for her Service Above Self at Benzie Central Middle School. |
Service Above Self at Benzie Central High School![]() David Sylvester bestows Service Above Self recognition upon Benzie Central Senior Abbie Smith. |
U.S.-Russia Relations: The New Normal![]() Jack Segal, Co-Chair of the International Affairs Forum in Traverse City and retired diplomat who served in Russia (among many other places), spoke to a large and engaged audience of Rotarians and guests about our relations today with Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin. |
Michigan Promise School![]() Sunrise Rotarians Mitch Deisch and Matt Olson discuss how the Club might become involved in the creation of a Michigan Promise School. |
VITA: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program![]() Larry Winter is the Program Coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in Northwestern Michigan. |
More Paul Harris Recognition |
Empowerment through Education in Peru![]() Susi Prescott retraced the steps that took her from being a French teacher in Sydney, Australia to the Co-Director of the Elohim School in Arequipa, Peru. |
The Oliver Art Center![]() A St. Louis native (and Cardinals fan), Mercedes Michalowski has been Executive Director of the Oliver Art Center for three years. |
Only in America![]() A retired professor from Clemson, John Bednar has been coming to Crystal Lake since he was seven years old. |
The District Governor Visits![]() Following his presentation to the Club, District Governor Ed Swart and wife Carol received (and donned) coveted Benzie Sunrise aprons from Club President Steve Mitchell. |
Days for Girls - Benzie![]() Kathy Ross, Team Leader for Days for Girls- Benzie, holds up part of the sustainable menstrual kit that her organization produces for girls and women worldwide. |
Zero Gravity Aerial: Drones for Commercial Photography![]() Dennis Wiand developed a business known as Zero Gravity Aerial that uses drones to survey lakes to find aquatic invasive species, among other things. |
Joy2Ride Benzie![]() Carol Kraak of the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is the founder of Joy2Ride Benzie, a 501(c)(3) that proposes to bring specially designed wheelchair bikes to the Betsie Valley Trail. |
Clark's New Member Bio![]() Today Clark Brown told us how he became Assistant Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Benzonia. |
The State of Banking Today![]() Longtime banker Don Jeffery said that Michigan's banks are in great shape today despite the many challenges they face. |
Trina Garner's Turn at the Plate |
Gary Gordon's Life Story |
Rotary: Beyond the Club |
Archaeological Adventures in Cyprus![]() Ellen Herscher has a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. She has taught archaeology at Cornell and the University of Minnesota, and her specialty is the pottery of Cyprus. |
The Upcoming Millage Vote![]() Frankfort Rotarian Ned Edwards urged us to vote in favor of the millage request on next week's ballot to support the activities of Benzie Senior Resources. |
Another Scholarship Awarded! |
Renewal of a Tim Krause Scholarship |
Another New Member!![]() Today Clark Brown became the newest member of Benzie Sunrise Rotary. |
Another Scholarship Winner![]() Benzie Central graduate Brayden Huddleston attended our meeting to thank the Club for his $1,000 Choices Scholarship (and to pick up his check!). |
Notes from the Peace River in Alaska![]() Alan Marble is a retired DNR Enforcement Officer who chooses to spend part of each summer as a cook at an isolated hunting and fishing camp in Alaska. |
Farewell to Marcin![]() Marcin Swierkot, the exchange student from Poland jointly sponsored by the Frankfort and Sunrise Clubs, said goodbye. |
Michelle Salutes Paul Clulo![]() Michelle Russell explains why Paul Clulo richly deserved the Paul Harris recognition he received at the President's Dinner. |
Private Schools in Foreign Lands![]() Joe Hollenbeck is a Frankfort native who is Principal at the Lincoln American School in Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
Volunteer Program of Family Division of 19th Judicial Circuit![]() Kathi Houston coordinates the Volunteer Program of the Family Division of the 19th Circuit Court in Benzie and Manistee Counties. |
Community Cats of Benzie County![]() Dr. Carol McKee explained that the goal of Community Cats of Benzie County is to eliminate homeless cats in Benzie County through humane intervention. |
Michigan Legacy Art Park![]() Renee Hintz, Executive Director of the Legacy Art Park, thanked us for our support and provided an update on activities at the Park. |
The 2017 Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship![]() William Green was recognized as the 2017 winner of the Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship. |
Renewal of a Choices Scholarship |
Club supports Blessings in a Backpack![]() Skip Comer (far left) and Bev Toomey of Blessings in a Backpack of Benzie County receive a symbolic $1,000 check from Dick Conrad and Davis Sylvester of Sunrise Rotary. |
Renewal of a Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship![]() Last year Paige Cutler won a renewable $1,000 Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship; today she returned to have it renewed. |
Bike Benzie Report / Sunrise Rotary Foundation Meeting![]() Today Kris Thomas wore three hats: She reported on the Healthy Harvest food rescue program; she gave a wrap-up on Bike Benzie, and she ran the annual meeting of the Sunrise Rotary Foundation. |
Crystal Lake & Watershed Association![]() Dave Wynne was the first of two speakers explaining the role of the Crystal Lake & Watershed Association. |
Crystal Lake and Aquatic Invasive Species![]() Retired surgeon Jim Hamp was the second speaker from the Crystal Lake & Watershed Association. |
Another new member! |
Aquatic Invasive Species![]() Jane Perrino is the Aquatic Species Coordinator for the Benzie Conservation District and the Project Leader for the Aquatic Invasive Species Pathway Project. |
Remain in Touch![]() Kay Lears describes Remain in Touch, a program that she brought to Benzie County that offers male and female inmates in the Benzie County Jail an opportunity to read books for their children. |
The Eighth Honorary Citizen of the U. S.![]() Joe Conger, a Son of the American Revolution, gave us a PowerPoint presentation on the 8th Honorary Citizen of the United States: Spaniard Bernardo Galvez. |
Mission Work in Peru![]() Anibal Pepper, an M.D. and Rotarian, and wife Ann gave us an update on their recent trip to Peru. |
Advocates for Benzie County![]() Tim Bannister and Ric Robb listen to comments following their presentation on the non-profit known as Advocates for Benzie County. |
The Rotary Foundation |
Career Days at Benzie Central![]() When we presented Career Days at Benzie Central, Norm Labadie was part of the Rotary team meeting with 7th graders. |
Mission to the Dominican Republic![]() Sporting their Dominican shirts, Benzie Central sophomores Thea Gray, Abby Bretzke and Bella Huddleston report on their recent trip to the Dominican Republic, a Rotary International Mission sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Gaylord, Manistee and Benzie Sunrise. |
Another Service Above Self Winner![]() David Sylvester presents Benzie Central senior Sam Snow with Service Above Self recognition. |
Dave Wynne gives his bio |
Pat Kiely shares his life story |
Networks Northwest Doing Good In Our Community![]() Scott Gest, a research analyst for Networks Northwest, joined the Club today to share a bit about the work being done by his organization to support quality of life in our area. |
test storythis is a test story |
Benzie Central School Millage Update![]() Benzie Central School District Superintendent and Sunrise Rotarian Matt Olson updated the club on the upcoming School Millage Vote. |
Benzonia Public LibraryAmanda McLaren and her daughter Sophie joined our club meeting to update us on all that is happening at the Benzonia Public Library.
|
Club Meeting at Benzie Central Middle School![]() This week's club meeting was held at the Benzie Central Middle School where Rotarians, Teachers, Students and Administrators discussed the partnership between the Benzie Sunrise Rotary Club and Benzie Schools.
|
Service Above Self at Benzie Central Middle School![]() Middle School Student Victoria Cobb receives the Service Above Self Award from Club President David Sylvester.
|
Mac Whisner - Club Member Biography |
The Newest Member of the Benzie Sunrise RotaryBenzie Sunrise Rotary President David Sylvester and Sunrise Rotarian Mac Whisner welcome the clubs newest member, Pat Kiely.
|
Honor Area Restoration Project (HARP)![]() Ingemar Johannson, President of the Honor Area Restoration Project, told us about HARP's ongoing project to acquire a 52-acre parcel of property adjacent to the Platte River.`
|
Another New Member![]() Sonny Rodriguez sponsored his son Vince as the latest addition to Benzie Sunrise Rotary.
|
Coda Mix on her year in Greenland![]() Coda Mix, a senior at Frankfort High, told us about her year as a Rotary International exchange student in Greenland.
|
Another Service Above Self Winner![]() David Sylvester presents a Service Above Self award to Benzie Central Senior Olivia Brian.
|
Nature of the Wild![]() Nature photographer Charles St. Charles III told us about his ambitious project to capture the natural world throughout the continent with time lapse cameras and live video.
|
Service Above Self at the Middle School![]() Today we gave Service Above Self recognition to Reeve Katt of the Benzie Central Middle School.
|
Sunrise Rotary Foundation supports more local non-profits![]() Sunrise Rotary Foundation Board member Dave Wynne presents a symbolic check for $2,030 to Kimmee Wenkel of COGnition Science & Discovery Center in Beulah.
|
Amy Green on her year in Brazil as an exchange student![]() Amy Green from Frankfort High gave a PowerPoint presentation on her year in Brazil as a Rotary International Exchange Student.
|
Betsie Valley Elementary School & Betsie Valley Neighborhood Center![]() Amiee Erfourth, Principal of the Betsie Valley Elementary School in Thompsonville, gave us an update on the RIF (Reading is Fundamental) Program, as well as a description of the ongoing project to create the Betsie Valley Neighborhood Center.
|
Trip to Chicago for Benzie Central Juniors![]() History teacher Scott Kubit thanked the Club for its support of the annual trip to Chicago for Benzie Central juniors that he has organized the last seven years.
|
Sunrise Presents Big Check to Back the Track![]() Barb Skurdall presents Howard Herron of the Benzie Central Athletic Boosters with a symbolic check for $20,000 for "Back the Track," as track coach Asa Kelly looks on.
|
Benzie County Veterans' Memorial![]() Bob Roelofs of the Benzie County Veterans' Committee returned to give us an update on the Memorial that opened on Veterans Day in 2016.
|
Our Exchange Student talks above his native Poland![]() An exchange student sponsored jointly by the Frankfort and Sunrise Rotary Clubs, Marcin Swierkot gave us a short primer on the history of Poland, followed by a discussion of his life as an exchange student living in Frankfort.
|
Another New Member Sworn In![]() David formally inducts Matt Olson as the newest member of Sunrise Rotary, ending with the presentation of the not-so-formal blue apron.
|
Service Above Self at Benzie Central High![]() David bestows Service Above Self recognition upon Benzie Central High School senior Joey Johnston.
|
What do they do with my money? |
Paul Harris Recognition![]() Under the category of "Better late than never," Dick Conrad gives Paul Harris recognition to Barb Skurdall.
|
CHOICES |
The Adventures of a Blind Cross-Country Skier![]() Melinda Hollands told how she became involved with Ski for Light, a non-profit that seeks to enhance the quality of life and independence of visually or mobility-impaired adults through cross-country skiing.
|
Another Service Above Self Winner!![]() David Sylvester presents Service Above Self recognition to Benzie Central 8th grader Skyler Kennedy.
|
Benzie County Central Schools![]() Matt Olson, the new Superintendent of the Benzie Central School District (and prospective Sunrise member) filled us in on the state of the Benzie Central Schools.
|
COGnition Science & Discovery Center![]() Kimmy Wenkel told us about the new children's museum that will be opening shortly at 244 S. Benzie Blvd in downtown Beulah.
|
Safe Haven of Traverse City![]() Erin House said that the Child & Family Services' Safe Haven Supervised Visitation and Exchange Program is looking for new sources of revenue after losing its federal funding.
|
Books at the Crystal Lake Elementary School![]() Retired teacher Kris Dykstra maintains the library at Crystal Lake Elementary School, as well as creating monthly reading themes and engaging students in story time each week.
|
The Maples Project![]() Lisa Vogler, attorney for a group known as Taxpayers for the Maples, spoke about the problems surrounding the Maples building project.
|
Webber Foundation Giveaway![]() Larry Ross helps a youngster try on a new coat at the Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation annual distribution of winter outerwear to Benzie County elementary students at the Platte River Elementary School.
|
The Kassel Mission![]() Linda Dewey took over from her late father William as President of the Kassel Mission Historical Society, a 501(c)3) organization dedicated to the men who fought in what became known as the Kassel Mission of September 27, 1944.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Another New Member!![]() Today we welcomed Gary Gordon as a new member.
|
Crystal Peak Fitness![]() Marcus Matthews is a Certified Personal Trainer who heads up Crystal Mountain's Peak Fitness Center.
|
Crystal Spa & Peak Fitness |
The National Parks by Air and Ground![]() Veteran pilot and Frankfort Rotarian Jim Radabaugh described the September 2015 trip that he took wife with Pam to many of the national parks in the west, showing us many great photos both from the air and from the ground.
|
"Winter's Bloom"![]() Today's featured speaker was John Wemlinger, author of "Winter's Bloom," a self-published novel based on "bits and pieces" of his life.
|
"Winter's Bloom"![]() Our featured speaker today was John Wemlinger, author of "Winter's Bloom," a self-published novel based on "bits and pieces" of his life.
|
The new Superintendent of the Benzie Central Schools![]() Today we met the new Superintendent of the Benzie County Central Schools, Mathew Olson.
|
Our District Governor Pays a Visit![]() District 6290's new District Governor is Gernot Runschke, an architect from the Rotary Club of Grand Haven.
|
More Paul Harris Recognition |
Tim Krause Scholarship Extended![]() Kris Thomas advises Marcy Fries, first winner of the Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship, that the Club will extend her scholarship annually.
|
Boy Scout Trip to Alaska![]() Bill Kennis brought several of his Boy Scouts to thank the Club for its support of the Troop's trip to Alaska that will get underway shortly.
|
Safe Kids North Shore![]() Injury Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Ritter told us about Safe Kids North Shore and its mission to prevent unintentional injuries.
|
Dhea Summarizes Her Year![]() Wrapping up her time as a Rotary Exchange Student in Benzie County, Dhea Dhiafira gave us her concluding report.
|
Rachelle Reports on her Year in Ecuador![]() Rachelle Bishop provided an update on the year she spent as a Rotary Exchange Student in Portoveijo, Manabi, Ecuador.
|
Another Grateful Scholarship Winner![]() Benzie Central grad Kileen Moore came to our meeting to thank the Club for the Choices scholarship that she was awarded and to accept the $1,000 check from David.
|
Sonny Receives Paul Harris Recognition Twice![]() Sonny receives Paul Harris recognition from Kris Thomas for personifying "Service Above Self."
|
Thanks from the Benzie OM Team![]() Logan Jones, Tyler Iverson, Jimmy McLaren and Finn McLaren from the Benzie Central Middle School Odyssey of the Mind Team came to thank Benzie Sunrise Rotary for its financial support this past year.
|
David Brings Back-up!![]() When David took the helm at the first meeting of the new Rotary year, he had plenty of support--including that of Tiffany and Adaline.
|
Global Collaboration: Rotary, Habitat for Humanity & Seeds of Peace![]() Chuck Oldanie, Tampa Bay realtor and Rotarian, told us about the global collaborative initiative that is building homes in Mumbai, India and in other places around the world.
|
Another Scholarship Winner Says Thanks![]() Benzie Central Senior Paige Cutler thanks the Club for the $1,000 Tim Krause Memorial Scholarship that she won.
|
Another Successful Fundraiser!![]() Dick Conrad reports on our latest success: the 6th Annual Golf Outing to Benefit Area Youth held over the weekend at Crystal Lake Golf Club.
|
A Choices Scholarship Winner Thanks the Club![]() Benzie Central Senior Luke Reed thanks the Club for the $1,000 scholarship that he received.
|
The Benzie Area Youth Initiative![]() Lisa Tiesworth, Safenet Prevention Specialist for Centra Wellness, was largely responsible for obtaining the initial funding for the Initiative.
|
The Benzie Area Youth Initiative![]() Karen Larsen was the first of two speakers describing the program underway to reduce issues like drug or alcohol abuse among Benzie County youth.
|
We Welcome a New Member!![]() Barb handles the induction of our newest member: Mac Whisner.
|
Sunrise Rotary Supports Special Olympics![]() On behalf of the Club Sonny Rodriguez presents a check for $1,000 to Sue Webber, his successor at Special Olympics.
|
Sunrise Rotary Grants Scholarships![]() Kileen Moore, Luke Reed and Paige Cutler were pleased to receive Sunrise Rotary scholarships at Benzie Central's Senior Class Night.
|
Another STRIVE Winner![]() Josylin Thompson also received a STRIVE Scholarship, as did Justin Hawkins, who was unable to attend.
|
STRIVE Scholarship![]() Jessica Priest receives one of the Club's three STRIVE Scholarships from Michelle Russell.
|
Another Member Bio![]() Andy Ashworth went from a high school athlete in Brooklyn, Michigan to a Certified Financial Planner and President of Sunrise Rotary.
|
Another Member Bio![]() Bill Anderson succeeded in a big way at Hope College despite what he described as an undistinguished high school career in his hometown of Owosso.
|
Travel to Cuba |
Service Above Self at the Middle School![]() Benzie Central Middle School student Grant Hackbarth receives Service Above Self recognition from David Sylvester.
|
We Receive a Consumers Energy Grant![]() Doug DeYoung, Public Affairs Area Manager for Consumers Energy, presents a $2,500 Pathways for Youth grant to Barb while grant-originator Michelle looks on.
|
Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation![]() Executive Director Phil Ellis explained that the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation exists to facilitate, promote and serve philanthropy and permanent endowments, enhancing the quality of life in its five-county region.
|
We meet the new Benzie County Recycling Coordinator![]() Before Marlene left she introduced her successor, Dave Schaffer. After a few brief remarks Dave promised Barb that he would return in a year to provide another update.
|
An Update on Benzie County Recycling![]() Marlene Wood, retiring Benzie County Recycling Coordinator, provided an update on recycling in Benzie County.
|
Sunrise Rotary prevails at the Benzie Dodgeball Tourney![]() Sonny Rodriguez presents a 1st place plaque to Bill Kennis, Mitch Deisch and Ted Schendel, members of the the Club's winning team at the Benzie Dodgeball Tourney. Not pictured is Andy Ashworth, who was responsible for the winning catch and throw.
|
Another new member! |
An Update on The First Tee![]() Brad Dean, Director of Golf at Crystal Mountain since 1994, returned to give us an update on The First Tee of Northern Michigan.
|
We welcome another new member! |
Regional Foster Care Initiative![]() The Regional Foster Care Initiative is the brainchild of Hon. Nancy Kida, retired Benzie County Judge.
|
Regional Foster Care Initiative![]() Marc Murphy, Executive Director of Northern Family Intervention Services, introduced today's topic with an exercise for all in attendance.
|
Member Paul Clulo shares his story with the club. |
Member Kris Thomas Bio |
Welcome New Member Monica Cole |
Copy of Benzie County Baby Pantry |
Benzie County Central Schools![]() The Club held its annual meeting at Benzie County Central Middle School. The meeting was well attended by not only members of our club but by School Board Members, Administration, Faculty, Parents and Students.
|
Service Above Self at the Middle School |
Rotary International Council on LegislationDr. Jane Millar, a former Rotary International District 6290 District Governor, visited our club from Petoskey to let us know about the upcoming Council on Legislation which will convene in April.
|
Elohim School UpdateDr. Anibel Pepper visited our club with a brief update on what has been happening in Arequipa, Peru and at the Elohim School.
|
Service Above Self at High School |
Eagle Village![]() John Ruggles joined our club meeting to tell us about Eagle Village. John is a Rotarian from the Big Rapids Rotary Club and also volunteers his time traveling around the state educating others about Eagle Village.
|
Religious Denominations in the U.S.![]() Dr. Louis Yock, Director of the Benzie Area Historical Museum, spoke to us about the development of religious denominations in our country.
|
Gaylord/Manistee Rotary trip to the Dominican Republic![]() Mitch Deisch, Benzie Sunrise member formerly with Manistee Rotary, told us about the recent humanitarian trip to the Dominican Republic jointly sponsored by the Gaylord and Manistee Rotary Clubs. The recent trip was the 19th for the Gaylord Club and the 8th for Manistee Club.
|
The New Iron Fish Distillery![]() Sarah Anderson (with assistance from husband Richard) gave us a slide show about the farm-based distillery that her family is opening outside of Thompsonsville.
|
Benzie County Veterans Memorial Project![]() Bob Roelofs told us about the project to honor Benzie County veterans with a new memorial in Benzonia.
|
Service Above Self at the High School |
Service Above Self at the Middle School![]() Today we honored Elizabeth Loveland for her service above self as a Benzie Central Middle Schooler.
|
The Red Cross Smoke Detector Program![]() Chuck Weitschat, Executive Director of the Northern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, told us about the Red Cross program to install smoke alarms.
|
Sunrise Rotary Donates to Healthy Harvest![]() At today's meeting Taylor Moore of Food Rescue was happy to receive a $5,000 check from Barb on behalf of the Club in support of the Healthy Harvest Program.
|
Renovating the Elohim School in Peru![]() Roger Perry reported on the November 4 inauguration of the Elohim School in Arequipa, Peru. Roger also distributed copies of a Special Inauguration Bulletin, available as a Download on this website, illustrating the great improvements at the school.
|
Back the Track: The Benzie Central Athletic Complex Project![]() Benzie Central Track and Cross-Country Coach Asa Kelly educates the Club on Phase 2 of the Benzie Central Athletic Complex Project: Back the Track!
|
The Line 5 Pipeline under the Straits of Mackinaw![]() Noted environmental attorney Jim Olson educated us on the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinaw. Jim is the founder and President of FLOW ("For Love of Water"), the non-profit whose mission is to advance public trust solutions to save the Great Lakes.
|
Service Above Self at the High School![]() Rachelle Bishop received the November Service Above Self award for Benzie Central High School.
|
Service Above Self at the Middle School![]() David gives Lucy Straubel Service Above Self recognition for her work at Benzie Central Middle School.
|
Traverse City Beach Bums![]() The Beach Bums' Scott Montesano and Dan Rohn examine the Cherry Hut treats they received from Barb after their presentation at Sunrise Rotary. Scott is the club's Director of Media & Broadcasting, while Dan is its veteran manager.
|
An Update on BACN![]() BACN Executive Director Gerri VanAntwerp returned to give us an update on the non-profit that describes itself as "A caring community of Neighbors helping Neighbors."
|
Sunrise Rotary Provides CHOICES![]() On November 5th and 6th Sunrise Rotary returned to Benzie Central Middle School to present the CHOICES program to 8th Graders. Here Sue Webber prepares for a mock job interview while Peter Van Nort looks on.
|
Happy Birthday Dhea!![]() Today Dick Lutz of the Frankfort Club was on hand to wish our mutual Rotary Exchange Student Dhea a happy 17th birthday with a properly inscribed sweatshirt.
|
The Trailhead Project![]() On the 10th anniversary of the completion of the Beulah Trailhead, former Sunrise President Bill Parris gave a PowerPoint presentation on the effort that constituted the Club's Centennial Project.
|
Iran: What's the Big Deal?![]() Today retired diplomat Stan Otto returned to Sunrise Rotary to discuss the nuclear agreement between the U.S. (and several other powers) and Iran. He drew a large and attentive crowd.
|
Sunrise Rotarian wins Art Prize! |