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Winter club; 20 strong!

President Eds' message:

Sometimes I get a little frustrated that we, as a group, don’t have more sweat equity projects.

Some give money and few raise money. We must get better at this but that is not my message today.

Many of you do Administrative things to keep rotary running. Keeping minutes, Goodworks, International, Youth programs, our new 501(c)(3) ER Rotary Charities, Policies and Procedures, Treasury, even the help in producing this bulletin. Again, not my message today.

Our presenter the other morning stated that he was presenting to the cream of the Elk Rapids Area. That was our winter crowd, if only he could see us at our strongest. He was right.

My message today is a reminder of all the wonderful things Rotarians do, as individuals, to help our Community and our Community’s future. This list seems to increase ever year. Keep up the good work.

Following is a list of activities with which I know some of you Rotarians are involved. This is only a partial list:

Salvation Army bell ringers
Highway cleanup
Feeding the crowds at Harbor Days ( BBQ & Breakfast)
Harbor Commission
Munson Hospital
Library
Village Council
Village Committees
Township Board
Robotics
Scholarships
Antrim Christian Thrift Store (ACTS) 
Community Cupboard
Meals on Wheels
School Board
Local Church involvement
Chamber of Commerce
Amvets
Lake Associations
Tart Trail
Youth Leadership
Garden Club

It’s not important that Rotary takes credit for all the things we do, its important that all the things in the Area are happening with the help of Rotarians.

Keep up the good work. I hope the informative meetings we have in the mornings helps bring awareness so that each and everyone one of you can continue your good works with passion and insight.

Once again, I am proud to be a Rotarian!

March 10 morning meeting.

We had a nice presentation from Don Reynolds with the Dam Fisherman. Personally, I was unaware of this group and their annual event prior to Don’s presentation. The Dam Fisherman’s main objective is to promote a family friendly activity, fishing. The event does not attract a huge number of people but the results will have a positive impact and the numbers will increase as awareness increases.

March 17 morning meeting.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend this meeting. Tony Anderson made a members forum presentation and the feedback was that the presentation was very intriguing and informative. From what I heard I am very disappointed that I was unable to hear his presentation first hand. I am always humbled by the abundance of talent and passion within our membership. As a result of this forum we learned of Tony’s passion toward working with our youth. After Tony’s presentation the  following correspondence (see below) between Norm and Tony took place requesting Tony to step up and help to transition the champion role of Life Leadership. Tony has responded in the affirmative. Thank you Tony. Hopefully all of our members will assist you as best we can. Here's the link to the Life Leadership website:

https://ridistrict6290.org/50029/Page/Show?ClassCode=Page&Slug=life-leadership-conference-2026

Or search Rotary District 6290 Life Leadership Conference.

Elk Rapids needs an LLC champion to take up where I leave off. My first year was 1984.  Others have done it, but it has invariably come back to me.  I am eager to mentor and support a successor. You have what it takes.  Will you do it?

The principal measure of success is getting  5-8 students registered and attending the conference. (It costs our club $400 for each attendee, but the club has never balked at the number. The attitude seems to be, "If we find the conferees, we'll find the money." ……………………………………. If you're willing to step up, I'll provide whatever additional information that I can before I leave and whatever you feel would be helpful.  

Yours in service,

Norm Veliquette.
Meeting Duties 
Morning Meeting Chair 
Doug VanCura
Greeter
TBD
Sergeant At Arms
TBD
Reflection Quote
Pam Forton
Happy Dollars
TBD
April Meeting Schedule
Apr 7: Sheri Grant, Art and                      Connection
Apr 14: Craig Weckler, Munson                    Hospital, Tentative
Apr 21: Social 4/23 TBD
Apr 28: MI Youth in Government
May 5: TBD
May 12: Peg Whisteler, Communities In schools NW MI
May 19: Dick Gray, Milton Township
My 26: Curt McGee Member                    Forum
Camille Campbell did a very exciting "member forum" on 3-3-26
Tony Anderson did a "member forum" on 3-17-26
District Governor Mark Andresky  outlined the priorities for the  District 6290 and his plans as the next Foundation Chair for the District. 3-31-26
Mark and Ed.
Norm Veliquette and Mark, old chums.

March 31 morning meeting

We had a great presentation by our District 6290 Governor, Mark Andresky of Charlevoix. The primary mission of the District 6290 is to assist the local clubs. Obviously the District can not help the local clubs if the local clubs don’t become aware of the Districts activities and resources. Tons of information was given. Too much information for me to attempt to reiterate here. Please check the district website for district information at ridistrict6290.org.