This month let’s make it a positive month for everything. No more bad news to cloud all the good we do. We cannot see each other directly but we can still make an impact in our community.
Rick has arranged for our Rotary club to ring the bells for the Salvation Army, on Thursday, December 17th, from 1 p.m., to 8 p.m. Rick will take the first shift from 1 to 2. I will make a schedule and you can add your name in where there is an opening. Invite a spouse, family member or friend to ring with you. Please arrive a couple minutes early to assess the procedures. I will ring the bell during any open spots, and visit during other times. The schedule is at the bottom of this bulletin.
We have always been one of the most successful fund raisers during this event. Let’s keep it that way. Please wear a mask, be prepared for any weather, and have a great time. I always find it fun. This month we have to prepare next year’s calendar and make preparations for new officers and reappointments. This week will be a Zoom meeting at 12:10, so if you can, please log in. Alex will be sending you an email on how to connect. Thank you everyone!
Greg Madura, President
MEETING WHERE?Due to the uptick in Covid-19 cases recently, we can no longer eat downstairs at the Swan Inn. So the club will be using ZOOM to conduct the December 3rd meeting and all others until further notice. Watch your email before the meeting which will be at 12:10 so we can connect with all the members that are available.
"GIVING TUESDAY IS DECEMBER 1
“Giving Tuesday” is a global day of giving. To help raise awareness of charitable causes and encourage donors' generosity, Facebook will match $7 million USD in qualifying donations made on Facebook during Giving Tuesday. With the Comstock Park Rotary Foundation being an eligible recipient, Alex Arends is running a fundraiser in its name. You too can give on "Giving Tuesday". You can go to:
It’s not even Giving Tuesday but $310 has already been donated. Please,, if you use Facebook or Messenger, please pass this on to as many people as possible and help make up for the loss of BBQ revenue. Thank you's go to Janet Hulett, former member, and Alex Arends, Secretary, for implementing the idea.
GRANT UPDATE
In the Spring of 2020, our club initiated a special project to help fight Corona-19. This was at a time when there was a great need for food, and face masks were scarce. Dan Clark proposed a donation to Feeding America, Comstock Park for $2,000.00. Christy Nowak suggested we take advantage of an opportunity to purchase available face masks for distribution to local organizations and businesses. With District 6290 accepting grant applications to reimburse clubs 50% of the project, it was decided to double the amount of our donation by 50% making the assumption we would qualify for the grant. This month we were notified that our grant request was approved, and we can expect a check for $2,405.00 in January. A big thank you to Alex Arends who applied for the grant and Christy Nowak who secured the purchase of masks. Bob Homan and Greg Madura assisted in distributing the masks in both townships.
ALPINE FIRE PROTECTION MILLAGE APPROVED
This millage will remodel the existing Henze Center and construct 5 fire bays for trucks. This will become the primary fire station for Alpine Township. The Blue Ribbon Committee to promote a "yes" vote for the millage was chaired by Mr. Larry Orlowski, a former Kent County Sheriff officer. The other members of the committee are Alex Arends, Laurie Alt, Fritz Schweitzer, Mike Lasko and Roger Parent. Thank you to all who volunteered their time in supporting this endeavor.
COMMITTEE UPDATE
All members are expected to serve on at least one committee. Below are the current committees and their members. If you haven't signed up yet, please email or let Alex or Sharon know your choice. These committees will be meeting soon so put your thoughts and ideas together especially for ways that we can do some fundraising. New members should select a committee they might be interested in. Thank you. Help us in planning and implementing projects, invite potential members to get acquainted with Rotary, and share in the fellowship of working together.
Administration & Foundation:Diane Van Epps, Chair; Liz Knapp , Bob Homan, Gayle Steffen, Sharon Steffens, Cindy Witke
Membership & Public Relations: Alex Arends, Chair; Brent Beuschel, Gerry Hopkins, Dave Washburn / Missi McPherson
Service Projects: Christy Nowak, Chair; Dan Clark, Rick Van Setters, Greg Madura, Kent Gagnon, Bernie Spruit, Trina Elvey, Kevin Gritters, Missi McPherson / Dave Washburn
SCHEDULE FOR BELL RINGING
Salvation Army bell Ringing is December 17th from 1-8 at the North Doors of Walmart. Please commit to a time and email that you will “ring” and when and send it back to Alex or Greg. Thank you.
