As July comes to a close, I am so excited to take a week off from work. When I mention to co-workers, customers, and friends I am on vacation, without exception, everyone will ask where are you going? For the past 20 years, I have called Michigan home (with the exception of a short layover in FL with my previous employer). Since we moved here, our summer vacations have been all about Pure Michigan! There are so many great things to see and do here. We love to visit our shoreline beaches, parks, inland lakes, museums, shops, and restaurants. For me, the combination of time off and sunshine help to rejuvenate my mind, body and soul!!! And we all need to make time for that!
In the month of August, we often try to hang on to Summer just a little longer while at the same time knowing Fall is just around the corner. Soon the first semester of school begins. It is also the middle of the 3rd Quarter of the Calendar year for many businesses and it is the middle of the 1st Quarter for Rotary's fiscal calendar! No matter what calendar you use, it is likely to be time to make plans, revisit plans and/or make new plans.
Kids are getting ready to go back to school, to a new classroom and teacher often with at least some new classmates. Businesses are working to hire new employees and bring in new customers while retaining and taking care of the current ones. Rotary Clubs around the world are working to grow their clubs by increasing their membership and retaining current members so they can make the biggest impact.
The Comstock Park Rotary club is very fortunate to have a strong membership base of seasoned, knowledgeable, talented Rotarians who have dedicated themselves over many years to fundraisers, events, service projects, and networking. Many that we continue today. And the Club has inducted several new members in the last year with a willingness to serve who have great ideas and want to hit the ground running. I imagine this is what it takes to be a great Club!
Comstock Park Rotary Club will host our 2nd major fundraiser of 2022 on August 11th...the Chicken BBQ at Dwight Lydell Park. The funds raised from the BBQ are used for everything else we do during the year including Officer Training, Student Leadership District Conference, Training, District Conference, donations and dedications for our community, gifts for families in need and many other projects. > WE NEED YOU!!!
Warm Regards, Diana Van Epps, President
AUGUST - KARI KIPPEN
4 Board Mtg. 11 a.m., Swan Inn All Welcome!
4 Program TBD
11 BBQ & 1st Day of Mill Creek Days
18 Club Assembly or Program
Birthdays: Rick Van Setters -3
Kevin Gritters - 12
Anniversaries: Greg Madura - 3
Christy Nowak - 20
MEMBERSHIP & NEW CLUB DEVELOPMENT MONTH
SEPTEMBER-ANDREW BOK & DAWN STAFFORD
1 Board Mtg. 11 a.m., Swan Inn
1 Lily Fossel & Kate O'Keefe, Family
Promise of Grand Rapids
5 Labor Day - Enjoy!
15 Club Assembly
29 Project Done In A Day
Birthdays: Penny Zurgable - 11
BASIC EDUCATION & LITERACY MONTH
Paul Harris, Founder, of Rotary, was a visionary who with the help of others has impacted the world. That impact is felt today through the Rotary Foundation and the efforts of Rotary clubs.
Comstock Park Rotary is a Paul Harris Club which means that members achieve a minimum Annual Fund contribution of $100 per capita during the Rotary year, and every dues-paying member must personally contribute at least $25 to the Annual Fund during the year. That $25 is part of your annual dues. Some members are able to contribute more.
Diane Van Epps, President, presents Gerald Hopkins with a Paul Harris Award (above). Left is Greg Madura, Immediate Past President presenting Diane Van Epps with a Paul Harris Award.
Congratulations to both members.
The change of officers for the new Rotary Year of 2022-2023 began with this meeting. Members are always welcome to Board meetings which take place on the third Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. at the Swan Inn. We welcome your ideas.
Bracelets will be available at the BBQ, August 11.
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