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Rotary Club of Ada-Cascade

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community and around the world? Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, take action, and create lasting change. If you believe in "Service Above Self," we invite you to join our club and be part of something meaningful.

For more information, contact us at lashwver16@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Inspiration from Community Leaders

Our weekly meetings are more than a gathering—they are an opportunity to learn, reflect, and be inspired by leaders who are making a real difference in our community and beyond. Over the past several months, our members have had the opportunity to hear from an exceptional range of speakers whose work spans healthcare, science, public safety, social services, faith-based outreach, and global education. Together, they reflect the heart of Rotary: service, integrity, and impact.

From Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Rosalynn Bliss shared insights into the evolving world of medical education and community-based healthcare. Her presentation highlighted how future physicians are being trained to serve with compassion, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes close to home.

Carly Cordova from GRAIL introduced members to groundbreaking advancements in early cancer detection. GRAIL’s work focuses on identifying cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages through innovative blood testing, offering hope for earlier intervention and improved survival rates. Her presentation underscored the powerful intersection of science, technology, and patient-centered care.

Emily Lenneman of the FBI provided a timely and eye-opening discussion on scams and fraud. With clarity and practical examples, she helped members understand how scams target individuals and organizations, and how awareness and education are essential tools in prevention—especially for older adults and vulnerable populations.

Amber Koster from King’s Table Ministries spoke about dignity, hospitality, and meeting people where they are. King’s Table Ministries serves individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, offering not only meals but also community, respect, and pathways to stability. Her message reminded us that service is as much about human connection as it is about resources.

Suzanne Callahan of Senior Neighbors highlighted the critical role her organization plays in supporting older adults who wish to age with independence and dignity. Through programs addressing food security, transportation, and social connection, Senior Neighbors strengthens both individuals and the broader community.

Meg Derrer from the Refugee Education Center shared powerful stories of resilience and hope. The Center supports refugees through education, literacy, and academic success, helping families rebuild their lives while contributing richly to our community. Her presentation emphasized the importance of welcome, opportunity, and long-term investment in people.

Together, these speakers reflect the depth, relevance, and purpose of RCAC meetings. Their stories challenge us to think broadly, act compassionately, and remain engaged with the needs of our world—locally and globally. We are grateful for the knowledge they share and the inspiration they bring to our club.

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Inspiring Voices at Rotary: Superintendent Kirby and Interact Club Lead with Vision

At the September 23 Rotary Club meeting, members enjoyed a morning filled with inspiration and leadership. The featured speaker was Ben Kirby, Superintendent of Forest Hills Public Schools, who delivered an informative and uplifting presentation about the vision and future of the district. His passion for education and commitment to students resonated with everyone in the room.

Adding to the energy of the meeting, the Forest Hills Northern High School Rotary Interact Club board members shared their plans for living out “Service Above Self” during the upcoming school year. Their ideas reflected creativity, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference in their community.

Together, these voices—both seasoned and emerging leaders—reminded us of the power of Rotary to inspire service, growth, and connection across generations.

BAMF Presentation by Dr. Anthony Chang

Our club recently had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Antony Chang, CEO of BAMF Health. Dr. Chang shared how BAMF is pioneering precision medicine and transforming cancer care through advanced theranostics. His passion for innovation and his vision for West Michigan as a leader in healthcare left us inspired and proud of the work happening in our community.

Click to Learn More About BAMF

GVSU College of Computing

Our club was honored to welcome Dr. Marouane Kessentini, Dean of the College of Computing at Grand Valley State University, as our guest speaker. He delivered an informative and compelling presentation on the present and future use of artificial intelligence.

His insights helped us better understand how AI is shaping our lives today and how it will continue to transform industries, education, and communities in the years ahead. With clear examples and a thoughtful perspective, Dr. Kessentini made a complex subject both accessible and engaging.

We thank Dr. Kessentini for sharing his expertise and vision with RCAC. It was an inspiring look at the future of technology and its impact on our world.

GVSU College of Computing Click Me!

Serving Guests at Renucci House

We continued a cherished tradition by preparing and serving a delicious summer meal for the guests of Renucci House.

The special guests enjoyed a classic summer menu featuring burgers, fresh summer salads, and all the fixings—a true taste of the season. While we were behind the scenes preparing and serving, our greatest joy came from knowing the meal brought comfort and care during their stay.

We are blessed by the opportunity to serve and deeply grateful for the guests who shared their evening with us.

Click to learn about Renucci House

Our Focus on Youth

Our Club believes in building strong leaders for tomorrow by investing in young people today. Our club supports youth in three key ways:

Rotary Interact Club at Forest Hills Northern High School
With over 70 student members, our Interact Club provides hands-on opportunities for leadership development and community service. These students learn to embody our motto, Service Above Self, through meaningful projects and teamwork.
Annual Scholarship Program
Each year, we award a scholarship to a deserving student to support their educational goals. To date, our club has proudly committed more than $18,000 to help local students pursue their dreams.
District Life Leadership Camp
We sponsor three students annually to attend Life Leadership Camp at Ferris State University, where young leaders from across the country immerse themselves in leadership training, team building, and personal growth experiences.

Through these programs, we are proud to empower the next generation of leaders, guided by the values of Rotary and the spirit of Service Above Self.

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Learn More About Interact