Club Information
LAKES AREA ROTARY

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 11:45 AM
The Atrium
800 Pontiac Trail
Walled Lake, MI 48390
United States of America
Phone:
(248) 390-8572
Email:
lakesarearotary@gmail.com
Meetings have been suspended effective December 7, 2022. Call/Text 248-390-8572 or email lakesarearotary@gmail.com for additional information.
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Jingle Mingle

LARC joins Lakes Area Chamber at the Jingle Mingle

We enjoyed a great night of fine food and drink at Majestic Oaks Country Club along with members of Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.  Laura Bolyard was surprised when we presented her with a Paul Harris in recognition of her hard work and service in our community.  We gave our best shot to winning in the Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, but alas will have to try again next year!  
 
and to all we wish
Wonderful Winter Holidays 
A Happy New Year
 
 
Team Turkey 2022

Another Successful Team Turkey in 2022

Lakes Area along with Troy, West Bloomfield and Birmingham Rotary again this year brought meals to families in our service area on Thanksgiving Day.  We were blessed with a fairly mild early morning with no wind to load the vehicles of volunteer drivers early Thanksgiving Day.  Team leaders have this event down to an art and loading went smoothly with all deliveries on the road well before 8:30 am.
 
We were able to deliver 250 Turkey meals to 988 people within 214 families, including the Hope Warming Center in Pontiac and a Homeless Veterans Shelter in Detroit.  The project keeps growing every year and together the team looks forward to an even bigger project next year, but for now it's time to sit back, relax, enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family as we await the call of another exciting Rotary project.
 
 
Coat Drive
Don't be fooled by the beautiful weather we've been having, it will soon be COLD!  Bring new of your gently used clean coats, hats, mittens and scarfs to Lakes Area Chamber or Modern Floors (Pontiac Trail near S. Commerce.  We'll make sure they get to someone who could use a bit of warmth this winter.  We need them by November 11! Act, now!!!!
 
 
 
LARC Sponsors Hospitality House golf outing
    Jen and Paul: 1/2 of the foursome - Chris and Nik are off getting lunch!
 
 Lorrie and Pam at the turn where we gave all the golfers, Lakes Area Rotary golf towels!
Ashish Sarkar visits Lakes Area

Ashish Sarkar, District 6380 Foundation Chair joins us on June 14, 2022 at 11:45 am

Ashish Sarkar, a Past President and Member of Rotary Club of Ann Arbor since 2003, is District 6380 Rotary International Foundation Chair and in the midst of serving a three year term on the International Board of Directors for Rotary Action Group for Peace. The Rotary Action Group for Peace serves as resource to Rotarians, Rotary Clubs and Rotary Districts by supporting the peace work of Rotarians worldwide. Ashish has been actively involved with this group for last 5 years and is a staunch believer in world peace and social justice issues. Many of you might remember that as the Convener, Ashish was instrumental in hosting 2017 World Peace Conference here in Ann Arbor, where over 700 participants attended from 15 different countries around the world and is reprising this Conference in the fall of 2022. Welcome, Ashish!
 
We hope you can join us in person.  If so, please note we are a BYO lunch club so pick your favorite lunch item up and bring it with you to the meeting.  If you are unable to attend in person please join us via Zoom at:
 
No Meeting May 31, 2022

No Meeting May 31, 2022 - Enjoy Your Memorial Weekend

 
In recognition of the fact many folks are traveling for Memorial Day Weekend and the week following, Lakes Area Rotary will not meet on May 31, 2022.
 
Next week, June 7, we are changing up our social meet.  We will NOT meet at Kickstand.  INSTEAD we will meet at Atrium of Walled Lake located at 800 North Pontiac Trail (formerly Dave & Amy's ~ formerly Big Boy) 5:30 - 7:00.  They have a great menu so choices will abound.  We'll plan on eating outside weather permitting.  Check out the menu here:
 
Lunch with Deputy Chief Kolke
 
 

May 24 @ 11:45 am  Lunch with Deputy Chief Heather Kolke, WL Police 

Walled Lake Chief of Police, Paul Shakinas and Deputy Chief, Heather Kolke, will join us for lunch May 24 at 11:45.  Deputy Chief Kolke will share your experiences as an officer with us.  This would be a great time for you to join us in person for our BYO lunch time.  Zoom is available who prefer it.
 
 
Heather Kolke, a graduate of Schoolcraft College and Wayne Country Regional Police Academy, is Deputy Chief of Police for the City of Walled Lake.  Her career in policing began in Canton in 2002.  In 2014 she moved to the Walled Lake Police Department as an officer. Heather continued her education by attaining a degree in Criminal Justice at Madonna College and later at Eastern Michigan University where she graduated from their Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program in 2017.  Staying on top of changing policing policies, Heather completed the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Executives and New Chief’s school and secured a Master’s degree in Technology Studies with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  Her growing knowledge and abilities placed her on a continued upward path of promotions from Sergeant to Lieutenant to Captain to her current position as Deputy Chief where she oversees the department’s road patrol and investigation units.  Deputy Chief Kolke holds Instructor certifications in firearms, Taser and ALICE training.  Heather is the face of policing as she liaisons with Walled Lake Community Schools and oversees community policing.
Kiersten Gutherman, CNS Healthcare

Kiersten Gutherman, Suicide Prevention Program Lead Joins us May 10 from 11:45 AM - 1 PM

 
May 10 Kiersten Gutherman of CNS Healthcare will join us
from 11:45 am - 1 pm at 
Hospitality House/2075 E West Maple/Commerce Twp, MI.
Our meeting will be in person in the conference room and available
via Zoom for those who wish to join virtually.  
 
Reminder:  We are a BYO lunch/beverage group
remember to pick up the meal of your choice
(or pack a lunch from home) to bring with you.  
 
Here is the Zoom Link:
 
Kiersten Gutherman, LLMSW (she/her) is the Suicide Prevention Program Lead at CNS Healthcare, where she implements the Zero Suicide model and framework. Previously, Kiersten has worked in intake and admissions, outpatient counseling, crisis treatment, and school-based services. Kiersten received her Bachelor’s in psychology from University of Delaware and earned her Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University with a concentration in violence against women and children. During her education, Kiersten conducted research at the University of Delaware Social Psychology lab and worked on policy related to Title IX and mental health parity. Kiersten is passionate about mental health, disability justice, and suicide prevention, especially in the LGBT+ community and survivors of sexual assault.
John Reardon : Open Door Outreach Center

John Reardon, Exec. Director of Open Door Outreach Center joins us April 26 at 11:45 - 1 pm.

April 26 John Readon will join us at 11:45 am - 1 pm
Hospitality House/2075 E West Maple/Commerce Twp, MI 
to share news about the programs at Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford.  
Our meeting will be in person in the conference room and available via Zoom for those who wish to join virtually.  
Reminder:  We are a BYO lunch/beverage group
remember to pick up the meal of your choice (or pack a lunch from home) to bring with you.  
Here is the Zoom Link:
 
 
John was appointed Executive Director of Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford last hear, following five years of service on their Board of Directors.  John has a long history of service to community.  Upon retiring from the Detroit Fire Department as a lieutenant from the Detroit Fire Department after 25 years of distinguished service, he transitioned his part-time business his providing fire, hazardous material and safety training and consulting to a full time operation.
 
After losing his business due to the 2008 recession, he was employed in several safety related corporate positions and as a fire chief. Before being appointed Open Door’s executive director, he provided DNA collections for all of Southeast Michigan courts.
 
Civic minded he has served on local, state and federal emergency response related agencies and associations, often in leadership positions.
 
For the past five years he has served on the board of directors for Open Door, most recently as president, until appointed Open Door’s executive director one year ago.
 
He and his wife are active at their church and he strongly believes the Lord has steered and guided him into this position, where he can put his faith to work helping those most in need within the surrounding communities.
Jordan Johnson, Japanese Translator

April 12 @ 11:45 am - Jordan Johnson, Japanese Translator

April 12 at 11:45 am Jordan Johnson will be our speaker. Jordan received his BA from Walsh College, which he attended on a full scholarship. After graduation, he worked for several Japanese and American companies before starting his own bilingual services business in Novi. He has been the Japanese Language and Secondary Math Instructor at Steppingstone since 2013 and teaches mathematics in Michigan State University’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program.
 
He began working with gifted children in 2008 while living in Japan, where he taught English and translation methods at the prestigious high schools of Asahigaoka and Meiwa. Jordan is a certified Japanese Translator (Japanese Language Proficiency Level-1) and professional editor. He was the main translator and interpreter for NASA’s Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program in Nagoya, Japan, for almost two years and was a contributing translator/editor for the Nagoya City Science Museum, where he worked on many of the exhibits used in the earth science department. Jordan is currently compiling his first textbook on the Japanese language, which he hopes to publish soon
 
BYO Lunch/Beverage and join us in person or via Zoom if you prefer https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81372117877?pwd=b2xPU2xGbkd5VFhaQ0JIVlJ6R3I2UT09.
Rural Roots of Oakland County

March 22 @ 11:45 am Carol Bacak-Egbo - Rural Roots of Oakland County

Hospitality House Conference Room - BYO Lunch & Beverage or via Zoom 
 
 
Carol Bacak-Egbo is a historian, researcher, educator and strong advocate for the appreciation and preservation of local history. She is the historian and archaeology consultant for Oakland County Parks and well-known for her engaging presentations. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the National Association of Counties (NACo) Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Award, the DAR Women in History Award, the Oakland County Planning Division Heritage Partner Award and the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Community Service Award. Her current research pursuits include Indigenous History in Oakland County, Oakland County connections to the Underground Railroad, Early African American settlers in Oakland County and the history of Rose Township. Her most recent publication is a book entitled “Pride of Pontiac: A History of the M1 Concourse Triangle”
Chris Toomey, Ace Handyman!

Feb. 22, 2022 11:45 am - 1:00 pm

Chris & Monica Toomey bring Ace Handyman Service to Lakes Area

Come meet Chris in person, or join us by Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81372117877?pwd=b2xPU2xGbkd5VFhaQ0JIVlJ6R3I2UT09 for our meeting February 22, 2022 at 11:45 am - 1:00 pm.  Remember, we are a BYO lunch club so be sure to pick up the lunch and beverage of your choice.
 
We'll be at Hospitality House/2075 E West Maple/Commerce, MI.
 
Chris Toomey left the corporate world after serving as a senior executive at BASF with time spent in many countries to provide services closer to home.  He, and his wife, Monica, settled in Michigan in 2015 and after considering options decided to meet a need they saw in our community.  Following studies of various companies they affiliated with Ace Handyman, a strong brand to bring a reliable high quality, professionally run handyman business to our area.  He will share their journey with us and advise us on the types of services they offer. 
Allen Brooks joins us via Zoom

Being Adaptable in the New Business World- February 8, 2022 11:45 am - 1 pm

Mr. Brooks currently serves as the Chief Creative Officer of Building Momentum, developing the company’s creative vision and strategic partnerships. He leads teams which specialize in marketing, programming, immersive experiences, and community engagement. Prior to his role as Chief Creative Officer, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of Building Momentum. He is also a co-founder of the Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater which was founded in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and raised over $190,000.00 for local charities.

Before joining Building Momentum, Mr. Brooks worked at the Kennedy Center producing arts education online content through the Center’s ARTSEDGE program. Thousands of classrooms across the country have used the learning materials and content he created.  

Under his leadership, Building Momentum has won a number of prestigious honors including, Best Veteran Owned Small Business in 2019, Best Business City-wide 2021 by the Alexandria Chamber, Finalist in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Dream Big Awards and he himself was chosen as one of Alexandria’s 40 Under 40 and now serves on the board.  

He is involved in a number of civic focused organizations including the Alumni Board of Christopher Newport University, the Board of Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Board of Eisenhower Partnership and the Eisenhower West/ Landmark Van Dorn Implementation Advisory Group. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Christopher Newport University Alumni Society Board of Directors. He also is on the Advisory Council for the District Makers Collective and has been actively involved in the public school systems organizing field trips and working towards developing a training program for teachers in the Alexandria Public School System. Mr. Brooks is also currently the acting Executive Director of the nonprofit ATHENA Rapid Response Innovation Lab.  
Shelterbox-Always Prepared when Disaster Strikes
          Shelterbox in Action                                 Mary Sloan                  Mary & Jeff administering Polio Drops
 
Mary Sloan and Jeff Lichty visited Lakes Area Rotary Tuesday, January 25 and brought everything but the Shelterbox Tent with them.  After introducing many of our members to the history of Shelterbox which began with a Rotary club in England and grew to an International response to disasters around the world, we viewed some videos of recent disaster relief including the relatively new Shelter Kits that are available for people who do not need the full "box" but rather materials and tools to repair their homes.  The item that garnered the most amazement was the solar light with cell phone charging ability.  What an awesome item that is!  If you want to donate to Shelterbox you can do so at any level.  For a number of years this club committed to a $1000 donation per year and were recognized by Shelterbox for our consistent giving.  Thank you Mary and Jeff!  If you want learn more or donate: https://www.shelterboxusa.org.
Haushalt Thapa - November 23, 2021

November 23, 2021 - 11:45 am - 1:00 pm                           Haushalt Thapa - Founder of Children and Youth First (Nepal)

Haushala Thapa, the Founder Director of a nonprofit 501 c3 organization called Children and Youth First Nepal ( CYF Nepal), will join us in person at Hospitality House conference room on November 23.  Haushala runs a school established in 2009 when she and a friend rescued 14 students and began providing them with empathetic based learning and healthy outdoor spaces.  She is dedicated educating children from marginalized communities. Her school includes farming to grow their own foods and a space dedicated to understanding childhood memories to help guide the children on viable career paths.  We are excited to have her with us during her visit to the US and club members Jen and Kevin James.
 
Join us in person at Hospitality House conference room (bring your own lunch and beverage) or join virtually via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81372117877?pwd=b2xPU2xGbkd5VFhaQ0JIVlJ6R3I2UT09. Meeting ID: 813 7211 7877
Passcode: 525224
Monica House and Champ Vist LARC

Champ visits LARC!

November 30, 2021 11:45am - 1:00pm (Bring your own Lunch)
Champ, therapy dog at Mary Helen Guest elementary, is coming to our Rotary meeting.  Monica House, his handler will share how Walled Lake became involved with the program.  The dogs are owned by the school they work in and reside with a staff member, in this case, Monica.  Children benefit in many ways from interacting with Champ during the day.   We helped three additiona dogs ~ Brook, Wallee and Romeo ~ to join the WLCSD family!
 
You won't want to miss this exciting meeting and your chance to meet Champ!  
But, if you absolutely canot join us please join in virtually at:
 
Readers to Leaders
October 12 -  Linda Eastman:  Readers to Leaders
Please join us in person (Hospitality House Conference Room/2075 E West Maple, Ste. B204), or virtually from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm to learn how to create a successful international project from Linda Eastman who will share about her experiences taking readers to leaders in Central America.  
 
Linda is a native Michigander, having lived in the Detroit area all her life.  She and husband Jay have four grown children and six beloved grandchildren.  Linda's educational background is in Latin American Studies.  A former primary school Spanish teacher, she became interested in Guatemala when her husband was invited to serve as medical director of a Rotary Medical mission team.  He recruited her to interpret for the group, and she has never looked back.  She later joined the Rotary Club of Rochester, Michigan and serves on the Board of Directors. Her passion is literacy, and her focus is on pre-primary literacy.  Presently, she is the program coordinator for Reach Out and Read, a school readiness program set in the pediatric office. 
 
If you are joining in person please BYO lunch/beverage.  If you are joining virtually here is the Zoom link:
Bridget Shingleton - A Literate Life
September 28 at 11:45 join us in person at Hospitality House/2075 E West Maple/Walled Lake, MI in the conference room (enter via the door to the right of the HH main entrance).  BYO lunch/beverage.
 
Or, join us by Zoom: Meeting begins at noon.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5017763035
 
We'll enjoy a brief Ted talk on the topic of literacy by Bridget Shingleton, of the Brunner Literacy Center in Dayton, OH followed by information on how we can take action via the Oakland County Literacy Counsel where Lisa Machesky, the Executive Director advises they now have need of virtual tutors for both reading and math. 
New Meeting Place

Lakes Area Rotary begins meeting at Hospitality House

Hospitality House's conference room is our new meeting place.
 
Thank you, Hospitality House!
 
Lunch is BYO - Bring something from home or your favorite local food emporium.
 
Arrive or join via Zoom at 11:45 for networking and social time.
(Zoom link is located near the top of our home page, click Join Us Online). 
Meetings will begin at 12:05 pm.  
 
Hospitality House is located at 2075 E West Maple, Ste. B204 in the industrial complex on the North side of E West Maple Road at the point where the divided road ends when approaching from M-5.  Follow the entry road into the parking lot and turn right. HH is located in the SE corner of the building set in that side of the parking lot. The main door will be locked as they are not open for clients on Tuesdays.  There is a door directly to left (S wing of the building) which will be open and leads directly into the conference room we'll be using.
Rick Maicki - Putting for Polio

Rick Maicki: Fun-Fundraiser App

September 14 we will meet virtually. Zoom to chat at 11:45, the meeting begins at noon. Our speaker is Rick Maicki, son of Dr. Henry and Marlenn Maicki, who developed an app that incorporates both fun and fundraising.  West Bloomfield club is planning an event in October and has asked us to join in.
 
It works much like March Madness.  Looking forward to learning about this app that allows us to participate virtually or with a group of folks for small home gatherings.  
 
Invite your friends to join us by sharing the link.  This app has applications way beyond Rotary events.
 
 
August 31: Speaker Kathy Crawford

August 31: Speaker Kathy Crawford via Zoom

Join us Tuesday August 31 via Zoom, for our special guest, Former Representative Kathy Crawford.
 
 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5017763035

What do you do after you are term limited out of office?  You come back home and jump into chairing the Novi Library Board and Novi Historical Commission. Kathy has 35 years of working to better the life of seniors in Novi, Oakland County and the state of Michigan.  She is a best selling author with her book Two Broads Abroad.  In the Legislature, she chaired the Families, Children and Seniors Committee.  She is a mother and grandmother and in her spare time chairs the senior luncheon at the Michigan State Fair.  

She will be sharing with us the life story of a woman whose family ran the concession at Dodge Park on Walled Lake (currently it’s known as Lakeshore Park).  It’s a fascinating story of our community in an earlier time.
DG Brenda Visits LARC

August 23, 2021   District Governor, Brenda "WooWoo" Tipton visits Lakes Area Rotary 

Meet at Noon at: Lunch provided

Chez McVey
Paul and Lorrie McVey
783 Woodhaven Dr
Commerce, MI 48390
(Located in condos at the SW corner of Welch and EW Maple Road)
Please join in person if possible but if you cannot be there live here is a zoom link so you can enjoy the fun:

 

BrendaK “WooWoo,” as she is commonly known, currently works in the Corporate World and has interest in the Business World.
 
She has worked for AT&T for over 23 years. After a large outsourcing initiative 2019 she is currently serving in the capacity as a Corporate Technical Team Lead managing the IT Enterprise Storage Operations for IBM supporting the AT&T account.
 
She is also a business partner in a growing Anti-Aging Health and Wellness company.
 
Brenda was invited to join the Livingston Sunrise Rotary Club in 2012.  She has been very active in chairing committees, planning events and was club President in 2017-2018 where she grew the club by 22 new members.  She was a District Assistant Governor for Sector 9 under Jane McManus and served as District Membership Chair under Sparky Leonard. Continuing on with her Rotary Career she will be serving as our District Governor in the 2021-2022 year.
 
She enjoys lake living, her winter home in Florida, Boxing, Yoga, Boating, and is very thankful and blessed for her family and those that are close.  She also spends time engaging in numerous volunteering activities and has 3 Rescue Collies that keep her very entertained!

 

In addition to her famous "WooWoo" she is know as the District CEEO - Chief Encouragement and Excitement Officer!

 

Dr. Pamela Jackson 

August 10, 2021: Pamela Jackson: Trustee at OCC

Pamela S. Jackson was elected to the Oakland Community College Board of Trustees in 2016. Her extensive professional roles have ranged from orchestrating a construction project renovating apartments for homeless veterans to construction consultation and college-level teaching. Her consulting firm, Fresh Perspectives, specializes in construction, historic restoration, renovations and prison education. Dr. Jackson’s varied experiences have allowed her to serve Oakland Community College as educator and Board member.
 
Dr. Jackson’s ties to Oakland Community College are extensive including serving as both Mathematics and Construction and Concrete Construction Management Faculty at the College’s Orchard Ridge Campus for more than 31 years. In these roles, she created and taught a plethora of classes in person and online. In addition, Dr. Jackson’s tenure included active involvement in curriculum and program design, as well as facilities management at the Orchard Ridge Campus.

A respected educator, Dr. Jackson’s teaching extended into program and department leadership. She served as Interim Dean of Academic and Student Services for parts of 1999-2004, where she supervised academic departments at the Orchard Ridge Campus and coordinated budgets, scheduling, and technology room renovations. Prior to that, she served as Math Department Chair and Construction Management Program Coordinator.

 
ZOOM LINK (recurring): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5017763035
                                       Meeting ID: 501 776 3035
Social Networking - August 3 

YOUR INVITED TO HAVE A LARK WITH LARC!

Every Month it's 1st Tuesday Fun Day
 
Join us for Social Networking Event
Sidecar Slide Bar
2215 Haggerty Road
Commerce, MI
 
5:30-6:30 pm