Club Assembly

President Dave Stechholz opened the Club Assembly meeting. It began with singing from the Rotary songbook Alouette, America the Beautiful, and ended with Happy Birthday to Bob Carris and Bill Friske.

An Invocation titled "Hope" was given by Greg Greene. See Greg's text HERE.

President Dave provided a detailed printed agenda for today’s meeting and was pleased that 17 members were in attendance.

Under Major Goals, ongoing projects and ideas for future projects were reviewed. Emphasis was placed on Membership Development and how to engage the younger generation. Further discussion about how to grow the club’s membership needs to

happen outside regular club meetings.

Under Additional Goals, President Dave reiterated the idea of forming a committee to help celebrate Livonia’s 75th Anniversary and for all Rotary members to be present for the District Governor’s official visit, followed by a

Board meeting on September 28th.

Committee reports were given by Tammy Bonifield (Treasurer's Report) and Bill Friske (Giving Committee).

Tammy explained how money is allocated for the Giving Committee's Legacy Grants on a yearly basis. She also alerted members that invoices for payment of club dues were sent out. Included in that invoice is a breakdown of how member’s dues are allocated. Total annual dues are $350. $82 dollars of those dues goes directly to the Livonia AM Rotary Club and generally covers coffee and donut expenses.

Nancy Darga requested that Tammy provide a breakdown of operating expenses.

Ideas for how to cover operating expenses will be discussed at the next Club Assembly meeting.

Claude Kendrick brought up the idea of fundraising to cover the giving of yearly Legacy Grants, and that payment of dues could be divided into quarters to make if more affordable for new members.

Bill Friske reported on two grant applications. Club members voted to accept the committee's recommended outcome and grant $1,000 for sewing machines for Africa. The Committee denied the Japanese Alternative School's grant request.

Erin Dobbins reported on the upcoming District Governor’s Golf Outing on

September 30th. Our club is the title sponsor and also co-hosting this event. There is a need for volunteers. This event is a great way to build membership. The goal is to recruit 144 golfers, and the fundraising goal is to raise $25,000. If a Rotary member only wants to attend the dinner, the cost is $60.00, and dinner will be served once all golfers have completed the course. Erin also mentioned the Peace Pole Initiative and is hoping to collaborate on this project with the Livonia Noon Club and the Garden City Club.

Additional reports included Bob Carris (Touch a Truck). Touch a Truck still needs an over-flow parking area.

The Cooler Project is waiting for shelves to be delivered and installed.

Donations are being sought for the KCAH Meal Packing Project on October 12th.

There will be an opportunity to reach new member candidates at Livonia's Good Old-Fashion Neighborhood Corn Roast on Sunday, September 8th.

Victoria Haltom