Club Meeting Featuring Robb Drzewicki, Vice President, LPS Education Foundation

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation by Mike Ladwig. We were glad to see that Sharon Pommerville was back in person and able to resume her Happy Bucks duties.

Sharon brought her daughter, Nicole, and Granddaughter, Reighlyn. Two other guests were present: Ron Gaffney, from the noon Rotary Club, and Stephanie Richards of the Wayne County Sheriff's Department, a previous presenter who has visited a few times, and is interested in membership. Member Marlene Katafias attended on Zoom, as she continues to recover from successful back surgery.

Plans are in the works to celebrate America 250 and the reading of the Declaration of Independence at Livonia’s City Hall on July 8, 2026, where the Declaration of Independence will be read aloud.

Discussion has arisen on considering moving Livonia’s AM meeting location to the Schoolcraft Vista Tech Center after being offered a free space. Further consideration of the pros and cons is needed before a decision can be made.

Our club is now part of the coalition to raise $9.7 million to preserve a 440-acre prairie called Sibley Prairie. Grants have already been submitted for $4.8 million and $4 million. The Livonia’s AM Rotary contribution at present is $6,000.

Congratulations to Natalie Fitzpatrick from Churchill HS, our 2026 participant in the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) program.

Today's presenters were from the Livonia Public Schools’ Education Foundation; a 501(c)3 organization chartered by The State of Michigan in 2004.

Representing the Foundation was Vice-President, Robb Drzewicki, and Treasurer, Becky Drzewicki. 

The goal of the LPS Foundation is to provide additional financial support to the district for innovative programs and services, so the school system can continue to be a “beacon of excellence” to all those it serves. In 2025-26 alone, the Foundation has presented 27 grants to LPS staff, totaling $50,000. Rob and Becky identified areas where the Foundation provides funds to enhance the schools 'resources and educational opportunities for students.

Robb announced the upcoming Annual Golf Fundraising, Saturday, July 18 at Idyl Wild in Livonia. Register on the LPS Education Foundation’s website.

We are proud of our longtime member, Sharon Pommerville, for achieving the Paul Harris +6 level of giving to The Rotary Foundation. Bill Fiske presented Sharon with her beautiful pin. What a great way to end our meeting!

Victoria Haltom