Club Meeting Featuring The Installation of New Members and Officers

Our meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation by Rev. David Stechholz. The collecting of Happy Bucks was postponed till next week since we had a lot of business to take care of at today's meeting.

There were 29 people in attendance at today’s meeting, including 6 Zoomers.

15 of our members were at the Meet the Governor last night. Reverend Dave had on the yellow starfish that was given to all attendees at the event.

Outgoing President Nancy Darga explained to the members the “Starfish Story.” This is from a story that District Governor Kim Spirou’s sister told her kindergarten students. A man was walking along the ocean and saw a boy throwing starfish back into the ocean. He asked the kid what he was doing, and the kid said, "Saving starfish.” Look at this beach! You cannot save all these starfish. You cannot begin to make a difference!” The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference for that one!”

Induction of new members: 

President Nancy introduced Ed Smith, the new District Governor Nominee. Ed asked each new member to give a brief background about themselves. Peter Dale said he is a Quaker, had owned four record stores in the area, and is a member of the Livonia Historical Society. Raphael Washington, the Wayne County Sheriff, has served 43 years in law enforcement, starting with the Detroit Police.

Stephanie Richards is the Wayne County Sheriff’s Community Liaison, and Carrie Fairfax-Moore is the Wayne County Sheriff’s Director of Community Engagement. DGN Ed had us recite the 4-Way Test, which is the backbone of Rotary.

DGN Ed discussed the history of Rotary and the significance of the Paul Harris Fellowship, highlighting the impact of individual contributions to The Rotary Foundation. DGN Ed presented the Paul Harris Fellow +3 pin to Erin, representing $4,000 + in cumulative giving to The Rotary Foundation.

Passing of the gavel: Next, Bill Friske, acting in his role as Assistant Governor, introduced District Governor Kim Spirou. Kim congratulated outgoing club President, Nancy, on winning the prestigious Dick Hedke Award and praised the club's outstanding performance. Kim then officially inducted Erin Dobbins as the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Livonia AM for the 26-27 Rotary year, emphasizing the importance of leadership, service, and unity in Rotary.

The conversation ended with Past President Nancy handing over the gavel to President Erin, who will preside over the club going forward.

Erin called up Nancy, Wayne Kinney, Tammy Bonifield, Dave Stechholz, Claude Kendrick, Susan Paluchiac, Sharon Pommervlle, Victoria Haltom, and Bill Friske. These members were inducted as Executive Board members.

Susan Paluchniak