Weekly Speakers

Annual Golf Outing

Medical Mission in Guatemala

2024 Club Photo in Rotary Park

Welcome to the Rochester Rotary Club!

We meet every Tuesday from noon - 1:15 at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow, Rochester, MI 48307

You can join us via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/8 3148224700

Shred Polio

Shred your documents and help to SHRED POLIO! The event will occur in Bordine’s parking lot at 1835 S. Rochester Road on Monday, October 28th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. For just $10 per carload (approximately five boxes or bags), all those obsolete documents that have taken up too much space will be securely shredded. Pick-up service is available for a $20 fee. *Paper and light cardboard only.* DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED AS WELL!

If you want to schedule a pickup, contact (248) 408-9868. What is Polio? Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under 5. Most know it as poliovirus. The virus is spread from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system and, in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine that Rotary and our partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide. Most people have heard of polio, but few know that the disease still affects children around the world. You can help by spreading the word. Every donation helps us obtain the vaccines, transport, and materials needed in the fight against polio.

Pizza Fundraiser at the Royal Park

Exchange Student Program Now Open

Are you considering studying abroad for a year-long exchange to earn high school credit or perhaps a short summer exchange of 2-3 weeks? Join us for an informative event on the Rotary Youth Exchange at the Rochester Hills Public Library, upstairs in Room A, on October 14, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This presentation is designed for students and parents to learn about the 2024 program and ask questions. A former student from Rochester Community Schools will share her experiences and insights to help you understand what to expect.

Visit to FANUC

Our featured speaker, Michael Cicco, has been with FANUC America Corporation for 25 years and currently serves as the President and CEO. FANUC is a global leader in automation and robotics, providing cutting-edge CNC systems (Computer Numeric Controls) and factory automation solutions that help manufacturers maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability across the Americas.

FANUC is the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturer, having produced over 1 million robots in 2023. They design and manufacture over 200 different kinds of robots, with 31% of their business serving the automotive industry. Notably, their Rochester Hills site is the world headquarters for painting robots.

Beyond automotive, 35% of FANUC’s business comes from a variety of industries including textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, aerospace, cosmetics, construction, and more. FANUC’s robots handle tasks like "picking and packing" materials—whether it’s placing raw chicken breasts into packaging or fulfilling orders in large warehouses like Amazon's.

A key part of FANUC's success is its commitment to education. The company has certification programs in over 1,600 high schools, community colleges, and universities. With lifetime support for their equipment, FANUC ensures that customers are trained as technology evolves, much of which takes place at their Rochester Hills facility.

Mr. Cicco’s presentation was truly inspiring and highlighted the company's core values of PRIDE:

People – both employees and customers come first
Respect – respect is at the core of their work
Integrity – acting with integrity in all they do
Dedication – a deep commitment to their mission
Excellence – striving for the highest standards in every area

Celebrating 70 Years of Service Above Self

Seventy years ago, on September 15, 1954, the Rochester Rotary was chartered as the 2,998th club of Rotary International. This long-standing history is a testament to its commitment to service.

Rotary International, formed in 1905, was the first service club in the world. Although not the first service club in the Rochester area, the Rochester Rotary is the largest service club in the area today. Rochester Rotarians raise about $100,000 annually by selling poinsettias during the holidays, hosting a wine tasting at Bordine’s of Rochester Hills, and hosting an annual golf outing. This money is then distributed to local, national, and international organizations that help those in need and support a scholarship program for high school seniors.

“The Club’s motto is Service Above Self, and although financial contributions are always welcome by the organizations supported by Rotary, Rochester Rotarians are also interested in lending a hand,” said Rotary President-Elect Rachel Aviles. The club, along with the Rochester Hills Lions, the Rochester Lions, and the Rochester Kiwanis, is collecting underwear, socks, and pajamas for foster kids in the Detroit metro area. Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenia’s 3rd Street Hair/Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Donation boxes will be available from September 3 through September 30.

Necessities Drive for Foster Children

Rochester Rotary, Rochester Kiwanis, Rochester Lions, and the Rochester Hills Lions Clubs are joining forces to significantly impact our community with a joint service event held September 3-20. Together, they will focus on collecting new underwear, socks, diapers, and pajamas for children in the foster care system, a cause that genuinely needs support.

"Imagine the difference we can make when we harness the power of our three service organizations, all of whom share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change," said Rotary President Christine Hage.

David Meyers, President of the Rochester Hills Lions, said, "This is the third year that our three service clubs have partnered to help foster children.”

Foster care is a temporary living situation for children whose parents cannot care for them and whose need for care has come to the attention of child welfare agency staff. While in foster care, children may live with relatives, with foster families, or in group facilities. Over 13,500 children in Michigan are fostered.

There is an urgent need for your donations. Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenias 3rd Street Hair Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Your prompt action is needed. Donation boxes will be available from September 3 through September 20.