President-elect Wayne Hodges opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, Four Way Test, and then we sang, "This is My Country." Wayne invited everyone into a moment of silence as we remember those who have given their lives in defense of our nation and liberties. David Eardley gave the invocation.
Jeff Whitbey introduced the following guests:
Jeff Fosnaugh Ace Teacher
Pat Botkin guest of Shirley Gofrank
Roger Webster from Troy
HAPPY BUCKS
Tom N -- next Tuesday Franzi, our Rotary Exchange Student from Italy will be at our meeting to share about her experiences
Tim C -- celebrating that President Rodney's practice, "A Place To Grow" will be moving into his building. Tim also reminded us about the Ascension Providence Golf Outing on June 24
Linda E -- recently back from Guatemala and celebrating the success of the Women's Health Initiative
Jerry M -- celebrating RHS's Sarah Ane who won the regional tennis championship and will now be advancing to the state championship
15th HANDSHAKE
John Gaber received the honors... congrats John as you are now fine free!
ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK
Kyle Johnson bestowed the bejeweled trophy upon fellow Wine Tasting team member, John Gaber... congrats John!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dave A announced that we were the only club to host 2 Rotary Exchange students in our district and appreciated our club's support of this great program. He also shared that we are seeking one more host family for our inbound Exchange student from Spain.
On behalf of Rochester Rotary Charities, Tom N presented the ACE Interact Club a check for $1,000, which helps support the annual senior trip to Cedar Point. Jeff Fosnaugh stated that this trip is an encouragement for students to do their best throughout the year.
SONGS
Jerry Carvey led us in singing two songs: When Johnny Comes Marching Home and Let There Be Peace on Earth. Club members brought their singing voices today... well done!
BIRTHDAYS AND CLUB ANNIVERSARIES
Happy Birthday to the following Rotarians:
Jerry Carvey, May 29
Jeff Duperon, June 3
Happy Club Anniversary to the following Rotarians:
(no anniversaries this week.)
SHERIFF'S REPORT
Wayne led us in Memorial Day trivia, and right or wrong, we paid a fine. $253 was raised for Rotary Scholarships. Thank you!
Ron Lichtle introduced today's speaker, Christopher Palazzolo, president,/CEO of Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. Christopher has been with Ascension for 15 years and has spent 40 years in the healthcare field. Currently, Ascension is at work connecting their name branding to the community. Ascension is the largest not-for-profit hospital system in the country, with hospitals in 26 states. Their goal is to have one hospital system across all their hospitals for consistency in patient and doctor experiences. Ascension has 14 hospitals in Michigan. Across the country, currently 1 out of every 8 patients are being admitted into an Ascension hospital. Christopher discussed several key themes which influences their reality: cost structures are evolving, the line between insurance and providers of care has blurred, competitive forces are expanding, partnerships/mergers are more prominent, and direct contracting--another reboot. Since 2016 they have added 132 physicians to Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, including 42 physicians as employees. They are close to opening an urgent care on Squirrel Road near Oakland University. He shared that they continue to develop medical areas including Orthopedics, Women's and Children's Services, Cardiology, and Other Specialties. Christopher also shared that Ascension gives away $2 billion of care per year as a not-for-profit hospital. He also talked about their commitment to engaging the community through the scheduling of 70-100 health-related community events each year. A time for questions and answers then followed. Thank you, Christopher, for a great presentation!