Club Announcements
- The nametag box has been reorganized once again to provide space for our new members. Disregard the numbers on the back of your name tag and follow the sheet posted at the top of the tag storage box.
- Zack Throne has requested a transfer to the Romeo Rotary Club due to a recent job change. While we are sorry to see him leave, we wish him all the best in his new club and job. The Romeo Club is fortunate to have him!
- The Club held a dinner on Saturday, June 28th, to celebrate President Christine Hage's successful year of leadership. Incoming President Rachel Aviles prepared and served a fabulous, entirely homemade Mexican dinner, featuring savory chicken enchiladas, tacos with a variety of sauces and toppings — including a spicy specialty from her family's Bolivian heritage — a refreshing cucumber salad, and an array of sweet treats for dessert. Christine passes on her appreciation to the entire Club for doing such excellent work this year, and especially to Rachel for organizing the dinner the day after she returned from the RI National Convention in Calgary!
Annual Reports
Rotary Club Annual Report 2024-2025
This year, the Rochester Rotary Club not only celebrated remarkable achievements, but we were honored to be named District 6380 Club of the Year. This prestigious award reflects the energy, dedication, and impact of our members throughout the past year.
A Year of Accomplishments and Transitions
Our year was filled with laughter, service, and the deep connections that define Rotary. Yet, we also experienced the loss of five extraordinary members — Jeff Whitbey, Dick Spiess, Jerry Gross, Pete Duhamel, and Mary Lee Kowalczyk — who collectively contributed 164 years of service to our club. Their legacy of generosity, leadership, and fellowship will continue to inspire us.
Membership Growth
Membership Chair Stu Siegner reported exciting growth, welcoming 10 new members to our Rotary family:
Brian Griffin, Owner of Dueling Pianos
Joyce Joyce, Transfer from the Warren Rotary Club
Karen Joyce and her Leader Dog Daisy also transferred from the Warren Rotary Club
Paul Licker, Retired Oakland University Professor
Dianna Mannino, Real Estate Agent
Merrick Maris, Owner of Merrick Maris IV Insurance Agency, LLC
Natalia Petraszcuk, Executive Director, Next Step 4 Seniors
Erica Schlenker, Senior Program Manager, DTE
Angela Sambanis-Olstyn, Rochester High School Interact Club Advisor
Kay Ellen Wilkins, Co-Owner, Rochester Conservatory of Music
We are delighted to welcome these new team members, bringing fresh energy to our mission.
Youth Services: Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Youth Services Chair Phil McPeek highlighted an outstanding year for our youth programs:
- Rochester High School’s Interact Club was a crowning success under the leadership of Angela Sambanis-Olstyn, their new advisor. Their presentation to our Club was one of the most engaging programs of the year. The Stoney Creek Interact Club also had a great year! Rotary International President Stephane A. Urchick recognized both Interact Clubs for fostering a positive experience for their members and reflecting the values of Rotary
- Through the Youth Exchange Program, we sent one student to Taiwan for a short-term exchange and hosted a Taiwanese student here. We currently have another student, Jeff Duperon's daughter, participating in a short-term exchange in France.
Fundraising Successes
Our major fundraising events set new records and brought our members together for fun and fellowship:
- Beer & Wine Tasting Fundraiser- Co-Chairs Kyle Johnson and Jeff Duperon delivered a record-breaking event, raising approximately $40,000. Slightly increased ticket prices resulted in a more manageable crowd, with plenty of food, beverages, and camaraderie for all.
- Poinsettia Sale - Led once again by Blake McLellan, this beloved holiday tradition raised $13,500, brightening homes and businesses while supporting our charitable work.
- Golf Outing - Organized by Peter Stuhlreyer, the Golf Outing raised $9,800 for our causes, proving once again that doing good can be fun too.
Keeping Members Connected
We successfully revived our weekly RotoScoop newsletter, which keeps members informed, engaged, and connected — especially those unable to attend meetings regularly. The RotoScoop will continue to be a vital communication tool in the year ahead.
Rotary International Foundation Support
Foundation Chair Ernie Schaefer reported that the RI Foundation received $17,238 from the Rochester Rotary Club in the 2024-2025 Rotary year. The Rotary Foundation helps members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
Looking Ahead
We are confident that under the leadership of Rachel Aviles and her dedicated board, our club will continue to grow with vision, heart, and purpose.
2025-2026 Board of Directors
- President: Rachel Aviles
- President-Elect: Tami Salisbury
- President Designee: Blake McLellan
- Treasurer: Tom Neveau
- Secretary: Julian Morian
- Past President: Christine Hage
- Director (2025-26): David Archbold
- Director (2025-26): Stu Siegner
- Director (2025-26): Paul Haig
- Director (2025-27): Carol Franciosi
With hard work, laughter, and camaraderie, we will continue to live up to Rotary’s motto of “People of Action”, serving our community, our region, and the world. The future is bright for Rochester Rotary!
Christine Hage, President, Rochester Rotary 2024-2025
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Rochester Rotary Charities Report – 2024-2025
The Rochester Rotary Charities has had a good year. We have successfully facilitated the “Magic” for several local and international organizations, investing a total of $78,998. Our Team did an incredible job of vetting organizations and believes that we have represented the Rochester Rotary Club well. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve.
Along with this $79,998 investment, we have also funded our Scholarship program to the tune of $16,500. This totals $96,498 of Charities investment for our 2024-2025 Rotary Year.
At this point, the Rochester Rotary Charities has a total of $56,667 in our Charities Checking Account.
Thank you for allowing us to serve. It has been our privilege to represent the Rochester Rotary Club.
Tom Townsend, Rochester Charities Chair
Rochester Rotary Grants 2024-2025
|
Date
|
Organization
|
Amount
|
|
|
7/9/2025
|
OPC (Voted in 2023-2024)
|
$10,000
|
|
|
8/8/2024
|
OPC Act of Kindness
|
$5,000
|
|
|
8/8/2024
|
Variety Bike for Kids
|
$1,500
|
|
|
10/8/2024
|
Rotary Hurricane Relief
|
$4,500
|
|
|
11/21/2024
|
Student Exchange
|
$200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/7/2024
|
Next Steps 4 Seniors
|
$5,000
|
|
|
12/11/2024
|
West Africa Entre for Peace
|
$4,000
|
|
|
1/22/2025
|
Dutton Farms
|
$3,000
|
|
|
3/5/2025
|
Habitat University
|
$2,500
|
|
|
3/25/2025
|
Neighborhood House (Food Pantry)
|
$5,000
|
|
|
3/25/2025
|
Neighborhood House (Emergency Assistance)
|
$5,000
|
|
|
4/19/2025
|
Rochester Hills Public Library
|
$7,500
|
|
|
4/25/2025
|
Wings of Angels
|
$2,500
|
|
|
4/25/2025
|
Casa Colibri (Toyota Hilux Truck)
|
$5,000
|
|
|
5/8/2025
|
Sparkle Network
|
$3,500
|
|
|
5/8/2025
|
Clinton River Watershed
|
$5,298
|
|
|
5/17/2025
|
Casa Colibri (Midwife Training)
|
$5,000
|
|
|
5/21/2025
|
Sky Foundation
|
$500
|
|
|
6/5/2025
|
Oakland Youth Orchestra
|
$2,000
|
|
|
6/25/2025
|
E Community Outreach
|
$3,000
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$79,998
|
|
