September 30, 2025 (Sep. 30, 2025)

Rochester Rotary Club RotoScoop

Report on the September 30, 2025, Meeting

Menu for October 7: Salad bar, apple demi-chicken, bow-tie alfredo, roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, squash, and ice cream.

ATTENDANCE

If you couldn't join us, you were missed! We had 45 people in attendance, including Past District Governor Michael Caruso (2016-2017), and Bryan R. Hajciar of Pixley Funeral Home, a guest of Tom Townsend.

INVOCATION

Bob Lytle gave today’s invocation.

FIFTEENTH HANDSHAKE

This week’s greeter, Linda Eastman, declared Dr. Bill Ebinger the lucky member to go fine-free!

WHO AM I?

I joined Rotary because of arm-twisting. My favorite Rotary memories are of the Rivercrest picnics. I am a twin.
I joined Rotary to give back to the community. My favorite Rotary memories include the conventions and medical missions. I wish I had learned to play guitar.

ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK

Tami Salisbury waltzed in and realized she’d totally forgotten the trophy. Quick on her feet, she claimed she just wanted to ‘enjoy it for another week.’ Sure, Tami - whatever. Just cram it full of $$$ and we’re good!

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

There were no birthdays this week, but Christine Hage is celebrating 33 years, Frank Rewold is celebrating 25, and Mo Sayed is celebrating 22 years as a Rotarian.

HAPPY BUCKS

Roz Burns said Next Steps 4 Seniors is hosting their annual Gala at the Royal Park Hotel on Friday, October 11, from 5:30–9:00 PM. Tickets are $195, and members are encouraged to sign up or consider a sponsorship. More details are available at https://nextsteps4seniorsfoundation.org/events/.

Tim Crawford invited everyone to attend the Henry Ford Hospital Rochester fundraiser, also on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Palazzo di Bocce. The evening will feature food, fellowship, friendly competition, and philanthropy. Guests can enjoy round-robin style bocce leading into a bracket tournament, or simply relax with delicious food, drinks, and conversation. Tournament play is optional. Information on how to participate can be found at https://www.henryford.com/development/ways/events/rochester-bocce.
Karen and Joyce Joyce returned from a rainy but wonderful vacation. Joyce was especially delighted to finally purchase the very heavy sweater she had been dreaming about.
President Rachel Aviles and her kids entered a competition for best decorated campsite this past weekend—and they won! Their prize: fame, glory, and a $25 gift certificate.
Tom Neveau shared his excitement that the Big Bright Lights are being installed on Main Street—a sure sign that Santa is on his way.
Jay Eastman is celebrating that the Tigers made the playoffs, even if they “backed in.” It also helped that they won their first playoff game. Go Tigers!

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS

Who am I? Vince Mattina, the twin, and Bill Ebinger, the wannabe guitarist.
Jeff Duperon announced that the first Beer and Wine Tasting Committee meeting will be held on October 14 at 11:00 a.m., just before our regular weekly meeting.
The Poinsettia Committee will hold its first planning meeting next week, immediately following the weekly meeting. Additional helpers are welcome.
Kyle Johnson is already preparing for the Salvation Army bell ringing on Monday, November 24. Many slots remain open—please let Kyle know if you can volunteer!
Blake McLellan has scheduled the Rotary Gateway Park cleanup for October 25 at 9:00 a.m. So far, we have 5 of the 16 volunteers needed.
Jay Eastman shared that members purchased $2,000 worth of pizza, earning a total of $414.18. The big surprise came when Phil McPeek’s guest generously donated $10,000! Thanks to a double match from the Gates Foundation, our total contribution now stands at nearly $3,500 to support Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio.
Phil McPeek also announced that the Rochester High School Interact Club will hold its first bake sale on October 7. Don’t forget to bring cash and support their efforts by purchasing some home-baked treats.
Tom Neveau announced that an informational meeting for Rotary’s Youth Exchange program will be held at the Rochester Hills Public Library on October 6 at 6:00 p.m. Parents and students interested in short- or long-term exchanges are encouraged to attend.
Tom Townsend presented a Paul Harris Award to Bryan R. Hajciar in recognition of his outstanding work at the Pixley Funeral Home. Congratulations, Bryan!

SONG LEADER

Our song leader Bob Lytle led us in rousing renditions of Button Up Your Overcoat and Hey, Look Me Over.

SHERIFF'S REPORT

Sheriff David Blair was feeling extra sharp this week. He applauded Bob Lytle’s song selections but raised an eyebrow at the mention of “bootleg hootch.” The big question: Will there be any hootch at the Beer and Wine Tasting Committee meeting?
Then the Sheriff turned to Tom Neveau with a zinger—should parents really have to take their kids back after a Youth Exchange program?
Next up was President Rachel Aviles, who got grilled on whether we should celebrate Rotary anniversaries if the member in question doesn’t attend regularly. Come on, guys, we celebrate any milestone!
Kyle Johnson got called out to name three local cider mills. No sweat—he rattled off Yates, Rochester, and Goodison (with a little tablemate backup). Nailed it.
The Sheriff then dropped some trivia: on this day in 1960, The Flintstones premiered. Cue a fine for Phil Lowman, who’s still rocking a flip phone straight out of the Stone Age.
More trivia: Botswana gained independence in 1966. Phil McPeek dodged a fine by knowing Botswana is in Africa. Smart move.
Lions fan Greg Schaefer also escaped a fine by correctly naming the Lions mascot—Roary. But the Sheriff got him anyway for not knowing that Barry Sanders entered the Hall of Fame in 2004. Ouch.
Ethan Hoffan avoided trouble by knowing a lion’s roar carries up to five miles. Meanwhile, Vito Pampalona flexed his lion knowledge too—female lions do most of the hunting. (And yes, the Sheriff looked impressed.)

Thanks to Sheriff David Blair's creative enforcement efforts, we raised an additional $295.10 (someone emptied their pockets) for our scholarship program! Remember, these “fines” are all in good fun and serve a great purpose: building camaraderie and raising funds for our charitable efforts, especially scholarships. Let’s continue living out the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," with enthusiasm, punctuality, and a healthy dose of Rochester pride and humor!

SPEAKER

Eat, Evolve, Inspire

Rene Caruso, a nutrition specialist and anti-aging longevity coach, spoke on the importance of metabolic restoration and how to achieve optimal health. Her focus: helping people cut through the confusion of nutrition to improve the quality of their daily lives.

She outlined three key pillars for better health: sleep, exercise, and thoughtful nutrition.

Sleep

The average adult needs 7–9 hours per night; teens and babies need even more.
To improve sleep, avoid blue light exposure before bedtime, as it blocks melatonin. Blue light comes from TVs, tablets, and phones—switching to night mode helps.
Create a dark environment, use a sleep mask, and develop a wind-down routine that respects your body’s natural rhythms.
Chronic sleep issues may point to dietary or alcohol-related problems rather than a need for constant sleep aids.

Exercise

Humans are designed to move, but long-term sitting is harmful.
Aim for at least 90 minutes of activity per week to keep blood circulating.
Strength training is especially important, as we lose 10–14% of our muscle mass each year with age. Exercise helps offset this decline and maintain strength and structure.

Nutrition

A staggering 78% of foods in stores are processed. Prioritize meals made from whole, nutrient-rich ingredients.
Doctors typically receive only 2–4 hours of nutrition training, so your self-education is key.
Nutrients are essential for growth and energy. Your body prepares for digestion when exposed to the smell of protein and healthy fats.
Non-essential nutrients, such as fiber, fruits, and starches (e.g., potatoes, rice), support health but are not critical.
Non-nutrients, found in highly processed foods (chips, cookies, and other “snack foods”), provide no real value.
Eating three meals a day—rather than grazing constantly—supports metabolic health and helps stabilize insulin levels.

Supplements

Rene advised against routine daily supplements. Instead, she recommends targeted supplementation only for specific deficiencies. One key exception: Vitamin B12, which the body produces less efficiently with age, especially as protein intake declines.

Finally, she reminded everyone that the best schedule for sleep and exercise depends on whether you’re a natural night owl or morning lark.

Her practical advice underscored a simple yet powerful message: by prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet, anyone can take meaningful steps toward better health and longevity.

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