Rochester Rotary Club RotoScoop
Report on the March 4, 2025, Meeting
 
Menu for March 11: Salad bar, beef barley soup, chicken Caesar Wraps, and mini desserts.

ATTENDANCE

If you couldn't join us on March 4, you were missed! Nine Interact guests, including Stoney Creek Interact Advisor Megan Terback, joined 34 Rotarians. Amanda Love from Representative Mark Tisdale's office was also present. 

INVOCATION
Juliane Morian offered a heartfelt, spontaneous invocation.

FIFTEENTH HANDSHAKE
Juliane also served as this week's greeter and announced that Jerry Carvey was the lucky recipient of a fine-free week.

ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK
David Archbold, last week's Rotarian of the Week, was absent—perhaps still enjoying the honor! Does he keep the trophy on his desk at OU? Do his international students recognize its origin?

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Though absent, Brian Kirksey received a round of Happy Birthday, and Wayne Hodges was recognized for his Rotary anniversary.

HAPPY BUCKS
  • The contributions started slowly, but Tom DelPup eventually encouraged small business owners to look into the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a major regulatory change for 2025. The CTA requires most small businesses to report their beneficial owners—individuals with significant control over the company—to the government via the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by March 21, 2025. This measure aims to curb money laundering and enhance financial transparency.
  • Vito Pampalona praised the Stoney Creek students for preparing an excellent breakfast for veterans in November. After breakfast, students lined the hallways to applaud them in a heartfelt tribute.
  • Ron Lichtle shared the exciting news that his family is expecting its fourth great-grandchild.
  • Linda Eastman expressed joy in hosting their guest from Kazakhstan last week.
  • Phil McPeek bid a bittersweet farewell to the Stoney Creek Interact students who are seniors this year, recognizing their outstanding contributions.
  • Carol Franciosi, recovering from the flu, thanked Linda Eastman for ensuring that her Kazakhstani delegate made it to the airport. Thankfully, Carol is feeling better and is flying to Italy later this week.

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Last week, Wisdom Addo of the West Africa Centre for Peace Foundation (WACPF) sent an email extending gratitude for our support of the teacher training program.
  • President Christine Hage thanked our generous hosts—Linda and Jay Eastman, Paul and Diane Haig, Jerry and Clara Carvey, and Carol Franciosi—for welcoming our Kazakhstani delegation into their homes. She also recognized our dedicated volunteer drivers: Tim Crawford, Paul Haig, Roger Roller, Juliane Morian, Carol Franciosi, David Archbold, and Jay and Linda Eastman. Special thanks to Cyndee Andrews for helping organize the potluck dinner and to Renee Cortright, Juliane Morian, and their staff for showcasing the valuable services available at OPC and the library.

SONG LEADER
Jerry Carvey selected a fitting song for the season: The Whiffenpoof Song, the 1907 Yale Glee Club anthem, inspired by March's transition from lion to lamb. He followed it up with When the Saints Go Marching In, in honor of Fat Tuesday.

SHERIFF'SEPORT
  • Sheriff Mayor Bryan Barnett kicked things off with some unexpected praise for the club's singing, admitting he didn't like The Whiffenpoof Song—but let's just say it threw him for a loop before he got down to business.
  • He nodded to President Christine and expressed his appreciation for not requiring everyone to read a recap of the week-and-a-half-long Kazakhstan schedule (because once was plenty).
  • Then, he targeted Tom DelPup, calling him out for suggesting that small business owners could be tax-free. Spoiler alert: They can't.
  • Next up on the fine list? Anyone who is Irish, wants to be Irish, celebrates St. Patrick's Day, or dares to wear a "Kiss Me, I’m Irish" T-shirt—it's time to pay up.
  • Baseball fans weren't safe either. If you're planning on attending a spring training game or Opening Day or have ever traveled to see the Tigers play an out-of-town game, congratulations—you owe a fine. On the other hand, if you need a plus-one for Opening Day, the Sheriff is available.
  • Diving into politics, he slapped a $25 tariff on anyone who is Mexican or Canadian. Because why not?
  • Oscar watchers were next. If you tuned into the show or even dared to see an Oscar-nominated film, your wallet got a little lighter. Juliane was the only brave soul to confess—though, in her defense, her husband is in the film industry.
  • A little history lesson: March 4 used to be Inauguration Day until FDR became the last president to be sworn in on this date before it was moved to January 20. Also, on March 4, 1789, the U.S. Constitution officially came into effect, and Chicago was founded in 1837—with a whopping population of 4,200.
  • Since it’s Fat Tuesday, Tim Crawford was given a choice: pay a $10 fine or point out all the fat people in the room. Wisely, Tim just paid the fine.
  • Speaking of Mardi Gras, it’s well known that the more skin you show, the more green beads you earn. Sheriff Barnett couldn't help but notice that Christine Hage was sporting some impressively large green beads. It turns out they were a gift from the Kazakhstan delegation (or so she says).
  • To wrap things up, he reminded everyone that Daylight Savings Time starts this Sunday. We’ll spring forward (and fall back later), and that’s fine… as long as you don’t tip over!
  • In total, the Good Mayor raked in $161 for our scholarship fund—a job well fined.
 
SPEAKER 

 

Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer, blogger, photographer, and owner of Rochester Writers. He specializes in travel and lifestyle stories and has been published in local newspapers, international magazines, and custom publications.

Rochester Writers organizes contests, conferences, networking groups, and other opportunities for writers of all professions. Its annual Rochester Writers' Conference, scheduled for October 18 this year, is the organization’s signature event. Over 100 fiction and nonfiction writers gather at Oakland University to network and participate in professional development workshops and panel discussions.

In addition to his work with Rochester Writers, he co-owns Ann Charles Media. This boutique media company provides select clients with services such as social media management, content writing, press-ready digital materials, email newsletters, and website development.

He encouraged business owners to consider offering free self-published books about their businesses, highlighting the benefits of capturing contact information, building trust, showcasing expertise, qualifying leads, increasing engagement, lowering acquisition costs, creating upsell opportunities, enhancing perceived value, encouraging sharing, and accelerating the sales funnel.

When asked about his thoughts on AI, he compared it to spell check and grammar check, viewing it as simply another tool in a writer’s toolkit.
Speakers
Mar 11, 2025 12:00 PM
Diane Haig
Pawsitive Change Therapy Dogs
Mar 18, 2025 12:00 PM
Michael Spien
New Day Foundation
View entire list
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