Menu for November 24: Salad bar, apple braised pork, bowtie Alfredo pasta, sweet mashed potatoes, roasted zucchini, assorted mini fall desserts.
ATTENDANCE
If you couldn't join us on November 18th, you were missed! We had 38 attendees, including James Houghtell, the Business Development Manager at Kecy Metal Technologies.
INVOCATION
Carol Fransiosi gave today’s invocation.
FIFTEENTH HANDSHAKE
This week’s greeter, Dave Walker, declared Bob Lytle the lucky member to go fine-free!
WHO AM I?
I joined Rotary because a Rotarian asked me to. My favorite memory is of Phil Lowman, wearing an apron featuring Michelangelo's David, with another apron over it, and flashing everyone. My favorite color is purple.
I joined Rotary because I was invited and liked what I saw during my visit. My favorite memory was a past Veterans Day when Rotarians shared their experience. I sang at the Toledo Art Museum with a group of singers.
ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK
John Modetz shared his highly scientific method for selecting the next Rotarian of the Week. Over breakfast, someone helpfully suggested he hand the honor to Jeff Whitbey, at which point John, ever the diplomat, had to gently break the news that Jeff passed away last August. The woman, who had bought her home through Jeff, was understandably heartbroken and burst into tears. So much for an easy morning coffee.
Deciding he needed a far more cheerful selection process, John pivoted. He chose Tami Salisbury, not because of any rigorous metrics, mind you, but because it was the first time she’d ever sat at his table… and, well, he had a lifelong fondness for Salisbury steak.
Sometimes destiny—and dinner menus—work in mysterious ways.
HAPPY BUCKS
Vito Pampalona will visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in two weeks to honor and celebrate wounded veterans. This marks his 23rd consecutive yearvisiting the hospital.
Roger Roller proudly shared that his daughter appeared on the front page of the Detroit News in an article about a 102-year-old former Rockette.
Carol Fansiosi is excited for an upcoming trip to Naples, Florida, where she will celebrate Thanksgiving and her 70th birthdaywith friends.
Linda Eastman expressed gratitude that President Rachel Aviles served on a three-person panel for the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Women Rock: Boss & Brillianceevent.
Karen Joyce is happy to be celebrating Daisy's 7th birthday, one of Leader Dog’s cherished dogs.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
David Archbold and Yolanda Udell will be celebrating their birthdays this coming week. We also had two Rotarians, Ron DiLiddo and Eric Whipple, celebrating club membership anniversaries. Congratulations to all!
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Who am I?
Well, our mysterious “flasher fan” turned out to be none other than David Blair, who, of course, didn’t bother to show up today. (Coincidence? We think not.)
And our Toledo-bound chorus diva? The one and only songbird Cyndee Andrews.
Kyle Johnson is stillon the hunt for a few more bell ringers. If the promise of charity doesn’t entice you, maybe dinner afterward will. In his latest pro tip, Kyle suggested your corner could claim bragging rights as Top Bell Ringing Champsif you stuff the kettle with your own generous check. For the fine print, consult Steve Cooper — he seems to know how this racket… er… strategyworks.
Then came Blake McLellan with the poinsettia situation: only 700 moreto sell by next Tuesday. No pressure. To pump up the troops, he launched a rapid-fire poinsettia quiz:
What does a poinsettia’s shape resemble? Those bright upper leaves mimic the star that guided the Wise Men. (Festive and educational.)
Where do poinsettias come from? Central America, especially southern Mexico. Viva la flor roja!
Who introduced poinsettias to the U.S.? Joel Roberts Poinsett, our first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, back in 1830. Probably the most botanically productive thing a diplomat has ever done.
Linda Eastman then stepped up to present President Rachel with a certificate from the District Polio Plus team. It turns out our club was one of the largest donors: cue applause and a slight glow of smug satisfaction.
SONG LEADER
Bob Lytle tries to match his song choices to the speaker’s theme, and sometimes that stretch is Olympic-level. Today’s playlist included the “Beer Barrel Polka” and the ever-popular “Poinsettia Song #2” (sung to the tune of “Chestnuts Roasting”). Our speaker and guest actually loved these selections, proving that miracles do indeed happen.
SHERIFF'S REPORT
Sheriff David Blair? A total no-show. President Rachel handled it like a pro: she simply told everyone to cough up five bucks. Boom — $142 collected. Easiest sheriff’s haul ever and particularly easy for your editor to write!
SPEAKER
How to Not Only Survive but Thrive During Challenging or Transitional Times
Today’s speaker, Natalee Clement, shared the remarkable journey she and her husband have taken over more than 20 years as co-owners of Clement Construction, a general contracting company. Their firm has tackled an impressive range of projects, from work on the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron to upgrading numerous Michigan rest stops to meet ADA standards. Their portfolio spans both commercial and residential construction.
Natalee spoke candidly about the major challenges she has faced, including the loss of her father and the turmoil of the 2007 economic crisis, known as the Great Recession. Through those difficult times, she learned that connection, with individuals and the community, is one of the best tools for surviving and thriving. She noted that the camaraderie she observed at the Rochester Rotary Clubreflects exactly the kind of supportive human network everyone should strive to build.
One of the most dramatic moments in their business journey came when the company was swindled out of $90,000, leaving them unsure if they could meet payroll or pay subcontractors. A trusted family friend gave them simple but powerful advice: they could either face the crisis individually or together. Because the Clements had invested in strong relationships with family, friends, and subcontractors, they leaned on that network and weathered the crisis without collapsing.
After two decades of living and working side by side with her husband and now as the mother of a 7-year-old, Natalee shared that she is ready for change. She has stepped back from daily operations at the firm and is now exploring what comes next. Guided by the Golden Rule and her commitment to community connections—the very principles that helped the business flourish—she plans to rely on that same network to help her discover her next adventure.
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John Modetz shared his highly scientific method for selecting the next Rotarian of the Week. Over breakfast, someone helpfully suggested he hand the honor to Jeff Whitbey, at which point John, ever the diplomat, had to gently break the news that Jeff passed away last August. The woman, who had bought her home through Jeff, was understandably heartbroken and burst into tears. So much for an easy morning coffee.
Kyle Johnson is still on the hunt for a few more bell ringers. If the promise of charity doesn’t entice you, maybe dinner afterward will. In his latest pro tip, Kyle suggested your corner could claim bragging rights as Top Bell Ringing Champs if you stuff the kettle with your own generous check. For the fine print, consult Steve Cooper — he seems to know how this racket… er… strategy works.
What does a poinsettia’s shape resemble? Those bright upper leaves mimic the star that guided the Wise Men. (Festive and educational.)
How to Not Only Survive but Thrive During Challenging or Transitional Times