The menu for May 12 includes salad bar, chicken Parmesan, penne with garlic butter, baby red skins, roasted vegetables, and bread pudding for dessert.
ATTENDANCE
If you couldn't join us on Cinco de Mayo, you were missed! We had 42 attendees, including guests Wyatt Lucas, Gail Lucas, and Byran Barnett's Chief of Staff, Erin Sudrovech.
INVOCATION
Christine Hage gave today’s invocation.
FIFTEENTH HANDSHAKE
This week’s greeter, David Walker, declared Steve Oehler the lucky member to go fine-free!
WHO AM I?
I joined Rotary to give back to the community and meet the people in it. My favorite memory was last week's wine tasting. Something you may not know about me is that I use woodworking tools my father inherited to make Montessori children's toys.
I joined Rotary because I had just started my business and wanted to get to know the people of Rochester. My favorite memory is the friendship exchange in Turkey. Something you may not know about me is that I don't live in Rochester.
ROTARIAN OF THE WEEK
Kay Ellen Wilkins was reluctant to give up the trophy, but passed the trophy on to Roger Roller for all the work he does on our scholarship program.
HAPPY BUCKS
Tom Neveau shared a proud moment—his granddaughter graduated from Michigan Tech. A long trip, but well worth it.
Karen Joyce’s Happy Buck wasn’t about her broken wrist, but about making the best of it—she got to choose the color of her cast. After considering the usual hot pink and deep purple, she went with Rotary blue.
Joyce Joyce was happy to report she and Karen enjoyed a delightful trip to Portugal, though less thrilled about the traveler who claimed to have allergies but instead spread a virus to many in the group.
Paul Licker is looking ahead to a trip to the UK later this week, where, instead of rain most days, he can count on rain every day for 13 straight!
Bryan Barnettwisely avoided following the virus-themed Happy Bucks and waited for a reset after Paul paid his Happy Buck. Bryan expressed sincere appreciation to the Rotarians who support his annual birthday fundraiser. He’s also celebrating his oldest son’s graduation from MSU, much closer than Tom Neveau’s trip! Bryan's son earned a degree in economics and is officially on the job market. Bryan even sweetened the deal: he’ll donate $100 in honor of any Rotarian who hires his son. One son launched, one to go.
Tami Salisbury encouraged everyone to attend the 2026 Men’s Fund Giving Breakfast on May 14 at Great Oaks Country Club. The event will feature former NFL player Frank Zombo and Oakland University Men’s Basketball Coach Greg Kampe, highlighting the Men’s Fund’s renewed focus on supporting underserved youth athletes. It’s a meaningful opportunity to connect, give back, and invest in programs that foster physical, social, and emotional growth.
Jay Eastman had a fantastic time at Rotary District 6380’s conference this past weekend. With great speakers and energizing sessions, he said it completely “re-Rotarized” him—and he came back to Rotary with a bounce in his step.
Juliane Morian welcomed back RotoScoop editor-in-chief Christine Hage from vacation. Juliane graciously filled in over the past two weeks and apologized for last week’s edition, when she was unexpectedly called away and had to phone it in.
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
There were no birthdays to celebrate this week, but Ethan Hoffman celebrated his 9th year as a Rochester Rotarian.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Who am I?
Our woodworker is James Houghtell.
Our non-resident Rotarian is Phil Lowman.
Phil McPeek is still hospitalized at Corwell Royal Oak. Please keep him in your prayers.
The spring clean-up of Rotary Gateway Park is scheduled for this Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m. We need help spreading wood chips. Bring gloves, and we will provide all other tools and materials, unless you have a particular rake you need to use for spreading wood chips.
On behalf of the Club, Tom Neveau attended a webinar introducing the new version of ClubRunner, called Nova. The update promises a more user-friendly experience on both the website and mobile app. It is amazing! Members are encouraged to download the ClubRunner app from the App Store or Google Play—it should make managing your Rotary involvement much easier.
On behalf of Rochester Rotary Charities, President Tim Duncan presented Wyatt Lucas with a check for $1,320 to purchase ice time for Hockey Mentors for Special Needs. We were fortunate to hear Lucas speak a few weeks ago about the outstanding work his organization is doing.
Tim Duncan shared that we have a suite reserved at Jimmy John’s Field for the 1:00 PM game on May 17. The suite has already been paid for, so this is a free event. Anyone interested in enjoying a casual afternoon of baseball with fellow Rotarians is welcome to join.
Good food. Great music. Even better purpose!
Jay Eastman—yes, the man behind the pig mask—urged everyone to grab their tickets now for an unforgettable evening. The Foundation Committee is hosting a fundraiser for the Rotary International Foundation on Friday, May 29, at the Rochester Community House.
Appropriately dubbed “Hog Wild on the Keys,” the night will feature a full pig roast—with a whole pig on the spit—and lively entertainment from Brian Griffin's Dueling Pianos.
Proceeds will support Rotary’s global efforts to end polio and strengthen communities through service, education, clean water, and peace—both locally and around the world.
Sponsorships are also available, starting at $100, with higher levels for those who feel so inclined. It’s all happening right here in our own building, and it promises to be a fantastic evening.
SONG LEADER
Bob Lytle led us in singing about moms. He started with I want a Girl, Just Like the Girl that Married Dear Old Dad. He then moved on and selected a slightly modified version of My Wild Iris Rose. We sang My Wild Irish Roséto celebrate our recent Wine & Beer Tasting.
SHERIFF'S REPORT
Peter Stuhlreyer was the Sheriff this week. Alright folks, the Sheriff’s in town, so buckle up…
First off, the Sheriff tipped his hat to Jay Eastman—who, judging by that pig mask, is either promoting an event or auditioning for the county fair. Either way, listen up: Hog Wild on the Keys is coming in hot. Forty-five bucks a head for a full-on pig roast and dueling pianos featuring our very own Brian Griffin. And if you were there last year, you already know—this isn’t just good, it’s “cancel-your-other-plans” good.
Now here’s the deal: we need a final headcount by May 22, and that is not a suggestion—that’s the law. So get your tickets, grab your friends, drag a few future Rotarians along, and don’t be the one hearing about it after the fact. This will be the event everyone’s talking about.
You can click one of those fancy online thingamajigs (QR codes for those in the know) or just throw it on your Rotary account. However you do it, just do it. And if you’re feeling generous, sponsorships start at $100. Come on, be more pig than chicken—commit! As the Right Reverend Tom Townsend says, in the world of ham and eggs, the chicken contributes, but the pig is all in.
Now, shifting gears—Gateway Rotary Park. Weather permitting, 9:00 AM this weekend. We’re spreading mulch, not excuses. Bring gloves… and maybe a friend who owes you a favor. That’s all you need—we’ve got the rest covered.
And finally… fines. Because what’s a Sheriff without a little justice?
First offense: Cinco de Fino. If you’re planning to enjoy a margarita tonight, that’s a dollar. Jay Eastman, you’re at ten—because it looks like you started early.
Yesterday was May the 4th—so if you’ve ever worn a Star Wars costume outside of Halloween, that’s five bucks. Don’t lie—I know there are a few closet Jedi in here.
Let’s recast Star Wars Rotary-style real quick:
Chewbacca? Phil Lowman. Less hair these days, but we see it.
Han Solo? Russ Shelton—always cruising in style.
Darth Vader? Bryan Barnett. That one was easy.
The Emperor? Vince Mattina. Don’t argue—you know it’s true.
Princess Leia? Christine Hage—nailed it.
Yoda? Bob Lytle. Wisdom, stature, the whole deal.
Now, snowbirds… Tamara Tazzia, we see you. Fifteen weeks in Florida? That’s $75. And the fact that you admitted it? Rookie move.
David Walker—mourning Spirit Airlines like it was a luxury experience. Three bucks, Dave. Time to upgrade.
Mother’s Day is Sunday:
If you have—or had—a mother: $1
If you are a mother: $2
If you’ve ever used the term “mother…” well, you know the one—$20. Don’t act innocent.
And in honor of Pete Rose’s 3,000th hit, on this day in 1978, if you’ve ever bent the rules, fudged your taxes, or placed a questionable bet… that’s $2. We’re running an honest club here. Mostly.
And Jeff Duperon, those shoes. Twenty-five years, three soles, and still hanging on? That’s not thrift—that’s a lifestyle. Pay up.
Sheriff Peter ha a trivia question for us… Today is the birthday of one of the Marx Brothers—can you guess which one? There were lots of guesses, including the names of all four Hollywood Marx brothers.Bryan Barnett went with Karl—bold move. That’s right… Karl Marx. Not exactly one of the funny Marx Brothers, but technically the original Marx. A little less vaudeville, a little more revolution.
And here’s the punchline: with Karl Marx, nobody needs money… which makes this next part very simple—everybody, put your money on the table. Consider it a small contribution to the cause. We collected $214 in fines today.
Alright, that’s enough justice for one day. Reach into those pockets, loosen the grip, and remember, it all goes to a good cause.
The Rochester Rotary Club’s 2026 Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser once again delivered an exceptional evening of fellowship, flavor, and philanthropy. This signature event continues to grow in both impact and reputation, bringing together Rotarians, community leaders, and friends in support of Rochester Rotary Charities. Beyond the lively atmosphere and impressive turnout, what truly set this year apart was the thoughtful planning, execution, and forward-looking insights from the committees who made it all happen.
A Memorable Evening with Purpose
Guests were welcomed into a beautifully designed space that balanced elegance with energy. A wide variety of wines and craft beers—paired with delicious food offerings—created an experience that felt both elevated and accessible. Just as important, the event provided an opportunity to connect guests more deeply to Rotary’s mission, reinforcing that every ticket purchased contributes to meaningful change in our community and beyond.
The Power Behind the Event: Committee Highlights
Co-Chairs Kyle Johnson and Jeff Duperon say this event’s success is a direct reflection of the dedication and collaboration of several hardworking committees. Each team not only executed their responsibilities with excellence but also brought forward valuable ideas to strengthen future events.
Sponsorship Committee - Kyle Johnson
The Sponsorship Committee built strong relationships with local businesses and returning partners, resulting in a solid base of financial support. Their outreach emphasized both visibility and impact, helping sponsors feel genuinely connected to the cause. Suggestions moving forward: introduce tiered sponsorship packages earlier in the planning cycle, create more on-site recognition opportunities, and develop year-round sponsor engagement to build long-term partnerships.
Marketing & Communications Committee - Tami Salisbury & Bree Clawson
This team expanded the event’s reach through a mix of social media, email campaigns, and word-of-mouth promotion. Their efforts helped drive attendance and generate excitement leading up to the event. Suggestions moving forward: begin promotions earlier, incorporate more storytelling about how funds are used, and leverage video and testimonials to create a stronger emotional connection with potential attendees.
Logistics & Operations Committee
From layout and vendor coordination to check-in and flow, the Logistics team ensured the evening ran smoothly. Their attention to detail created a seamless guest experience, allowing attendees to focus on enjoying the event. Suggestions moving forward: refine traffic flow around high-traffic areas like tasting stations, expand seating and gathering spaces, and explore enhancements to signage for easier navigation.
Food & Beverage Committee - Jeff Duperon
This committee curated a diverse and high-quality selection of wines, beers, and food pairings that received excellent feedback from guests. Their partnerships with vendors were instrumental in delivering a memorable culinary experience. Suggestions moving forward: consider adding interactive tasting elements, clearer labeling of selections, and opportunities for guests to learn more about the offerings directly from vendors.
Volunteer Coordination Committee - Yoland Udell
Volunteers played a crucial role in the event’s success, assisting with everything from setup to guest engagement. Their enthusiasm and professionalism helped create a welcoming environment. Suggestions moving forward: provide earlier training and clearer role assignments, and consider implementing a volunteer appreciation component to recognize their contributions.
AV & IT - David Blair
We were able to establish a consistent media experience throughout the venue and ensure intelligibility of spoken announcements. At the same time were were able to prominently display event sponsors, promote and highlight the Club's impact on the world and our local community, drive membership, and display auction winners at event close.
Suggestions moving forward: permanently install wiring that can be used at Bordines for other announcements and future events, and to speed up the reporting of auction winners in bolder print.
Silent Auction - Linda Eastman, Carol Franciosi, Ron Lichtle, Paul Haig
We had more items this year, and they were of higher value. Last year's "lucky draw" was successfully expanded this year with higher pre-event sales and more overall ticket sales.
This year, a memorabilia vendor was successfully added and required no additional work for us, but brought in over $700. The real game changer was the monitor display of winners!
Finance & Results
The fundraiser achieved strong financial results, raising over $34,000, and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone event for Rochester Rotary Charities. Careful budgeting and expense management ensured that the proceeds would go directly toward supporting community programs. Suggestions moving forward: continue refining cost efficiencies while identifying opportunities to increase revenue through expanded sponsorships and ticket sales.
Lasting Impact
Funds raised from this event will support a wide range of initiatives, including education, health services, and local community development projects. Just as importantly, the event strengthens Rotary’s visibility and connection within the community, inspiring continued involvement and support.
Looking Ahead
With another successful year behind us, planning for 2027 is already underway. The insights and recommendations from each committee provide a strong roadmap for continued growth and improvement. By building on what worked and refining areas of opportunity, the Rochester Rotary Club is well-positioned to make next year’s event even more impactful.
Events like the Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser are a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, and an engaged community come together. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the 2026 event a resounding success—we look forward to raising a glass with you again next year.
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.com to your safe sender list or address book.
To unsubscribe from future e-mails, click here.
To forward this email to your friends, click here.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
Kay Ellen Wilkins was reluctant to give up the trophy, but passed the trophy on to Roger Roller for all the work he does on our scholarship program.
On behalf of Rochester Rotary Charities, President Tim Duncan presented Wyatt Lucas with a check for $1,320 to purchase ice time for Hockey Mentors for Special Needs. We were fortunate to hear Lucas speak a few weeks ago about the outstanding work his organization is doing.
Sponsorships are also available, starting at $100, with higher levels for those who feel so inclined. It’s all happening right here in our own building, and it promises to be a fantastic evening.
Rochester Rotary Wine & Beer Tasting Fundraiser 2026