Rotary Clubs Annual Spaghetti Dinner was a great community success

The collaborative efforts of our two Livonia Rotary Clubs united hundreds of residents for a noble cause: the fight against polio. It was an event filled with joy, laughter, and a spaghetti dinner so good that it had guests coming back for seconds.

With just 30 minutes remaining, Deanna Gaffney expressed her concern, "I sure hope we don't run out of spaghetti." Fortunately, they were well-prepared, and there was plenty for the largest turnout the event had ever seen.

The event was a true community gathering. Councilwoman Laura Toy shared laughs with Judge Sean Cavanagh, while Senator Dayna Polehanki and her husband Jim caught up with old friends before the dinner.

Pastors Kate Mackie and Kelly Whitlock from Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church hosted a table for community friends and church members.

Steve King, a regular at spaghetti dinners, engaged in conversation with Ed Gonzalez, Bill Craig and Kate Shishkovsky. Dick McDowell, former president of Schoolcraft College and fellow Rotarian, seemed to enjoy welcoming friends and meeting new people.

Former Northville Councilwoman Nancy Darga, a member of the Rotary AM Club, had the privilege of introducing polio survivors and community sponsors of the dinner, along with the students making a difference in the community and at the dinner.

The sight of high school students from the Rotary Interact Club greeting guests in the parking lot with a "thank you for coming tonight," with other students diligently working and clearing tables inside, brought a smile to my face.

Rotarians, including Livonia attorney and Noon Rotarian John Larkin, assisted by bussing tables, a change from his usual courtroom duties.

Livonia Noon Rotarian Robin Persoconi, along with past President Jonathon Wennstrom, welcomed attendees with smiles, hugs, and handshakes.

Past Lions District Governor Matt Collins and Past Rotary District Governor Russ Jones sat together and enjoyed the dinner and were greeted by Past Rotary District Governors Paul & Traci Sincock! Rotarians in attendance included those from the Northville, Plymouth A.M., Plymouth Noon.

At every Rotary event, you can find Bill Fried and by saying hello to Bill it is guaranteed that you will be engaged in a scintillating conversation. And this was no exception.

Dick and Peggy Gaskill were, as usual, present at the gathering in Livonia. The Gaskills are known for their support of the community, with Dick often sharing stories of the notable individuals he has photographed, like Jonas Salk.

School Board President Karen Bradford and her husband were enjoying themselves, while Commissioner Terry Marecki dined with the Tiseos.

The contentment of Laurie Pohutsky, President of the Noon Rotary, and Dave Stechholz, President of the AM Club, was evident. They were pleased with the event's attendance, the volunteering Rotarians, 32 members, and the impactful students, 10.

This event is definitely one that needs to be on the Livonia calendar next year and every year after that. It is becoming a wonderful tradition. Thank you Rotary Noon and Rotary AM Clubs. You make a difference.