WELCOME to the newsletter of the Rotary Club of Livonia AM. Our club meets weekly to socialize, discuss the needs of our community and the world around us, and take action to address those needs. Please consider visiting our club or joining us on a service project.

All Are Welcome!

Meeting Notice and Club News

Coming Up This Week

Club President Nancy Darga invites you to a Hybrid Zoom meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 7:30 AM.

This week, our speaker will be Kristin Houchins, Director of Communication, City of Livonia, Invocation by Rev. David Stechholz.

Kristin Houchins is currently the

Director of Communications for the City of Livonia, a position she has held since May 2017. She is recognized for her extensive experience in strategic communications, community engagement, and event management.

Churchill Interact Club Visit

April 20, 2026

Club members Tammy Bonifield, Bill Friske, David Stechholz, and Claude Kendrick joined the Churchill High School Interact Club at their meeting yesterday, where graduating seniors were recognized for their service as high school Rotarians.

Each senior received a certificate commemorating their Interact service, along with a Rotary graduation stole they will proudly wear during their commencement ceremony.

The Churchill Interact Club continues to impress with its high energy, strong leadership, and creative use of technology. Their steady stream of projects and accomplishments reflects a club culture that is both dynamic and deeply committed to service.

On behalf of our Livonia AM Rotary Club, Tammy thanked the students for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their Rotary journey as college Rotaractors — and eventually, full Rotarians.

More Photos

Member News

District Assembly

April 18, 2026

Livonia AM Rotary had a standout presence at this weekend’s District Assembly at the Plymouth Cultural Center. With eleven members in attendance, our club may very well have topped the participation numbers of every other club in the district — a powerful statement about our commitment to leadership and learning.

The half‑day program opened with a terrific breakfast and inspiring remarks from district leadership, setting the tone for a morning of growth and collaboration.

Attendees then selected three out of twelve available 45‑minute learning sessions, each designed to strengthen club operations, leadership skills, and Rotary impact.

District Governor‑Elect Kim Spirou posted a special shout ‑ out on Facebook recognizing our District Treasurer, Tammy Bonifield. Kim praised Tammy as “an absolutely outstanding Rotarian and a true District Treasurer,” noting her creativity and the thoughtful touches she brought to the training sessions — elements that made the experience “extra special and memorable.”

Livonia AM continues to show up, lead, and elevate the district. This weekend was another strong example of that spirit.

More Photos

Club Meeting Featuring Robb Drzewicki, Vice President, LPS Education Foundation

April 15, 2026

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation by Mike Ladwig. We were glad to see that Sharon Pommerville was back in person and able to resume her Happy Bucks duties.

Sharon brought her daughter, Nicole, and Granddaughter, Reighlyn. Two other guests were present: Ron Gaffney, from the noon Rotary Club, and Stephanie Richards of the Wayne County Sheriff's Department, a previous presenter who has visited a few times, and is interested in membership. Member Marlene Katafias attended on Zoom, as she continues to recover from successful back surgery.

Upcoming events such as the District Assembly on April 18, the Road Cleanup on April 25, and the Frankenmuth District Conference on May 1, 2026, were highlighted. Tammy Bonifield and Sharon have volunteered to staff and create a hospitality room at the conference with the theme of “Michigan-made,” to include refreshment and decorations.

Plans are in the works to celebrate America 250 and the reading of the Declaration of Independence at Livonia’s City Hall on July 8, 2026, where the Declaration of Independence will be read aloud.

Discussion has arisen on considering moving Livonia’s AM meeting location to the Schoolcraft Vista Tech Center after being offered a free space. Further consideration of the pros and cons is needed before a decision can be made.

Our club is now part of the coalition to raise $9.7 million to preserve a 440-acre prairie called Sibley Prairie. Grants have already been submitted for $4.8 million and $4 million. The Livonia AM Rotary contribution at present is $6,000.

Congratulations to Natalie Fitzpatrick from Churchill HS, our 2026 participant in the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) program.

Today's presenters were from the Livonia Public Schools Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization chartered by The State of Michigan in 2004.

Representing the Foundation

was Vice-President, Robb Drzewicki, and Treasurer, Becky

Drzewicki.

The goal of the LPS Foundation is to provide additional financial support to the district for innovative programs and services, so the school system can continue to be a “beacon of excellence” to all those it serves. In 2025-26 alone, the Foundation has presented 27 grants to LPS staff, totalling $50,000. Rob and Becky identified areas where the Foundation provides funds to enhance the schools’resources and educational opportunities for students.

Robb announced the upcoming

Annual Golf Fundraising, Saturday, July 18, at Idyl Wild in Livonia. Register on the LPS Education Foundation’s website.

We are proud of our longtime member, Sharon Pommerville,

for achieving the Paul Harris +6 level of giving to The Rotary Foundation. Bill Fiske presented Sharon with her beautiful pin. What a great way to end our meeting!

Victoria Haltom

Upcoming Club Meetings

04/22/2026 - Dave Zarek, President, Livonia Lions Club, Invocation by Victoria Haltom.

04/29/2026 - Kristin Houchins, Director of Communication, City of Livonia, Invocation by Rev. David Stechholz.

05/06/2026 - Club Assembly, Invocation by Bob Carris.

05/13/2026 - Laura Mack, Director, Face Addiction Now (FAN), Invocation by Greg Greene.

05/20/2026 - Brian Yopp, Motor Cities Heritage Area, Invocation by Mike Ladwig.

05/27/2026 - Jack Smiley, Sibley Gardens, Invocation by Victoria Haltom.

Join Us

VISIT OUR CLUB IN PERSON

We meet at the

Livonia Recreation Center

32001 Five Mile Road

Livonia, MI 48154

Every Wednesday, 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

ALL are Welcome!

Visitors and friends are welcome to sign on and participate with our meeting on ZOOM.

Please introduce yourself to the
group when recognized at the
start of the meeting.

Upcoming Events

04/25/2026 - Adopt-A-Road Cleanup, 8:30 - 11:00 AM, Breakfast at Sam's Place Restaurant to Follow, Signup to follow.

05/01/2026 - District Conference at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Registration Details HERE.

05/15/2026, The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Three-Day Camp Experience, at Camp Copneconic in Fenton, MI, Registration Details HERE.

06/26/2026 - Livonia Spree Wine Tasting Event, Eddie Edgar Arena, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Details HERE.

06/30/2026 - Meet The Governor, Harrow, Ontario, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Details to Follow.

11/12/2026 - District 6400 Foundation Dinner, Crystal Gardens, Southgate, 5:30 to 9:00 PM.

Upcoming Committee Meetings

06/15/2026 - Giving Committee Meeting via Zoom, 6:00 PM.

09/21/2026 - Giving Committee Meeting via Zoom, 6:00 PM.

12/21/2026 - Giving Committee Meeting via Zoom, 6:00 PM.

03/15/2027 - Giving Committee Meeting via Zoom, 6:00 PM.