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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 Erin H. Dobbins invites you to a Hybrid Zoom meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 7:30 AM.


Our speaker this week will be Past President Nancy Darga to present our 2025-26 budget report for discussion.

Greenmead Historical Park Garden Volunteer Opportunity

July 07,2026


Club members David Stechholz, Victoria Haltom, Erin Dobbins, and Peter Dale helped out at Greenmead for a few hours tending to one of the parks many pollinator gardens. Volunteers are welcome to join in every Tuesday at 9:00 AM, meet by the Newburgh Church.

Annual Picnic at the Lake

July 11, 2026

🌞 Livonia A.M. Rotary — Changing of the Guard Picnic Recap


This weekend, our club gathered for a truly memorable Changing of the Guard celebration, marking the start of a new Rotary year and welcoming Erin Dobbins as Club President through June 30, 2027. The day was filled with sunshine, fellowship, and the unmistakable spirit of Rotary service.

🌿 A Beautiful Day at Tammy’s Haven


A heartfelt thank‑you to Tammy Bonifield for hosting us at her beautiful lakeside home. Members and families enjoyed swimming, fishing, pontoon rides, and an incredible spread of food and drinks. Tammy’s hospitality set the tone for what many called our best picnic to date.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fellowship Across Generations


The afternoon brought together members, parents, and grandchildren—Marcie and Rich (Erin’s parents), Tammy’s parents, Nancy’s grandson Winston, and Bill’s grandkids Scarlett and Lincoln. Children played in the water, adults relaxed, and conversations flowed easily. It was Rotary family at its finest.

🏆 Honoring Our Rotarian of the Year


A highlight of the day was celebrating Pat Zucal as our 2025–26 Rotarian of the Year. Pat’s dedication to the Membership Directory, his leadership in keeping the Carnival thriving, and his willingness to assist wherever needed made him an outstanding choice. We may have embarrassed him a bit—but only because we appreciate him so much.

💬 Reflections from Our Members


Erin Dobbins shared her gratitude and excitement for serving as president, thanking everyone who attended and especially her parents for joining the celebration.


Victoria Haltom noted how perfect the weather was and expressed her appreciation for the wonderful people who make up our club.


Nancy Darga highlighted the relaxed atmosphere, great food, and the joy of meeting new family members.


Bob Carris thanked Tammy for her exceptional hosting and hospitality.


Bill Friske echoed the sentiment that this year’s picnic was the best yet—full of fun, fellowship, and Rotary pride.

Club Meeting Featuring Debra Harshaw, The Great Pollinator Challenge

July 08, 2026

President Erin Dobbins opened the meeting with the ringing of the Dick Hedke Award bell, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an Invocation delivered by Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, signer of the Declaration of Independence, dressed in 1776 clerical garb and representing New Jersey.

Twenty LAMR Rotarians, guests, and four Zoom attendees were present.

Two weeks’ worth of Happy Bucks were joyfully collected by Sharon Pommerville, with many stories and promotions shared. We especially celebrated the strong turnout of LAMR members at the June 30th “Meet the Governor Night” in Harrow, Ontario.

Drew Buatti, President‑Elect of our sister Livonia Rotary Club, reported on the two clubs’ joint effort to grill hot dogs and distribute the Declaration of Independence scrolls for the July 8th Livonia Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration. Tammy Bonifield invited everyone to her Irish Hills Iron Lake cottage for the annual party on Saturday, July 11th — complete with food, beverages, jet skis, cornhole, and plenty of fun!


Up‑Coming: LAMR and other volunteers are needed for next Saturday’s 5 Mile Road Clean‑up, starting at 8:30 a.m. on July 18th, followed by breakfast/brunch at Sam’s.


President Erin introduced our Zoom speaker, Rotarian Debra Harshaw from the Windsor-St. Clair Rotary Club, District Governor Kim Spirou’s co‑chair (along with Erin) on the District 6400 Great Pollinator Challenge.” Our club is participating through our Greenmead garden project, especially the garden near the Newburg Church. Debra explained the concept of building a pollinator pathway using a wide range of plants, supported by her Power Point presentation. She addressed the key question: Why are we doing this? Answer: There is a critical decline in global pollinators (butterflies, bees, etc.). We must provide essential food, shelter, and habitat; one‑third of our food is pollinator‑generated. She discussed invasive species and showed native plants that support pollinators across all three growing seasons. She emphasized educating students and children: Do not harm pollinators.


We concluded with the Rotary Four‑Way Test of the things we think, say, and do.


From: Witherspoon, at your service

Livonia 250 Celebration

July 08, 2026

Our two Livonia Rotary clubs (Livonia AM – 12 members; Livonia Noon – 9 members), including Mayor Maureen, State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, City Council member Robin Persiconi, and Event MC Wayne Kinney, delivered outstanding service during the City Hall celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Four Rotarians wore warm Revolutionary War attire on a hot evening, and many members assisted with hot‑dog grilling (with distribution by our Lions friends), financial support, and passing out scrolled copies of the Declaration of Independence to the crowd. Music was provided by the Livonia Symphony Orchestra Brass, the Livonia Civic Chorus, and familiar Revolutionary War songs such as Yankee Doodle. Some welcome shade was found near the woods behind City Hall.


Kudos to Wayne Kinney, who stepped in as MC for the ailing Bill Joyner, who attended but was not dressed in his Benjamin Franklin attire, and to our Livonia Historical Society for their partnership. It was a memorable evening honoring our City of Livonia and our nation, the United States of America. A special highlight: Nancy Darga's grandsons helped hand out copies of the Declaration, adding a wonderful family touch to the celebration. Mike Ladwig, Peter Dale, and Dave Stechholz appeared as costumed signers of the original Declaration, bringing history to life. Victoria Halton, Marlene Katafias, Susan Paluchniak, and many others enjoyed the free hot dogs, sodas, and icy treats provided by both Rotary clubs and the Livonia Lions.


Nancy Darga and David Stechholz

Upcoming Meetings

07/15/2026 - Past President Nancy Darga, 2025-26 Budget Report and Discussion.


07/22/2026 - Diana Brda, Owner/ Therapist, Blackbird Counseling Center, Mental Health Awareness.


08/19/2026 - Dennis Howie, Director of Development, The Living & Learning Enrichment Center.



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

07/22/2026 - Concert for Peace - presented by the Rotary Action Group for Peace-Great Lakes Chapter, Trinity House Theater, Doors Open 6:30 PM, Concert 7:00 PM, Tickets $30, Purchase Tickets HERE.


07/31/2026 - Rotary Impact Tour, from Barrow to Bermuda - Zone Director, Rotary International Marty Helman, Plymouth Cultural Center, Lunch $20, Register HERE.


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


Upcoming Committee Meetings

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.

Past Meetings and Events

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