In Attendance: Kelly, Ryan, Ray, Ashley, Simon, John, Don, Bruce, Shelley, Lew, Barbara, Carolyn, Fred, Maureen, Nathan

Guests: Bill Cahalan, Sofia Shamoon, Sherri Kolade

President Kelly called the meeting to order, with Maureen offering a heartfelt Thanksgiving blessing during the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-Way Test.

Key Announcements:

• Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 10, at 12 p.m., featuring District Governor Sharna Hatcher. A Board meeting will precede this.
• 2025 Auction: Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 27, at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.
• Lunch Survey Results: Carolyn shared that members value the fellowship that comes with sharing a meal during meetings, which fosters deeper connections and camaraderie. The majority prefer a catered lunch in the $10-$15 range, offering options like hot meals or soup/salad/sandwiches. Most members are willing to contribute a lunch fee even if they don’t partake in the meal.
• Elections Coming Up: We need two more directors! Rotary elections are essential for ensuring fresh leadership, continuity of our mission, and compliance with Rotary International’s requirements. Please consider nominating yourself or a fellow member. Elections must be held by the end of December.

Committee Updates:

• Scholarships: Fred reported that the committee is considering awarding fewer, higher-value scholarships open to both college and trade school applicants.
• Rotary Foundation: Don highlighted the Foundation’s mission to support humanitarian projects globally and shared that December 3 is Giving Day. He also celebrated the near-eradication of polio, a cause Rotary has championed.
• Rotary Park Bench: Mary Beth continues progress with next step being a meeting with the Parks and Rec Committee. Costs are projected between $1,700-$2,500.

Special Thoughts and Prayers:

• Mary Beth’s mom: Continuing her recovery from a recent stroke.
• Carolyn: Mourning the loss of her father, who passed shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Happy Bucks Highlights:

• Maureen: Grateful for not running out of gas and finding a great deal in Royal Oak!
• Carolyn: Celebrating her father’s remarkable life.
• Shelley: Thankful for a wonderful Panama cruise with Lew and for dodging a tsunami and tropical storm!

No Lucky Jack winner this week, so the pot rolls over!

December Birthdays Celebration! 🎂

This month, we’re sending big birthday wishes to:

• Ryan Snader on December 1st 🎈 (ryan@highfavorinsurance.com)
• Jonathan Ganc on December 25th 🎁 (jonganci@gmail.com)

Ryan, you kick off the month with style, and Jonathan, you share your day with the holiday magic of Christmas! We hope your special days are filled with joy, laughter, and everything you love most.

Closing Notes:

Be sure to check out the club’s Facebook page for updates and photos. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, December 10, for lunch and our special guest, District Governor Sharna Hatcher!

Why did the turkey join the Rotary Club?

Because it wanted to be part of something stuffed with good deeds! 🦃🍂

errors, omissions, news to Carolyn @cgraham@tutordoctor.org

As this season of gratitude unfolds, heartfelt thanks go out to each of you for your dedication, kindness, and commitment to serving the community. Your generosity of spirit inspires positive change, and together, meaningful impacts have been made.



Wishing you and your families a Thanksgiving filled with joy, love, and cherished moments. May this holiday bring blessings and a renewed spirit for all the good yet to come.

Our Guest Speaker, Sherri Kolade from Big Brothers, Big Sisters, South East Michigan

Sherri Kolade shared an inspiring overview of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Southeast Michigan, highlighting its impactful history and mission. Founded over 100 years ago, BBBS is dedicated to creating and nurturing meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"). These connections help young people achieve their full potential through guidance, support, and friendship.

What They Offer:

BBBS provides mentorship programs that support children aged 5-18. These include community-based mentoring, where Bigs and Littles meet on their own schedules, and site-based programs that take place at schools or other facilities. The organization emphasizes fostering confidence, improving academic performance, and building lasting relationships.

Who They Are Looking For:

BBBS seeks compassionate, reliable volunteers to serve as Bigs. While anyone can volunteer, there’s a particular need for male mentors to support young boys. Volunteers must be willing to commit to regular meetings and have a desire to positively impact a child's life.

How to Get Involved:

Getting involved is easy! Interested individuals can sign up to become mentors, donate to the organization, or support its events and fundraising efforts. Volunteers undergo a thorough screening process to ensure the best possible match with Littles.

Why It Matters:

BBBS changes lives—mentorship helps children build confidence, develop skills, and pursue brighter futures. Sherri’s talk was a powerful reminder that even small gestures can make a profound difference.

For more information or to get involved, visit the BBBS of Southeast Michigan website or reach out directly to Sherri at sherrik@bbbssoutheastmi.org 

🎄 Join the Royal Oak Rotary Holiday Party! 🎅

Get ready to jingle and mingle at Lockhart’s BBQ in Royal Oak on Monday, December 16, at 6 p.m.!

🎁 Bring the fun with a White Elephant gift exchange and your favorite dessert to share.



🍽 Cost: $32 per person

💑 Significant others are welcome—more merriment to go around!

RSVP by emailing Mary Beth at marybeth.fitzpatrick@royaloakschools.org

Let’s kick off the season with laughter, good food, and festive fun. Don’t miss it! 🎉