Rotary Club of Huron Township

Meeting Location
Willow United Methodist Church 36925 Willow Rd. New Boston, MI 48164 Tuesday 6:30 PM Voicemail: 734-753-9184

Board Members
President Greg Graham
Vice President Bill Wiley
Treasurer Kathy Cerni
Secretary David Kuykendall

Honoring the Scholars
The Huron Township Rotary awarded $9500 in scholarships to high school seniors as part of the Huron High School Academic Awards Program held May 20th. R.P. Lilly, a township board member and Rotarian, opened by stating that “selecting the scholarship recipients from the applications is never an easy task, and it gets more difficult every year. Scholastic achievement, community service, and financial need are some of the factors considered in the selection process.” The accumulation of four years of study, partnered with lots of community service, including tutoring, delivering Meals on Wheels, worked at clothing drives, school supplies drives and soup kitchens, active participation in the Goodfellows’ programs in our community, the recipients of this year’s scholarships and awards also were on the Principal’s Honor roll, received Varsity letters in athletics, members of the National Honor Society, Peer Mediation, Police Explorers, CERT, SADD, student government, as class officers, started both the Ecology Club and Interact. And overall, many have been active supporters of Huron Township Rotary. Patricia Samota, and Scott Peets each received $1000 Virginia Bird Academic Scholarships. Ms. Samota will attend Michigan State University to study entomology and Scott Peets will be heading to the University of Michigan, Dearborn campus to study computer engineering. In the essay that Trish submitted with her scholarship application she wrote, “I believe that my experiences here have taught me lessons that I will be able to use throughout my life. If I got to make one suggestion to people of the community, I would tell them to spend their time wisely. You will be remembered by the good you have done and the people you have helped out. I have spent my time with many community service groups over the past few years. I have spent ample amounts of time with Outdoor Challenge helping the Goodfellows, Meals on Wheels feeding the elderly, Friends of the Rouge testing the cleanliness of the streams, and tutoring whoever needs my help.” A selection from Scott Peets follows. “From a very young age I have been involved with community service. My mother has been very active in the community, and she always brought me along to help. I remember in elementary school helping to build a new playground for Brown Elementary. It was also at this period of my life that I started helping with the Brown PTO Market Day, which I have been doing ever since. Due to this early exposure to community service, it has become an integral part of my character.” Sammantha Cunliffe received the $1000 Al Gessert Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship. An active participant in the theatre and music programs, Samm has been taking video production classes this year. She will follow this up by attending Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts to study film and video production. She offered the following: “I have a passion for playing an active role in both my school and my community, and through the course of my four years at Huron High School, I have become involved in several activities and organizations. I am a member of Interact, Student Council, National Honor Society, SADD, Ecology Club, and Outdoor Challenge.” The James “Hammer” Mason Vocational Scholarship of $1000 went to Russell Dubke III, and he will go to Washtenaw Community College to study to become an automotive technician. He offered the following in his essay: “Everything in this community has taught me how to focus on what needs to get done, have the strength and determination to do it, and work as a team or leader when needed so that I can do my best. The hard work that I have spent in the classrooms and at home hitting the books has made me a more focused and organized individual. All of these attributes will help me in these hard times to get a step ahead of others in college and in the work field. My community and experiences have given me the right characteristics that have shaped me into someone that can and will succeed at any cost.” Jessica Lyp received the Arte Stoner Athletic Scholarship, also $1000; she will enroll in ITT Technical Institute to pursue studies in criminal justice. Her softball coach submitted a letter of support. “Jess displays the characteristics of an ideal student. She is very conscientious, organized, dedicated, and respectful. She is the type of student that I believe the Huron Rotary is looking to honor. Jessica is an outstanding student, involved in many co-curricular activities and is a dedicated athlete. She has excellent time management skills that allow her to be involved with several activities at the same time. She leads by example and is a positive role model for others.” (Heather Holshoe, HHS math teacher and Varsity softball coach) This is the second year for the $1000 Sheila K. Williams Interact Scholarship. It went to Daniel Burke for his fine work starting a Rotary Interact Club at the high school. In his essay Daniel included that his “future goals are to go to Wayne County Community College for their two-year paramedic program. After I receive my Basic EMT license in December, which is just the first part of the two-year degree, I plan on working part-time at an ambulance company to help pay my way through the rest of college. I would eventually like to work for a fire department in the Downriver area. I hope that after I graduate from college and get a job in the fire and rescue area, I will continue my education to become an RN and get a teaching certificate to teach fire rescue someday.” Four honorary scholarships of $500 apiece were awarded to Joseph Altizer, is choosing between the University of Michigan to study chemical engineering and Eastern Michigan University for engineering, Steven Darling, who has both Michigan State and EMU as his college choices to study pre-med, Katie Foss (UM for English or Washtenaw Community College for psychology), and Chelsea Stoner (also with two choices, WCCC or EMU, both for education to become a teacher). Joe provided the following letter of support from high school English teacher Edward J. Mocadlo. “I have known Joe for the past three years. I first met him as a student in my Accelerated English 10 class. Joe was a hard working, intelligent student. In the years since, he has proven to be even more. He is always willing to help out anyone who asks. Through the years, Joe has assisted me with my yearbook and newspaper classes. He has provided pictures, technical support (on multiple computer programs), gathering information, and just about any other miscellaneous work needed. He has never turned down an assignment and has always done his best.” Gary McGuire, history and law teacher stated, “Joe is a mature young man and a very good student. He is a responsible individual with outstanding character and high goals for the future.” “Serving my community has been a lifestyle that I am both proud of and gratified by. I have delivered Meals on Wheels since I was able to drive. I have mentored and coached young golfers on the course through summer volunteer programs. And I was the Youth Voter Registration Captain for the 2008 Election and registered more than fifty new voters at the New Boston Applefest. I am proud of my community and feel like I am privileged to be an integral part of its future,” said Steven Darling in his essay. Chelsea Stoner offered this essay on her community service. “I have been involved in many different community services. Some include working the Fire Safety House during Applefest. I have also helped out at the police station working with children teaching them many different things, including safety around their homes and cars. In addition, I have worked packing the lunches for Meals on Wheels.” “Through times of struggle and times of grief, I turned to volunteering to turn my life around. I have volunteered most of my life and I would have to say that a major part of my time is dedicated to volunteering at numerous places. When I think of life, I think of trying to do well and making something better. A dream of mine is to leave this world a better place than when I was in it. Through volunteering I try to achieve my goal and I feel that if I improved one person’s life then I have succeeded. My legacy is then one step closer to becoming true.”Katie is described as “an irreplaceable and an amazing young woman,” by Megan O’Brien, HHS English teacher. She continued, “I have known Katie for the past four years as her teacher, mentor and adviser. During those four years I have witnessed the growth and incredible maturity of a student who goes above and beyond with everything she does. She has always stood out among her peers because of her warm heart, extra-intelligent mind, and sincere demeanor. She has always put others first.” Karli Kowalski, HHS English teacher also wrote, “One of the things that impresses me the most about Katie is not only her involvement with so many activities and groups, but the genuine effort she puts forth within these groups. She is never just a member of a group; she takes on all of the roles within a group and carries out these roles with near perfection, coming up with new ideas and offers ways to implement them, and helps identify issues and ways to solve them.” Finally three special awards of $500 each were handed out students who “are great examples of the type of young adults that we will need in our future,” Mr. Lilly stated before awarding Goodfellow Scholarships to Courtney Rhodes and her twin sister Kimberly – both have EMU as their first choice for college, and a Service Above Self Award to Katie Foss (pictured above) for the leadership she has demonstrated at Huron and in the community. She has been an active participant in our Goodfellows program and is the media. Courtney wrote in her essay “she loves everything about helping other people. I love the feeling you get when you know that you have done something good to help someone out.” And Kim wrote, “Being a leader is not just a social status, it’s a role and a job. To be a leader people have to be willing to go against the crowd, to stand up for what is right.” And the members of Huron’s Class of 2009 are honored with these scholarships, and their names will be engraved on brass plates on the plaques in the Huron Township Rotary display case hanging outside the gym in the high school. Congratulations to each of you, and to your families who have been very instrumental in leading you in this positive direction.
Joining to Serve
The basis for a great club is its members, and it has been the goal of the Huron Township Rotary to increase our membership by at least six members this year. At present we have welcomed five with three more considering joining. At the induction on March 17th for the two most recent members, Ed Vogel and Ron Ashcroft, President Greg Graham reminded the membership as to how special all our members are. We have made a noble choice to come to a group where our talents and services are special. Each member is an individual who has unique abilities to help those in our community, and have learned the motto Service Above Self. Several weeks earlier Jane Sautner joined. Jane has a long history of personal commitment and service to others in the community, and she brings these talents to our club. The membership of the HT Rotary is now twenty-six strong. We are a co-ed club and also include college students. Our membership such a small fraction of those men and women in the township who are eligible to join, and with so few we make such a major difference in the lives of all who are in need. As we recognize students with scholarships, community athletics, reading programs in the elementary schools, and our annual Goodfellows program all year long, and especially during the holidays, we are brought together with one common cause. A recent project is the construction and installation of a handicap ramp at a home in Huron Township. The work was a combined project of Rotarians and the wood shop instructor and two students from Huron High School. We welcome anyone to attend three of our dinner meetings as our guest, allowing them the opportunity to find out what we are all about. Our meetings are held at the Willow United Methodist Church, 36925 Willow Road, New Boston, on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. For additional information, contact 734-753-9184.
2009 Rotary Scholarship Application
Huron Township Rotary is pleased to announce their annual scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are limited to seniors who will be graduating from Huron High in June 2009. The deadline for completion was Monday, April 6. The Rotary committee will review and then those that are best qualified for consideration, will be given an invitation to a dinner / interview evening, scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 6:30. The dinner will be held at the Willow United Methodist Church, on Willow Road. The invited applicant must be in attendance for consideration. The scholarships will be awarded at the Huron’s Awards & Recognitions Evening, on Wednesday, May 20. A reminder, the application needs to be completely filled in and an essay describing and supporting your college plans and your community involvement should accompany it.
Annual Goodfellows Drive
It can’t be said that the Huron Township sits back and watches. Under the guidance of Rotary wives Linda Burke and Helena Lilly, the club successfully launched and led the annual Goodfellows drive following the theme “No Child Without A Christmas.” The initiative continued with the sale of the Goodfellow papers on the Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday. An overwhelming response in giving provided a basis for the gifts that over 162 families, with 323 children, received this year. In addition, the personal donations from others helped this cause. The Huron School District stepped right up to the cause. Brown Elementary offered a mitten and hat tree, Miller Elementary sent just under 3000 cans of food, Renton Junior High sold items in their special pre-Christmas sale that the students had created and donated an overwhelming amount of money. The high school students joined in with the Toys for Tots initiative. But the district did not stop there: the Huron Service Employees, Teamsters 214 solicited their members for support and they began on the day of the Goodfellow paper sale by driving from corner to corner in the mini bus and giving the corner workers a chance to warm up! The mini bus carried the cans from Miller to the high school when the sorting and packing began too. There are so many people to thank for their efforts and the 173 volunteers on Sunday alone (over the two days of sorting, there were 220 volunteers), ranging from both boy and girl scout troops, Outdoor Challenge, public and fire safety, members of the Honor Society at the high school and the Junior Honor Society at Renton, the Superintendent of Schools, team members from the custodial and maintenance crews, and the donations from Garden City Hospital employees, Apple Charlie’s Orchards, and many more who just heard about the effort and stopped by to give of their time. But the effort does not stop here. The Huron Township Rotary represents the Goodfellows all year round. And their collection for the following year began in the post-Christmas sales and will stretch through the coming months. For more information, contact Linda Burke at 734 / 753-9184, or Helena Lilly, 734 / 753-4320. Our Goodfellow paper sale for 2009 will be on Saturday, November 28, from 8 AM till 2 PM.
Huron Township Rotary Celebrates the Year
With the Applefest behind, the 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle awarded, the membership gathered at the Pinnacle Race Course in Huron Township for their annual awards dinner. Following the dinner, it was a night of awarding five Paul Harris Awards, as well as welcoming in two new members. Those awarded the Paul Harris included Mike Feldt, Kathy Cerni, Rev. Mark Zender, and Al Riopelle. Welcomed into membership, Albion College student Cody Bailey, and township planning commission member Gary Conley.
Applefest 2008 is a Success
Huron Township’s Applefest proves to be the best opportunity for our Rotary to bring the bike home! The culmination of this year’s 16,454 tickets sold for the 2008 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycle came at 6 PM on the closing Sunday of the annual event. The public drawing for the three levels of awards pulls large numbers of anxious ticket holders every year. This year, along with selling tickets, there were balloons for the children, a float in the Saturday parade, and additional fund-raising for the high school Interact club. First place winner Chuck Owens from Taylor Michigan, purchased his ticket at the Applefest the day prior to the drawing. The second place winner of $2000, Carrie Houghton, purchased her ticket at the Clinton Fall Fest. Al Lindsey from Flat Rock also purchased his chance at the bike at the Applefest, which netted him $1000. Tickets are already on sale for the 2009 model of the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic and trailer. The drawing will be Sunday, 6 PM, October 4, 2009.
The 2008 Winners Are...
Congratulations to Chuck Owens from Taylor, MI. Chuck won the 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and trailer with his winning ticket # 09981. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who supported us this year. We will be continuing our raffle next year with a new 2009 Harley and trailer so look for us. Carrie Houghton from Clinton won $2,000.00 with her second place ticket # 18793. Pictured is Carrie, her husband Mike and Vice President Bill Wiley. Al Lindsay won third place price of $1,000.00 with his ticket # 14064.
Sara Nietupski's Rotary Four Way Test Essay
Sara recieved a cash prize of $250.00 for her outstanding runner-up essay for the Rotary Four Way Test Essay Contest. Rotary congratulates Sara on a wonderful job. If you like to read her essay click here.
Landing the Black Hawk
The Huron Township Rotary was proud to host a visit for the student of Renton Jr. High by a Black Hawk helicopter from the Army National Guard. In appreciation for their raising more than $2300 for our Goodfellows effort, the students were invited out to the athletic field as the Black Hawk landed. Close, hands-up opportunities, along with questions and answers were highlights of the visit. The students raised the money by selling specialty items through their school store, just prior to Christmas. One of the high school math teachers is currently on military leave and was instrumental in making the arrangements for the visit. On a previous visit, she flew the helicopter to the campus for her former high school students. The Rotary was proud to host the visit, and we are very proud of the kids at Renton who so willingly gave to the Goodfellows cause. In addition to the donation of money, the students also provided a large amount of can goods to be placed in the baskets of the needy families within the township. See the photos...
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