Minutes of August 4, 2022 Meeting by Ted DeVantier
Photos by Ellen Lysik
OPENING ACTIVITIES
Welcome to Rotary!
Today’s meeting was held at the Macomb YMCA under the roof of the new collaboration area.
President Scott called the meeting to order. Ellen Lysik led us in the Pledge and national anthem. Amanda Oparka led “The Four-Way Test,” and Bob Lee gave the invocation.
For lunch we enjoyed a box lunch with choice of turkey or ham sandwich, with chips, snacks and a juicy orange.
Scott welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. It was a rainy day, and we were glad to be under the new roof. Today’s meeting was planned to showcase the new collaboration area which was funded by our Mount Clemens club foundation with additional support from District 6380 and the Macomb County Rotary Foundation. Scott introduced our hosts, Tricia Hamzik, Executive Director of the Macomb YMCA. Tricia also oversees the Royal Oak Y. Also representing the YMCA; Susan Jarzeboski and Kerry Jantz, a Kiwanian and currently the board president, and club member MaKaya Gardner.
Alissa Keurig was a guest; it’s her second meeting on her path of becoming a club member.
No flowers today or recognition.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
* * * Kathleen Best is planning a calendar of social events to get us out together more often. First up will be a happy hour event, August 31. More news to come.
* * * The annual Dick Pierson golf outing is September 15. There will be no Rotary meeting that week. The event will be at Gowanie, with lunch, golf and dinner for $100.
* * * Ellen Lysik promoted the upcoming fundraiser, the Sock Hop at Zuccaro’s September 30. She is putting together baskets and implored everyone to bring an item to the next meeting. Needed are bottles of wine and liquor, lottery tickets, and gift cards.
Mount Clemens Rotarian MaKaya Gardner led the program today. She serves as Director of Member Experience at the Mount Clemens location. MaKaya talked about the great value and use they will get from the new collaboration area.
MaKaya highlighted several of their programs including summer camps, swimming lessons, programs for seniors and many others. They receive funding from HCMA to offer swim lessons to ages 13-15 with no charge. They have awarded over $20,000 in camper scholarships so that programs can be available regardless of ability to pay.
The YMCA organization is celebrating 170 years in metro Detroit. MaKaya said the original Detroit facility was located where Comerica Park currently stands. The Macomb Y is also having a golf outing. It’s a couple weeks after ours and will also be at Gowanie.
President Scott then called up the YMCA staff and presented a plaque dedicating the new collaboration area. The plaque noted the contribution of our club foundation, District 6380 and the Macomb Rotary Foundation, as well as those who donated materials and provided the hands on work to erect the shelter.
MaKaya then led us on a tour. The building has undergone several phases of layout changes in order to get the best use out of the space. A former handball court is used for yoga classes and another is a karate/judo dojo area. A family bathroom is now available and a supervised drop off area for kids while parents use the facilities.
Thanks for the program; we are blessed to have such a great facility in Mount Clemens.
Welcome to Rotary! 
PROGRAM
