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2024-25 Presidential Project

Rotarian Cassie spread wood chips to support this year's presidential project, while Matt, Jeff and Waylon built beds. Each year the club president has the opportunity to choose their presidential project, and this year President Jim chose to restore and reopen the Clarkston Community Garden. The Garden has a long history in the area and was active until 2020, renting plots to community members who wanted to grow produce. As part of the rental agreement gardeners would donate time to take care of plots that grew produce for personal consumption and for donations to local food banks. Covid forced the garden to close, causing it to fall into a stare of disrepair. Since is was abandoned, nature has run its course and the garden quickly turned into a meadow. The goal now is to restore the plots, purchase and erect a new deer fence, replace gardening tools and equipment and purchase wood to restore the gardening beds. On a recent weekend, club members and community members met to begin work.

A Visit From Our Governor

On Monday, January 13, we enjoyed a visit with our District Governor, Sharna. She shared some of her goals and reminded us that "We exist to serve." She described some of her goals regarding membership and marketing, and informed us that there is a marketing team available to help us improve our website or advertise what we do. Who do we want in our club? How can we connect with them? It was a great evening and wonderful to be back with our Rotary family after a long winter break.

Volunteers Needed

We still need volunteers to help make our Annual Newspaper Sale a success. Our sale helps support our many charitable activities like Shoes for Kids and The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, scholarships and improvements at The Family Farm. We're looking for volunteers to help with "selling" newspapers at various locations on December 7, 8, 13, and 14. Please sign up at

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945AEAB23A2FD0-53325044-2024

Holiday Celebration 2024

The Rotary club of Clarkston saw in the holiday season with a celebration at the new Pontiac Transportation Museum. The celebration included members of the Rotary Clubs of Pontiac, Waterford, Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield. We were treated to a tour by the amazing volunteer crew at the venue. (If you haven't been there, I recommend you put it on your calendar.) We collected nearly $1000 in gift cards and cash donations for the Lighthouse Holiday Shop. Having fun while doing good in the world.

A Message from the President

Message from the President: Making a Difference, Together

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As President of the Rotary Club of Clarkston, it’s my honor to share this message of gratitude and hope with our community. Each year, our Rotary newspaper fundraiser is a testament to the compassion and generosity of the people of Clarkston, Independence and surrounding communities. This year is no exception. Together, we come forward to lend a helping hand and to show that even the smallest acts of kindness can bring joy. It is because of you that we are able to carry out our mission of service to those that need it most.

Our mission as Rotarians is simple but powerful: “Service Above Self.” Through our projects, we strive to make a difference in Clarkston and beyond, supporting families, empowering youth, and fostering a spirit of unity. The funds raised by our paper sale allow us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. From providing scholarships and supporting local charities to ensuring a happier holiday season for struggling families, your donations directly transform lives.

I have named the Clarkston Community Garden restoration as the 2024-2025 Presidential Project. As such, the Rotary Club of Clarkston has made financial and volunteer commitments toward restoring this once thriving community asset.

But this work cannot be done alone. We rely on each of you—our friends, neighbors, and community partners—to join us. When you support our paper drive, you’re contributing to a legacy of giving that keeps Clarkston strong and resilient. Every dollar you give stays right here, helping the children, families, and seniors who need it most.

This year, as we gather for the fundraiser, I encourage you to join us in whatever way you can. Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, you’re making a meaningful impact. Together, we can make sure that the holiday season is brighter for all and that the spirit of goodwill and generosity thrives here in Clarkston.

On behalf of the Rotary Club of Clarkston, thank you for your support, your kindness, and your commitment to service. Let’s continue to make a difference, together.

Warm regards,
Jim Tedder
President, Rotary Club of Clarkston