Club Executives & Directors
President
Ted Dittmer
President Elect
Chase Villeret
Treasurer
Larry Burch
Secretary
Marty Audiffred
Board of Directors - Speaker Coordinator
Glenn St John
Board of Directors - Vocational Service
Amy Bouton
Rotary Foundation
Larry Burch
Board of Directors -- Outreach
Leigh Harrison
Board of Directors - Club Service
Courtney Gulledge
Board of Directors -Mental Health
Jeanne Schramm
Immediate Past President
Laurie Pennison
Board of Directors - Membership
Chase Villeret
Board of Directors - Public Relations
Renee Seruntine
Sergeant-at-Arms
Kennon Singley
October 2024
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Northlake-Mandeville

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Thursdays at 11:45 AM
Beau Chene Country Club
602 N. Beau Chene Dr.
Mandeville, LA 70471
United States of America
Phone:
(504) 884-1748
Email:
chase@villeretlaw.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 246 Mandeville, La. 70470
District Site
Venue Map
Home Page Stories
Rotary Donates Dictionaries to 3rd Graders
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One of Rotary's global objective is to Increase Literacy.  Improving knowledge of word definitions and use improves reading skills.  Each year Northlake Mandeville Rotary presents a dictionary to each third grader in Mandeville and Madisonville elementary schools.  Under the leadership of Dictionary Project Chair Matt Greene (shown on right in first picture) Rotarians go into each 3rd grade class and teach the children how to use their dictionary.  Teachers then incorporate the dictionaries in their lesson plans.  One of the Rotary dictionaries was given to La. State Superintendent Cade Brumley when he was recently the speaker at a regular Thursday meeting.  Pictured above in addition to Matt Greene are Bob Mathews, Tom Quinn, and Courtney Gulledge
Rotarians Support STOPS Walk/Run
On Saturday, Sept 28, 2024, members supported the STOPS 5k Walk/Run held in Abita Springs.  After a Strategic Community Needs Assessment, one of Rotary's primary initiatives has been to address and improve mental health in St Tammany Parish.  STOPS is St Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide and is one of the several projects by our club aimed at improving mental health in the Parish.  Project Chair Jeanne Schramm created a team of Rotarians to help raise money for STOPS.  The team including Jeanne Schramm, Kathy Smith, Bob Matthews, Marty Audiffredd and others, walked/ran and enjoyed the festivities.  The Northlake Mandeville Rotary club also provides an additional four figure donation annually to STOPS.
La. Superintendent of Education Briefs Rotarians
At a regular meeting on October 3, 2024, La. Superintendent of Education, Cade Brumley, briefed club members on the progress that Louisiana schools have made since the Pandemic and outlined a series of future initiatives.  According to one study, Louisiana improved from 46th in the nation to 40th.  Much of the progress was in reading and literacy.  Mr. Brumley plans to improve pre-school readiness and continue progress in elementary school by returning the use of phonics in teaching.  He also is implementing similar back-to-the-basics plans to improve Math readiness.  In high schools he is leading efforts to provide a better vocational education path for those students who do not want to attend college after graduation.  During his talk, he outlined several other initiatives to improve various facets affecting the overall student experience.  Superintendent Brumley also emphasized the importance of community groups like Rotary helping to enhance student learning.
Superintendent Brumley is shown above with Past President Marty Audiffred.  Past President Marty thanked Mr. Brumley for his great talk and presented him with the coveted Rotary speaker's mug.  Dictionary Committee Chair Matt Greene also presented Mr. Brumley with a dictionary like those that Rotary presents to all Third grade students in Mandeville and Madisonville.
La. Rep. Kim Carver Updated the Club on the Legislative Session
 
At our regular Thursday meeting on September 19, Kim Carver, member of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing Mandeville and Madisonville, told the club about his careers and his experiences as a new member of the Louisiana House.  He introduced and passed 8 bills and also carried 12 Senate bills in the House successfully for members of the Senate.  He also sponsored and spearheaded the passage of a supplement to the Capital Outlay bill which provides funding for new Police offices in Mandeville and funding for the Maritime Museum in Madisonville.
Rep. Carver is shown above with Past President Laurie Pennison presenting a commendation from the House of Representative to the Northlake Mandeville Rotary club for its 50th Anniversary of service to the Mandeville area. 
Press Release for 50th Anniversary Gala
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Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club Celebrates 50 years with Anniversary Gala

Mandeville – The Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club celebrated 50 years of Service Above Self at their Gold and White Anniversary Gala Friday, September 6, 2024, at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville.

The celebration included reflection by current club President Ted Dittmer, on the history of Rotary, and a personal update and testimony to the impact of Rotary’s scholarship program and mentorship from Afshin Salehi, M.D., M.S., a former Rotary Scholarship recipient (2003), and pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s Nebraska, in Omaha. The evening culminated with guest speaker Norman Robinson, a fellow Rotarian, past president of the New Orleans Rotary Club, and retired long-time news anchor from WDSU.

Robinson spoke to the work that Rotarians do, the Rotary motto — Service Above Self — and said that his time in Rotary was by far the most important work he has ever done. “When I retired from television news, I decided that I would do only positive things, because when I meet St. Peter at the pearly gates, I want him to welcome me in,” Robinson continued. “This work is by far the most important work I have ever done.” Approximately 90 guests attended the celebratory  event. Incoming President-elect Chase Villeret closed the evening’s program with a toast and guests then lingered to enjoy a celebratory cake and dance to the Groovy 7 Trio.

The flagship program of the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club is their scholarship program. Rotary selects four graduating seniors from local high schools for whom the scholarship will have the "greatest impact."  These high school seniors are awarded $12,000 college scholarships at the annual scholarship banquet held in May. The students return every year to update the Rotary about their college careers and accomplishments. To date Northlake Mandeville Rotary has awarded over $500,000 to over 60 local students. 

To learn more about how to become a member of Rotary, visit: Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club .

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Copy of Northlake Mandeville Rotary Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Super Job, Gala Committee!!                                                      Past Presidents Who Attended the Gala!
 
Left: Dr. Afshin Selehi, a past Rotary scholar, now a pediatric neurosurgeon, described his life journey and how Rotary's scholarship positively impacted that journey.
Right: Norman Robinson, retired TV journalist and noted New Orleans public figure, was the keynote speaker.  He gave a history of the Northlake Mandeville Rotary club and the achievements of Rotary International.  He also told how Rotary had impacted his own life in a powerful and positive way.
 
 
Adam Smith is Rotary's Newest Member
On August 23, 2024, the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club welcomed it newest member, Adam Smith who works at Home Bank.  Welcome Adam, we look forward to having you join us in some of our many service projects which benefit our community!  With Adam is Chase Villeret, membership chair.
Mandeville Rotary Raffle Purchasers Win Big!!
Each year our Northlake Mandeville Rotary club sells raffle tickets to the Big Game Raffle sponsored by the Metairie Rotary club.  Our club makes a portion of the ticket price to help fund our service and giving to non-profit organizations in our community.  This year the Big Game Raffle had 42 prizes.  Of those, donors who purchased tickets from our club members won 15 of the prizes!!  Thanks to all who bought Raffle tickets!  You help support our many programs of community service!
Rotarians Host La. Treasurer John Fleming and Scholars
At our regular Thursday meeting we hosted our speaker, Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming and five of our fourteen Rotary scholars.  Treasurer Fleming highlighted his career, including his time as Asst. Chief of Staff for President Donald Trump, and discussed the functions of the office of Treasurer.  It was a very informative talk.
Also attending were five Rotary scholars who updated the club on their summer and their plans for the Fall semester.  Pictured (l-r) are Kylie Michot, Celeste Guidry, Emma Santiago, Treasurer John Fleming, Lauren Lacoste, and Raina Generose.
2024 Big Game Raffle
2024 BIG GAME RAFFLE
 
The Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club of Louisiana is pleased to welcome you to the 2024 BIG GAME Rotary Raffle!! Now in its 16th year, this raffle once again has over 40 incredible prizes!! Buy just one $20 ticket and get over 40 chances to win!!
The BIG GAME Rotary Raffle is where you could win one of over 40 fabulous prizes such as in-demand LSU and Saints tickets (including SEC showdowns), restaurant gift certificates, hotel stays, jewelry, golf outings, a ride in an authentic WWII PT-17 Stearman airplane, and more!
Most importantly, this raffle supports the charities and non-profits that participating Rotary clubs support. The Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club supports the Samaritan Center, the Chahta-Ima Reading Challenge Program, the Dictionary Project, the St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS), Feeding the Needy, the Northshore Court Foundation, Safe Haven, Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly (RYLA), the Northlake Nature Center, the Holiday Trains and Snow Village Project, and more!
In addition, money from the BIG GAME Raffle will allow Rotary Clubs to further support the projects of Rotary International including fighting disease (HIV/AIDS, malaria, polio, etc.), promoting world peace (Rotary Peace Centers and scholarships), creating sustainable sources of clean water in developing countries, supporting education (including reducing gender disparity in education), and growing local economies.
Please support these important causes, buy your tickets, and don’t lose out on your chance to win and help your local and international communities!
The drawing is August 22, 2024 at the 12noon meeting of the Metairie Rotary Club. You do NOT need to be present to win. Winners will be notified within 24 hours.
The cost is $20/ticket.
List of AMAZING prizes included in the link below.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
Rotarians Gather With District Governor for Social
Northlake Mandeville Rotarians met with Samantha Walley, District 6840 District Governor, (Pictured in light Blue) and Rotarians from Bogalusa, Slidell and Covington at a Social on July 18, held at Riverside State Park in Madisonville.  The Social was part of an annual visit into our Lake area by the new District Governor.  The District Governor meets individually with each club in the area to discuss their plans for the new Rotary Year beginning July 1.  The social provided an opportunity for Rotarians from the various clubs to meet and get to know each other.  Ten of those pictured above are members of our club.
 
Rotarians Serve Youth at RYLA
RYLA is a one week program to improve leadership skills and teach the value of service for students going into their senior year of high school.  It is held annually for students from all of the approximately 50 clubs in Rotary District 6840 at the Salman Center, a beautiful facility in rural St Tammany Parish.
Our club served Rotarian Matt Faust's famous Red Beans and Rice to the students on Monday night after their first day.  
New Officers Are Installed for Rotary Year 2024-2025
On June 2, 2024 the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club installed the new officers and Board members for the 2024-2025 Rotary year beginning July 1, 2024.  Cindi Raymond was awarded Rotarian of the Year for the 2023-2024 year by outgoing President Laurie Pennison and Matt Greene, emcee.
Penny Menge, District 6840 Assistant Governor, conducted the installation of the new officers and Board.  Officers shown above are (l-r) Chase Villeret, Vice President; Larry Burch, Treasurer; Laurie Pennison, now Past President; Ted Dittmer, President for 2024-2025; and Penny Menge, Assistant District Governor.
Rotarians Clean Mandeville Lakefront
On June 22, 2024 ten Rotarians, including those shown above cleaned the Mandeville Lakefront.  The scenic waterfront including the walking path, gazebo, two parks and ancient live oaks is 1.5 miles in length.
Rotarians met in the middle.  Half went East and half went went picking up trash.  Once the end of the Lakefront was reached, they returned to the mid-point cleaning the sidewalk and street in front of the homes along the North side of Lakeshore drive.  Rotarians were thanked by the many walkers and runners using the Lakefront.
St Tammany Farmer Features Our 50th Anniversary
The St Tammany Farmer newspaper featured Northlake Mandeville's 50th Anniversary with a front page article.
Click on the link for pictures and aticle:  https://www.nola.com/news/communities/st_tammany/northlake-mandeville-rotary-club-celebrates-the-gold/article_95f12e62-23b5-11ef-866a-9bcc7d66f28a.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share
 
Or you can read the article below:

The Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club monthly luncheon on May 30 — held on the exact date the club installed its first officers in 1974 — celebrated the organization’s 50th anniversary of “service above self” to the community. 

The event at Beau Chene Country Club brought together 17 past presidents that included John Pleune, the group’s first president. Pleune received the prestigious Paul Harris Award, named for Rotary’s founder.

The luncheon included a video highlighting some of the service projects that the club participated in recent years. The group is planning an anniversary gala on Sept. 6 at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville.

“I’m proud to be a part of a group that does so much for the community,” said current public relations officer Renee Seruntine, who has been a member of the organization for a year. “I wanted to volunteer and get involved in the community, and there is no better place to do that than Rotary.”

She said as a veteran and current active member of the Army National Guard, she appreciates the Rotary Club’s dedication to service and the diversity of projects available to members.

The Northlake-Mandeville Rotary club currently supports almost two dozen nonprofit organizations that tackle issues including homelessness, hunger and food insecurity, abuse, autism, foster care, domestic violence, youth programs, literacy, disaster relief, mental health, suicide prevention, and nature and wildlife perseveration. The group also places American flags throughout the community five times throughout the year

Seruntine said she is especially proud of the Rotary Club scholarship program and its contribution to help Mandeville-area high school students. In its 26th year, the scholarship program awarded $51,000 in 2024 to six high school seniors entering college in the fall.

“The scholarship program is a hallmark of our club, and it is still growing from when we started with a single endowment,” said Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club President Laurie Pennison.

She said club members love having the scholarship recipients return for a meeting to report on their college experiences. “It is so encouraging to see all the accomplishments of these young people,” Pennison said.

Pennison said the club has given special focus in recent years to issues relating to mental health including the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Safe Haven, where the club both built a playground and new pavilion, then repaired the pavilion after damage from Hurricane Ida.

Pennison said that members can find an outlet for volunteering whatever their passion. “We truly embody our motto of ‘Service Above Self.’ No matter how you are looking to serve, we can help. Just pick your slot.”

For information about the recent 50th anniversary luncheon or the upcoming gala, mandevillerotary.org

Nothlake Mandeville Rotary Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club was founded founded 50 years ago in 1974.  The club celebrated the 50th Anniversary with a luncheon at the Beau Chene Country Club.  All past presidents of the club were invited to attend the luncheon.  Pictured above are 17 of the past presidents who attended the luncheon.  A 50th Anniversary Gala is planned for September 6.
 
Mandeville Rotary Wins Best Large Club Award
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The Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club is in Rotary District 6840 which is composed of 48 clubs in South Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana.  Each year the clubs are judged on several different categories.  This year our club was voted the best Large Rotary Club out of the 48 clubs.  Congratulations to President Laurie Pennison, the Board of Directors, and all members of the club.  It was a tremendous joint effort of "Service above Self!!!"
Rotarians Remember Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
Each year Northlake Mandeville Rotarians place over 250 flags to celebrate our country's five flag holidays, including Memorial Day when we remember those whose made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Businesses and homeowners donate $75 per flag per year to the club and club members place the flags for the five flag holidays.  Shown in pictures above are a team composed of Tom Quinn, Doug Place, and Matt Greene placing the flag in front of Bob Matthew's home.  The last picture shows the flags sponsored by the Beau Chene Country Club.
Rotarians Award $51,000 in Scholarships for 2024
Each year the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club selects students in the Mandeville area who excel in academics, community service, school activities and leadership, and financial need.  The picture on the left shows the 2024 scholarship winners - (l to r) Morgan Evans, Abby Barletter, Everette Dodds, Kara Henry, Sophia Coglaiti, and Madeline Griffiths.  The picture on the right shows the 2024 winners and also past winners who are currently enrolled: Natalie Lovell, Celeste Guidry, Raina Generose, Andrew Beshenich, Sita Baham, and Trevor Fortier.  Not pictured are Emma Santigo, Isabella Koerth, Emma Lockwood, and Kylie Michot.
These are all outstanding individuals.  They are our future leaders.  We are extremely proud of them all and look forward to their reports at a regular Rotary meeting before each semester.
Rotarians Help Improve Reading Skills
Rotarians conduct a Reading Challenge for elementary students at Catta Ima Elementary school.  Shown are Rotarians Ben Motion, program chair, and Lee and Marty Audiffred awarding prizes at the end of the school year.  The prizes encourage the students to read.  The program has significantly improved the reading scores at this Title 9 school.
Rotary Participates in Citywide Cleanup Day
On Saturday, April 28, Rotarians participated in the City of Mandeville's City Wide Clean-up.  Each Group was assigned to a specific area of the city.  Rotarians cleaned up along the Mandeville lakefront in the area we are responsible for in the "Keep Mandeville Beautiful" program.  As part of the "Keep Mandeville Beautiful" program, Rotarians clean the lakefront once every one or two months.  Many of the citizens using the park thank us for picking up the liter.
Rotarians Added Mulch and Bumpers at Rotary Playground
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Rotarians unloaded two more bags of rubber mulch and installed black rubber bumpers around the Rotary Playground at Safehaven, the 300 acre campus housing multiple agencies addressing the needs of those who have mental illness.  Two of the members helped cleanup the Mandeville Lakefront and then came and helped at this project at Safehaven.  They are Rene Seruntine and Jeanne Schramm, truly emulating our Rotary Motto of "Service Above Self!!"  Others pictured are Jay Capouch, Doug Place, and Larry Burch.
Rotarians Cleanup Mandeville Lakefront
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Rotarians conducted one of two service projects, this one at the Mandeville Lakefront.  Rotarians picked up trash along the entire 3.4 mile lakefront park.  We have adopted the lakefront and have cleaned it approximately every 2 months for the past 3-4 years.
Rotarians Continue Work on Rotary Playground
On Saturday, January 20, Rotarians met to spread rubber mulch under the swing set that they erected in December as part of the Rotary Playground at Safehaven.  The mulch comes in large totes shown above and must be spread to a level of 5 inches beneath and around the swing set and the other playground elements shown in the background.  The playground is being used by children from Family Promise and from the Public School programs located across the street from the Playground.
Rotarians Attend Mid-Winter Conference
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Rotarians attended the annual mid-year District Check Up luncheon on Jan 13 in Bay St. Louis, and engaged in innovative Rotary discussions, connected with fellow leaders and shared club outreach projects and fund raising ideas.
Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club was recognized for its financial support of the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign ⭐ and member Marty Audiffred (Shown in the middle) reported on club updates & outreach opportunities. #ServiceAboveSelf
Here's to a year filled with compassion, service and Rotary blessings!
Rotarians Celebrate Christmas
At our regular meeting on December 21, 2023, members and their guests celebrated Christmas with a Christmas luncheon.  In addition, three of our scholarship winners, Raina Generose, Trevor Fortier, and Celeste Guidry, briefed us on their past semester at college and thanked the club for our support. Allie Grace Greene, daughter of Rotarian Matt Greene, "graced" us by beautifully singing several traditional Christmas songs.  A jovial time was had by all.
 
Rotarians Erect Swing Set at Safehaven
Pictures below also show a swing set erected today by Larry Burch, Jay Capouch, Tom Quinn, and Doug Place.  The swing set is part of a playground being built over several yeears by Northlake Mandeville Rotarians at Safehaven.  Most of the playground which has already been installed is being used by students who attend school at Safehaven, and by children of parents who are being serviced at Safehaven.  Additional work will be performed by Rotarians beginning in the new year.
Rotarians Learn About St Tammany Health Systems
At the regular Thursday club meeting on November 30, 2023, Joan Coffman, CEO of St Tammany Health Systems was our speaker.  Joan described the vision and mission of the St Tammany Health System and its various departments and partnerships.  St Tammany Health Systems is the second largest employer in the parish, employing 2900 people.  Joan also talked about 3 future projects, all of which are under construction - the Ambulatory Surgical Center, a Women's and Children's Center, and a Training program for Residents.  Thank you, Joan, for a very informative and interesting program!
Rotarians Learn About Northshore Robotics
At a regular meeting held on November 16, club members heard from David Shapiro, Board President of NorthShore Robotics.  Northshore Robotics is a STEAM organization for students from the age of 5-17 who learn by programming, designing, and applying the engineering process to building robots.  Students participate on competitive robotics teams, in after school programs, summer camps and community partnerships.  Pictured above is David Shapiro with an undersea robot build by students.
Rotarians Help Improve Learning By 3rd Graders
Rotarians distributed dictionaries to all of the 1300 third graders in St Tammany Parish during the month of October.  A Rotarian visited each classroom, distributed the dictionaries to each individual, described the Rotary organization, had them read the Four Way Test of Rotary which is included inside the cover, and had them then look up the word "Beneficial" or the word "Service".  To have some fun, the third graders looked up to longest word in the English language and other fun words.  Many of the third grade teachers incorporate the dictionaries in their lessons.  Pictured above with a class is Dictionary Project Chair Matt Greene.
Rotarians Support Vocational Education
     
The Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club has a major focus on Youth and also on Vocational Education.  Because of these two focus areas, we support the Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) in a variety of ways.  On October 28, 2023, we had a booth and participated at NTCC's Gator Tail 5K fundraiser.  Rotarians and members of the NTCC Rotoract club (a club for college students sponsored by Rotary) had a great time and helped raise money for scholarships at NTCC.
Rotarians Honor First Responders
On October 26, 2023, members of the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club honored First Responders of the Year and showed their support for local Fire and Law Enforcement organizations.  The club felt that this annual event honoring our local heroes was particularly important this year to considering some sentiment across this nation.  In addition to club members, Parish President Mike Cooper, Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden, State Police Capt. Hiram Mason and Sheriff Randy Smith honored the recipients.
Shown above (l-r) are:  Fire Operator Christopher Lunn, Fire District #4; Trooper Andrew Hern, Louisiana State Police; Officer Paul Quatrevingt, Madisonville Police Dept; Deputy Michael Helbach, St Tammany Sheriff Dept.; Fire Operator Chris Hoglind, Fire District #2; Lieutenant Jim Lord, Mandeville Police Dept.  Not shown is Fire Operator Justin Stiehl, Fire District #3.
Rotarians Discuss Border Protection Problems
 
At the regular meeting of the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club on October 19, 2023, club members heard from Jason Schneider of the Border Patrol.  Jason is one of the leaders of the 20 geographic sectors in the U.S.  He is responsible for 7 States.  Jason told us that the Cartels are a main force in the 2 million plus per year border incursions.  The cost paid to the Cartel can run from $5,000 to $60,000 per person depending on the country of origin.  Cartel members are now flying people to Canada and helping them cross the borders of Vermont and New York.
Pictured above are Jason and Marty Audiffred, Past President.
Great Regular Meeting on October 12
At the regular Thursday meeting of the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club on October 12, 2023, the club installed new member Courtney Gulledge.  Courtney is shown receiving her official Rotary work shirt which is worn when performing service projects.  Shown with Courtney is Club President Laurie Pennison and Courney's sponsor, Club Member Matt Greene.  Welcome to the club, Courtney!!!
The speaker for the program was Angelique Richardson, CEO of Anvoy, who gave the club a primer on Hospice.  Angelique is shown with Club President  Laurie Pennison.
Rotarians Help Improve Reading Skills
Rotarians met with elementary students at Chata Ima Elementary School to reward students for their reading after the first quarter.  Rotarians read to the students weekly and award prizes to those who fulfill reading requirements on their own.  Since the reading program began several years ago, reading scores have improved significantly!  Pictured above are Rotarians Bob Mathews, Marty Audiffred, and Ben Motion, Reading Program Chair.  Notice the Rotary Sign on the playground in the rear of the photo.  This playground was donated by the Northlake Mandeville Rotary club after Hurricane Katrina.
Bob Mathews Recognized as Paul Harris Fellow
Bob Mathews, Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club member and Board Director, was recognized by President Laurie Pennison as a Paul Harris Fellow at a regular Club meeting on October 5, 2023.  Paul Harris Fellows are individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.  The Rotary Foundation works to eliminate the poliovirus worldwide, funds global and local grants for humanitarian projects, scholarships and vocational training teams, provides grants for Disaster response, and supports the training of peace fellows at Rotary Peace Centers.  Bob has received multiple Paul Harris awards.
Northlake Mandeville Rotary Inducts 3 New Members
At our regular meeting on Thursday, October 5, 2023, the Northlake Mandeville Rotary club inducted three new members.  Shown above are new member Karl Koppy; Laurie Pennison, Club President; new member Peggy Menge; new member Mark Hudson; and New Member Orientation chair Debbie Stewart.  All three of the new members are long time Rotarians who have moved to the Northshore from New Orleans.  We are so pleased to welcome these committed Rotarians to our club!!
Club orientation for these three new members and several other new members will be held on October 25 at 5:00pm at Kona Coffee in Mandeville.  A social for all members welcoming the new members will be held at the adjoining Beach Club Restaurant at 6:00pm.
Rotarians Support Needy Community College Students
Two of the twelve areas of Rotary worldwide focus are Youth Service and Vocational Service.  Northlake Mandeville Rotary's support of the Northshore Technical Community College addresses both of these focus areas.  During discussions with NTCC leadership on how our club could help advance NTTC, our members found that many of the students at NTCC are from low-income or single parent families.  To help these students, the school has opened a Food Pantry which is constantly in need of food.  To help stock the Food Pantry, club members collected food items and delivered the food to the Pantry.
Shown above are four members of the NTCC Rotaract club, Dean Oren Smith, Dean of Students at the Main NTCC campus in Lacombe, and Rotarians Bob Mathews, Jeanne Schramm, and Marty Audiffred.
Rotarians Support Suicide Prevention
A major area of emphasis for the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club is in the area of Mental Health.  St. Tammany Parish has one of the highest suicide rates in the state and is approximately 18% above the state average.  One of our club projects is the support of STOPS (St Tammany Outreach for Prevention of Suicide).  Our club annually makes a donation to STOPS and also helps raise money for them through their One Step at a Time 5K/1 Mile Run/Walk, which was held this year on September 30 at the Abita Springs Trailhead.   Shown supporting the event are Rotarians Jeanne Schramm, Tom Quinn, Kathy Smith, Bob Mathews, and Marty Audiffred.
Mayor Clay Madden Awarded Paul Harris Fellowship
The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the highest honors Rotary can bestow upon a person. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals, in recognition of their outstanding service to their community, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary in placing “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” This honor accompanies a donation of $1,000 or more, in the recipient’s name, to Rotary International’s “Annual Program Fund,” which supports Rotary’s world-wide humanitarian grants, its polio eradication program, and its educational programs.
The Northlake Mandeville Rotary club honored Mayor Clay Madden for his outstanding service to Mandeville.  In addition, he has assisted the Rotary Club with its American Flag Program, its Christmas snow village, and its Keep Mandeville Beautiful program on the Mandeville lakefront.
Presenting the coveted Paul Harris Fellowship Award to Mayor Madden are Marty Audiffred, Past President and Glenn St. John, President-Elect.
Club Inducts New Member - Renee Seruntine
On August 24, 2023, the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club was excited to induct a new member, Renee Seruntine.  Renee is the Public Affairs Communication Specialist for the Louisiana National Guard.  Welcome Rene - we are so glad to have you.  Pictured above are Tom Quinn, membership chair; Renee; and Marty Audiffred, Past President.
Club Receives Rotary Citation for FY2022-2023
At the beginning of each Rotary year, each local Rotary club defines 15-18 goals to achieve over the coming year.  If a club meets 15 of their goals, the club receives a Rotary Citation.  Shown above is Tom Quinn, District Official, presenting the Rotary Citation to Marty Audiffred for the Club's performance during the 2022-2023 Rotary Year.  Marty was club president during the year and Laurie Pennison (pictured on right) was the President-Elect.  Both were the leaders who were instrumental in the club meeting 15 of the goals for the year, thus qualifying for the Citation.
One of the primary annual goals of each Rotary club is to perform community service.  During the year, 34 Northlake Mandeville Rotary club members performed over 2,000 hours of community service on a variety of service projects, meeting one of the 15 goals.
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Rotary Leadership Students Report on Their Week

Each year the Northlake Mandeville club sends Rising Seniors to a leadership camp hosted by Rotary District 6840 which is comprised of Rotary clubs in South Mississippi and Eastern/Southern Louisiana.  About 65 campers from the District attend.  This year our club sent 7 students.  During the five day camp, students hear nationally known speakers, and work and compete in small groups.  The first third of the camp focuses on getting to know the individual, since an individual can lead best when they know their own strengths and weaknesses and have self confidence.  The second third focuses on how to best lead groups.  The last third centers on "Service above Self" (the Rotary Motto), showing that service to others provides a path to true joy and happiness.  Each of the students described the Leadership camp as a "Life Changing Experience."
Pictured above are 6 of our 7 students this year.  From the left:
Noah Bannan, Josh Blake, Ian Arnold, Luciana Notaroberto, Abby Barletter, Georgia Ellerman, RYLA District Chair Mike Sigler, and Debbie Stuart, Northlake Mandeville RYLA Chair.
Rotarians Welcome Two of the 2023-2024 Scholars
 
At the regular weekly meeting held on August 4, 2023, the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club welcomed two of the 10 students who have received scholarships for the 2023-2024.  Pictured are Isabella Kerth, a senior at LSU, Raina Generose, a freshman at Southeastern Louisiana, along with Doug Place, Scholarship Committee Co-Chair.  Students compete for and are awarded a $12,000 scholarship.  The winners receive $1,500 at the beginning of eight semesters.  During the meeting, they report to the club on what they have been doing during the previous semester and then receive their check for the upcoming semester.  All are outstanding students.  We are so proud of each of them.
Rotary District 6840 Recognized Tom Quinn
At it's final meeting of the Rotary year 2022-2023 District Governor Regina Wedig recognized Tom Quinn for his work as Territory Assisstant Governor and his work for the District during the past year.  Thanks, Tom, for all of your effort. You made a difference in the District.  Marty Audiffred is pictured with Regina making the award.
 
Rotary Recognizes "Rotarian of the Year"
At its final meeting of the Rotary Year for 2022-2023, the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club and Marty Audiffred, Club President, recognized Matt Greene as the Rotarian of the Year for his work on a number of Rotary projects dealing with the youth of St. Tammany.  Congratulations to Matt and Rotary thanks you for the huge effort you put in on the such projects as the Distribution of Dictionaries to all third graders in the Parish, assisting with the Chata Ima Reading Project, serving as the Emcee for the Scholars Banquet, and more!
 
Rotary Recognizes "New Rotarian of the Year"
At the last meeting of the Rotary Year 2022-2023 on June 29, 2023, President Marty Audiffred recognized Chase Villeret for his active participation in his first year in the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club.  Congratulations Chase and thank you for all of your contributions to Rotary throughout 2022-2023!  Also shown is Tom Quinn, member of the Recognition Committee.
 
Photo Albums
Rotary Links
 
President

Ted Dittmer

member photo
Welcome to our club webpage!  Northlake-Mandeville Rotary has a long and illustrious history of service in our community and we want to share it you.