Club Executives & Directors
President
Chase Villeret
President Elect
Kennon Singley
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
Nancy Kelly
Board of Directors
Adam Smith
Immediate Past President
Ted Dittmer
Board of Directors
Laurie Pennison
Board of Directors - Membership
Kennon Singley
Board of Directors - Public Relations
Renee Seruntine

December 2025

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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:
(601) 248-9246
Email:
kennonsingley@gmail.com
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 246 Mandeville, La. 70470
District Site
Venue Map
Home Page Stories
The Rotary Record - November, 2025

The "Rotary Record"

[November, 2025]

A Look Back: What We Accomplished Last Month

This past month has been full of service, fellowship, and progress! Here are some highlights of what our club has achieved together:

  • The Veterans Day Golf Tournament -- November 10, 2025.  It was a cold day, but we had a great time.  It was wonderful to have so many Veterans out to play with us for this tournament.  We are still waiting on some of the final bills so we can have a bottom line number on this fundraiser, but thanks to all who participated in some form or fashion.

  • New members -- Kennon is still keeping the membership moving as we have more members joining us each month.  Please make sure to welcome our new members and get to know them.

  • LakeFront Cleanup --  We cleaned up the lakefront on Nov 15, 2025.  Special Thanks to all who attended.  

Your dedication and teamwork continue to show what “Service Above Self” truly means.

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming Up

Mark your calendars! Here’s what’s next for our club:

  • Service Hours -- Yes, we do keep track of the service hours we perform thank to Courtney Gulledge.  As you heard her mention at the end of the meeting, keep track of and send your hours to Courtney.

  • Food Drive --  In light of the Holidays approaching, If you have non perishable food items, you are welcome to bring them to Courtney's office or Chase's office.  Or you can bring them with you to a meeting.

  • Feed the needy (Covington Rotary Club) -- Every year, our neighbors to the North of us run a wonderful program.  As we receive more information on volunteer sign up, I will provide the same.

  • Christmas Party -- Our Christmas party will be at Tom Quinn's house on December 11, 2025. Please RSVP.

  • SafeHaven -- Our team has ordered more equipment and materials to continue work at SafeHaven.  We do not have a delivery date yet, but be on the lookout for workdays in the future.

  • 26th Annual Holiday of Lights - December 5, 6, 12 & 13.  Volunteers are needed.  Courtney created a link for us which can be accessed here to sign up.

  • Christmas Caroling at Heritage Manor on Tuesday, December 2nd and Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30 p.m.

President's Member Spotlight

This month I am recognizing Courtney Gulledge.  Courtney is a board member who has stepped up in many ways for our Club, including but not limited to, setting up the signups for volunteering, showing up for the Dictionary Project in October, and most recently, collecting Food items for our food drive - on short notice at that :)  Thanks for your hard work, Courtney.

Closing Note

Teamwork makes the dream work!  I can believe 5 months of this Rotary year as already gone by.  We have accomplished so much in a short period of time including 3 fundraisers and about 10 different service projects.  This is not possible without our membership and the work we do TOGETHER!  I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!  

Chase

Rotarians Host Veterans Day Golf Tournament
The Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club sponsored a golf tournament honoring Veterans.  Proceeds from the tournament help support our projects and donations to non-profits in our community.  Thanks to all who helped make the tournament so successful.  Many thanks to Co-chairs Chase Villerete and Kennon Singley.
The October Rotary Record

A Look Back: What We Accomplished Last Month

This past month has been full of service, fellowship, and progress! Here are some highlights of what our club has achieved together:

  • Lakefront Cleanup (Sylvia Farley).  September 27, 2025.  
    Silvia and her team cleaned up the lakefront last month.

  • The Wooden Boat Festival – October 18-19, 2025.  Madisonville, LA
    Several Rotarians, including Sherlyn and Randy Hancock participated serving beer at the Wooden Boat Festival.

  • First Responders Luncheon --  October 23, 2025.  What a great event this was.  We were fortunate to have so many in attendance that we needed to pull up more chairs.  That is a good problem to have.  Great work to everyone involved, especially Kennon Singley, Adam Smith, Laurie Pennison, and Cindi Raymond.

  • The Dictionary Project --  Thanks to the efforts of many Rotarians, we have completed the Dictionary Project again this year.  What an effort.  Thanks to all who participated.

  • The Gator Tail Run -- October 25, 2025 @ NTCC Lacombe Campus. Matt Faust. Chase Villeret, and Jeanne Schramm attended the event where we donated our tents to NTCC and watch approximately 300 runners and volunteers enjoy a great morning and some delicious red beans and rice.

  • New members -- Kennon is still keeping the membership moving as we have more members joining us each month.  Please make sure to welcome our new members and get to know them.

Your dedication and teamwork continue to show what “Service Above Self” truly means.

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming Up

Mark your calendars! Here’s what’s next for our club:

  • The Veterans Day Golf Tournament -- November 10, 2025.  Our club is hosting the 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Beau Chene Country Club.  The flyer is attached to this email.  If you know anyone who may be interested in sponsoring a hole, donating a prize, or donating food at a hole, please let me, Kennon, or Ronnie know.  Courtney will soon be sending out the sign up with time slots for all who want to help and/or participate the day of the event.

  • Service Hours -- Yes, we do keep track of the service hours we perform thank to Courtney Gulledge.  As you heard her mention at the end of the meeting, keep track of and send your hours to Courtney.

  • Food Drive --  In light of the Holidays approaching and the issues with the Federal Government, we are not going to stop collecting food, until we are told there is no longer a need.  If you have non perishable food items, you are welcome to bring them to Courtney's office or Chase's office.  Or you can bring them with you to a meeting.

  • Feed the needy (Covington Rotary Club) -- Every year, our neighbors to the North of us run a wonderful program.  On Thursday, November 5, 2025, Club President Kevin Morgan will come to our meeting to tell us more about it.

  • Christmas Party -- Our Christmas party will be at Tom Quinn's house on December 11, 2025. 

President's Member Spotlight

This month I am recognizing Matt Greene.  Matt is the chair of the Dictionary Project and it went off without issues this years thanks in large part to all of the behind the scenes work that Matt puts in to schedule as at the schools.  Great work, Matt.

Closing Note

Teamwork makes the dream work!  October was a busy month!!!!  The holidays are around the corner, and while we will have time to socialize and celebrate, lets remember to keep on serving in any way we can.

Rotary Welcomes Its Newest Member
At a regular meeting on Thursday, members inducted Thomas Bodin as a new member of our club.  Thomas has already started joining in on service projects!  Welcome Thomas!!
Rotarians Support Northshore Technical Community College
One of the Rotary "Areas of Service" is Youth Services.  Northlake Mandeville Rotary supports our youth with a number of projects, which include supporting our local Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC).  On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Rotarians participated in the Gatortail Run fundraiser held on the NTCC campus in Lacombe, La.  Rotarians, led by Matt Faust, cooked and fed the many runners and walkers Matt's world famous Red Beans and Rice.
Rotarians Distribute Dictionaries to all 3rd Graders
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Every fall members of the Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club participate in The Rotary Dictionary Project handing out over 1,500 dictionaries to all 3rd graders and their teachers in local elementary schools.
“A dictionary teaches a child how to approach a problem and use critical thinking skills by sounding out the word and finding it in the dictionary. This simple task gives them a feeling of self-confidence and satisfaction that they cannot get online.”
The Rotary Dictionary Project is a nationwide effort to provide young students with their own personal dictionaries. Members distribute the dictionaries to students.
Rotary members say seeing the joy on the children’s faces when they learn the book is theirs to keep makes the project worthwhile.
Pictured are Rotarian Kennon Singley and wife Heidi.  Also Rotarians Adam Smith and Debbie Stuart.
Rotarians Recognize First Responders
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On Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club, we held our annual Rotary Public Service First Responders Award ceremony honoring our local heroes. 🫡🦅🇺🇸
Attendees & award recipients include an outstanding representative from::
⭐ Louisiana State Troopers
⭐ Madisonville Police Department
⭐ Mandeville Police Department
⭐ St. Tammany Sheriff's Office
⭐ St. Tammany Fire District 2 (Madisonville)
⭐ St. Tammany Fire District 3 (Lacombe)
⭐ St. Tammany Fire District 4 (Mandeville)
Congratulations to this year's winners.  Thank you all for your Service to us Above Your Self!!
Shown with the First Responders are Rotarian Committee members Kennon Singley on the left and Adam Smith on the right.
Rotary District Governor Visits 
Rotary District Governor Keith Clayton spoke to our club during our regular meeting on October 16.  Governor Keith leads 48 clubs in Southern Mississippi and Southeastern Louisiana.  He spoke about Rotary's goal of eliminating Polio worldwide.  We have only two more countries, Afganistan and Pakistan to eliminate this destructive disease.  He also spoke about his passion, which is literacy.  He gave several ideas that individual clubs can implement to positively impact literacy in our area.  Thanks, Keith for your inspiring message.  Club President Chase Villerete is shown thanking Keith.
Rotarians Distribute American Flags for September Holidays
In preparation for the September Holidays, Rotarians distributed over 300 flags in the Mandeville area.  Thanks to our corporate sponsors and homeowners who pay an annual fee for this service.  The funds generated help our Rotary club fund community service projects and allow us to donate to other worthy community organizations.  Shown are two members of the East Team, Doug Place and Ted Dittmer.  Steve Saux and Ed Goodwin are also on the team.
Rotarians support STOPS to help prevent suicide
Several years ago the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club chose to focus service on mental health in St Tammany Parish.  As a part of this focus, our club supported St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide (STOPS) at their 10th Annual 5k Fun Run @ the Abita Springs Trailhead It was held on Sept 20.  Thanks to Jeanne Schramm for leading this effort.  Also pictured are Tom Quinn, Steve Saux, Chase Villeret, Ben Motion, and Bob Mathews.—
 
Mandeville Mayor and Rotary Scholarship Student Address Club
Great Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club luncheon today at Beau Chene Country Club with Rotary scholarship student Trevor Fortier and guest speaker Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden.  Mayor Madden updated the club on the status of many projects in Mandeville.  Trevor Fortier, a 4 year Rotary scholar, is now in graduate school at Louisiana Tech and is the current Student Government President!
Also pictured is Chase Villeret, club president; Marty Audiffred, club secretary; and Glenn St John, Board Member.
Rotarian Receives Promotion in Army National Guard
Northlake-Mandeville Rotary club member, Renee Seruntine, was recently promoted to Sergeant First Class (E7) in the Army National Guard. She has served in the Guard for 17 years, first as an Air Traffic Control Repair Technician with a deployment to Afghanistan and Kuwait in 2013, and now as a Public Affairs Operations NCO with a deployment to Europe from 2020-2021.
Renee will attend Senior Leadership School (SLC) at Fort Meade, MD for 4 weeks. She intends to serve in the Army passed 20 years as she enjoys her military career and serving her country with honor, pride and integrity.
She exudes our club motto:
Service Above Self 💙💛
We are proud of her accomplishments and the energy she brings to our club as she loves to serve our community with her fellow Rotarians. 💙💛
Renee is currently deployed to Washington D.C. with the Mississippi National Guard Military Police, in her Public Affairs Operations role. Please keep her and our military in your thoughts and prayers
Rotary Inducts its newest members
The Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club installed three new members at their luncheon today held at Beau Chene Country Club. Welcome Jessica Savoie, Ronnie Redler and Joe Impastato.
"Service Above Self"
Rotarians hear about Navy OCS
Navy Ensign Anthony Pennison gave an excellent presentation of his experience at the Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS), located at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club
💙💛

Pennison is a 2019 graduate of St.Paul’s School and 2023 graduate of LSU where he majored in Graphic Design. Subsequent to graduation he was hired by Banner Ford as their Lot Manager in Mandeville. He also photographed and promoted Banner’s vehicles through Instagram, Fac… 
See more
Rotarians Host Red Beans 'n Rice for RYLA Leadership Campers
 
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Each year in July, the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club sends students to the District RYLA, leadership camp for rising Seniors.  Also our club provided and served a Red Beans and Rice dinner for the participants, counselors, and camp staff.  The Covington Rotary Club provided the desserts and helped serve.  The RYLA camp develops leadership skills and emphasizes "Service Above Self" through national speakers and team skits and activities.  After the camp the students who we sponsored will report to the club on their experiences.  Past attendees all report that RYLA was a "life changing" experience.  Pictured above with Club President Chase Villeret are students sponsored by our club: Georgio, Mia, and Jack.
RYLA students describe their experience
The Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club sponsored Jack Griffith and Mia Adams, both attending Mandeville High School, for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, held each summer at the Solomon Episcopal Conference and Retreat Center.
They each gave a testimony about their amazing experiences, the valuable lessons learned, the friendships that were made and the importance of service above self. 💙💛
RYLA is a leadership development program for young people sponsored by Rotary International. The program aims to develop personal and leadership skills, including communication, problem-solving, and management abilities. RYLA events are typically organized by local Rotary clubs and districts and can take the form of seminars, retreats or camps.
Member Tom Quinn Honored As District Rotarian of the Year
There are over 40 Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 6840 which covers Southern Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana.  The Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club is one of those 40+ clubs.  One of our members, Tom Quinn, (pictured above) was honored at the District 6840 most Outstanding Rotarian for the 2024-2025 year.  District Governor Samantha Walley is shown presenting the award to Tom.  In addition to major leadership roles in our local club, Tom was the District Chair for membership.  As District Membership Chair, he travelled to most of the 40+ clubs and put on a seminar on how to recruit and retain new Rotary members.  Tom is the first member of our club to be honored as the District's most outstanding Rotarian.  Congratulations Tom for this big Rotary honor!!
New Club Officers Are Inducted For 2025-
2026
The Rotary Year each year runs from July 1- June 30.  On the last Thursday of June, the Northlake Mandeville Rotary club honors the out-going officers and Board of Directors and inducts the new year's officers and directors.
This year, the change of Officers and Board took place on June 26, 2025, at the Beau Chene Country Club.  Officers and Board Members were inducted by Jon Henderson, Assistant District Governor for the Lake District.
In the picture on the left, 2024-2025 President Ted Dittmer hands over the gavel to 2025-2026 President Chase Villeret.
The picture on the right includes the Officers and Board Members for 2025-2026.  Shown from left to right are Marty Audiffred, Secretary; Laurie Pennison, Board Member; Jeanne Schramm, President of Satellite Club;  Chase Villeret, President; Larry Burch, Treasurer; Kenon Singley, President-Elect; Ted Dittmer, Past President; Glenn St John, Board Member; Leigh Harrison, Board Member; Courtney Gulledge, Board Member; Amy Bouton, Board Member; and Renee Seruntine, Board Member.  Nancy Kelly, Board Member is not shown.
Also selected by the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and honored at the Installation Banquet were Adam Smith, New Member of the year for 2025 (left); and Marty Audiffred, Rotarian of the Year for 2025 (right).  Both provided outstanding service to our club and our community!  Many thanks to both of you for your contributions, Adam and Marty.
Win a Prize in the Rotary Raffle
Each year the Rotary Club participates in a Raffle with the Metairie Rotary Club.  There are fifty great prizes available.  Funds raised go to our projects that benefit the Mandeville community.  Below is the information on the Raffle - Please consider purchasing chances.
 Friends,
 
Our Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club is again offering tickets for the “BIG GAME RAFFLE”!  You can help us raise money for local charities when you get your $20 raffle tickets.  This year there are over 50 great prize packages which include 12 Saints games, 22 LSU games, a VIP Package for the Zurich Classic, a unique Sporting Clay Sponsorship package valued at $2500,  Tulane tickets, hotel stays, restaurant gift cards and more!  You can also win a flight on a WWII Era PT-17 Stearman aircraft!  SEE COMPLETE LIST BELOW.
 
As you know, Rotary is one of the world’s oldest service organizations, and with the proceeds of the Raffle, our Mandeville Club helps support a wide range of charitable projects every year.  So. we ask for your help to spread the word about the Raffle and make it a huge success!  That’s why we ask that you not only buy tickets but also help our effort by forwarding this email to your circle of friends.
Proceeds from the Raffle support the following charities and non-profits:
 
          -Samaritan Center 
                                                                                            -Safe Haven
         -Children’s Advocacy Center/Hope House
 
                                                                                           -Feeding the Needy
 
         -St Tammany Outreach Prevention of Suicide(STOPS)     
 
                                                                                          -Habitat  for Humanity
 
         -NAMI/National Alliance on Mental Illness 
                                                                                            -Safe Harbor
         -Chahta Ima Elementary Reading Challenge
 
                                                                                           - James Samaritan
 
         -SOAR Autism   
                                                                                            -  The DictionaryProject
 
         -Northshore Court Foundation 
                                                                                              -Scouts BSA
 
         -Northlake Nature Center                                        -LPB Maritime Museum
     
            YOU CAN BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW:
 
  Or write a check payable to “Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club and mail to”
            Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club
            P.O. Box 246
            Mandeville, LA 70470-0246
  We will mail you the tickets
Or purchase tickets from me directly.
THANKS FOR YOUR DONATION TO THESE GREAT CAUSES!
 
                                        LA License # G0004203
                    Drawing on August 21. Noon at Metairie Country Club
 
                                         Rotary Big Game Raffle Prizes 2025 1.  2 Saints v TBD  Club Seats  +  Dinner and Wine for 2 Link Restaurants  +
 
2.  2 Saints v Cardinals 40 Yard line Seats  + 1 Night Stay Hotel St Pierre (K Buchler) + $100 Ruth’s Steak House  – Value $1,200
 
3.  2 Saints v Cardinals 40 Yard line Seats  + 1 Night Stay Andrew Jackson Hotel  +   $100 Ruth’s   – Value $1200
 
4.   2 Saints v Giants 40 Yard Line Seats + $150 Antoine’s  - Value $1,200
 
 
 
7.  2 Saints v Falcons 40 Yard Line Lower Terrace Seats + Flight for 1 on WWII era PT-17 Stearman, Big Easy Wing– Value $600
 
8.  2 Saints v Panthers 40 Yard Line Lower Terrace Seats + $100 Fausto’s – Value $400 
 
9.  2 Saints v Jets   40 Yard Line Lower Terrace Seats + $100 Ruth’s -Value $400 
 
10.  2 Saints v Patriots 40 Yard Line Lower Terrace Seats + $ 100 Ruth’s -Value $400 
 
11.  2 Saints v Bucs   Yard Line Lower Terrace Seats + $100 Fleming’s -Value $400
 
12. 2 Saints v TBD  40 Yard Line Lower Terrace + $50 Felix’s  -Value $350 
 
13.  2 Season Tickets Tulane Football  + $100 Fausto’s   Value $400
 
 
15.  LSU v FLORIDA  2 lower bowl corner seats+ $50 Mr Ed’s Value $200
 
16.  LSU v FLORIDA   2 lower bowl corner seats +$50 Mr Ed’s – Value $200
 
17  2 VIP Best of Zurich Classic with Food and Unlimited Drinks + $50 Fleming’s Value $ 350
 
 
19.  2 LSU v Texas A&M + $50 Fleming’s Value $200
 
20. 2 LSU v Texas A&M  + $50 Fleming’s Value $200
 
21.  2 LSU v ARKANSAS  + $50 Fleming’s Value $200
 
 
22.  2 LSU v ARKANSAS   + $50 Fleming’s Value $200
 
23.  2 LSU v ARKANSAS + $50 Messina’s  Value $200
 
24.  2 LSU v SOUTH CAROLINA + $50 Acropolis  Value $200
 
25.  2 LSU v SOUTH CAROLINA+ $ 50 Acropolis Value $200
 
26. 2 LSU v SOUTH CAROLINA +$ 50 Martin’s  Value $200
 
27. 2 LSU v La Tech   + $100 SALA Value $200
 
28. 2 LSU v LA Tech + $100 Ruth’s Value $200
 
29. 2 LSU V LA Tech + $100 Fleming’s Value $200
 
30, 2 LSU v W KENTUCKY  + $100  SALA  Value $200
 
31.  2 LSU v W KENTUCKY+ $100 Fury’s Value $200
 
32.  2 LSU v W KENTUCKY+ $100 Fury’s Value $200
 
 
34.  2 LSU v SOUTHEASTERN LA + $100 Felix’s Value $200
 
35. 2 LSU v  SOUTHEASTERN LA+ $ $100 Brigsten’s  Value $200
 
36.  2 LSU v TBD  + $50 Rizzuto’s Value $200
 
37.  4 Day Passes Zurich Classic + Zurich Polo and Hat  + Wine Basket Martin’s + $50 Martin’s  Value $200
 
38.  2 VIP Passes Zoo To Do
 
39. 2 VIP passes Scales and Ales
 
LAGNIAPPE PRIZES
   FIRST PRIZE DRAWN
  1. Dinner for 4 with wine pairings at any Donald Link Restaurant
  2. Dinner and Theater: 2 JPAS Tickets Any Performance + $100 Ruth’s  Value $200
  3. Dinner and Theater: 2 JPAS Tickets Any Performance + $100 Charlie’s  Value $200
  4. Dinner and Theater: 2 JPAS Tickets Any Performance +  $100 Creole Cuisine Restaurants  Value $200
  5. Dinner and Theater: 2 JPAS Tickets Any Performance+ $100 Creole Cuisine Restaurants Value $200
  6. Dinner and Theater: 2 JPAS Tickets Any Performance + $100 Creole Cuisine Restaurants  Value $200
  7. Dinner and Theater: 2 JPAS Tickets Any Performance + $100 Creole Cuisine Restaurants Value $200
  8. Wine and Theater 2 JPAS Tickets Any Performance + $100 Martins
  9. 2 Houmas House Tours +  $50 Gift Shop  + $50 Acropolis + $50 Austin’s
  10. 2 Houmas House Tours (Stevens) + $100 Fleming’s
  11. 2 Natchez Dinner Cruises + 2 Oak Alley Tours + $25 Cafe Beignet
  12. 2 Natchez Dinner Cruises + 2 Oak Alley Tours + $25 Cafe Beignet
Rotary Heard Learned About Globalstar
Dave Milla, from GlobalStar, was the guest speaker at today's Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club luncheon held at Beau Chene Country Club. Globalstar is a local company that currently had 25 satellites and provides communication world wide.  Apple, in a recent parnership with Globalstar, provides text emergency services, messaging to friends and family, and roadside assistance requests.  Also pictured is Club Secretary Marty Audiffred.
Rotarians Pack Food for  the Disadvantaged
Rotarians, including five members from the Northlake Mandeville Rotary club packed food packets that will be sent to needy people in the US and around the world.  Those packed will feed 237 people for a year.  The project was held during the Rotary District Convention in Bay St Louis on June 7.
Rotarians Deploy Flags for Flag Holidays
For six flag holidays each year, Rotarians deploy over 300 flags to individual homes and businesses who subscribe to our program.  For $75 per year, we provide and install the flag at homes or businesses.  Funds generated are ploughed back into service projects and also donations that we make to local charities.
Rotary Honors New and Existing Scholars
Each year Norhtlake Mandeville Rotary awards scholarships to qualified local scholars at our Sunday With Scholars Banquet held on the last Sunday of April.  This year $51,000 was awarded to seven graduating seniors.  In addition, twelve previously awarded scholars reported on their activities and achievements.  This project is Northlake Mandeville Rotary's signature event each year.
Below is a article published in the May 7, 2025 "Farmer" newspaper, inserted in the Advocate newspaper, which describes our program.
Louisiana State Treasurer Visits Rotary
Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming visited our regular meeting on Thursday, March 27.  
Fleming was elected Louisiana State Treasurer on November 18, 2023, and sworn in on January 8, 2024. A physician, entrepreneur businessman and military veteran, he is also a former Congressman from the fourth district of Louisiana. He served four terms in Congress from 2009-2017. While in Congress, he was one of the founders of the House Freedom Caucus.
A major initiative of his Treasurer's office is to provide transparency to all payments made by the State.  The payments will be available on a State website soon.  You will be able to view who/what entity received the check.
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy Updates Rotarians
U. S. Senator Bill Cassidy met with Rotarians at our regular Thursday meeting on March 20.  Senator Cassidy briefed the club on several of the major bills on which he had a major role in passing, ie the Infrastructure bill.  As Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Cassidy was a key vote on the confirmation of Robert Kennedy.  After reaching an agreement with Mr. Kennedy concerning vaccinations, Senator Cassidy was convinced that Mr Kennedy would use his "bully  Pulpit" to significantly improve the overall health of America by focusing on areas like reducing processed food intake and others areas.  
We appreciate and were honored to have Louisiana's senior Senator speak to us.
Parish Officials Explain Needs for Tax Changes
At a regular meeting on March 13, Collin Sims, St Tammany District Attorney; Dawn Amacker, Family Court Judge; and Joe Impastato, Parish President explained the initiative on the upcoming ballot.  In order to properly fund the Judiciary in St Tammany, the item on the ballot moves funding from certain budget items to the Judiciary entities.  Capital Projects, one of the sources of funds, will be funded by issuing additional bonds.  The three officials implored the audience to vote for the measure to assure that St Tammany will continue to have a very safe environment.
Rotarians Celebrated at Valentine's Day Luncheon
Rotarians celebrated Valentine's Day by honoring their spouses.  Each spouse was introduced and presented a red rose.  Lovely music was provided by a very talented harpist!  Thanks to Cindi Raymond for organizing this special occasion!  
Rotarians Tour New  Surgery Center
Rotarian Amy Bouton, Director of Communications at St Tammany Hospital, organized a tour for Rotarians of the new St. Tammany Health System Surgery Center.  The Center is a $75 million, 126,000 sq ft advanced technology center, employing 100 personnel, which caters to one-day surgeries.  It has 24 private Pre-Op rooms, 12 operating rooms, 18 post procedure rooms and 15 rooms for overnight stay, if needed. Advanced technologies include the Da Vinci System for robotic-assisted surgeries, Stryker Mako systems for precise total knee and hip replacements, special germ killing lights in all rooms, and an advanced Sterile processing center near each operating room.
Thanks to Amy and Bridget from St Tammany for the very interesting tour of new technology for St Tammany!
Snow Village Winners
Each year the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club assembles and displays a large Snow Village for children of all ages at Acquarius Pools, next to the Mandeville Trailhead.  The display includes 5 running model trains and many villages that the trains go through.  See the story below. 
At the Snow Village, children can write a letter to Santa and place it in a mail box.  Letters are drawn each Christmas and toys are given to the winners.  This year's winners were Donald Guastella of Ponchatoula and Madalynn Casnave of LaCombe.  These children and their families were super excited and loved the Snow Village and their winnings!
Rotary Golf Tournament Featured in "Social" Mangazine
Northlake Mandeville's Charity Golf Tournament was featured in the December issue of "Social" Magazine!!
Thanks to all of our sponsors and to over half of our club members who helped put on the successful event.
Co-Chairs were Chase Villeret and Kennon Singley.
Rotarian Team 2 Brought Christmas Joy to Heritage Manor
Team 2 of the Rotary Bingo callers and helpers sang carols and brought Christmas joy to residents of Heritage Manor on Tuesday, December 17, prior to the regular Bingo games.  Team 2 calls on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.  Team 1 calls bingo for residents at Heritage Manor on the 1st Tuesday of each month.  Thanks to Rotarian Amy Bouton for organizing the two Caroling events.  Thanks to Dawn Amacker, wife of President Ted Dittmer shown on the far right, for accompanying on the piano.
Rotarians Celebrate Christmas 
On Thursday evening, December 19, Rotarians celebrated at their annual Christmas Social.  The event was hosted beautifully by Tom and Diane Quinn at their home.  Over half of the members of the club and their spouses attended.  A good time was had by all!!
 
Take Children to View Rotary's Christmas Village
Each Christmas season, Rotarians, under the direction of Greg Cannizzaro, construct a Snow Village complete with up to 5 trains running simultaneously.  The picture above on shows half of the display.  Parent who enjoyed the display in their childhood continue to bring their own children each year.  Because the display changes each year, children love to analyze and determine the new additions!
Bring your children and Grandchildren to the storefront at Aquarius Pools next to the Old Mandeville Trailhead, 2050 General Pershing St, Mandeville.
Rotarians Bring Christmas Cheer to Heritage Manor
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Rotarians call Bingo twice a month for residents at Heritage Manor.  Last night prior to Bingo, Amy Bouton organized Christmas caroling for the residents.  About half the residents remembered the carols and joyfully sang along with our group.  Thanks for Dawn Amacker for playing the piano for us!!
Rotarians Join United Way to Work on Safehaven Rotary Playground
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Rotarians were joined by volunteers from the United Way to work on the Rotary Playground at Safehaven.  About 35 people spread 14,000 lbs of rubber mulch, laid 300 feet of border and ground cover, removed weeds, and built three park benches and a picnic table.  This was all accomplished in about 2 hours!  We are getting closer to completion of the playground!
Rotary Holds First Charity Golf Tournament
On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club held it First Rotary Golf Tournament.  Chaired by Chase Villeret and Kennon Singley, the field was full and a good time was had by all.  Club members played in the tournament while others prepared the gift bags, registered teams, prepared fantastic Bloody Marys, supplied hydration on the course, and supervised the great lunch.  Thanks to all who participated in this super successful event!  The proceeds will go to support our many charitable endeavors. 
Rotarians Honor Local First Responders
Each year the Northlake Mandeville Rotary club asks the commanders of local first responder entities to select their First Responder of the Year.  At our November 24, 2024, meeting the commanders introduced their Responder of the Year to the club and presented them with a recognition plaque.  Parish President Mike Cooper thanked the honorees and their commander for the unselfish work they do in providing our area with a safe place to live.  Pictured at left are Ted Dittmer, club president and Kennon Singley, Project Chair and Program Emcee.  Those recognized were:
Sergeant Grant Candies - by Sheriff Randy Smith
Officer Henry Kuhn - by Madisonville Police Chief Barney Tyrney
Trooper Ryan Young - by La State Police Capt Louis Calato
Captain James McQuilkin - by Fire District #3 Chief Michael Geissler
Firefighter Ryan Polk - by Fire District #2 Chief Randy Hess
Detective Karole Muller - by Mandeville Police Chief Todd Schliem
Firefighter Ryan Grace - by Fire District #4 Chief Ken Moore
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.
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President

Chase Villeret

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.