banner
separator
Stories
The Next Meeting:
When: Friday, June 30th, 2017
Where: Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Drive
What: Ribbon Cutting of FLOW:  A WATER EXPERIENCE
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Speakers: President Jack Davis & Mark Hooper
Tours: Immediately Following the Event
Lunch: Buffet Service Starting at 11:30 a.m.
Parking: Approach I5 on Museum Drive
Editarian: Julie Pingston
R.S.V.P. cathy@lansingrotary.com
 
June 30th Ribbon Cutting Details
Lansing Rotarians,
 
Our June 30 Friday meeting will be a special event coordinated with the ribbon cutting of the Centennial project - “Flow – a water experience” in the Lansing Rotary Gallery at the Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Drive in downtown Lansing. We hope all Rotarians will be able to show your support for this event and witness the “unveiling”. It is fitting that the unveiling occurs on the last day of Lansing Rotary’s 100th year. We can also thank Impression 5’s Erik Larson and the Center’s staff for all of the work that went into making this happen.
 
To make sure our luncheon plans are on track, please e-mail Cathy (cathy@lansingrotary.com) about your plans to attend.
 
Here are some details that may help you navigate that day.
 
  • Parking: Members should approach I5 on Museum Drive. The event will happen outside under the overhang along Museum Drive. Members can park in either parking lot -- on the city side or along the river/Riverwalk side. There will be signs outside of both entrances to the Science Center, as well as along Museum Drive.
  • Registration: Rotarians should seek the registration table, located outside under the overhang, for attendance check in. Rotarians and I5 Staff members will be stationed at both entrances to direct members through the Science Center and out to the event space. Coffee will also be available, located next to registration.
  • Start time for press event: 10:30 a.m. To accommodate parking and getting to seating area, plan on arriving by 10:15 a.m.
  • Press event: Speakers include all sponsors, Rotary, Consumers, PNC, Joe D. Pentecost Foundation and MCACA, along with Erik, the executive director of I5 and Noah, I5's board chair. This is expected to conclude by 11:20 a.m.
  • Tours of exhibit: Available directly following the event.
  • Luncheon: Buffet service and seating available for Rotarians and funding partners starting at 11:30 a.m., just inside the Science Center on the ground floor.
Editarian Report for June 23rd, 2017
This week’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Lansing was called to order by President Jack at 12:32pm, just a little late by my watch. Jack shared that now that the Roast is over, it is just ‘natural’ to start the meeting a little late. The invocation was given by Diane Sanborn, followed by the singing of God Bless America, led by our own impresario, Ken Beachler. Even though the crowd was a little lite for this week’s meeting, I must observe that the voices sounded pretty good. Guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced and Gil Wanger was given an opportunity to speak about his upcoming ‘free’ talk at MSU. The Remembrance Report given by Terry Terry and friends gave us the good news that John Grettenberger Sr. was out of the hospital and on the road to recovery from a nasty bout of pneumonia. We were also pleased to see that Dave O’Leary was back. Dave asked who the club picked on while he was gone, and the answer was obviously President Jack. It was noted that not one of the members of the Sergeant at Arms Committee, responsible for the besmirching of President Jack’s fine image and reputation, were present today. Rumor had it there might be a warrant out for their arrests for their heartless (but oh so funny )Roasting of Jack.
 
Announcements included that the passing of the baton of leadership from District Governor Smith to Teresa Brandel of the Delta Waverly Club would be taking place on June 27 at the Woldumar Nature Center. MSU President Lou Anna Simon will be the featured guest speaker. We learned that District Governor Handover was unable to attend. Additional events this weekend include the Festival of the Moon and the sister event the Festival of the Sun as well as the Summer Solstice event. Next week’s meeting will be held at 10:30am rather than our regular time and will be a special Ribbon Cutting at the Impression 5 Science Museum to officially open the Rotary Club of Lansing’s 100th Anniversary Water Project. A number of local leaders will speak. Rotarians were reminded to let Cathy know if you plan to attend so she can order lunch for you. Otherwise, you might have to settle for water.
 
Todd Gute announced June birthdays and noting that June was the traditional ‘gateway to summer’, asked our birthday Rotarians to recall their favorite June birthday memories. By the time Todd led us into song, we had covered everything from the 3 Stooges to critical support for Al Gore’s invention of the internet. With this early birthday celebration, reporting for birthday donations was at 50%, but Todd was very confident that our June celebrities would quickly move that standard up to the 100% mark. $800 has been received to date, but for those who haven’t checked their mail or inboxes lately, there is still time to get those checks into Cathy. Happy Birthday!!
 
Chair of the month Laurie Baumer got a bye this week as the heavy lifting went to Chair of the day, Courtney Millbrook. “Singing” her praises, President Jack thanked Courtney for both her leadership and support of the Rotary Foundation this year and for her fine leadership of our symphony. Jack reminded Lansing Rotarians that everyone should get the next season of the symphony on their calendars. Courtney than let us know that due to ‘low ticket sales’ there would be no music today!
 
Courtney proceeded to deliver one of the most comprehensive Foundation Reports in recent memory (and I can remember because I once delivered this report). Beginning with an introduction of this past year’s Foundation Board and committees, she gave a special shout out to Jeff Dettloff and Donna Gardner for their wonderful support. Melody Warzecha next took to the podium to deliver the Treasurer’s Report. With more than $150,000 in liquid assets and less than $7,000 outstanding from our Centennial pledges, we are in good shape financially. The budget is approved for the upcoming year which includes $60,000 in local grants and $25,000 in international grants. Melody reminded us that we are only able to provide this type of support if EACH and EVERY Lansing Rotarian steps forth and delivers on the expectation that they will make contributions to the club 3 times a year. (Get the message yet?) Additionally, Melody reminded us that our Foundation receives independent audits every year, one of the few Rotary Foundations that can make this claim. This gives us extreme confidence in the data that is being shared year after year. Mark Hooper was thanked for being that special go to resource. Melody concluded her remarks by stating emphatically that the “health of the Foundation is good.”
 
Our Foundation was founded in 1977, with our 501©3 designation received from our friends at the IRS in 1979. The mission of the Foundation, which drives our areas of focus was then reviewed – no worries – no test. We were again reminded that Lansing Rotary does not require our members to sell raffle tickets or show up for a pancake breakfast. BUT, there is an EXPECTATION (there is that word again), that ALL members contribute to the club three times a year – on your birthday, on Paul Harris’s birthday, and for our Christmas party for the kids at North School. This is not only a goal, but a commitment for membership. 100%. Sheets on our tables highlighted those Lansing Rotarians who have met this expectation. If your names are not on this list, this message is meant for you! Hopefully enough said. This past year we raised $14,000 + from our Christmas donations (49% participation); $14,000+ from our birthday donations (75% participation – now you’re talkin’); and $22,000 from our Paul Harris donations (58% participation). Last year we netted more than $17,000 from our golf outing through 18 teams and sponsors. The decision has been made, though, to take a break from our Foundation golf outing this year…. but we did hear suggestions that there may still be an event to raise funds in the fall. Stay tuned. Our endowment fund currently has net assets of $3.6 million, which is expected to generate $70,000 for funding next year. All were reminded of this option for gifts and estate gifts to Lansing Rotary. Thanks to Dennis Fliehman for his support and enthusiasm.
 
Michelle Reynaert, our past president, commented about the grants to local agencies plus our $250,000 centennial gift to I-5. She reminded us that although we are budgeting to give $60,000 to local charities, if our members give more, we can increase this community support.
 
John Person then spoke about the international support that we are planning for next year. Of 10 requests, 9 are being funded. Although $20,000 was budgeted, the committee members contributed individually to help raise this level of support. Kudos to each of you. Focusing on providing for basic human needs across the globe, our grants provide for water, food and education.
 
Nick Heriford, our next Foundation president, then presented the slate of officers and nominees for the Foundation Board. Courtney and Michelle were thanked for their service as were those directors whose terms were ending – Sue Mills, Michelle Lantz, Michelle Reynaert. Rachelle Neal, Kevin Schumaker and Donna Gardner will be joining the Board. Our officers will be Nick, Jim Dixon (president-elect) and Melody to continue to watch over the finances. Intentionally leaving no time for President Jack to offer a rebuttal from last week’s Roast (which we were all certain he was ready for), the Club was thanked for its support. We are making a difference in our community and around the globe. Nominations are accepted in the spring, should anyone desire to join the Foundation board. There are also opportunities to get involved without serving on the Board. Think about it.
 
President Jack then reviewed the many areas which have been and are being looked at for the club including our bylaws and structure. The club will be in good shape for President-elect Darwin Brewster. Chris Holman then let everyone know that he will be coordinating the fall golf outing to raise $$$ for local charities. Jack thanked the Foundation team for another successful year. Jack and Courtney then asked Cathy to join them on the podium so they could thank her for all her amazing support. Special gifts were given to Cathy along with very special hugs. Thanks for all you do. You truly are special. President Jack then took this opportunity to thank the club for the opportunity and privilege to serve. Darwin – it’s all yours.
 
Best wishes to all and don’t forget the special (early) meeting next week for the I-5 Ribbon Cutting. The meeting was adjourned.
 
Joe Wald's email is:  jwald71@gmail.com
Speakers
Jul 07, 2017
Jul 14, 2017
The University Club in East Lansing
Jul 21, 2017
at the Lansing Center
Jul 28, 2017
at the Lansing Center
View entire list
Rotary Club of Lansing
P. O. Box 13156
Lansing, MI   48901-3156
Download Files
Rotary Invite