|
President Davis called the meeting to order at the Country Club of Lansing while Rotarians enjoyed a delicious and nutritious lunch. The invocation by Kurt Hanus was followed by the singing of a patriotic song (with special guest accompanist) before Paul Dankert facilitated the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians…one of whom was visiting from Taiwan. Diane Sanborn reported the health of the club is good and Donna Gardner, looking a LOT like Dave Trumpie, reminded the club that Paula Harris month is underway. $8,435 has been given to-date but the goal is 100%; if you don’t give, you have to watch the slideshow until you do (if Michelle Lantz is done fighting with the technology). Don’t forget to put Polio Plus on your check to get the Gates Foundation 2:1 match on your gift. President Davis took full advantage of his mic time to lead a litany of announcements, including a reminder about the hands-on committee’s Smoke Alarm volunteer opportunity on April 29th, a kudos to Melissa Nay for being honored as Volunteer of the Year by Capital Area United Way, and congratulations to Duane Vernon who will be recognized as our Club Hero at the District Conference May 12-13 in Battle Creek. Duane has had perfect attendance for 55 years! Ken Beachler introduced Sergei Kvitko, gifted pianist, who performed four short pieces by a Spanish composer who may or may not have spent time tilting at windmills. Teresa Kmetz introduced the speaker of the day, who also happens to be one of the newest board members of the Capital Area United Way. Rebecca Poynter Steckler is the President of the Lansing State Journal, and as of 7 months ago, a resident of our mid-Michigan community. She has a strong journalism background, and is committed to the mission of the LSJ and their “Relentless quest to provide trusted news and information to actively support the people and businesses in the Greater Lansing area community.” She shared the challenges of costs, timing and our global, instantaneous news society. There is a LOT of work that goes into the coverage they provide. She covered the positive impacts of the Gannett Foundation, the Lansing Storytellers project, the Greater Lansing Sports Awards, #LSJreads, #LSJwrites”, and summarized the various mastheads and partners involved in the news they offer, both printed and online. Q&A from the crowd was robust. President Jack wrapped up the meeting noting that a gift will be made in our speaker’s name to support clean water. Next week’s meeting will be back at the Lansing Center with an Arts & Culture Panel. |
Barb Whitney serves as the Executive Director of Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center, where she is responsible for leadership, management, fund development, and public relations. After fifteen years witnessing art in action, Barb sincerely believes in the power of art to change lives and build community. A passionate arts advocate, Barb recently presented at the 2014 Americans for the Arts Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Barb holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Art History from Kalamazoo College and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from the University of Michigan – Flint. Outside of her role at the gallery, you will find Barb painting, enjoying the fare at gastropubs with her husband Jon, and tending to her ever-expanding gardens at her home in Mason.