John Dale got us in the spirit of the season with some Christmas music before President Brewster called our annual meeting to order at 12:30. Lesa Smith provided the invocation, followed by God Bless America. Marla Lenz coordinated introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians. Anne Cauley reported the health of the club is good.
Melissa Nay announced the first winners of the Social Media Posting Contest, Missy Lilje and Linda Lynch. Remember to promote our club by liking our Facebook page, posting photos of club goings on, tweeting (#LansingRotary), etc.
Courtney Millbrook introduced special music for the day. Demi Fragale - a club favorite - sang a moving, contemporary Christmas song, “For the Future of the World,” followed by “White Christmas.”
Chair of the month is Ken Beachler and Chair of the Day was President Brewster, who provided some interesting facts about our club. We have 29% female members (woot woot!); 27% of our members are over 70; 30% of our members have been in the club over 20 years while 25% have been in the club 10-20 years. We are proud of club’s stats.
Treasurer Melody Warzecha provided a short report on the club’s financials. She stated we are one of the rare Rotary clubs that have an annual audit, which found no issues again this year. It will be posted on our website soon. We have $184,000 in assets; over $500,000 in the club’s foundation and over $3 million in the Jack Bates Endowment at the Community Foundation. Melody gave kudos to Cathy for keeping our records well organized. President Brewster gave kudos to Melody for her diligent work as club treasurer.
President Brewster reported that the club’s nominating committee met on November 3 for the purpose of considering nominees for the position of President-Elect Nominee and for three directors to serve three-year terms, July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. The following candidates affirmed their willingness to accept the position indicated if nominated and elected:
- For President-Elect Nominee: Pat Hanes - For Director
-Elect: Joe Wald, Courtney Millbrook and Susan Angel.
The club’s board met November 14, during which they elected Pat Hanes as President-Elect Nominee and approved the slate of Directors-Elect nominations to be presented to the club. Dennis Fliehman moved that the recommended slate of directors-elect be accepted, that nominations be closed, and that the three named nominees be elected to begin serving as directors for three-year terms beginning on July 1, 2018. Kelly Rossman McKinney seconded the motion. Approved.
President Darwin presented “red badges” to Steve slocum (sponsored by Dan McKean) and Jennifer Marsh (sponsored by Julie Pingston). Welcome to the club!
Lesa Smith provided her new member presentation, clarifying that she is the “senior Lesa Smith” in the club, as Lisa Smith is her junior. She lamented that she has been the “senior Lesa” among others throughout her whole life! Lesa is the director of Burcham Hills Foundation and proud to represent this fine organization. She was raised in Williamston, received her Bachelors from Spring Arbor and her Masters in Public Administration from CMU. Lesa just turned 57. She was first invited to Rotary by her friend Michelle Lantz, whom she worked with at the Chamber of Commerce many years ago. Lesa has a son and two grandchildren (“being a grandparent rocks!”), 4 horses, 3 dogs, 2 house cats, 2 barn cats and a rabbit. She enjoys the sport of “reining” which she describes as figures skating on a horse. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and previously worked at CMU for 9 years. Lesa is most proud of her relationship with Jesus Christ – the reason she is where she is at in life.
Justin Caine started his new member presentation with a video about himself, which was produced by his company, Good Fruit Video. The video documented his brain injury as a child his amazing progress, and his determination to succeed in life. In addition to his company, he founded a football event, now in its 9th year, benefitting the Davies Project. He is looking for sponsors. His video company is also 9 years old. Justin serves on the SBAM leadership council and is an advocate for people with disabilities - he fervently believes he shouldn't be an exception to the rule and that all people with disabilities should be able to pursue their passion. In 2015 he competed in the para-athletics competition; though he didn't make the team, he broke two records for shotput and discus. Justin founded Beyond Barriers, a nonprofit to increase awareness of people with disabilities and their value as employees, disparaging a 70% unemployment rate. Kellie Dean and Donna Lawry helped him start the nonprofit; she passed away recently and he created the Donna Lowry scholarship, which will be awarded in March. Justin said his biggest accomplishment is being married to a beautiful woman named Meghan. They have two girls, Felicity and Silas.
Our next meeting will be at the Lansing Center on December 15. It will be our 94th Annual Christmas Party for the children of North Elementary School. Be sure to come early as we will start earlier than normal.
Laurie Baumer's email is: