President Nick called our Club together and attempted to lead us in reciting the 4 Way Test, which turned into an utter failure. We achieved redemption with the reflection by Brett Pacek which he began by successfully leading us in the 4 Way Test. He went on with a prayer in memory of his mother, who died a couple of years ago. Hari Kern then accompanied us on the piano as the club sang the Star Spangled Banner.
Steve Grant circulated the oddly shaped blue microphone amongst the guests and visiting Rotarians. Among the visitors we had Ali Bennett, who is joining our Club; Sophia Rishar, daughter of Lorri Rishar; and Jenny Marr, the new Capital Area District Library Executive Director.
President Nick informed the club of the passing of Clyde Spencer. There will be a service for Clyde in the Spring.
John Person introduced a video from Pathways Togo, who received a grant from our Foundation. The video went into the great work of Pathways Togo and how our contribution assisted in their mission. In additional Foundation news, President Nick announced the application period for Signature Grants from February 19 to March 11 and for Local Grants from March 11 to April 5. He also announced the upcoming New Member Orientation on February 16.
Chair of the Month and Day, Matthew McGaughey, introduced our guest speakers Kaitlin Reinke and Cloud Kelley of EVE, Inc. Kaitlin Reinke is the Vice President of the Board of Directors and Cloud Kelly is the Director of Community Outreach with 5 whole days on the job.
Kaitlin and Cloud took us through the history and services of EVE, Inc. Now known as End Violent Encounters, or EVE, the organization began in 1977 and was originally
titled the Council Against Domestic Assault. Originally their sole focus was on domestic violence survivors. Since their beginning they have expanded to include services related to sexual assault, assistance with personal protection orders, and a 30-bed shelter. They are the only domestic violence shelter in Ingham County, but they do have cohorts in surrounding counties.
titled the Council Against Domestic Assault. Originally their sole focus was on domestic violence survivors. Since their beginning they have expanded to include services related to sexual assault, assistance with personal protection orders, and a 30-bed shelter. They are the only domestic violence shelter in Ingham County, but they do have cohorts in surrounding counties.They played a video of Senator Debbie Stabenow from their 2023 annual fundraiser which highlighted many of their accomplishments. Senator Stabenow was instrumental in creating the organization back when she was an Ingham County Commissioner.
Kaitlin and Cloud let us know how we can assist the organization and told us about their annual event. They provided some materials we could take with us.
President Nick thanked them for their presentation and let them know that we would be making a donation in their name to our Rotary Foundation which has supported local organizations with over $2.5 million over the years.
Submitted by Chris Swope: Chris.Swope@lansingmi.gov