President Chris called the meeting to order and led the Club in reciting the 4-Way Test. President Chris introduced John Shaski for the Reflection which focused on the power of positive change in the world. We are change makers!
Hari Kern led Rotarians in singing God Bless America.
We welcomed our one guest today Heather Shawa from LBWL attending her first meeting. Welcome to Heather!
Camron Gnass gave a Health of the Club update for Ben Bakken. Ben is now home and doing well after suffering cardiac arrest while undergoing an ablation procedure related to his ongoing afib. It was certainly unexpected and we wish Ben all the best during his recovery. Camron conveyed that Ben has appreciated all those who have reached out to him and helped out with his family needs. He’s also bored at home while recuperating so feel free to touch base with him.
Hari Kern introduced today’s special music featuring Marcy and Chris Christoff who met playing the clarinet and have now been married 49 years. Today they played a concerto for clarinet from the 1800s, a Balkan song in 7/8 time, and Just a Closer Walk with Me in the style of legendary clarinetist Pete Fountain.President Chris presented a red badge to Kim Wagada from the Board of Water and Light.
Doug Weisner announced the April Birthdays. The question relates to the time of rebirth and reawakening in the springtime and also commencement season, “What would be your message to graduating high school and college students?” The responses were great, so Doug gave this editarian his notes to share the full responses.
- Rebecca Bahar Cook – Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and say yes to new challenges.
- Sam Tucker – Live each day as if it is your last and when you fall down, and you will, contemplate, get up and live.
- John Shaski – Save and invest your money early!
- Julie Pingston – My thoughts take root from the ATHENA principles: Always learn from the people who pass through your life; Capitalize on the opportunities and experiences that come your way as a way to grow; Volunteer and be engaged in other organizations to give back; Never settle; Always collaborate; Don’t forget to celebrate; Have a glass that’s always half full!
- Bill Frysinger – Go boldly, with confidence. If you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t trying hard enough. You have armed yourself with sets of skills that can enable you to learn more, a lifelong process. Learn from others. Be the considerate person you would want to have as a partner.
- Doug Weisner – The best advice and instruction I can give anyone on how to live a happy, peaceful and productive life is derived from the serenity prayer. Have the courage to do what you can. Be at peace with what you cannot and be wise enough to know the difference. Another piece of advice is, instead of being brilliant, prioritize not being stupid!
For the April birthdays, $1000 has been collected with 85% participation for the month and more coming will be coming.
There are two volunteer opportunities for the Club at the Food Bank on May 27 and September 22 from 9-11:00am. Mark your calendars for one or both of these dates!
Bobby Hoffman announced the 17th annual ePIFanyNow taking place next week. The week of kindness culminates on Friday, May 15 with a celebration at MSUFCU Headquarters from 5-7:00pm. Our own Irv Nichols will be receiving the Chris Rosati Hero Award at the event for his ongoing service to the community. The nonprofits being highlighted during the week are Casa for Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hospice of Lansing, Tri-County Office on Aging, and Visit Positive Somebody. Here are further details. https://epifanynow.com/
Cathy Zell, our Chair of the Day and Month, gave us some background on LCC’s Changemaker Center located on the third floor of the Gannon Building. Cathy shared that Andrew Abood suggested an installation at LCC to honor African Americans in the Lansing area who impacted our community…the Changemakers. The sponsors that helped make this installation possible are CASE Credit Union, LAFCU, Rathbun Insurance and Tri Star Trust.
Thirty Changemakers were selected and are business leaders who built industries, educators who transformed lives, activists who fought for justice, artists who enriched our culture, and public servants who dedicated themselves to community. Through cutting-edge interactive technology and immersive storytelling, we can all learn from their experiences in a unique way. In three years an additional thirty Changemakers will be added.
Rotarians went up to the third floor to see where “Lansing’s African American Stories Come Alive and interacted with the Changemakers Center and admired the signature art piece. For more information, click here. https://changemakers.lcc.edu/. You can visit Wednesdays: 5:00 - 7:00 PM and Fridays/Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Doors on the 3rd floor of the parking structure will be open during those times.
If you would like nominate a future Changemaker, please click here. https://changemakers.lcc.edu/add-your-legacy.html
Our next meeting will be on Friday, May 15 at LCC featuring a presentation by Jonathan Gusmano, Director of Computer Information and Technologies at LCC. See you there!
Email for Julie Pingston: jpingston@lansing.org