The Mental Health Steering Committee was created as per 2023-2024 Rotary International President Gordon McInally's Mental Health Awareness initiative:
"We can and will create the kind of world we want to live in: one where we all have the chance to help and to seek help. We can do this by:
Erasing the stigma associated with caring about emotional well-being
Raising awareness about mental health needs
Working to improve access to mental health services"
Jacquie Blackwell (Lakeshore Rotary) and Brandy Culverhouse (Paw Paw Lake Rotary) are the Chairs of the District 6360 Mental Health Steering Committee and would love for you to join them.
It all started in the fall of 1924 when Frank Loftus brought a bouquet of fresh garden flowers to the grave of Charles W. Nichols, a past Rotary president who had recently died. The custom grew in an informal manner and when Loftus died four years later, the official Frank Loftus Day Memorial Service was held - a cherished Lansing Rotary Club tradition that each September honors deceased club members who are buried in the Lansing area. It was not surprising that Frank Loftus started this revered tradition. A longtime grocer and life-long Lansing resident, he was known for his compassion, often extending credit at his store on Washington Avenue to families who were encountering difficult financial times. His civic dedication was legendary. He also gave his time to volunteer with the local Red Cross, with his church and with the Knights of Columbus. He died on May 30, 1928, the major headline in the Lansing Capital News was "Loftus Dies Suddenly" and the accompanying article went on to describe the many contributions he had made to his community.
It is likely our club is the only one in Rotary International that remembers its deceased members in such a unique way. This year, Friday, September 8th we will honor Ken Beachler, Clyde Carnegie, Don Colizzi, and Duane Vernon at the meeting. Immediately following committees can visit the graves they are assigned.
President Nick Heriford called the meeting to order in the Michigan Room of Lansing Community College and led all assembled in the 4-way test. Michelle Carlson provided the reflection, with a reminder of self-care; singing of America the Beautiful followed. Lisa Smith facilitated the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests. The health of the club is assumed to be great, in the absence of alternative news. Announcements included:
Jacquie Blackwell, Chair of the District 6360 Mental Health Steering Committee will have zoom meetings on Monday, August 21st and September 22nd. The Zoom link is on the tables and included in the Rotogram
There will be a “New Member Orientation” on Thursday, September 28th at Lansing Brewery starting at 3:30 p.m, prior to the member social.
Anyone who is interested in joining the Membership Committee please stay after the meeting today, find Michelle Reynaert or email michelle.reynaert@sparrow.org to get involved in future meetings.
To support fellow Rotarians in Hawaii, check the Rotogram for more info.
Scott Duimstra noted that Loftus Day – which began in 1924- will be held September 8th and there are many ways to help; send flowers, bring flowers, show up, and participate! 517-485-7271 is the number to order flowers. 😊
John Dale Smith introduced Adam Woolsey for special music; he works at DeWitt High School and is married to LAST week’s special music guest. He sang selections from Jersey Boys while JDS accompanied on piano. Andi Earl, serving as chair of the month and day, introduced Dottie Fuller, RN, of Regeneration Wellness, to speak on Healing &the Human Experience. She began with a brief grounding exercise, inviting Rotarians to close their eyes, breathe deeply, self-scan for tension and work to release it, stabilizing the body and calming the mind. During her presentation, she shared more about:
Holistic Nursing: based on the principle that a patient's biological, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects are interconnected.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST): founded by Dr. John Upledger (1923-2012), www.Upledger.com - training to perform CST includes many hours of study, 4-day intensive trainings at each level, advanced classes and more. It’s a form of complementary or alternative medicine that uses gentle touch to assess and treat restrictions within the Dural tube, membranes, fascia, and osseous structures of the craniosacral system containing the cranium and sacrum.” It can safely be used on any joint space or diaphragm. No therapeutic dialogue.
Somatoemotional Release therapy (SER): a therapeutic process designed to rid your mind and body of the residual effects of past injuries, negative experiences, and traumas. It uses a technique called blending and melding, as well as therapeutic imagery and dialogue.
Epigenetics: Definition 1: the study of heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the sequence of DNA. Definition 2: the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work (CDC.gov definition).
Two related reading opportunities: “It Didn’t Start with you: how inherited family trauma shapes who we are and how to end the cycle” by Mark Wolynn and “What happened to you?Conversations on trauma, resilience, and Healing”, by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., and Oprah Winfrey.
Ms. Fuller went on to share how CST/SER can help with conception/fertility, delivery/birth, infancy/adoption, toddlers/developmental delays, childhood, and more. Insurance does not generally cover treatment; she does take HSA/FSA. Usually, 2-3 sessions are all that is needed.
President Heriford thanked Ms. Fuller for her time and noted that in lieu of a speaker’s gift, we’ll donate to a local organization through our Lansing Rotary Foundation, which has, through the history of the club, given more than $2.5M to local organizations and projects.
REMINDER: See you August 25, at Rotary Park with Saddleback BBQ as our delicious meal!
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Reynaert, michelle.reynaert@sparrow.org
