The link for the meeting will be sent out on Thursday.

 

WHEN DOES THE MEETING START?  Here is the schedule:

 

 

FOLLOW UP:  Please keep your microphone muted when you are listening.  Be aware of the lighting in your room, a well lit room with natural light if possible.  Please feel free to use Chat throughout the meeting.  If you have any questions for the speakers, ask them through Chat.

Father. Dad. Life Partner. People's Champ The founder of Lansing Made and Creator of the Lansing Made 517 Day Celebration, Metro Melik is a Community Builder who relentlessly uplifts what's cool about Metro Lansing.

 

Metro Melik is the 2019 City of Lansing winner of the LOVELansing Community Builder award. He is the 2017 recipient of the Distinguished Gentleman Award.

 

Metro Melik is the son of a former school teacher and a retired officer in the United States Air Force who spent much of his youth in Oscoda, Michigan. He made his way to the Lansing area to try to find his life's path. Along the way he experienced many types of jobs as well as real world learning experiences. Then he discovered Metro Lansing's arts and entertainment scene. He performed in plays and musicals. Which spawned an interest in acting and modeling. He's enjoyed being able to grace the stage as either an emcee, a poet, a main or supporting actor, a comedian, or as a hip hop performer.

 

Whether the audience is four or 40,000 he's learned the art of moving the crowd His creative prowess includes photography, video production, writing, and voice work. If you find yourself at a production or event in which Metro Melik has produced or in which he is performing, your certain to be entertained.

President Julie called us to order for our first meeting of 2021. In light of the current national climate, Donna Gardner delivered a joyful yet poignant invocation. And then we heard the ever-talented John Dale Smith perform an instrumental version of My County Tis of Thee for our patriotic song.

 

We got to meet several guests and visiting Rotarians. Most notably, Chris Chamberlain introduced his infant daughter Lucy.

 

President Julie shared memories of Frank Tegge, who recently passed away at the age of 78. Frank was a member of Rotary since 1980 and was president of our Club in 1992-1993. We observed a moment of silence.

 

Kelli Ellsworth-Etchison recognized the Club’s December birthdays. So far we had attained 58% participation, raising $770 dollars. The monthly question was “what would be your yacht name, if you had a yacht?” Tobi Moore would name her yacht “Moxy” for will-power, backbone, and unbridled courage. Michelle Reynert’s yacht would be “Dig This” in a volleyball reference for her family’s favorite pass-time. Kelli’s own yacht would be “Biscuits,” but she declined to share the backstory of her husband’s nickname for her.

 

Donna Gardner gave foundation update regarding holiday donations. We have donated $11,000 to the foundations. 60% of membership or members have donated in amounts ranging from $3 to $1000. Thanks you for gift of any size and, there is still time to give. She spoke of ways the Club is planning to expand donor recognition.

 

Diane Sanborn shared some sad news on the health of the club; Ron Flynn’s wife, Noreen, passed away. Additionally, Rebecca Bahar-Cook recovering from knee surgery.

 

President Julie recognized some Rotarians doing great things. Governor Whitmer has appointed two of our members: Kelli Ellsworth Etchison to the Black Leadership Advisory Council and Brian Philson to the Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice.

 

John Dale Smith again entertained us with Special Music, this time joined by John Nichol from CMU as they performed God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

 

President Julie thanked Melody Warzecha for being Chair of the Month and Tyler Parsons for being Chair of the Day. Tyler introduced our speaker, Kevin Mays II, of Flint United, a minor league basketball team which was named in hopes of times in our country when we are not so divided.

 

Kevin Mays spoke of his vision of sports bringing us all together and setting a positive tone. He envisions Flint United to be a big part of the pulse for the Flint community. Flint has been through trying times with the water crisis and the pandemic. He wants to help define their own tone and pulse, with a new foundation to live and build off of. We are called to overcome; and we can’t stay stagnant. He spoke about the transition of high school athletes to minor league or overseas leagues or to the collegiate sports route. For last six years the top basketball athlete has left Flint for a better opportunity. They have a 4500 person venue, and they were able to obtain some equipment from the implosion of the Palace of Auburn Hills, including seating and led lighting. There is no mascot yet; they plan to have a fan contest. For more information go to https://flintunited.net/.

 

Mr. Mays was very appreciative of the gift that will be made in his name to local organizations and asked to add to the donation.

 

Chris Swope's email is:   Chris.swope@lansingmi.gov