President Chris brought the hammer to the bell for, calling the meeting to order at mere seconds past 12:30. As is the norm, Rotarians recited the Four-Way Test.
We met in the Grand River Room at Lansing Community College, directly across the hall from the Michigan Room where we usually meet. We sat four (and in some cases, five) to a table.
For the Patriotic Song, we sang America the Beautiful, with Ben Rathbun on piano, begging the question, “Is there anything Ben Rathbun cannot do?” I think not.
Alex Hernandez handled mic duties for the Introduction of Guests and Visiting Rotarians:
- Will Lawrence introduced himself as a community organizer running to represent Michigan’s 7th Congressional District.
- Julie Pingston introduced Tony Watkins, new general manager with Legends Global for the Lansing Center, Jackson Field and Groesbeck Golf Course. He hails from Texas and, according to Julie, survived his first winter here in Michigan.
- Barb Whitney introduced Kathryn White, a prominent Lansing-based advocate for arts education. She is a leading figure for the Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment project.
- Audrey Schultz was Rocco Rucinski’s guest. She’s a local real estate agent with eXp Realty and, because Rocco wasn’t present, she introduced herself.
- Jerry Granger introduced his dear brother, Ron, as “nobody I love more.” Aww.
For Special Music, Terry Terry introduced Clique Vocals’ Dan Templin and Kelly Sandula-Gruner. He’s an attorney by day and serves on the Michigan Board of Contemporary Art. He sings and plays the piano … at the same time! She’s a graphic artist for Gruner Graphics, and has a magnificent set of pipes. They sang one of my favorite Frank Sinatra tunes, The Way You Look Tonight, and one of my favorite Van Morrison songs, Moondance.
President Chris shared Announcements, including my call for Editarians. If you’re interested in serving on the Editarian Committee, please reach out. I am working to finalize the 2026-2027 Editarian coverage schedule. Some of our seasoned Editarians have stepped away, and the rest of us (or maybe it’s only me) are desperate to broaden our ranks. If you geek out about writing, scribing, or journaling, we welcome your interest and talent.
President Chris presented Smiljana Williams (Lansing Board of Water and Light) with her Red Badge. Way to go, Smili!
He also announced two volunteer opportunities with the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Mark your calendar TODAY so you don’t miss out:
- Wednesday, May 27, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 22, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
President Chris introduced Rotary District 6360 Governor Jackie Huie. She was on the floor well before the meeting started, distributing an assortment of colorful rubber duckies to emphasize her priority to grow membership. She offered three ways to grow membership: 1) Look at our club’s action plan; 2) Invite local leaders to happy hours, which is how clubs are doubling in size; and 3) Have FUN. She announced that the District Conference is May 15 and 16, 2026, in St. Joseph and encouraged Rotarians to take advantage of this great learning opportunity. Additionally, the 2028 District Conference will be in Lansing May 14, 2028 (another date to add to your calendar)!
Chair of the Day Ben Rathbun pitched today’s guest-speaker intro to Barb Whitney. She let us know we are so fortunate to have Eric in our midst. He is a highly qualified executive who serves as one of two Tony Award voters in Michigan. She pointed to his background in arts and culture management and his ability to “run a business that “makes magic for you.” He is leading the charge at MSU, working in the arts to bring community together. “If you are already involved, get more involved,” she dared us. “If you haven’t seen a show, let me know, and I’ll take you!”
Then Barb told us, “When I was at MSU for a shorter time in a different role, there were some challenging times in my home and in my life. Eric didn’t know that, but when we were in the University Arts and Culture groups together he gave me one of those big old hugs before I even knew him.” And let’s be real, who couldn’t use one of those hugs? Get in line, y’all!
Eric Olmscheid said he’s been executive director at the Wharton Center for 3.5 years. Though he’s a relatively new Rotarian, today’s presentation won’t count as his Blue Badge presentation. He shared about the Wharton Center, which — next year — will celebrate 45 years of strengthening our community. He challenged us to close our eyes and think back to one of our most formative arts experiences. My memory flashed before my eyes: I drew a swatch of orange on my bedroom wall with a Crayola-brand crayon — not the most important intro to the arts for me, but formative nonetheless.
“As you open your eyes,” Eric guided us, “Think about that memory.” He asked us to share.
Phyllis Riley said she participated in band and all the different performances at school. “I watched all my brothers and sisters do all those things.”
Julie Pingston professed that she was a terrible singer and artist but loved the arts because in sixth grade, she picked up a flute and discovered, she was actually really good at it. “It opened the door to all the other arts.”
“Someone in that theatre is having a transformational, formative experience,” Eric said. “Every moment we have to share the arts binds us.”
He then told us about his childhood, growing up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota. His great grandfather started the farm in 1887. How did he get connected to Broadway and performing arts? The arts became an escape from life on the farm, which he did not love but greatly appreciated. He thought he’d be a kindergarten teacher but then went into arts management and the Ordway Center for Performing Arts in St. Paul.
“We inspire and empower community through meaningful performing arts experiences — this is our guiding light. We envision a stronger community through arts and cultural experiences.”
Some current Wharton data to chew on:
- 270 total events
- 206,500+ patrons
- 30,000+ learners in education
- 218 student employees — 92 majors represented
- 300+ volunteers
- Psychology is the No. 1 major at the Wharton Center
- Namesake: Dr. Clifton and Delores Wharton
- Dr. Wharton arrived at MSU in 1970 as its14th president. He used the arts platform to bring community together. Central to his vision was a performing arts center — the Wharton Center exists in the Wharton’s honor and vision.
- The Wharton Center is a special asset and jewel; an arts presenter — booking shows, selecting what’s coming here. It’s a calculated risk — the arts-presenting business.
- Next week the Wharton will announce performing arts selections.
- It’s the home venue of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.
- It hosts a great number of users each year — half are their own events; the other half are presenting partners.
- The Wharton is a leader in education and engagement, which is what captured Eric’s interest in the role. “Our reputation is well-known; we are respected and seen as a leader.”
- They’re a creative producer and an arts presenter — sustaining excellence on their stages, generating $25-$30 million in economic impact to our region, thanks to Broadway programming.
- Embedded education and community engagement require some level of support from community.
- Wharton is a venue manager stewarding a world-class facility that includes three theaters: Cobb, Pasant Theatre and Club 750.
Eric loves his student workforce and the school matinee series. They bussed in 15,000 K-12 students this year for the daytime matinee, selling $15 tickets for $1 per student. Other education program highlights include the Sutton Foster Awards (in its 14th year); in May 170 Michigan students will compete for a chance to go to New York City to represent their high schools; they invite every 10th grader in Lansing to experience a Broadway show through the Broadway Bridges program, which launched last year (includes a Q&A with cast members and dinner at the Broad).
How does funding work? The whole pie is $16.5 million. Of that, 72% is earned, 16% is contributed, 6% is from endowments. Of the 22% received from private support, there are 2,088 donor households giving beween $1 and $1million — a significant fraction of the pie.
Want to contribute? Create your own performing arts package. Subscribe today for the Broadway Series (6-show package), Performing Arts Series (5-show package), or mix-and-match six shows from among all shows. Purchase tickets individually, or organize a group.
A Q-and-A session followed.
The meeting adjourned at 1:29 p.m. Email for Lolo Robison: lolorobison@gmail.com
For the program this week we will head to the 3rd floor and explore LCC’s Changemaker Center. Where Lansing's African American Stories Come Alive! Step into The Changemakers Center and discover some of the extraordinary people who shaped Lansing into the vibrant community we know today. Through cutting-edge interactive technology and immersive storytelling, explore 30 remarkable individuals whose vision, courage, and determination have created lasting change. From community leaders to innovators, activists to artists, these are the neighbors who dared to dream bigger. Whether you're discovering hidden stories from your own neighborhood or finding the Changemaker that speaks to your soul, you'll leave knowing that the next great legacy could be yours to create. Welcome to a space where yesterday's heroes meet tomorrow's possibilities.
We have a service opportunity at the Greater Lansing Food Bank on Wednesday, May 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Tuesday, September 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. located at 5600 Food Ct., Bath Township. Please let Jason Brunette know if you can help: 
Bernie Lucas – Snoopy because he’s the coolest dog around and has a great imagination. I could help him get the Red Baron!
Chris Swope – Sponge Bob Square Pants because he’s so happy and friendly.