For his last official meeting, President Chris rang the bell promptly at 12:30 and led us in the Four Way Test. Corey Grant provided a thoughtful reflection, pointing out that our Four Way Test is radical in today’s world. She challenged us to live what Rotary stands for and deliver hope to the world around us. The reflection was followed by “America The Beautiful” accompanied by Hari Kern.
Although Lisa Smith was not present to pass the microphone, we managed to get through the introduction of our guest, Marley, who was introduced by Katie Krick. She has attended three meetings and will be submitting her application.
To the best of President Chris’ knowledge, all club members are healthy.
Eric Olmscheid introduced his husband Adam Yankowy for the day’s special music. Adam has an impressive resume that includes performing, directing and teaching. He is the
artistic program director for the New Musical Laboratory at Michigan State University – a program that helps shape and support new musicals in their development process. Adam shared three selections – “
So In Love” from Kiss Me Kate, “
She Loves Me” from She Loves Me, and
“Stars” from Les Miserables.
President Chris reminded us of the volunteer opportunity at the Greater Lansing Food Bank coming up on September 22nd and turned the meeting over to John Shaski who called the annual meeting of the Lansing Rotary Foundation to order.
John thanked outgoing members - Chris Holman, Craig Stiles and Chris Swope – before reminding us that we have three giving opportunities each year – birthday, holiday and Paul Harris. Participation in all three opportunities is more important than the amount given. There is also an endowment generously funded by the estate of Jack Bates that can be included in your estate planning.
Linda Sarnelli gave the Treasurer’s report, sharing that our endowment has grown to $5.6 million. An allocation is made from this endowment annually to fund local and international grants. This year, $45,000 was allocated to international grants and $82,567 to local grants. We also have committed to annual $30,500 payments through 2027 to complete our support of Rotary Park.
John reported for the Children’s Holiday committee. This past year, we welcomed 52 students from Gardner International Magnet School. $9500 was donated to support their programs. An additional $5500 was donated to Mid-Michigan Autism Association. Dominick Blatnik shared a few words about the work that this organization does. Our donation was accepted by Dominick and his parents. His mother, Cathy, is on the Board of MMAA. Our holiday donations will continue to be split between Gardner and another charity each year. The organizations have been selected through 2030.
Chris Holman was not present to report for the birthday committee, but John shared that we raised $12,180 with 98% participation to date. Chris was relentless in reminding each Rotarian that a donation in their birthday month is expected. Donations were received from 146 members.
Kevin Schumacher sent us around the world with his summary of international grants. Grants went to organizations in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Togo, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, India, Nepal and Ukraine. Each grant recipient was championed by a member of our club.
John reported that there were 8 local grant recipients this year. $10,000 was set aside from the total available for local disaster relief. Additionally, $1567 was given back to the club to support special music. There is always a need for people to review local grant applications.
Our Paul Harris campaign resulted in $11,867 raised from 80 Rotarians. Our club has 8 members who have reached Paul Harris +8 status. In total, our club has raised $831,000 in Paul Harris contributions to date.
Planned giving was on hiatus this year so that the Foundation Board could focus on other areas.
DEI Committee activities were covered by Bilky Joda-Miller and Linda Sarnelli. This committee meets immediately following our club meeting every 2nd Friday of the month. Meetings last about an hour and new members are welcome.
This committee suggested that words to our patriotic songs be provided on screen so that all members would be able to participate. They also suggested that vegetarian meals be provided since we previously had some members who brought their lunch to the meetings because we didn’t.
Our club demonstrates equity through our donations and grant awards. We have a long history of diversity and inclusion as Linda reminded us with a little quiz that tested the memory of long time members. Perhaps you didn’t know that:
- Our first African American president was Marvin Ray in 1986.
- The club moved from the Elks Club to the Lansing Airport in 1987 because the Elks would not admit African Americans. Michael Clark vividly remembers this as he was prepared to leave the club if it did not move.
- The first female admitted to the club was Sue Tadgerson in 1988.
- Our first female president was Helen Mickens in 1994.
- Our first openly LGBTQ+ president was this year’s Chris Swope.
We also welcome many diverse speakers to our meeting.
The Foundation By-laws allow it to function with a Board consisting of 7 to 15 members. John would like to see the Board grow to 15. This year is a start with the following Rotarians nominated to serve:
- Michael Clark
- Sarah Garcia
- George Siegel
- Nathan Triplett
- Cathy Zell
A motion was made, seconded and carried to elect these Rotarians to the Board and John Shaski as President.
During a short question and answer session, the following additional points were made.
- Paul Harris fellows are awarded for every $1000 donated to the International Foundation. The awards are accumulated; you do not have to donate $1000 in a single year. The District sometimes provides a match allowing a Rotarian to reach a Paul Harris level without donating a full $1000. Cathy can tell you what your Paul Harris status is.
- Clarification that grant awards going to churches are for specific programs that happen to be operated by a church. This year’s grant was to support a gun buy-back program.
- Paul Harris donations go to the International Foundation. One use of these funds is a matching program for grants that local clubs make internationally.
The meeting was turned back over to President Chris who reminded us that we would not meet next week (now this week) due to the 4th of July holiday. He also let us know that he would be taking the next week off.
Email for Linda Lynch: linda.j.lynch@gmail.com
We have a service opportunity at the Greater Lansing Food Bank on 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: 
