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President Davis called the meeting to order 3 minutes early, practically in mid-measure of John Dale Smith’s usual luncheon serenade. The invocation was given by Julie Thomasma and was followed by America, The Beautiful. Lisa Smith provided a microphone so guests could be introduced. Linda Lynch provided the Remembrance report, letting us know that, in general, the health of the club was good; however, we were saddened to learn of the death of Richard Gleason on September 23rd. Suzy Carter completed the Remembrance report by sharing her memories of Dick, whom she had known for most of her life. One of her first memories was during her time as a student Rotarian in the 80’s. Dick was her sponsor and she recalls one meeting where there was an ongoing situation involving the police (Dick was the chief), but Dick did not leave the meeting. As she got acquainted with him, she discovered that he was not the grump she had heard he was. Suzy had seen him several times over the summer and let us know that he kept up with the goings on of the club through the Rotogram and that he loved our 100th Anniversary Book. Though his body was failing, his mind was still very sharp. Suzie’s memories were followed by a moment of silence.
President Jack shared his most recent presidential surprise – 1100 raffle tickets sent to us by the District for us to sell at $20 each. He just wasn’t quite sure what to do with them. Sue Mills volunteered that in years past, the Foundation has donated $1000 to the district in lieu of selling the tickets. Courtney Millbrook confirmed and we will make a similar donation this year. Last year, we actually won $250. President Jack will let us know if we win anything this year. He also let us know that if anyone wanted tickets, he had them up front.
The Charlotte Rotary Club is having a special meeting at noon on October 11th with Geoff Goff, Rotary International’s Polio Eradication Chair. If you are interested in attending, see Cathy for details.
Although not the September Birthday Chair, Pat Munshaw gave the report. She pointed out that only one of the people at the birthday table was there legitimately and wondered why so many birthday Rotarians avoid the birthday table. (And they did get some very yummy looking cupcakes!) The birthday question had to do with what Olympic event you would like to compete in. Only two Rotarians provided answers. Donna Gardner wants to participate in the three day equestrian event because she thinks it is the perfect combination of discipline, freedom and adrenaline. She also really loves horses. Irv Nichols replied with an often overlooked event – bass fishing. Perhaps Irv misread the questions. In conclusion, Pat reminded us that the goal of the birthday chair is to have 100% of the birthday Rotarians making a contribution to the Foundation. Sadly, only 48% of the September birthday Rotarians had made a donation, raising a total of $950. But don’t worry, Pat asked me to make a special note in this report that if you have not yet contributed, you have until October 15th to do so without incurring a late fee. Happy birthday to all!
President Jack introduced Kurt Guter, Chair of the Month and the Day. Kurt told us that several month ago, his search for an organization that he could become involved with led him to ASPPIRE. He soon stopped in to their office, crashing a planning meeting, and has been involved ever since. Maria Peak, Director, and Bo Steinkamp, Deputy Director, did a masterful job of team presenting.
Bob founded ASPPIRE in 2008. He had worked with students with autism while he was teaching. These students can be educated until they are 26, but services beyond a basic education are lacking. He founded ASPPIRE to provide the social coaching that is much needed by this growing population. In 1990, there were 1200 students in Michigan with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. In 2012, there were 16,000. That means that 1 in 68 children are affected. ASD is more common in boys than in girls, but the number of girls is increasing. Many of these students will graduate, some even earn college degrees, but they are unemployed or underemployed at a rate of 90% nationally.
Some area companies have seen the value of employees these people. Meijer employs 250 in their warehouse. Walgreen, BCBS, Microsoft, Ford and Boeing all have programs to search out these individuals and make them part of their teams. Boeing has a number of engineers with ASD.
In fact, this group exhibits many strengths – loyalty, strong math and coding skills, low turnover rates, honesty, diligent, responsible and task oriented. They are also good at repetitive tasks, following the rules and detecting patterns.
ASPPIRE helps these people by assisting them with interview preparation. They also provide on the job support via a group of job coaches. They can provide long term follow up and support. Individuals who come to ASPPIRE are never asked to leave the program and they are helped regardless of their ability to pay for services.
ASPPIRE also works with employers to help them find and train the right people. ASPPIRE helps them to prepare the people and the environment accommodate those with ASD.
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Jamie Bennett has been the Executive Director of ArtPlace America since January 2014. Previously, Jamie served as Chief of Staff at the National Endowment for the Arts and Chief of Staff at the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. He has also provided strategic counsel at the Agnes Gund Foundation; served as chief of staff to the President of Columbia University; and worked in fundraising at The Museum of Modern Art, the New York Philharmonic, and Columbia College.