Ryan Laruwe serves as the Executive Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Council, where he spearheads initiatives to enhance the state's infrastructure. In his role, Ryan collaborates with local communities and infrastructure asset owners to create strategic frameworks addressing Michigan's urgent infrastructure needs.

 

Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University and brings a wealth of experience to his current position. His career includes notable roles within state government, including at the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Public Service Commission. Ryan's expertise spans transportation, electricity, natural gas, and broadband. He is deeply committed to finding innovative solutions to the state’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.

Friendly reminder that there is a Membership Committee Action Plan Meeting immediately following Rotary this Friday, September 20th in the President's Dining Room. Thank you!

 

 

The Michigan State Rotaract Club has implemented a new initiative called "Rent a Rotaractor".  This is a fun and simple way for Rotarians to get simple tasks done while also contributing to the MSU Club's funding. As you know, most of their members are college-aged/young professionals who are unable to pay the higher Rotary fees. Their club offers a large discounted rate of fees, and they rely heavily on help from parent clubs and fundraisers to help keep them going. This is how it works:

The following members have recently elected to resign from our club.

President Rebecca opened the meeting and led everyone in the four-way test.

 

Steve Grant gave a beautiful reflection about fall. In addition to other messages, one important reminder was: “Let go of things that no longer serve us.”

 

For some reason, Chris Holman introduced special music today. John Dale Smith accompanied Ms. Caila Conklin, who is starring as Carole King, in the musical “Beautiful” at Peppermint Creek Theatre, running for three weekends. However, it’s completely sold out, so if you didn’t plan ahead, it’s too late! Which ironically was Caila’s first song: “It’s too late,” …perhaps in anticipation of our audience??? Her second piece was “Beautiful.” (No, literally that was the name of the song.) The key lesson in her final song is, “You’ve got to get up every morning with a smile on your face and show the world all the love in your heart. Then people ‘gonna treat you better.”

 

We wholeheartedly welcomed guests and visiting Rotarians.

 

There was one Red Badge presentation to: Stephen El-Khatib

 

The health of the club was perfectly fine, thank you.

 

 

The August Birthday Report was delivered by Chris Holman, who was apparently trying to take over as many roles today as possible. The question of the month was, “What is your favorite automobile and what is your favorite spot to drive it to.” Sorry, but I forgot to write down where people would take the auto, but here are their favorite automobiles:

Pat Hanes: Cadillac

Andy Brogan: Volvo

Brian Philson: Chrysler 300

Jeff Crippen: All-electric GMC Hummer

The happy birthday song was played by John Dale, prior to him bolting from the room as if it was on fire or he was being chased by a bear.

 

 

The DEI Meeting was after the meeting today.

Social Gatherings start: Sept. 26th at the Irish Pub

PR Committee: meeting Oct. 4th before the weekly lunch meeting, needs more people

Membership Committee: 3rd Friday of the month

Service Project: setting up a calendar for the year, Volunteer Opportunity survey will be sent to members in October. Rotarians…please complete your civic duty and fill out the survey!

 

 

Diane Brewer was our presenter. She is executive director of the Michigan Education Trust. Her topic was Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund. She indicated that the scholarships are not a labor of love and many of the staff volunteer to raise money for this scholarship. Highlights:

• For 12 years, the program has provided scholarships to youth who have experienced foster care and are enrolled at Michigan colleges and universities.

• 9,500 Michigan youth are currently in foster care

• Nationwide, 75% of foster youth express desire to attend college, but fewer than 10% enroll, and only 3-11% earn a degree.

• There is currently $1 million dollars in the endowment account and they want to grow it to $26 million to be fully sustainable.

• Fall 2024: 429 awards of $3,000 were made at 58 institutions.

 

Next week our speaker will be Ryan Laruwe, executive director of Michigan Infrastructure Council, at LCC.

 

There will be a special 100th birthday celebration for Irv Nichols and apparently we WILL have cake!

 

Email for Michelle Lantz:  michelle@glfoodbank.org