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Our meeting was called promptly to order by President Fliehman. The invocation was given by Rocco Rucinski and was followed by Rotarians lifting their voices in “God Bless America”. Dave Trumpie circulated the microphone for introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians. There were a number of guests who were interested in today's program on senior living communities. Most notable were the introductions made by Lesa Smith, who apparently didn't remember the name of her boss, Pam Ditri, introducing her as Pam Gates. Diane Sandborn let us know that the health of the club is good. She also told us that she is headed to Japan, where she hopes to visit other clubs. We will look forward to seeing the flags she brings back from those clubs. President Fliehman reminded us that there will be a club social on January 23rd at the Kellogg Center from 5 – 7. Please bring your spouse/significant other and join your fellow club members for appetizers and a cash bar. Remember to RSVP to Cathy so we know how many appetizers to order. That was followed by what may be a record number of red badge presentations. President Fliehman presented badges to: - Brad Funkhouser – CATA CEO
- Stan Samuel – Construction
- Ryan Moore – Chiropractor
- Orlando Gillespie – Self Employed President
Fliehman also announced that next week will be a very special meeting. All 10 Over the Next 10 award recipients have been invited to attend the meeting. Members are requested to arrive early and greet our guests warmly. They are wonderful prospective members, so please encourage them to visit again and consider membership. Those announcements were followed by a very special announcement from John Dale Smith. When he began providing his wonderful accompaniment for the club 21 years ago, he played on what he called “a beatup old upright piano” that was frequently out of tune. After several years of being unable to tune instruments to the piano, the club purchased a Kurzweil electronic console that served us well for 15 or so years. Lately, there have been issues with it, so purchase of a new keyboard was unanimously approved by the Board. John Dale was able to negotiate a great deal (in part because he was also shoppng for University Lutheran Church) getting us a top of the line Yamaha Klavinova that came with a deep discount. This instrument is easier to move and sounds great, although Dave O'Leary commented that he thought out of tune was a better fit for the club. The Kurzweil will be donated to North School and they are very excited to be getting it. Ken Beachler told us that the prior pianist had played for 63 years on that old upright; John Dale let us know that he never agreed to 63 years. Ken also introduced our special music, which was originally to have been tonight's LSO soloist, Yolanda Kondonassis. Unfortunately, she was not able to attend. Fortunately, vocalist Christine Cuicani, originally from Dewitt, was able to fill in at the last minute. Christine is studying musical theater in New York. She sang a selection from Phantom of the Opera and another from The Apple Tree. Those at my table were amazed that so much sound came from such a small young woman. Her performance was much enjoyed! President Fliehman introduced Chair of the Month and the Day, Lesa Smith. Lesa wanted us to know something unusual about each of our speakers, so she shared the following: - William (Bill) Cosby was recently at the Beverly Hills Hotel to accept the Heroes and Legends Award on behalf of his father, who was a producer and writer for Stevie Wonder.
- Todd Gute and his wife, who is either Christine (per Lesa) or Katherine (according to Todd) have hosted several exchange students and were recently able to visit one of them in Serbia.
The first part of the presentation was delivered by Mr. Cosby who told us that in spite of his musical career, his dad couldn't sing at all. He began by telling us a bit about current trends in senior living. Seniors have more opportunities to age in place, due in part to advances in technology – smart phones, biometric wearables, smart homes and resident portals. That has led to the development of life plan communities that offer independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care all under one umbrella rather than relying on separate facilities for each stage of care. Currently, the three largest facilities in the state are Fox Run in Novi, Henry Ford Village in Dearborn and Bretton Woods in Grand Rapids. The facility closest to Lansing is in Jackson. Studies have shown that there is a demand for such a facility in the Lansing area as people are leaving the area to take advantage of these communities in other areas of the state. These communities require an entrance deposit that is based on local housing values. This deposit is not rent or ownership, but creates a return of capital contract. If your resources are exhausted while you are in residence, the community will fund your care for the balance of your life. These communities provide the lifestyle and security that boomers are looking for in retirement. Burcham Hills is responding to this trend by expanding their independent living options with a new four story addition with 44 apartments and a number of new amenities to create a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Todd Gute, who began by thanking “Laura” for her introduction, filled us in on the details of the new development. He told us that he has been very impressed with Burcham Hills over the years he has been working with them. Everyone speaks to you in the hallways without fail, a practice that has been built in to the culture. The new addition will not change the exterior of the existing building. Some of the features of the new addition include underground parking and an enhanced courtyard with a patio that features casual seating and a firepit. The existing building will house some new amenities, including new dining options and a fitness center. Todd, trying to anticipate a question from Dave O'Leary, went on to tell us about the individual apartments. (Unfortunately, Dave's question was really regarding what paint would be used for the project.) The virtual walk through showed units that feature an open concept, 1 or 2 bedrooms (with the bedrooms separated by the living room to kill off those snores), balcony, optional fireplace, 2 bathrooms and laundry. The smallest unit is 850 sq ft, while the largest, which also includes a den, is 1350 sq ft. The presentation was followed by questions and answers, which provided an additional wealth of information: - Entrance fees range from $147K to $389K, and monthly fees start at $2700. (As I was sitting next to Pam and was easily able to ask her a follow up, that entrance fee is for a single; a second person adds $15K to the entrance fee.)
- The condos are still there and will remain. There are 38 of those and a waiting list to move in with 52 on the list. Those 52 are not interested in moving in to the main building. Adding amenities to the main building should change the perception of living there. Sixty percent of the condo residents eventually move to the main building.
- It will be possible to request home sharing, but each person must qualify independently.
- The new units should open in early 2021. There are already 48 applications, but Burcham would like to have 60 as not all who apply will want to move in when the units open. There is a $1000 refundable reservation fee.
- This is Phase One of three or four planned. There will be additional units and upgrades to the existing building as the community grows.
- A concern was raised about the effect on the fees if the units are not full. Burcham does not anticipate this as a problem because demand is great and this is just one part of a larger operation.
President Fliehman thanked both Bill and Todd, explaining that we would make a donation to our clean water project in the Dominican Republic in lieu of a speakers gift and presenting a Rotary coin to each. With final reminders about the social on the 23rd and to arrive early for next weeks meeting, our meeting was adjourned. |
Nick is President of both the MiLB Class A franchise, Lansing Lugnuts, and the USL League 1 franchise, Lansing Ignite FC. Nick started his career with the Lugnuts in 2001 working his way to become AGM in 2007 and GM in 2012 before becoming President in 2017. For both franchises, Nick oversees the day to day operations, specifically focusing on Finance, Sales, Sponsorships and Marketing. Nick graduated from Wilmington College (OH) in 2001 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management and dual minors in Business and Leadership. The Ohio native was a four-year letterman and team captain for the Wilmington College football team. He currently resides in Mason, MI with his wife, Valisa, and their two sons RJ and Jackson.
Plan to start January off with fun and fellowship with Lansing Rotarians! The Club will be hosting a social reception for Rotarians and a guest on Wednesday, January 23 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in the Red Cedar Room. Please RSVP to Cathy if you're able to join in the camaraderie with fellow Rotarians.