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Today marks the last day of the Rotary Club of Lansing’s centennial year and tomorrow begins year 101! There was no better time to celebrate in a very special meeting at Impression 5 Science Center for the grand opening of FLOW: A Water Experience and the culmination of our Centennial project. Erik Larson the Executive Director of Impression 5 Science Center started the grand opening meeting by recognizing the contributions of the Lansing Rotary Club to this grand opening. Erik reminded everyone that the building that houses the Science Center was a former wagon factory from 1880 and never designed as an interactive space for a science center. But, the Center has been reinventing itself and the site has become a characteristic of how guests experience the learning activities. For example, the new water room takes advantage of the 14-foot high ceilings to be able to shoot water cannons from the second story and the building allows for continual connectivity to the “Play-Create-Challenge” mantra of I5. Erik introduced President Davis who provided further historical perspective relating to how this old, 80,000 sq ft building became a great community based location within our region. President Davis explained the importance Rotary members place on providing clean water throughout the world. Thanks were given to the Special Projects Committee (Kurt Guter, Sue Mills, Dave Marvin, Sue Hansen, Irv Nichols) and Past Presidents Crippen, Pence and Smith. President Davis then thanked and introduced Mark Hooper who served as Chair of all of the Centennial activities. Mark thanked all involved recognized the 230 Rotarians who contributed over $250,000 to spearhead this special exhibit. Mark thanked the Impression 5 team for working with the Special Projects committee from the competitive granting process to today’s activities. Remarks were made from the other funding sources including: Shaun Johnson, Consumers Energy Foundation Jennifer Sturdy, PNC Foundation Victor Loomis, Joe D. Pentecost Foundation John Bracey, MI Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs Noah Smith, Impression 5 Science Center Board Chair Erik Larson acknowledged the Impression 5 team members who made the project happen. All components in the exhibit were designed and built on site by the Impression 5 team. This is a home-grown project like everything at Impression 5. Erik also provided a special art tribute in recognition of their Board Chair Noah Smith and his vision to Impression 5. Then, it was time for the grand opening!! There was a countdown and the curtains were dropped. Each funder had a boat to launch in the large tubs and then it was time to play! Michelle Raynaert’s son looked pretty skilled on the water cannon although Manny Garcia looked like he had shot a water cannon before. Kurt Guter got sneaky with the water tubes and President Davis did not sink the Rotary boat! A wonderful lunch and camaraderie took place following the grand opening and gave Rotarians the chance to reminisce about our 100-year legacy to the community. Thanks again to all involved in making Lansing Rotary’s Centennial Celebration so monumental! There will be no meeting next week (July 7) due to the Independence Day holiday. See you on July 14! |
