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President Jack Davis called his first meeting to order, taking a moment to reflect on the Rotarians in the room whom he has known for quite some time, including Sue Beekman Mills who was the cutest cheerleader at Eastern High School and grew up to have the same positive traits that her father was well known and respected for. President Davis also reminisced about the incredible Centennial Celebration activities that we have had, noting the vision of Past-President Jeff Crippen and the dedication of Past-Presidents John Pence and Lisa Smith, as well as Mark Hooper, Julie Pingston, Pat Hanes, Sue Hansen, Ken Beachler, John Dale Smith and countless others who truly lived and led by the motto “Service Above Self”, going above and beyond to set us up for the next 100 years. A special book presentation was made to Past-President Lisa for her husband from the collection of Gil Wanger; ask her about it!
Jack Bates gave the invocation and the assembled Rotarians sang a patriotic song. Dave Trumpie (not to be confused with Donald Trump-ie) facilitated the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians. Teresa Kmetz shared the remembrance report, noting that the health of the club is good. She also encouraged Rotarians to share news they might have for the weekly remembrance report with Cathy.
Sandy Draggoo represented the June Birthday Rotarians, sharing the odd responses to the even more odd question “What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?” and noting that $876 has been given thus-far, but that their group is still giving with a plan to reach 100%.
Those who haven’t yet picked up their 100 Year History Books are reminded to do so. Singers from Peppermint Creek Theater (now in its 13th year) performed two selections (the only two semi-appropriate) from their current production which is definitely on the contemporary and rather adult side of things. Don’t take your grandmother. Or your youngest child. But definitely go check it out.
Michelle Reynaert filled in for AWOL Foundation President Courtney Millbrook to present a check for $2,000 to Helping Hands Respite Care, one of the selected grant recipients of this year’s Rotary Foundation funding cycle. The money will be used to fund Music Therapy for their Adult Day Program. John Stauffer, Executive Director for Helping Hands, was made to wait for Chair of the Month/Day Curt Sonnenberg to provide a glowing introduction before he was given a chance to say thank you, and share more with the Club about Helping Hands as the day’s speaker.
 Mr. Stauffer talked about the many different programs that they offer at Helping Hands Respite Care, as a non-profit organization that provides non-medical respite care for families who are caring for a loved one with disabilities related to physical, mental or developmental causes. One of their programs, Weekend Respite House, always has a wait-list. Their staff is supported by volunteers, keeping the ratios very low and currently providing important care for people from 3 to 97 years old. Their annual budget is $1.2 Million; 15% of which comes from gifts and grants – like the one from our Club – and 73% is fees for services. 12% is private pay; out of pocket fees paid by people who access their various services to gain some respite/recharge their own batteries. Mr. Stauffer described programs including Breaking Barriers Today, a partnership with the Lansing Parks & Rec., In-Home Respite Care for Seniors, and even shared their current effort to give their Respite House a much-needed facelift. To learn more, consider attending one of their “Walk Beyond the Barriers” events, which is a one-hour highlight of all they do. They will even take their educational show on the road, should you wish for them to come to your place of business, worship or other congregation of masses to share how they are helping our community each and every day. Or visit www.helpinghandsrespite.care.
President Davis thanked Mr. Stauffer for sharing his time with us, provided him with a coin (pocket piece?) with the 4-way test on it and noted that, in lieu of a speaker’s gift, we will donate in his name to the Bio Sand Filter project, providing pure water to under developed countries. Mr. Stauffer, being a Rotarian in the East Lansing Club, proved he has the 4-way test memorized, much to the chagrin of Past-President Lisa Smith.
For those still reading, I will endorse the plea of the esteemed K.V.B. Schumacher in the Rotogram Vol 101, No. 02, dated July 5; please consider becoming an Editarian! We write what we manage to scribble down furiously and at least 7 people read it. I mean, you’re still reading, right?
See you next week at the Crowne Plaza (Lexington/Sheraton) off Creyts Rd for a special new member program.
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