Join fellow Rotarians on Thursday, July 15th at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom for another fun social event that raises money for the Lansing Rotary Foundation!

 

This is the second event of the ROCCO’s Taste of Italy series. Hosted, demonstrated, and taught by Rocco Rucinski, we will once again have the opportunity to prepare two authentic Italian dishes from the comfort of our own kitchens. In addition to our culinary experience, Rocco will share stories of his family’s time in Italy and talk about the family members who helped inspire the dishes being made: limoncello sorbet cocktail and ricotta dumpling soup. John Person will once again provide some wine pairing suggestions to further compliment our Taste of Italy experience.

 

To receive the Zoom link, the list of ingredients you will need to have on hand to cook along, and the wine list, please RSVP to Rebecca Bahar-Cook by sending a donation via Venmo or mailing a check (suggestion - $20) made out to the Lansing Rotary Foundation to her at 525 Westmoreland Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48915 no later than July 10th. Rocco is sponsoring this event for the benefit of our Foundation and all the details are being handled by a volunteer committee. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Martiny at amartiny@ft.newyorklife.com or Rebecca at rebeccabc@capitolfundraising.com. We look forward to having you join us.

 

Also, the more people involved the more fun we can have, and the more funds raised for the Lansing Rotary Foundation so feel free to share this invitation with your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, or whoever else you think would enjoy spending time with us.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Rotary Club of Lansing for the past year. There were 43 meetings hosted on Zoom and one outdoor social gathering this year which created an adventure each week for me. I’m happy to have been able to serve the Club and really look forward to meeting in person again in July! It has been my goal throughout the year to keep consistency with our meetings and to keep members engaged. My thanks to everyone who helped make that happen! I have appreciated everyone’s kind words, encouragement and support throughout the year. Thank you! 

 

Julie

President Julie Pingston pulled everyone in from their small group conversations and called the meeting to order on the most serious and significant of occasions…our annual Changing of the Guard. The invocation– a reflection on life goals by Mother Theresa - was provided by Curly-Kelly Rossman-McKinney. A medley of Patriotic songs featuring fireworks, music and cheering around Cinderella’s Castle at Disney (President Julie’s 2nd home) launched us into the big ending/big beginning that today’s meeting represents.

 

Almost-Past-President Pingston welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Diane Sanborn shared the health of the club is excellent but suggested building a Rotary Ark and gathering our animals 2 by 2 if the rain doesn’t stop soon. Nick Heriford reported on June Birthdays; Rotarians another year older/wiser have given $500 in gifts to the Foundation with 65% participation to-date. Pat Hanes, our Rotary Hero, was recognized at the District event last night, at which Jack Draper, Frank Tegge and Rick Guilford were remembered among the Rotarians lost this past year. Todd Gute’s next adventures were noted and Captain Chris Chamberlain was highlighted for continued success of the family boating business.

 

Nearly Done President Pingston shared calendar Items. July 9 = Rotary Park Social Gathering from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15 = Taste of Italy 2.0 @5pm via ZOOM. Friday, July 16 = return to in-person meetings; please be patient while logistics and details are worked out given our ever-changing conditions.

 

Kevin Schumacher kicked off the two-part program for the day. Part 1 was a Star Wars/Ferris mash-up ode to Princess Julie and the new Pingston Collection on display at the Lansing Art Gallery, which has drawn many visitors - some critical, some questioning, and all inspired by Julie’s leadership. This limited engagement exhibit won’t last long before it travels the world. Part 2 featured special music by Lisa Smith and the Woo-Woo Boys (three background singers who looked vaguely familiar) in tribute to the strong and invincible Julie Pingston, who can do anything. They also sang a little prayer for Sue as she steps into the leadership of our Club; heaven knows she’ll need it – corralling this crew is like herding flies.

 

Finally-Finished President Pingston reflected on the 42 of 43 meetings she hosted on zoom, her desire to turn her camera OFF, her appreciation to the Board Members – particularly Susan Angel, David Trumpie, and Pat Hanes who are ending their terms on the Board - Jennifer Marsh for her treasurer role, John Cauley as secretary/side-kick, John Dale for his creativity, and so many other Rotarians for a million moments that shaped her time at the helm of our Club. Her delight to be headed back in-person (or just be done with this and go to tap-dancing at Disney World) was evident as she passed the gavel to Shiny-New-Penny President Sue Hansen.

 

Pretty-Ready President Hansen thanked Peace-Out-President Pingston and shared her excitement for the year ahead. Social commentary ensued as the meeting adjourned officially at 1:12pm. For those interested, Pat Hanes is now available for dance lessons (whether he’s giving or getting them seems unclear).

 

NEXT WEEK: We will NOT meet on Friday, July 2 due to the Independence Holiday weekend. (Queue fireworks).

 

Respectfully submitteKd by Michelle Reynaert, email:  michelle.reynaert@sparrow.org