Love learning about other countries? Got an extra bedroom? And a big heart? Ever had an interest in hosting an exchange student for a few months? Our club has the opportunity to receive a Rotary exchange student for next school year (2023-24) and we’ve already identified one host family…BUT we need one to two additional households to split up the year. Students stay with each family for three months so they can experience different customs, family traditions and perhaps even travel.

 

The commitment is simply to provide a safe, loving space, meals and moral support as the student navigates school, friends and youth opportunities in America. The students have their own spending money and a monthly stipend. We’ve already identified one host family from DeWitt, so we need other households in that school district or someone willing to drive the student to school each day. You can be single or a couple, with or without children, and will need to undergo a background check and a home visit. If you are interested, please contact Michelle Lantz from our club at michelle@glfoodbank.org. My family hosted a Rotary exchange student seven years ago and remain close with him and his family, so I can provide insight into the experience.

Last month, we learned more about CCFF and viewed two trailers from movies that will be shown at the festival. The film “Join or Die” about community and service groups was something that seemed to interest Rotarians. That film will be shown on Saturday, April 8th at 5pm at the Frandor Sears Building. The filmmaker will be in attendance and our own Lansing Rotarian, Nicole Szymczak, will be hosting a Q&A session immediately following. https://capitalcityfilmfest.com/event/join-or-die The full schedule of other films is now live and can be seen at ccff.co.

The Planned Giving Committee of the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation will be hosting a luncheon meeting at the University Club of Lansing on Thursday, May 4th. The purpose of this luncheon is to learn about your Foundation and its Endowment Fund, and how your personal legacy and love of our Rotary Club can fit into your estate planning.

 

Invitations to the luncheon have been mailed to those club members thought to be most interested in such a presentation. However, if you would like to attend, and have not yet received an invitation, please contact the Club office via email at cathy@lansingrotary.com or by phone at 374-8989 so that we can arrange for your participation.

Our Social Gathering on March 30 may have had a smaller crowd with so many traveling for the spring break week, however, the evening was fun filled with great conversation. We had long time members in attendance and those who have recently joined the Club along with a few guests.

 

The social gatherings are such great ways to get to know fellow Rotarians that you may not have connected with before. I was glad to catch up with new member Judi Harris from the American Red Cross and Bilky Joda-Miller from all Body Kneads!

 

Fun fact of this week is that Diane Sanborn has attended all the Rotary Socials so far! Impressive! And, Kevin Schumacher is starting to work on the program for President Courtney’s last meeting on June 23. Feel free to share any ideas you have with Kevin!

 

We will not be meeting this week on Friday, April 7, and will see you on April 14 at LCC with our speaker Audrey Dahlgren from WLNS Sports. Have a great week!

 

Julie Pingston's email is:  jpingston@lansing.org