As executive director for the Michigan Education Trust (MET), The State’s pre-paid college savings program, Diane Brewer guides policy issues, published reports, procurement, MET’s Charitable Tuition Program and the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund. As a member of the MET outreach team, Diane co-hosts webinars, formal presentations and marketing events to raise awareness of Michigan’s 529 Plans.

 

Diane graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in broadcast and cinematic arts, and a business administration minor. She started with MET in 2003, advising purchasers on the use of their prepaid tuition contracts and interacting with students and universities to help them make the most of their college savings plan benefits. She serves as the program manager for the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) and was instrumental in establishing the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund which has raised over $1.4M to award as scholarships to youth who have experienced foster care and are currently enrolled in Michigan colleges and universities.

There will be a DEI Committee Meeting immediately after our Rotary meeting this Friday, September 13th in the President's Dining Room if you would like more information please contact Bilky Joda-Miller.  Her emails is:  bilky@allbodykneads.com 

 

 

President Rebecca called today’s meeting to order at LCC’s Michigan Room a bit early to leave ample time for the Loftus Day cemetery visits.

 

Rotarians recited the 4-Way Test and Uma provided the meeting’s reflection which incorporated the Rotary theme of “the Magic of Rotary” with the deep philosophy of breathing. As we breathe in oxygen, we breathe in the oxygen of those who have lived before us. Every breath helps us celebrate the magic of Rotary.

 

John Dale Smith led Rotarians in singing My Country Tis of Thee.

 

We welcomed Teresa Kmetz’s guest Spencer Haworth who is the Major and Planned Gifts Officer for the United Way of South Central Michigan.

 

President Rebecca updated that the Sarah Garcia will be back in to work and Rotary in October!! Good news! She also updated that our first Social Gathering will be on Thursday, September 26 at the renovated and newly opened Irish Pub at 1910 West Saginaw with appetizers and a cash bar. See you all there!

 

Chair of the Day Dave Trumpie reminded us that this is the 100th Anniversary of our unique tradition of Loftus Day. Rotarian Frank Loftus brought flowers to a Rotary meeting to decorate the grave of Charles Nichols and when Mr. Loftus passed away, Rotarians honored him by decorating Rotarian graves and a tradition began. During the meeting, we remembered three Rotarians who have passed away in the last year.

 

Joel Hoffman spoke about Reverend Lawrence Richard (Dick) Ammons who died on October 29, 2023 at the age of 85. Dick was the Senior Minister of Unity of Greater Lansing and was married to wife Betty. He had four children and 7 grandchildren. Dick joined the Lansing Rotary Club in 1983 and was also a member in Kansas City, MO. He received the Paul Harris Award four times. Dick was also the Chaplain at events for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce events received the President’s Award twice from the Chamber. Dick was an Eagle Scout and involved in many local organizations such as the Jaycees, Salvation Army and he was a Mason for 60 years.

 

Irv Nichols helped us remember Rick Anthony who passed away on October 7, 2023 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 76. Rick was most likely the youngest person to join the Lansing Rotary Club as he was 22 years old when he joined. He was well known by Rotarians for his involvement with Loftus Day each year as the owner of Rick Anthony’s Flower Shop on Grand River Ave. Rick helped Rotarians order flowers each year and brought them to the meetings for everyone. Rick was married to his wife Carole for 56 years and had three sons.

 

Craig Spencer honored his father J. Clyde Spencer, M.D. who passed away on February 5, 2024 at the age of 94. Clyde was an only child from Ionia, MI and born in 1929. He was a serious child but enjoyed his connection to his Chow Chow dog named Chan. As a student, he enjoyed football, baseball and debate and was an excellent student receiving a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan. Clyde was married and had four children. He was a physician and was in the Army as a medical officer and then had a radiation/oncology practice through Sparrow Hospital. He was sponsored into Lansing Rotary by Bill Cheney who was the Chief of Radiology at Sparrow. Clyde was a Rotarian for 50 years, although he may have had the worst attendance record in the Club! However, Rotary was important to Clyde, and he donated regularly to our charitable activities both locally and internationally. He was dedicated to his patients and golf throughout his life.

 

A moment of silence was held for these three dedicated and beloved Rotarians.

 

Rotarians went out as a group to Mt. Hope Cemetery to lay flowers at the graves of Rotarians there. Thanks to Dave Trumpie and Doug Wiesner for providing each Rotarian with a map, photo of the gravestone location and obituary of the Rotarian. I learned that Thomas Gunson was born in Scotland in 1858 and was in charge of the gardens at Michigan State College and supposedly knew more about the history of the College than anyone else. He served as the Mayor of East Lansing from 1904-1914. Perhaps you’ve driven on the road named after him in East Lansing.

 

Email for Julie Pingston:  jpingston@lansing.org