President Chris Swope opened the meeting and announced it was the first day of spring! We recited the Four Way Test and a beautiful reflection was given by Nicole Baumer. During this period of Lent, which she and other Catholics celebrate, two pillars of the season are sacrifice for others and forgiveness…something we can all remember as we traverse the interesting times in our world.
Hari led Rotarians in God Bless America as our patriotic song.
LOTS of Rotarian children were introduced as guests today! Kait Kmetz, Eli Lantz and Sarah Cook. Additionally, we welcomed Jason Mellema (Supt. Ingham ISD), Audrey Rodriguez (LCC) and Antonia Drake.
Our Special Music were the Singers on the Grand. They started in Grand Ledge but have upcoming performances at Riverwalk, Grand Ledge Opera House and in Portland. Their show is titled, “Grand American Road Trip.” It includes 70 years of different music genres, 11 singers and an 8-piece band. Today they performed two songs: “One More for the Road” and “Route 66.”
Announcements
It was announced that Dick Van Dyke, when asked how to live to 100, said “Two things: Don’t get angry and don’t hold your anger.”
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities: Greater Lansing Food Bank May 27, 9-11 am, Volunteers are needed Apr. 4, from 10-1 pm for Downtown Lansing.
Local grants applications are due by April 20.
There’s a Spring Fling Intergenerational Event: March 31.
The foundation set aside $5,000 for the recent tornado relief in Michigan.
Nicole Baumer, chair of the day, introduced Samantha Harkins, President/CEO of Lansing:501. Samantha is the former Deputy Mayor for the City of Lansing and held many other public and private positions.
Samantha explained what Lansing 5:01 does:
What do we do:
- Placemaking and cultural events
- Curated networking opportunities – with intentional invitees
- Direct employer engagement
- Commitment to showing emerging and recruited talent that Lansing is a fantastic place to grow and thrive
- Campaign to showcase Lansing to recruit professionals (especially young professionals) from other places.
Some of the highlights of her presentation included:
- 2/3 of young people are living in smaller places that are cool; Lansing fits that demographic
- We have to stop being Midwest nice. We have to champion ourselves.
- We have distinct advantages, strategic geography, higher education, state government, insurance, great neighborhoods, suburbs and cultures.
- Lansing is the 5th best market in America for quality of life out of 200!
- All of us have to be champions of this. Let’s put down the swords and promote our region.
- Be on the “Rose-Colored Glasses” committee and evangelize about Lansing.
- What is the metric for success: raising population 10% in 10 years, increase campaign participation (RedHead has helped with the design and marketing)
- If you say something long enough it becomes true, so don’t let people diss Lansing.
President Chris announced the meeting next week is Happy Hour Thursday. The following week we don't meet because of Good Friday.
Email for Michelle Lantz: michelle@glfoodbank.org