President Nick Heriford called the meeting to order in the Michigan Room of Lansing Community College and led all assembled in the 4-way test. Judi Harris provided a participatory reflection, inviting us to breathe and center on love of self and others; singing of Our Country ‘Tis of Thee followed. Raeanne Mardigian facilitated the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests. The membership committee gave two MSU basketball tickets for Monday night to four lucky people; remember that when you bring guests and prospective members, you MAY be awarded with fun and prizes!
• Kurt Guter reported that October birthdays are at 95% and $2,300+ and there’s still time to give to ensure 100%. Looking at you, Libras.
• John Shaski gave a holiday appeal reminder; this is one of three occasions for which we ask Rotarians to give a financial contribution – watch for a letter and plan to attend the holiday party on Dec. 15th. Festive sweaters are encouraged.
• Michelle Lantz announced the Governor’s Service Awards this year will honor our fellow Rotarian, Bob Hoffman! And, reminded the Club that a host family is still needed for Sophia, a lovely young lady here from Brazil who is attending DeWitt High School, starting in January. Contact Michelle@glfoodbank.org if you can help in any way.
• Meghan Martin, former Rotarian, reported on Arts Night Out, one of our Club’s grant-funded initiatives, and extended her thanks from the Arts Council of Greater Lansing for our support. The event featured 21 Old Town businesses, 92 exhibits/activities, and more than 100 artists.
John Dale Smith introduced Johnathan Gewirtz for special music on saxophone, then joined in from the piano on “When Sunny Gets Blue” a favorite of Pat Munshaw and other selections that had toes tapping all over the room.
Nicole Szymczak, serving as chair of the month and day, introduced Dr. Norman Beauchamp, Jr., Executive VP for MSU Health Sciences, an esteemed leader, scientist, and clinician, to speak on Health, Hope, and Healing for All. Dr. Beauchamp is a problem solver and convener, making great things happen locally, regionally, and beyond.
Dr. Beauchamp began with his journey as a child from Boston to St. Johns, MI, where his family had a farm, chickens, and other animals. He shared how his mother inspired him to do
something about the issues that plague our country. His undergraduate and graduate years at MSU, then beyond at Johns Hopkins, all supported his work today. He gave credit to the late Dr. E. James Potchen, M.D., J.D., MBA, who was instrumental in teaching him that half of what he studied should be outside of medicine. Dr. Beauchamp’s excitement for the interface of sciences is evident. His grandmother’s stroke was another teachable moment for his career path; his work helping extend the treatment window for stroke has no doubt impacted many lives (and QUALITY of lives). He spoke of discovery, education and clinical education being an important Innovation Cycle, of Academia & Industry Partnerships, Innovation Parks that drive greater transformation of care, and of an experience in Seattle that brought together healthcare, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center. The 4-day event gave free dental, vision, and medical care to those in the region struggling to access/afford healthcare; 4,000 people showed up. 97% reported they felt cared about. The event is now in year nine. In a nationwide look at least to most healthy states, it’s clear that Michigan can do better/be healthier; MSU Health Sciences is working to mobilize the university and beyond to make that happen. Care closer to home is one aspect of that; most people can’t afford to travel for care. He also touched on the public health focus in Flint being about more than clean water, and the partnerships MSU has with Henry Ford, Sparrow, McLaren, Corewell and others. He noted that Greater Lansing has $1.5B in ongoing or recent investment in research, manufacturing, and health tied to life sciences. A robust Q&A ensued.
something about the issues that plague our country. His undergraduate and graduate years at MSU, then beyond at Johns Hopkins, all supported his work today. He gave credit to the late Dr. E. James Potchen, M.D., J.D., MBA, who was instrumental in teaching him that half of what he studied should be outside of medicine. Dr. Beauchamp’s excitement for the interface of sciences is evident. His grandmother’s stroke was another teachable moment for his career path; his work helping extend the treatment window for stroke has no doubt impacted many lives (and QUALITY of lives). He spoke of discovery, education and clinical education being an important Innovation Cycle, of Academia & Industry Partnerships, Innovation Parks that drive greater transformation of care, and of an experience in Seattle that brought together healthcare, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center. The 4-day event gave free dental, vision, and medical care to those in the region struggling to access/afford healthcare; 4,000 people showed up. 97% reported they felt cared about. The event is now in year nine. In a nationwide look at least to most healthy states, it’s clear that Michigan can do better/be healthier; MSU Health Sciences is working to mobilize the university and beyond to make that happen. Care closer to home is one aspect of that; most people can’t afford to travel for care. He also touched on the public health focus in Flint being about more than clean water, and the partnerships MSU has with Henry Ford, Sparrow, McLaren, Corewell and others. He noted that Greater Lansing has $1.5B in ongoing or recent investment in research, manufacturing, and health tied to life sciences. A robust Q&A ensued.President Heriford thanked Dr. Beauchamp for his time and noted that in lieu of a speaker’s gift, we’ll donate to a local organization through our Lansing Rotary Foundation (which has, through the history of the club, given more than $2.5M to local organizations and projects).
REMINDER: See you next week, Nov. 10th, when Adam Montri, Owner of Ten Hens Farm joins us. Bring a guest – it will be great!
Respectfully submitted by Michelle Reynaert, michelle.reynaert@sparrow.org