For those who went to the SLCC for the meeting, you had an “A-Ha” moment when you realized that the meeting was held at Seven-Steps Up, which is the entertainment venue of member Michelle Hanks (and her husband Gary), in the Village. This meeting was the annual appearance meeting for DG Brian Robinson from the Soo-Canada Club, with his able assistant and wife, Leona. Also, we were pleased to have two representatives of our Interact Club, Katie Allen and Lauren Shippy, so in the order of presenting, the following comprised the program for this favorite meeting venue:
The ladies representing Interact at SLHS reported on their time attending the Youth Leadership Conference at Tustin, MI (which is south of Cadillac). They were a bit underwhelmed initially when exiting Hwy US-131 at Tustin, and noted nothing…a few pine trees, sand spits, and suddenly a parking area in the wilderness, with some buildings in the background. Then the adventure began..The Presenters were varied and excellent in categories ranging from Personal Achievement, Teaching, Being Helpful, and Youth Exchange and Leadership. Both Katie and Lauren were pleased to have attended the 4 day event, and believe their own lives were enhanced by the Rotary experience. These young ladies will spread the message at SLHS and also be able to use the benefits in their own lives. FYI, my daughter was an attendee at this same Conference about 30 years ago, when very few students were interested in attending the function. She says in her business today, the lessons learned from the Conference have proven invaluable in her business and personal life, and it was one of the real highlights of her high school experience in Spring Lake.
President David with the help of DG Brian, presented to Vicki Coulson of Habitat for Humanity, a check from SL Rotary for $15,000. This is a grant to help with the cost of constructing a new home in Ferrysburg for a deserving family. The home will be constructed with volunteers, including SL Rotarians. Drive by someday. The home will be located on Michigan Ave, near the former Ferrysburg School, with is now the City Hall for the community.
The meeting then progressed to a presentation by our member-hostess Michelle, describing the phenomenal growth and success of the entertainment venue known as Seven Steps Up. It is viewed by artists as an acoustically excellent intimate venue that is small enough to be close to those attending a concert, and friendly enough to have the entertainment professionals asking to return. The growth has been from 8 shows a year in 2008 to last year 97 shows. As Gary says, there is room for more, but bookings take several months of advance scheduling since many of the entertainers move from NY, to Boston, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit…and then Spring Lake…Tickets range in prices from $18 to $65 depending on the artist and guarantee. So, if you see a program you might enjoy, buy your tickets early as most shows are a sellout!! A successful use of the former Masonic Temple, Design Studio, and real estate office. Thanks for hosting our group Michelle and Gary. Also the box lunch from SLCC was Great!!
The main part of our Program was welcomed by Kathy Hegedus, District 6290’s Admin Officer, and our Rotarian at SL. Kathy knew the building well as her husband did the carpentry redo and he and Kathy were married at Seven Steps Up 10 years ago!! Our DG Brian is a somewhat retired businessman from the Soo Ontario, but actually started a brew pub for his business hobby in retirement, and was recruited, without twisting his arm, as DG. His humor is understated, and he wears quite well with everyone he knows, including his wife Leona. As is one of the roles for a DG, he carried the message of RI Pres Barry Rassin.
The message from DG Brian for SL Rotary was keep up the good work!The challenge for all clubs is to maintain an active and engaged membership.His home club at the Soo is having some attrition as older members leave.The fund raiser for the Soo is raffle tickets for 2 expensive autos, or a cash prize.The members are busy all year selling tickets for a $650,000 fund that pays for a lot of the youth programs around the Soo Ontario.
RI Pres Barry calls home Nassau, Bahamas.As many know he was elevated to the Presidency a year ahead of his planned time as the untimely death of Sam Owori of Kampala, Uganda moved Barry up the ladder of succession.
The message of RI this year is not only to continue the literacy campaign that Sam Owori chose last year to emphasize, but to realize that nothing can occur in Rotary without the full effort of all Rotarians.Therefore, recruit members to fill the roles of a club:Audit, Communications, Finance, Global Networking, Grant Making, Leadership, Membership, Operations, Interact, Strategic Planning and Youth programs.Each club can provide for its own committee structure, but to enable its members to achieve the Object of Rotary:To encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and 1) Development of Acquaintances as an opportunity for Service; 2) Promote and maintain High Ethical Standards in business, professions; recognition of all useful occupations as bringing dignity to Service; 3) making Service important in the business and community of the Rotarian; 4) Advancing International Understanding by exhibiting goodwill and peace through the efforts of Rotarians.
RI Pres Barry Rassin and DG Brian Robinson delivered the message that under the Umbrella of Rotary are many folks who practice Service Above Self.Thanks for the visit from the DG and his wife, and the great venue at Seven Steps Up, which explains quite well how pleasant it is to have talented people in our Spring Lake Rotary Club, helping make our community a nice place to live and visit.Also remember the upcoming Bike Rodeo on August 25 where many volunteers are needed to help with the event.See Chris Burns or Michelle Hanks about sign up times for various areas needing course volunteers.
Rotary Scribe, Tom Boven (filling in for Randy, who is prepping for some surgery)…
