President Mack Beers called our Zoom Meeting to order. Jen Casey led the moment of reflection.
In the ongoing engagement of new members, we met the first three new members of the year during the meeting. Paul LaPorte introduced us to Dr. Bernie Rubin a rheumatology specialist, and Laura Oblinger had us meet Laurie Lapp an accomplished human resource professional by trade. Lisa Pointe closed out the introductions presenting Emily Wilbert a native of Traverse City and is with Hagerty Insurance in senior management and strategic operations.
Marsha Minervini led a farewell to our Brazilian exchange student Arthur, including comments from Arthur as well thanking his families and the club.
A Rotary Charities update was given by Mark Eckhoff. He spoke of the commitment Charities is making toward understanding our history and the work we need to do to build a more inclusive society, as in the recent grant given to Title Track for their “Understanding Racial Justice” series. Charities is also now seeking grant reviewers for future grant requests. CLICK HERE
Al Bonney spoke about other grants that are being made as Rotary makes a commitment to help fight the COVID-19 virus around the world. Locally, Lisa Pointe spearheaded bringing 4 regional clubs together with financial commitments up to $3500 each with matches from Rotary International. Four Charities were selected as beneficiaries. Another grant derives from Rotary Foundation’s Disaster Grant program.
President Mack announced that he will work to track attendance via the zoom meetings.
Becky Ewing introduced the day’s program featuring TART and their Executive Director Julie Clark. Julie also introduced Casey Russel who is the Development Director.
Following an excellent video introducing TART to all of us, featuring founder John Robert Williams among others that show clearly the impact and history plus its place today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F33dn1azLXk&feature=youtu.be, Clark gave a presentation update on the work Traverse Area Recreational and Transportation Trails (TART) is currently up to.
The mission is simple and straightforward: Enriching the Traverse Region by providing a network of trails, bikeways and pedestrian ways; and encouraging their use.
Now in the age of COVID-19, the key is to stay active. Stay healthy. Stay safe. TART is working in many ways to be a leader in this effort.
Last year, TART did a benefits study of trails in Leelanau County. The key findings were:
Trails increase traffic to businesses
They are a boost to local business seasonality
They contribute to creating a sense of community and outdoor
TART trails is viewed as an important community partner
These are important recreational corridors and ways to get around the area for commuters. The trails contribute to an active healthy lifestyle that is a signature of the region.
Upcoming projects include:
Boardman Lake Loop Trail and its completion
Vasa Skillz
Boardman River Trail
Leelanau Trail Improvements
TART Reconstruction’
Further down the road TART is looking at:
Leelanau Trail Extension to Peshawbestown
Nakwema Trailway
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail Extension
Three Mile Trail Extension
These are just some of the projects this excellent organization is running with now and in the future.
