After a few tech difficulties with the Zoom meeting Rotarians, President Mark rang the bell and the last meeting of the Summer of 2021 commenced.
God Bless America was sung, the Pledge of Allegiance recited and Sakura Takano offered up the Gratitude and Reflection moment.
Nick Beadleston introduced visiting Rotarians and guests with his unique Nick Beadleston style.
Club announcements included:
New Member:
Marsha Minervini introduced Tawny Hammond. Tawny is a Michigan native and is the president of Wind Dancer and owner of The River Outfitters. Both organizations prioritize community partnerships and natural and cultural preservation. Tawny also serves as the National Director for Learning Advancement for Best Friends Animal Society. With a full resume of success, Tawny has worked with both the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in Fairfax County, VA and the Animal Services in Austin, TX. Due to her dedication, both shelters boast of a 90% and 98% save rate for animals who came through the doors. Tawny lives in Traverse City with her spouse and their pup Rosie. Welcome to the club Tawny.
An update from the Good Works Grants Committee:
New Good works Co-Chair Miriam Owsley pinched a hit for committee Co-Chair Ben Whiting to announce the grant recipients for this quarter. They include:
The Friendship Community Center and Leelanau Investing For Teens (LIFT): $2,500 for roof maintenance
National Alliance on Mental Health (N.A.M.I.): $1000 for virtual learning equipment
Traverse City Fencing Club: $830 for flooring, with the condition that the grant be matched by individual donations
Kids on the Go: $500 for program expansion and materials
These grants total $4,830 of the $5,000 allocated for Q1. The remaining $170 will be pushed forward to Q2.
The upcoming deadline for Q2 is November 5. The committee asks the members of this club to please share this funding opportunity with local nonprofits. Questions can be directed to co-chairs Miriam Owsley or Ben Whiting, and the application can be found on the club website or requested from Kathy Bussell.
Board nominees:
A special meeting of the Rotary Club was called by Jeff Hickman and Mark Newhouse as nominations for the boards of Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps and Services were announced.
Seeking reelection for a three-year term on the Rotary Charities board are: Allison Beers, Marlene Bevan, and Grey Luyt
Seeking to fill three seats on the Rotary Camps and Services board are Chris DeGood (incumbent) , Katy McCain (incumbent) , Dan Rickard (incumbent) and Cindy Ruzak,
Elections for the boards will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, at the Annual Meeting during the Rotary meeting. We will need a quorum to conduct the elections.
PLEASE attend via Zoom next week.
Work Bee on Friday:
Matt McDonough announced the Jim Van work bee will be on Friday, Sept. 24 from 1 - 4:30 at: East Creek Reserve. Fence repair and trail maintenance are on the agenda for the day. Matt can be reached at: matt@discoverygreatlakes.org
40 Under 40: President Mark gave a shout-out to all our Rotarians who recently topped the list as the area’s 40 Under 40.
Pete Strom: President Mark informed our club that Pete Strom has been granted the status of Honorary Rotarian. Pete has made massive contributions to our club, Traverse City and Grand Traverse County. Anybody who is anybody knows that Pete is a big deal.
The 50/50 raffle had $50 in it and it went to a guy in a suit! (Sorry folks some things weren’t super obvious via Zoom to know the winner but he does look great in a suit.) Anyway, congrats!
The program for today’s meeting was announced by our always entertaining Art Burkowski.
Glen Chown is the Executive Director for the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy. The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy was a recipient of a Rotary Charities $100,000 grant 30 years ago. The Return on Investment for this organization to protect our land has proven to be a true reflection of the mission of Rotary Charities and has had a huge impact on our region. The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy includes Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska and Manistee counties.
Success by the numbers:
46,000 acres of land protected in our five-county area
149 miles of rivers, lakes and streams protected
42 reserves and 29 natural areas created for public use
The land is protected with conservation easements, land acquisition, municipal assists and technical assistance.
The Campaign for Generations was a six-year fundraising effort with a $7 million goal. The campaign raised $94 million! Impact of this campaign included:
88 total projects
7503 total acres protected which included three lakes
22 new public nature, preserves, natural areas of sanctuaries
26 miles of shoreline on rivers, lakes or streams
6 universal access projects
Acquired natural areas include:
Upper Manistee Headwater (Tapico) of 1288 acres
Maplehurst Natural Area of 389 acres
Petobego State Game Area Addition - 47 critical acres that were 25 years in the making!
Lower Woodcock Lake
Mt.Minnie Nature Preserve - Isthmus between Platte and Little Platte Lakes
The Conservancy’s work is extremely important as we are losing three acres of farmland per minute. They have protected 1552 acres.
Universal access is a goal for the Conservancy. It is important that everyone have lifelong access to our natural areas with appropriate and safe walkways, railings and ramps where needed. The Conservancy actually has the first universal access canoe launch!
Current projects include:
Finch Creek - an area that has 300-year-old cedar grees
Pyatt Lake
Hickory Forest Natural Area
Keissel Ridge Farm
Mitchell Creek
Volunteer activities are available with The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy. If you love having easy access to nature and all this area has to offer, there is a volunteer slot for YOU!
The Wheels of Hope certificate presentation was made to Glen. President Mark had the membership recite the Four-Way Test and reminded all to attend our weekly meeting next week! Remember, we need a quorum for the board elections!!