Rotary Club eBulletin, 4/24/18 (Apr 25, 2018)

Meeting Notes, 4/24/18

Posted by Ramona Pleva

President John Racine opened the meeting with God Bless America and the Pledge of Allegiance. Nikki Subkowski delivered our invocation.
Leading us in song and getting us psyched up for this week’s big Show was the Mighty Rotary Chorus. Under the direction of Chad Hill, our chorus performed their Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band Medley.
Mother Fred introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
President John Racine introduced our newest Rotarian….drum roll please…… Linda Racine!! (Wow, didn’t see that coming!) Linda originally hails from Indiana, attended Ball State University where she earned degrees in music and psychology. She has been a Training Specialist and Project Manager at NMC. (And somewhere in the middle of all this, John snuck in a kiss to his lovely wife!) Linda retired 3 weeks ago. She’s been very active with a variety of community projects and now she has one more to add to the list! Welcome to the club Linda!
Mark Eckhoff announced that tickets are still available for this week’s show. As of this time, Wednesday night has sold over 400 tickets! Now we just need to get a more butts in the seats for the other nights. There might be a few tickets left to the President’s reception for tomorrow night as well. Mark also proclaimed that people in this club have talent – like “real” talent, like enough talent to put on a show! (Whew!!)
Susan Kraus also mentioned that she needs a firm head count for the afterglow at Sorellina’s. That event takes place Saturday after the last show and is $15/person.
Dan Rickard gave an update on Camps and Services. In March, Camps submitted applications for three federal grants. The requests have been filled, one for Green Lake and the other two for Discovery Peer! There will be work bees and volunteer opportunities coming up. May 19 is a work bee day and Kids Free Fishing Day is slated for June 16.
Happy Birthday to Susan Kraus and Rob Lovell!
The 50/50 had a whopping $139 due to last week’s pot being donated back. Mike Caruso was the lucky winner!

President John Racine with New Member Linda Racine

Meeting Notes, 4/17/18

Posted by Art Hoffmann

Mike Meindertsma opened the meeting-(for John Racine):

God Bless America / Pledge of Allegiance ;
Invocation by Homer Nye (based on Rotarians coming together);
Music by Cindy Ruzak: “Here comes the TC Rotary Show” -Tune of Peter Cottontail;

also “Happy Birthday” dear TAX Day!

Introduction of visiting Rotarians & Guests – Marty Colburn;
Introducing Student of the Week – Jayne Mohr;

Katie Rundio – Traverse City West High School: Outstanding Student Katie is involved in a variety of student activities. Most notable, she is the Editor of “OCCIDENTALIST”, school newspaper. Katie is a member of several school clubs and her primary interest is in public relations. Traverse City and all Rotarians are very fortunate, and proud, to have these “high caliber” youths residing in our community.

Jeff Hickman – representing IM Rotary – awarded Rotary Graduate Marty Colburn a certificate of course completion with 500 Paul Harris credits;
50/50 raffle - $51.00 – Donated by winner Paul Heidbreder towards next week’s raffle.
Announcements:
NMC BBQ – See Steve Haskins to sign-up /flip burgers and serve guests;
Tickets for Rotary Show- President’s Reception @ “Red Ginger”;
See Kat Paye – for Rotary Show info.
Elaine Wood & Sharron Zimmerman- announced Becky Ewing as Executive Director of Rotary Charities – Becky was Associate Director and is extremely well qualified for this responsibility.
Surprise guests appeared: Michael Moore introduced the new Director and Treasurer of the 2018 Film Festival: Joseph Byer the Director was associated with Robert Redford and the Sundance Film Studio. He was very excited to come to Traverse City and be part of our community. For more info: www.sundance.org.

Outstanding Student of the Week, Katie Rundio

Women’s Resource Center

Posted by Art Hoffmann

Main Program: Women’s Resource Center:

Steve Wade introduced Juliette Schultz-Executive Director, Marcia Heller - Development Director, and Jayne Hayes – Board Chairman of this essential organization for women’s advocacy in our 4-county community.

The Mission of WRC : To Protect, Shelter, and empower people impacted by domestic violence.

The primary elements of this necessary service are:

A Helpline answered 24/7/365 - Every day of the year;
Emergency Shelter and Housing advocacy;
Confidential One on One group support;
On-Call staff to respond to victims of sexual assault at Munson Medical Center;
Legal advocacy, referrals and resources.

Marcia Heller spoke to our member Rotarians about the essential work the WRC has been engaged in over several years.

Last year they have serviced:

775 Survivors, 115 Women and 88 Children.

Marcia told us a true story called: “A Brave Survivor’s Story”. It was heart-warming!

FOR more info: www.womensresourcecenter.org.

Opioid Epidemic in Grand Traverse County Part 2

Posted by Ramona Pleva

Today’s program was a continuation of the conversation started in February regarding the opioid epidemic in Grand Traverse County. Bob Cooney gave a brief overview of the statistics associated with opioid use and then introduced our speakers Dr. Richard Entz, Addiction Medicine Specialist and Katie Kerr from Addiction Treatment Services.

Dr. Entz explained how drugs and alcohol can impact the “happy” thermostat in the brain. They theoretically flip a switch in the brain that allows one to feel good. When the affect has worn off, the brain responds with the user feeling worse each time they wake up. The only way to get back to that “happy” feeling is to increase the drug use.

As addiction begins to develop, the functions of the brain shift. The cerebral cortex that controls our rational thoughts is overcome by the midbrain. The midbrain controls our primitive needs like safety and hunger. With the midbrain in control, addictions become a priority for the brain!

Opioids are unique in that they will depress breathing. No other drug has that impact on respiration. Heroin penetrates the brain faster than morphine, lands on an opioid receptor and releases the “feel good” neurotransmitter dopamine. Dr. Entz also explained that Suboxone is a drug that helps an addict “feel normal “again, stabilizing the roller coaster effects of opioid use.

Kate Kerr spoke of treatment options offered through Addiction Treatment Services. Services are available for men and women and they provide an effective continuum of care. Substance Coalitions from the five county area are working together to provide education and there’s a grassroots effort taking place at East Middle School.

Addiction Treatment Services offers reverse drug kits that are free and contain 2 doses. There is some education available on how to use these kits and they are most appropriate for opioid use. To reach Kate, her email is katek@addictiontreatmentservices.org

Bob Cooney rounded out the presentation with laws that are being passed that impact physicians and schools. Parental consent will be required for any minors receiving an opioid prescription. Physicians will only be allowed to write prescriptions for seven days.

Judge Linda Davis will be coming to Central United Methodist Church on June 21 to speak on Families Against Narcotics. Judge Davis is the chair for the Governor’s Task Force on Opioid Drugs.

Predator & Prey: Opioids' Savage Effect On Our Community Video CLICK HERE

President John reminded us that next week we are meeting at the Great Wolf Lodge.

Thanks so much everyone!! See you at the Rotary Show!