President John Racine welcomed those in attendance at the Great Wolf Lodge, our den for the day! It was a noon Rotary meeting that had both the bear essentials of a weekly meeting and lots of interesting topics with great bearing on our region.
Dave Millross made sure no post-lunch hibernation crept in, leading us in a call-and-response song featuring the meeting’s ubiquitous, adopted mascot. He expertly coached the singers in the audience to keep this rendition from getting too grizzly.
Homer Nye led the invocation.
Lisa Pointe introduced our visiting Rotarians and guests for the meeting.
Katy McCain introduced new Rotary member Kathryn Stewart. Welcome to the club Kathryn!
Jen Casey presented more information on the 9/11 Remembrance Run. An important 5k run/walk all to honor local and national first responders and veterans.
It’ll be on Sunday September 10th, starting at 8:46am at F & M Park downtown. The event will feature Ramona Pleva singing the national anthem, an honor guard ceremony, a 1901 fire truck on display at the starting line, and more. Michigan Blood will be on-site, contributing $10 to the cause for each blood donation at the event.
Mark Eckhoff reminded us that they’re not looking for the Golden Bear or Tiger, just some fun-loving Rotarians for the upcoming Golf outing on Monday, August 14th at 12:30pm at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. It’s a great afternoon to connect with new people while out on the links! Foursomes can be formed with those you know, or get randomly assigned to three new friends. Or, join in pickleball games, starting at 3:30pm that day. Paddle and instruction will be provided.
Reminder on August 1st, the Rotary noon club will be meeting at NMC for a Picnic in the Pines. The meeting will be outside, in a tent, rain or shine. The tent will be between West and East Halls, off College Drive. Emails with details forthcoming…
That’s the advice Scott Tucker, Superintendent of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore gives to his team in order to provide an amazingly memorable experience. It’s the little snapshots that add up for visitors and consumers in our area, whether on a dune climb or at a restaurant, he said.
Mr. Tucker, a 20-year veteran of the National Park Service, gave an enlightening look at the importance of this most beautiful place; ours to discover right down the road.
He prefaced his presentation by saying he wanted to focus on the economic impact of the dunes, Lakeshore, parks, and attractions.
The effect on local business is clear, as their 1.7 million visitors last year helped bring $183 million and 3,000 jobs to local businesses within a 50-mile radius of Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The scope of Sleeping Bear is impressive: Spanning over 70,000 acres, with over 35,000 acres of wilderness. Mr. Tucker shared that they have a $4.2 million federal operating budget to host those 1.7 million visitors, with 100 miles of trails, 25 inland lakes, 2 campgrounds, 370 historic structures and 150 employees.
Current challenges at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore include handling the logistics and facilities needed from increased visitation and responding to climate change, he said.
Out at the South Manitou Lighthouse, for example, heavier storms and waves caused a loss of 800 feet of shoreline. These environmental changes have had a noticeable impact and created the need for $1.5 million in repairs and preservation of the South Manitou Lighthouse.
Search and rescue on the dunes, trails and water are other significant and necessary services, he said. Mr. Tucker gave this aspect of their operation some great perspective, saying these 1,651 bad experiences were a small part of the one million great experiences.
He also reminded us that on August 28th the National Park Service Senior pass goes from $10 to $80. This provides lifetime, free access to Federal Recreational Lands to those ages 62 and over.
CURRENT CAREER – Retired My career began working for TCAPS as an elementary and junior high music teacher. I later taught music at Central High School and served as the Music Department Head. That role was a springboard into becoming a principal at Eastern, Central Grade and Norris Elementary Schools. Let me be clear…my working in those schools is NOT why one was sold and the other demolished! Upon retirement, I served ten years as Director of Worship, Music and Missions at a local church after 30 years part time at that church as the choir director.
EDUCATION – I received a Bachelors Degree from Central Michigan University…Fire Up Chips. I returned many summers and received a Masters of Music and a Masters in School Administration. However, my best training came while learning from the students and parents I served.
FAMILY - Kathleen and I had four children between us. We have been married almost 23 years. It IS possible to blend two families together…not always easy, but possible.
FAVORITE DESSERT – Strawberry rhubarb pie
FAVORITE ACTIVITY – I was an avid boater for many years but have turned to motor-homing in a land yacht. I love being physically active. Woodworking and pickleball are two of my favorite hobbies along with following our grandchildren’s sports.
LAST BOOK READ – Bible
FAVORITE MOVIE – 50 First Dates
FAVORITE SONG – I have way to many favorite songs to list. I love music!
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF NO ONE IN THE CLUB LIKELY KNOWS –I attended a one room country school from kindergarten through 6th grade.
LIFE ROLE MODEL – My dad. He was the real deal; hardworking, giving, and loving. He taught me to work hard and live with integrity in all aspects of my life.
MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT – Graduating from college…three times.
PROUDEST MOMENT - There have been many satisfying moments in my life. God has blessed me richly over the years.
FUNNIEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU –I was the Drum Major of the CMU Marching Band. Early one Saturday morning we were preparing to perform at a game. The grass on the practice field was wet from the dew. As I did my grand entrance onto the field, running through the band, I hit some mud and my cleats didn’t grab. I fell on my rear sliding for a first-down! The amount of mud jammed in my shorts was quite incredible. I got a standing ovation!
SECRET AMBITION - To look like Vern Gauthier!
IF YOU COULD BE ANYONE IN THE WORLD FOR A DAY (present or historical), WHO WOULD THAT BE---AND WHY? As a Christian, I work hard to model my life after Christ.
MOST FAMOUS PERSON MET – I have met some famous people in my life. More importantly…I have been mentored by some extraordinary people, not all were famous but nevertheless great.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE – I have truly “grown up” being part of this Club. I am honored to be called a Rotarian.
You can be supporting your community and country while enjoying time with friends. Please consider participating in Traverse City’s first 9/11 Remembrance 5K Run/Walk by running, walking or volunteering for this inaugural community event! All Rotary Members will receive 20% off with this code: ROTARY2017
DATE: Sunday, September 10th
START TIME: 8:46 am EDT END TIME: 11:00am EDT PRICE/REGISTRATION: $25.00 Race Fee + $2.50 SignUp Fee (Sign up right away, as the price increases to $30.00 after August 11, 2017, at 7:00 pm EDT)
The 9/11 run is to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11th, 2001 terror attacks, as well as our Local First Responders and Veterans. Proceeds will go to the September 11thFamilies' Association Fund in New York, NY, http://911families.org/ as well as the Grand Traverse Area First Responder Coalition, a non-profit set up to help our local first responders (police, fire, EMS, Emergency Management, 911 Dispatchers.) This fund allows for education opportunities, scholarships, recognition, emergency financial support, etc., for those who risk their lives for us every single day.
We welcome all Runners, Walkers, and Wheelchairs! If you would like to be pushed in a wheelchair or volunteer to push, please visit our volunteer page.
The race will start at 8:46 am, the same time the World Trade Center’s Northern Tower was hit. We will gather before the race for a brief ceremony to remember and honor those who lost their lives that day, and show support to our Local First Responders who risk their lives every day to keep us safe- and then show our spirit with an amazing run through our beautiful downtown!
Want to run on the best course in Traverse City? You will get to run downtown, through historical neighborhoods and on Front Street!
The race starts right in town in historic F&M Park, then continues West along Washington St to the Court House, where you will be cheered on by some of Traverse City's finest, the TCPD, and other volunteers. You will continue West on 6th Street and make your way to Maple and Front at Fire Station #1 where you will be offered a cold drink from the team at Michigan Blood. From there, you will continue back to Cass Rd, where you'll make a left, go under Grandview Parkway, and continue East on the Lakefront Path, making your way back to F&M Park for music, refreshments, and prizes. (Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the race this year.)
CURRENT CAREER – Retired
