John Racine stepped in to lead this week’s meeting while President Mike is on vacation.
Lee Olewinski gave the invocation.
Music: Former Traverse City noon Club Rotarian, Emilee Syrewicze, dropped by to lead us in a portion of the song, “Don’t Stop Believing.”
Ramona Pleva welcomed our visiting Rotarians and guests.
Tim Nelson introduced our students of the week from NMC: Clayton Harbin and Matthew Heutsch.
Jeff DuFort introduced our newest member, Geri Johnson. Welcome, Geri!
TAG DAY will be held on June 2-3 and the Handicap Committee is asking each Rotarian to commit to spending a couple hours during those days to fundraise for the good cause. See your Member Guide for more info on TAG DAY.
Don’t forget: You can still purchase Rotary Show ticket vouchers and President’s Reception tickets between now and opening night. Tickets are $15 for show, $50 for a show ticket plus the Wednesday night President’s Reception. See Mark Eckhoff for tickets or more details.
The Youth Exchange outbound students are having a fundraiser at The Boathouse on April 18. There are still a few tickets available. See Kathy if you’d like to attend.
Rotary is looking for hosts for two new Youth Exchange inbound students. If interested see Katy McCain or Steve Alexander.
Kelly Dunham introduced our guest speaker, Eric Lingaur.
The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), which provides bus service for Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, is on a roll.
They provide demand response, also known as dial-a-ride service, for those who qualify and also have 11 “fixed” routes that operate between multiple given places on a regular schedule.
BATA’s Eric Linguar says that “hybrid” model makes them unique in Michigan. Their service helps those in the more rural areas who may depend on the bus, and BATA’s fixed route service also helps those who want more options for getting around.
Eric also said more and more people who live outside of town but work downtown are looking at BATA as a reliable way to get to work and not deal with parking or traffic, freeing up parking spaces and street space for other downtown workers and visitors.
BATA adds value in the community by partnering with major events, other nonprofits, and businesses in the region, according to Eric. The partnership with the Cherry Festival and Film Festival are good examples.
BATA’s Ski-n-Ride, which offered rides between Traverse City and local ski resorts continues to be a popular service. In fact, BATA had a 70% increase in customers on the Ski-n-Ride this past season compared to 2016. The Bike-n-Ride, which allows people to bike one way on a trail and ride a bus back also continues to be a popular service.
While about 56% of BATA’s funding comes from federal and state sources, about 44% comes from the local millage and other local sources like advertising and fares.
For the upcoming May 2 election, BATA will ask voters for a five-year, .5 millage, which would begin in 2018. If passed, the millage funds will allow BATA to continue operating and also allow them to update some of the aging vehicles and improve services for visitors and local residents alike.
BATA learned, through a public surveys and feedback meetings, that many locals wanted to see improved services like a downtown shuttle loop, park-n-ride service to downtown, technology upgrades, and more effective and efficient rural service. The millage, if passed, will help them advance those improvements.
Ticket Vouchers will be available at the weekly Club meeting. Ticket Vouchers must be presented at the State Theatre Box Office for a reserved seat ticket for a specific date, April 26-29. Get your real ticket early to ensure the best seat. Voucher Redemption at the door is based on availability. Ticket Vouchers can be charged to your account at the club meeting.
RSVP By Friday, April 21st
President Reception Opening Night Wednesday, April 26th at 5:30 pm
Red Ginger-Lotus Room
Tickets are $50.00 includes small plates, sushi and dessert (Heavy Hors d' Oeuvres), two drinks, two show tickets vouchers(please see above for redemption) and a fabulous time with other Rotarians and friends.
Limited tickets available.
JOIN President Mike for the 2017 Pre-Show President Reception!
Current Career - Financial advisor with Morgan Stanley.
