Awesome Allison Beers called the meeting to order.

 

Jenn Casey offered thoughts of gratitude and reflection.

 

Al Bonney, Bon Stow, Amanda Igra, Marsha Minervini, and friends offered a rousing rendition of Cheeseburger in Paradise with absolutely no technical malfunctions.

 

Thom Paulson introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. 

 

Alexis Juett presented Art Bukowski with his IM Rotary graduation certificate. It only took Art about 3 years to complete the program.

 

Tom Petzold implored everyone to support World Community Service, specifically in this instance a program dedicated to improving infrastructure in poor, rural areas of Honduras. See Tom or Kathy Bussell for more information and find out how you can help. 

 

Katy McCain, Sid VanSlyke and new GOREC director Jamie Lewis Hedges spoke about the Friends of Boardman Dinner. Save the date of Sept. 16, 2019, for this year's event. The FOB committee will meet next week on Wednesday, June 5 at the Holiday Inn patio at 4 p.m.. See Katy for details.

 

Chris DeGood needs your help on June 15 for Kids Free Fishing weekend. See him for details. 

 

Andrew Kohlmann wants to know if you'd like to join a Rotary team that does stream sampling for invertebrates for the Watershed Center. This year's sample will be Sunday, June 9 at Kid's Creek near Kohls. See Andrew for details.

 

Saku Takano said anyone who wants to know more about the STRIVE program is welcome to sit in on that committee's meeting after next week's regular Rotary meeting. 

 

Vern Gauthier is looking for a FEW GOOD MEN (OR WOMEN) to serve on the famous Lawn Chair Drill Team for the National Cherry Festival's Cherry Royale parade. First practice is at Fit For You Health Club on Garfield on Thursday, June 6 at 6 p.m. See Vern for details. 

 

Doug Meteyer cashed in on the 50/50 drawing, which was $70ish.

 

Gregg Smith introduced Amy Endresen, local suicide awareness and prevention activist, who in turn introduced Steve Windom, director of the Michigan chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

 

Steve gave a detailed and informative presentation about suicide in America and his organization, which was founded in 1987 by researchers and families who had lost loved ones and wanted to take action against this leading cause of death. The timing is right to talk more about suicide, Windom said, as mental health is better understood and there is less stigma. Still, Windom said, significant roadblocks and misunderstandings hamper efforts to reduce suicides. Windom stressed that like cancer, AIDS or other illnesses, suicide is very much a public health issue and must be treated as such. It is now the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., with 47,000 people dying by suicide each year, and the 2nd leading cause of death in the 10-34 age group.

 

AFSP's Out of the Darkness walks bring together friends, family and supporters nationwide while raising awareness and millions in funding for life-saving suicide prevention programs and research. A walk in Traverse City will be held Sept. 14 at the Open Space from 11-2 p.m. For more information, click here.