Awesome Allison Beers called the meeting to order.

 

Wendy Irvin offered thoughts of gratitude and reflection 

 

Vern Gauthier and friends offered a music selection of "No Business Like Show Business" in honor of the upcoming Rotary Show.

 

Mike Caruso introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.

 

Autumn Soltysiak introduced our Students of the Week, both seniors from Traverse City Christian:  Ethan Haldaman (who attempted to set a new record for student speech length) and Lily VanBrocklin

 

Awesome Allison congratulated Trevor Tkach on being named a 2018 NMC Outstanding Alumni and congratulated Bob Portenga on announcing a successor to his business. 

 

Andy Kempf was announced as the winner of the March Madness Bracket Challenge. 

 

Vern Gauthier asked everyone to bring their friends and family to the upcoming Rotary Show. Many tickets are still available. It's for GOOD WORKS, people! Susan Kraus reminded everyone abut the afterglow at Sorrelina right after Saturday's show. $15 gets you good food and a cash bar. No need to have participated in the show.  See her for details.  Mike Caruso and Wendy Irvin made a call for volunteers for the show. Many are needed. See them for opportunities!

 

Paul Sutherland won the 50/50 raffle and donated the winnings to world community service. How nice!

 

Scott Hardy introduced the day's speaker: TBAISD Superintendent Nick Ceglarek. 

 

Nick went on to explain the function of TBAISD, which provides a host of services to more than 27,000 students across 16 local districts, 6 public school academies and 12 private/parochial schools. 

 

Services provided by the ISD are primarily services that local schools need but cannot afford to provide on a local level (or, in many situations, the need is small enough in local districts that it doesn't make sense to provide the services at that level). In addition to specific educational services and programs, such as those offered at the ISD's Career-Tech Center and elsewhere, the ISD offers comprehensive support services to local districts, including technology and business services.