Inspiring and deep-felt thoughts of gratitude and reflection were shared by Miriam Owsley to elevate our members into a serene and reflective state for our weekly gathering.
Immediately thereafter, all hell broke loose. Allison Beers led a motley crew of aspiring dancers on stage for shameless displays of wild flailing and erratic oscillations, in what was loosely referred to as a “dance-off.” It remains unclear whom, if anyone, won the contest. Restitutions are being made to the Park Place Hotel and any who may have suffered irreparable emotional damage at the site of Sid Van Slyke’s onstage performance.
Once much of the physical debris had been cleared, Art Bukowski introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. Following, Elaine Wood put out the call for new Rotary Camps and Services and Rotary Charities board members. Other announcements included Susan Kraus’ reminder about the much anticipated Power Island Boat Outing.
The 50/50 raffle winnings were magnanimously donated to the newly formed Survivors of the Great 2019 Dance Off committee (benefit run scheduled for later this year).
Amelia Burke shared with the club her formative and enjoyable time spent in Brazil as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
The main presentation of the afternoon was led by our own Ruth Blick. Ruth spoke passionately on the decades of good work performed by the club’s recently-rechristened JJ Becket Access-ability Committee, so named for Jim Becket who served as chair for over three decades.
The 84-year-old committee was formed in 1935 and has evolved through several incarnations. Throughout that time, however, its mission has remained constant; to help those in need achieve a fuller life.
The committee has helped community members with a wide array of needs that aren’t being met by insurance and other social programs. From those with autism to recovering amputees, the committee provides support to whom it is needed most.
Currently, the committee focuses on increasing independence and inclusion, advancing development and enriching lives. They address access issues including housing, mobility, education, communication, recreation and more.
“Having a disability does not mean an inability.” Ruth pronounced.
JJ Becket Access-ability Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month, following regular club meetings to evaluate grant requests. New members are welcome.
The committee’s efforts are funded largely through the upcoming Tag Day on August 23rd and 24th. Volunteers are highly encouraged; the committee hopes to fill all 40 of its available slots.
The boards of Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services are now accepting nomination forms for the Board of Trustees. Terms will begin October 2019 and end September of 2022. Any Rotarian who has been a member of and active in, the club for five years and is currently in good standing may apply (note: if the Rotarian transfers in from another club and has at least 5 years total between the two, they are eligible to run).
Key Characteristics for Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services board members:
Proven leadership
Strong community connections
Nonprofit board experience
Exemplary of the Four-Way Test
Objective, with no personal agenda
Respectful of differing opinions
Collaborative
Strategic thinker
Visionary
Creative
5-county perspective
The time commitment varies with each board, committee membership, and role. Both boards meet monthly for 1 ½ - 2 hours. There will be additional time for joint board meetings, legacy trustee meetings, and grant meetings (Rotary Charities Board only). Plan on a monthly commitment of 5 – 15 hours.
Application forms for both boards are posted on the club website and are also available from Kathy Bussell or Stacey Foster or please CLICK HERE Applications are due back to the Rotary Office by September 10, 2019.
At the September 17th Rotary Club meeting, the Joint Nominating Committees will propose a slate of candidates for election. Additionally, nominations will be taken from the floor at that time. The election will take place at the annual meeting of Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services on September 24, 2019.
You can sign up directly on the Rotary Club of Traverse City website by clicking here. We appreciate your participation and look forward to making this a great event together!
Thank you.
The JJ Beckett Access- ABILITY Committee Rotary Club of Traverse City
The JJ Beckett Access-ABILITY Committee (formerly the Handicap Committee) primary focus is to assist individuals in overcoming limits caused by a disability and improve access to a fuller life. The committee provides financial assistance to residents in need within our region for the purchase of equipment or services that increase independence, inclusion, advance development and enrich lives
Applicants submit a request for assistance via an application form which is reviewed and investigated by a committee member. A final decision is then made on the application by a vote of the committee.
Funds for granting requests are generously given by community members and Rotarians annually during an event called Tag Day. Tag Day involves committee members and additional Rotarians requesting donations from community residents at various retail locations throughout the area.
The committee considers all requests but the primary goal of this committee is serving the needs of individuals who have exhausted all other means of assistance.
We still need two or three host families for two inbound exchange student boys. One is from the Philippines and one is from Brazil. Please contact Carla Weaver or Katy Mccain if you can provide a 3 month home or know someone who might be interested. They could go to either high school. Please help us promote world peace one student at a time!
