Nikki Sobkowski led the invocation.

President Mike Meindertsma started the meeting with a moment of silence for the loss of two Rotarians last week.  John Goense and Chris Peregrine were remembered warmly in this moment, as we reflected on their service to the community.

Vern Gauthier led a friendly and entertaining attempt at singing in the round, as the group enjoyed a rousing rendition of “Thank You for Being a Friend”. 

Michael Richmond invited club members to the Monday September 19^th annual fundraiser to help improve the Boardman River watershed. Tickets are online at friendsoftheboardman.com.

Susan Kraus announced that Traverse City Rotarians are invited to the boat rally to Power Island on Monday August 22^nd.  Sign up for a fun float and lots of boats!

John Noonan noted that Thursday morning’s standing “work bee” at the Discovery Pier will include painting railings, and other efforts to continue to make that newly-opened property look fabulous.

President Mike made the formal announcement for Rotary Camps and Services, and Rotary Charities nominations.  The boards are now accepting nomination forms for the Board of Trustees.  Visit the club website for application forms and more information. 

The September 20^th Rotary club meeting will feature the announcement of candidates, and accept more nominations from those in attendance.

 

Kevin Elsenheimer, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, presented useful information, and importantly, lots of clarification on the state of affordable housing.

Mr. Elsenheimer wanted to impress upon the group that there often is a misconception of the look and quality of low-income housing, and talked about the impact of MSHDA’s programs. 

“Public housing from years ago is not the public housing today,” he said. 

Helping young people purchase their first home, providing housing for veterans, and creating quality buildings and living conditions are some highlights.

From community development block grants to Federal Historic Preservation, to tax credits and other programs, MSHDA infused over $2 billion into Michigan communities from 2012 to 2015. 

Mr. Elsenheimer went on to say that the generalizations of what low-income housing is are often incorrect. 

“It’s not the projects that we all seem to think of when we think of low-income housing. That’s over,” he said. 

MSHDA affordable housing has the same, or in some cases, better quality level as you’d find elsewhere in the home market, he said.

Examples of these buildings are at Carson Square on Garfield Avenue, and at the Grand Traverse Commons. 

Other MSHDA services include a unique mortgage program available to first-time homebuyers. MSHDA’s partnering lenders can loan them up to $7,500, interest-free, for assistance on a down payment. 

Mr. Elsenheimer said this flexible program is extraordinary, and they would like to see it utilized by more northern Michigan residents, including in Traverse City.

CURRENT CAREER – Retired

 

EDUCATION – University of Michigan, BS Engineering, 1950

   

FAMILY- Married for 58 years to Helen; children: Mary and Scott, deceased; Susan and Chris Moffitt.

 

FAVORITE DESSERT – Pecan pie

 

FAVORITE ACTIVITY – Attending Michigan athletic events.

 

LAST BOOK READ – “Resolved, 13 Resolutions for LIFE” by Orrin Woodward.

 

FAVORITE MOVIE – “Forrest Gump”

 

FAVORITE SONG – “The Victors”

 

LIKELY KNOWS – I have 12 broken or replaced bones in my body and 137 stitches in my face, all from former athletic endeavours.

 

LIFE ROLE MODEL – My hockey coach at Michigan, Al Renfrew.  Also, Mary Jean Brick, the “Mother Theresa” of Traverse City.

 

MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT – Holding things together with the loss of our son Scott.

 

PROUDEST MOMENT – The birth of our grand daughter Carly.

 

FUNNIEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU – Taking dance lessons with Dick Fiegel in preparation for the Rotary Show.

 

SECRET AMBITION – To complete our bucket list.   

The boards of Rotary Charities and Rotary Camps & Services are now accepting nomination forms for the Board of Trustees.  Terms will begin October 2016 and end September of 2019.  Any Rotarian who has been a member of the club for five years and is currently in good standing may apply.

 

There are 3 openings on the Rotary Charities Board. One incumbent is eligible for re-election: Elaine Wood. Likewise, there are 3 openings on the Rotary Camps & Services Board with one incumbent eligible to  actively seek re-election: Bob Stow.

 

Rotary Charities Board meets monthly and board members are required to serve on at least one committee.  It is estimated that a board member spends on an average 8-10 hours monthly on Rotary Charities business. 

 

Rotary Camps & Service Board meets semi-monthly, but board members often are required to attend monthly committee meetings.   It is estimated that board members spend on an average 6-8 hours monthly on Camps & Services business

 

Click Here for an application or application forms for both boards are posted on the club website and are also available from Kathy Bussell or Marsha Smith.  Applications are due back to the Rotary Office by September 16, 2016.

 

At the September 20^th 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 the membership on September 27, 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

This Tuesday, Rotary Charities Vice President, Elaine Wood, and Executive Director, Marsha Smith, shared with the Club how Rotary Charities is evolving to meet the changing needs of the region. They would like to hear from you. What do you think about the change? Click on the link below to share your anonymous thoughts. If you choose to share your name, someone from Rotary Charities will follow up with you.    

 

Link to Listening Box: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WeAreListening2016

 

So if you give $250 to your chosen local charity they could end up with $500.00 thru the match.

 

USE this amazing opportunity please! Click here for form, or get one at the next club meeting.