Awesome Allison Beers called the meeting to order.
After God Bless America and the Pledge of Allegiance,
Ramona Pleva serenaded
Al Bonney, who is retiring as chorus director after 15 years. Al did not fall off the stage during the serenade.
Superwoman
Kathy Bussell offered thoughts of gratitude and reflection.
Miriam Owsley introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
Autumn Soltysiak introduced our students of the week, both from St. Francis:
Jonathan Hiatt and
Marie Kruger. All Rotarians who were involved in this year's ROTARY SHOW were asked to stand up to be recognized. What a great show it was! Special thanks were given to
Bob Stow for 20+ years as a chorus manager and
Al Bonneyfor his years as chorus director.
Allison let us know that we'll be meeting at the Country Club for the next three weeks and that Good Works applications are due Friday 5/3/19.
Andy Robitshek needs volunteers for the NMC BBQ. See him for details, or look for the signup sheets next week at the regular meeting.
Alison Ernst let everyone know about the "For the Spell of It" adult spelling bee. It will be held May 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the main library on Woodmere. All team members must be adults (18+) and at least one member needs to be over age 50. Head to
www.tadl.org for details.
Exchange student
Daniela asked everyone to buy packages of Front Street goodies for her highs school marketing class. See her for details.
Linda Racine somehow rigged the 50/50 and gave herself the winning ticket, and several Rotarians won additional Pit Spitters swag provided by the speaker.
Bruce Finlayson introduced the speaker, new Traverse City Pit Spitters CEO
Joe Chamberlin. Joe has been the driving force behind acquiring the ballpark and bringing a Northwoods League franchise to Traverse City. As CEO and Managing Member of TC Baseball LLC, Joe was instrumental, along with Whitecaps cofounders Lew Chamberlin and Denny Baxter, in cultivating a group of community-minded investors who saw the value this venue and this franchise could bring to Traverse City and the region. In his current role with the West Michigan Whitecaps Joe will have responsibility for the Traverse City franchise, and with the support of the Whitecaps organization, will provide strategic oversight and direction.
In his presentation to Rotary, Joe talked about the need to build a community around the new baseball team. His aim is to rebuild and redevelop community partnerships in Blair Township and Traverse City, with a goal of spending as much money as possible in the local community. He also promised "drastically upgraded" concessions and said he has a strong desire to bring concerts, festivals, high school sports and other attractions to the ballpark to maximize engagement and turn the park into a hub of activity.
Check out upcoming Pit Spitters related events: Pick your Seat on May 4, TC Ticker's "Recess" on May 8, and Opening Day on May 28th! Traverse City Pit Spitters
CLICK HERE
Daniela
