We are in the last month of President Awesome’s reign here on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Rotary Club of Traverse City!
Maureen Michaels offered up the Gratitude and Reflection after God Bless America and the Pledge. Marlene Bevan led us in God Bless the USA.
Nick Beadleston, with a coffee cup in hand, sauntered up casually to introduce visiting Rotarians and guests.
Andy Kempf announced that this was the last week for us to make a contribution to World Community Service. He explained that the Bali Blood Bank began 20 years ago with the help of our WCS committee. The blood bank is expanding its program and over the course of two decades has helped millions of people. (Insert warm fuzzy feeling)
The Accessibility Committee was meeting after our meeting.
Ramona Pleva announced that the members of the club will be receiving a survey via email regarding the Rotary Show. Please take a few moments to complete that by Wednesday, June 6. Also, the dates for the 2020 Centennial Rotary Show are April 30, May 1, May 2. Yes, we are switching to a three-night show.
Chris DeGood announced that Kids Free Fishing Day is coming up on Saturday, June 15. Please help out with this! Chris ordered exceptional weather so come prepared for anything!
Dr. Jane Millar announced that the District Governor’s ceremony will be June 19 at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey. Also, you can sign up online for the District conference May 14 – 16.
Sakura Takano announced a STRIVE meeting after the meeting. They were discussing the stipends for summer youth programs. And as a reminder, your birthday contributions and 50/50 funds go to support our youth programs. Keep the money coming!! It’s wisely utilized.
Katy McCain announced a fabulous volunteer opportunity at GOREC this Saturday.
John Racine walked away $60 richer from the 50/50 winnings.
Andy Robitshek introduced Cheri Leach, the CEO and program director at Raven Hill Discovery Center. Cheri started her presentation with an introduction to Cheddar, a corn snake. Cheri proceeded to demonstrate how Cheddar can be worn as a fashion accessory. He contently withered around her neck for the duration of her talk…… (more on that later….)
Raven Hill Discovery Center in East Jordan opened in 1992 and is described as a place “where science, history, and art connect”. The center, which is open all year long, boasts of both indoor and outdoor exhibits and interactive ways for kids (and adults) to connect with animals, art, and nature. The attractions include the music garden with giant tuned instruments, Jurassic Park, a one-room schoolhouse, a maple leaf shaped tree house, and a hands-on career expo.
The also offer watercolor workshops and have some special exhibits coming this summer. The Generations exhibit features history from the neighboring small towns.
Raven Hill sees about 10,000 people per year and is funded by grants, donations and admission fees. You should really go and check this out. Your kids or grandkids will love it! www.MiRavenHill.org
During the Q&A, Bruce Rogers admitted that he’s scared of snakes and was very happy to be sitting in the back of the room as Cheri blissfully petted Cheddar. But things got a little tangled at the end. Cheddar has looped his way through Cheri’s hair – unbeknownst to her – and thankfully Andy came to her rescue and was able to help get the twisted situation under control. Whew!!
And with that, we were adjourned! See all y’all next week!!
