Alan Long shared his thoughts of gratitude and reflection on Daryl Davis, after an encounter with a KKK member in the 1980s, the accomplished pianist turned his focus to curing racism through education. His main question is: "How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?". He wrote Klan-destine Relationships: A Black Man's Odyssey in the Klue Klux Klan, published in 1998.
Our Rotarians' guests were introduced by Ramona Pleva.
Al Bonney led with a thank you from Wheels of Hope and a reminder that the board still needs 3 new members to join the working board, reach out to him Here. There were a few other Happy Bucks amongst the group, hopefully, everyone has had a good week though.
Sakura Takano invited the membership to join phase 1 of Systems Change ON-Ramp which will be led by Dr. Pennie Foster-Fishman. Reserve a free spot online and mark your calendars for March 15th, 9 - 12 pm.
President Marlene gave an update on our Club's current number of volunteer hours and encouraged people to sign up to help out at Pi day. Just think we could add 20 hrs to our current 655 hrs! She was also proud to share that our Club is 32% female, which is above the suggested target. We're thankful to have all these amazing women as peers.
On March 17th, there will be a PR committee meeting at Mundos across from J&S on Front St. Tawny could still use some help if you're interested in shedding light on what Rotary is doing in your community.
Our program speaker was introduced by Chief Pat Parker, no relation. Chief Bill Parker, with the Blair Township Fire Department, highlighted his experience prior to using MABAS (Mutual Aid Boa Alarm System) and after and just what an amazing difference it's made across the state and even beyond. Basically, the system allows for seamless coordination for local teams to link up with any willing and available resources during an emergency. Just one piece of paper to join the MABAS network, reducing legal holdups in the case of disasters. Only 4 departments are needed to form a division within MABAS. We also heard from Chief Brad Drury of the Almira Township Fire and EMS department about details from his aid just after the Gaylord Tornado. Our community has been able to assist other areas in their time of need and it's good to know that somebody will have our back too when the time comes.
The 50/50 winning sum was $47 and was won by Paul Heidbreder.
Help is needed at the Great Lakes Children's Museum to celebrate Pi day on March 14th. They are looking for 9 - 10 volunteers to help with crafts and games, take pictures, or greet people during a 2-hour shift between 9 am and 4 pm. Sign up for your desired shift online and get ready for some Pi.
The Mighty Rotary Chorus will be back for the Rotary Gala. "Shindigs in May... 18th's the day... so bring your cash and make your way... to the opera house for the Rotary Gala... come do Good Works! Sign Up Today!"
Contact Connor Miller to join the Chorus. They really need more Female Alto-singers but all ranges are welcome!
Wheels of Hope is looking for 3 members to join their working board to continue the amazing work and support for polio-stricken individuals in Northern Nigeria. Grab some coffee with Al Bonney if you're interested in getting involved, let him know Here.
If you want to see the difference we're making firsthand, the World Community Service Committee is planning a service learning trip to Safe Passage in the fall (last week of September or first week of October). Talk with any WCS member for details or email Lorraine Beers at lorrainembeers@gmail.com, Tom Petzold at petzoldtm@goacentek.net, or Linda Racine at linbracine@gmail.com.
All proceeds support the many good works of the Rotary Club of Traverse City