The meeting was called to order by President Mack Beers before Sakura Takano gave the moment of Gratitude and Reflection reminding us once more of the importance of Service above self and the 4-Way Test.
"This past Saturday, our nation recognized a new federal holiday, officially commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans, called Juneteenth National Independence Day and historically known as Jubilee Day,[3]Emancipation Day,[4][5]Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day[6]). The commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865 announcement by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming and enforcing freedom of enslaved people in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery.
While we celebrate this recognition, we should also be mindful that oppression is still alive and active in our world. As Rotarians we are called to put service above self in supporting more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.
God of the Universe, help us to bring our best efforts to what we can know. To love our friends and family. To treat neighbors with kindness. To seek justice and to help those in need with our voices and action. To be the best that we can be, And to live by the four way test: Of all the things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Let it be so"
Sakura then led announcements with her short reminder that Rotary Charities is just about to open the fall Grant Cycle for both “assets for thriving communities” and “for systems accelerator “ grant categories. New applications are due September 1, 2021 following a pre-grant meet with Sakura and Freya Bradford
President Mac announced the marriage of Kate Redman who married Chad Kirchner and Lisa Pointe who tied the knot with Dan Brady! Congratulations to all.
Fill out the survey for next meeting: They are seeking a head count for an “In Person” meeting at the Great Wolf Lodge next Tuesday! Yea! It’ll be good to see everyone for real again, after 18 months!
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU.
The day’s program, introduced by Steve Wade, featured Joe Beyer, recently appointed Executive Director of Parallel 45 Theare company, following the tenure of founding director Erin Anderson who together with Kit McKay (Artistic Director) founded P45 Theatre just over 11 years ago. From its humble beginnings with Our Town at HERTA in Elk Rapids through it years at Inside Out Gallery and into their new home under the canopy at the Civic Center Amphitheatre P45 has produced consistently high quality, visceral and youthful professional theatre.
Joe joined P45 as Executive Director following a period working as the ED for Crystal Mountain Legacy Art Park, and short stints with My North Media and the TC Film Festival/State Theatre, which saw his return to Traverse City after a decade long career with Sundance leading them in digital content creative and the Redford Center in Marketing and Distribution. He is actively involved with area arts also as a volunteer.
Joe took on the challenge of P45 at the height of the Pandemic with short notice to prepare for the oncoming season as circumstances have shifted and changed dramatically and quickly. He assures he’s well up to the task. P45 had just gotten through a first season in their new home when all was shuttered and many challenges needed to be faced. With Joe’s able assistance, they have done just that and he and the rest of the staff are ready to present a new season of popular fair with a twist, and some new initiatives that they anticipate will charge forward adding new and different programming to fill the areas thay can tackle well.
The 2019 season was a success before the group being held in check. Now they are prepared to reenter the fray as they gear back up for this summer. Two key presentations are on tap for the summer: The Sound of Music and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. These will anchor a season that will also include a series of play readings and UGLY: A New Pop Musical being created by their YoungQuake youth program under the leadership of Stacia Sexton.
Artists from across the country and around the world convene on P45’s new, state-of-the-art stage to perform adventurous, boundary-pushing musicals, plays, and devised works for all ages--rotating daily. Local food vendors, a well-stocked bar, and live music allow our community to gather in celebration of the theatre and the beauty of northwest Michigan. During the shoulder seasons, Parallel 45 operates a theatre education program and produces a free-to-the-public contemporary play reading series.
Parallel 45 Theatre produces cutting-edge interpretations of plays & musicals, giving familiar stories new life – and fresh relevance – for our northwest Michigan audience. By producing a summer theatre festival of reinvented classics, new works and imaginative adaptations, they seek to entertain, encourage critical thought, and inspire conversation in our community.
Since 2010, Parallel 45 Theatre has brought more than 150 artists — from as far away as Berlin and as close as Traverse City—to create groundbreaking shows for our community. For ten seasons, they have offered the kind of adventurous professional work you might see in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles—right here in northwest Michigan. In 2017, Parallel 45 Theatre’s production of Alice in Wonderland was nominated for a Wilde Award, which honors the best productions, performances, and technical work produced or presented by professional theaters across the state.
With play, joy, and intellectual rigor, they attack the notion that there is one correct way to look at the world. P45 complements an industry of theatre artists desperate for new voices, new material, and new stories by taking a strong look at the canon, breaking toxic values embedded within, and imagining a new path forward. They look to the theatre as the public forum, the town square, a place where ideas can be exchanged with more dignity, respect, and efficacy than in other areas of our society. P45 sees their greatest asset as the joyful, open, intellectually curious audience, that is always ready to explore.
It was a balmy Tuesday for a Rotary Zoom meeting as President Mack called the meeting to order. Visiting Rotarians and guests were introduced and The Pledge of Allegiance recited. Kathy Bussell pinched hit for our Gratitude and Reflection today and expressed her ongoing gratitude for being able to serve as our administrator and for the support she receives from the members. Thank you for all you do for our club Kathy!!
Announcements:
Marsha Smith introduced a new Rotarian today Kristi Haik. Kristi holds a Ph.D. in Applied Experimental Psychology with a Neuroscience Concentration from Central Michigan University. After an extensive career in academia, Kristi joined the nonprofit sector in 2020. She now serves as the Director of Fund Development for the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore Council. Kristi and her husband, Steve Durst, enjoy walking, cycling and spending time with family. Welcome, Kristi! We are excited to have you join us in service!
Greg Luyt presented a Rotary Charities update which reads:
Rotary Charities is currently undergoing a timely strategic planning process that aligns with the hiring of our new CEO. Input from the board, staff, and community and nonprofit feedback will inform and update elements of our mission, vision, and strategic objectives and tactics. These items will be finalized by the end of June and will be shared with the Club.
One of our strategies will be to promote engagement and connection between Rotary Charities, Camps & Services, and the Club. One of the ways we currently do that is to have a board liaison present at each of the Rotary Charities and Camps and Services boards. The Liaison’s role is primarily to be an observer and communicator back to their own elected board. The responsibilities of the Liaison also include reviewing the board packets, attending monthly board meetings, and disclosing any conflict of interest at the beginning of the meeting. They may report back to their elected board if so desired by the Chairperson. The Liaison will be included in the annual board orientation for the board which they serve as the Liaison. This relationship between Charities and Camps & Services is reflective of our strategy of “Connecting”.
At this time, we would like to thank Marlene Bevans for her service as the liaison and welcome Lorraine Beers as the new Rotary Charities liaison to Rotary Camps & Services.
On Thursday, the Board approved the Fiscal Year 21-22 Budget, which includes a $25,000 grant to the Traverse City Noon Rotary Club to be designated as it so chooses. The Club board reviews opportunities and has funded World Community Service and the JJ Beckett Access-ability fund in the past.
These are just a few ways that Rotary Charities, Camps and Services, and the Club are connected to each other.
President Mack stated that the board is working on a start date for in-person meetings. The Park Place Hotel and other venues are being considered as meeting options. Our meeting on Tuesday, July 6 will be at 5 pm at the Beverage Pavilion (aka the beer tent) at the National Cherry Festival.
Miriam Oswley announced an opportunity to wish Becky Ewing well as she retires from Rotary Charities. If you would like to leave a video message, you may do so at:
Warren Call introduced our speakers today: Brenda McLellan, Director of Investor Engagement from Traverse Connect and Brett Sinclair from Raven and Lotus Consulting here in Traverse City. The topic of conversation was Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
Brenda opened the program with a quote from our very own Peg Jonkhoff from a 2011 Leadership Grand Traverse event: “If you wish to live in a better place, better the place in which you live.” That set the tone for delving into today’s presentation.
Diversity is the measure of how one’s personal characteristics differ from those of the normative majority of an organization. They can include: personality, internal and external dimensions and organizational dimensions. Some of these aspects change over time while others remain the same such as race and ethicity.
Equity is a measure of fairness that ensures that people’s access to opportunities within an organization are not negatively impacted as a result of their personal characteristics. This should not be confused with equality. The example is given to understand equality is giving everyone the same size bike regardless of appropriate size or physical limitations for all riders. Equity is providing all kinds of bikes that fit the various needs of all. With Equity, everyone can participate.
Inclusion is the act of ensuring that people’s experiences are not impacted negatively as a result of their personal characteristics.
Belonging is a feeling of security and support for a person based on the acceptance of that person’s personal characteristics within a certain group or in a certain place.
Brett shared the Evolution of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Understanding where Others are in the Journey. It is a graph that depicts how one can go from being unaware in which they do not value diversity and then over time move through the stages of: awareness, general understanding, understanding and willing to accpet/valuing, buy-in/managing and then diversity/inclusive change agent.
As individuals, we are each able to grow and expand into a greater understanding and philosophy of helping others. While we all fall into different stages of this journey at different times, our own experiences help us develop dynamic and changing relationships with others.
Brett went on to share that this is not about the work we do as individuals, it is about conversations and questions we ask and our ability to listen to and with others. When we increase inner connectedness, we increase our ability to participate in building community.
As humans, we have a strong need to be social and thrive, to have rich and impactful relationships by knowing more people and listening to their stories.
As Brett concluded, he offered up a resource for books on diversity. They can be found at:
With that, Warren presented the Wheels of Hope certificate to Brenda and Brett in recognition of their presentation today.
President Mack adjourned the meeting. We’ll see all y’all back here next Tuesday for another edition of TC Rotary Zoom!
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I wanted to share that we are having a free virtual author event with Dax-Devlon Ross (author of Letters to My White Male Friends) in conversation with Courtney Wiggins of Northern Michigan E3. The event is on July 8 at 7 p.m. via Zoom, and Dax and Courtney will be talking about the book, their experiences, and answering audience Q&A.
President Mack called the meeting to order and asked if any Rotarians had guests. A potential member was introduced by Marilyn. We said the Pledge of Allegiance and Homer Nye offered the words of gratitude from a former president of Harvard and Walt Whitman. He suggested that we talk with each other and not at each other. Homer also asked other Rotarians to step up and offer words of gratitude at our meetings. Email him or Kathy to volunteer.
Ramona Pleva shared the recap of the latest blood drive which garnered enough blood for 54 people. The next one will be Friday, October 29 at Kirkbride Hall again.
Allison Beers announced the Communications Committee is working hard to revamp our presence on social media. She hopes we will follow Rotary and also like all the posts. When Emily reached out to you to use your lovely faces to represent Rotary online. There is also a website refresh happening.
As Membership Committee head, Allison hopes that you’ll say hello to new people at the tables at our in-person meetings. Make them feel welcome and consider that we are all recruiters for the Rotary Club of TC. Everyone is welcome to bring new members in!
The 101st Birthday of The Rotary Club of Traverse City will be Saturday, December 11 at the Opera House. Black Tie optional. Formal invitations and information to follow. We will party hearty!
Rotary Fund Match time ends today at 5pm. The next one will be a December deadline. The Good Works is this Friday at 5pm.
The Tech Committee have been working on how we conduct a hybrid meeting once we are able to meet in person. They are figuring when and how we can meet in person and for lunch.
More info to follow about the time frame.
Dan Buren introduced the program: Food Rescue and Food Coalition are represented by Taylor Mand Mary Clulo. Mary thanked the Club for taking the time to learn about local issues. The food pantries work in six counties in northern Michigan. There are critical partners and collaborators in our work. Food Rescue began in 2008 and has distributed 15 million pounds of food in northwest Michigan and 7500 pounds every day. The Healthy Harvest program gleans fruit and vegetables at local farms and redistributes it to food pantries. The Food Security Summit, funded by Rotary Charities, helped people to learn about the region’s needs and resources. Many local leaders representing many different organizations. There were speakers
From all over the country to help provide opportunities for resources. Our region is well-resourced but could be better coordinated. Working collaboratively will make it all more effective. Addressing the stigma of needing help with food. They are expanding benefits and ways to help hungry people.
Taylor discussed how they were set up for the challenges of the pandemic by communicating and working with local food pantries. He says we are at another crossroads of change. The Food Security Summit and increasing access to healthy food were supported by Rotary Charities. 18,000 people in the five-county area live in poverty. Food Rescue picks up not only fresh food (but mostly fresh, healthy, nutritious food), but they also pick up sandwiches and drinks and processed food. They aim to be able to pick up more fresh fruits and veggies as their program grows. Questions were asked and answered.
Dan Buron thanked Taylor and Mary for their fine work and organization. President Mack adjourned the meeting.
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kristi Haik as our newest member!
After an incredibly accomplished career in higher education as a Research Manager, Director of Grant Development, tenure-track Professor, Chair of Biological Sciences, Associate Dean, Director of a STEM center and Dean of Arts & Sciences - she followed her passion and combined her experiences to become the Director of Fund Development for Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore (having been a brownie and junior Girl Scout growing up in Manistee).
When she is not raising millions of dollars for STEM programs and empowerment programs for young girls, you can find her on the golf course, on the bike trail, at her quilting machine, or spending time with her lovely family
Current occupation: A rockin’ Chiropractor at Northern Lights Chiropractic
How long have you been a Rotarian? 12 years
What made you interested in joining Rotary? All the impactful service work that Rotary does, and I wanted to be a part of something greater than myself. It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done!
What do you love the most about Rotary? The people! In this club, I’ve made great friends.
What has been your favorite program or volunteer opportunity with rotary to participate in? The Youth Exchange Program! All the students that I’ve worked with have left a big imprint on my heart!
What keeps you with Rotary? I appreciate the connections I’ve made with other community professionals who are committed to service work. Some of their work is very inspiring and it’s a privilege to rub elbows with them.
What are you currently reading? The Truth about COVID
What is a fun fact about you? I was once featured on the cover of Taste of Home magazine. My mother submitted her cherry pie recipe with my name on it and sent in my high school senior picture. The magazine ended up using that issue as their Collector’s issue for two and a half years.
Get to know this Rotarian: Becky Ewing
Current occupation:
I am the outgoing Executive Director of Rotary Charities.
How long have you been a Rotarian?
I first joined the Sunrise Rotary Club in 2008 and transferred to the noon club in 2016.
What made you interested in joining rotary?
Experiencing firsthand the impact Rotary Charities and the Club have on our community. I was part of the Water Studies Institute as it was being formed and we were the recipient of the 41 million centennial grant celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Rotary. Through that process I met Marsha Smith, Paul Laporte and others. The Water Committee was formed, and I met other Rotarians as we did restoration work in the watershed. It was a very inspiring group of people!
What has been your favorite program or volunteer opportunity with rotary to participate in?
I love Kids Free Fishing Day – it's a joy to watch kids and their families fish together.
What are you currently reading?
I always have two books going at once – one fiction and one nonfiction that helps me move forward in my learning and self-awareness journey. I'm just finishing Ibram Kendi's book, "How to be an Anti-Racist," which is a compelling and enlightening book. I just finished Mary Doria Russell's book, "The Women of the Copper Country," and learned so much about the dire conditions of early 20th-century copper miners and their families in the Upper Peninsula. I love her writing and enjoyed the strong women portrayed in the book.
What are you currently watching?
Bob and I are enjoying Mare of Eastown, The Handmaid's Tale, and the Great British Bakeoff
What is a fun fact about you?
This year marks the 49th consecutive year of running and I'm coming up on 1,000 days of meditating – I love physical activity and moments of quiet reflection. I'm really excited to have my daughter move back to town this summer and watch my son Duncan and former noon Rotarian Emma Moyer get married in September! I continue to be in awe of my kids.
Get to know this Rotarian: Dan Rickard
Current occupation: Owner of The Copy Shop on 8th and Woodmere
How long have you been a Rotarian? Since 1995, 26 years this summer!
What made you interested in joining rotary? My father "suggested" I get involved in a service club. A friend invited me to a Rotary lunch and I found I knew quite a few Rotarians. I knew of the impact Rotary had on the local community and decided that I wanted to be a part of making the community a better place.
What do you love the most about rotary? Rotarians say YES to requests in the club and in their personal businesses and lives.
What has been your favorite program or volunteer opportunity with rotary to participate in? There are 3 of us who have Co-Chaired the Christmas Baskets program for over 10 years. Since 1995, my first year when I was given a family and some money and told to make a family's Christmas better, I have been hooked. There is nothing better than giving someone joy person to person.
What keeps you with Rotary? Being part of a group that is focused on doing good and positive energy.
What are you currently reading? Between books so I am catching up on National Geographic’s.
What are you currently watching? The Stanley Cup playoffs.
What is a fun fact about you? I played competitive Rugby for about 13 years and another 5 years as an "Old Boy" and played in Golden Oldies tournaments in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and France!
