David McNeilly recently introduced himself to the club in a new member talk. He spoke about his Father, who was a strong influence in his life, his wife who has supported him and the announcement that a new McNeilly is on the way! David is a Financial Adviser with Northwestern Mutual Insurance.
Welcome to Kyle Cooper who is the newest member of the East Lansing Rotary Club. Kyle is a Financial Adviser with Financial Strategies Group in Okemos, MI. His sponsor is Dennis Rosenbrook. He lives in Lansing and will be a great asset to the club. If you have not met Kyle yet, please take the time to introduce yourself and get to know him.
The East Lansing Rotary Foundation will be hosting a Mud and Suds fundraiser on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 to benefit the Weekend Survival Kits program which provides food for hungry elementary school children across Ingham County. The “Mud and Suds fundraiser will be held at East Lansing’s Scene Metrospace (110 Charles St.) from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and feature a special pottery demonstration by Jon Whitney, craft beers and savory hors de oeuvres. Pottery created by local artists will also be displayed and for sale at the event. Tickets are $50 per person and are available for purchase online at www.manyhandsmi.org
The Weekend Survival Kits (WSK) program was started five years ago to help meet the nutritional needs of mid-Michigan’s elementary school students, specifically on the weekends. The WSK program is focused on helping feed children – especially those who receive a free or reduced-price breakfast or lunch at school – by providing them with a “food pack” filled with nutritional food every other Friday during the school year. Food for the kits is acquired through the Greater Lansing Food Bank’s network, which means that $1 has the power to buy an equivalent of $10 of food at retail value. Each food “kit” costs about $5, and $100 sponsors one child for an entire school year. Last year (2013-14) the WSK program served over 1,800 elementary school children in Ingham County.
As might be expected, the WSK program continues to grow as more families and schools learn about and join the program. As the program grows and the number of students served increases, the need for food, funds and volunteers increases as well. More information about the Weekend Survival Kits program and how you can help can be found at www.manyhandsmi.org or www.facebook.com/manyhandsmi. Contributions are always welcome and can be mailed directly to: Many Hands Foundation, 1288 W. Grand River Ave., Suite 400, Williamston, MI 48895. Many Hands in a 501 © 3, non-profit organization and serves as the fiduciary agent for the Weekend survival Kits program.
On September 11, 2014 East Lansing Rotarian, Dr. John Dunn passed away after a brief illness. In his obituary was included the following words from John:
“I have had time to reflect about my life, a member of a large loving family, with each addition bringing joy in his or her own way. I can smile as I hear: “remember grandpa’s rule ‘always be nice!'” Adding friends over the years just made my life more meaningful and joyful.
Yet my main memory is of Judy slipping her hand into mine some 51 years ago. She never let go. As a completely special and unique lady, and my true love, I was able to travel life well. I thanked her after, as I do now, for the care of our family, friends and especially me.
I enjoyed studying many things; especially medicine. Saying the phrase “May I help you?” was important to me. I tried to help family, friends, residents, staff, patients and especially Judy. I especially enjoyed teaching struggling second graders.
For my last lesson, I ask the reader, today, to take out a clean sheet of paper. Carefully print “Now!” on it. Please date and sign it. From time to time take it out and reflect about your note. If there is a “Now!” in your life please consider doing it. It’s sad for me to know I must leave, especially to leave my love, Judy. I am going to “another home”, with my LORD’s support. I trust I will travel well. -John S. Dunn, M.D. ”
The members of the East Lansing Rotary Club extend their deepest sympathy to the Dunn family.
August 4th, 2014 was a great day for the City of East Lansing and the East Lansing Rotary Club, a great day to celebrate a new park. Over 4 ½ years of work culminated in a community celebration of the completion of the Playground In the Park Re-Imagined. Not even an epic thunderstorm could dampen the day – shorten the ceremony, yes, but dampen the spirits of those attending – not a chance!
It was a sweet celebration in many ways. To see East Lansing Rotarian and now East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett deftly manage the rapidly compressed recognition ceremony; to welcome all of the major sponsors and donors for special recognition; to witness Project Chairperson, John Saltzgaber, receive a standing ovation; to enjoy special commemorative cookies and ice cream; and best of all to see the children in absolute joy over the long-awaited brand new play space. It was sweet indeed.
Stepping foot for the first time on the special poured in place safety surface brings the benefit of this surface to life as the surface gives way underfoot and springs back. Knowing that this equipment is safe, eco-friendly, long –lasting, and handicap accessible says the community got it right when they asked for all of these qualities during the planning sessions.
This project is truly a capstone event for the East Lansing Rotary Club, and perfectly aligns with the 1995 Playground Project which first fired the imagination of the community – also spearheaded by the East Lansing Rotary Club. It is fitting that when the permanent signage arrives in a few months, there will be a special sign commemorating all of the 1995 Park Donors. To learn how you can still be part of the new park celebration contact [email protected]