12:30PM Called to order by Dennis Fliehman, “President Dennis” we silenced our cell phones and were reminded of the benefits, challenges and promises of our togetherness by Michelle Reynaert’s invocation. And although they never met Kathy Bate’s lyrical adaptation of the poem “America” when set to music by organist Samuel Ward was the perfect patriotic reminder of this Flag Day. We are truly blessed.
Guests were handed the mic by Stan Samuel for a rousing Rotary greeting and Diane Sanborn assured us we were in excellent health. His Honor offered us a chance for a service trip to Guatemala for the intrepid of heart. Sort of rotary’s answer to the caravans only in reverse. He then proudly presented Lynn Grubb her red badge making her an official Rotarian in the Lansing club which she accepted with aplomb (speaking of intrepid). Melanie Dart in honor of her son and daughter-in-law providing us with our newest Rotarian (someday) and her first grandson Jack Rollin Howland was proffered the famous silver spoon.
There will be a Rotary Club U-35 mixer June 27 at 5:30 PM at the Lansing Brewing Company complete with gratis drinks and appetizers. Michelle Lantz made a real pitch. Probably she knew by calling for U Rotarians, “Under 35” she might be the only one there. Sounds fun.
Ken Beachler who never disappoints. Introduced MSU vocal performance major Sean Holland currently performing in Broadway and River Walk’s “Hairspray ” a musical by Marc Shairman and Scott Whittman. After hearing Franz Schubert’s “spring time” and “Run and tell that” from the musical it is obvious this talented young singer’s repertoire is limitless ranging from classical to Avant guard Rap-rock. A real ear treat.
Chair of the month Jordan Sutton gave up the MC duties to Justin Sheehan to cleverly introduce his friend, Lansing’s first lady Erin Schor. Mrs. Schor is married to our mayor with whom she shares the management of our fair city. He manages the important aspects such as world peace and international space exploration while she takes care of the rest judging by the number of commissions she heads-up. Her topic was the “Lansing Arts and Cultural Commission” whose current project is a Performing arts Center which is a 1500 seat auditorium that could meet the need for a smaller venue to showcase programs with a limited audience and seating, somewhere between the River Walk and the Wharton Center. The idea sounded good until questions brought out the evils of economics. Current cost evaluations run 60 million dollars plus and the need to be self-sustaining which she describes as “high in the sky” since the center can’t be guaranteed occupancy by the Lansing Symphony the primary cynosure. I think the word was “high” not “pie”. Charming and witty, Erin put the best face on it and just may make it happen.
Next week back home in the Lansing center for our annual Foundation meeting. See you all the there.
Jim McGillicuddy's email is: sjmcgillicuddy@comcast.com