A good number of Rotarians were able to navigate the construction detours and make it to the Lansing Country Club (Is that why Dave O’Leary was absent). President Pat called us to order with the customary ringing of the bell. John Shaski delivered a thoughtful and Rotary themed invocation, and then the Club sang the National Anthem. Sue Hansen circulated the mic among our guests, of which there were only two that had found their way past the detours. Diane Sanborn shared that the health of the club is excellent.
President Pat announced Michelle Lantz’s new position as CEO of the Greater Lansing Food Bank; congratulations Michelle! Kevin Schumacher reminded everyone of the ribbon cutting for Rotary Park [note: now moved to the rain date of Wednesday, August 28], and spoke of how the Club’s contribution went from $40,000 originally proposed to a $400,000 contribution. Craig Spencer spoke about Loftus Day and encouraged all Rotarians to participate. Ryan Moore praised the August Birthday folks for 80% participation in donating to Rotary and we learned that John Dale Smith somehow vacationed west to Florida when he was young. Chris Chamberlain presented the Club with a donation from the Modern Workmen. The Club presented a donation to Helping Hands Respite Care, which Yvonne Fleener graciously accepted.
John Dale Smith introduced Rachael Cupples for the special music. She began with the Cole Porter classic “I Get a Kick Out of You,” followed by a number from her upcoming performance in Pippin called “Simple Joys.”
Wayne Sieloff capped off his time as Chair of the Month with also being Chair of the Day. He highlighted the impressive resume of our speaker, Mark Bathurst, Program Director of Aviation Technology at LCC.
Mark Bathurst titled his speech “Soaring to New Heights.” He highlighted LCC as the 3rd largest community college in Michigan which touches 25,000 students per year Specific to his program, he proposed it as a great career with a $57,610 median salary. There will be 212,000 employees needed in the field between now and 2039. At LCC people can be certified after a 2 year program with 30 hours per week. The content of the program is strictly controlled by the FAA. Certification after the program requires 2 FAA exams. The demand for this skill has never been so high. Common employers are airlines, airplane manufacturers, and airplane repair companies. The most recent class of graduates all had at least one job offer and one graduate was deciding among 13 offers! 
Some last minute reminders: Rotary Park Ribbon Cutting – August 28; Rotary Park Shimmer on the River – September 5 (RSVP by August 30); Loftus Day – September 6 at the Country Club of Lansing
Chris Swope's email is: Chris.swope@gmail.com