President Dennis rang the bell promptly at 12:30. The panoramic windows of the Lansing Country Club showed the wintery weather outside; the polar vortex having passed, we were now experiencing a small blizzard. The club was excited for the program, this being a new member presentation day. Justin Sheehan gave us an inspirational message of thanks for everything Rotary – even Rocco. John Dale led the club in singing “God Bless America.” President Dennis noted the club was in good voice. Lisa Smith circulated the mic skillfully among an unusually large number of guests. Diane Sanborn shared that the health of the club is good, but noted that Bill Dansby’s wife, Linda, had passed; several Rotarians attended her funeral. President Dennis announced the deadline for Rotary Hero nominations (which will have passed by the time you read this). He also asked those planning to attend the District Conference to let him or Cathy know.
We were honored to have the special music of opera singer, Dan Ewart, who needed no mic. Ken Beachler gave a glowing introduction of Dan, who hails from Williamston. Dan, accompanied by John Dale, started with “The Tale of the Oyster,” one of Cole Porter’s naughtier songs. He concluded with a selection from the opera, “The Ballad of Baby Doe.” Thanks to Ken, Dan, and John Dale for the entertainment.
President Dennis introduced each of the new members in turn. Following their presentations each was given their blue name badge and Rotary pin. In lieu of a speaker’s gift, we will donate money to our Bio Sand Filter water project to provide pure water to developing countries in the Dominican Republic. 
Nanci Yeadon is the Sales and Marketing Manager at MSU’s Breslin Center. She thanked Rotarian Julie Pingston for being her long time mentor and friend. Nanci told a childhood story which impacted her life path; when in the second grade her family spent a year living in a travel trailer. Part of the year was on location for her parent’s job; part was spent seeing some of the many fabulous sites that America has to offer. Nanci had a prior marriage; luckily, she remained friends with her former sister-in-law, because that friendship led to her current marriage. Nanci and Tom Yeadon have been married for 21 years and have a daughter. They love to golf, bike, garden, and play various games. Nanci has been with MSU for 40 years. At one point MSU reorganized the Breslin Center and left only Nanci and one other employee; she rose to the challenge and now the center holds 300 events each year. Nanci closed with a truly Rotary inspired message of “the best feeling you can have is to help others.
Rocco Rucinski is Senior Vice President for PNC Bank. For his presentation he sported a dapper hat and Lansing Ignite scarf (he did ask the indulgence of the ladies in the room for keeping his hat on). He opened with a refrain from “Fly Me to the Moon,” showing he is no slouch in the voice department. Both of Rocco’s parents had significant life events at the age of two. His mother, who immigrated from Sicily, was stricken with Polio at age two; father got Scarlet Fever, which impacted his hearing for his life. Rocco passed up university football to attend MSU in the Hotel Restaurant Management Program. We was a walk-on member of the MSU baseball team. On Valentine’s Day in 1983, he met the love of his life and current wife, Sherri Jones. Rocco and Sherri were married in 1989 and have three children. Rocco ended by saying “thanks for listening to my story, ‘cause it’s not over yet.”Jacob Sabins is Principal at Clark Trombley Randers (CTR), a firm, providing mechanical engineering services in
the fields of HVAC and Plumbing design. Beyond that, Jacob is among the truly rare group of lifelong Lansing area residents. He graduated from MSU and worked for eight years at MSU Infrastructure Engineering. A significant life event occurred for Jacob when he was 12 years old – a new family moved in next door. Shortly after meeting the new girl next door, Jacob asked her to be his girlfriend. She declined but they remained friends even after she moved a couple towns away. When he asked her to the Junior Prom, she accepted. They have been a couple for 20 years, 15 of which they have been married. Jacob loves helping others. He shared in inspirational quote from Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” Jacob loves Lansing and wants Lansing to be even better for today’s children than it was for him. He considers Rotary to be a privilege and responsibility. His ending words: “Thank you for the privilege of joining the organization. Welcome Nanci, Rocco, and Jacob to Lansing Rotary. You are each fine additions to the club!
the fields of HVAC and Plumbing design. Beyond that, Jacob is among the truly rare group of lifelong Lansing area residents. He graduated from MSU and worked for eight years at MSU Infrastructure Engineering. A significant life event occurred for Jacob when he was 12 years old – a new family moved in next door. Shortly after meeting the new girl next door, Jacob asked her to be his girlfriend. She declined but they remained friends even after she moved a couple towns away. When he asked her to the Junior Prom, she accepted. They have been a couple for 20 years, 15 of which they have been married. Jacob loves helping others. He shared in inspirational quote from Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor by giving.” Jacob loves Lansing and wants Lansing to be even better for today’s children than it was for him. He considers Rotary to be a privilege and responsibility. His ending words: “Thank you for the privilege of joining the organization. Welcome Nanci, Rocco, and Jacob to Lansing Rotary. You are each fine additions to the club!Chris Swope's email is: chris.swope@lansingmi.gov