Loftus Day 2019 was called to order by President Pat Hanes, with a flip of the agenda that began with a Patriotic song, a sit down, a stand up, then an invocation by Rich Schaberg. A few more times up and down and we could have all checked exercise off our list for the day. Fortunately, he saved the bulk of our energy for visiting the graves of departed Rotarians - but I’ll get back to that.
Shout out to Casey Jacobsen for running the mike around so people didn’t have to shout out. Diane Sanborn celebrated the health of the club, then President Hanes not so gently roasted a few folks in the room that we only see annually and reminisced with starry eyes about last night’s Shimmer on the River event (which was pretty awesome). The crowd came to their feet again in a standing O for Laurie Baumer; her tireless work for the past two years on what is now Rotary Park will forever leave a lasting impression on our club, our region, and one man from Wieland who might actually get to retire now. Maybe he’ll have time to join our Club!
A special meeting in a meeting ensued with a call to order, special election and adjournment by John Person on key Rotary Foundation Board business; congrats to the slate of new directors and officers that was approved by all assembled. Speaking of elections, nominations are now being accepted for the Club Board; the criteria includes good standing in attendance (the three roasted by Prez Hanes are definitely out of the running), payment of dues (really, lunch is NOT free), giving for all three annual appeals (suggested reading: roles & responsibilities of a Rotarian), club activity and leadership qualities. Benefits: great people to hang out with while doing awesome work on behalf of YOUR club, and baked goods from Cathy at every meeting (yummy).
With that, Loftus day really got rolling; voices united in the singing of Amazing Grace and Irv Nichols led the honoring of the late Richard B. Foster Jr., who passed on Sept. 25, 2018 at the age of 84. Rick had been a Rotarian for 51 years. His father, Richard Sr., was President of our Club in 1954 and his grandfather, Walter Foster, started the Foster Swift Law Firm. Rick was a graduate of Cranbrook Prep School in 1952, Dartmouth in 1956, and UofM in 1961. With long family ties to this region, Rick and his wife Gretchen (who passed in 2015) were involved in many facets of our community. They had two children; Robert lives in California and Martha lives in Dexter, MI, where Rick spent the last three years of his life. Rotarians stood a final time, in honor of his life well-lived. The meeting adjourned and Rotarians disbursed in small groups to take flowers to the graves of deceased club members who are buried in the Lansing area - a tradition in our club since Frank Loftus set the standard in 1924. Next week’s meeting (9/13) will be at the Country Club of Lansing and feature Brian Calley, President of SBAM speaking on “The 2019 Michigan Entrepreneurial Scorecard Report”. Rotarians who golf are encouraged to join the outing on Monday, Sept. 16th at Forest Akers Golf Course; just 3 team spots remain. Contact Chris Holman at johnchrisholman@yahoo.com to reserve your spot ($250), duo ($500) or foursome ($1,000); proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation. Happy September!
Michelle Reynaert's email is: Michellereynaert@yahoo.com