Get to know this Rotarian: Sakura Takano
Current occupation: Director of Community Assets and Impact Investing, Rotary Charities
How long have you been a Rotarian? 6 years
What made you interested in joining rotary? My dad was a Rotarian in Honolulu, Hawaii and when I worked at Goodwill Northern Michigan, George Powell brought me to a meeting at the old Park Place dome. I loved the feeling of fellowship and the diversity of community projects members can support.
What do you love the most about rotary? I cherish the varied relationships I have with club members. Whether in a professional context or delivering Girl Scout cookies to members, or talking for the first time in the Zoom breakout rooms, I feel like the people I meet want to do good things in our community.
What has been your favorite program or volunteer opportunity with rotary to participate in? I love seeing young people engaged in new opportunities--Kids Free Fishing Day and Career Networking Day at Traverse City High School are at the top of my list. Seeing the squeals of kids catching their first fish is quite an occasion.
What keeps you with Rotary? When the world and our community can feel polarized, and more recently, distant, I know I can count on my fellow Rotarians for fellowship and a sense of heart for people around us.
What are you currently watching? Money Heist on Netflix, with subtitles. I miss international travel and seeing this "hero" grand theft series in Spanish brings me to another place. It's addicting!
What is a fun fact about you? During Covid, I was gifted a sourdough starter from Iceland that has been around since 1875 from Jen Blakeslee of the Cook's House. l was not a breadmaker but am now hooked on perfecting my pizza crust recipe and have shared this sourdough starter with friends. If you want any, let me know!
We are always looking for new members to join us. At the Rotary Club of TC, all are welcome.
Get to know this Rotarian: Katy McCain
Occupation: Director of Community Development for the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority
How long have you been a Rotarian? 10 years this December!
What made you interested in joining rotary? I wanted a way to easily get involved within the community and beyond. Rotary makes it easy to find your volunteer niche, with endless opportunities to give back within the community and on an international level.
What do you love the most about rotary? I love how Rotary gives me the opportunity to meet and become friends with so many different people that I do not know if I would have had the joys of interacting with if it were not for the club.
What has been your favorite program or volunteer opportunity with rotary to participate in? I co-chair the Rotary Friends of the Boardman Watershed Dinner. It is not only a Rotary highlight but one of my favorite community events every year.
What keeps you with rotary? The friendships I have made and the good work that the organization does for our community.
What are you currently watching? I am a huge fan of the Law & Order franchise
What is a fun fact about you? I started a foodie Instagram account called @toast.2.toasts during the pandemic to help promote local restaurants when they were hurting the most. Avocado toast is one of my favorite foods and was the inspiration for the account, as well as my love for visiting local coffee shops wherever I travel.
We are always looking for new members to join us. At the Rotary Club of TC, all are welcome.
Occupation: Director of Community Development for the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority
How long have you been a Rotarian? 10 years this December!
What made you interested in joining rotary? I wanted a way to easily get involved within the community and beyond. Rotary makes it easy to find your volunteer niche, with endless opportunities to give back within the community and on an international level.
What do you love the most about rotary? I love how Rotary gives me the opportunity to meet and become friends with so many different people that I do not know if I would have had the joys of interacting with if it were not for the club.
What has been your favorite program or volunteer opportunity with rotary to participate in? I co-chair the Rotary Friends of the Boardman Watershed Dinner. It is not only a Rotary highlight but one of my favorite community events every year.
What keeps you with rotary? The friendships I have made and the good work that the organization does for our community.
What are you currently watching? I am a huge fan of the Law & Order franchise
What is a fun fact about you? I started a foodie Instagram account called @toast.2.toasts during the pandemic to help promote local restaurants when they were hurting the most. Avocado toast is one of my favorite foods and was the inspiration for the account, as well as my love for visiting local coffee shops wherever I travel.
We are always looking for new members to join us. At the Rotary Club of TC, all are welcome.