February (Jan 27, 2021)

February, is a month of mystery. First what is the groundhog (aka woodchuck, marmot, monax, or rodent) in Pennsylvania doing determining the weather for everyone in the U. S. Most in Michigan see them as varmints, who ruin foundations, or break the axles of tractors with their holes. It is amazing so many people care if an animal, who for the most part sleeps through the winter, and walks with its belly dragging on the ground, sees its own shadow. Then there is Valentine’s Day. one day a year where you show someone special in your life, that you love them. If someone lives far away or you do not see them that much, it is a perfect reminder that you are thinking of them. However, you really have to step it up on their birthday or X-mas. For the people you love every day is special, and we should show and tell them how much we love them, often. It is a nice gester that has often led to a ring and wedding bells.

Then we also have Washington’s Birthday, Presidents Day, Black History month, and the start of the Lenten season for many religious groups. We are packing a whole bunch into the shortest month. What we cannot do is meet for our regular Rotary lunch meeting. Restaurants are open now, but at a very limited level of 25%. I am good with not meeting in person yet, as I do not wish to see the Swan Inn or other establishments receive a fine for violating the state’s health code at this time.So this Thursday we will ZOOM together and try and find a way to make our community better. For some reason it seems that with the lockdown, we are busier. There is more to do just to stay ahead, but maybe that is just in my world. I truly miss our lunch meetings, they are a great break in the stress department. So next month when we meet in person, crossing my fingers and toes, life will begin to normalize.

West Michigan is still strong economically, and many new building and development projects are starting. Yet people need help, and we will be there to assist if possible. Hang in there, stay strong and healthy, see you on ZOOM this Thursday. Watch for Alex’s email with the link to the meeting. Greg Madura, President

BOARD UPDATE The Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 10th at 11 a.m. at the Alpine Township Office.

MUSKEGON CLUB AWARDS PAUL HARRIS TO DIANE VAN EPPS

Congratulations to Diane Van Epps, Branch Manager of Alpine Choice One Bank, who was recently elected by Comstock Park Rotary to be the President-Elect for 2021-2022. She is well-qualified with vast experience as a Rotarian in the Muskegon Rotary Club.

In 2020, Diane was awarded a PAUL HARRIS HONOR by the Muskegon club. Unfortunately the award had to be presented at a Zoom meeting of the Muskegon club last fall.

She was recognized for her extensive work as the volunteer coordinator for the “Grape Escape” annual fundraiser. She joined the Muskegon club in 2014, volunteered for that year’s event and became a volunteer coordinator again in 2015 & 2016. In 2017 and 2018, she co-chaired the events. This included overseeing the chairs of sub-committees: reviewing spaces for events to be held; reserving a venue, tables, linens, etc.; acquiring special licensing to serve and raffle wine and beer from the State of Michigan; Coordinating a Memorandum of Understanding between the Rotary Club, vineyards, breweries; restaurants, caters, etc.

She oversaw the coordination of Rotarian volunteers to serve beverages at each of the vineyards/breweries, ticket sales, silent auction, merchant services. She worked with Morse Marketing Connections and printer vendors as well as the Convention Center Director to advertise the event and oversaw social media messaging.

One of the Muskegon club’s goals is to raise funds to award a non-profit (501c3) in the community $10,000 for a special project. The 2017 recipient was LOVE, INC. This project would increase programming for a low income segment of the population to assist with financial literacy, finding jobs, and providing transportation. In 2018, the recipient was Mission for Area People – Planting of a Food Garden.

The event was held at the Frauenthal Theatre In 2017 and 2018 (a 15 year celebration) and their income goals of $25,000 and up were met both years.

We look forward to working with Diane in her new role. With the resolution of the pandemic and with vaccines now being distributed, we can look forward to a more normal in-person experience.