20 dogs around the State housed in the prosecutor's offices.  In Ottawa County's dog is Sydney, and her handler/owner is Stephanie Stoddard.  During the day, Sidney interacts with victims; especially children who are victimized and are working their way through a very scary process.  The presence of the dog gives these young victims a happier perspective. Kids look at going to court as a chance to meet up with Sidney again, which distracts them from the terrifying prospect of testifying in a criminal proceeding.

 

Statutes specifically provide that kids can bring comfort toys into court and allows a support person to sit with them.  Does this include a dog?  A Court of Appeals decision in April of 2016 affirmed the ability of a court to permit comfort/support animals.

 

Karen and Judy also shared other resources available through Ottawa County for victim advocacy.

 

New Rotary Member -- Adam Walendzlik and Bill Van Lopik were welcomed as the World's Newest Rotary members.

Bill announced that his family dates back to the 1800's in Grand Haven, and he and his wife moved here after retiring as Treasurer from SE Johnson last year.

Adam is a lifelong resident of Grand Haven, he and his wife have a four year old son and he works at Chemical Bank.

 

Past-Presidents Dinner - Bill Bassow announced the Past Presidents will be hosting a FREE, family dinner at the GH Sailing Club on Wednesday, July 13, from 5:00 - ?? Free beer, wine, brats, burgers and

 

Adopt a highway - Pat McGinnis announced the next US-31 cleanup will take place this Saturday, July 23, beginning at 8am. Volunteers meet at Burger King.

 

Flag Installation - McGinnis also announced US flags will be installed along Beacon Blvd on Coast Guard Saturday Aug 6, beginning at 7:00 a.m. Volunteers meet at Burger King.  Volunteers are again asked to help out collecting flags at 7:00 p.m.

 

Coast Guard Parade - Volunteers are needed Saturday August 6 to walk beside the float and hand out candy.  A few additional volunteers are requested to sit in the canoe, wave to the crowd, and replenish candy supplies to the walkers.  

 

Pancake Breakfast - Gail Ringelberg urged everyone to mark the date of Sunday, July 31, for the annual Rotary Pancake breakfast at Talmer Bank.

 

Vocational Moment - Jill Artgensinger announced a new program where members will get two minutes to tell the membership about themselves or their career.  Contact Jill at jill.artgensinger@redfiveit.com

 

Rotary International Convention - Gernot Runschke announced that in 2017 the Rotary International conference will be held in Atlanta. Members interested in attending should contact Gernot.

 

50/50 Raffle Tickets - Today's drawing -- $99 to the winner and $271 for charity. No winner this week so it rolls over to the next meeting.