Lunch Meeting This Week at the Holland Museum Armory!

We've done it before and it was a riot!  Bring a treasured item from your or someone else's past and share the story of the item!  Have a treasured  piece of jewelry?  A family heirloom? Grandpa's war medal?  How about a favorite doll or stuffed animal?  Maybe a model ship you built or have just finished?  Something you treasure and would like to share with your fellow Rotarians...Be prepared to speak for about two to three minutes telling the story of your treasure.  The more we know about our Rotary friends, the better!  Bring your treasure to THIS WEEK'S MEETING - MAY 16th...at the HOLLAND ARMORY - located near the Holland Museum!  Let/s share and get to know each other a little bit better!

No Lunch Meeting This Week - Tulip Time!

Tulip Time Opportunities:

1.  Cheer for the Rotary Float and Gary Bogle's Model A Replicar

2.  Grandstand Greeters:

Lunch Meeting This Thursday at the Maas Center!

This meeting is about the Leaders of 21st Century.

Tulip Time Opportunities:

Grandstand Greeters:

No Lunch Meeting This Thursday!!

Instead, we have a special event - Rotary BBQ

Warehouse 6 - 136 E 6th Street, Holland,  April 27, 2019 at 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Contact Drew McLean for tickets ( $ 25)

Tulip Time Opportunities:

1.  Ride With Gary Tulip Time Parade Dates:

This week we have a special West Ottawa Schools Special Education Luncheon at Lakewood Elementary School, 168th  and Lakewood on Holland's north side.  We will meet at Lakewood School at our usual time and share activities and crafts with our young friends and also enjoy a WONDERFUL lunch.  

Visitors and Guests

Dan Shaw (Rebecca Lamper), Sophie Engels

Chris Etienne, COL- Rotary, will be our speaker.     We look forward to hearing from Chris.

Visitors and Guests

Lisa Drost (Jason Gargala), Joey Ramirez (Sandy Hansen)

Steven D. Hoogerwerf, M.Div., Ph.D. Associate Professor, will be our speaker.    His subject is the Pine Ridge reservation and the ngo re-member.   We look forward to hearing from Steven.

Michelle Boerger,  Tulip Time, will be our speaker.    We look forward to hearing from Michelle.

Once again this year, area Rotary Clubs will provide "Grandstand Greeters" ("Bleacher Patrol") volunteers as a fund raiser.

We need to provide at least 18 volunteers for each of the three parades.

If you wish to sign-up, please see the unique web site:

   https://tuliptime.volunteerhub.com/lp/rotary/

If you need help remembering your userid, please contact Tom Gough

• Volksparade - Grand Stand Greeters
  Holland Civic Center
  May 08, 2019 
  12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Kinderparade - Grand Stand Greeters
  Holland Civic Center
  May 09, 2019 
  12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Muziekparade - Grand Stand Greeters
  Holland Civic Center
  May 11, 2019 
  12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Jen Nuernberg,  Harbor Humane Society, will be our speaker.    We look forward to hearing from Jen.

Visitors and Guests

Brent, Tia, and Danelle Vorac (Jonas)

Jonas Haag,  exchange student from Germany, will be our speaker.    We look forward to hearing from Jonas.

Holly Schut  will be our speaker.  Her topic is Haiti.    We look forward to hearing from Holly.

Visitors and Guests

George Miller (Rebecca Lamper) and Rick Kirvan (Kathy DeVries)

Jack Huisingh, Director of the Holland Aquatic Center, will be our speaker.    We look forward to hearing from Jack.

Visitors and Guests

John Yester (Linda Jacobs), Anna (Vic Van Deventer), Jack Hyde (Gary and Donna), Perry Rauk

Tom Gough, will be our speaker.    His topic is "Normandy Experience".  We look forward to hearing from Tom.

This is the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.  Many of the participants of this epic World War II battle are long gone.  Heather and I had the opportunity to visit Normandy with one man preserving their legacy - historian Ron Drez.  

To insure you receive Holland Rotary communications, please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca  to your address book.

As a Valentines Day Surprise, we will have several speakers.    We look forward to hearing from them.

Visitors and Guests:

Jeff Helm (Jim Helm) and Orester Baez (James Briggs)

To insure you receive Holland Rotary communications, please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca  to your address book.

Jessica Crawford, from the Ottawa Conservation District, will be our speaker.    We look forward to hearing from Jessica.

To insure you receive Holland Rotary communications, please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca  to your address book.

No, hell has not frozen over - but Holland has!  Blame the polar vortex!  With temps this cold and the snow, we think it best to not travel. If it ends up sunny and nice, everyone can just enjoy the day. But that does not sound likely.

Results from last week's election:

President Nominee (2020-2021): Tom Shuff

Secretary: Shannon Dykstra

Board Members: David Meier, Jason Gargala, David Steenwyk, Janet Huyser, Carol Swart and Sarah DeVries

Notice:  Since winter has finally arrived, the unlikely event has occurred -- our noon meeting Thursday is canceled.

To insure you receive Holland Rotary communications, please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca  to your address book.

Jonas Haag, our exchange student from Germany will be our speaker.    We look forward to hearing from Jonas.

Results from last week's election:

President Nominee (2020-2021): Tom Shuff

Secretary: Shannon Dykstra

Board Members: David Meier, Jason Gargala, David Steenwyk, Janet Huyser, Carol Swart and Sarah DeVries

Notice:  Since winter has finally arrived, please watch your e-mail in the unlikely event our noon meeting Thursday is canceled.

To insure you receive Holland Rotary communications, please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca  to your address book.

Megan Zambiasi and Bob Vande Pol will be our speakers.    Their topic is Pine Rest Mental Health Urgent Care.  We look forward to hearing from them.

Visitors and Guests

Lynn Austin (Ken Austin), Eric Fogy (Cynthia Palmer), Jacki Kleinheksel (Paul Kleinheksel)

To insure you receive Holland Rotary communications, please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca  to your address book.

Lynn Austin, our own Ken Austin's wife and a renowned author will be our speaker.  We look forward to hearing from Lynn.

To insure you receive Holland Rotary communications, please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca  to your address book.

One of our own, Donna Lowry,  will be our guest speaker.   Her topic is "Ready for School".  We look forward to hearing from Donna.  From Donna -- "On Thursday, I'm excited to share about Ready for School which is the story of our community that has elevated early childhood as a community priority.  I will be sharing the Ready for School WHAT, WHY and WHERE- take a few minutes and get to know the WHO, Ready for School's children and families".

Our Rotary Board of Directors Meetings have been changed to the third Thursday of each month, 10:15 - 11:45 at the West Michigan Community Bank on 8th Street.  Reminder - all Rotarians are welcome to attend.

Add mailservice@clubrunner.ca  to your address book.

No Meeting This Week - Happy New Year!

Many thanks to all who were able to come out and ring the bell for Salvation Army.  This was our first year of covering 3 shifts.

Nice job everyone! - from Mike Moraw

No Meeting This Week - Merry Christmas

One of our own, the Honorable Jon Van Allsburg,  will be our guest speaker.   His topic is "Trip  To Antarctica".  We look forward to hearing from Jon.

Nomination Process for 2020-2021 Rotary Year:

Please fill out the form below and bring it to Thursday's meeting:

Don Williams,  will be our guest speaker.   His topic is "The anniversary of the second atomic bomb".  We look forward to hearing from our own member Don.

Toys for Tots:

This Thursday, during our noon meeting, we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys and/or money (preferred).  Our Interact Club will take the money collected and buy toys for distribution to needy kids.

Correction:

Heather Shultz's contact information:

Haworth Contact re room reservation & cost for reserving space. 

Visitors and Guests

Bill Hurula (Dick Chambers), Arra (Vic), Laura Hubh-Rhoades (Elizabeth Giddings), Holly Schut (Ken Voss)

Steve Hoogerwerk,  will be our guest speaker.   His topic is "The Pine Ridge Reservation and the Re-Member NGO".  We look forward to hearing from Steve.

Visitors and Guests

Bill Hurula (Dick Chambers), Arra (Vic), Laura Hubh-Rhoades (Elizabeth Giddings), Holly Schut (Ken Voss)

Sakhi, our exchange student from India will be our guest speaker.   We look forward to hearing from her.

Sgt. Larry Matzen will be our guest speaker.  He is from the Holland Police Department and will discuss community policing.  We look forward to hearing from Sgt. Matzen.

Community policing is a philosophy of policing, based on the concept that police officers and people working together in creative ways can help solve contemporary community problems related to crime, the fear of crime, quality of life, and neighborhood conditions. The philosophy is predicated on the belief that achieving these goals requires that police departments develop a new relationship with people by expanding their role in the community by involving themselves in efforts to improve the overall quality of life in their neighborhoods.

100^th Anniversary Committee:

Please put on your calendar, Thursday, December 6, for our next 100^th Anniversary Committee meeting!  We will meet at the Marriott- 8^th Street at 5:30pm-6:30pm.

Welcome to anyone who wishes to join us and enjoy in the fun planning stages of a fabulous year of celebration!!

** No Meeting This Thursday **   Happy Thanksgiving!

100^th Anniversary Committee:

Please put on your calendar, Thursday, December 6, for our next 100^th Anniversary Committee meeting!  We will meet at the Marriott- 8^th Street at 5:30pm-6:30pm.

Welcome to anyone who wishes to join us and enjoy in the fun planning stages of a fabulous year of celebration!!

Visitors and Guests

Jared Kimber (Kris Reinhardt), Meagan Maas (Esther Fifelski), Howard Fink (Dee Nestel)

Chris Martin and Mindy Klein will be our guests speakers.  They will present the Road to Recovery® Program  from the American Cancer Society.  It is a coordinated program to find qualified volunteers to donate their spare time to give cancer patients a much-needed lift.  Chris is Mari Martin's husband.  We look forward to hearing from Chris and Mindy.

Many cancer patients do not have adequate transportation to their various doctor visits and treatment facilities.  Even the best treatment can’t work if a patient can’t get there.  It is important for these patients to get to their appointments and receive these treatments as they are prescribed—sometimes up to five days a week.  As a cancer survivor (now celebrating five years cancer-free) Chris is forever grateful for the many people who drove him when he couldn’t drive himself, or when Mari wasn’t available, due to work obligations. 

Reminder from Mike Moraw:

Visitors and Guests

Bill Hurula (Dick Chambers), Rebecca Packett Wood (Vic), Dick Capotosto (Tim Schreur), Mindy Beetham (Elizabeth Giddings)

Tom Gough, our Club Service Director will be our guest speaker.  Part of his responsibility includes club communications -- he will explore the various methods used to keep you informed of our activities, meetings, and opportunities.  We look forward to hearing from Tom.

Visitors and Guests

Lynda Farrar (David Beatie), Melissa Conner (Cynthia Palmer, Jared Kinser (Kris Reinhardt)

Brian Robertson, our District Governor will be our guest speaker.  Please plan to attend and give him a warm Holland welcome!
 

Visitors and Guests

John Shook (Rudy Vedovell), Christopher Tinney (Sarah DeVries)

Brenda Sipe, Kendall College of Art and Design, will be our guest speaker.  Her topic is the "Creativity and Design."
We look forward to hearing from Brenda.

** We Are Meeting at the Maas Center **

Visitors and Guests

John Shook (Rudy Vedovell)

Mark Tucker, will be our guest speaker.  His topic is the "Chikumbuso Project in Zambia."
We look forward to hearing from Mark.

** We Are Meeting at the Maas Center October 25 **

Visitors and Guests

Stacey Workman (David Meier), Sarah Sanderson (John Helm), Sarah Martinez (Robert Ortman)

Dr. Heidi Kraus, Associate Professor of Art and Art History at Hope College, will be our guest speaker.  Her topic is "Contemporary French Visual Culture Post 2015:  Street Art, Memory, and Public Space."
We look forward to hearing from Heidi.

** We Are Meeting at the Maas Center **

Andy Kenyon, Director of Parks and Recreation from the City of Holland, will be our guest speaker to provide the latest update on the Windmill Island Gardens project.
We look forward to hearing from Andy.

Heather and I would like to thank Gary Bogle (and others) for covering for us during our month long World War II European experience.

Ryan Kilpatrick will share information on "Housing Next."
We look forward to hearing from Ryan.

All are invited to the Rotary Social to be held at the Curragh Irish Pub this Friday. Friday August 31 at 5:30 light refreshments will be provided. Please join us for an opportunity to become better acquainted with your fellow Rotarians.

Guests are welcome.

Last Week's Guests

Tony Inman, Barb Nyland (Steve Nyland), Judy Parrott and Tom Parrott (Ken Vos), Dan Fisher (Kay Hubbard), Ann Vanheest(Sara DeVries), Reem Yasin (Robert Ortman) Shannon Dykstra.

We thank Natalie Rowland for her presentation on her Rotary experience in Croatia.

Our thanks to Todd Krygsheld for his presentation on Forgotten Man Ministries.  

Thanks to Justin Roebuck for his presentation titled "Protecting Elections: How Ottawa County is combating potential security threats." 

We thank Jack Gisinger for his exceptional educational presentation on redistricting. If you desire to learn more about this topic, research votersnotpoliticians.com.

Thanks to Ricki Levine for her discussion of the Holland Museum.

Unfortunately Tracy Amid was unable to inform us about Kids Food Basket. We hope that she can visit the club sometime in the future.

Our thanks to Travis Steinhoff and his discussion of Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity. If more information is needed, contact www.lakeshorehabitat.org.

Our thanks to our own Sara DeVries and her updates on the Herrick District Library.   

Our thanks to all the students and leaders of the Leaders of 21st Century.

Our thanks to Lindsey Drost, rebound student from Germany.    Sure to be interesting!

Our thanks to Ann Baarman and Sarah Lewakowki from TCM Counseling.   www.tcmcounseling.org   

Our thanks to Auriz Barreira Neto, our Inbound Exchange student from Brazil, for his entertaining presentation.

Our thanks to all the Leaders of the 21st Century, including principals and students from Holland East, Holland West and Corpus Christi schools.  

Our thanks to Tamala Spicer for her discussion of the Dorothy Johnson Center and impact of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector on our community.

Our thanks to David Koster for our offsite meeting at the Holland Energy Park.

Our thanks to the teachers and challenged kids at West Ottawa Schools for the events at Lakewood Elementary.

Our thanks to Paul Wiersma for his presentation on Davids House.  www.dhmin.org

Last Weeks Visitors and Guests

Eric Nichols (Larry Schuyler)

Our thanks to  Yah-Hannah Jenkins-Ley and Heather Gill Fox for their presentation on the Holland Young Professional Club.  

Please see their website - beHyp.org .

Our thanks to Ed DeNave, and the people of Cento Anni.  

Our thanks to David Alexander, for his update on Downtown Muskegon Now.   

Last Weeks Visitors and Guests

Lindsey Dolinski (Mike Dolinski), Adam and Morew McMichael (Tim McMichael)

Our thanks to Michelle Boerger and Shannon Yonek for the Tulip Time information.  Remember to sign-up for Bleacher Patrol - renamed to Grandstand Greeters at  https://tuliptime.volunteerhub.com/lp/rotary/  .    

Our thanks to Minnie Wongsittigorn, Inbound exchange student from Thailand.  

Last Weeks Visitors and Guests

Our thanks to Kris Collee  for her Meals on Wheels presentation.  

Dan Stanch  (David Steenwyk),  Colista (Donna and Gary Bogle), Herb Bacon (A.M. Club)

Our thanks to Myron and Terry for their presentation on the West Michigan Airport.   

Our thanks to Mirka Wilder, from Evoqua Water Technologies.    Sure to be interesting! 

Our thanks to Langlely VanWagoner, rebound student from France for her inspiring presentation and singing!    

Our thanks to Heather Brazee, Herman Miller Wellness Director for her discussion how Herman Miller was Voted a Top Place for Women to Work.    

Our thanks to Grace E. Maiullo for her discussion on Special Olympics in Michigan. 

Our thanks to Dan Clark from Grand Rapids Community College. 

Our thanks to Hannah Aquilera for her discussion of the CASA program.  

Our thanks to David Brower for his Christmas Vignettes.  

Our thanks to Alexa Watkin, rebound student from Austria.    

Our thanks to Dave Rozman for his talk on the Life Leadership Conference. 

Our thanks Rob Byrd for his talk about the upcoming film on Holland, Michigan.      

Our thanks to Rebecca Lamper  for her discussion of the Rotary Foundation.   

The Community Action “pass the hat” collection netted over $ 900 to help several local families to have a nicer Thanksgiving that they might not have! (Thanks Mike Moraw)

Our thanks to Ken Fischang  for his presentation on "Destination Marketing.

Our thanks to Ed Swart for his District Governor Visit.  Check out some pictures of Ed on our Facebook page.

Our thanks to Rich Ray for his presentation on the Road to Compostela Spain.   

Our thanks to Tom Bos and Kathy DeVries for their presentation on their recent Kenya Trip. 

Our thanks to Benjamin Walkington from the US Marshals Service for his fascinating presentation. 

Our thanks to Hope football coach Peter Stuursma and 20 members of the team for their surprise presentation! 

Our thanks to Joe Haveman and Brian Self for their presentation on "Hope Network."   

Our thanks to Wendy Piper for her presentation on "Basic Education and Literacy."   

Thanks to our own Dr Ken Austin for his presentation on "From Conch Shell to the Cornet" - A brief lecture on the history and significance of the trumpet.   It was a wonderful performance!  

Our thanks to Dick Dolinski for his presentation on Rotary Vocational Training Team to Uganda.  

Note: Janet Huyser had surgery on August 31st to repair her broken shoulder. 

Our thanks to Brad Garmon for his presentation on Michigan Environmental Council.  Please take the survey at HowYouDuneSurvey.com  

Our thanks to Lyn Kotecki and her presentation on "Outdoor Discovery Center."   

Our thanks to Terry DeHaan for his presentation on "Membership and New Club Development."     

Be sure to checkout  "Global Rewards" under 'LINKS' on the HollandRotary.org web page.

Our thanks to Andrew Brown from the Adult Drug Court. 

Our thanks to Ron Lewis, President of Spectrum Health Zeeland, for his discussion on the Past, Present and Future of Health Care.

Our thanks to Darcy Komejan, for her discussion of the Childrens Advocacy Center.  

Our thanks to Mary Rottschafer for her discussion of the Critter Barn.  

Our thanks to Sue Franz for her discussion of her Honduras trip.  

The following people have hats to pick-up:

David Clark - $ 5.00

Mike Moraw - $ 6.00

If you ordered a hat and we previously told you we did not have a hat for you, please contact Heather - we believe we have your hat after all!

Our thanks to Russ Miller, our new President, for his discussion of our new officers and directors.  

No noon meeting!    Ed Swart's Installation at City Vu!

Ed Swart of Holland Noon Rotary will be installed and honored as the new Rotary District 6290 Governor for 2017-2018!  The installation and banquet will occur at City Flats Hotel (College Avenue at 7^th Street in Holland) on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 6 p.m.  Featured speaker for the evening will be Rotary International Vice-President, Jennifer Jones.  Previous reservation required!

The following people have hats to pick-up:

David Clark - $ 5.00

Mike Moraw - $ 6.00

If you ordered a hat and we previously told you we did not have a hat for you, please contact Heather - we believe we have your hat after all!

Next Highway Clean-up is July 15th - more information to come.

Our thanks to all the students and adults who participated in the Leaders of the 21st Century.  For those of Rotarians who participated it was fun and enlightening! 

Holland Rotary program with Sherry White, Thursday at 12:10.  Sherry White has been crafting our coffees at Holland's very own JP'S since 1999.  Now one of the professional trainers at MBS, Midwest Barista School, Sherry can fill us in on how crafting our favorite beverage has become an art form

http://www.midwestbaristaschool.com/trainers/sherrywhite.php

What a great opportunity! 

Every year we get to hear from our amazing Inbound Exchange Students.  Don't miss a chance to hear from

Rotary Exchange Inbound Student: Eduarda Silvino from Brazil!!

Holland Rotary meets Thursday, 4/17 for lunch at Haworth Inn and Conference Center

Saturday, March 22

at 6 P.M.

Where:

St. Francis de Sales Church

Maple and 13th, Holland

Suggested Donation: $10/adult under 5 free!

Also Featuring...

Silent Auction

Special Guests

Entertainment

_________________________________________________________________________

Sponsored by:

Holland Rotary Noon Club

Holland A.M. Rotary

Rotary Leaders for the  21^st Century

Rotary Leaders for the  21^st Century from training to action : Lisa Lindemulder,  LSPC Holland school coordinator, will be introducing  Leaders from four participating Holland  k-7 schools, who will be sharing  what it was like to go to training at Hope College,  and what they and other Leaders  have been doing to help students in their schools  feel accepted.  Also two former Leaders , who are about to graduate from high school, will speak briefly on carrying out Rotary’s  challenge of  “service above self”.          

Introduction: Ed Swart 

Chuck Huttar Bob Johnston Anne Saliers

What Rotarians can do now: 

1. Donate to TFF so that they can continue their mission

2. Share the message of TFF with your network, visit their site and Facebook page.

3. Help Bob and his team find other educational opportunities to speak to groups.

4. Use your dollars wisely. When buying wood products, looks for information about the source to make sure that it was sourced sustainably AND "use the whole tree", the imperfections are part of the beauty!

3/13/14 - Bob Johnston, Executive Director of Tropical Forest Foundation, shared with us what we need to know about "Saving the Rainforest"

Excerpt from the site: http://www.tropicalforestfoundation.org

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TROPICAL FOREST MANAGEMENT

The Tropical Forest Foundation’s (TFF) primary mission is to promote sustainable forest management as the best way to preserve the renewable resources and natural habitats of tropical forests. If the economic value of the forest is not protected it will be converted, legally or illegally, to other uses such as agriculture. Through on-site demonstration and training, research and outreach, the organization aims to effect behavioral change and encourage the practice of sustainable forest management among industries that utilize tropical wood products.

TFF offers a variety of services and programs that bring its mission of conserving and maintaining the world’s tropical forest resources to life.

Join us this week Thursday, 2/27, at Holland Rotary for our noon program to learn more about the 

"City Youth Employment Initiative"

Holland is full of opportunities, and this is an effort by Community and Law Enforcement leaders to make sure that our youth have an opportunity to realize their full potential in life.  City Manager and Rotarian, Ryan Cotton will be joined by other Community Leaders in sharing more about this initiative.

  Join us at the Haworth Inn and Conference Center to learn more.

http://www.cityofholland.com/

Rotarians, Would you like to learn more, on a regular basis?  Please visit www.WMEAC.org and sign up for their newsletter.

Holland Rotary noon program; Thursday, 2/20

Executive Director of West Michigan Environmental Action Council.

Excerpt from www.WMEAC.org: "Rachel Hood became the executive director of WMEAC in January of 2007. Ms. Hood is charged with the work of leading WMEAC toward its new future and ensuring its sustainability. Rachel brings experience in fund development, strategic planning and program design and management to WMEAC." To learn more:

January 30th

Hope College Maas Auditorium

Hope College Graduate, Fulbright Scholar, Rotary World Peace Scholar Applicant...Sarah Sanderson. 

 Sarah is a Fulbright Scholar returning to Brazil in February to  to act as a guide and mentor to new Fulbright Scholars and other English teachers coming to Brazil.

Sarah's love of travel, teaching, service, and all things Rotary is contagious.  Wish her well on her Rotary World Peace Scholar application. Sarah will keep us informed of her next adventure, and the next one, and the next one...

For more information about World Peace Fellowship: 

https://www.rotary.org/en/peace-fellowships

India has now completed three full years without a single new case of Polio being reported and is now declared Polio Free. Considering the size of India’s population, the living conditions there and the number of polio cases they reported per year in the past, this is a REAL VICTORY!!!!!

Every Rotary club in the world should be proud of any contributions made, whether monetary, or personal commitment to the cause. We should be grateful to those Rotarians and friends who traveled to India to encourage the clubs over there to continue their seemingly never-ending efforts. Their commitment, leadership and "Service Above Self" is particularly appreciated. We can be proud of their accomplishments.

I am asking each club president to identify those Rotarians and friends of Rotary who may still be in the club or community to stand and be recognized for showing the Indian Rotarians that we will support them to the end.

This is one special moment for those special people who gave their time and money to such an important cause.

John Morrison PDG

Polio Chair 6290

Hear about Hailey Elgersma's trip to Denmark!!

This report was an update from my last visit to the orphanage last may when we sailed to Andros Island on our sailboat with several boxes of supplies, appliances and gifts. It saved pastor randy 6 flights to carry these supplies and gifts to the 0rphanage.   We sailed from there back to Florida where the boat was stored for the summer.

 Last November, after the hurricane season, we sailed the boat from Fort Meyers to Andros and on to Man-o-War, over 500 miles, in order to reach our destinations.   The crew consisted of my wife and a good sailing friend.  The voyage was accomplished with great success and we were blessed by God to have a perfect day to sail into Morgan’s Bluff Harbor on a perfect day with a very favorable breeze from the Southeast.  This is a very exposed harbor for any North winds and I was very concerned about this. Pastor Kevin, who is in charge of the orphanage, was there to meet us with his truck and we were pleased to deliver to the orphanage a 60 lb container of paint primer and three 30 lb grout bags for caulking the tile they were going to use to finish the dining room.   Also included in our cargo list were 14 gift packs from some friends from Livonia, who wanted to do something for the orphans.   We also included 14 backpacks for the incoming orphans.  

 They are now putting the finishing touches on the orphanage and I am very pleased to report that they expect to finish in the next few months.   After the orphanage building is completed they are planning on building a quest house for visitors to use.   This would make for a very interesting and nice vacation for anyone interested because they could fly to Nassau to see Atlantis for few days and then go on to Andros, which has a nice airport in Nicholstown.  Also, we will be building a house for Pastor Kevin and his wife.   We had a nice visit at the orphanage and had to leave that same day in a hurry because bad weather was heading our way so we sailed all night. 

The big-time storm hit just before reaching the abacus right at the cut through reefs at Little Harbor in the wee hours of the morning. We were able make a safe anchorage in the harbor at 4:00 am.  One last comment: I have been a sailor for 63 years. I bought my first sailboat in 1951 and joined the US Coast Guard Reserve (served for 10 years) in that same year. During the Korean War I was called to active duty. After my tour of duty, I was back to sailing my 18 ft sailboat. I have really been blessed to have sailed all over the Great Lakes including 26 Mackinac races, around the world crossing all three of the great oceans, through the Bermuda Triangle, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and cruising the Bahamas for past 18 years.   There is always something unexpected that happens. I have survived pirate attacks off Ecuador, vulture attacks in Florida bay, many storms at sea…but never was I struck by lightning.   Nautilus is the name of my 39 ft cutter and I have spent 18 winters living on board while surviving two 120 + knot hurricanes on mooring the past two summers.   I though the boat would safe stored in Florida this past summer, but guess what? It was struck by lightning.  It was not a direct hit down the mast, but close to the back end of boat and the bolt blasted through concrete!   It did give us some problems and delays with insurance claims but we were able to finally get going.  

 It is my hope to get over to see the orphanage when it is completed sometime after my arrival February 1st and give a report to the membership then.   Thanks to Jim Meier he will help then to complete a DVD program to show the membership.

Sent to Gary Bogle from Rudy Vedovell and edited (image added) by Terri Smith - 1/21/14

Program: update from Gary Bogle about the Gore, Ethiopia Project. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

I am pleased to inform you that the project is now 30% completed and is due to be finished in February of 2014. What an exciting report! As you may recall, the toilet has 12 flushing toilet stalls, 8 showers, running water, and electric lights. 

 

 During the Rotarian meeting in Addis Ababa and the town council meeting in Gore, many words of appreciation were expressed for the development and payment of this project. I can never adequately thank those who supported this endeavor.

If you missed this presentation, click the link on the documentary below to learn more!

_________________________________________________________________________

This presentation from Graham Peaslee was a summary of "Project Clarity", including a brief environmental history of the Lake Macatawa watershed and the results of our scientific investigations into the sources of pollution for Lake Macatawa. 

The ongoing restoration effort that is a partnership between private, non-profit and governmental organizations will be described together with expectations of what will be accomplished.  

Click here to view the full documentary, password is "clarity"

http://macatawaclarity.org/

I arrived in Seocheon, South Korea on August 19, 2013. I've learned a lot since I arrived. I know Hangeul now (the Korean alphabet), so I can sound out words and write a little, and I'm learning new words and phrases every day. 

I'm in school from 8:00 am to 5:00, and three days a week I have after school class until 7:30. On Tuesdays I have samulnori (Korean music/percussion - you can see a video of it online) class after school, on Wednesdays I help students in an English class after school, and on Thursdays I have Korean cooking class after school. On Monday and Friday mornings I have Korean writing class at the community center and on Tuesday mornings I have Korean sewing class at a local traditional dressmaker's shop (we're hand sewing traditional vests). Every other Saturday I must go to school for sports class. 

My club gave me a han bok (Korean traditional dress), I went to a ramie cloth museum in Hansan, I went to Buyeo (they rebuilt the old capital city of Baekje - it's a historical site), and I celebrated Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) with my host family in Daejeon and Cheonan. My first host family lived in an apartement building in town and my new family lives on a chicken farm out in the country. I like Korea a lot, and I'm settling into my new life. :) I want to thank the Holland Noon Club and district 6290 for sponsoring and supporting me.

Rotary Exchange Rebound student, 

Nathan Milanowski, 

Experience Brazil!

Rotary Club of Holland

Annual Meeting

December 12, 2013

Haworth Inn and Conference Center

Unapproved Minutes

1.     Club President, Janet DeYoung, called the meeting to order at 12:30.

Agendas with attachments were provided to all present.

2.     Mike Dolinkski read a short Inspirational article about the early history of Rotary written by Paul Harris shortly before he died.  The article is attached.

3.     The following slate of Officers for 2014-15 and Directors for 2014-2017 offered by the nominating committee were placed before the club.  President Janet reported that despite calls for nominations from the floor over the past four weeks there had been no additional nominations.

Proposed Officers for a one year term 2014-15:

President Elect: Ed Stielstra

President Nominee: Marty Boysen

President Nominee Nominee: Phil Brown

Treasurer: Steve Baumann

Club Secretary: Donna Bogle

Sergeant at Arms: Steve Nyland

Proposed Directors for a three-year term:

Director 2014-17: Tracy Plummer

Director 2014-17: Jody Wright

Director 2014-17: Marvin Younger

Mike Mitchel moved that we elect the slate by unanimous consent.  John Gronberg seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by voice vote with no member dissenting.  Janet congratulated each person elected.

Chuck Huttar noted that the title of officers in the bylaws is different than those on the nomination list, specifically, that the bylaws refer to a Vice President rather than a President Nominee, and that there is no reference to President Nominee Nominee.  President Janet reported that these are titles used by Rotary International and that the district has encouraged an expanded success list beyond President Nominee. She observed that the club Bylaws will need to be amended to reflect the new titles.

4.     President Janet reported on recent actions taken by the Board of Directors. 

A.    The first a change to the Honorary Membership classification. 

On October 17, 2013 the board approved a recommendation to no longer grant Honorary Memberships.  However, the club will continue to follow existing guidelines for current members who are 75 years of age as of October 17, 2013 or were born prior to October 18, 1938. 

In addition, current Honorary Members will remain in that category, and will be given an opportunity to renew each year.

Past and current Distinguished Service recipients will be honored along with the Honorary Members at the Honorary Luncheon.

A question was asked about the meaning and applicability of the rule of 85.  It was explained that members whose age and years of membership total 85 or more are eligible to request a waiver of attendance requirement and still maintain their membership.  It is not relevant to the question of Honorary Membership as it still requires that dues be paid, whereas Honorary Membership did not.

.

B.     Other Updates – Steve Bauman reported that club dues can now be paid  on line using a credit card.  We will provide instructions at an upcoming club meeting.

5.     Feedback, please:  The group was asked to provide some feedback on what is going well and where there are still opportunities.   A recorder was identified for each table to write down the comments from their group.  Themes emerged.  Things going well included:  Youth Exchange; Interact; new members; the venue, international service projects.  Opportunities exist to enhance branding and identify a signature project, a consistent model for fundraising, programs on current affairs in the community, continue to grow membership with a focus on the private sector, young professionals and cultural diversity. 

6.     Business from the Floor- there were no new items from the floor.

7.     The meeting was adjourned at 12:15.

Holland Rotary welcomes Dan O'Mealey to our Club with his induction on 0/1/02/14. Pictured here with Rotarian Sponsor, Steve Baumann.  

Welcome Dan, we're glad you've selected Holland Rotary, and we look forward to getting to know you!

Dan O'Mealey and Steve Baumann

Happy New Year! 

Janet DeYoung and Ryan Cotton

On Thursday, January 2nd Rotarians were joined by our City Manager, Ryan Cotton, who provided an update on the Campaign for Windmill Island Garden's, Next Fifty Years.  Ryan shared a handout outlining the key components as follows:

1. Repairing and Restoring Our Dutch Artifacts including the DeZwaan Windmill and Amsterdam Street Organ and Carousel.

2. Pedestrian Link with Holland Charter Township.

3. Pedestrian Access to Windmill Island Gardens from Downtown.

• Total campaign goal is $2,125,000. 

• Rotary committees are evaluating elements of the campaign to see if there is opportunity for a signature Holland Rotary project or project(s). Stay Tuned for more information on that front.

• SAVE THE DATE!! There will be a Grand Re-Opening of DeZwaan on April 19th, 2014 since that portion of the project is complete. 

http://www.cityofholland.com/windmillislandgardens

Other Holland City priorities are; Waterfront development, Civic Center reimagined, street improvement, neighborhood improvement and Holland Parks and Recreation.

The last road clean up of the year was 9/21.  Thank you to all of the Rotarians who pitched in to make this community just that much prettier!

Sarah Baas (left) and Ashley Tennant (right), two of five local students participating in the 2013-14 Rotary Youth Exchange program, stopped in last week to say good-bye.  Sarah is going to South Korea and Ashley to France.  Bon Voyage girls.  Godspeed and stay in touch.

Linda Jacobs (right) with Donna Bunce, Executive Director of Compassionate Heart Ministries, following her presentation on the August 15 Club Meeting.

Come to Holland noon Rotary this week to hear from Executive Director of Compassionate Heart Ministry, Donna Bunce, about how people in our community can Dream Big! Compassionate Heart Ministry of Zeeland provides safe, nurturing and exciting programs during the summer and after school for some truly special people.  Learn more about their mission: "To promote community for families and individuals with mild to moderate disabilities and build lasting relationships with others in the love of Jesus Christ."  

http://www.compheart.org/#!

"What is Compassionate Heart Ministry?
We offer a safe, Christ centered, drop in center for teens and young adults, ages 14-35 with mild to moderate disabilities.
Whether it is playing video games, watching movies, shooting pool, doing puzzles, or just talking with friends, our peer mentors will come alongside and be a friend. Individuals can find a sense of belonging in a world where they are so often shunned and misunderstood. 
At Compassionate Heart, individuals will be greeted with a warm smile and an accepting heart. They can feel confident, encouraged and loved when entering our doors. "

Action Item:  Each week we hear about amazing things happening all around us. Last week at Rotary the Ottawa ISD shared with us their message about "Doing More. Together" and asked us all to visit their site and Facebook page in an effort to spread the word.  Please visit the following and learn more...do more:

https://www.facebook.com/doingmoretogether

http://www.doingmoretogether.com/

This Week at Rotary

Even if your child or grandchild attends one of our local schools, not many people are aware that every school district in the area is doing some very unique innovative work?  Education is changing.  Expectations of students and of teachers are on the rise and the schools in our district are leading the way with model programs.  Karen McPhee, Superintendent of the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and a couple of her key staff will be with us to “brag a bit” about our local schools and their leadership.  The message is important for parents and employers. Karen is a great presenter with an important message to share.  Come and bring a friend.

The hospital in Santa Rosa De Capon, the only hospital in the region, serves 40,000 patients each year.  Approximately three years ago Rotary helped to drill a new water well to supply clean water to the hospital. l After the well was drilled it was learned that the hospital's existing plumbing infrastructure did not have the capacity to handle the pressure of the new well rending the new clean source of water useless.  The Holland Noon Club committed $2,000 to the $60,000 project which will be completed this year.  Thanks to John Gronberg and Paul Elzinga who are championing the project for our club!

THIS WEEK AT ROTARY

Who will be our next Louis Padnos, Bernard Donnelly, G. W. Haworth, P. J. Thompson, D. J. DePree, William J. Bradford, Howard Miller, Fred Bauer, Larry Mulder, Ed Prince?  These local businessmen began with an idea and started small businesses that they grew into multinational corporations.  These legacy organizations shape the economic and philanthropic dimensions of our community to this day.  

This week we have another fascinating program.  Our presenter, Amando Chocko, is from the Start Garden, a innovation itself in the way to promote business innovation and start-ups in West Michigan.  Though August isn't officially as designated Vocational Service month for Rotary, this is a topic of great interest.

Invite a friend has an interest in the topic of rising entrepreneurism in West MI.  See you there.

We are very saddened to inform you of Donald J. "Duke" Lievense's passing early Sunday morning.  Duke was owner of the successful Wolbrink-Lievense Insurance Group, a community steward and a friend to many.  He joined the Rotary Club of Holland in January 1978.  We extend our sincerest sympathies to his wife, LaVerne and their family.  Services are being planned for Tuesday, July 23, at Third Reformed Church.  Watch for an obituary and final details of funeral arrangements to be published in the Holland Sentinel. 

Due to the size of our group this week's Noon Club Meeting will be held at the Martha Miller Center for Global Communication, corner of 10th and Columbia, not the Maas Center are previously announced.  A Parking Lot is located on the East side of the building.

We extend a special welcome to our Honorary Members to this meeting.

The presenter, Thomas A. Crumm, former adviser to former GM Chair , will speak on " Getting back to 'Made-in-America'".

Compelled by the promise of coffee and bright green vests...as well as a desire to keep our stretch of highway looking spotless... Mike Moraw's Highway Clean-up Crew came, they worked, they left in the course of 2 hours on Saturday morning. 

Red Tulips (from left) to Janet DeYoung, Paul Duskin, Tim Schreur, Mike Dolinski, Chuck Fergeson, Jim Jagel, Chris Stevens and Russ Miller, along with crew chief (and photographer) Mike Moraw, for putting "service above self" on an beautiful Saturday morning.  A good time was had by all.  Thanks, Mike M.!

Past President Ruggles Church, passes the gavel on to 2013-14 Club President Janet DeYoung.  Also installed were Directors Tim Schreur and Carol Dillenbeck-Swart.  Not pictured incoming President Elect Angie Barksdale, and Director Marty Boysen.

Click on the arrow below to watch the video below of New RI President Ron Burton introducing the Rotary Theme for the 2013-14 year.

Trip to India, February 14 through February 25

 Thank you for joining us for the Club Assembly!

Janet DeYoung presiding.  

A special thanks to Phil Brown for taking over the Duty Roster!

Rotary Club of Holland

Club Assembly

December 12, 2013

Order of Business

1.     Inspiration from Paul Harris: http://www.whatpaulharriswrote.org/rotarian/twoscore.htm

2.     Election of 2014-15 Officers and Directors

3.     Recent  Actions by the Board

a.     Change to Honorary Membership

b.     Other Updates

4.     Feedback, please:  What’s going well?  Where are the opportunities?

5.     Business from the Floor

6.     Adjourn

You have heard of an elevator speech. But, have you

heard of an elevator Global Grant Project?

(A success story started on an elevator during the 2010

Rotary International Conference in Montreal).

Three years later the global blueprint has been approved by Rotary International and we are prepared to “break ground”. A ten stall public latrine with running water, hand washing basins, Turkish style toilets, electric lights, and showers is the project to be completed. It was only a little over 100 years ago that the first Rotary endeavor in Chicago was the installation of a public toilet. And now we are building one in Gore. How exciting and challenging the preparation has been. In early December 2012 Rotarian Gebre and I will travel to Gore to insure that the plans and designs of the task are as Rotary has approved it.

Now another challenge begins….transferring funds, building, monitoring, sweating, completing, and paying. The city requested this project, provided the land, and the Women’s Affairs Group of Gore will oversee the education and care of the public toilets.

Although an undertaking of this nature takes a great deal of patience, tenacity, and hard work, the final outcome brings a great deal of satisfaction to all.

The creation of this public toilet has truly been a Star Trek Mission:

“To go where no man has gone before.”

Rotarian Gary Bogle

The Rotary Club of Holland, Michigan

Since 2006 Ayuba Gufwan's organization, along with Wheels of Hope, has donated more than 7000 wheelchairs to polio survivors.  Learn more: www.wheelsofhope.net

How do you fuel innovation and community enrichment? Start with a really great incentive program powered by a simple and effective website!  We learned how neighbors are getting involved, recycling, volunteering AND benefiting from an engaged community.

The website mygrcitypoints is an incentive program developed to enhance sustainable living and economic development, to promote positive community initiatives, and to enrich the quality of life in the local community.  City of Grand Rapids residents earn points based on how much they recycle.  mygrcitypoints also allows for City residents and non-City residents alike to earn points by volunteering; points earned can be used toward rewards at local businesses or donated to community campaign goals.  The mygrcitypoints program is made possible, in part, by the City’s partnerships with Heart of West Michigan United Way and Local First.

Don't forget to take time out of your busy week and enjoy Tulipanes film festival in Holland.  This is the first year that they will feature a live bi-lingual theatre performance by Teatro Milagro from Portland.  For show times and information go to: http://www.tulipanes.org/

Searching for Sugarman

SEPTEMBER is Youth Service Month.  Please take a moment to ask your Rotary Youth Committee Chairs how you can serve some of the most important stake holders in Rotary - STUDENTS!! As Rotarians we have a chance to impact so many of our future leaders in big and small ways. Take some time out for a student this month.  Our inbound exchange students in particular will be looking for unique events and ways to engage in this amazing community and who better to be their guide, but a Rotarian!

Services will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 11:00 am at Third Reformed Church, the Reverends Kent Fry Fry and Wm. Unzicker presiding.  Visitation will be 6-8:00 pm at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland.

GSE Netherlands with Carol Knutson, Tom Bos, and Ruggles Church

"Rotary Leaders for the 21st Century is a three-day Leadership Conference for local seventh graders co-sponsored by our Club, the Zeeland Rotary Club, Hope College, the local school systems, and the Life Services Parent Center that will be in its fourteenth year this June 12 to 14. 

The students who are participating will have lunch with us at our meeting June 13.  In addition we need Rotarian volunteers to assist with welcoming the students on Wednesday, June 12, early evening (Need 5 to 10 volunteers - all this takes is to be there and support the group), with the students' graduation on Friday afternoon, June 14 (Just show up and show that Rotarians support this - don't need to say anything!), and with our presentation of a problem for student discussion Thursday late afternoon (Role play - perhaps a dozen people needed, only skill needed is to read and/or interpret a script).  Last year we had eighteen Rotarian volunteers help out.  We may also ask for some specific volunteers to make other presentations during the program.  We may still need a keynote speaker, presenters on particular topics, and someone to describe what Rotary is to the group. 

I will be asking you to help.  Please be ready when I approach you.  Or catch me and tell me what you would like to do.

Thanks very much.  This program is one of our signature programs that helps the community and leaders of the future learn about Rotary.  These students are our future Junior Rotarians, exchange students, host families, Scholarship winners, Rotarians.  Let's all do a little to make our future bright.

Thanks.

Ed Swart"

During Tulip Time the Noon Rotary Club will be hosting five delegates from the Netherlands.  They will be meeting with Hollanders who share their same occupation.  This is the last year that Rotary will be sponsoring a Group Study Exchange, but these young professionals will be totally engaged with our fine city.  Various activities involve learning about the Historic Preservation District, IT Banking, Real Estate Development, Evergreen Commons, the Airport Authority, Wings of Mercy, the library and the Sentinel.  These fine Dutch will also serve as ushers at Tulip Time concerts, work with a local "Feeding America" program,  present a program next Thursday to the noon Rotarians, as well as dining in our restaurants and drinking our coffees. 
 
You may recognize them around town by the blazers they wear sporting the Rotary logo.  Give a hearty Welkom as they ride by on the Rotary Float in the Musik Parade.  They all have lovely names: Rutger, Anneke, Maarten, Nicole, and Kjell! 
 
Submitted by Donna Bogle

To Purchase
Contact Janet DeYoung at
Email: jdeyoung@cfhz.org
Or phone: 616-994-8850

Tom Bos and Clay Stauffer

Roberto Jara spoke about Destination Education

Janet DeYoung and Bert Jara

Destination Education is a community collaborative focused on making completion of a post-secondary education an achievable reality for every student in the Holland/Zeeland area particularly low-income, first generation and other high need populations, laying the foundation for a vibrant economy, healthy community, and globally competitive workforce.

Destination Education’s VISION is a community culture of shared accountability where:

• Every student graduates high school career and/or college ready

• Every student is financially prepared to pursue a post-secondary degree or credential

• Every graduating senior completes some form of post secondary education 

For more information visit:

www.midestinationeducation.org

HELP WANTED

Holland Rotary Interact Clubs are seeking additional inspirational leaders to head up Interact Clubs at the following high schools:

1.    Holland High

2.    Holland Christian

3.    West Ottawa

4.    Home School

We are encouraging leaders to find a partner to each high school has the advantage of two Rotarian leaders. These duos work with an in-school leader.

Learn more about Interact: www.rotary.org/interact  and talk to Kate Maryon, Marty Boysen, or Tim Schreur, our current Interact Leaders

The Youth, Schools, and Colleges subcommittees’ leaders and members are going to meet 10:30 am to noon on March 28^th at the Haworth Center breakfast area.

This includes: Life Leadership, Leaders of the 21^st Century, Interact, Junior Rotarians, and College Scholarships

Our purpose is to outline and align strategies and action plans for 2013-14.

Please consider contributing to this meeting:

·         Attend – come with your good ideas – please send me a note if you can attend

Or

·         Send your good ideas, and concerns, and anything you think we ought to know via email to me. 

I will send out an agenda about a week before the meeting.

All the best,

John Canfield

616-392-2634

johnc@johncanfield.com                                      

Rob Schuitema, from Grand Rapids Museum, and Mike Mitchell


Rob Schuitema, from Grand Rapids Museum, discussed the exciting Titanic exhibit in Grand Rapids.

Jerry Hunsburger, Travis Williams, Ruggles Church, Dan Callam

Travis Williams, the Executive Director of the Outdoor Discovery Center & Macatawa Greenway, talked about the Lake Macatawa Water Quality Project.

The Outdoor Discovery Center & Macatawa Greenway is a private non-profit outdoor education and conservation organization that was founded in 2000.  They manage over 2,000 acres of property throughout the region.  Over 35,000 people visit or participate in these programs each year.  The Outdoor Discovery Center is working to preserve and protect the green space along Lake Macatawa and the river.

Williams discussed the causes of the water quality issues.  There is too much sediment and too many nutrients flowing into Lake Macatawa from adjacent farm fields with a high fecal indicator.

The goal is to collect data, find the exact issues, and correct the issues.  At this point, no one knows where the bacteria is coming from.  However, when we have sunny days, the bacteria count is lower.  When there is rain, there is more bacteria in the water.  Interestingly, there was no human, pig, or cow ecoli found in the samples.  The health department will close a beach if there is 300 fecal counts or higher per 100 ml of water. 

It is now thought that tile drains in the fields carry biofilms where newly evolved forms of bacteria grow.  When it rains, these bacteria flow into Lake Macatawa.  Because the area has lost 87% of the original wetlands, there is more sediment and ecoli in Lake Macatawa.  Wetlands filter and restore the water. 

Lake Macatawa empties or “cycles” every 4 months.  Thus, there is a chance to restore and clean up the water quality.

For more information visit
www.outdoordiscovery.org

Please join us for an evening meeting Thursday March 14th at Baker Lofts
This meeting will take the place of day time meeting

6:15 pm-7pm-Social hour cash bar
7pm-9pm Rotary meeting

RSVP’s need to be in by March 8, to Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com

Costs are the following:

Rotaries are asked to pay an extra:  $8.85
Guest:  $17.85
Cash or check will be taken at the door. 

Please if you RSVP and can’t make it, please let Lori know by March 8.
Sign -up sheets will be on the tables at the weekly Rotary meeting. 

Please make sure you join us for the First ever nightly Rotary meeting!

This past weekend Holland Rotary helped to build a home for Habitat for Humanity!

Mari Martin

Jerry Hunsburger

AM Crew

Russ Miller, Rob Steck, and Mike Mitchell

Welcome, Rob!

Derek Aten from the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids discussed the Strive Program of Grand Rapids

Pictured:  Derek Aten, Janet DeYoung, Peter Albertini

The Strive program is facilitated by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and stands for Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education.  Funds are raised by the annual golf outing at Blythefield Country Club and the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation. 

The Strive program has been administered at two local high schools; - Creston and Ottawa Hills.  This program targets high school seniors that are in the bottom third of their class (typically 2.0 GPA) and are identified by school administrators, faculty, and school counselors as kids who have demonstrated or shown potential.  Mentors meet with students on a weekly basis before school for 45 minutes from 6:30AM – 7:15AM.  The mentors discuss study habits, ACT prep, preparation for college, and financial aid. 

Students in the strive program must meet the 4 A’s:

1)      Academics – improvement in their senior year GPA over their cumulative GPA

2)      Attendance – require 90% attendance at meetings

3)      Attitude – maintain a positive attitude at all meetings

4)      Altruism – ten hours of community service

Because Creston high school is closing, the Strive program may be making some adjustments to the program.  Some may include continuing the program to GRCC and turning it into a 2 year program.  It may also become an application process. 

Pictured above is the Interact Club of Holland New Tech.  Each week more students are joining just from word of mouth and curiousity!  The club originally started with 7 students and is expanding more and more with each meeting!

Matthew Downey, the services program director for the Johnson Center for philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, discussed the challenged that non-profits are facing today.

Kay Hubbard and Matthew Downey

Matthew Downey, the services program director for the Johnson Center for philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, discussed the challenged that non-profits are facing today.

Overall, there has been unprecedented growth in the last 20 years in the non-profit sector.  In the 1980s, there were less than 1,000,000 non-profits in the United States.  In 2010 there were just fewer than 2,000,000 nationally.

A 501(c) is a tax exempt entity with the IRS. A 501(c) 4 is a membership non-profit such as Rotary Club.  A 501(c) 6 is a chamber business association.  Most of the non-profits fall under the category of 501(c) 3.  This area has seen the most growth in the non-profit sector. 

The IRS approves about 8 501(c) 3s every working hour.  There are more non-profits than ever before, and this means that there is more competition in regards to raising money. 

Nationally, organizations get their funds in the following ways:  73% comes from individuals, 14% from foundations, 8% from bequests, 5% from companies.  Individuals statistically say, “Because of the poor economy, I am giving the same as years past.” Individuals also say, “Because the poor economy, I’m giving more.” 

In Ottawa County, the median annual household gift is $3,495.  The top recipients have been The Van Andel Institute, West Michigan University, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Calvin College, Kalamazoo College, Grand Rapids Christian School Association, Spectrum Health, and the Meijer Foundation.

54% of critical service organizations experienced a significant increase in demand for services over the past few years.  These organizations have had to rely more on volunteers and reduce their working staff.  The Johnson center helps on-profits enhance their quality and helps with fundraising, managing volunteers, and organization.

The Rotary Club of Holland is helping to build a home for The Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, February 16, 2013. 

We will be working indoors, so weather will not be an issue.  Please sign up to help out this great cause that directly benefits the Holland community!

You may sign up from

8 AM – 12 PM
or 1 PM – 4 PM

To sign up, please e-mail Jody Wright at
Jody.Wright@ChemicalBankMI.com

Pat Leighton, an acupuncturist, talked about the fascinating world of Chinese Medicine.

Donna Bogle and Pat Leighton

Western doctors are slowly starting to suggest patients to see Chinese medicine experts.  One reason is due to the fact that Chinese medicine does not have many side effects.  It is not particularly dangerous, although it can treat headaches, digestive problems, infertility, back pain, and joint pain. 

Pat stated, “When a doctor says, ‘There is nothing more I can do for you’ it is time to seek acupuncture.”  The ultimate goal of acupuncture is to keep a balanced lifestyle.

Kurt Dykstra, Russ Miller, Paul Elzinga 

Holland Rotary Speaker Kurt Dykstra, Mayor - City of Holland

STATE OF THE CITY

The former Family Fitness Center is being transformed into the new
Salvation Army Operations Building
with the help of Rotary and the Rotary Interact high school students! 

Don Williams and Dennis McKee

Dennis McKee, Consumers Energy communications director for the utility’s smart energy program covered the electric energy spectrum during his presentation on January 10.  Dennis discussed international electric consumption, national energy consumption, the growing U.S. trend toward energy efficiency, and the environmental and economic merits of using energy wisely.  He concluded his remarks by highlighting the features of smart meters: immediate outage notification, the elimination of billing estimates, and future customer access to energy consumption data and tips for managing their energy use.  He said more than 40 million smart meters have been installed nationally.

David Nyitray from Ready For School discussed the positive impact Ready for School is having with kids in the Holland, Zeeland, and Hamilton area.

Pictured Above:  David Nyitray and Linda Jacobs

David Nyitray discussed the organization's history and impact.  In 2008, our community recognized early childhood education as the single-most important challenge facing our present and future development. At that time, less than half of our community's children were ready for school when they entered kindergarten at age five. In response to the critical need to address this challenge the Ready for School initiative was launched. Ready for School is a broadly based Holland/Zeeland community initiative ensuring that every child from birth enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. The overarching principles of the initiative are:

Our entrepreneurial model must engage all sectors of the community
Our strategies must be data driven and employ evidence based practices
We must apply sound business principles and achieve measurable results

Our army of volunteers is made up of 11 task forces/committees designed to expand outreach, develop a sustainable support base, and to communicate the importance of investing in every child. The task force work plans are aligned with one of three objectives:

Engage and inform parents
Enhance existing programming
Expand early learning opportunities.

For more information or to get involved, please visit
http://www.readyforschool.org/